Join the Deban Lab

Physiology and Biomechanics of Movement

Join the Deban Lab

Postdoctoral Associate Position

Join the Deban Lab as a postdoc and play an active role in shaping our lab's research program. You will receive broad training and mentoring aimed at positioning you for faculty positions and helping you develop your own independent research program. Please contact Dr. Stephen Deban at the email address below with any questions.

A postdoctoral associate position in comparative physiology is available in the laboratory of Dr. Stephen Deban, Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa (https://sites.google.com/view/debanlab/, https://www.usf.edu/arts-sciences/departments/ib/). The position is renewable for up to four years based on performance and available funding. The position is a non-tenure track, full-time, 12-month appointment. Salary range is $53,760-65,292, commensurate with experience.

The Deban lab is a well-equipped physiology lab that examines the biomechanics and physiology of movement in amphibians and reptiles. Our lab and department provide the resources and expertise to examine a diversity of research questions in animal behavior and movement. The postdoc will receive broad training and mentoring in a collaborative and inclusive working environment.

The postdoctoral associate has the opportunity to participate in all aspects of our research program including project conception and experimental design and execution. Travel to field sites to collect specimens may be expected. The postdoc will be committed to supervision and mentorship of graduate and undergraduate students and to the timely dissemination of research results as publications and presentations. They will also take advantage of opportunities to develop and teach departmental biology courses as the instructor of record.

Minimum qualifications are a PhD in a related field prior to the start date, experience making physiological measurements in live animals, and a record of publication in peer-reviewed journals.

Preferred qualifications include proficiency in physiological and biomechanical experimental design and some of the following methods, and a desire to learn the remainder: electromyography, high-speed imaging and kinematic analysis, muscle contractile dynamics, analysis of morphology and muscle architecture, data analysis and management, dynamic modeling, and comparative phylogenetic analyses. Experience working with amphibians and reptiles is expected, as is a strong publication record in highly ranked peer-reviewed journals and ability to write well—the postdoc will be responsible for co-/authoring multiple papers.

Apply formally by submitting (1) a cover letter describing background and qualifications (2) a CV, (3) a teaching and mentoring statement, and (4) the names and contact details of three professional references at https://www.usf.edu/work-at-usf/careers/, job ID 30471. Target start date is August 2022. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.

Conclusion of this search is subject to final budget approval. According to Florida Law, applications and meetings regarding them are open to the public. USF is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access Institution. For disability accommodations, contact Kate Stewart at 813-974-8393 or katestewart@usf.edu, a minimum of five working days in advance.

Equal Employment Opportunity

USF is an equal opportunity, equal access academic institution that embraces diversity in the workplace.

The University of South Florida does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sexual harassment. Any person may report sex discrimination, including sexual harassment (whether or not the person reporting is the person alleged to be the victim of conduct that could constitute sex discrimination or sexual harassment), in person, by mail, by telephone, or by electronic mail, using the contact information listed for the Title IX Coordinator. Reports may be made at any time either online or directly to the University's Title IX Coordinator.

Graduate Studies

Are you a serious biology student interested in pursuing a MS or PhD conducting original research in the biomechanics and physiology of animal movement? Have a look at some of our publications. If you think you want to join the Deban Lab and the Integrative Biology department at USF for graduate studies, please get in touch with Dr. Deban and check out the info on the graduate studies program in our department.

Graduate student alumni Maranda, Bill and Chris spotting hellbenders in North Carolina.

Mary Kate photographing salamanders in a redwood forest in California.

Undergraduate Research

If you are a biology student at USF, and are interested in lab research and a career in biology, not health related, you can obtain valuable laboratory experience working with amphibians, reptiles, and insects. If you are set on a health or veterinary career, this is probably not the lab for you.

What you can learn in our lab: Animal care (amphibians and reptiles mainly) — Animal training, observations, and record keeping — Surgery — Dissection of preserved specimens — Anatomical techniques (e.g. clearing and staining) — Electromyographic and pressure recordings — High-speed digital imaging of rapid movements — Digitizing and computer analysis of image sequences — Motion tracking and dynamics analysis — Quantifying fluid flow around animals—Dynamic modeling — Temperature manipulation experiments — Muscle contractile physiology experiments — Comparative and phylogenetic analysis — Field collecting of animals.

Browse the DebanLab website and publications get an idea of our current research. If you are interested, and if you are willing to commit to at least two semesters of research, you can fill out the application form.

Pseudoeurycea cephalica from Mexico

Chris, Segall, and Jason in Highlands, North Carolina.

Bolitoglossa franklini from Mexico