We are seeking a postdoctoral research scholar to join the 2025-2027 Future of Species Range Shifts cohort as part of the Climate Adaptation Postdoctoral (CAP) Fellows Program, hosted by the U.S. Geological Survey Climate Adaptation Science Centers. The successful applicant will conduct research related to range-shifts, harnessing diverse datasets to understand the past, present, and future of species’ ranges, as well as join eight other postdocs from around the country to conduct a national synthesis project related to species range shifts.

The position will report to Dr. Brett Scheffers (www.schefferslab.com) and Dr. Corey Callaghan (www.coreytcallaghan.com) in the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation at the University of Florida (Gainesville, FL) with strong collaborations with Dr. Sarah Weiskopf (USGS National Climate Adaptation Science Centers).

Primary Research Duties and Required Skills

For terrestrial ecosystems, the post-doc will work to distinguish genuine range shifts from natural variability by applying advanced methodologies that integrate data from diverse datasets. This position includes collaboration with local land managers to identify data gaps for targeted research and monitoring as well as assessing management decisions under diverse range shift scenarios.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in biology, ecology, natural resources, environmental science, statistics, or a related field by date of hire.
• The successful applicant will be highly motivated and creative; have a background in quantitative ecology and experience with spatial models and analyzing data in an R environment.
• Demonstrated success publishing peer-reviewed articles in scientific journals.
• Excellent presentation and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.
• Applicants must be eligible to begin employment in the United States by the start date.
• Ability to travel, normally requiring a driver's license.

About the Climate Adaptation Postdoctoral (CAP) Fellows Program

The U.S. Geological Survey Climate Adaptation Science Centers (CASCs) are building the next generation of science leaders through the Climate Adaptation Postdoctoral (CAP) Fellows Program. The CAP Fellows Program sponsors cohorts of post-doctoral researchers for two-years to conduct regional-to-national scale analyses of emerging climate research needs centered around one theme. The unifying theme for this cohort is the Future of Species Range Shifts. The program will include nine postdoctoral fellows distributed across the country, with one fellow based in each of the nine Regional CASCs. Each postdoctoral candidate will work with their PI(s) and associated leaders in the field to lead a regionally relevant project pertaining to the mechanisms and implications of climate-mediated range shifts.

Concurrently with the regional project, the Fellows will participate in an independent national-scale synthesis effort on the cohort’s unifying theme, the Future of Species Range Shifts, and gain valuable experience in collaborative research. While the national synthesis topic may relate to the regional research projects, it will typically address nationally pressing research questions related to the cohort topic; synthesize the state of the science on the cohort topic across all CASC regions; and advance our understanding of management-relevant applications of this information. Fellows will conduct much of the national synthesis effort at four in-person workshops, attended by Fellows, facilitators, and other subject matter experts. Two of these workshops are hosted in Santa Barbara, CA by the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis (NCEAS), a partner of the CAP Fellows Program who provides varied support for the Fellows throughout their program tenure.

As part of the CAP Fellow Program, postdocs will receive extensive training and mentorship on three core areas crucial for their success during the Fellowship and in their future careers: 1) Team Science, 2) Synthesis Science, and 3) Actionable Science. Many of these skills are not taught during standard graduate school curriculums or conventional postdoc positions.

Fellows should expect to devote approximately 80% of their time to their regional projects, and the remaining 20% of their time to the national synthesis effort and professional training.

Funding: We offer two years of funding ($60,000 start salary, plus benefits); the 2nd year is contingent on year 1 performance.

Work Environment: Work will take place at the University of Florida main campus in Gainesville, FL. Travel for CAP workshops twice a year is required.

Application Closing Date: February 28, 2025

Start Date: Summer 2025.

To apply: E-mail the following to Drs. Brett Scheffers (brett.scheffers@ufl.edu) and Corey Callaghan (c.callaghan@ufl.edu) with subject line “CAP post-doc Application” : (1) cover letter describing your interest in the position and qualifications; (2) CV or resume; and (3) contact information for three references.