Postdoc Fellow for Migratory Bird Research

Oklahoma-State-University; Stillwater (OK); On-site; USD 54,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Oklahoma State University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow in migratory bird research in the Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management. Funding supports a two-year project addressing climate-change impacts on wetlands and waterbirds in the Great Plains.

The fellow will develop a decision-support tool, analyze large datasets, and collaborate with an interdisciplinary team and project stakeholders to advance actionable science.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in ecology, conservation biology, natural resource management, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience publishing in peer-reviewed journals and handling large datasets.
• Strong written and oral communication skills with a record of collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Develop and publish a user-informed decision support tool to prioritize wetland management for climate resilience.
• Leverage datasets on bird habitat use and movements to study climate change effects.
• Collaborate with Drs. Davis, Loss and an interdisciplinary team, including stakeholders and partners.

Skills

Quantitative analysis

Big data handling

Scientific writing

Collaborative work

Education

PhD in ecology / conservation biology / natural resource management

Job description

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW

Migratory Bird Research

Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management

Oklahoma State University

Stillwater, OK 74078

The Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management in the Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources at Oklahoma State University invites applications for the position of Postdoctoral Fellow.

Position Description

Funding is available for a two-year postdoctoral research position to work with Drs. Craig Davis and Scott Loss in the Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management (NREM) at Oklahoma State University. This position is funded through the South Central Climate Adaptation Science Center (SC-CASC) and will address research questions related to the impacts of climate change on migratory birds and their habitats in the U.S. Great Plains region. The postdoc will lead work that expands on our previous research evaluating effects of changing precipitation regimes on wetland extent and migratory waterbird habitat use in the Great Plains. Specifically, the postdoctoral fellow will: (1) use existing datasets and analysis results to develop and publish a user-informed decision support tool that stakeholders can use to prioritize wetland management strategies that increase resilience of wetlands and waterbirds to climate change, and (2) leverage existing datasets on bird habitat use and movements to evaluate climate change effects on habitat, movements, and/or migration phenology for birds in the Great Plains region.

Well-qualified individuals with a strong quantitative modeling background, experience working with large data sets, and research interests in climate effects on avian species and their habitat are encouraged to apply. Experience with decision support tools is also beneficial but not required. In addition to collaborating with Drs. Davis and Loss, the postdoc will collaborate with an interdisciplinary research team that includes: Dr. Omkar Joshi (a social scientist in NREM); past and current OSU graduate students and postdocs funded on the same project; and project stakeholders and partners with state, federal, and tribal agencies.

As one of several postdoctoral researchers working across the SC-CASC consortium, the postdoc will also contribute to leadership and research support activities that assist the SC-CASC’s mission and deliverables and will be a part of the CASC’s Research Scholars Program, which will provide further collaboration and professional development opportunities.

Salary Information

Salary for this postdoctoral fellow position is $60,000/yr plus benefits excluding retirement; funding is also available for travel to meet with collaborators and present at scientific conferences. Check out our competitive benefits and eligibility at https://hr.okstate.edu/prospective-ee.html

Employment Conditions

This is an 11-month temporary faculty position. Appointments are to be made for a term of one year or less. Reappointments for a total period of not more than two years may be made. Review of applications will begin October 30, 2026, and will continue until a suitable applicant is identified. Anticipated start date is between November 2026 and Jan 2027 (start date is somewhat flexible).

Qualifications

Applicants must have a Ph.D. in ecology, conservation biology, natural resource management, or a related field; demonstrated experience conducting research that results in peer-reviewed publications; strong quantitative analysis skills including past experience managing and analyzing large data sets; strong written and oral communications skills; and a strong record of successfully leading and participating in collaborative team research. Ideal candidates will also have prior experience working with or alongside federal agencies, and a genuine interest in conducting actionable and co-produced science.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Dr. Craig Davis or Dr. Scott Loss

Oklahoma State University

Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management

008C Agricultural Hall

Stillwater, OK 74078

Email: [e-mail] or [e-mail]

http://nrem.okstate.edu

About the Department

The Department of Natural Resource Ecology & Management provides instruction, research and Extension expertise that focuses on the natural resources of fisheries, forests, rangeland and wildlife within and beyond the boundaries of Oklahoma Our mission is to increase public awareness and understanding through teaching, research and Extension, of the ecology, management and sustainable use of these natural resources that are important for maintaining ecosystem health, species diversity, agriculture and forest production, hunting and fishing, and the enjoyment of experiencing nature. For more information, visit: https://agriculture.okstate.edu/departments-programs/natural-resource/index.html

To learn more about OSU Agriculture and Stillwater, visit these websites.

• https://agriculture.okstate.edu
• https://agresearch.okstate.edu
• https://extension.okstate.edu
• https://www.okstate.edu
• https://www.visitstillwater.org
• https://www.stillwaterchamber.org