Advancing into a prestigious research career in wildlife health is a major milestone for doctoral graduates dedicated to preventing the global spread of avian diseases. For many early career scientists, finding a position that offers both a significant annual salary and the flexibility of remote work is a difficult task. Navigating the world of wildlife disease research grants is often a challenge because it is tough to find a fellowship that combines high level statistical ecology with practical decision analysis for conservation managers.
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The 2026 USGS Disease Ecology Postdoctoral Fellowship, hosted at the world renowned Eastern Ecological Science Center, is a dedicated scientific support program designed to solve these professional hurdles. By providing an annual salary of up to $66,000 and offering opportunities for both office based and remote work, the USGS ensures that brilliant ecologists can focus entirely on avian influenza modeling and wildlife management without financial stress.
2026 USGS Disease Ecology Postdoctoral Research Grant Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Organization | USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center |
| Target Audience | Doctoral Degree (PhD) Holders |
| Primary Benefit | $62,000 to $66,000 Annual Salary |
| Program Type | Research Fellowship (Non Federal) |
| Gender Focus | All Genders |
| Application Deadline | May 24 2026 |
About the Initiative 2026
The Disease Ecology Modeling and Decision Analysis Fellowship is more than just a research appointment; it is a gateway to the center of conservation science in the United States. This initiative aims to understand the role of wild waterfowl in the spread and persistence of avian influenza viruses. The program emphasizes the integration of mathematics, spatial disease modeling, and movement ecology. Selected fellows join the DDAR research group in Laurel, Maryland, where they lead complex projects to assess disease mitigation measures and design multi species sampling protocols.
Core Objectives of the Program
- To support doctoral graduates by providing competitive wildlife disease research funding.
- To assess the potential impacts of disease mitigation strategies like carcass removal.
- To link avian disease data with relevant decision making needs for conservation managers.
Benefits of the 2026 USGS Disease Ecology Fellowship
- A competitive annual salary ranging between $62,000 and $66,000 per year.
- Flexibility for remote work and telework options while based in Laurel, Maryland.
- Access to world class research facilities at the Eastern Ecological Science Center.
- Opportunity to lead published research in high impact scientific journals.
- Hands on experience with both frequentist and Bayesian statistical methods.
- Professional networking within the prestigious US Geological Survey network.
Eligibility and Requirements for the 2026 USGS Fellowship
- Educational Background: You must hold a PhD in Ecology, Wildlife Biology, or Statistics.
- Employment Status: Candidates must be eligible for employment within the United States.
- Technical Proficiency: Expert knowledge of Program R is a critical requirement for this role.
- Analytical Skills: Experience with frequentist and Bayesian statistical methods is highly desirable.
- Research Record: A strong track record of producing and publishing peer reviewed research.
- Experience Preference: Benefit is given to those with skills in GIS or spatial disease modeling.
Selection Criteria and Professional Impact of the 2026 USGS Disease Ecology Postdoctoral Research Grant
The selection committee prioritizes highly motivated candidates who can work independently and have an interest in decision analysis approaches. Beyond the $66,000 salary, this fellowship impacts your career by providing you with a leadership role in global disease transmission studies. Researchers who complete this postdoc at the USGS often move on to become senior wildlife biologists, university professors, or lead quantitative ecologists in international conservation organizations.
Step by Step Application Guide for the 2026 USGS Disease Ecology Postdoctoral Research Grant
Phase 1: Research Focus and Center Review
- Visit the USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center website to understand their disease ecology scope.
- Review the work of the DDAR group specifically regarding avian influenza and waterfowl.
- Assess your previous experience in movement ecology or spatial modeling.
- Confirm your availability to begin the two year fellowship in late May or early June 2026.
Phase 2: Document Preparation and Formatting
- Prepare a detailed resume that highlights your experience with Program R and GIS.
- Select a high quality writing sample from your previous published research works.
- Gather contact information for three professional references who can verify your skills.
- Combine your cover letter, resume, sample, and references into a single PDF or Word file.
Phase 3: Drafting the Letter of Interest
- Write a professional cover letter addressing your interest in wildlife disease modeling.
- Explain your motivation for joining the Eastern Ecological Science Center team.
- Highlight your experience with Bayesian methods or decision analysis tools.
- Proofread the document to ensure it uses simple English and follows a professional tone.
Phase 4: Formal Email Submission
- Open a new email addressed to PWRC_application@usgs.gov before the May deadline.
- Use the mandatory subject header DDAR HPAI Quantitative Ecologist for your email.
- Attach your single application document which must be titled with your full name.
- Submit your materials well before May 24 2026 to ensure you are considered in the early review.
Phase 5: Interview and Onboarding Prep
- Save a copy of your sent application for your personal records and reference.
- Monitor your professional email account for a response from Prosser, Runge, or Cook.
- Prepare to discuss your proficiency in ecological analyses and statistical modeling.
- Confirm your ability to work in an office environment in Maryland or discuss telework options.
Jamnet Expert Advice (STAR/SMART Methods)
- Use the SMART Method: Be Specific about your modeling targets, ensure your data results are Measurable, and keep your findings Relevant to disease management.
- Apply the STAR Technique: In your cover letter, describe a Situation where you modeled a disease system, the Task you managed, the Action you took, and the Result.
- Emphasis: Focus heavily on your ability to work with an interdisciplinary team and your expertise in Program R.
- Proactive Tip: Highlight any experience you have with Chronic Wasting Disease or other disease systems to show your versatility across various projects.
Deadline: May 24 2026
HOW TO APPLY
Send the following materials to PWRC_application@usgs.gov with “DDAR HPAI Quantitative Ecologist” in the Subject header:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the 2026 USGS Disease Ecology Postdoctoral Research Grant
- What is the annual salary range? The annual salary is approximately $65,000 depending on your experience.
- Is this a federal job? No this is a fellowship position and does not count as official federal employment.
- Can I work remotely? While the duty station is in Maryland, there is significant flexibility for telework and remote work.
- Is field work required? Field work is not a requirement, though there are opportunities to participate if you are interested.
- How long is the fellowship? This is a two year position with the possibility of extension based on funding.
- What software is most important? Expert knowledge of Program R is a critical requirement for this quantitative role.
- Do I need a PhD? Yes a doctoral degree in a related field like Ecology or Statistics is required.
- Who should I contact for questions? You can email the application team at the provided PWRC address.
- Is housing provided? No the government does not provide housing, meals, or transportation expenses.
- When do applications close? The final deadline to submit your materials is May 24 2026.
