Post-Doctoral Fellow

Worcester Polytechnic Institute; England; On-site; GBP 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research university in the United Kingdom is inviting applications for a post-doctoral position to study illicit wildlife trading networks. The candidate will develop analytics and models in collaboration with notable researchers. A Ph.D. in a relevant field is required by April 1, 2026, along with strong Python skills and prior research experience. This position offers a salary of $80,000 plus benefits, and candidates are expected to participate in training and conferences.

Benefits

Stipend for conference travel

Mentored research training

Benefits included

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a relevant field by April 1, 2026.
• Familiarity with illicit-network disruption research methodologies.
• Prior research experience in remote sensing or supply chain interdiction modeling.

Responsibilities

• Develop data collection protocols and mapping for legal and illicit flows.
• Conduct simulation testing and sensitivity analyses.
• Prepare related manuscripts and present at conferences.

Skills

Python programming

Collaboration

Self-motivation

Oral and written English skills

Education

Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering or related field

Job description

Job Overview

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.

The project develops a PCR‑type test to genetically identify at‑risk wildlife species (of the technology), and by combining 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 and 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

• Assist in developing data collection protocols, mapping legal and illicit flow of shark and turtle products, and developing network interdiction models.
• Conduct simulation testing, sensitivity analyses, and use empirical data to validate computational techniques and algorithms.
• Prepare related manuscripts and present at related conferences.

Qualifications & Requirements

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.