Postdoc position in Spatial Ecology

[efst...@gmail.com]

Utah State University & U.S. Geological Survey Utah Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit

Location: Utah State University, Logan, UT
Salary: $60,000-$65,000/yr depending on experience plus benefits
Start Date: Fall 2024 preferred, but flexible

Position Summary

We seek a Postdoctoral Fellow in Quantitative/Spatial Ecology in the Utah State University Department of Wildland Resources. This is a two-year National Science Foundation-funded position to investigate spatial scale-explicit distribution modeling for North American birds. The overarching goals of the project are to identify the spatial scales at which environmental parameters influence species’ distributions (so-called scales-of-effect), and discover potential ecological or biological mechanisms that generate intra- and inter-specific variation in scales-of-effect. The successful candidate will use data from the eBird platform to estimate the species-environment relationships of North American birds using multi-scale, scale-explicit techniques. The specific focus of this position will include estimating species-specific scales-of-effect across North American birds, and developing a ‘scaling algorithm’ to predict species’ scales-of-effect using existing species’, environmental, ecological or other variables. The project includes opportunities for engaging with collaborators at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Natural Resource Managers including the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, and mentoring graduate and undergraduate students.

The position will ideally be located in Logan, UT, on the main campus of Utah State University, but fully remote-work will be considered for exceptional candidates within the U.S. This is a full-time, Postdoctoral Fellow position with salary depending on experience ($60,000-$65,000 per year with annual raise), and includes full benefits (13 paid holidays, 22 days of paid leave and 12 days of sick leave per year, competitive health benefits packages, and a fully-vested 14.2% employer retirement contribution). The successful candidate will also have travel funds for an in-person meeting with collaborators at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology (Ithaca, NY), and at least 2 scientific conferences. This Postdoctoral position will be available for an initial duration of one year with potential for extension for a second year depending on performance.

We seek a Postdoctoral Fellow with experience in ecological modeling who is also interested in supporting conservation decision-making. We seek enthusiastic applicants who can provide evidence of creativity, productivity, and strong oral and written communication skills. The successful applicant will have the ability to be both an independent and motivated problem solver and collaborative team member in an interdisciplinary environment. We value and support intersectional diversity and work-life balance.

Minimum Qualifications
· Applicants must have a PhD in Ecology, Biology, or a related field with a strong quantitative background

Preferred Qualifications
· Experience with R and analyzing spatial datasets
· Proficiency in ecological modeling, data analysis, and working with large datasets
· Record of success conducting research, evidenced by publication in peer-reviewed journals

To Apply:
Submit all application materials here: <https://careers-usu.icims.com/jobs/7998/postdoctoral-fellow-ii/job>
Please include: 1) your CV, 2) a maximum 2-page cover letter indicating how you meet the qualifications of the position, why you are interested in this position specifically, how this position might support your career goals, and why you might be a good fit for this project, and 3) contact information for three (3) professional references willing to provide letters of reference. Letters will only be requested for a short-list of applicants.

The position will be open until filled; for full consideration please apply before 15 July 2024.

Questions about this position can be directed to Erica Stuber: erica.stuber <at> usu.edu