Postdoc position working on Climate-Induced Bird Range Shifts (UW-Madison)
bzuckerberg
Just an FYI. The Zuckerberg Lab (https://zuckerberg.russell.wisc.edu/) has an available postdoc position working on The Role of Protected Areas in Climate-Induced Bird Range Shifts.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Protected areas are an essential conservation strategy given the diversity of threats impacting species and natural communities throughout the world. Rising temperatures and extreme weather are forcing birds to move and adapt across a complex landscape of public and private lands. Conservation agencies and organizations invest significant time and resources in identifying, establishing, and managing protected lands to serve as refugia for threatened and declining species. An assumption is that these protected areas lower the risk of extinction and offer a path by which vulnerable species track a changing climate. Our goal is to work with private organizations and government agencies to evaluate the efficacy of their protected area approaches for reducing the vulnerability of birds to modern climate change. To do so, we will combine climate models with data from long-term avian monitoring data sets to analyze over two decades of bird range shifts and project future changes in bird communities across the Upper Midwest region. We are seeking a postdoctoral scientist to lead this project under the supervision of Dr. Benjamin Zuckerberg in the Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
REQUIREMENTS: Minimum requirements include: 1) a Ph.D. in ecology, conservation biology, biostatistics, or related field; 2) knowledge of principles and methods of species range shifts; 3) proficiency in R statistical programming and spatial analysis; 4) demonstrated proficiency publishing in scientific journals; 5) ability to collaborate with multiple stakeholders. The successful candidate should have excellent written and personal communication skills and be able to work collaboratively in a group setting. Preferred skills include experience with climate projections, database management, skills in species distribution modeling and integrated and/or hierarchical modeling, and proven success working with project partners.
SALARY AND CONDITIONS: The duration of the appointment is 24 months, and the position can start on January 1, 2025. The salary is $55,000 per year plus benefits. Reimbursement for relocation expenses is not available.
SETTING: The University of Wisconsin-Madison is one of the major research universities in the United States. UW-Madison has a long history of excellence in ecology, conservation biology, zoology, and remote sensing science. Madison, Wisconsin consistently ranks as one of the best places in the United States to live, work, and study. It is Wisconsin’s capital city, with a vibrant population of 273,000 that combines small-town charm with a nice variety of leisure and cultural opportunities.
APPLICATION AND CONTACT INFORMATION: This position is open, and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. We promote excellence through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. The position is open to both US citizens and international candidates. Application instructions: Candidates should send a well-crafted one-page cover letter summarizing their research interests and reason for applying, CV, and contact information for three references. All applications (e-mailed as a single PDF) should be sent to bzuck...@wisc.edu with the subject heading “PostdocApplication”.