POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT
POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW
Population Ecology of Wild Turkey
Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK 74078
The Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management in the Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources at Oklahoma State University invites applications for the position of Postdoctoral Fellow.
Position Description
Funding is available for a one-year postdoctoral research position to work with Dr. Colter Chitwood in the Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management (NREM) at Oklahoma State University. This position is funded by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) and will be tasked with building an integrated population model (IPM) for the Oklahoma wild turkey population. The postdoc will lead work that expands on our previous research quantifying adult and juvenile vital rates in southeastern and southwestern Oklahoma, spanning the ranges of the eastern and Rio Grande subspecies. Specifically, the postdoctoral fellow will: (1) pair existing datasets on wild turkey survival and productivity with count and harvest data provided by ODWC to build an IPM; (2) help design and implement harvest scenarios using the IPM framework that will inform ODWC management of the wild turkey population; and (3) disseminate results via professional presentations and peer-reviewed papers.
Well-qualified individuals with a strong quantitative modeling background, experience working with large data sets, experience with IPMs, and research interests in population ecology and harvest management of game species are encouraged to apply. Experience working with state agencies is also beneficial. In addition to collaborating with Dr. Chitwood, the postdoc will collaborate with an interdisciplinary research team that includes Drs. Craig Davis and Samuel Fuhlendorf at Oklahoma State University; Drs. Evan Tanner and Randy DeYoung at Texas A&M-Kingsville; Dr. Dwayne Elmore at Tall Timbers; multiple current and former graduate students funded on the same project; and agency biologists.
Salary Information
Salary for this postdoctoral fellow position is $65,000/yr plus benefits excluding retirement; funding is also available for travel to meet with collaborators and present at scientific conferences. Check out our competitive benefits and eligibility at https://hr.okstate.edu/prospective-ee.html.
Employment Conditions
This is an 11-month temporary faculty position. Appointments are to be made for a term of one year or less. Reappointments for a total period of not more than two years may be made. For this position, funding is available through June 30, 2026. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a suitable applicant is identified. Anticipated start date is as soon as possible after July 1, 2025 (start date is somewhat flexible). Working remotely will be considered.
Qualifications
Required qualifications: Applicants must have a Ph.D. in ecology, conservation biology, natural resource management, or a related field; demonstrated experience conducting research that results in peer-reviewed publications; strong quantitative analysis skills including experience managing and analyzing large data sets or building IPMs; strong written and oral communications skills; and a strong record of successfully leading and participating in collaborative team research.
Application
To apply: Applications must be submitted online at https://jobs.okstate.edu. Applicants should submit: 1) a 1–2-page cover letter summarizing their experience and research expertise related to the above project goals and required qualifications, 2) curriculum vitae, and 3) contact information for three references.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Dr. Colter Chitwood
Oklahoma State University
Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management
320G Agricultural Hall
Stillwater, OK 74078
Email: colter.chitwood@okstate.edu
About the Department
The Department of Natural Resource Ecology & Management (http://nrem.okstate.edu) provides instruction, research, and Extension expertise that focuses on the natural resources of fisheries, forests, rangeland, and wildlife within and beyond the boundaries of Oklahoma. Our mission is to increase public awareness and understanding of the ecology, management, and sustainable use of these natural resources that are important for maintaining ecosystem health, species diversity, agriculture and forest production, hunting and fishing, and the enjoyment of experiencing nature. For more information, visit: https://agriculture.okstate.edu/departments-programs/natural-resource/index.html.
To learn more about OSU Agriculture and Stillwater, visit these websites.
Oklahoma State University, as an equal opportunity employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding non-discrimination. Oklahoma State University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all individuals and does not discriminate based on race, religion, age, sex, color, national origin, marital status, disability, or veteran status with regard to employment, educational programs and activities, and/or admissions. For more information, visit eeo.okstate.edu.
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