CAP Future of Species Range Shifts Cohort (2025-2027)

About

Among the most widely anticipated effects of climate change is changes in species’ geographic distributions through range shifts, as species track climate niches altered by changing climate conditions. Species’ range shifts have the potential to alter ecological communities with important implications for natural resource management objectives and ecosystem services, and a failure of species to track favorable climate conditions could result in local extirpations or extinctions. While range shifts are well documented and substantial among some taxa, there exists tremendous variation across regions and taxonomic groups, as well as substantial uncertainty about the mechanisms driving climate-mediated species movement; the effect of such shifts on ecological communities; interactions with other non-climate anthropogenic stressors, such as land use change and urbanization; and the resulting impact of species movement on ecosystems, ecosystem services and local communities.

The 2025-2027 Climate Adaptation Postdoctoral (CAP) Fellows cohort will explore how climate change is driving changes in species’ geographic distributions through range shifts and identify implications for natural resource management objectives and ecosystem services. Fellows situated at each of the nine regional CASCs will work with USGS, university, and regional partners to conduct research directly applicable to regional management priorities relating to species’ range shifts. The fellows will also work with each other on a national synthesis project on the topic and participate in professional development training on conducting management-focused research.

Learn more about the CAP Fellows Program >>

Applications: Opening Soon! 

Timeline

Eligibility 

This opportunity is open to individuals who have obtained PhD or will obtain a PhD by the start of the fellowship at institutions of higher education. For complete eligibility requirements, please see the specific job opportunities as announced by the consortium universities.  

The CAP Fellows program is committed to increasing the diversity of the workforce within our network, and encourages individuals of all ages, races, ethnicities, national origins, gender identities, sexual orientations, disabilities, cultures, religions, citizenship types, marital statuses, job classifications, veteran status types, income, and socioeconomic status types to apply. The CASC network is committed to building inclusive research and educational programs that support people of all backgrounds.  

Regional Projects and Open Positions