The Lovejoy Center invites creative and collaborative applicants for a Postdoctoral Research Associate appointment in the Tom Lovejoy Conservation Fellowship program. Focusing on the global grand challenges of climate change in biodiversity and conservation science, human and one health, governance and policy, and food systems infrastructure, successful candidates will conduct cutting-edge research, contribute to interdisciplinary initiatives, and help translate scientific insights into solutions.
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Application Process
Apply to become a Lovejoy Fellow by submitting your resume, cover letter, and contact information for three references through the University of Arizona Talent Portal by the first review date of January 30, 2026.
Your cover letter should:
- Identify 1-2 Lovejoy BBCS faculty you would be interested in working with and explain the primary research directions you would want to pursue in collaboration with this faculty member. You are strongly encouraged to reach out to faculty before submitting your application.
- Describe your experience with or interest in inter- or transdisciplinary research.
- Explain how this experience will positively impact your career trajectory.
The Wildlife Corridor Mapping Program
Arizona's wildlife—from mountain lions to migratory birds—needs connected landscapes to survive and thrive. As human development expands, natural pathways that allow animals to move between habitats are increasingly fragmented, threatening biodiversity across our state. In partnership with The Nature Conservancy, the University of Arizona's Lovejoy Center for Bridging Biodiversity, Conservation Science, and Policy is launching an innovative program to map and protect critical wildlife corridors throughout central and southern Arizona.
This groundbreaking initiative will use cutting-edge technology and ecological modeling to identify the routes animals use to travel between protected areas, assess how conservation lands contribute to landscape connectivity, and pinpoint where future conservation efforts will have the greatest impact. By combining satellite imagery, camera trap data, and wildlife movement research, our team will create actionable maps and science-based recommendations for land managers, conservation organizations, and policymakers. The result will be a clearer picture of how we can work together to ensure Arizona's wildlife has the connected habitat it needs for generations to come.
The Postdoctoral Position
We're seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to lead this vital work. This role represents a unique opportunity to conduct applied conservation science that will directly inform land management decisions across Arizona. Working closely with faculty in the School of Natural Resources and the Environment, conservation scientists at The Nature Conservancy, and regional partners, the successful candidate will design and execute complex spatial analyses, manage diverse ecological datasets, and translate scientific findings into practical tools for conservation practitioners. Through this position, you'll not only advance wildlife movement ecology research but also contribute to real-world solutions that protect Arizona's biodiversity and build corridors for wildlife across our changing landscapes.
For full consideration, apply by the first review date of February 14, 2026.
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