Combining wildlife movement modeling, spatial analysis, and stakeholder collaboration to protect the landscapes where people and nature thrive.
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 Lovejoy Center 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.