Post-Doc: Biogeographic Science and Spatial Analysis for US Public Lands

Position summary 

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Fort Collins Science Center and USGS Biogeographic Science within the Science Synthesis, Analysis, and Research Program are seeking a PhD-level early career ecologist to contribute to a team that conducts science and spatial analyses for protected and conservation lands in the United States. The candidate will be provided with important research and training opportunities, joining an existing collaboration between USGS scientists and resource managers from across the Department of the Interior and beyond that seek to produce actionable science and data products that inform conservation, restoration, and management decisions and actions on and around U.S. public lands and protected areas.

USGS Biogeographic Science produces evidence-based information through scientific research, analysis of evidence and data, and synthesis of our knowledge on organisms and ecosystems. Information on biological taxonomy, conservation status, distribution, and mapping of biological communities and ecosystems enables planning and delivery of conservation, restoration, and stewardship of our lands and waters. Collaboration with practitioners improves efficacy of these information products.

The focus of this position will be to: 1) Use core USGS data products, including PAD-US, to conduct and publish science on the status and trend of public conservation lands and protected areas in the U.S., and 2) Develop and lead an interdisciplinary team of agency, academic, and other scientists, resource managers, and stakeholders to inform future direction of this line of science within USGS. Additional work may focus on protected areas classification and characterization, conservation effectiveness, or related, innovative directions of the candidate’s choosing. We anticipate a focus on geospatial analyses at the national scale. The position may also contribute to related projects focused on developing actionable science and data products to support decision-making on and around federal public lands. The candidate will work as part of a team under the direction of Dr. Sarah Carter at the USGS Fort Collins Science Center and Dr. Mark Wiltermuth in the Science Synthesis, Analysis, and Research Program with USGS Core Science Systems. 

Position qualifications 

Candidates must have completed a PhD degree in natural resources management, ecology, conservation, geography, or a related field to be eligible for consideration. Candidates must have completed their graduate degree within the last 12 months to be eligible for the position. Full-time in person work at the USGS Fort Collins Science Center in Fort Collins, Colorado, is preferred, but remote options will also be considered. Familiarity with conservation and natural resource management issues on U.S. public lands is strongly desired. Applicants with experience in geospatial analysis—including use of R, Python, ArcGIS, QGIS, or other spatial analysis platforms and workflows—are especially encouraged to apply. The ability to integrate spatial data with ecological theory and knowledge is preferred. Applicants must demonstrate excellent written and oral communication skills and a strong desire to research topics directly relevant to public land management in North America. Applicants should possess strong collaboration and time-management skills. Applicants must also be U.S. citizens and undergo a background check. 

This position will be hired as a student services contractor. Student Services Contractors participate in scientific research projects at USGS Science Centers across the U.S. and work directly with USGS scientists to gain hands-on experience in real-world science projects, build technical and professional skills, explore potential science careers and pathways, and receive mentorship from experienced scientists (https://www.usgs.gov/youth-and-education-in-science/student-services-contractors). Candidates will need to have an active SAMS account (System for Award Management, sam.gov) prior to appointment. 

How to apply 

To be considered, applicants must submit a complete application consisting of the following materials: 

• A cover letter describing your experience, qualifications, and interest in the position. Include in the cover letter the date you received, or anticipate receiving, your most recent degree.
• A resume or curriculum vitae (CV).
• A primary-authored, published writing sample.
• Undergraduate and graduate transcripts showing completion of your most recent degree (unofficial copies are fine). 
• Contact information for three professional references.

Please submit your application to Dr. Sarah Carter (skcarter@usgs.gov) as one compiled PDF file, and please write "Post-Doc: Biogeographic Science and Spatial Analysis for US Public Lands" in the email subject line. Please submit your application by Monday, June 15, 2026. Applicants are encouraged to submit materials early, as review may begin before the announcement closes; however, all applications received by the closing date will receive full consideration.