Mississippi State University (MSU) is seeking a Post-doctoral Research Associate to be located at the U.S.D.A. Wildlife Services (WS) National Wildlife Research Center’s (NWRC) Ohio Field Station in Sandusky, OH. Outstanding candidates with an excellent academic record and research interest/expertise in applied wildlife research, specifically human-wildlife conflicts, wildlife damage management, avian ecology, and ecological modeling are encouraged to apply. The successful candidate will work closely with MSU faculty, NWRC research staff and WS Airport Wildlife Hazards Program staff to explore the topic and model wildlife strike risk to military aircraft and other aircraft strike associated projects. Primary duties will include developing military wildlife strike risk models and associated tasks of model validation, database development and data analysis, developing peer-reviewed manuscripts and grants related to numerous wildlife aircraft strike topics, communicating results to multiple stakeholders and user groups, and collaborating with diverse researchers and staff members among government and non-government agencies. Secondary duties may include but are not limited to leading additional research endeavors related to aircraft strike risk or assisting NWRC research staff with local research projects, interacting with civil and military personnel including but not limited to airport wildlife biologists and military BASH team members, and presenting research results at scientific meetings. In summary, early career researchers interested in advancing the current knowledge of human-wildlife conflict mitigation concomitant to increasing their research abilities are encouraged to apply. Minimum qualifications include a Ph.D. in wildlife science, ecology, wildlife damage management, natural resource management, conservation biology or similar discipline. Preferred qualifications include the aforementioned degree and a demonstrated ability to manage complex data projects including proficiencies in data management and analysis using multiple statistical models and software packages (e.g., Program R), creative thinking, publication development, and effective communication among multiple stakeholder groups. Preference will also be given to candidates with a background in wildlife damage management (i.e., human-wildlife conflict mitigation) or thorough knowledge thereof, general knowledge of aviation and aircraft types, demonstrated data management abilities among multiple software and coding language platforms, and demonstrated success working closely with government and non-government stakeholders on applied questions in wildlife conservation and damage management. Applicants should be self-motivated, fit well in a multidisciplinary team environment, exhibit excellent oral and written communication skills, and demonstrate the ability to publish in the peer-reviewed literature.
This position is a full time, 12 month appointment for two years with an annual salary of $47,500 (+ benefits), and will remain open until filled. Interested applicants must apply online at www.jobs.msstate.edu (search for PARF#497856) by submitting a cover letter, vitae, statement of research interests, copy of your transcripts, and the complete contact information for three references. For additional information, please e-mail Dr. Raymond B. Iglay at ray.ig...@msstate.edu or call 662-325-5933. Position will begin ASAP. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT: MSU is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, ethnicity, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, disability status, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We always welcome nominations and applications from women, members of any minority group, and others who share our passion for building a diverse community that reflects the diversity in our student population.
