Postdoctoral Research Associate

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Texas A&M University–Kingsville (TAMUK), the oldest institution of higher learning in South Texas and a proud member of the Texas A&M University System, stands as the region's premier university. TAMUK offers the widest range of academic programs and degrees in South Texas, provides exceptional learning and residential facilities, conducts impactful research, awards substantial scholarships, and has awarded more than 80,000 degrees in the institution's 100-year history.

The university is recognized for its unwavering commitment to student success, meaningful research, and deep community engagement. With a welcoming campus culture and strong regional partnerships, TAMUK offers faculty and staff a unique opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of students and the broader South Texas region.

Location:

The University is located in historic Kingsville, a friendly, safe city of 25,000 that is the home of the legendary King Ranch. Corpus Christi and its beaches are just 40 miles to the northeast, and the border with Mexico is 120 miles to the south at Brownsville or 119 miles to the west at Laredo.

The Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute (CKWRI) at Texas A&M University–Kingsville seeks a highly motivated, independent Postdoctoral Research Associate in wildlife Ecology to join a collaborative research program at the intersection of quantitative ecology, wildlife disease, and behavioral ecology. This position is designed for an independent researcher who will take ownership of their research program, manage their own productivity, contribute to lab operations, and actively mentor graduate students.

The successful candidate will conduct research aligned with one or more active areas including quantitative disease ecology, population ecology, and behavioral ecology of large mammals, with strong emphasis on data-driven and quantitative approaches to ecological questions. Position is based in Kingsville, Texas and is a 1-year position based on grant funding.

Research and Analysis

• Conduct independent research in one or more of the following areas: quantitative disease ecology (chronic wasting disease dynamics in white-tailed deer), population ecology (population modeling and demographic analysis), or behavioral ecology of large mammals (camera trap and telemetry data analysis)
• Develop and apply epidemiological models, structured population models, spatial models, or Bayesian approaches to address ecological and management questions
• Analyze large, complex ecological datasets including long-term population dynamics data, camera trap data, and telemetry datasets
• Produce research outputs commensurate with career stage, including peer-reviewed publications and presentations

Mentorship and Collaboration

• Provide active mentorship to graduate students in research design, quantitative methods, and professional development
• Assist with and volunteer on graduate student field projects across South Texas
• Engage collaboratively with lab members and contribute to a supportive research culture
• Participate in external collaborations and pursue opportunities for new project development

Lab Operations and Management

• Take ownership of research program management and maintain productivity with minimal supervision
• Contribute meaningfully to lab operations and operational responsibilities
• Manage research timelines, data management protocols, and project deliverables
• Coordinate with stakeholders including faculty, students, land managers, and external partners

Field Support and Engagement

• Participate in field operations across South Texas working rangelands as needed
• Assist graduate students with fieldwork logistics and data collection activities
• Demonstrate comfort and competence in field settings, including work in variable weather conditions.

Other Duties

• The above represents the major duties, responsibilities, and authorities of this job, and is not intended to be a complete list of all tasks and functions. Other duties may be assigned.

• Education – Ph.D. in ecology, wildlife biology, epidemiology, statistics, or a related field
• Experien…