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

Full funding available

Deadline

Aug 23, 2026

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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

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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 hugheyl@si.edu 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

Full funding including tuition fees and living expenses is available for this position. The scholarship covers all educational costs and provides a monthly stipend.

How to apply

Please submit your application including a cover letter, CV, academic transcripts, and contact information for two references. Applications should be sent via the online portal before the deadline.

More information can be found here

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