Postdoctoral Research Fellow, SNAPP

GLOBAL CONSERVATION

Position: Postdoctoral Research Fellow, SNAPP

Reports to: Director, Conservation Planning (WCS)

Academic Co-Supervisor: Bryan Jones, Baruch College, CUNY

Position Managed: None

Location: Flexible (United States or United Kingdom)

Country Program/Sector: Global Conservation Program

Scope: Global

Position Type: Full-Time, Fixed Term (18 Months), with the possibility of extension subject to funding availability

Candidates outside United States will be considered under WCS local hiring package.

Job Summary:

The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) seeks a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join an interdisciplinary working group examining the consequences of human climate migration for biodiversity and opportunities for coexistence with priority wildlife species in four focal countries: Colombia, Tanzania, Mongolia, and China.

Funded by the Science for Nature and People Partnership (SNAPP), his project will explore how climate-driven migration and population change may affect biodiversity globally and will help inform conservation, development, migration, and climate adaptation planning. The Fellow will conduct independent research and coordinate an international working group of experts from across the focal countries and beyond.

Major Responsibilities:

Independent Research (75%)

• Conduct a global assessment to identify hotspots where projected human climate migration and population growth overlap with important areas for biodiversity and ecosystem services.
• Conduct regional assessments evaluating the impacts and opportunities of migration and population change for the conservation of priority species in four focal landscapes.
• Review and synthesize literature related to migration, population growth, governance, climate adaptation, and natural resource management.
• Integrate and analyze global and regional datasets, including projections of human climate migration, biodiversity, protected areas, Key Biodiversity Areas, critical natural assets, ecological integrity, and human population growth.
• Develop frameworks to support engagement with communities and policymakers and inform conservation, development, migration, and adaptation planning efforts.
• Prepare scientific manuscripts, reports, presentations, and other project deliverables.
• Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals and communicate results to scientific and practitioner audiences.

SNAPP Working Group Coordination (25%)

• Coordinate an international SNAPP working group consisting of more than 20 experts in biodiversity, sustainability, migration, and resource management.
• Organize and facilitate regular virtual meetings and coordinate site-based meetings in Colombia, Tanzania, Mongolia, and China.
• Incorporate regional insights, data, and priorities into project analyses and resilience planning efforts.
• Foster collaboration and communication among working group members and project partners.
• Support project reporting and other SNAPP-related activities and deliverables.
• Participate in SNAPP mentorship, training, and networking opportunities.