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@usu.edu

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, AmphiBIO, 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:

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Advertised Salary

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 internationally recognized for their scholarship and engage in collaborations that advance discovery and innovation across disciplines. Many hold Extension appointments that connect their research directly to communities throughout Utah. 

With a statewide network of campuses and learning centers, the college serves people in both urban and rural communities as part of the university’s land-grant mission. We foster professional collaboration within and beyond the university, and experiential learning for students at all phases of their academic path. Faculty and students benefit from Utah’s remarkable and varied landscapes, which provide unparalleled opportunities for field-based research, education, and outreach. 

University Highlights

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education, USU remains a leader in research, discovery, and public impact.

USU enrolls over 29,800 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State’s 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU educates students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries. For over 100 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns, serving every county in the state.

Competing at the NCAA Division I level, USU is a proud member of the Mountain West Conference and will join the Pac-12 Conference beginning in the 2026-2027 season. The Aggies’ long-standing tradition of athletic and academic excellence is exemplified by recent Mountain West regular-season and tournament championships in women’s volleyball, three consecutive Mountain West tournament titles in women’s soccer conference championships, and a first-ever conference championship for gymnastics, reflecting USU's commitment to perseverance and achievement.

Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported and where diversity of thought and culture are cultivated. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU. 

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or hr@usu.edu. 

*updated 12/2025

Notice of Non-discrimination

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination including harassment in employment including in hiring, promotion, transfer, or termination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University does not discriminate in its housing offerings and will treat all persons fairly and equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, familial status, disability, national origin, source of income, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Additionally, the University endeavors to provide reasonable accommodations when necessary and to ensure equal access to qualified persons with disabilities.

In all circumstances, Utah State University follows state and federal laws related to sex-segregated spaces.

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

Matthew Pinner

Executive Director

Civil Rights & Title IX Office

matthew.pinner@usu.edu

435-797-1266 | Old Main Rm. 401D

1475 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322

Cody Carmichael

Title IX Coordinator

cody.carmichael@usu.edu

435-797-1266 | Old Main Rm. 402D

1475 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit crtix.usu.edu or contact:

U.S. Department of Education

Denver Regional Office

303-844-5695| OCR.Denver@ed.gov

U.S. Department of Education

Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

800-421-3481 |  OCR@ed.gov

*updated 10/2025