Ecological Research Assistant Position | Patuxent

[cooch]

Ecological Research Assistant Needed

Quantitative Ecology – Mathematical/Statistical Modeling, R programming, Data Analysis

USGS PATUXENT WILDLIFE RESEARCH CENTER

The Quantitative Ecology Group at USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center is searching for an extremely motivated and talented research assistant to work at least 20 hours per week for approx 6-9 months beginning as early as Aug. 2010.

The position involves data analysis, estimation, and modeling in support of various projects focused on population, metapopulation, community ecology, spatial sampling of animal populations, spatial ecology, and wildlife surveys. The incumbent will design and develop statistical software in the R programming environment. Knowledge of the R programming environment is required. Must be highly motivated and able to work independently. Other desired skills include knowledge of likelihood and Bayesian methods of statistical inference, Markov chain Monte Carlo, especially implementation in WinBUGS, and GIS.

The position requires completion of a B.S. or M.S. degree in any related field. The ideal candidate has a graduate degree in Ecology, Natural Resources or Statistics, and interested in the application of quantitative methods to ecological problems as an element of his or her graduate research.

Students are responsible for all costs of transportation to and from Patuxent Wildlife Research Center. Salary depends on qualifications.

Principal Duty Station:
USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center
12100 Beech Forest Road
Laurel, Maryland 20708-4038

To apply, send the following to Andy Royle at the above address or via email (aroyle@usgs.gov) or FAX (301.497.5545) NO LATER THAN JUNE 29:

1) Letter of interest, professional interests, and career goals (if any).

2) Piece of R code that does something interesting, useful, efficiently, or in a novel way. (also describe what it does, just in case).

3) Resume, including relevant experience, list of relevant classes, contact information and two or three reference contacts