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Postdoctoral Position Behavioral Ecology Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Pennsylvania State University

POSITION SPECIFICS The Pennsylvania State University Department of Plant Pathology and ... Research activities will include virus detection, indexing, characterization, and ecological ...

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Postdoctoral Position Behavioral Ecology information

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$25K

$59K

$83.5K

How much do postdoctoral position behavioral ecology jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral position behavioral ecology in the United States is $59,022.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,000.00 and $66,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by postdocs in behavioral ecology, and how can these be addressed?

Postdoctoral researchers in behavioral ecology often encounter challenges such as balancing fieldwork with data analysis, managing large datasets, and adapting to the collaborative nature of multidisciplinary teams. Navigating grant writing and publishing pressures can also be demanding. Proactively seeking mentorship, participating in lab meetings, and developing strong project management skills are effective ways to overcome these hurdles and enhance your research impact.

What is a postdoctoral position in behavioral ecology?

A postdoctoral position in behavioral ecology is a temporary research role, typically held after obtaining a Ph.D., focused on studying the behavior of animals in relation to their environment and evolutionary processes. Postdocs in this field design and conduct experiments, analyze data, and publish findings to advance scientific understanding of animal behavior. These positions often involve collaboration with other researchers, mentoring students, and contributing to the development of new research projects. The goal is to gain further research experience and professional development before pursuing permanent academic or industry positions.

What is the difference between Postdoctoral Position Behavioral Ecology vs Postdoctoral Position Conservation Biology?

AspectPostdoctoral Position Behavioral EcologyPostdoctoral Position Conservation Biology
Required CredentialsPh.D. in Ecology, Biology, or related field; research experience in animal behaviorPh.D. in Ecology, Biology, or related field; research experience in conservation methods
Work EnvironmentAcademic labs, field sites studying animal behaviorResearch institutions, field sites focused on species preservation
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutes, ecology-focused organizationsEnvironmental agencies, NGOs, research institutes

While both roles require a Ph.D. and research experience in ecology-related fields, a Postdoctoral Position Behavioral Ecology focuses on studying animal behavior and ecological interactions, often in natural settings. In contrast, a Postdoctoral Position Conservation Biology emphasizes strategies for species preservation and ecosystem management. Both roles are vital in ecological research but differ in their primary focus and application.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Postdoctoral Researcher in Behavioral Ecology, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Postdoctoral Researcher in Behavioral Ecology, you need a PhD in biology, ecology, or a related field, with a strong background in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific writing. Experience with statistical software (such as R), fieldwork technologies (like GPS tracking), and publishing peer-reviewed research is typically required. Strong communication, problem-solving abilities, and collaboration skills help you excel in multidisciplinary research teams and disseminate findings effectively. These competencies are crucial for conducting rigorous research, advancing scientific understanding, and building a successful academic career.
Infographic showing various Postdoctoral Position Behavioral Ecology job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,022 per year, or $28.4 per hour.
Postdoctoral Research Associate - Phytoplankton Ecology

Postdoctoral Research Associate - Phytoplankton Ecology

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

Corpus Christi, TX • On-site

$50K - $57K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Job Title
Postdoctoral Research Associate - Phytoplankton Ecology
Agency
Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi
Department
Harte Research Institute
Proposed Minimum Salary
Commensurate
Job Location
Corpus Christi, Texas
Job Type
Staff
Job Description
TAMU-CC is a dynamic university designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and Minority-Serving Institution (MSI) with approximately 11,000 students from 47 states and 54 foreign nations. We employ over 1,400 full-time and 2,000 part-time Islanders (including students/GAs). The University attracts highly talented faculty and staff and offers an array of undergraduate and graduate degrees, including doctoral programs. As a member of the Texas A&M University System, TAMU-CC benefits from a range of resources, increased visibility and influence, and opportunities to collaborate in mutually beneficial ways with peers across member institutions and associated agencies.
TAMU-CC's beautiful campus is located on a 240-acre island on Corpus Christi Bay and was ranked #1 College by the Sea by Best College Reviews. Our natural setting is enhanced by its modern, attractive, and state-of-the-art classroom buildings and support facilities.
PURPOSE
A postdoctoral research associate position is available in the Coastal Water Health lab at the Harte Research Institute. The postdoctoral researcher will conduct research under the auspices of a new NOAA ECOHAB grant that focuses on understanding dynamics of Aureoumbra lagunensis ("brown tide") blooms in the Baffin Bay-Upper Laguna Madre ecosystem of Texas. The postdoctoral researcher will gain experience in project management, project development, mentoring (of undergraduate/graduate students) and stakeholder engagement. Opportunities also exist for comparative analysis of phytoplankton dynamics between estuarine systems that vary in e.g., freshwater inflow, nutrient loadings, etc.
DESCRIPTION
Functional Area 1: Project Coordination
Percent Effort: 10%
  • Coordinate project activities in collaboration with PI, Co-PIs and assigned staff
  • Implement project activities

Functional Area 2: Data Acquisition
Percent Effort: 40%
  • Participate in field and laboratory-based project activities to acquire data
  • Process and analyze samples collected
  • Develop new techniques as appropriate for project

Functional Area 3: Research and Data Analysis
Percent Effort: 40%
  • Analyze water quality data
  • Submit data to a data manager in a timely manner
  • Publish results in peer reviewed journals and present at local/national/international meetings.

Functional Area 4: Research Development
Percent Effort: 10%
  • Develop new avenues of research
  • Submit grant applications to support new avenues of research

QUALIFICATIONS
  • Ph.D. in Marine Science or related field
  • Experience with phytoplankton identification, preferably including marine taxa.
  • Fundamental knowledge of phytoplankton ecology
  • Intermediate skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including experience communicating scientific findings to a broad audience.
  • Desire to work with a broad spectrum of collaborators, managers, and stakeholders.
  • Experience with project management and ability to meet project goals in a timely manner.
  • Ability to participate in field work under occasional harsh conditions such as heat and wind
  • Experience with appropriate statistical techniques for analyzing time-series data and community structure data

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Experience with R software packages

SALARY: $4,166.67 - $4,791.67 Monthly ($50,000 - $57,500 Annually Approximately)
NOTE:
  • This a grant-funded position. Continued employment contingent upon available funding
  • Employment may be impacted by the Presidential proclamation issued on September 19, 2025 and the moratorium issued by Texas Governor Abbott on January 27, 2026.

BENEFITS (rules, policies, eligibility apply)
From our generous benefits package and professional development opportunities, to our retirement programs and our commitment to service excellence, the Island University is an 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

DUAL CAREER PARTNER PROGRAM
ON-CAMPUS WELLNESS OPPORTUNITIES
Work Life Solutions:
  • Counseling, Work Life Assistance, Financial Resources, and Legal Resources

Tuition Benefits:
  • Public Loan Forgiveness
  • Book scholarships
  • 100% tuition coverage for up to 18 credit hours per fiscal year (other rules may apply).

Retirement:
  • Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) or Optional Retirement Plan (ORP)
  • Voluntary Tax Deferred Account/Deferred Compensation Plan

Time Off:
  • 8+ hours of vacation paid time off every month.
  • 8 hours of sick leave time off every month.
  • 8 hours of paid time off for Birthday leave.
  • 12-15 paid holidays each year.

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/Disability Employer.

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