Research Scientist, Associate - Merkle Research Group

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Why Choose Us?

At the University of Wyoming, we value our employees and invest in their success. Our comprehensive benefits package is designed to support your health, financial security, and work-life balance. Benefits include:

• Generous Retirement Contributions: The State contributes 14.94% of your gross salary, and you contribute 3.68%, totaling 18.62% toward your retirement plan.
• Exceptional Health & Prescription Coverage: Enjoy access to medical, dental, and vision insurance with competitive employer contributions, that include 4 deductible options to suit your needs.
• Paid Time Off: Benefit from ample vacation, sick leave, paid holidays, and paid winter closure.
• Tuition Waiver: Employees and eligible dependents can take advantage of tuition waivers, supporting continuous education and professional growth.
• Wellness and Employee Assistance Programs: Stay healthy with wellness initiatives, counseling services, and mental health resources.

At the University of Wyoming, we are committed to creating a supportive and enriching workplace. To learn more about what we offer, please refer to UW's Benefits Summary.

JOB TITLE:

Research Scientist, Associate - Merkle Research Group

JOB PURPOSE:

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

A research scientist position is available at the intersection of disease ecology, movement ecology, and wildlife conservation. This position will work in collaboration with U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Geological Survey, and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. The successful applicant will conduct research that bridges fundamental and applied questions that can aid in the management of Chronic Wasting Disease. The research scientist will co-develop their research questions/projects related to this theme, with a focus on Wyoming as a study system.

The position is 75% research and 25% service. The salary ranges from $60,000 to $85,000, depending on qualifications, and includes a comprehensive benefits package. Start date is negotiable but fall 2026 is preferred. The position is renewable for up to two years contingent upon performance.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Develop and conduct research in co-production with collaborators at the intersection of disease ecology, movement ecology, and wildlife conservation. Organize, manage and analyze spatial GPS collar data, disease data, behavioral data, and environmental data in cooperation with project partners. Develop code-based workflows to manage, analyze, and visualize a variety of different data streams. Lead the development, framing, and publication of independent, high-quality science that is relevant to partners and the scientific community. Write peer-reviewed publications and present project results to collaborators and at professional conferences. Provide analytical, technical, and research support to collaborators and our state, federal, and non-governmental organization partners.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Completion of all requirements for a Master of Science in biology, ecology, biological mathematics, or a related field prior to starting work
• Experience studying movement ecology
• Interest in studying disease ecology
• Experience working with and analyzing GPS collar data
• Experience working with spatial and remotely sensed GIS data
• Proficient with the computer language R or Python

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Strong trajectory of publishing in peer-reviewed literature
• Experience studying both disease and movement ecology
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Experience working with state and federal wildlife management agencies
• Experience with highly collaborative research projects

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS:

Complete the online application and upload the following application materials as a single pdf:

• Detailed cover letter describing fit and interest in the position
• CV
• Contact information for three references

This position will remain open until filled. Complete applications received by 6/30/2026 will receive full consideration.

WORK LOCATION:

On-campus: This position provides vital support to campus customers, and the successful candidate must be available to work and perform essential job functions on campus, understanding our location is at 7,220 feet above sea level.

WORK AUTHORIZATION REQUIREMENTS:

The successful candidate must be eligible to work in the United States, as sponsorship for any work authorization or work visas is not available for this position.

HIRING STATEMENT/EEO:

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. 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 contact us at 307-766-2377 or email jobapps@uwyo.edu.

ABOUT LARAMIE:

The University of Wyoming is located in Laramie, a charming town of 30,000 residents nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountain West. The state of Wyoming continues to invest in its only 4-year university, helping to make it a leader in academics, research, and outreach with state-of-the-art facilities and strong community ties. We invite you to learn more about Laramie by visiting the About Laramie website.

Located in a high mountain valley near the Colorado border, Laramie offers both outstanding recreational opportunities and close proximity to Colorado's Front Range and the metropolitan Denver area. Laramie's 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/