A postdoctoral position is available in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). With Dr. Emily Minor, the candidate will explore aspects of biodiversity in urban landscapes using theoretical, experimental, and/or observational approaches. There is considerable flexibility in the focus of this position but the ideal candidate will integrate and build upon existing projects. Possible areas of research include, but are not limited to, distribution and spread of exotic species (e.g., monk parakeets), connectivity of habitat along highways and/or urban green spaces, urban bird ecology, and human-nature interactions in urban environments. Candidates with interdisciplinary training and interests, particularly in the social sciences, are welcome.
Applicants must have relevant Ph.D. experience in ecology, geography, or a related field. Ideal candidates will demonstrate excellent communication skills, particularly in the form of published peer-reviewed papers and/or funded proposals. Desirable technical skills include spatial analysis, agent-based modeling, remote sensing, GIS, and/or molecular techniques. Knowledge of Midwestern biota is a bonus. Funding for salary and research expenses is available for 2 years and the successful applicant will work collaboratively to obtain additional funding. Application review will begin June 1, 2010, and continue until the position is filled. Interested applicants should send a curriculum vitae, a 1-2 page statement of research interests focusing on projects that could be conducted while working at UIC, relevant publications, and contact information for three references. The application should also contain a cover letter that highlights the applicant's skills and experience in areas relevant to this position. Send materials by email to Emily Minor at emi...@uic.edu The research community in the Department of Biological Sciences at UIC is highly collegial and includes faculty with strengths in community ecology, behavioral ecology, landscape genetics, and urban ecology. We also interact regularly with researchers in the larger Chicago area, including University of Chicago, Northwestern University, DePaul University, US Forest Service, Chicago Botanic Garden, Morton Arboretum, Lincoln Park Zoo, Brookfield Zoo, Field Museum, and others. Women and Minorities are strongly encouraged to apply. UIC is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.