Auburn University
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Postdoctoral Fellow in White-Tailed Deer Integrated Population Modeling Auburn University in United States
Degree Level
Postdoc
Field of study
Ecology
Funding
Fully funded postdoctoral appointment for up to 2.5 years, with a starting salary of $60,000 plus benefits.
Deadline
Nov 16, 2026
Country
United States
University
Auburn University
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About this position
Auburn University’s College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment, in partnership with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to advance quantitative approaches for white-tailed deer conservation and management.
The project will develop an integrated population modeling and management framework for deer in Alabama and the southeastern United States. The researcher will combine heterogeneous data sources—including harvest records, citizen-science observations, and deer-vehicle collisions—to improve estimates of population size, distribution, fitness, and other demographic parameters.
Working with faculty, graduate students, and agency personnel, the postdoctoral fellow will develop integrated statistical models, use agent-based modeling to evaluate their robustness, and contribute to adaptive monitoring strategies for setting harvest regulations. The work also includes identifying priorities for future data collection and translating research into practical tools such as R Shiny applications, worksheets, reports, and publications for agency partners.
The position offers substantial freedom to explore approaches for identifying and modeling data sources while keeping accurate demographic estimation and applied wildlife management goals central. The researcher will be supervised by Dr. Jonathon Valente and Dr. Aniruddha Belsare and will contribute to peer-reviewed publications and presentations at scientific meetings.
Funding details
Fully funded postdoctoral appointment for up to 2.5 years, with a starting salary of $60,000 plus benefits.
What's required
Applicants must have a PhD in Wildlife, Biology, Ecology, Zoology, Statistics, or a closely related field by the time employment begins, and must be legally eligible to work in the United States for the appointment term. Required qualifications include strong oral and written English communication skills, the ability to work independently and in an interdisciplinary team, self-motivation, positive interpersonal skills, experience presenting and publishing peer-reviewed research, and experience with R, GIS software, and population modeling. Preferred or relevant experience includes integrated population modeling, species distribution modeling, Bayesian analysis, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and collaboration with agencies on applied management priorities. Applications must include a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, contact details for at least three professional references, and official transcripts showing doctorate conferral and its date.
How to apply
Submit a complete application through the Auburn University careers portal. Include a letter of interest, CV, contact information for at least three professional references, and official doctoral transcripts showing the conferral date.
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Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.