We seek a postdoctoral associate to work with a team of researchers in developing hierarchical statistical models to estimate monarch butterfly population abundances and demographic parameters in North America. The goal is to track dynamics at each life history stage of this unique and iconic migratory species to determine 1) which stage(s) may be linked to declines observed in wintering populations in Mexico and 2) the factors that may be driving those declines. Data come from several continental-scale, volunteer-based monitoring programs. Our team has gathered and formatted the monitoring data and a processing platform has been built to extract relevant climate and environmental variables from appropriate databases. The postdoctoral associate will work collaboratively to develop models, carry out analyses, and write manuscripts and proposals. The richness of the datasets allows for ample ability to explore many avenues of research and we seek a researcher with enthusiasm to pursue related projects that interest them.
Qualifications: Applicants must hold a PhD in ecology, biology, statistics, or a related field by the start of the position. Applicants are expected to have a strong background in ecology, mathematical and/or statistical modeling, and experience with publishing scientific research. Knowledge of program R is required. Candidates with experience in Bayesian analysis, hierarchical models, the BUGS language, and collaborative research are especially encouraged to apply. This position is based at Michigan State University (MSU) in Elise Zipkin’s Quantitative Ecology Lab with opportunities to travel to meet with collaborators, attend workshops and conferences, and become involved in other lab projects. The position comes with a competitive salary and excellent health benefits. This is a full-time, 12-month, fixed-term position, with reappointment conditional on satisfactory performance. To apply, email as a single PDF: 1) a cover letter (2-pg max) with your research interests and qualifications for this position, 2) CV, 3) list of three references with contact information, and 4) one recent first-authored publication, to both: Dr. Elise Zipkin, Department of Zoology, MSU (ezip...@msu.edu<mailto:ezip...@msu.edu>) and Dr. Leslie Ries, Department of Biology, UMD (lr...@umd.edu<mailto:lr...@umd.edu>). Please use the subject heading “PostDoc Application”. The position will remain open until filled.
