Post Doctoral Research Associate - Zoology & Physiology (B Merkle Lab) bei University of Wyoming

JOB TITLE:                       

Post Doctoral Research Associate

JOB PURPOSE:

Hiring a highly motivated postdoctoral research associate position to join an NSF-funded, multi-institutional, research team studying graduate students’ ability to communicate science effectively and ethically and working to equip faculty and staff to overcome barriers that prevent embedding such training in disciplinary science graduate programs. The successful applicant will contribute to and/or lead research efforts associated with a nationwide survey and scicomm training interventions. For additional information about the research study, visit: https://www.scicommlift.com/. Open to remote and/or hybrid work arrangements. Position is funded at $61,000 with comprehensive benefits package. The position is renewable for up to 2 years, contingent upon performance and mutual agreement between postdoc and project PI. Extension of position would be contingent upon securing additional funding. Start date is negotiable, ideally within Q1 2026.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

Primary duties will include: 1) contributing to a study conducted over dozens of Ecology, Evolution, Behavior, and Conservation (EEBC) graduate programs across the U.S. to gauge impacts of three science communication interventions (guest speakers, 1-week science communication modules, and full-term courses); 2) assessing baseline perceptions, motivations, and outcomes of effective and ethical science communication training of participating graduate students, faculty members, and staff members through a broadly distributed survey before and after participation in interventions as well as a nationally distributed version of the survey; and 3) similar analyses of a coaching program designed to help academic faculty and staff overcome institutional barriers that may prevent them from offering science communication training for graduate students. The postdoctoral scientist will be responsible for training and collaborating with other personnel, leading analyses of surveys and artifacts from the interventions, and co-publishing results in a timely fashion as part of a team of researchers from across several institutions.

SUPPLEMENTAL FUNCTIONS:  

• Service: Relevant department, university, and professional service to support science communication training for graduate students.
• Professional development: Attend trainings necessary to stay up to date on cutting-edge approaches to science communication research.

COMPETENCIES:  

• Teamwork (Cooperation)
• Collaboration
• Work Prioritization & Management
• Motivational Fit
• Technical/Professional Knowledge
• Work Standards

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  

A Doctoral Degree is required for this position, however, consideration will be given to applicants that are currently pursuing their Doctoral Degree and will complete the degree prior to starting work. The ideal candidate has knowledge of ecology and experience conducting social science research and managing associated large data sets.

• Experience generating and analyzing survey data and data from interviews, focus groups, and written artifacts from participants using qualitative and quantitative approaches
• Experience and/or willingness to work on interdisciplinary teams
• Excellent analytical skills
• Demonstrated ability to publish quality papers
• Strong communication & writing skills
• Demonstrated ability to mentor students and manage research projects
• Valid driver's license with a motor vehicle record (MVR) compliant with the University Vehicle Use Policy.  

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:  

• Strong trajectory of publishing in the peer-reviewed literature
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Experience working with and analyzing relevant data types
• Proficient with relevant mixed methods social science research software (e.g., MaxQDA, SPSS, Dedoose, etc.)
• Experience doing, studying, and/or offering training in science communication.
• Experience with highly collaborative research projects

REQUIRED MATERIALS:  

Complete the online application and upload the following application materials as a single pdf: (1) a detailed cover letter describing fit and interest in the position, (2) a CV, (3) contact information for four references, and (4) 1-3 representative publications or relevant work (e.g., lesson/training plans, scicomm outreach materials, etc.). Review of applications will begin November 17, 2025 and will continue until the position is filled.