Identifying the amount and spatial configuration of habitat required for species persistence is one of the most challenging and controversial aspects of endangered species recovery planning. Technical guidelines recommend application of spatially-explicit population and habitat viability analysis (PVA) models for assessing critical habitat, but such methods can be difficult to apply for data-poor species. This research will focus on developing, evaluating, and applying alternative assessment frameworks for data-poor aquatic species, and identifying interim habitat- and distribution-based recovery targets.
The ideal candidate will hold a PhD in population ecology, quantitative ecology, fisheries or a related field and have experience with modelling the dynamics of populations. Knowledge of life history theory, species-habitat interactions, IUCN species assessment methods, or GIS would be valuable assets, as would experience with programming simulations (e.g. in Matlab, R). The postdoc will be responsible for the development and evaluation of one or more assessment frameworks, and will disseminate results through refereed journal publications and/or conference presentations and seminars. The postdoc will be encouraged to develop her/his own ideas while meeting project goals. The position will be based in the Conservation Biology Section at the Pacific Biological Station (Nanaimo, British Columbia) and the postdoc will work with Dr. Janelle Curtis (http://www.fisheries.ubc.ca/members/jcurtis/) and Dr. Marten Koops, and have opportunities to network with collaborators based at the University of British Columbia, Parks Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and the BC Ministry of Environment. A full-time biologist will also support the postdoc’s research by gathering and synthesizing population and habitat data for application of the assessment framework(s) to a small set of case studies. The appointment is for up to 3 years, with reappointment after one year, contingent upon positive performance review and availability of funding. Start date is flexible, but preference will be given to candidates available to start during the summer 2009. Salary will be $43,274 per year. Candidates must have received their PhD within the past 5 years to be eligible to apply. To apply, please email a summary of research and CV to Dr. Janelle Curtis at janelle.cur...@dfo-mpo.gc.ca. Review of applications will begin 30 April 2009, but will be accepted until the position is filled. The selected applicant must apply for a Visiting Fellowship in a Canadian Government Laboratory, administered through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (see www.nserc.ca for specifics about the Visiting Fellowship).
