Post Doc Res Assoc - Aikens Lab

Post Doctoral Research Associate

The Aikens Lab at the University of Wyoming, in collaboration with the Kauffman Lab at the U.S. Geological Survey Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to lead analyses on a new migration ecology and climate resilience project. This project will quantify the interacting effects of drought-induced shifts in plant phenology and anthropogenic development on the function and resilience of mule deer migration across the American West.

The postdoc will have access to an unparalleled west-wide GPS tracking dataset assembled in collaboration with the USGS Corridor Mapping Team. The dataset spans 152 herds, 9,673 individual mule deer, and >44 million GPS locations, contributed by ten state wildlife agencies, two Tribal nations, and one Canadian province. These movement data will be integrated with remotely sensed products on plant phenology, drought, and landscape development.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead research projects.
• Publish work in peer-reviewed journals.
• Present research findings at conferences and during regular cooperator meetings.
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

A Doctoral Degree is required for this position, however, consideration will be given to applicants that are currently pursuing their Doctoral Degree and will complete the degree prior to starting work.

• Candidates must hold a PhD in data science, ecology, wildlife biology, geography, computational biology, or a related field.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Demonstrated expertise in spatial analyses of animal location data and/or analysis of large ecological datasets.
• Strong programming skills in R and/or python.
• Strong scientific writing skills, evidenced through a track record of publication in peer-reviewed journals, including at least one first-author publication.
• Experience processing and analyzing satellite remote sensing data using cloud-based platforms like Google Earth Engine.
• Experience with version control (git/github) and reproducible research workflows.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate scientific results to managers, agency partners, and other stakeholders.
• Experience working within multi-institution collaborations involving agency and Tribal partners.
• Familiarity with ungulate ecology and western U.S. ecosystems.

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS:

Complete the online application and upload the following separate documents for a complete application: (1) a cover letter describing your research interests, relevant experience, and fit for the position; (2) a CV; (3) one representative first-author publication; and (4) contact information for three references (to be contacted only for finalists).

This position will remain open until filled. Complete applications received by 15 July 2026 will receive full consideration. Questions should be directed to the Search Committee Chair Ellen Aikens at eaikens@uwyo.edu