Postdoctoral Research position in quantitative amphibian ecology During the late 1980’s scientists recognized that amphibian populations were declining globally (Wake 1991). These declines have continued and amphibian extinction rates have been elevated (Stuart et al. 2004, Wake 2012). In response to this crisis, USGS developed an Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative (ARMI) in order to obtain inferences about North American amphibian populations. The ARMI program has led to much useful research, and inferences include reduced occupancies of N. American habitats over the last decade. The success of the ARMI program has resulted from collaboration between field scientists and statistical ecologists.
We seek a postdoctoral researcher who will engage in research that will support the ARMI program. The research will include developing new statistical methodology, as well as tailoring existing methods to specific ARMI uses. This includes assistance with nonstandard statistical problems that arise during their analyses. In addition, we will suggest 1-2 research topics that focus on statistical and applied ecological issues in amphibian population dynamics and ecology, depending on the interests of the postdoc, which may include developing goodness of fit tests for occupancy models, methods to improve estimation of demographic rates from combined data models, improving estimation of community dynamics, and improving models for use in resource management decisions. The work will be conducted in collaboration with the leadership of the USGS ARMI program (current head is Mike Adams). Drs. Evan Grant and James Nichols at Patuxent Wildlife Research Center and Dr. David Miller, Pennsylvania State University, are the primary collaborators. All USGS researchers associated with the ARMI program (armi.usgs.gov) are potential collaborators as well. Qualifications 1. Ph.D. in quantitative ecology, wildlife ecology, or related fields. 2. Knowledge of amphibian ecology, modeling, statistics, decision analysis. 3. Excellent verbal and written communication skills to facilitate a collaborative research environment and dissemination of results in scientific outlets. Benefits The salary range is approximately $50,000 - $60,000 depending on qualifications and other factors. This is a one-year time-limited appointment with potential for extension based on the scope of the applicant’s interests and contingent on funding. Application Send CV with names and contact information for three potential references to Evan Grant (ehgr...@usgs.gov; subject: ARMI postdoc application). I encourage applicants to submit materials by 07 July 2017 <x-apple-data-detectors://6>. -- Evan H. Campbell Grant, PhD NE Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center SO Conte Anadromous Fish Laboratory, 1 Migratory Way, Turners Falls MA 01376 <x-apple-data-detectors://9/1> fax (413) 863-9810 http://profile.usgs.gov/professional/mypage.php?name=ehgrant
