Post-Doc Fellowship: Disease Ecology and Decision Analysis

The USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center is searching for a highly motivated and talented ecologist or conservation biologist with training in statistical analyses to lead a suite of wildlife disease research projects. The Eastern Ecological Science Center, formerly Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, is a world-renowned research institution located within 30 minutes of Annapolis, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C. This position will consist primarily of office work focusing on understanding the role of wild waterfowl in the spread and persistence of avian influenza viruses and will require the integration of disease ecology, mathematics and statistics, and decision analysis methodology to address questions relevant to disease managers. There would be opportunities to participate in field work if desired, though this is not a requirement of the position. Additional information about our broader scope of ongoing work can be found at https://www.usgs.gov/centers/eesc/disease-decision-analysis-and-research.

Types of services required: Examples of working tasks include designing and performing analyses to answer questions related to wild bird ecology and disease transmission. For instance, one project planned for this position is to assess the potential impacts of disease mitigation measures (e.g., carcass removal during mortality events) across a range of species and disease characteristics. This position will also link avian disease with relevant decision-making needs potentially including efforts such as designing multi-species sampling designs, evaluating the effects of population antibodies on disease spread, and more. The selected candidate will work with lab members of various backgrounds (B.S. to postdoc) and assist in experimental design and in guiding selection of analytical methods across a range of studies. Knowledge of R is critical, with experience in GIS platforms, Spatial Disease Modeling, or Movement Ecology being beneficial. Previous experience with decision analysis is also desired. The candidate must be willing to assist with various projects other than those mentioned above, as this lab and DDAR group (Prosser, Cook, Runge) work on a wide variety of topics. The candidate will have opportunity to be involved in other disease systems, as well (e.g. Chronic Wasting Disease).

Required expertise/skills: The ideal candidate has a doctoral degree in Ecology, Wildlife Biology, Natural Resources, GIS, Statistics, or a related field. The candidate must be highly motivated and able to work independently, with a strong track record of producing published research. Experience with both frequentist and Bayesian methods is highly desirable, as is a demonstrated proficiency with a wide breadth of analytical methods for ecological analyses. Experience or interest in decision analysis approaches is also key to this position.

Eligibility requirements: To be eligible for this fellowship position, candidates must be eligible for employment within the United States.

Description of working conditions: Work will be performed primarily in the office environment located in Laurel, Maryland with extended periods of computer use. If interested, the selected candidate may have the opportunity to participate in field work though this is not a requirement of the position.

Compensation: Annual salary for this position is ~$65K depending on experience. This is a fellowship position, and not federal employment. Employee is responsible for all costs of transportation to and from the principal duty station location (i.e., to the office or main field site). The Government does not provide housing, meals, or other living expenses while working at the principal duty station. While the duty location is Laurel, MD there is some flexibility for telework.

Start date for the position is preferably late May/ early June 2026 although there is flexibility based upon the needs of the selected candidate. This is a two-year position with aims for extension based upon funding and performance.
Principal Duty Station: USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center, 12100 Beech Forest Road, Laurel, MD 20705.

How to apply: Deadline to apply is May 24, 2026 and applications will be reviewed as received. Send the following materials to PWRC_application@usgs.gov with “DDAR HPAI Quantitative Ecologist” in the Subject header:

1. Cover letter, resume, writing sample, and contact information for 3 references in a SINGLE Word or PDF document titled with your name (e.g., JohnDoe.doc or JaneSmith.pdf). Applications will be reviewed as received.