Postdoc Research Associate, MT Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit

The University of Montana is seeking a Postdoc Research Associate to collaborate on statistical tools for studying chronic wasting disease (CWD) in white-tailed deer populations in Wisconsin. The role involves integrating data streams for population and disease modeling and requires a PhD in statistics or a related field. Preferred qualifications include experience with demographic and disease models, and the ability to communicate complex concepts. This is a full-time position located in Montana.
Description

The Postdoc Research Associate will directly work in collaboration with scientists from University of Montana (USGS Montana Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit (MTCWRU) and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The position will focus on developing and implementing statistical tools to investigate the progression and impacts of chronic wasting disease (CWD) on white-tailed deer populations in Wisconsin. The scientist will also work to integrate multiple data streams collected across the state to inform population and disease process models. The scientist serving in this position will interact with agency scientists and biologists as necessary to understand the CWD disease system and elicit expert knowledge regarding the disease and its management. The position will also support wildlife health modeling needs of the MTCWRU and will complete other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

The minimum position knowledge skills and abilities are those associated with a researcher that has acquired a PhD in statistics, applied mathematics, quantitative ecology or related discipline. The researcher must also have experience developing computational models in R, Python, Matlab, or similar programming languages.

The preferred position education, experience, knowledge skills and abilities include:
• Experience working with demographic models
• Experience working with disease models
• Knowledge of integrating multiple data streams to inform mdoels
• Ability to communicate complex scientific concepts to non-technical audiences
• Knowledge of high-performance computing techniques

Additional Information

Position is full-time, 1.0 FTE Letter of Appointment and includes a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including Insurance package, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program.

Additional Information

The Montana Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit performs research designed to address the needs of cooperators, bridging the gap between applied and basic wildlife science. Our studies provide new insights useful to management and conservation, based on understanding the ecological mechanisms that underlie habitat requirements and demography of individual and coexisting wildlife species. Research emphases within the Unit include ecology and management of wildlife health, carnivores, applied landscape ecology, management of large game, interactions between forest management and wildlife, environmental influences (predators, habitat, ungulates) on demography and diversity of birds, habitat requirements and community ecology of birds, and comparative demography and life history strategies of birds in differing environmental and geographical contexts. Other research topics are addressed as needed, in keeping with the Cooperative Research Program’s mission to best meet the needs of the Cooperators by remaining flexible and open to new areas of inquiry. When Cooperator’s needs occur outside Unit expertise, the assistance of appropriate University faculty will be recruited.

Unit staff will advance the training and education of graduate students at the University of Montana by teaching up to one graduate-level course per year in wildlife science, chairing graduate committees of Unit students, and serving on graduate committees of non-Unit students. Technical support and training will be provided to Cooperators and other agencies as the need exists.

The Affiliation of the University of Montana (UM Affiliation) is an equal opportunity employer. UM Affiliation does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of protected class status as described in UM’s non-discrimination policy and any applicable law. Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law.

Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to the offer of employment. In accordance with university regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations.

References: References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. UM partners with SkillSurvey for reference checking. Applicants may receive emails from SkillSurvey to submit reference information.

Testing: Individual hiring departments withing the UM Affiliation may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions.

Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM and all affiliated campuses, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9).