US Army Corps of Engineers Engineer Research and Development Center POSITION DESCRIPTION: The US Army Corps of Engineers, Engineer Research and Development Center is seeking an enthusiastic and talented post-doc to participate in multidisciplinary research at the interface of spatial statistics, sampling optimization and invasive plant ecology. This post- doc position aims to develop and apply cutting-edge, statistical methodologies for optimal detection and mapping of invasive plants under the relatively common conditions that hinder existing methodologies (e.g., at invasion fronts or foci where infestations are sparsely distributed and exhibit spatially variable abundances, and when multiple target species are of interest). The postdoctoral researcher will join a diverse team working on many different aspects of invasive plant ecology and management. The postdoctoral fellow will have access to an excellent research environment, including advanced software, high quality data, and a travel budget, as well as colleagues and students having a breadth of scientific expertise. Proposed technical development will target the design of flexible sampling schemes and mapping capabilities that 1) support model- and design-based inferences, 2) can detect invasive plants occurring at low abundances and in widely-scattered infestations, and 3) maximize mapping accuracy and precision in high risk areas. Anticipated research outcomes include rigorous definition of the statistical sampling and mapping methodologies in prominent publications, practical implementation including assistance in the development software, and detailed examples demonstrating the application of the methodologies to invasive plant inventory and monitoring.
QUALIFICATIONS: A recent PhD degree in statistics, biometrics, psychometrics, biomedical/epidemiological, or geostatistical research. Candidates should have a strong record of collaborative research, and advanced training in applied statistics or biostatistics with expertise preferably in more than one of the following topics: Computational Statistics, Spatial Statistics, Adaptive Sampling Theory (e.g., Adaptive Cluster Sampling, Adaptive Web Sampling, Two-phase Sampling, Sequential Sampling), Markov Chain Monte Carlo Estimation, Bayesian Probability and Mathematical/Simulation Modeling. Additional qualifications include a demonstrable ability to use statistical and GIS software, as well as excellent programming, data management, communication and organizational skills. Applicants must be US citizens. SALARY AND LOCATION: Contingent upon satisfactory performance, funding is available for up to four years. Stipend award is variable ($45 – $55,000/yr) depending upon years of experience and skill set. Opportunities for permanent employment may also be available. Research will occur at the US Army Corps of Engineers, Engineer Research and Development Center in Champaign, Illinois. Equidistant from Chicago, Indianapolis and St. Louis, Champaign is known for its tree-lined streets, numerous parks, stable economy, cultural diversity, comfortable pace, affordable cost of living, and University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign campus. It is also home to the National Center for Supercomputing Applications, Wolfram Research Inc., and numerous state and federal agency offices. The local airport offers convenient jet service to Chicago, Detroit, St. Louis, Dallas, and other regional cities. APPLICATION PROCESS: Applicants should submit a curriculum vitae, copies of transcripts, statement of research interest, and three letters of reference to Matthew Hohmann, Ecological Processes Branch, ERDC-CERL, Champaign, IL 61822-1072. Additional questions regarding the duties of this position may be directed to Matthew Hohmann at [EMAIL PROTECTED] or (217) 373-5863. Review of applications will begin March 24, 2008, with an anticipated start-date sometime in May of 2008.
