"Post-Doctoral Fellow"

JOB TITLE

Post-Doctoral Fellow

LOCATION

Worcester

DEPARTMENT NAME

The Business School - NFR JM

DIVISION NAME

Worcester Polytechnic Institute - WPI

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

We are seeking a postdoc for a collaborative research project funded by the National Science Foundation and the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation. The interdisciplinary project aims to disrupt the illegal wildlife trade by combining expertise in operations, computer science, biology, and geography to develop innovative tools for researchers and law enforcement. Those with a background in operations research or related field are encouraged to apply.

JOB DESCRIPTION

General description of position:

Applications are invited for a post-doctoral level position to join an interdisciplinary research team at Worcester Polytechnic University (WPI). The selected candidate will work closely with Dr. Renata Konrad (WPI), and Dr. Meredith Gore (University of Maryland) to conduct research on developing interdiction models for law enforcement.

This is an initial 12-month appointment, with potential renewal for 6-months. The successful candidate will participate in training which includes mentored research and grant-writing. This position involves working closely with academic scholars, policy makers, and other stakeholder partners.

The candidate is expected to start by April 1, 2026. The salary is $80,000 plus benefits. The successful candidate will have a stipend for conference travel.

Project Description:

The project develops a PCR-type test to genetically at-risk wildlife species (Press Coverage of the technology), and by combing genetic data with online market data, the project seeks to establish illicit wildlife trading networks. The student will work on developing analytical techniques to determine where and when to deploy the genetic testing. In addition, the student will work with researchers in data science and geography to identify networks of illegal trade of shark and turtle products and use simulations or optimization methods to evaluate policy interventions

Responsibilities:

Duties will include assisting in developing data collection protocols, mapping legal and illicit flow of shark and turtle products, and developing network interdiction models. Simulation testing, sensitivity analyses, and the use of empirical data to validate these computational techniques and algorithms will likely be required. The candidate will be expected to prepare related manuscripts and present at related conferences.

Requirements:

Required minimum qualifications:

Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Data Science, Operations Research, Applied Mathematics or a closely related field by April 1, 2026; familiarity with illicit-network disruption research methodologies; a demonstrated ability to collaborate with others and work independently.

In addition, the candidate is expected to meet the following requirements:

• Prior research experience in remote sensing, spatial analysis, and supply chain interdiction modeling is desired.
• Strong python programming skills.
• Good oral and written skills in English.
• Self-motivation.

How to Apply:

Applicants should submit:

• Letter of interest
• Curriculum Vita
• One letter of recommendation
• Two additional names of references who can be contacted.

Review of applications will start immediately. Questions may be addressed by Dr. Renata Konrad rkonrad@wpi.edu

FLSA STATUS

United States of America (Exempt)