Publisher
source

Smithsonian Institution

Postdoctoral Fellowship in Animal Movement Data and Global Conservation Frameworks Smithsonian Institution in United States

Degree Level

Postdoc

Field of study

Environmental Science

Funding

Temporary appointment not to exceed 12 months, with possible extension up to 3 years based on performance and fund availability. Compensation is a stipend of $70,000 per year.

Deadline

Expired

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Country

United States

University

Smithsonian Institution

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Keywords

Environmental Science
Biology
Conservation Biology
Movement Ecology
Statistics
Statistical Modelling

About this position

Postdoctoral fellowship at the Smithsonian Institution (National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, Virginia, USA) focused on integrating animal movement data with global conservation frameworks.

The project advances the use of movement ecology in biodiversity monitoring and international conservation policy, especially through Essential Biodiversity Variables (EBVs) and Essential Ocean Variables (EOVs). The fellow will work with large terrestrial and marine tracking datasets and the multi-taxonomic expertise of the Animal Movement Biodiversity Observation Network (Move BON).

Research directions may include building scalable workflows from raw movement data to EBV/EOV-ready outputs, improving data mobilization and accessibility for policymakers and practitioners, and developing standardized tools that translate theory into decision-relevant conservation products. Relevant methods include GPS, satellite, VHF, acoustic telemetry, biologging, continuous-time movement models, Hidden Markov models, Step-Selection Functions, Resource Selection Functions, and connectivity modeling.

Eligibility highlights: Ph.D. in Ecology, Conservation Biology, Environmental Science, Statistical Modeling, or a related field; strong experience with animal movement analysis; and interest in bridging academic research with policy and applied conservation. Collaboration across institutions and communication to non-specialist audiences are preferred.

Funding: stipend of $70,000/year. Appointment is temporary for up to 12 months initially, with possible extension up to 3 years depending on performance and fund availability.

Application deadline: 2026-08-23. Submit a single PDF by email to [email protected] including a CV, three references, and a two-page cover letter with your research experience, a brief proposed research direction, and earliest start date. Use the subject line: Move BON Fellowship: [First Name Last Name].

Funding details

Temporary appointment not to exceed 12 months, with possible extension up to 3 years based on performance and fund availability. Compensation is a stipend of $70,000 per year.

What's required

Applicants should have a Ph.D. in Ecology, Conservation Biology, Environmental Science, Statistical Modeling, or a related field. Preferred experience includes collaborating across institutions on research relevant to academic and policy audiences, developing or applying Essential Biodiversity Variables or Essential Ocean Variables, and demonstrated expertise in analyzing animal movement data from GPS, satellite, VHF, acoustic telemetry, biologging, or other tracking technologies. Experience with continuous-time movement models, Hidden Markov models, Step-Selection Functions, Resource Selection Functions, and/or connectivity modeling is preferred. Applicants should also be able to communicate complex scientific methods and findings to non-specialist audiences and develop practical, application-focused products.

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