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The Cornell Lab of Ornithology seeks a Postdoctoral Conservation Biologist to work at the intersection of landscape ecology, avian conservation, and hybridization genetics. This position is part of the Golden-winged Warbler Conservation Initiative, a long-term and highly collaborative project funded in part by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. The focus is to research the ecology, reproductive behavior, and genetics of GWWAs (and BWWAs) for the purpose of developing a range-wide conservation plan. The postdoctoral scholar will have a leadership role in designing and implementing analyses that use a variety of spatially explicit genetic, monitoring, and habitat data to understand the habitat-use patterns and consequent interactions of GWWAs and BWWAs across their range. Some of the research and conservation goals include, 1) Quantifying potential habitat differences among GWWAs, BWWAs, and their hybrids; 2) Linking these patterns with genetic information on hybridization dynamics; 3) Developing a range-wide hybrid atlas to better understand the impact of hybridization on GWWA reproductive biology, 4) Mapping critically important areas for conservation based on levels of GWWA “genetic purity” and habitat availability, and 5) Identify habitat features and management actions that potentially favor GWWAs and limit hybridization with BWWAs.

The primary duties of this research position involve the quantitative analysis and interpretation of genetic hybridization data as well as landscape- and territory-level habitat data and their relationships to patterns of hybridization. The position will work collaboratively with a large group of professional conservation biologists with a range of specialties, ranging from avian genetics to land management, both within and outside of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

Requirements
PhD in ecology, wildlife biology, evolutionary biology, genetics, or related field with strong quantitative experience and skills in landscape ecology, relevant to understanding spatial and habitat-use patterns of birds. Extensive experience with hands on molecular genetics is not required; however, ability to incorporate genetic data into ecological analyses is essential. We are seeking individuals with a passion for linking rigorous basic research with pressing conservation needs. Applicants should have strong background in spatial statistics. Familiarity with GIS applications, ecological niche modeling, and/or the evolutionary ecology of hybridization is useful, but not required. Candidates with a strong record of impact and productivity in their research are preferred.

Contact
Ken Rosenberg and Irby Lovette (Cornell Lab of Ornithology)