Post-doctoral Research Position: Manatee Demographic Modelin

[Bill Kendall]

POSITION TITLE: Post-doctoral Research Position: Manatee Demographic Modeling

SALARY: $50K - $55K per year, commensurate with qualifications and experience, benefits included.

PERFORMANCE PERIOD: Up to three years after start date, anticipate October 2010-2012 (Contingent upon appropriation of funds)

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 31 August 2010, or until suitable candidate is found

POSITION SUMMARY:

Colorado State University is seeking candidates for a postdoctoral position to (1) develop stage-based demographic models for manatee populations, based on integrating photo-identification data with newly acquired genetic fingerprinting data for live individuals and carcasses; (2) develop and implement a model of adult manatee survival probabilities specific to migration patterns; and (3) implement a model to estimate boat-strike scar acquisition probabilities for manatees. This modeling will serve to support decision-making by USFWS and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The scope of work will include parameter estimation, model development, and development of guidelines for future collection of photo-id and genetic data. Parameter estimation will build off previous work on the use of multi-state mark-recapture models to estimate demographic parameters.

DUTIES:

The modeling work will be primarily supervised by Dr. Bill Kendall at Colorado State University. The incumbent will also work closely with Dr. Cathy Langtimm and other personnel of the USGS Sirenia Project, as well as personnel of Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, for problem definition and modeling guidance, provision of photo-id and genetic data, monitoring design issues, and analysis of genetic data. Accordingly, the postdoc position will be located at the USGS Sirenia Project in Gainesville Florida, with significant travel to Fort Collins, Colorado.


MINIUMUM REQUIREMENTS:

1. Ph.D. in biology (wildlife), ecology, or related quantitative field.
2. Demonstrated knowledge and proficiency with statistical modeling used to describe population dynamics from mark-recapture data.
3. Demonstrated proficiency with statistical software used to estimate vital rates.
4. Demonstrated desire and proficiency to publish in the peer-reviewed literature.

DESIRED ABILITIES:

Competitive candidates will have a background in demographic estimation and population modeling, using multistate models. Proficient programming skills and experience with hierarchical modeling are desirable. The successful candidate will have excellent written and personal communication skills and a desire to work in a collaborative way on applied problems.

TO APPLY:

Submit letter describing your background and interest, curriculum vitae, copy of college transcripts, and the names and contact information for three references online at: http://warnercnr.colostate.edu/employme ... ities.html. For full consideration, all materials must be received by 4:30pm, Tuesday, August 31, 2010.


For further information, contact:

William L. Kendall (wkendall@usgs.gov)
970/491-7066
USGS Colorado Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit
Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology
1484 Campus Delivery - Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1484
or
Catherine A. Langtimm (clangtimm@usgs.gov)
508/867-8346
USGS Southeast Ecological Science Center
Sirenia Project
2201 NW 40th Terrace
Gainesville, FL 32605

Colorado State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding affirmative action requirements. The Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity is located in room 101 Student Services. In order to assist Colorado State University in meeting its affirmative action responsibilities, ethnic minorities, women and other protected class members are encouraged to apply and to so identify themselves.

Colorado State University is committed to providing a safe and productive learning and living community. To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for all final candidates being considered for employment. Background checks may include, but are not limited to, criminal history, national sex offender search and motor vehicle history.