We seek to fill a PhD-level position of Research Associate. This position will be responsible for conducting systematic literature reviews, data analysis, and original research to guide the development of exotic species monitoring and management at national park units in the Mojave Desert. The successful candidate will produce multiple technical reports and peer- reviewed publications on key aspects of exotic plant distributions (such as distance from roads and along elevational gradients), syntheses of exotic species monitoring plans and statistical sampling approaches in other regions, methods for prioritizing species invasiveness and potential impacts to guide monitoring priorities, and habitat invasibility inquiry to address key scientific uncertainties for meeting information needs for developing a readily applicable protocol for monitoring exotic plants in the Mojave Desert. This position is an excellent fit for someone who is interested in applied ecological research that has clear conservation and management implications and who is interested in working with resource managers to develop practical scientific tools for dealing with threats from exotic species invasions in national parks. This position is a full-time, grant-funded position. The position is fully funded for one year and is authorized for funding for a second year pending satisfactory project progress and re-authorization of the funding. The salary for the position is extremely competitive and includes health/retirement benefits and 24 days of vacation/year. The necessary start date for the position is summer 2009, preferably on or before July 1.
The candidate will be part of the highly productive Desert and Dryland Forest Research Group, housed at the UNLV Public Lands Institute and Department of Environmental Studies. This group is coordinated by Dr. Scott Abella (http://faculty.unlv.edu/abellas2/) and includes a team of Research Assistants and graduate students. The group is producing 10-15 peer-reviewed publications per year and specializes in applied ecology with management implications for ecological restoration, revegetation, exotic species containment, and fire ecology. More information about our group is available from http://www.unlv.edu/staff/cengel/DDFRGHome.htm Qualifications: Required qualifications include a completed PhD degree (completed prior to June 2009) in natural resources management, ecology, conservation biology, or a related field with undergraduate and graduate GPA cumulatives of ≥ 3.0/4.0; coursework and experience in sampling design, statistical analyses, data synthesis, and GIS; a demonstrated commitment to produce written products as evidenced by the production of two or more peer- reviewed journal articles (samples of written products of finalists will be reviewed); and experience in botany/plant ecology as demonstrated through coursework or project experience. To qualify for this position, the candidate must be able to obtain a Nevada driver’s license and possibly pass a background investigation for access to National Park Service facilities and computers. Preferred qualifications include: a documented field-based research project (graduate project or during employment) that included sampling plant communities or a similar applied research-based thesis or dissertation; demonstrated experience in synthesizing existing data and scientific literature; experience with plant identification and taxonomy; research and project management experience in the desert Southwest and/or demonstrated experience with exotic species projects. Applications: Application materials must include a 1) cover letter, 2) resume, with citations of the two or more peer-reviewed publications required for the application, and 3) the name, address, telephone, and e- mail address of 3 professional references. In the cover letter, applicants should summarize qualifications and experience as they relate to this position, since the initial review will serve to evaluate applicants based on documented, relevant qualifications and work experience. Materials should be addressed to Sharon Altman, University of Nevada Las Vegas, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas, NV 89154-2040, and are to be submitted via on-line application only at https://hrsearch.unlv.edu. For assistance with UNLV’s on-line applicant portal, contact Jen Martens at (702) 895-2894 or email hrsea...@unlv.edu. Review of applications will begin April 15 and continue until the position is filled. UNLV is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to achieving excellence through diversity.