Research Scientist

JOB TITLE:   

Research Scientist, Asst. 

JOB PURPOSE:    

Research Scientists are academic professionals whose primary responsibilities are to conduct and support research. UW Regulation 2-7 describes the activities that fall into this set of responsibilities for faculty; the same definition of research applies to Academic Professionals.

The Holbrook Team and Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) are recruiting a Research Scientist to join them at the University of Wyoming (work location will be in Laramie, WY). The Research Scientist will primarily be working at the intersection of elk behavioral ecology and human recreation. We have deployed an extensive network of trail counters and cameras, as well as GPS units to recreationists, to sample human recreation. We have also acquired privatized human mobility data to add to our sample of humans recreating on our landscapes of interest.  Additionally, over the last 6 years, our team has deployed GPS collars on 280 adult female elk in the two main study locations. The main objective for this position is to advance our understanding regarding human-elk interactions, and provide guidance on recreation development into the future. Recreation is multi-billion dollar economy, and generating insights that inform the development conversation for wildlife conservation is really our hope with this position. 

See the following webpages for more information on the Holbrook Team (https://sites.google.com/site/josephdholbrook03/) at the University of Wyoming. 

Candidates should have expertise in a suite of modeling approaches aimed at understanding animal-habitat relationships and animal movement.  Candidates should show creativity and flexible thinking, be extremely self-motivated, and have an authentic desire to cultivate real-world insights from data analyses. Candidates should also be able to work exceptionally well with a team of collaborators. 

The position is for one to three years, with appointment for the second year and beyond contingent on performance and project funding. Financial support for travel to attend at least one conference will also be available. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Lead research projects related to advancing our understanding of elk-human recreation relationships;
• Publish work in peer-reviewed journals and present at conferences;
• Mentor graduate students;
• Interact with faculty, research staff and students to contribute to a vibrant community within the Holbrook Team and Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources.

REMOTE WORK ELIGIBILITY: 

This position provides vital support to campus customers and requires the successful candidate be available to work on campus. However, depending on the circumstance, we will consider remote possibilities. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  

• Masters of Science degree is required for this position;
• MS in a related field (ecology, wildlife ecology);
• Experience collaborating and/or being part of a team;
• Strong written and oral communication skills (English)
• Valid driver's license with a motor vehicle record (MVR) compliant with the University Vehicle Use Policy. 

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:  

• Experience with models seeking to address animal-environment relationships using GPS-based data; 
• Experience with animal movement modeling with the aim of informing animal-environment relationships; 
• Experience with spatial data in R;
• Familiarity with Wyoming and/or the rural intermountain west

REQUIRED MATERIALS:  

Complete the online application and upload the following for a complete application: 

• Cover letter/narrative (max. 1 page) that explains your desire to pursue work in elk-human recreation ecology, your research interests, career goals, and highlights relevant experience;
• Resume or CV including degree(s) earned, GPA, and contact information for at least three references (references will not be contacted until after preliminary interviews); and
• A writing sample (for example, a first-authored manuscript you have written). 

This position will remain open until filled. Complete applications received by 10/8/2025 will receive full consideration. 

Questions can be directed to Search Committee Chair Joe Holbrook ([email protected]). 

HIRING STATEMENT:  

UW is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Educator and Employer. We are committed to a multicultural environment and strongly encourage applications from women, minorities, veterans and persons with disabilities.   

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation to apply for a position, please call 307-766-2377 or email [email protected].

ABOUT LARAMIE:

The University of Wyoming is located in Laramie, a town of 30,000 in the heart of the Rocky Mountain West. The state of Wyoming continues to invest in its university, helping to make it a leader in academics, research and outreach. The university has state-of-the-art facilities in many areas and the community provides the advantages of a major university.

Located in a high mountain valley near the Colorado border, Laramie offers both outstanding recreational opportunities and close proximity to Colorado’s Front Range, a bustling group of metropolitan cities including Denver, Boulder, and Fort Collins. This beautiful mountain landscape offers outdoor enjoyment in all seasons, with over 300 days of sunshine annually. For more information about the region, please visit http://visitlaramie.org/