Postdoctoral Scientist
Whooping Crane Population Modeling
Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology
Colorado State University
POSITION TITLE: Post-doctoral Research Position
SALARY: Commensurate with qualifications and experience, benefits included.
PERFORMANCE PERIOD: Up to two years after start date, anticipate
December 2009-2011 (Contingent upon appropriation of funds)
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 6 November 2009, or until suitable candidate is found
POSITION SUMMARY:
Colorado State University is seeking candidates for a postdoctoral
position to develop a population model of the whooping crane Eastern
Migratory Population (EMP). The model will serve to support
decision-making by managers of the EMP. The scope of work will include
parameter estimation, model development, and use of models to evaluate
management of the EMP. Parameter estimation will build off previous
work on the use of Bayesian multi-state mark-recapture models to
estimate demographic parameters for the EMP. Model development will
involve integrating demographic parameter estimates into a stochastic
population model. The model will then be used to evaluate (1) the
probability of successful establishment of the EMP under varying
future demographic rates, (2) actions targeted at increasing
reproductive success, and (3) how different release strategies may
affect long-term population viability via tradeoffs between effects of
demographic stochasticity and effects of inbreeding.
DUTIES:
The incumbent will work closely with members of the Whooping Crane
Eastern Partnership (WCEP), a multi-agency and -nonprofit partnership
dedicated to establishment of a migratory whooping crane population in
eastern North America. WCEP members will assist with model and
management scenario development and access to data. Accordingly, the
postdoc position will be located at the U.S. Geological Survey,
Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, in Laurel, Maryland.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
1. Ph.D. in biology (wildlife), ecology, or related quantitative field.
2. Demonstrated proficiency with simulation modeling and
software used to describe population dynamics
3. Demonstrated proficiency with statistical software used to
estimate vital rates.
4. Demonstrated desire and proficiency to publish in the
peer-reviewed literature.
DESIRED ABILITIES:
Competitive candidates will have a background in demographic
estimation, population modeling, and decision analysis. Proficient
programming skills are required (R or MATLAB). Experience with WinBUGS
is preferred. The successful candidate will have excellent written and
personal communication skills and a desire to work closely with
management agencies.
APPLICATION:
Applicants should email: (1) a letter describing your background and
interests, (2) curriculum vitae, (3) copies of college transcripts and
(4) the names and contact information for 3 references to BOTH Dr.
Sarah Converse (
sconverse@usgs.gov) and Dr. Larissa Bailey
(
llbailey@colostate.edu ).
For further information, contact:
Sarah Converse (
sconverse@usgs.gov)
(301) 497-5635
USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center
12100 Beech Forest Road, Laurel, MD 20708-4017
or
Larissa Bailey (
larissa.bailey@colostate.edu)
(970) 492-4084
Colorado State University Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology
1474 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1474
Colorado State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action
employer and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws,
regulations, and executive orders regarding affirmative action
requirements. The Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity is
located in room 101 Student Services. In order to assist Colorado
State University in meeting its affirmative action responsibilities,
ethnic minorities, women and other protected class members are
encouraged to apply and to so identify themselves.
Colorado State University is committed to providing a safe and
productive learning and living community. To achieve that goal, we
conduct background investigations for all final candidates being
considered for employment. Background checks may include, but are not
limited to, criminal history, national sex offender search and motor
vehicle history.
