Post-Doctoral Research Associate Opportunity at the University of Maine We are seeking a candidate with strong quantitative and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) skills for a Post-Doctoral Research Associate opportunity in the USGS Maine Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit at the University of Maine. The candidate will participate in an effort to evaluate representative avian species models developed by the University of Massachusetts Designing Sustainable Landscapes (DSL) project in the North Atlantic Landscape Conservation Cooperative (NA- LCC). The study will evaluate representative species model Landscape Capability assessments with independent, survey data systematically collected across the northeastern states region that encompasses the NA- LCC and a portion of the Appalachian-LCC; compare the predicted Landscape Capability models with site-specific forest characteristics and examine poorly performing models to ascertain causes of poor fit; evaluate relationships between the predictions of the representative species models and the occurrence of species they are designed to represent; and, develop guidance about forest structural conditions that potentially support priority conifer and mixed conifer-deciduous forest associated species in the region. The candidate will collaborate with scientists from the University of Maine, University of Massachusetts, West Virginia University, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service. The position is funded for 2 years, and the target start date is September 2015. A competitive salary including benefits is offered, depending on experience.
Minimum qualifications are: • Ph.D. in biology (wildlife), ecology, or related field by August 2015. • Experience conducting large-scale GIS analyses and developing and maintaining large relational databases. • Strong quantitative skills and demonstrated proficiency with and understanding of spatial statistical methods used for modeling species and habitat distributions and detectability. • Demonstrated proficiency with ArcMap and R or Matlab, and Microsoft Access. • Knowledge of avian ecology, interpretation of avian and vegetation survey data, and experience with forest birds are assets. • Demonstrated desire and proficiency to publish in peer-reviewed literature. • Desire to work in a collaborative team setting. To apply: Applicants should visit https://umaine.hiretouch.com to apply. You will be required to complete an application, upload a cover letter and CV, and list the names and contact information of three references. Review of applications will begin June 26th, 2015, and continue until a suitable applicant is identified. Please direct questions to Dr. Cynthia Loftin at cynthia.lof...@maine.edu, with subject line “Post-Doc Inquiry”.
