Postdoctoral Researcher – Wildlife Ecology: The Gaynor Lab at the University of British Columbia (UBC) is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to lead a self-directed project that integrates artificial intelligence (AI) and wildlife ecology. This position is supported by the AI for Biodiversity Change (ABC) Global Center, an initiative connecting ecologists and computer scientists across six universities in the U.S. and Canada to develop AI-driven approaches for understanding biodiversity changes due to environmental impacts.
Postdoctoral Researcher – Bridging AI and Wildlife Ecology
Designation:
Postdoctoral Researcher
Research Area:
Artificial Intelligence, Wildlife Ecology, Biodiversity Monitoring, Data Science
Location:
Biodiversity Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
Eligibility/Qualification:
- Ph.D. in ecology, computer science, or a related discipline.
- Strong computational background.
- Prior experience applying AI tools for biodiversity monitoring.
Job Description:
The selected postdoctoral researcher will develop an independent research project within the broad theme of AI and wildlife ecology. Potential research areas include but are not limited to:
- Developing algorithms to extract ecological data from raw sensor inputs (e.g., camera traps, acoustic recorders).
- Utilizing AI methodologies to analyze the effects of human disturbances on wildlife populations and communities.
- Collaborating with members of the Gaynor Lab and ABC Global Center on large-scale data synthesis, meta-analyses, and field studies in Canada, the U.S., Mozambique, and Nepal.
- Engaging with interdisciplinary research communities at UBC, including the Departments of Zoology and Botany, the Data Science Institute, and the Interdisciplinary Biodiversity Collaboratory.
This is a full-time, in-person position with a salary of $70,000 CAD annually, plus standard UBC postdoctoral fellow benefits. The initial appointment is for one year, with the possibility of renewal for a second year based on satisfactory progress. The preferred start date is September 1, 2025, though this is flexible.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should email kaitlyn.gaynor@ubc.ca with the subject line “ABC Postdoc Application” and attach:
- A CV
- A two-page cover letter outlining:
- Relevant qualifications and fit for the position.
- Proposed research questions and approaches.
Last Date to Apply:
Applications submitted by April 15, 2025, will receive full consideration.
For more information about the research focus, visit Gaynor Lab and ABC Global Center.
