Postdoctoral Research Associate

Job Title

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Agency

Texas A&M University - Kingsville

Department

Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Kingsville, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

Job Summary 

The Postdoctoral Research Associate, under general supervision, designs, performs, and analyzes new and existing data sets, assist manuscript development and publication, and works with students on analyzing and publishing data results. This position is 100% research, 12-month appointment involved in multiple cat projects covering diverse topics about wild cats including movement ecology, behavior, and transportation-related research. We seek a passionate scholar to be part of an exciting wild cat research program focused on field research, quantitative analyses, and mentoring young professionals. Some international research and international conferences may be a part of this position. Current target species include bobcat, jungle cat, ocelot, and other Leopardus species. Guest lectures in a wild cat biology and conservation class will occur every other year. Research results will be shared with stakeholders, Society, and the scientific community through scientific publications and presentations. A portion of the successful applicant’s activities will be to assist the team leader with program needs and responsibilities. Initial salary shall be commensurate with qualifications and experience. We are seeking applicants with expertise in one or more of the following areas: movement ecology, wildlife road ecology, and/or cat behavior including spatial memory and cognition. Field work will be a part of this position. Position is for one year dependent on grant funding. 

 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

• Designs, performs, and analyzes experiments consistent with project objectives.  

• Mentors students on analyzing and preparing data results. 

• Develops procedures to improve efficiency and accuracy of data collection and analyses. 

• Identifies, assimilates, and synthesizes data needed for project objectives and manages databases relating to statistical and related software. 

• Maintains expertise with the latest hardware and software technologies for statistical and numerical data analyses. Keeps up-to-date on scientific research via reading of literature, etc. Attends scientific meetings and seminars for research enhancement. 

• Prepares data for publication and presentation. Plays a critical lead role in publishing results. Actively writes grants and proposals to acquire external funding. 

• Coordinates laboratory activities. Maintains and follows applicable safety standards for the wild cat program. 

 

This document represents the major duties, responsibilities, and authorities of this job, and is not intended to be a complete list of all tasks and functions. Other duties will be assigned. 

 

Additional Responsibilities 

• Continue to support the research, management, and activities of the 45-year wild cat program. 

• Mentor undergraduate/graduate students in their professional development, including presentations and publications. 

• Assist program leader in pursuit of special research projects, publishing in key journals, and targeted funding opportunities. 

• Assist program leader in conducting international cat projects. 

 

Minimum Requirements 

Education – Ph.D. in related field 

Experience – Two years of related experience.  

Ability to – Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others. Ability to present information clearly and concisely. Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills. Strong verbal and written communication skills with scientific and lay personnel, particularly ranchers. Ability to work independently once given a project. 

Licensing / Professional Certification – None.  

Physical Requirements – Ability to lift 50 lbs. and walk long distances in the field with exposure to weather extremes and environmental challenges. 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Preferred Qualifications 

Proven excellence in wild cat, carnivore, or wildlife ecology demonstrated by record of research and productivity. Demonstrated self-initiative to work independently and skills to work within a team. 

Supervision of Others 

This position may supervise employees.  

 

Other Requirements

• Work beyond normal business hours and/or work on weekends  

• Travel is required. 

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.