Post-doc in Quantitative Ecology Patuxent Wildlife Res. Ctr

[andy_royle]

Opening: Post-doctoral Research Associate

Quantitative Ecology – Mathematical/Statistical Modeling

USGS PATUXENT WILDLIFE RESEARCH CENTER

The Quantitative Ecology Group at USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center is searching for an extremely motivated and talented post-doctoral research associate in Quantitative Ecology or Statistics to begin in as soon as possible. The ideal candidate will have recently graduated with a PhD in Quantitative Ecology, Natural Resources, or Statistics with an interest in Ecological problems.

The Quantitative Ecology Research Group consists of a core group of approximately 10 PIs and associated post-docs, conducting research in population and community ecology, wildlife management, and conservation biology with an emphasis on mathematical and statistical modeling, sampling biological populations and statistical estimation and inference.

The position is focused on the problem of spatial sampling/design in the context of the North American Breeding Bird Survey and related issues. One particular focus of the research is to attempt to better link the sampling framework with existing methods of inference for the survey (e.g., model-based trend estimation), and to provide practical recommendations to survey biologists regarding optimal methods for adding additional sample units (survey routes) to meet specific precision goals. A more general problem concerns how to sample animal communities that vary in their geographic distributions, dynamics, and factors that influence abundance and occurrence. The survey is used in many estimation and management contexts, and decisions regarding placement of samples requires consideration of multiple objectives. For example, what kinds of spatial sampling plans are optimal (or at least good) for estimating species richness?
The development of other community-based metrics relevant to management that can guide animal population sampling will also be investigated. Presently, funding is available for 13 months with additional funding possible.

Knowledge of the R programming environment is required. In addition, experience in statistical modeling and inference, spatial sampling of animal populations, spatial ecology, and population, metapopulation and community ecology are desirable. Additional skills include knowledge of formal concepts of likelihood and Bayesian inference, and Markov chain Monte Carlo, especially implementation in WinBUGS.

Salary is approx. 65,000/year.

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 John Sauer (jrsauer@usgs.gov). FAX (301.497.5545) :

1) Letter of interest, professional interests, and career goals.
2) Resume, including relevant experience, list of relevant classes
3) Contact information and two or three references