I seek a postdoctoral researcher interested in exploring bird migration ecology in the context of conservation biology. The postdoc will be based at the University of Maryland in College Park, MD, and will be advised by Bill Fagan (http://www.clfs.umd.edu/biology/faganlab/).
The position, funded by the International Fund for Houbara Conservation (IFHC) (www.houbarafund.org)), will focus on the analysis of GPS tracking data from Asian Houbara Bustards (Chlamydotis macqueenii) monitored in the Middle East and Central Asia. These bustards represent one of the greatest success stories in the reintroduction of at-risk species. Tens of thousands of birds are bred in captivity each year for reintroduction into the wild. Over the years, more than 1500 captive-bred Asian houbara have been outfitted with GPS tracking systems to study their migrations following their release into the wild. Hundreds of these have been followed for more than one year. Additional tracking data are available from >500 wild birds for comparison purposes. The postdoc will use this rich dataset to identify the factors governing the migratory performance and survivorship of bustards across their geographic range. This knowledge will then be used to inform future captive breeding and release efforts. More detailed information on the project is available at http://www.clfs.umd.edu/biology/faganlab/houbara.html The successful candidate will have a PhD, likely in quantitative ecology, statistics, geography, or a related field. A history of publishing in top journals and a demonstrated understanding of advanced statistical methods are required. Prior postdoctoral experience is beneficial, but not required. The candidate should have expertise in the analysis of spatial data, preferably in the analysis of animal relocation data and mechanistic movement models. Experience in multivariate stochastic processes, hierarchical spatial models, machine learning, and/or time series analyses is advantageous. Experience in using remote sensing data for habitat and species distribution models as well as handling of large spatial databases & GIS software is also desirable. The appointment will be for two years. Efforts to secure substantial long-term support via collaborative grant proposals will be encouraged and, when successful, could lead to appointment at the level of research assistant scientist. Benefits are included and pay will be commensurate with experience. The start date is negotiable, but could be as early as April 2019. Review of applications will begin 1 March 2019, and will continue until the position has been filled. To apply for the position, please email a CV and the names and email addresses of three references to: Bill Fagan Professor and Chair Department of Biology University of Maryland College Park, MD 20742 bfa...@umd.edu
