Job Details
Posting Number: G/R34451P
Working Title: Postdoc - van Rees
Department: Ecology-Odum School of Ecology
About the University of Georgia
Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university ( https://www.uga.edu/ ). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of…
Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.
Employment Type: Employee
Anticipated Start Date: 12/01/2026
Posting Date: 08/20/2026
Open Until Filled: Yes
Location of Vacancy: Athens Area
EOO Statement
The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).
USG Core Values Statement
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02.
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.
Duties/Responsibilities
The postdoctoral associate will work under the mentorship of Dr. Charles van Rees (Odum School of Ecology) and in collaboration with graduate students in the WWL and other faculty at UGA on (1) spatial ecological research on the relationship between terrestrial birds, wetlands, and riparian habitats, and (2) biodiversity accounting for Nature-based Solutions projects. Specific responsibilities include (a) accessing, processing, managing, and analyzing large datasets including river flow data, remote sensing imagery, and spatially explicit biodiversity data (e.g., eBird, NEON), (b) testing ecological hypotheses through quantitative spatial analysis, including via machine learning and Bayesian approaches, (c) developing browser-based decision-making tools from existing frameworks and publicly available datasets, and (d) leveraging and training Artificial Intelligence (AI) agents to support decision-making tool functionality. The successful candidate will interface with collaborators at partner institutions, lead group meetings, and mentor one or more graduate students in each project capacity. The postdoc will present the project results at national conferences and will engage with other career development opportunities on and off campus, such as teaching and other professional development (grant management, etc.) workshops whenever suitable. In addition to a PhD degree in Ecology, Biology, or other related fields and a strong publication record, competitive candidates must have proven abilities to conduct statistical analyses using publicly available large datasets and to work as part of a scientific team. Especially competitive candidates will have familiarity either with the concepts of Nature-based Solutions, biodiversity accounting or net-gain, and the IUCN Global Standard or with the ecology of riparian birds, emergent aquatic insects, or river systems. Experience and proficiency in Python and/or Javascript is required, and experience working with and developing AI-enabled decision-making tools is welcome and encouraged. Strong written and verbal communication skills are required. The candidate will be based in the Water and Wildlife Lab in the Odum School of Ecology at the University of Georgia, and will also be an affiliate of the Institute for Resilient Infrastructure Systems (IRIS; https://iris.uga.edu/) at UGA. The position will include retirement and health benefits. Interested candidates should apply online through UGA Jobs at https://www.ugajobsearch.com/postings/. Any questions about the position should be directed to Dr. Charles van Rees (Charles.vanrees@uga.edu). Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. The University of Georgia values diversity, and all qualified applicants are encouraged to apply. UGA is in Athens, GA, a vibrant mid-sized city renowned for its music scene, restaurants, and cultural opportunities
Percentage of time
100
Classification Title
Post-Doctoral Associate AD
FLSA
Exempt
FTE
1.0
Position Summary
The postdoctoral associate will work under the mentorship of Dr. Charles van Rees (Odum School of Ecology) and in collaboration with graduate students in the WWL and other faculty at UGA on (1) spatial ecological research on the relationship between terrestrial birds, wetlands, and riparian habitats, and (2) biodiversity accounting for Nature-based Solutions projects. Specific responsibilities include (a) accessing, processing, managing, and analyzing large datasets including river flow data, remote sensing imagery, and spatially explicit biodiversity data (e.g., eBird, NEON), (b) testing ecological hypotheses through quantitative spatial analysis, including via machine learning and Bayesian approaches, (c) developing browser-based decision-making tools from existing frameworks and publicly available datasets, and (d) leveraging and training Artificial Intelligence (AI) agents to support decision-making tool functionality. The successful candidate will interface with collaborators at partner institutions, lead group meetings, and mentor one or more graduate students in each project capacity. The postdoc will present the project results at national conferences and will engage with other career development opportunities on and off campus, such as teaching and other professional development (grant management, etc.) workshops whenever suitable. In addition to a PhD degree in Ecology, Biology, or other related fields and a strong publication record, competitive candidates must have proven abilities to conduct statistical analyses using publicly available large datasets and to work as part of a scientific team. Especially competitive candidates will have familiarity either with the concepts of Nature-based Solutions, biodiversity accounting or net-gain, and the IUCN Global Standard or with the ecology of riparian birds, emergent aquatic insects, or river systems. Experience and proficiency in Python and/or Javascript is required, and experience working with and developing AI-enabled decision-making tools is welcome and encouraged. Strong written and verbal communication skills are required. The candidate will be based in the Water and Wildlife Lab in the Odum School of Ecology at the University of Georgia, and will also be an affiliate of the Institute for Resilient Infrastructure Systems (IRIS; https://iris.uga.edu/) at UGA. The position will include retirement and health benefits. Interested candidates should apply online through UGA Jobs at https://www.ugajobsearch.com/postings/. Any questions about the position should be directed to Dr. Charles van Rees (Charles.vanrees@uga.edu). Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. The University of Georgia values diversity, and all qualified applicants are encouraged to apply. UGA is in Athens, GA, a vibrant mid-sized city renowned for its music scene, restaurants, and cultural opportunities
Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, Certification in Position:
Ph.D. degree in Ecology, Biology, or other related fields and a strong publication record.
Physical Demands:
Stand/Walk for long periods of time.
Lifting at least 30 pounds.
Driving.
Is this a Position of Trust?:
No
Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? :
No
Does this position require a P-Card? :
No
Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? :
No
Is driving a requirement of this position?:
Yes
Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?:
No
Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications):
No
Background Investigation Policy:
Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.
Contact Details:
For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.
Recruitment Contact Name: Charles van Rees
Recruitment Contact Email: charles.vanrees@uga.edu