The Wildlife Eco-Epidemiology Lab in the Veterinary and Clinical Life Sciences Department at Utah State University is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow to join a multidisciplinary research team focused on identifying ecological risk factors for avian botulism outbreaks in the Great Salt Lake ecosystem of Utah.

The Postdoc will design and lead the development of a surveillance and response plan for outbreaks, integrate several historical datasets of avian populations and lake hydrology, and generate epidemiologic models to identify risk factors for avian botulism outbreaks and management actions to mitigate avian mortality. This is primarily a data management and analysis position, though some field work may be possible as needed. This position provides an opportunity to work closely with academic researchers, state wildlife agencies, and community stakeholders. Collaborators include the USU Department of Wildland Resources, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, and local non-profit organizations. Questions about this position can be addressed to Dr. Jessica Sanchez (Jessica.sanchez@usu.edu) with the subject line “Botulism application – postdoc.”

Salary and benefits:
This is a full-time (1.0 FTE) appointment, with a two-year duration. Salary is dependent on experience (~$62,000-65,000 per year), and includes full benefits (13 paid holidays, 22 days of paid leave and 12 days of sick leave per year, competitive health benefits packages, and a generous employer retirement contribution).

Start date:
The position is available immediately. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.

Location:
The position will be based in Logan, Utah. Remote work will not be considered. Potential fieldwork would include day trips to the Great Salt Lake and surrounding areas.

This job is not eligible for H1B sponorship. 

The postdoctoral scholar will work collaboratively with a diverse team of researchers and professionals to:

• Design and execute epidemiologic studies investigating causes of avian botulism on the Great Salt Lake, with a focus on management interventions that can be implemented to mitigate future mortalities.
• Support state wildlife agencies with field work, sample logistics, and database management as needed.
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate student researchers.
• Manage communications with collaborators, including coordinating meetings, maintaining research protocols, and preparing progress reports.
• Publish research in peer-reviewed journals, prepare reports for funding agencies, and present at relevant conferences.
• Ensure compliance with safety procedures and research protocols.

Minimum Qualifications:

• PhD in epidemiology, disease ecology, wildlife biology, biological sciences, or related fields.
• Experience in research areas related to epidemiology, quantitative ecology, population modeling, and/or remote sensing/GIS/spatial analyses.
• Proficiency in R statistical software or equivalent.
• Exceptional attention to detail and ability to reconcile potentially disparate datasets. Ability to organize, clean, and manipulate large data sets and prepare summaries of the data.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, organizational, and teamwork skills. Ability to work well in a team environment and collaborate effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage data collection, analysis, and reporting.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proficiency with extracting and manipulating geographical information systems (GIS) and global positioning system (GPS) data.
• Knowledge of the principles of disease ecology and wildlife population dynamics and the scientific literature in these fields.
• Experience with safe handling of live and dead animals, animal sampling, laboratory research in biosafety containment facilities (BSL-2 or above).
• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals.
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse stakeholder groups.
• Experience mentoring students.

Along with the online application, please attach:

1. Resume/CV to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV"
2. Cover Letter (2 pages max) to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Documents 1-10", detailing how you meet the qualifications of the position, why you are interested in this position specifically, how this position might support your career goals, and why you might be a good fit for this project. 
3. Writing sample (i.e., published manuscript or dissertation) to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Documents 1-10"
4. Copies of transcripts (unofficial are acceptable) to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Documents 1-10"
5. Name and contact information for 3 professional references to be entered into Candidate Profile
6. Cover letter to be typed/pasted at the end of your application

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

The environment and physical requirements may change depending on the specific function of the work each department performs. Incumbents may be in both indoor and outdoor environments. Indoors, in an office space, event space, or public space are protected from weather conditions, but not necessarily from temperature changes. Incumbents may nearly continuously sit and often use repetitive hand motion (such as typing). 

Outdoors, incumbents may not be protected from weather conditions and may be exposed to extreme heat and extreme cold. Additionally, indoor or outdoor work environments may include being confined or in narrow spaces for periods of time. The incumbent may also be exposed to loud noises or vibrations from equipment, and conditions that may affect the respiratory system, such as fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, and poor ventilation. Bending, crawling, and crouching may be required. Incumbents may be required to lift, push, and/or pull objects up to 30 pounds and be required to walk and/or stand for long periods of time. 

The Postdoctoral Fellow II will be joining the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) at an exciting point of transformation. In 2022 the state of Utah approved the creation of a full four-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree program at USU. The CVM has received approval through its accrediting agency, the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education, to admit its inaugural class of 40 students in the fall of 2025, and cohorts of 80 veterinary students in subsequent years. The new college is the only veterinary medical education program in Utah. The CVM is dedicated to providing top-tier education and training to the next generation of veterinarians. Our program emphasizes hands-on learning, innovative teaching methods, and a commitment to excellence in veterinary care. Join our dynamic team and contribute to shaping the future of veterinary medicine.

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education, USU remains a leader in research, discovery, and public impact.

USU enrolls 28,900 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State’s 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU Online educates students from all 50 states and 55 countries. For over 25 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns in all of Utah’s counties.

Competing at the NCAA Division I level, USU is a proud member of the Mountain West Conference and will join the Pac-12 Conference beginning in the 2026-2027 season. The Aggies’ long-standing tradition of athletic and academic excellence is exemplified by conference championships in multiple sports, reflecting USU's commitment to perseverance and achievement.

Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU. 

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or hr@usu.edu. 

*updated 02/2025

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

Executive Director of the Office of Equity Matthew Pinner, discrimination@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 401, 435-797-1266

Title IX Coordinator Cody Carmichael, titleix@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 404, 435-797-1266

Mailing address: 5100 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit https://equity.usu.edu/, or contact:

U.S. Department of Education, Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 800-421-3481, OCR@ed.gov

*updated 09/2023