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Postdoctoral Research Scholar: Quantitative Decision Science for Wildlife Conservation

Employer
Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences, Oregon State University
Job Description, Responsibilities and Required Qualifications or Skills

Join a cutting-edge research team developing quantitative decision models that will directly influence U.S. Bureau of Reclamation management actions and conservation investments in the ecologically critical Klamath Basin. This position offers the rare opportunity to conduct research with immediate real-world conservation impact while working with an interdisciplinary team of federal agency partners and leading researchers.

You will spearhead the development of integrated approaches to ecological modeling and decision-making frameworks that bridge ecological science with policy implementation. Your work will directly inform multi-million-dollar federal conservation strategies affecting natural resource research and management in one of the West's most complex water and wildlife management systems. This research combines cutting-edge statistical methods with applied conservation to address urgent environmental challenges.

This position offers exceptional opportunities for professional development in an environment that bridges cutting-edge quantitative methods with real-world conservation applications. You'll receive advanced technical training in spatial statistics, Bayesian modeling, and sampling design estimation using state-of-the-art methodologies, while gaining invaluable leadership experience on high-profile interagency projects with direct policy relevance.

The collaborative nature of this work will expand your professional network across federal agencies, academic institutions, and conservation organizations—connections that will prove invaluable throughout your career. Under the mentorship of Dr. James Peterson, you'll develop essential skills in grant writing, scientific communication, and collaborative research management, while having access to Oregon State University's renowned graduate programs and research resources.

We seek candidates who have completed a PhD in quantitative ecology, wildlife biology, statistics, or related field with demonstrated research accomplishments and peer-reviewed publications. The ideal candidate will bring experience with population parameter estimation and possess the quantitative analytical capabilities essential for developing sophisticated decision models.

Special consideration will be given to candidates with expertise in spatial statistics and/or Bayesian modeling techniques, as these methodologies are central to our research approach. Above all, we value candidates who demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills and have the collaborative spirit necessary to thrive in our interdisciplinary team environment working alongside federal partners and academic colleagues.

Job Field:
Fisheries
Wildlife
Policy/Administrative
Job Type:
Full Time
Location Detail:
Oregon State University is a leading R1 research institution with world-class facilities and a collaborative research culture. Our Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences is internationally recognized for innovative research at the intersection of ecology, policy, and conservation practice
Job Benefits:

Position Details

Duration: Initial 1-year appointment with strong potential for renewal based on performance

Salary: $65,000-$70,000 annually plus full benefits package

Start date: Flexible, but no later than January 2026

Travel: Periodic travel to meet with collaborators or participate in field work with overnight stays will be required.

Application Deadline:

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