New Postdoc position: A case study in species introduction for conservation – an assessment of lynx reintroduction on Isle Royale National Park
Overview: Reintroducing carnivores has become a conservation priority to restore ecosystems, however, these efforts rarely include robust assessments on the likelihood of a successful restoration program, as well as an understanding of how repatriated species will interact with contemporary ecosystems. Once a thriving native species on Isle Royale National Park (Minong), lynx were extirpated a century ago. With growing interest in lynx reestablishment to Isle Royale, we have a unique opportunity to evaluate the implications of potential lynx restoration to the ecological integrity of Isle Royale National Park and the donor population on the adjacent mainland. This project proposes to build a scientific framework to determine whether reintroducing lynx to Isle Royale is feasible and beneficial for the island’s ecosystem, as well as the donor ecosystem. Our framework is anticipated to be applicable to broader regional conservation goals for lynx and for carnivore reintroductions globally.
We are seeking one post-doctoral associate to evaluate i) Habitat Suitability: evaluate whether Isle Royale can support a viable lynx population; ii) Population Viability and Genetic Health: assess the long-term sustainability of a reintroduced lynx population, including the risks of genetic erosion; iii) Community Impacts: predict how lynx reintroduction will influence Isle Royale’s predator-prey dynamics and broader mammalian community. Simultaneously, we will examine the potential impacts on the mainland source population, on the Grand Portage Indian Reservation, to ensure minimal disruption. The Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa are culturally affiliated with Minong, the Anishinaabe place name for Isle Royale, and have practiced stewardship of natural resources on Minong and the north shore of Minnesota for millennia.
To accomplish this work, we will leverage existing data and ecological modeling to map habitat suitability and model population dynamics on Isle Royale and in Grand Portage, simulate genetic and demographic scenarios for both island and mainland populations, and analyze the cascading effects of lynx reintroduction on the current ecological communities. This position will be based in the Pauli Lab (https://pauli.russell.wisc.edu/) in the Department of Forestry and Wildlife at the University of Wisconsin -Madison under the supervision of Dr. Jonathan Pauli. They will also work closely with biologists at Isle Royale National Park and Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.
The postdoctoral position is for 1.5 years. The appointment will be as a research associate. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience, and health benefits are included. The position is available immediately, and we seek to fill it by September 1st 2026, but a later start date is negotiable. Review of applicants will begin immediately, but the positions will remain open until a suitable candidate is found. Applications received by January 31st are guaranteed consideration.
Qualifications: We seek candidates who work well in a collaborative setting and have excellent communication and writing skills. Good English writing and verbal communication skills, as well as the ability to work in a team, are essential. Candidates should have demonstrated skills in the processing and handling of datasets, especially as it relates to population and community dynamics of wildlife. Applicants for the post-doc position must have completed their Ph.D. at the time of appointment and have published in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
To apply: Please submit your application here: Postdoc position: Lynx Reintroduction
Submitting an application includes filling out a small survey and takes approximately 15 minutes. It requires contact information for three references, and to upload in PDF format:
- a 2-page cover letter summarizing research interests and experiences
- a Curriculum Vitae
- two representative articles (as a single PDF)
- Reference letters and official transcripts will only be required for shortlisted candidates.
The position is open to both U.S. citizens, and international citizens. UW-Madison will assist with visa applications as necessary for those selected for the positions.
UW-Madison is a major research university in the United States ranking consistently among the top ten university in research expenditures among all U.S. universities. Total student enrollment is 55,000 of which 12,000 are graduate and professional students, and there are over 2,200 faculty. It is an exciting place to learn and conduct research. The university has a long history of excellence in ecology, conservation biology, and remote sensing.
The city of Madison ranks as one of the top places in the U.S. to live and work. For information about campus and city, please see http://www.wisc.edu/about/
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. We promote excellence through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.