Ecologist Associate Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Job Title
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Agency
Texas A&M University - Kingsville
Department
Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute
Proposed Minimum Salary
Commensurate
Job Location
Kingsville, Texas
Job Type
Staff
Job Description
About Texas A&M University-Kingsville
Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK), the oldest institution of higher learning in South Texas and a proud member of the Texas A&M University System, stands as the region's premier university. TAMUK offers the widest range of academic programs and degrees in South Texas, provides exceptional learning and residential facilities, conducts impactful research, awards substantial scholarships, and has awarded more than 80,000 degrees in the institution's 100-year history. The university is recognized for its unwavering commitment to student success, meaningful research, and deep community engagement. With a welcoming campus culture and strong regional partnerships, TAMUK offers faculty and staff a unique opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of students and the broader South Texas region.
Location: The University is located in historic Kingsville, a friendly, safe city of 25,000 that is the home of the legendary King Ranch. Corpus Christi and its beaches are just 40 miles to the northeast, and the border with Mexico is 120 miles to the south at Brownsville or 119 miles to the west at Laredo.
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Position Overview
The Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute (CKWRI) at Texas A&M University-Kingsville seeks a highly motivated, independent Postdoctoral Research associate in wildlife Ecology to join a collaborative research program at the intersection of quantitative ecology, wildlife disease, and behavioral ecology. This position is designed for an independent researcher who will take ownership of their research program, manage their own productivity, contribute to lab operations, and actively mentor graduate students. The successful candidate will conduct research aligned with one or more active areas including quantitative disease ecology, population ecology, and behavioral ecology of large mammals, with strong emphasis on data-driven and quantitative approaches to ecological questions. Position is based in Kingsville, Texas and is a 1-year position based on grant funding.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Research and Analysis

• Conduct independent research in one or more of the following areas: quantitative disease ecology (chronic wasting disease dynamics in white-tailed deer), population ecology (population modeling and demographic analysis), or behavioral ecology of large mammals (camera trap and telemetry data analysis)

• Develop and apply epidemiological models, structured population models, spatial models, or Bayesian approaches to address ecological and management questions

• Analyze large, complex ecological datasets including long-term population dynamics data, camera trap data, and telemetry datasets

• Produce research outputs commensurate with career stage, including peer-reviewed publications and presentations

Mentorship and Collaboration

• Provide active mentorship to graduate students in research design, quantitative methods, and professional development

• Assist with and volunteer on graduate student field projects across South Texas
• Engage collaboratively with lab members and contribute to a supportive research culture

• Participate in external collaborations and pursue opportunities for new project development

Lab Operations and Management

• Take ownership of research program management and maintain productivity with minimal supervision

• Contribute meaningfully to lab operations and operational responsibilities
• Manage research timelines, data management protocols, and project deliverables

• Coordinate with stakeholders including faculty, students, land managers, and external partners

Field Support and Engagement

• Participate in field operations across South Texas working rangelands as needed

• Assist graduate students with fieldwork logistics and data collection activities

• Demonstrate comfort and competence in field settings, including work in variable weather conditions.

Other Duties

• The above represents the major duties, responsibilities, and authorities of this job, and is not intended to be a complete list of all tasks and functions. Other duties may be assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Education - Ph.D. in ecology, wildlife biology, epidemiology, statistics, or a related field
• Experience - Two years of related experience, demonstrated research independence and productivity with publications commensurate with career stage.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with epidemiological modeling, disease spread and transmission dynamics, or wildlife disease ecology

• Experience with structured population models, spatial epidemiology, or Bayesian statistical approaches
• Background in population modeling, demographic analysis, or human-wildlife dynamics
• Experience with camera trap data analysis, telemetry data, movement ecology, or behavioral ecology
• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals
• Experience mentoring undergraduate or graduate students
• Demonstrated ability to manage large datasets and complex quantitative analyses
• Experience working in field settings and comfort with fieldwork logistics
• Familiarity with white-tailed deer ecology or ungulate population dynamics

• Experience working on private lands or in applied conservation contexts

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong quantitative and statistical skills with proficiency in R, Python, or similar programming languages
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and manage complex research projects
• Excellent written and oral communication skills suitable for manuscript preparation and scientific presentations
• Ability to mentor and train graduate students effectively
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to positively and professionally interact with students, collaborators, land managers, and stakeholders
• Knowledge of ecological modeling approaches including population models, disease models, or spatial models
• Ability to analyze and synthesize large, complex datasets
• Ability to work cooperatively in a team-based research environment
• Strong problem-solving skills and capacity for critical thinking
• Willingness to engage in field-based research activities

Other Requirements
Physical Requirement

• Ability to work outdoors exposed to various weather conditions, potential allergens, and heat in South Texas field settings

• Ability to travel independently to field sites and remote locations across South Texas by driving
• Ability to lift, carry, and transport field equipment and research materials up to 50 lbs with assistance
• Ability to work in variable terrain including rangelands, brush country, and remote field sites

• Some physical activity associated with assisting graduate student field projects including walking extended distances and working in outdoor conditions

Other Requirements and Factors

• This position is security sensitive
• This position will require export-control authorization prior to starting employment.
• This position requires compliance with state and federal laws/codes and Texas A&M University System/TAMU policies, regulations, rules and procedures
• All tasks and job responsibilities must be performed safely without injury to self or others in compliance with System and University safety requirements

• This position may require up to 25% or more travel to field sites across South Texas and to professional conferences

• This position may require work beyond normal office hours and/or work on weekends, particularly during field seasons and critical project periods

• This position is funded from grant and/or contract funding, which is renewed through provisions of the grantor of the contract. Therefore, this position is contingent upon continuation of funding from these grants and/or contracts, as well as satisfactory job performance.

Why Join the Javelina Nation?
Texas A&M University-Kingsville offers a supportive, mission-driven culture focused on excellence in teaching, research, and service. All employees enjoy:

• A welcoming campus community
• Opportunities for professional development
• Competitive benefits through the Texas A&M University System
• A rewarding experience of helping students achieve their academic and career goals

Shared Values: TAMUK employees uphold the Shared Values of Care, Integrity, Pride, Innovation, and Excellence, which form the foundation of the University's culture and guide its strategic plan. More information on TAMUK's Strategic Plan and Shared Values can be found here.
4DX: TAMUK employees actively engage in Franklin Covey's 4 Disciplines of Execution (4DX) activities within their departments. TAMUK utilizes 4DX as the framework for pursuing strategic goals by creating a culture of high performance. This requires participation from all faculty and staff. More information on 4DX can be found here.
Caring Campus: TAMUK employees embody the Institute for Evidence Based Change's Caring Campus mindset, maintaining a collegial and caring attitude towards students and each other to foster student engagement and a positive, collaborative work environment. More information on Caring Campus can be found here.
Compensation & Benefits
Compensation: Commensurate with experience
Texas A&M University-Kingsville offers a career filled with purpose and opportunity in addition to competitive wages. In addition to base pay, TAMUK provides eligible employees a comprehensive Total Rewards package designed to support employees' well-being, professional growth, and financial security.
BENEFITS (rules, policies, eligibility apply)
With our generous benefit package, robust professional development opportunities, strong retirement programs, and dedication to service excellence, TAMUK is a truly engaging and rewarding place to work.
Insurance:

• Medical
  
  • $0 - $30 per month for Employee Only coverage after university contribution ($920 value).
  • Up to 83% of premium covered by the university:
    
    • Employee and Spouse
    • Employee and Children
    • Employee and Family coverage
• Dental & Vision
• Life Insurance, Accidental D&D, Long Term Disability, Flexible Spending Account and Day Care Spending Account

On-Campus Wellness Opportunities:

• TAMUK's Wellness Program is designed to enrich lives through health and wellness programming that is meaningful and impactful.

Work Life Solutions:

• Counseling, Work Life Assistance, Financial Resources, and Legal Resources

Tuition Benefits:

• Employee Tuition Assistance Program
• Book scholarships
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Retirement:

• Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) or Optional Retirement Plan (ORP), dependent on position
• Voluntary Tax Deferred Account/Deferred Compensation Plan

Employee Leave:

• 8+ hours of vacation per month
• 8 hours of sick leave per month
• 8 hours of paid Birthday leave
• 12-15 paid holidays per year

Additional Information
A federal proclamation issued on September 19, 2025, imposes a $100,000 fee on new H-1B petitions filed after September 21, 2025. Texas A&M University-Kingsville will not pay this fee. If immigration sponsorship may be required for employment, consult with private immigration counsel, at the individual's expense, is recommended to determine whether the individual's current immigration status would make a potential offer of employment from Texas A&M University-Kingsville subject to this fee.
In addition, on January 27, 2026, Texas Governor Abbott issued a moratorium on the filing of any new H-1B petitions unless approved by the Texas Workforce Commission. Accordingly, if sponsorship for employment visa status is required now or in the future, this moratorium may affect the university's ability to employ the selected final candidate. TAMUK will adhere to applicable regulations regarding visa opportunities.
Application Instructions
During the application process applicants have one opportunity to enter the requested information, upload documents and submit the application. Applicants will not be able to make changes or add additional documents once the application materials have been submitted via "Submit" action.
Employment applications must include:

• Completed online application
• Cover Letter/Letter of Interest addressing qualifications
• Curriculum Vitae or Resume
• Contact information for 3 professional references

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution's verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution's procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.
Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disabilit