Postdoctoral Fellow

Overview:
The Wildlife Eco-Epidemiology Lab in the Veterinary and Clinical Life Sciences Department at Utah State University is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow to join a multidisciplinary research team focused on identifying ecological risk factors for avian botulism outbreaks in the Great Salt Lake ecosystem of Utah.

The postdoc will design and lead the development of a surveillance and response plan for outbreaks, integrate several historical datasets of avian populations and lake hydrology, and generate epidemiologic models to identify risk factors for avian botulism outbreaks and management actions to mitigate avian mortality. This is primarily a data management and analysis position, though some field work may be possible as needed. This position provides an opportunity to work closely with academic researchers, state wildlife agencies, and community stakeholders. Collaborators include the USU Department of Wildland Resources, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, and local non-profit organizations.

Salary and benefits:

This is a full-time (1.0 FTE) appointment, with a two-year duration. Salary is dependent on experience (~$60,000-65,000 per year), and includes full benefits (13 paid holidays, 22 days of paid leave and 12 days of sick leave per year, competitive health benefits packages, and a generous employer retirement contribution).

Start date:

The position is available immediately. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.

Location:

The position will be based in Logan, Utah. Remote work will not be considered. Potential fieldwork would include day trips to the Great Salt Lake and surrounding areas.  

Responsibilities:
The postdoctoral scholar will work collaboratively with a diverse team of researchers and professionals to:

• Design and execute epidemiologic studies investigating causes of avian botulism on the Great Salt Lake, with a focus on management interventions that can be implemented to mitigate future mortalities.
• Support state wildlife agencies with field work, sample logistics, and database management as needed.
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate student researchers.
• Manage communications with collaborators, including coordinating meetings, maintaining research protocols, and preparing progress reports.
• Publish research in peer-reviewed journals, prepare reports for funding agencies, and present at relevant conferences.
• Ensure compliance with safety procedures and research protocols.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• PhD in epidemiology, disease ecology, wildlife biology, biological sciences, or related fields.
• Experience in research areas related to epidemiology, quantitative ecology, population modeling, and/or remote sensing/GIS/spatial analyses.
• Proficiency in R statistical software or equivalent.
• Exceptional attention to detail and ability to reconcile potentially disparate datasets. Ability to organize, clean, and manipulate large data sets and prepare summaries of the data.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, organizational, and teamwork skills. Ability to work well in a team environment and collaborate effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage data collection, analysis, and reporting.
• Valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proficiency with extracting and manipulating geographical information systems (GIS) and global positioning system (GPS) data.
• Knowledge of the principles of disease ecology and wildlife population dynamics and the scientific literature in these fields.
• Experience with safe handling of live and dead animals, animal sampling, laboratory research in biosafety containment facilities (BSL-2 or above).
• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals.
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse stakeholder groups.
• Experience mentoring students.