Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Wildlife Health and Conservation *St Kitts*

Company Description

**This position is an in-person job opportunity located on the Caribbean island of St. Kitts.

Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine (RUSVM) is the number one provider of Doctors of Veterinary Medicine (DVMs) to the U.S.* and offers a DVM program that is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education. Located on St. Kitts, RUSVM includes the Ross University Veterinary Clinic and is accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association. A cutting-edge curriculum, with innovative use of technologies and simulations, provides the best possible training for tomorrow’s veterinarians.

RUSVM prepares students to become veterinary leaders by drawing connections among animals, people and the planet, as a member of the One Health Initiative. We offer research programs focused on emerging infectious and zoonotic diseases, conservation medicine and ecosystem health. Visit veterinary.rossu.edu for more information, and follow RUSVM on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

*Based on the total number of DVM graduates at RUSVM compared to U.S. schools in 2024.

Job Description

Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine (RUSVM) is inviting applications for one Postdoctoral Research Fellowships in Wildlife Health and Conservation, with a focus on sea turtles, shorebirds, and seabirds.

About the Position

This exciting opportunity will involve conducting research on endangered and threatened wildlife species, collecting population and health data, and contributing to management and policy-related initiatives. Current projects span nesting behavior, foraging ecology, disease surveillance, sex ratio assessments, clinical cases, necropsy, and conservation education.

The successful candidate will work with a multidisciplinary supervisory team:

· Dr. Kimberly M. Stewart (RUSVM, SKSTMN, WIDECAST)

· Dr. Karen L. Eckert (WIDECAST)

· Dr. Terry Norton (WIDECAST, SKSTMN, The Turtle Hospital)

· Dr. Scott Rush (Mississippi State University)

Key Responsibilities

· Lead and collaborate on intramural and extramural grant applications.

· Publish at least two manuscripts per year (case report, short communication, or full manuscript).

· Present research at WIDECAST AGM and ISTS annually.

· Supervise and train student volunteers and research elective students (minimum 20 per year).

· Train graduate and veterinary students in field and laboratory techniques

Qualifications

Essential Qualifications

** Willingness to relocate to the Caribbean island of St Kitts for the duration of the appointment. This is not a remote or hybrid opportunity. **

· PhD in wildlife management, conservation medicine, or related field.

· Previous research experience with sea turtles and/or seabirds/shorebirds.

· Strong record of research productivity (publications, presentations).

· Ability to work independently and lead projects.

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Desirable Skills

· Ability to swim, walk at least five miles on soft sand, and lift a minimum of 50 pounds.

· Proficiency with data management tools (Microsoft Office, EarthRanger, KoboToolbox).

· Flexibility to work nights/early mornings and respond to field emergencies as needed.

Additional Information

Benefits of the Fellowship

· Work alongside leading conservation scientists in the Caribbean.

· Access to extensive management data from ongoing projects.

· Opportunity to contribute to meaningful conservation outcomes and policy.

· Professional development through grant writing, publications, and conference presentations.

How to Apply

• Cover letter (max 2 pages) detailing research experience & interest in both project areas.
• CV with a complete list of publications.

Equal Opportunity – Minority / Female / Disability / V / Gender Identity / Sexual Orientation