Post Doc Res Assoc - Aikens Lab

Kinderopvang Dikkie & Dik; Laramie (WY); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous Retirement Contributions

Exceptional Health & Prescription Coverage

Paid Time Off

Tuition Waiver

Wellness and Employee Assistance Programs

Job summary

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc. is seeking a Post Doctoral Research Associate at the University of Wyoming to lead research in migration ecology and climate resilience.

This role involves analyzing extensive data sets on mule deer migration, publishing findings, and mentoring students. Candidates must have a PhD or be close to completion in a relevant field.

Generous benefits include retirement contributions and health insurance.

Qualifications

• A Doctoral Degree is required; PhD candidates nearing completion are also considered.
• Expertise in spatial analyses and large ecological datasets is essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead research projects on migration ecology and climate resilience.
• Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals.
• Present research at conferences.
• Mentor students.

Skills

Spatial analyses of animal location data

Programming in R

Programming in Python

Scientific writing

Experience with satellite remote sensing data

Experience with version control (git/github)

Communication of scientific results

Familiarity with ungulate ecology

Education

PhD in data science, ecology, wildlife biology, geography, or computational biology

Job description

Job Title

Post Doctoral Research Associate

Job Purpose

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 more than 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. The postdoc will pursue synthetic, independent research that advances the broader goals of the project and may develop additional projects that emerge from this unique dataset and collaborative partnership.

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; consideration will be given to applicants who 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

• Cover letter describing research interests, relevant experience, and fit for the position.
• Curriculum vitae.
• One representative first‑author publication.
• Contact information for three references (to be contacted only for finalists).

Application Deadline

The position will remain open until filled. Complete applications received by 15 July 2026 will receive full consideration.

Work Location

On‑campus: This position requires the successful candidate to be available to work and perform essential job functions on campus at a location at 7,220 feet above sea level.

Work Authorization Requirements

Work authorization sponsorship may be available for this position; however, sponsorship for H-1B work authorization or work visa is not available.

Hiring Statement / EEO

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation to apply for a position, please contact us at 307‑766‑2377 or email [e-mail].

Benefits

• Generous Retirement Contributions: The State contributes 14.94% of your gross salary, and you contribute 3.68%, totaling 18.62% toward your retirement plan.
• Exceptional Health & Prescription Coverage: Enjoy access to medical, dental, and vision insurance with competitive employer contributions, that include four deductible options to suit your needs.
• Paid Time Off: Benefit from ample sick leave, paid holidays, and paid winter closure.
• Tuition Waiver: Employees and eligible dependents can take advantage of tuition waivers, supporting continuous education and professional growth.
• Wellness and Employee Assistance Programs: Stay healthy with wellness initiatives, counseling services, and mental health resources.

Job Identification

261374

Locations

16 & Gibbon, Laramie, WY

Schedule

Full Time, 40 hours per week

Contact

Questions should be directed to the Search Committee Chair, Ellen Aikens.

Application Link

To apply, visit https://eeik.fa.us2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/261374/?lastSelectedFacet=TITLES&selectedTitlesFacet=Part-Time+Worker%253BFaculty%252FAcademic%253BClassified+Staff%253BAdministrative%252FExecutive