Postdoctoral Researcher Wyoming Toad Recovery Challenge Grant University of Wyoming | Laramie, Wyoming Background The Wyoming toad (Anaxyrus baxteri) is a critically endangered species endemic to the Laramie Basin. Once abundant through the 1950s and 1960s, the species underwent severe population declines beginning in the 1970s until the last known wild individuals were brought into captivity in the 1990s to establish a managed breeding program. Although individuals from the captive breeding program have been reintroduced into the wild, self-sustaining wild breeding populations have not yet been reestablished. Ongoing research and monitoring are assessing the status of wild populations, including the ecological effects of vegetation management treatments. This position offers an exceptional opportunity to lead novel scientific inquiry contributing directly to the recovery of one of North America's rarest amphibians. Location This position is based at the University of Wyoming in Laramie, Wyoming. Field research will be conducted at Mortenson Lake National Wildlife Refuge (approximately 15 miles southwest of Laramie) and at multiple Safe Harbor reintroduction sites throughout the Laramie Basin. Position Description The Postdoctoral Researcher will lead field and laboratory research efforts focused on Wyoming toad population ecology, disease dynamics, and reintroduction success. This is a research leadership role requiring independent scientific research, strong publication record, and demonstrated ability to supervise field personnel. Specific responsibilities include: - Leading and developing field research protocols, including population monitoring, survival analyses, and assessment of implementation outcomes. - Leading disease ecology scientific investigations, including experimental Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) exposure trials, treatment protocols, and culture maintenance) - Directing on-site toad Bd exposure, treatment, and microbiome inoculation to assist recovery efforts. - Conducting and supervising systematic surveys for non-captive Wyoming toads across refuge and Safe Harbor sites - Overseeing Bd swabbing protocols and conducting laboratory analyses (Bd and microbiome) - Mentoring and supervising field technicians; providing leadership and quality control for all data collection; potential to mentor undergraduate researchers - Managing data pipelines, ensuring data integrity, and leading quantitative analyses - Preparing peer-reviewed manuscripts, technical reports, and recovery documents - Communicating and collaborating with USFWS, Wyoming toad recovery partners, and cooperating landowners - Contributing to strategic planning for Wyoming toad species recovery - Other research duties as assigned Required Qualifications - MS (researcher) or PhD (postdoc) n wildlife biology, ecology, conservation biology, herpetology, or a closely related field * NOTE this position is listed as either a Researcher position (MS required) or Postdoctoral researcher (PhD). Preference is to fill the position as a postdoctoral researcher, with pay, expectations, and independence commensurate with postdoc position. - Peer-reviewed publication(s) demonstrating independent research contributions and scientific writing. - Demonstrated experience leading field research and supervising field and/or lab employees. - Strong background in amphibian ecology, wildlife biology, and/or disease ecology - Proficiency in quantitative methods and statistical analysis relevant to wildlife research - Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing scientific manuscripts and technical reports - Valid driver's license with a clean driving record; ability to lift up to 40 lbs - Ability and willingness to work extended hours including weekends and holidays, as determined by animal care and field needs - Capacity to work effectively in challenging field conditions (temperature extremes, wind, rain, biting insects, mud) while maintaining rigorous data quality standards - Ability to work in confined spaces at site while caring for animals. Preferred Qualifications - Experience with amphibian husbandry, captive breeding programs, or reintroduction biology - Population and/or conservation genetics laboratory work. - Familiarity with chytrid fungus (Bd) biology, culture techniques, and disease management - Experience working with federal and state wildlife agencies and recovery teams - History of successful grant acquisition or contribution to funded research programs - Knowledge of the ecology of the Laramie Basin or the broader Rocky Mountain West Compensation & Position Details Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience, consistent with University of Wyoming Research Scientist salary schedules for MS- and PhD-level appointments, with minimum salary at 50k/year plus benefits (MS applicants). A shared field vehicle will be provided. The position will work in close collaboration with field technicians and cooperating agency personnel. Housing is not provided; assistance with locating housing in Laramie can be offered upon request. Duration 18-24 months of full time, benefited employment depending on start date and pay rate, with total grant funding for 1 position at 100k plus benefits for employment term. Additional funding may be available from pending grants. For those looking for instructor experience, teaching may also be possible. Field season runs mid-May though August. Questions may be directed to Dr. Melanie Murphy at melanie.murphy@uwyo.edu. Priority deadline was June 14, 2026 and review of applications is currently underway. To apply, please go to https://jobs.chronicle.com/job/37989372/research-scientist-associate-ecosystem-science/ Please note, if you responded to the pre-solicitation and are still interested, please submit a formal application to the above link. (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to evoldir@evoldir.net)