University of Georgia, Odum School of Ecology (Wildlife and Water Lab) · Georgia · full-time · posted 28 days ago
Link to Posting: https://www.ugajobsearch.com/postings/501516 Postdoctoral Research Associate in Spatial Biodiversity Data and Research Applications at University of Georgia (Odum School of Ecology) Position Summary: The Wildlife and Water Lab (WWL), based at the Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia (UGA), Athens, (GA, USA) invites applications for a postdoctoral associate in Spatial Biodiversity Data and Research Applications beginning December 1, 2026 (with flexibility and preference for earlier start dates). The position is a 2-year (24 months) non-tenure track appointment, and the salary will be competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience. The successful candidate will conduct quantitative analyses of the ecohydrology of terrestrial birds, develop decision-making tools leveraging Artificial Intelligence-enabled web apps, and participate in multiple ongoing projects pertaining to Nature-based Solutions (NbS) and biodiversity conservation. Responsibilities: The postdoctoral associate will work under the mentorship of Dr. Charles van Rees (Odum School of Ecology) and in collaboration with graduate students in the WWL, UGA Institute for Artificial Intelligence, and faculty from other units on (1) spatial ecological research on the relationship between terrestrial birds, wetlands, and riparian habitats, and (2) tool development for biodiversity accounting in Nature-based Solutions projects. Specific responsibilities include (a) accessing, processing, managing, and analyzing large datasets including river flow data, remote sensing imagery, and spatially explicit biodiversity data (e.g., eBird, NEON), (b) testing ecological hypotheses through quantitative spatial analysis, including via machine learning and Bayesian approaches, (c) developing browser-based decision-making tools from existing frameworks and publicly available datasets, and (d) leveraging and training Artificial Intelligence (AI) agents to support decision-making tool functionality, potentially in collaboration with or under the mentorship of computer scientists at the UGA School of Computing. The successful candidate will interface with collaborators at partner institutions, lead group meetings, and mentor one or more graduate students in each project capacity. Required qualifications: In addition to a PhD degree in Ecology, Biology, or other related fields and a strong publication record, competitive candidates must have proven abilities to conduct statistical analyses using publicly available large datasets and to work as part of a scientific team. Especially competitive candidates will have familiarity either with the concepts of Nature-based Solutions, biodiversity accounting or net-gain, and the IUCN Global Standard or with the ecology of riparian birds, emergent aquatic insects, or river systems. Experience and proficiency in Python and/or Javascript is required, and experience working with and developing AI-enabled decision-making tools is welcome and encouraged. Strong written and verbal communication skills are required. The candidate will be based in the Water and Wildlife Lab in the Odum School of Ecology at the University of Georgia, and will also be an affiliate of the Institute for Resilient Infrastructure Systems (IRIS; https://iris.uga.edu/) at UGA. The position will include retirement and health benefits. Interested candidates should apply online through UGA Jobs at https://www.ugajobsearch.com/postings/501516 . Any questions about the position should be directed to Dr. Charles van Rees (Charles.vanrees@uga.edu). Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. The University of Georgia values diversity, and all qualified applicants are encouraged to apply. UGA is in Athens, GA, a vibrant mid-sized city renowned for its music scene, restaurants, and cultural opportunities. Deadline for application: For full consideration, submit applications by September 30, 2026 (applications will be considered as they are received and until position is filled). Anticipated Start Date: December 1 2026 (with some flexibility, earlier start dates preferred). Thank you and kind regards Charles B. van Rees Charles B. van Rees, Ph.D Assistant Professor Odum School of Ecology University of Georgia The Wildlife & Water Lab
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