Postdoctoral Research Associate, Lovejoy Center

Arizona Institute for Resilience at the University of Arizona is in search of a Postdoctoral Research Associate, Lovejoy Center. We invite creative and collaborative applicants for a Postdoctoral Research Associate appointment to work with scientists in the U of A School of Natural Resources and the Environment (SNRE), the Lovejoy Center for Bridging Biodiversity, Conservation Science, and Policy, and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) in Arizona to develop a map of wildlife corridors in and around TNC preserves and land holdings in Arizona. Work will include assessing the value of Arizona’s TNC preserves and surrounding protected habitat to connectivity across the landscape, including potential analyses of shifts or reductions in corridors if TNC lands were not protected. Analyses could also include prioritizing additional places to protect to improve connectivity through the regions.

Qualified candidates should have experience in wildlife movement ecology and be able to use ecological modeling platforms and emerging technologies to evaluate the effectiveness of conservation strategies and prioritize future conservation efforts. The successful candidate will work with SNRE faculty, science and conservation staff of TNC in Arizona, and other partners to evaluate the availability of existing data and to manage and curate data from multiple sources for use in analyses. This position will conduct complex spatial analyses potentially using a mix of remote sensing, vegetation/habitat data, field data, and camera trap data to model connectivity for large mammal species and/or migratory birds. Expected project outputs will include scientific manuscripts submitted to peer-reviewed journals, GIS data for use by local land and wildlife managers, and presentations to regional stakeholders.

The Lovejoy Center for Bringing Biodiversity, Conservation Science, and Policy advances the legacy of Tom Lovejoy by generating actionable science, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and connecting knowledge to policy solutions that safeguard global biodiversity. With an emphasis on conservation solutions, the Lovejoy Center develops and supports innovative approaches that protect species, sustain ecosystems, and promote a thriving planet.

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive.

We’re rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures.

The University of Arizona and The Nature Conservancy provide professional development support for academic career goals with faculty mentorship and support for government, industry, or other career pathways through collaborations with partners. Additional training, certifications, and career development resources are available throughout the University and from UA Postdoctoral Affairs.

For full consideration, please submit your application by the first review date of 2/14/2025

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, vision, and life insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here .

• Work under the supervision of Jesse Alston and Willem van Leeuwen in SNRE, in partnership with the Arizona chapter of TNC.
• Collaborate with community partners to provide scientific analyses that improve conservation practice across southern and central Arizona.
• Collaborate with graduate students, postdocs, and faculty at the University of Arizona on complementary research projects as appropriate.
• Disseminate project outcomes to relevant community partners.
• Present research findings and methodologies at relevant scientific and conservation meetings with travel sponsored by the University.
• Participation in department-wide trainings.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Effective communication.
• Teamwork and collaboration.
• Scientific data analysis skills with application of theory, frameworks, and computational science skills.
• Familiarity with data science software.
• Academic writing skills.
• Public presentation skills.
• Time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to be flexible and adapt to support emerging projects or needs that uphold the Lovejoy Center’s mission.

• Applicants must have completed their PhD from an accredited institution by the position start date.

• A PhD or doctoral degree in conservation biology, wildlife biology, ecology, natural resources, or similar field.
• One or more years of research experience in wildlife movement modeling or habitat selection analysis.
• Experience in at least two of the following areas: wildlife movement modeling; GIS software; spatial analysis and visualization; programming in R, Python, or similar; quantitative data collection and analysis; scientific synthesis and writing.
• Experience partnering with non-profits, government, and/or non-governmental agencies.
• Experience or motivation to conduct applied conservation science.
• Strong experience in quantitative research methods such as data science and statistics.

Note on AI: We will not use AI to review your application. Please be thoughtful about your own use of AI to create your application. Thank you!

The position is located in Tucson and will require some in-person engagements, but selected candidates will be able to work hybrid.