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JOB SUMMARY

The Species Interactions & Global Change Research Group at the University of Connecticut invites applications for a full-time Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the group and contribute to an interdisciplinary research program at the intersection of biological invasions, ecology, and artificial intelligence (AI).

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The successful candidate will develop and apply AI approaches to improve prediction of biological invasions across species, ecosystems, and geographic regions. The project will emphasize the development and evaluation of probabilistic and interpretable machine-learning models, including approaches for uncertainty quantification, model calibration, and transferability. The Postdoc will also contribute to the development of reproducible computational workflows and tools that can support ecological forecasting and invasion-risk assessment.

The Postdoc will work under the mentorship of Dr. Julissa Rojas-Sandoval and collaborate with an interdisciplinary network of researchers in invasion ecology, data science, and AI. The position offers considerable opportunity for intellectual independence, development of new research directions, publication of high-impact papers, participation in international collaborations, and mentoring of graduate and undergraduate researchers.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Ph.D. in Ecology, Environmental Science, Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Geography, or a closely related field, completed by the start date.
• Research experience analyzing ecological, biodiversity, or environmental datasets.
• Demonstrated quantitative and computational skills.
• Experience conducting independent research and contributing to peer-reviewed publications.
• Demonstrated written and oral communication, and collaborative skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Programming skills in Python and/or R, including experience developing reproducible and well-documented analytical workflows.
• Experience applying machine learning and/or advanced statistical modeling to ecological, environmental, or biological questions.
• Experience with probabilistic ML, interpretable AI, uncertainty quantification, model calibration, transfer learning, domain adaptation, causal inference, or ensemble modeling.
• Experience with large datasets, spatial analysis, GIS, and integrating multiple ecological data sources.
• Experience with reproducible research, version control, or high-performance/cloud computing.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time, 12-month Postdoctoral Research Associate position at the University of Connecticut. The position may be renewed annually based on satisfactory performance and availability of funds for up to 2 years. Salary and benefits will be commensurate with University guidelines and the applicable collective bargaining agreement.  Other rights and terms and conditions of your appointment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace, and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW), Local 6950. 

The preferred start date is early in the Spring 2027 semester, although some flexibility may be possible.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at Faculty and Staff Positions, Search #499868 to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references. Applicants must clearly demonstrate how they meet the stated minimum qualifications, and any preferred qualifications they may possess, in their application materials.

Review of applications will begin on November 15, 2026, and continue until the position is filled.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics.

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The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, age, sex, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disabilities, veteran’s status, status as a victim of domestic violence and/or sexual assault and/or trafficking in persons as defined by Connecticut law, prior conviction of a crime, workplace hazards to the reproductive systems, or gender identity or expression.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO employer including for Disability and Veteran status.