Post-Doctoral Researcher &#8211 1 Year Term

**About The Wilderness Society** The Wilderness Society is a national conservation organization dedicated to protecting America’s wild places since 1935. Our mission is to unite people to protect America’s wild places. Through science, advocacy, and partnerships with communities and policymakers, we champion the protection of wilderness, national parks, forests, and other public lands that provide clean air and water, wildlife habitat, and the freedom to connect with nature. For more information, visit [www.wilderness.org](https://www.wilderness.org/). **General Description** Caribou (_Rangifer tarandus_) rely on intact, healthy, and connected landscapes to thrive. In turn, people—especially Alaska Native peoples who have lived alongside caribou since time immemorial—depend on healthy caribou herds and their habitat. At The Wilderness Society (TWS), we study caribou because they are vital to Arctic ecosystems and because protecting caribou also conserves the vast landscapes and diverse wildlife that depend on them. Research by TWS scientists and others has improved our understanding of how caribou move across Arctic landscapes and how human activity affects their behavior. These findings help inform management decisions that balance the needs of people and wildlife while guiding permitting and mitigation requirements. However, many studies occur only after development has been approved and constructed. Simulation modeling provides an opportunity to evaluate potential impacts before projects are permitted. We are seeking a skilled Postdoctoral Researcher to develop and apply data-driven simulation models that examine caribou responses to roads. This position will play a key role within our interdisciplinary science team of ecologists, wildlife biologists, and geographers. Working closely with the Senior Ecologist and an international group of collaborators, the Postdoctoral Researcher will lead model development and application. This position requires extensive scientific knowledge and technical expertise to independently complete research projects. Responsibilities include developing research questions, creating simulation models, conducting scientific analyses, applying analytical tools to conservation challenges, communicating findings through interactive tools, and publishing peer-reviewed research. The successful candidate will develop a modeling framework to better understand and predict how roads influence caribou movement, distribution, survival, reproduction, and population dynamics. The position also collaborates closely with TWS Conservation Programs & Policy, Legal, Government Relations, and Communications teams. This is a one-year position that supports an inclusive organizational culture grounded in trust, accountability, and shared goals. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are strategic priorities across TWS, and this role is expected to integrate those values throughout its work. We strive to be collaborative, innovative, transparent, campaign-oriented, and supportive of our staff. **Essential Duties & Responsibilities** * Develop a data-driven simulation model of road effects on caribou movement, distribution, and fitness using existing scientific knowledge while accounting for uncertainty and future refinement. * Conduct analyses with the TWS Science team and an international group of collaborators. * Publish findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals and develop interactive tools to communicate research results. * Communicate research findings and policy recommendations to government agencies, Indigenous partners, elected officials, conservation organizations, and other audiences. * Apply scientific research to inform national conservation policy and landscape management decisions. * Collaborate with program staff to integrate scientific priorities into conservation campaigns. * Perform other duties as assigned. **Qualifications** #### Experience, Competencies, and Education * Ph.D. in ecology, conservation biology, geography, or a related field. * Experience developing data-driven spatial simulation models, including individual-based models (IBMs) of animal movement. * Demonstrated experience analyzing data, writing scientific manuscripts, and publishing research. * Proficiency with R, Python, or other programming languages and analytical software. * Experience working with telemetry data and animal movement analyses. * Experience developing Shiny applications or similar interactive tools. * Strong organizational and data management skills. * Ability to work independently and collaboratively. * Strong time management skills and ability to meet deadlines. * Ability to work effectively with colleagues representing diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. * Ability to communicate complex technical information clearly to both scientific and non-scientific audiences. #### Preferred Qualifications * Experience with population modeling. * Experience applying both Bayesian and frequentist statistical methods to environmental data. * Experience collaborating with Indigenous partners. * Experience studying caribou. * Experience conducting research in the Arctic. This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, qualifications, or working conditions. **Salary:** $60,000-$75,000 annually, depending on experience and location. **Location:** This is a one-year position that may be based in a TWS office (where available) or performed remotely from one of the following states: AK, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, ID, IL, ME, MD, MI, MN, MT, NV, NM, NY, NC, OH, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, or WI. The Wilderness Society offers a competitive benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, pet insurance, paid sick leave and vacation, a sabbatical program, and a retirement plan with employer contributions, subject to plan requirements. The Wilderness Society is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fair treatment of employees and constituents regardless of culture, socioeconomic status, race, marital or family status, gender, age, ethnicity, religion, disability, veteran status, or sexual orientation. We are committed to building an inclusive organization where every employee is valued and empowered to bring their whole selves to work. We also strive to ensure that America’s public lands are welcoming and accessible so all people can share in their benefits. To learn more about our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, visit [The Wilderness Society DEI Commitment](https://www.wilderness.org/our-commitment-diversity-equity-and-inclusion-wilderness-society). Pursuant to applicable fair chance laws, TWS will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. TWS complies with federal and state disability laws and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. If you require an accommodation during the application process or to perform the essential functions of the position, please contact [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]). TWS only accepts resumes submitted for currently open positions. Unsolicited resumes or resumes submitted outside the official application process will not be reviewed or retained. The post [Post-doctoral Researcher (Ecological Modeling Specialist) – 1 year term](https://greenjobs.greenjobsearch.org/jobs/post-doctoral-researcher-ecological-modeling-specialist-1-year-term/) appeared first on [Green Jobs Board - greenjobsearch.org](https://greenjobs.greenjobsearch.org).