Postdoctoral Researcher

The University of Minnesota seeks three postdoctoral researchers to work collaboratively with Drs. John Fieberg, Gretchen Hansen, and Jake Walsh on funded projects examining the ecosystem effects of invasive aquatic plants and their management. Together, the projects will evaluate the benefits, costs, and ecological tradeoffs of invasive aquatic plant treatments and support management decisions under uncertainty.

We seek researchers with strong analytical skills and complementary expertise. Relevant approaches include causal inference, structured decision making, state-space modeling, and hierarchical Bayesian modeling. Applicants are not expected to have expertise in all of these approaches. We will consider how candidates' strengths contribute to a group capable of addressing the projects' shared analytical, ecological, and collaborative needs.

The three researchers will work together, share methods and ecological expertise, and collaborate with managers, practitioners, and other partners. Each will have primary research responsibilities, with opportunities to contribute across projects based on their expertise and interests. The positions offer opportunities for collaborative mentorship across the three faculty labs and the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center.

Work Schedule and Length of Appointment:

• M-F, 8:00-4:30;
• Anticipated length of appointment will be 1/1/2027 through 12/31/2028.

Research areas

The group will address three connected areas:

• Causal effects of invasive plants and their management: Develop and apply causal inference methods to estimate ecological effects from observational lake and management data.
• Aquatic plant responses and adaptive management: Analyze statewide data from more than 6,000 aquatic plant surveys and hundreds of management treatments to evaluate effects on native and invasive plants. Develop practical, statistically sound approaches to guide future monitoring.
• Decision analysis and native species conservation: Work with partners to compare management alternatives, evaluate tradeoffs for invasive plant control and native fish and plant conservation, and identify uncertainties that matter most to management decisions.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities will be assigned across the three positions according to project needs and the complementary strengths of the successful candidates. They will include:

• Lead substantial quantitative analyses, including selecting appropriate methods, developing models, evaluating assumptions, and interpreting results (50%)
• Work with partners to define relevant questions and produce findings and tools that support adaptive invasive aquatic plant management (20%)
• Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals, present to scientific and management audiences, and mentor students (20%)
• Contribute to teaching and training. (10%)

Depending on their interests, researchers may also have opportunities to develop proposals for future funding.

Required

• A PhD in ecology, fisheries, aquatic science, statistics, applied mathematics, decision science, natural resource management, or a related field by the start date.
• Demonstrated experience conducting quantitative analyses and developing or applying statistical or decision models.
• Ability to lead analytical work independently and collaborate effectively across disciplines.
• Strong organizational and written and oral communication skills.

Preferred

We welcome applicants with experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Causal inference using observational data.
• Structured decision making, decision modeling, sensitivity analysis, or value of information.
• State-space models or hierarchical Bayesian models.
• Aquatic ecology, aquatic plant biology, or aquatic invasive species management.
• Ecological survey design, occupancy modeling, or community analysis.
• Partner engagement, meeting facilitation, or collaborative research with management organizations.
• Teaching, training, or student mentorship.

We seek complementary strengths across the three hires. Applicants need not meet every desired qualification and should describe their strongest areas of expertise and interests in collaboration. We welcome candidates who will contribute to a supportive and inclusive research environment.

The Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology in the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences at the University of Minnesota conducts interdisciplinary research, teaching, and outreach focused on the conservation and management of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.

Pay Range: $72,000 - $75,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Please visit the Benefits for Postdoctoral Candidates website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume or CV.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.