Join the Sound Forest Lab!

In the Sound Forest Lab, we do ecology and conservation research with a focus on the tropical forests. The Sound Forest Lab is based at the University of Wisconsin Madison, in two departments: The Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology and The Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies. This is what Madison looks like:

Post-Doctorate Position in Phenological Shifts in Animal Communities using Community Science

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: We are seeking a post-doctoral researcher to join an exciting study on how understory forest phenology impacts seasonal shifts in mammal and bird communities over broad scales. The post-doc will focus on the analysis of camera trap data from a community science program, SnapShot Wisconsin (https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/research/projects/snapshot), to (1) model phenological transitions in mammal and bird communities across Wisconsin; (2) integrate new ground-level estimates of snow cover dynamics, vegetation greening, and microclimates; (3) help state agencies integrate phenological metrics into conservation efforts. Our broader goal is to integrate advanced remote sensing with ground-level estimates of forest phenology to better capture seasonal shifts in animal communities. The post-doc may have opportunities to engage with the project’s community scientists via targeted data products, data interpretation workshops, and other science communication avenues. In addition, we are monitoring forest soundscapes with autonomous recording units; the post-doc may have opportunities to incorporate bioacoustic data into phenological analyses. This is a NASA-funded project in the Forest and Wildlife Ecology department at UW-Madison and in collaboration with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The post-doc would be co-advised by Drs. Benjamin Zuckerberg and Zuzana Burivalova and work as part of a larger team.

REQUIREMENTS: Minimum requirements include: 1) a Ph.D. in ecology, conservation biology, biostatistics, or related field; 2) knowledge of principles and methods of ecosystem shifts; 3) demonstrated proficiency in R statistical programming and spatial analysis; 4) demonstrated desire and proficiency to publish in scientific journals; 5) ability to communicate (oral and in print) research findings to multiple audiences. The successful candidate should have excellent written and personal communication skills and be able to work collaboratively in a group setting. Preferred skills include experience in working with camera trap data, remote sensing products, managing spatial environmental data, skills in species distribution modeling, and proven success working with agency personnel.

UNIVERSITY: The University of Wisconsin-Madison is one of the major research universities in the United States. UW-Madison has a long history of excellence in ecology, conservation biology, zoology, and remote sensing science. Madison, Wisconsin consistently ranks as one of the best places in the United States to live, work, and study. It is Wisconsin’s capital city, with a vibrant population of approximately 270,000 that combines small town charm with a nice variety of leisure and cultural opportunities.

SALARY AND CONDITIONS: The duration of the appointment is 18 months with potential for extension, and the position can start as soon as September 1, 2026. The salary is $58,000 per year plus benefits. Reimbursement for relocation expenses is not available.

APPLICATION/CONTACT INFORMATION: Application review will begin on May 11, 2026. Candidates should send a well-crafted cover letter summarizing their research interests and reason for applying, CV, and contact information for three references. Your application will be read directly by the search committee, and we suggest that applicants personalize their cover letter without using generative AI, as this tends to produce applications that are similar, rather than reflecting the candidate’s unique skills and experiences. All applications (e-mailed as a single PDF file) should be sent to Wyatt Cummings (wjcummings@wisc.edu) with the subject heading “PostDoc Application”.