Download Postdoctoral Scientist Polar Bear Population Study Design

Postdoctoral Scientist
Polar Bear Population Study Design
USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center
POSITION TITLE: Post-doctoral Research Associate
SALARY: GS-12 salary (approx. $75K annually) and benefits
LOCATION: USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Laurel MD
PERFORMANCE PERIOD: Up to two years after start date, anticipate May 2016-May 2018
(contingent upon appropriation of funds)
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 31 December 2015, or until suitable candidate is found
POSITION SUMMARY:
USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center anticipates hiring a post-doctoral research associate to
develop and evaluate improved study designs for analysis of demography in polar bears,
including improved methods for unbiased, cost-effective estimation of abundance, survival, and
reproductive parameters, as well as the relationships between these parameters and
environmental factors. Improved methods for understanding demographic rates and patterns have
been identified as a priority by the five polar bear Range States (US, Canada, Greenland, Russia,
and Norway) under an international treaty for the conservation of polar bears. The methods
developed as part of this research are expected to inform polar bear population studies in the US,
where the polar bear is listed as “threatened” under the Endangered Species Act, and across the
species’ circumpolar range.
DUTIES:
The position will require ongoing close collaboration with polar bear biologists, quantitative
population ecologists, and statisticians to develop and evaluate improvements to field study
design, analytical methods, and interpretation of demographic results that account for the
challenges of studying polar bears. Study design improvements will be developed collaboratively
to address the needs of polar bear researchers working in a variety of settings, and will focus on
studies of individually-identified animals over time. Improved methods will be developed
through a combination of simulation studies and analysis of data sets collected for several polar
bear populations. Recommendations and analytical tools will be presented to the US Fish and
Wildlife Service and the Polar Bear Specialist Group of the International Union for the
Conservation of Nature. The candidate will be expected to publish 2 or more peer-reviewed
reports on this work.
MINIUMUM REQUIREMENTS:
1. Ph.D. in biology (wildlife), ecology, or related field, with a focus on quantitative methods
in population ecology.
2. Applicant must be within 5 years of receiving PhD.
3. Applicant must be a US citizen.
4. Demonstrated familiarity with concepts of design for demographic studies.
5. Demonstrated proficiency with computing platforms such as R.
6. Demonstrated desire and ability to publish in the peer-reviewed literature.
DESIRED ABILITIES:
Competitive candidates will have a strong background in demographic estimation and population
modeling, including multi-state or related capture-recapture models. Strong programming skills
are required, including proficiency with R or similar platforms for data manipulation and
conceptual modeling, proficiency with WinBUGS or similar platforms for population analysis,
and proficiency with ArcGIS or similar platforms for analysis of spatial data. Strong preference
for candidates with experience carrying out simulation studies to evaluate the design of
demographic studies. The successful candidate will have excellent written and personal
communication skills, and demonstrated success in working closely with management agencies
on applied questions in wildlife conservation.
APPLICATION:
Applicants should email: (1) a letter describing your background and interests – the letter should
address specifically how the applicant meets both the minimum requirements and the desired
abilities, (2) curriculum vitae, (3) copies of college transcripts (unofficial acceptable) and (4) the
names and contact information for 3 references to Dr. Sarah Converse ([email protected]).
For further information, contact:
Sarah Converse ([email protected])
(301) 497-5635
USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center
12100 Beech Forest Road, Laurel, MD 20708