Postdoctoral Fellow

Utah State University; Logan (UT); On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Utah State University seeks a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Ecology Center to join a 2-year NSF-funded project on how climate disequilibria affect ecosystem function. The role emphasizes data analysis, coding in R/Python, and collaboration across researchers.

The successful candidate will publish findings, contribute to manuscripts, and coordinate activities of the Ecological Acclimation Network with members from universities, NGOs, and government institutions.

Qualifications

• PhD in Ecology, Biology, Statistics or related field.
• Track record of publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Advanced coding and data analysis skills.

Responsibilities

• Search for, acquire format, and clean data using R, Python, or equivalent.
• Conduct statistical analyses using frequentist and Bayesian approaches.
• Prepare peer-review manuscripts.
• Present research at academic conferences.
• Coordinate activities of the Ecological Acclimation Network.

Skills

Data analysis

Ecology

Communication

Collaboration

Programming

Education

PhD in Ecology or related field

Tools

R

Python

Job description

Postdoctoral Fellow

Requisition ID: 2026-10626

# of Openings: 1

Location: US-UT-Logan

Category: Other

Position Type: Benefited Full-Time

Job Classification: Exempt

College: Quinney College of Agric & Nat Res

Department: Ecology Center

Advertised Salary: Commensurate with experience, plus excellent benefits

Overview

Peter Adler's lab at Utah State University is seeking a postdoc to join a 2 year, NSF-funded project titled, "The functional consequences of community-climate disequilibria." Existing research provides justification, but no direct evidence, for the hypothesis that mismatches between the current climate and community composition reduce ecosystem functioning. The postdoc will use existing data sets to directly test this hypothesis for net primary productivity, invasion resistance, and pollination services in a range of communities and ecological contexts. Applicants should have strong programming and data analysis skills and expertise in community and/or ecosystem ecology. The postdoc will also coordinate the collaborative activities of the Ecological Acclimation Network, which has more than three dozen members spread across academic, NGO, and government institutions.

Responsibilities

• Search for, acquire format, and clean data using R, Python, or equivalent
• Conduct statistical analyses using frequentist and Bayesian approaches
• Prepare peer-review manuscripts
• Present research at academic conferences
• Coordinate activities of the Ecological Acclimation Network

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• PhD in Ecology, Biology, Statistics or related field
• Track record of publication in peer-reviewed academic journals
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Advanced coding anUtah data analysis skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with large, collaborative groups
• Demonstrated knowledge of both community and ecosystem ecology
• Experience communicating science to non-academic audiences

ADA

Employees work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes. The employee is regularly required to sit and often uses repetitive hand motions.

University Highlights

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah's premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education, USU remains a leader in research, discovery, and public impact.

USU enrolls over 29,800 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State's 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU educates students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries. For over 100 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns, serving every county in the state.

Competing at the NCAA Division I level in 16 sports, USU is a proud member of the Pac-12 Conference, officially joining on July 1, 2026. The Aggies capped a historic final season in the Mountain West by capturing nine combined regular-season and tournament titles in 2025-26, with five teams advancing to postseason play. This tradition of excellence extends to the classroom, where 232 student-athletes earned academic honors, and to the community, where USU ranked second nationally in Division I service hours, with nine teams placing in the top 10 for community service.

Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported and where diversity of thought and culture are cultivated. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU.

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university's ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at [phone] or [e-mail].

*updated 07/2026

Notice of Non-discrimination

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU's non-discrimination policies:

Executive Director of the Office of Equity Matthew Pinner, [e-mail], Distance Education Rm. 401, 435-797-1266

Title IX Coordinator Matthew Pinner, [e-mail], Distance Education Rm. 404, 435-797-1266

Mailing address: 5100 Old Main Hill, Logan, Ut 84322

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit https://equity.usu.edu/, or contact:

U.S. Department of Education, Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 800-421-3481, [e-mail]

U.S. Department of Education, Denver Regional Office, 303-844-5695, [e-mail]