Postdoctoral Research Associate

Texas A&M University System • Kingsville, TX

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute (CKWRI) at Texas A&M University–Kingsville seeks a highly motivated, independent Postdoctoral Research associate in wildlife Ecology to join a collaborative research program at the intersection of quantitative ecology, wildlife disease, and behavioral ecology. This position is designed for an independent researcher who will take ownership of their research program, manage their own productivity, contribute to lab operations, and actively mentor graduate students. The successful candidate will conduct research aligned with one or more active areas including quantitative disease ecology, population ecology, and behavioral ecology of large mammals, with strong emphasis on data-driven and quantitative approaches to ecological questions. Position is based in Kingsville, Texas and is a 1-year position based on grant funding.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in ecology, wildlife biology, epidemiology, statistics, or a related field
• Two years of related experience, demonstrated research independence and productivity with publications commensurate with career stage.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with epidemiological modeling, disease spread and transmission dynamics, or wildlife disease ecology
• Experience with structured population models, spatial epidemiology, or Bayesian statistical approaches
• Background in population modeling, demographic analysis, or human-wildlife dynamics
• Experience with camera trap data analysis, telemetry data, movement ecology, or behavioral ecology
• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals
• Experience mentoring undergraduate or graduate students
• Demonstrated ability to manage large datasets and complex quantitative analyses
• Experience working in field settings and comfort with fieldwork logistics
• Familiarity with white-tailed deer ecology or ungulate population dynamics
• Experience working on private lands or in applied conservation contexts

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent research in one or more of the following areas: quantitative disease ecology (chronic wasting disease dynamics in white-tailed deer), population ecology (population modeling and demographic analysis), or behavioral ecology of large mammals (camera trap and telemetry data analysis)
• Develop and apply epidemiological models, structured population models, spatial models, or Bayesian approaches to address ecological and management questions
• Analyze large, complex ecological datasets including long-term population dynamics data, camera trap data, and telemetry datasets
• Produce research outputs commensurate with career stage, including peer-reviewed publications and presentations
• Provide active mentorship to graduate students in research design, quantitative methods, and professional development
• Assist with and volunteer on graduate student field projects across South Texas
• Engage collaboratively with lab members and contribute to a supportive research culture
• Participate in external collaborations and pursue opportunities for new project development
• Take ownership of research program management and maintain productivity with minimal supervision
• Contribute meaningfully to lab operations and operational responsibilities
• Manage research timelines, data management protocols, and project deliverables
• Coordinate with stakeholders including faculty, students, land managers, and external partners
• Participate in field operations across South Texas working rangelands as needed
• Assist graduate students with fieldwork logistics and data collection activities
• Demonstrate comfort and competence in field settings, including work in variable weather conditions.

Benefits

• Medical $0 - $30 per month for Employee Only coverage after university contribution ($920 value). Up to 83% of premium covered by the university: Employee and Spouse Employee and Children Employee and Family coverage
• Dental & Vision
• Life Insurance, Accidental D&D, Long Term Disability, Flexible Spending Account and Day Care Spending Account
• On-Campus Wellness Opportunities: TAMUK’s Wellness Program is designed to enrich lives through health and wellness programming that is meaningful and impactful.
• Work Life Solutions: Counseling, Work Life Assistance, Financial Resources, and Legal Resources
• Tuition Benefits: Employee Tuition Assistance Program Book scholarships
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness
• Retirement: Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) or Optional Retirement Plan (ORP), dependent on position
• Voluntary Tax Deferred Account/Deferred Compensation Plan
• Employee Leave: 8+ hours of vacation per month
• 8 hours of sick leave per month
• 8 hours of paid Birthday leave
• 12-15 paid holidays per year

What This Job Offers

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