Postdoctoral Scholar-Fixed Term

Position Summary

The Michigan Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife at Michigan State University seeks a postdoctoral scholar to work on a project to analyze bird – habitat relationships across Michigan. The postdoctoral scholar will work on the project, led by Dr. Brett DeGregorio and Dr. Steven Gray, funded by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and will work closely will colleagues from the agency. The ultimate goal and desired deliverables include an interactive, web-based mapping app that displays the distribution of all bird species occurring in Michigan and their likelihood of occurrence at any given location based on remotely sensed habitat features and available eBird status and trends data. Candidate will be responsible for analyzing avian-habitat relationships and developing the interactive web-based mapping tool to display results. Project will consist of two components: the analysis of the avian-habitat associations and then the construction and development of the mapping tool.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Doctorate -Ornithology or related field

Minimum Requirements

PhD (must have PhD or Satisfactory completion of the Ph.D. dissertation defense/orals with minimal revisions needed that are expected to be completed within three to six months) in ornithology or a related field. Experience analyzing avian habitat use and ecology. Extensive experience and background working with birds and GIS.

Desired Qualifications

Experience with eBird data analysis. Experience with ArcGIS or other GIS program. Ability to code in more than 1 programming language (R, python, java, etc).

Required Application Materials

CV and contact information for 3 references.

Special Instructions

This position is funded for one-year from date of hire, with renewal contingent upon the availability of continued funding. The search committee will begin reviewing applications on May 15 and continue until a suitable candidate is selected. Questions regarding this position can be addressed to the Search Committee Chair: Dr. Brett DeGregorio, Michigan Fish and Wildlife Cooperative Research Unit Leader, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA, degreg12@msu.edu.

Review of Applications Begins On

05/15/2026

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

Website

https://www.canr.msu.edu/fw/