Employer 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 the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s management actions and conservation investments in an ecologically critical habitat, the Klamath Basin. This position offers the opportunity to conduct research that will immediately impact real world conservation efforts. The successful candidate will work with an interdisciplinary team of federal agency partners and leading researchers to produce modeling solutions in a collaborative environment. The successful candidate will lead the development of decision-making frameworks using integrated modeling approaches that bridge ecological science with policy implementation. The resulting product(s) will inform economically and ecologically significant federal conservation strategies affecting natural resource research and management in one of the most complex water and wildlife management systems in the Western United States. The research project combines novel statistical methods with applied conservation to address pressing environmental challenges. This position offers opportunities for professional development in an environment that bridges quantitative methods with real-world conservation applications. The candidate will receive technical training in spatial statistics, Bayesian modeling, and sampling design estimation using current methodologies. The candidate will also gain invaluable leadership experience on high-profile interagency projects with direct policy relevance. The collaborative nature of this work will expand the appointee’s professional network across federal agencies, academic institutions, and conservation organizations. The mentor, Dr. James Peterson (Unit Leader USGS, Professor OSU), will provide opportunities to develop skills in grant writing, scientific communication, and collaborative research management. The host institution (Oregon State University) will supply access to their renowned graduate programs and research resources.Duration: Initial 1-year appointment with strong potential for renewal based on performanceStart date: Flexible, but no later than January 2026Travel: Periodic travel to meet with collaborators or participate in field work with overnight stays will be required. We seek candidates who have completed the requirements for a PhD in quantitative ecology, wildlife biology, statistics, or related field with demonstrated research accomplishments and peer-reviewed publications. The ideal candidate will have previous 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 Forestry Parks, Recreation and Tourism Water and Soil Resources Wildlife GIS/Technology Policy/Administrative Community Forestry & Arboriculture Other Job Type: Full Time Location Detail: Corvallis, OR Salary: $65,000-$70,000 annually, plus full benefits package Job Benefits: How to Apply:Submit your complete application to James Peterson at jt.peterson@oregonstate.edu applications should include: CV with complete academic and research history Two representative peer-reviewed publications (electronic copies) Contact information for three professional referencesApplication deadline: Applications accepted starting August 27, 2025 and reviewed until filled (deadline November 30, 2025). Early applications encouraged. Selected candidates will be contacted for interviews and asked to provide reference letters. Application Deadline: Sun, 11/30/2025 - 12:00pm
