Postdoctoral Fellow in Migratory Bird Ecology and Seasonal Interactions

Description

Postdoctoral Fellow to study Migratory Bird Ecology and Seasonal Interactions, jointly housed in Georgetown University's Department of Biology and the Earth Commons Institute, invites applications for a two-year Postdoctoral Fellow to join a research program on the ecology and conservation of migratory birds.

The successful candidate will be based in the MarraLab and help lead and expand four decades (40 years) of research on American Redstarts, Ovenbirds, and other Neotropical migratory birds in Jamaica, focused on seasonal interactions, carry-over effects, full annual cycle ecology, and the conservation of migratory species.

Research Opportunity

The position offers a rare opportunity to conduct research at one of the world's premier long-term field sites for migratory bird ecology. The next phase of the program centers on three complementary research themes:

• Continuing the 40-year field study of American Redstarts, Ovenbirds, and other Neotropical migratory birds in Jamaica that has generated fundamental discoveries on seasonal interactions, carry-over effects, migratory connectivity, habitat quality, and population dynamics.

• Long-term studies of ecosystem recovery following Hurricane Melissa, which dramatically altered the study site in fall 2026, creating an unprecedented opportunity to understand the impacts of extreme weather on tropical forests and migratory bird populations.

• A food manipulation experiment in collaboration with the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center designed to test how winter food availability influences migration strategies, dispersal, and population dynamics across the full annual cycle.

The postdoctoral fellow will lead annual winter field research in Jamaica, analyze long-term ecological and demographic datasets, publish in leading scientific journals, mentor undergraduate students, contribute to grant development, and collaborate with an international network of scientists studying migratory bird ecology and conservation. The position also provides opportunities to integrate emerging approaches, including movement ecology, stable isotope analysis, automated tracking, and remote sensing.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will:

• Lead annual field research in Jamaica (Jan-May), including oversight of long-term monitoring, capture-mark-recapture studies, habitat assessments, and field logistics.

• Analyze long-term ecological and demographic datasets.

• Publish findings in leading peer-reviewed journals.

• Mentor undergraduate researchers, and field technicians.

• Contribute to grant writing and the development of new research initiatives.

• Collaborate with Georgetown faculty and national and international research partners.

Research Environment

The Marra Lab is part of Georgetown University's Department of Biology and the Earth Commons Institute, an interdisciplinary institute advancing research, education, and action on biodiversity, climate change, sustainability, and environmental justice. The successful candidate will work closely with collaborators at the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center and other national and international partners, providing exceptional opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and professional development.

Appointment

This is a full-time, two-year postdoctoral fellowship based at Georgetown University in Washington, DC, with annual field research conducted in Jamaica. A third year of support may be available, contingent upon satisfactory performance and continued funding. The anticipated start date is flexible, with a preferred start of January 2027 if not earlier. Salary is competitive and includes a full benefits package consistent with Georgetown University policies.

Qualifications

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, Conservation Biology, Ornithology, or a closely related field.

• Demonstrated record of peer-reviewed publications.

• Strong quantitative and statistical skills (R preferred).

• Experience conducting independent field research with skillsets especially in banding, attaching tracking devices and strong observational skills.

• Excellent organizational, communication, and mentoring skills.