Post Doctoral Research Associate in Elk and Human Recreation Ecology

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Generous Retirement Contributions :The State contributes 14.94% of your gross salary, and you contribute 3.68%, totaling 18.62% toward your retirement plan.

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Paid Time Off :Benefit from ample vacation, sick leave, paid holidays, and paid winter closure.

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JOB TITLE:

Post Doctoral Research Associate in Elk and Human Recreation Ecology

JOB PURPOSE:

The Holbrook Team and Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) are recruiting a Post-Doctoral Research Associate to join them at the University of Wyoming (work location will be in Laramie, WY). The post-doc will primarily be working at the intersection of elk behavioral ecology and human recreation. We have deployed an extensive network of trail counters and cameras, as well as GPS units to recreationists, to sample human recreation. We have also acquired privatized human mobility data to add to our sample of humans recreating on our landscapes of interest. Additionally, over the last 6 years, our team has deployed GPS collars on 280 adult female elk in the two main study locations. The main objective for this position is to advance our understanding regarding human-elk interactions, and provide guidance on recreation development into the future. Recreation is multi-billion dollar economy, and generating insights that inform the development conversation for wildlife conservation is really our hope with this position. Beyond the topic of human-elk interactions, there will be opportunities for professional development in terms of mentoring graduate students and offering guest lectures/workshops.

See the following webpages for more information on the Holbrook Team ( ) at the University of Wyoming.

Candidates should have expertise in a suite of modeling approaches aimed at understanding animal-habitat relationships and animal movement. Candidates should show creativity and flexible thinking, be extremely self-motivated, and have an authentic desire to cultivate real-world insights from data analyses. Candidates should also be able to work exceptionally well with a team of collaborators.

The position is for one to three years, with appointment for the second year and beyond contingent on performance and project funding. Financial support for travel to attend at least one conference will also be available.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead research projects related to advancing our understanding of elk-human recreation relationships;
• Publish work in peer-reviewed journals and present at conferences;
• Mentor graduate students;
• Interact with faculty, research staff and students to contribute to a vibrant community within the Holbrook Team and Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources.

COMPETENCIES:

• Attention to detail
• Written and oral communication
• Independence
• Innovation

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• 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.
• PhD in a related field (ecology, wildlife ecology, biology, etc.);
• Valid driver's license with a motor vehicle record (MVR) compliant with the University Vehicle Use Policy .

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience collaborating and/or being part of a team;
• Strong written and oral communication skills (English)
• Experience with models seeking to address animal-environment relationships using GPS-based data;
• Experience with animal movement modeling with the aim of informing animal-environment relationships;
• Experience with spatial data in R;
• Familiarity with Wyoming and/or the rural intermountain west

REQUIRED MATERIALS:

Complete the online application and upload the following for a complete application:

• Cover letter/narrative (max. 2 pages) that explains your desire to pursue post-doctoral work elk-human recreation ecology, your research interests, career goals, and highlights relevant experience;
• Resume or CV including degree(s) earned, GPA, and contact information for at least three references (references will not be contacted until after preliminary interviews); and
• A writing sample (for example, a first-authored manuscript you have written).

WORK LOCATION:

On-campus: This position provides vital support to campus customers, and the successful candidate must be available to work on campus.

This position will remain open until filled. Complete applications received by 6/20/2025 will receive full consideration.

Applications submitted before this deadline will be given priority. Questions can be directed to Search Committee Chair Joe Holbrook (...).

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 compliancewith 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 ... or email ... .

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 Colorados Front Range and the metropolitan Denver area. Laramies beautiful mountain landscape offers outdoor enjoyment in all seasons, with over 300 days of sunshine annually. For more information about the region, please visit