Postdoctoral Researcher

About the Job

The University of Minnesota seeks three postdoctoral researchers to
work collaboratively with Drs. John Fieberg, Gretchen Hansen, and
Jake Walsh on funded projects examining the ecosystem effects of
invasive aquatic plants and their management. Together, the
projects will evaluate the benefits, costs, and ecological
tradeoffs of invasive aquatic plant treatments and support
management decisions under uncertainty.

We seek researchers with strong analytical skills and complementary
expertise. Relevant approaches include causal inference, structured
decision making, state-space modeling, and hierarchical Bayesian
modeling. Applicants are not expected to have expertise in all of
these approaches. We will consider how candidates’ strengths
contribute to a group capable of addressing the projects’ shared
analytical, ecological, and collaborative needs.

The three researchers will work together, share methods and
ecological expertise, and collaborate with managers, practitioners,
and other partners. Each will have primary research
responsibilities, with opportunities to contribute across projects
based on their expertise and interests. The positions offer
opportunities for collaborative mentorship across the three faculty
labs and the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research
Center.

Work Schedule and Length of Appointment:

• M-F, 8:00-4:30;
• Anticipated length of appointment will be 1/1/2027 through

12/31/2028.

Research areas

The group will address three connected areas:

• Causal effects of invasive plants and their management: Develop

and apply causal inference methods to estimate ecological effects
from observational lake and management data.

• Aquatic plant responses and adaptive management: Analyze

statewide data from more than 6,000 aquatic plant surveys and
hundreds of management treatments to evaluate effects on native and
invasive plants. Develop practical, statistically sound approaches
to guide future monitoring.

• Decision analysis and native species conservation: Work with

partners to compare management alternatives, evaluate tradeoffs for
invasive plant control and native fish and plant conservation, and
identify uncertainties that matter most to management
decisions.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities will be assigned across the three positions
according to project needs and the complementary strengths of the
successful candidates. They will include:

• Lead substantial quantitative analyses, including selecting

appropriate methods, developing models, evaluating assumptions, and
interpreting results (50%)

• Work with partners to define relevant questions and produce

findings and tools that support adaptive invasive aquatic plant
management (20%)

• Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals, present to

scientific and management audiences, and mentor students (20%)

• Contribute to teaching and training. (10%)

Depending on their interests, researchers may also have
opportunities to develop proposals for future funding.

Qualifications

Required

• A PhD in ecology, fisheries, aquatic science, statistics,

applied mathematics, decision science, natural resource management,
or a related field by the start date.

• Demonstrated experience conducting quantitative analyses and

developing or applying statistical or decision models.

• Ability to lead analytical work independently and collaborate

effectively across disciplines.

• Strong organizational and written and oral communication

skills.

Preferred

We welcome applicants with experience in one or more of the
following areas:

• Causal inference using observational data.
• Structured decision making, decision modeling, sensitivity

analysis, or value of information.

• State-space models or hierarchical Bayesian models.
• Aquatic ecology, aquatic plant biology, or aquatic invasive

species management.

• Ecological survey design, occupancy modeling, or community

analysis.

• Partner engagement, meeting facilitation, or collaborative

research with management organizations.

• Teaching, training, or student mentorship.

We seek complementary strengths across the three hires.
Applicants need not meet every desired qualification and should
describe their strongest areas of expertise and interests in
collaboration. We welcome candidates who will contribute to a
supportive and inclusive research environment.

About the Department

The Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology in
the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences at
the University of Minnesota conducts interdisciplinary research,
teaching, and outreach focused on the conservation and management
of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $72,000 - $75,000 ; depending on
education/qualifications/experience

Please visit the Benefits for Postdoctoral Candidates website for more
information regarding benefit eligibility.

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional

training

• Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling

at no cost

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this
position, please click the Apply button and follow the
instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online
application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume
or CV.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please
e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity
and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its
employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is
committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying
identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and
opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without
regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender,
age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran
status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful
completion of a background check. Our presumption is that
prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal
convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from
employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the
largest public research universities in the country, offering
undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of
opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one
of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities,
students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from
extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers,
international corporations, government agencies, and arts,
nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by
Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer
for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State
(2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence &
Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life
flexibility.