Post-Doctoral Research Associate-Coastal Ecology

Post-Doctoral Research Associate – Coastal Ecology

Join the School of Life Sciences and Sustainability in the College of Humanities and Sciences at Virginia Commonwealth University as a one-year Postdoctoral Research Associate focused on coastal ecology.

Summary
The position is part of a NOAA‑Restore funded project that provides applied, interdisciplinary science on barrier island evolution along the Florida Panhandle. The successful candidate will focus on vegetation dynamics to identify landscape vulnerabilities and inform management decisions. This work complements ongoing research across the Gulf Islands National Seashore in collaboration with USGS and natural resource partners.

NOTE: The successful candidate understands that this is a restricted position and ongoing employment depends on continued funding.

Position Responsibilities:

• Compile historical research documenting vegetation composition, density, and change across the study area through literature and database searches.
• Conduct transect‑based observations across multiple islands of species type, density, rates of establishment, and succession, and climate‑change shifts in plant functional groups.
• Work with partners to use field‑collected data and historical records for landcover change over time from orthoimagery.
• Participate in an annual full team meeting in the Gulf Islands, Florida, and a minimum of monthly meetings with team members for coordinating field work, assistance with parametrizing models, and communication with natural resource partners.
• Present findings at an annual research conference.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in ecology or a related field.
• Extensive field experience.
• Strong oral and written communication skills (English) demonstrated via peer‑reviewed publications.
• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism, and civility with faculty, staff, and students from diverse backgrounds, or a commitment to do so as a VCU postdoc.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong communication skills and experience working with an interdisciplinary team.
• Experience mentoring personnel and strong interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and with a team.

Application Materials: Please submit the following in one application package.

• A 1–2 page cover letter explaining how your qualifications, research interests, and future career goals align with the requirements of this position.
• A full CV, including publications, grants, mentoring experience, previous field experience, and other relevant information.
• Email and phone contact information for three references.

Candidate must have completed their degree to be available for a start date of ~January 15–February 1, 2026.

Unit
:
College of Humanities and Sciences
Department, School of Life Sciences and Sustainability
Salary
: $54,000
Benefits
:
All full‑time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package, including comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax‑deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well‑being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.

Additional information about the department’s programs and faculty may be found at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./