Postdoctoral Scientist
Whooping Crane Population Modeling
Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology
Colorado State University
POSITION TITLE: Post-doctoral Research Position
SALARY: Commensurate with qualifications and experience, benefits
included.
PERFORMANCE PERIOD: Up to two years after start date, anticipate December
2009-2011 (Contingent upon appropriation of funds)
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 6 November 2009, or until suitable candidate is
found
POSITION SUMMARY:
Colorado State University is seeking candidates for a postdoctoral
position to develop a population model of the whooping crane Eastern
Migratory Population (EMP). The model will serve to support
decision-making by managers of the EMP. The scope of work will include
parameter estimation, model development, and use of models to evaluate
management of the EMP. Parameter estimation will build off previous work
on the use of Bayesian multi-state mark-recapture models to estimate
demographic parameters for the EMP. Model development will involve
integrating demographic parameter estimates into a stochastic population
model. The model will then be used to evaluate (1) the probability of
successful establishment of the EMP under varying future demographic
rates, (2) actions targeted at increasing reproductive success, and (3)
how different release strategies may affect long-term population viability
via tradeoffs between effects of demographic stochasticity and effects of
inbreeding.
DUTIES:
The incumbent will work closely with members of the Whooping Crane Eastern
Partnership (WCEP), a multi-agency and -nonprofit partnership dedicated to
establishment of a migratory whooping crane population in eastern North
America. WCEP members will assist with model and management scenario
development and access to data. Accordingly, the postdoc position will be
located at the U.S. Geological Survey, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center,
in Laurel, Maryland.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
1. Ph.D. in biology (wildlife), ecology, or related quantitative
field.
2. Demonstrated proficiency with simulation modeling and software
used to describe population dynamics
3. Demonstrated proficiency with statistical software used to
estimate vital rates.
4. Demonstrated desire and proficiency to publish in the
peer-reviewed literature.
DESIRED ABILITIES:
Competitive candidates will have a background in demographic estimation,
population modeling, and decision analysis. Proficient programming skills
are required (R or MATLAB). Experience with WinBUGS is preferred. The
successful candidate will have excellent written and personal
communication skills and a desire to work closely with management
agencies.
APPLICATION:
Applicants should email: (1) a letter describing your background and
interests, (2) curriculum vitae, (3) copies of college transcripts and (4)
the names and contact information for 3 references to BOTH Dr. Sarah
Converse (sconve...@usgs.gov) and Dr. Larissa Bailey (
llbai...@colostate.edu ).
For further information, contact:
Sarah Converse (sconve...@usgs.gov)
(301) 497-5635
USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center
12100 Beech Forest Road, Laurel, MD 20708-4017
or
Larissa Bailey (larissa.bai...@colostate.edu)
(970) 492-4084
Colorado State University Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation
Biology
1474 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1474
Colorado State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action
employer and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws,
regulations, and executive orders regarding affirmative action
requirements. The Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity is located in
room 101 Student Services. In order to assist Colorado State University
in meeting its affirmative action responsibilities, ethnic minorities,
women and other protected class members are encouraged to apply and to so
identify themselves.
Colorado State University is committed to providing a safe and productive
learning and living community. To achieve that goal, we conduct background
investigations for all final candidates being considered for employment.
Background checks may include, but are not limited to, criminal history,
national sex offender search and motor vehicle history.
