Postdoctoral Scholar: Quantitative Vegetation or Spatial Ecology / Species Distribution Modelling

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Easteron Oregon Agriculture Research Center-Union

Union or La Grande, Oregon

Job Type: Postdoc

Salary: Stipend and benefits conform with postdoctoral scholar standards at OSU

Start / End Dates: January 2026

Position Summary: The Eastern Oregon Agriculture Research Center- Union Experiment Station at Oregon State University (Dr. Bryan Endress), the Pacific Northwest Research Station of US Forest Service in La Grande, Oregon (Dr. Bryan Stevens), are soliciting applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar as part of a collaborative effort to model the distribution of culturally and ecological significant plant species (e.g. Vaccinium spp., Lomatium spp., etc.) in the Blue Mountains ecoregion and examine how environmental, ecological and management factors influence abundance and distribution. This work is in close partnership with the Department of Natural Resources of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. The anticipated start date is January 2026, and support is available for a minimum of 2 years subject to an adequate performance review after 12 months. The position is located in northeastern Oregon at either the OSU Union Experiment Station (Union, OR) or the Forestry and Range Sciences Lab of PNW Research Station (La Grande, OR). The successful candidate will join a vibrant multidisciplinary research community with numerous opportunities for collaborative research, student (graduate and undergraduate) mentoring, and outreach.

 

Position Duties:
  • 65% Developing species distribution models from existing datasets; collecting additional field data as needed to support model development; writing manuscripts for publications.
  • 15% Supervising and mentoring technicians, undergraduate and graduate students.
  • 15% Professional development / independent research outside the scope of this position.
  • 5% Service.

 

Stipend and benefits conform with postdoctoral scholar standards at OSU: https://hr.oregonstate.edu/employees/stipends-postdoc-scholars

Qualifications / Experience Level Required:

Minimum/Required Qualifications
  • PhD in Ecology, Biology, Natural Resources, Statistical Ecology or related field with a strong quantitative and/or modelling background;
  • Proficiency in applied statistical and spatial ecology and modeling, data analysis, and working with large datasets;
  • Knowledge and experience with statistical/programing software (e.g. R, JAGS, Python) and GIS software (e.g. ArcGIS, Google Earth Engine);
  • Record of success conducting research, evidenced by publication in peer-reviewed journals;
  • Demonstrated the ability to be both an independent and motivated problem solver and collaborative team member in an interdisciplinary environment;
  • Demonstrated ability in planning, designing, executing, and coordinating research as part of a collaborative team;
  • Evidence of creativity, productivity, strong oral and written communication abilities that allows for working effectively as a member of a team.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Demonstrated experience partnering and/or collaborating with indigenous and/or tribal partners (governments, agencies, communities, etc.);
  • Experience in and knowledge of Traditional Ecological Knowledge / Indigenous Knowledge, ethics related to knowledge co-production and collaborating with indigenous partners;
  • Knowledge of and experience with theory and application of Bayesian statistics, hierarchical modeling, predictive and inferential statistical modeling methods, and multi-scale species distribution and habitat modeling
  • Working knowledge of ecosystems, disturbance dynamics, plant communities and plant species of the interior Pacific Northwest, USA.

Instructions to Applicants:
Interested candidates should create a single PDF file that contains:
  • a cover letter that describes their interest and their relevant skills and experience;
  • a curriculum vitae (CV);
  • two examples of peer-reviewed publications; and
  • the names and contact information of three references who may be contacted.

Contact:

Dr. Bryan Endress

541-962-3115

bryan.endress@oregonstate.edu

Apply for This Position: bryan.endress@oregonstate.edu

Application Closes: 11/01/25

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