Post Doctoral Research Fellow - Rangeland Ecologist

Description & Details:

Woody plant encroachment is a top driver of grassland loss in North America. This postdoctoral position will work under the supervision of Dr. Dillon Fogarty to 1) conduct research on woody plant encroachment in the northern Great Plains and 2) develop a nationally-relevant curriculum for advancing education opportunities on the management of woody encroachment in western U.S. rangelands. In addition to research responsibilities, the successful candidate will lead a collaborative effort to develop a series of modularized courses on the ecology and management of woody encroachment that targets current and future conservation practitioners. The project is collaborative and the successful candidate will coordinate work with faculty from the Great Plains Grasslands Extension Partnership, NRCS State Rangeland Specialists, and partners from other natural resource agencies. This position is funded by the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station and Working Lands for Wildlife (WLFW), USDA and supports biome-wide conservation efforts to address the loss of grasslands to woody encroachment. The position offers opportunities for course development and instruction, Extension-based outreach, publication of peer-reviewed journal articles, and presentation at professional meetings and conferences.

Work Schedule:

40 hours/week

Advertised Salary:

$60,000/year

Minimum Qualifications:

Ph.D. in natural resource sciences with demonstrated expertise in rangeland ecology and management. Innovative teaching experience and excellent communication skills are required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Technical Skills:
  • Knowledge of Great Plains ecosystems, conservation challenges, and range management principles
  • Proficiency in graphic design, video editing, and web development
  • Proficiency in R and GIS
  • Proficiency with prescribed fire
• Teaching Skills:
  • Evidence of teaching excellence
  • Demonstrated use of learning assessments
  • Experience developing college level courses
  • Demonstrated use of innovative pedagogy
• Extension-related experience:
  • Knowledge of the extension system used to apply scientific research
  • Demonstrated experience in extension activities (e.g., workshops, publications)
  • Proven ability to work with rangeland stakeholders
  • Experience with the train-the-trainer model
• Research & Scientific Skills:
  • Demonstrated scientific writing and presentation abilities
  • Strong project management and problem-solving capabilities
  • Experience in manuscript preparation
• Professional & Interpersonal Skills:
  • Proven ability to work collaboratively
  • Strong coordination and organization skills
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Experience mentoring students

Applicant Materials Required:

• Cover letter describing your interest in the position and qualifications
• CV
• Contact information for 3 professional references, including one reference that can speak to the candidates teaching experience.

Screening will begin 5/21/25

NDSU OFFERS EXCELLENT BENEFITS!

Full time employees are eligible for the following benefits:

• Health Insurance coverage with 100% of the premium paid for by NDSU for Single or Family Plan
  • Option of a PPO/Basic Plan or High Deductible Health Plan with Health Savings Account
  • Benefits begin the first of the month following date of hire
  • Wellness benefits are included for healthy lifestyle participation
• Superb Retirement Plan
  • Employer Contributions range from 7.5% - 12.26% based on position
• Basic Term Life Insurance
• Tuition Waivers for Employee (three classes per calendar year)
• Tuitions Waivers for Spouse/Partner & Dependents (eligible for 50% waiver)
• Paid Leave – including Annual leave, Sick Leave and 10 paid Holidays
• Employee Assistance Program
• Optional benefits include: Supplemental Life, Dental, Vision, Long-term care insurance, Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care) and Supplemental Retirement Plans
• More Detailed Information Here: Benefits | Human Resources | NDSU

About Us:

North Dakota State University is distinctive as a student focused, land-grant, research university. We educate leaders who solve national and global challenges by providing affordable access to an excellent education that combines teaching and research in a rich learning environment.

NDSU is in the highest Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, R1, granted to the top research institutions in the country.

NDSU has offices across the state of North Dakota, and the main campus is in Fargo, on the Minnesota border. Along with Moorhead, Minnesota, Fargo forms one of the largest metropolitan centers between Minneapolis and Seattle. The community is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live.

No Smoking Notice:

As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. § 23-12-10.

EO/AA Statement:

NDSU does not discriminate in its programs and activities on the basis of age, color, gender expression/identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, participation in lawful off-campus activity, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, public assistance status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, spousal relationship to current employee, or veteran status, as applicable. Direct inquiries to: Vice Provost, Title IX/ADA Coordinator, Old Main 201, NDSU Main Campus, Fargo, ND, 58108, 701-231-7708, ndsu.eoaa@ndsu.edu.

Diversity Statement:

NDSU strives to be a community of belonging, recognizing unique differences as strengths of our university. We seek to recruit and retain a diverse workforce that supports a community in which diverse populations and perspectives will know and learn from one another. NDSU values candidates who are committed to our core values of respect, inclusivity, community, creativity, excellence, impact, innovation, integrity, resilience, responsiveness, and transformation. Successful candidates will be committed to and help advance our strategic goal to create and maintain an open and respectful environment to promote inclusivity and diversity as a cornerstone of education, research, and outreach.

Veteran’s Preference Notice:

This position is subject to North Dakota Veteran’s Preference requirements.

Reasonable Accommodation Information

North Dakota State University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, please contact Human Resources at 701-231-8961 or ndsu.hr@ndsu.edu.