Postdoctoral Fellow ll

Overview

We seek a Postdoctoral Fellow ll in Quantitative Ecology and Data Science to join a interdisciplinary team spanning Utah State University, the U.S. Geological Survey, and Emory University. This position offers an exceptional opportunity to lead cutting-edge research at the intersection of spatial ecology, population modeling, and global change ecology.

This position will be available for an initial duration of one year with potential for extension for a second and third year depending on performance. The anticipated start date for this position is between July 1st and the Fall semester.

We will begin reviewing on April 30, 2026 and leave open the position until filled.

Questions about this position can be directed to: T.J. Clark-Wolf: t.j.clark-wolf

This position is telework eligible within the state of Utah. Telework outside of the state of Utah is subject to review and approval by the University prior to a job offer being extended.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will spearhead the development of a novel modeling framework to advance our mechanistic understanding of how climate change drives species range shifts and reshapes biodiversity across landscapes. This framework will emphasize how extrinsic environmental drivers (e.g., climate and habitat) interact with species' intrinsic traits (e.g., dispersal and demographic) to alter the population dynamics of species and communities in space and time.

This work sits at a critical frontier in ecology: translating the wealth of available biological data into process-oriented, predictive models that explain the eco-evolutionary dynamics of range shifts. Furthermore, insights gathered from this work will be used to inform conservation policy and management in a rapidly changing world.

While the position has a primary focus on North American birds - integrating trait databases and large-scale survey or citizen science datasets - we are equally enthusiastic about candidates with expertise in other vertebrate or invertebrate taxa, including reptiles, amphibians, mammals, fishes, and insects. Candidates with interests in related ecological and epidemiological processes, such as the spatial dynamics of wildlife disease, are also strongly encouraged to apply.

We value intellectual flexibility and welcome candidates who will help shape the direction of this research program.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

* A Ph.D. in ecology, evolutionary biology, quantitative biology, biostatistics, or a closely related field, completed prior to the start date.

* Demonstrated proficiency in statistical or mathematical modeling, particularly methods relevant to population dynamics, species distribution modeling, or spatial ecology.

* Strong programming skills in R, Python, or equivalent languages, with experience in handling and analyzing large ecological datasets.

* A track record of peer-reviewed publication commensurate with career stage.

* Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

* The ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team spanning academia, government agency, and NGOs.

Preferred Qualifications:

* Experience with integrated population models, hierarchical Bayesian models, or state-space models.

* Familiarity with citizen science or large-scale biodiversity databases (e.g., eBird, GBIF, Breeding Bird Survey, BioTIME).

* Experience with species-level trait or demographic databases (e.g., AVONET, Comadre, Amphi

BIO, PanTHERIA).

* Knowledge of climate-change ecology, macroecology, or conservation biology.

* Experience with high-performance computing environments.

Required Documents

Along with the online application, please attach:

Resume/CV to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under "Resume/CV" Contact information for three (3) professional references willing to provide letters of recommendation. Letters of recommendation will only be requested from final candidates Cover letter to be typed/pasted at the end of your application maximum 2-pages indicating how you meet the qualifications of the position, why you are interested in this position specifically, how this position might support your career goals, and why you might be a good fit for this project

Document size may not exceed 10 MB.

Advertised Salary

$62,000-$65,000 commensurate with experience

ADA

Employees work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes. The employee is regularly required to sit and often uses repetitive hand motions.

College/Department Highlights

The S.J. & Jessie

E. Quinney College of Agriculture and Natural Resources is committed to enhancing lives and landscapes through education, research, and outreach. We work across biological, physical, and socioeconomic boundaries to better understand natural and managed ecosystems and to promote the ethical use of land, food, water, and economic resources. Our faculty are nationally and…