Urban Nature Research Postdoc Announcement The Urban Nature Research Center (UNRC) at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (NHMLA) invites applications for its 2018 POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP in URBAN NATURE RESEARCH.
The UNRC at NHMLA is a cutting edge, urban biodiversity research group that studies how species are responding to urbanization in Southern California. Most of our research focuses on the Greater Los Angeles Area, although we will consider a focus on urban faunas elsewhere. Ongoing research efforts examine the taxonomy, distribution, ecology, evolution, and behavior of native and nonnative species. Because traditional methods of surveying biodiversity often cannot be applied in highly urbanized areas, we use citizen science to crowdsource data collection. Currently, our citizen science projects include Reptiles and Amphibians of Southern California (RASCALs), Snails and Slugs Living in Metropolitan Environments (SLIME), the insect-oriented Biodiversity Science: City and Nature (BioSCAN) project, Los Angeles Spider Survey (LASS), and the Southern California Squirrel Survey. The UNRC is an outreach-oriented center that frequently communicates with the public and works closely with the Museum’s Citizen Science Office. This research position is available for two years, subject to review after the first year. Future announcements for this fellowship are expected every other year. The expected start date for 2018 is January, although an earlier start is possible and encouraged. For 2018, the UNRC is specifically looking for a postdoctoral researcher who will analyze urban insect diversity data accumulated through the BioSCAN Project over the past four years. Thus, applicants with experience in urban ecology, community ecology, analysis of large- scale biodiversity datasets, and/or entomology are especially encouraged to apply. Preferred candidates will be highly skilled and self-motivated researchers who will: 1) collaborate with Museum systematists and other involved researchers in the analysis of the voluminous biodiversity data from Urban Nature Research Center projects; 2) conduct large-scale statistical analyses using data from weather stations and faunal inventories; 3) collaborate with other UNRC scientists to write competitive grant proposals; 4) help plan and implement further projects directed towards larger questions in urban and community ecology; 5) help guide the research goals of the UNRC; 6) be passionate about communicating science to a broad, public audience. The successful applicant must be an excellent communicator, both in written and spoken venues, and must produce scientific research papers on urban nature research. Collaboration with the existing network of in- house and affiliated specialists is required. The mission of the Natural History Museum is to inspire wonder, discovery, and responsibility for our natural and cultural worlds. The Museum’s vision is to inspire the widest possible audience to enjoy, value, and become stewards of the Earth. The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We seek applicants who have demonstrated experience and commitment working with a diverse community. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Apply at the following web address: https://nhm.org/site/about-our-museums/working-at-nhm/jobs-nhm