Post Doc Res Assoc - Zoology & Physiology

University of Wyoming • Laramie, WY

16h • $65,000 - $68,000 • Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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

Nice To Haves

• 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.

Responsibilities

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

Benefits

• Generous Retirement Contributions: The State contributes 15.19% of your gross salary, and you contribute 3.93%, totaling 19.12% 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree