Post Doc Res Assoc - Zoology

University of Wyoming; Laramie (WY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement contributions

Health coverage

Paid time off

Tuition waiver

Wellness programs

Job summary

University of Wyoming is seeking a Post Doctoral Research Associate in Zoology & Physiology to lead analyses of an NSF-funded project on animal camouflage and climate change. The role uses camera-trap data, AI-derived image products, and remote sensing to test hypotheses across taxa, space, and time.

The successful candidate will conduct independent research, collaborate with national and international partners, and may contribute to AI tools and workflow development while mentoring

Qualifications

• Doctoral Degree required; applicants pursuing degree considered if completed before starting.
• PhD in ecology, wildlife biology, quantitative ecology, data science, geography, computational biology, environmental science, or related field.
• Valid driver's license with MVR compliant with Driving for University Business SAP.

Responsibilities

• Lead research projects
• Publish papers in peer-reviewed journals
• Present research findings at conferences and project meetings
• Help mentor undergraduate and graduate students

Skills

Independence

Leadership

Collaboration

Innovation

Education

PhD in ecology, wildlife biology, quantitative ecology, data science, geography, computational biology, environmental science, or related field

Tools

R

Python

Job description

Post Doc Res Assoc - Zoology & Physiology

Thank you for your interest in joining the University of Wyoming. Our community thrives on the contributions of talented and driven individuals who share in our mission, vision, and values. If your expertise and experience align with the goals of our institution, we would be thrilled to hear from you. We encourage you to apply and become a valued member of our vibrant campus community today!

Why Choose Us?

At the University of Wyoming, we value our employees and invest in their success. Our comprehensive benefits package is designed to support your health, financial security, and work-life balance. Benefits include:

• Generous Retirement Contributions: The State contributes15.19% of your gross salary, and you contribute 3.93%, totaling19.12% toward your retirement plan.
• Exceptional Health & Prescription Coverage: Enjoy access to medical, dental, and vision insurance with competitive employer contributions, that include 4 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.

At the University of Wyoming, we are committed to creating a supportive and enriching workplace. To learn more about what we offer, please refer to UW's Benefits Summary.

Job Title

Post Doctoral Research Associate

Job Purpose

The Zimova Lab at the University of Wyoming seeks a Postdoctoral Researcher to lead analyses for an NSF-sponsored collaborative project focused on animal camouflage and global change. The postdoc will use global camera-trap-derived data to test hypotheses about camouflage mismatch, phenotypic plasticity, predator communities, and wildlife responses to changing snow and climate. The project leverages hundreds of thousands of georeferenced camera-trap images of wildlife across the world, along with remotely sensed climate, snow, vegetation phenology, and habitat data. The successful candidate will use AI-derived image data products, including animal color, background color, and camouflage mismatch, to conduct comparative analyses across taxa, space, and time. Research questions may include how animal camouflage varies across space and taxa, how phenotypic plasticity may reduce camouflage mismatch, and how predator communities and snow declines shape vulnerability to climate change. The postdoc will be encouraged to pursue synthetic, independent research that advances the project's broader goals, with flexibility to develop additional questions that emerge from this unique dataset and collaborative partnership. The Zimova Lab studies how wildlife respond to rapid environmental change, with the goal of understanding when evolutionary change and phenotypic plasticity can help wild populations adapt to climate‑related stressors. The postdoc will be mentored by Dr. Marketa Zimova and will collaborate closely with Dr. Roland Kays at North Carolina State University and the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences and Dr. Alexej Siren at the University of North Dakota. The postdoc will also interact with an international network of collaborators contributing camera-trap datasets and related expertise. Although the position is primarily focused on ecological and evolutionary questions, interested candidates may also have opportunities to contribute to AI image processing tools and workflow development and field work.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead research projects
• Publish papers in peer-reviewed journals
• Present research findings at scientific conferences and project meetings

Supplemental Functions

• Help mentor undergraduate and graduate students

Competencies

• Independence
• Individual Leadership
• Innovation
• Collaboration

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 ecology, wildlife biology, quantitative ecology, data science, geography, computational biology, environmental science, or a related field.
• Valid driver's license with a motor vehicle record (MVR) compliant with the Driving for University Business SAP.

Experience Evaluation: Minimum experience requirements are evaluated on a full-time equivalent (FTE) basis. Relevant part-time experience will be prorated based on hours worked. For example, two years working an average of 20 hours per week is equivalent to approximately one year of full-time experience. Applicants must include the average hours worked per week for all current and previous positions. Failure to provide this information may affect the evaluation of qualifications.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience managing and analyzing large, complex ecological datasets
• Demonstrated expertise in advanced quantitative approaches such as hierarchical ecological modeling, Bayesian inference, dynamic occupancy modeling, species distribution modeling, spatiotemporal modeling, or activity pattern analysis.
• Proficiency in R and/or Python, with a strong commitment to reproducible research practices.
• A strong record of scientific publication in peer-reviewed journals, including at least one first-author publication.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and work productively within multi-institution collaborations.

Questions should be directed to Dr. Marketa Zimova at [e-mail].

Work Location

On‑campus: This position provides vital support to campus customers, and the successful candidate must be available to work and perform essential job functions on campus, understanding our location is 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 for this position.

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].

About Laramie

The University of Wyoming is located in Laramie, a charming town of 30,000 residents nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountain West. The state of Wyoming continues to invest in its only 4‑year university, helping to make it a leader in academics, research, and outreach with state‑of‑the‑art facilities and strong community ties. We invite you to learn more about Laramie by visiting the About Laramie website. Located in a high mountain valley near the Colorado border, Laramie offers both outstanding recreational opportunities and close proximity to Colorado's Front Range and the metropolitan Denver area. Laramie's beautiful mountain landscape offers outdoor enjoyment in all seasons, with over 300 days of sunshine annually. For more information about the region, please visit http://visitlaramie.org/.

Salary: $65,000-$68,000

Schedule: Full Time (40 hours per week)

Travel: Yes, 10%

Locations: 16 & Gibbon, Laramie, WY, 82071, US