Research Associate, College of Forestry and Conservation

The University of Montana is seeking a Research Associate for the College of Forestry and Conservation to conduct climate change vulnerability analyses and synthesize amphibian monitoring data. The role involves statistical analysis using R, independent literature reviews, and manuscript preparation. While office space is available on campus, remote candidates with a proven productivity track record will be considered. This full-time position offers a salary of $62,000-$65,000 and benefits.
Research Associate, College of Forestry and
Conservation

University of Montana: Provost: Missoula: W. A. Franke College of
Forestry and Conservation

Location: Missoula, MT, United States

Open Date: Nov 05, 2024

Deadline:

Description

The University of Montana invites applications for
a Research Associate to work under the supervision
of Dr. Lisa Eby in collaboration with the National Park Service
(Dr. Andrew Ray) and US Geological Survey (Dr. Blake Hossack). The
Research Associate will have to primary tasks of (1) completing a
climate change vulnerability analysis (CCVA) and mapping of climate
refugia mapping for amphibians on NPS lands in the continental U.S.
and (2) synthesizing data from amphibian monitoring programs in
national parks to evaluate responses to climate covariates and
provide guidelines on designing more efficient monitoring programs.
Funding is currently available for 2 years, but is contingent on
satisfactory performance.

The University of Montana is an Affirmative Action/Equal
Opportunity employer and has a strong institutional commitment to
the principle of diversity in all areas. In that spirit, we are
particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad
spectrum of qualified people who would assist the University in
demonstrating its five
priorities for action: Place student success at the center of
all we do; drive excellence and innovation in teaching, learning,
and research; embody the principle of "mission first, people
always"; partner with place; and proudly tell the UM story.

Examples of Duties and Responsibilities
• Deriving parameters from modelled downscaled climate
predictions and other spatial datasets.
• Conducting statistical analyses in the R programing
environment.
• Assessing the rigor of research results.
• Conducting independent scientific reviews of primary
literature.
• Providing review and analysis of data.
• Leading the preparation of manuscripts for peer-reviewed
publication.
• Productively collaborating and communicating with research
team, local biologists, and managers.

Position Details

Office space is available on the University of Montana (Missoula)
campus. There might also be office space available at NPS
facilities in Santa Fe (NM), Las Cruces (NM), Tucson (AZ), or at
other NPS office locations. We will consider candidates who are
stationed remotely if they have a demonstrated track record of
productivity.

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.

Salary for this position is $62,000-$65,000 per year commensurate
with qualifications.

Qualifications
• PhD in wildlife biology, ecology, biology, or a similar
field.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the scientific process including both
the scientific method and its application to ecological
research.
• Proven ability to conduct scientific literature reviews,
collect and manage databases and data sets, and ability to conduct
analysis of complex, quantitative ecological data.
• Practical statistical analysis experience with statistical
programming languages like R, R Markdown, Python, and/or
GitHub.
• Experience in writing progress reports for funding agencies and
managing scientific databases.
• Ability to work both independently and with a collaborative
team using strong interpersonal skills, including strong written
and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work in an office setting and to work
collaboratively with other project and agency partners.
• Demonstrated ability to present research results and project
impacts to broad audiences (written and oral).
• Must possess a valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications
• Expertise in GIS and the processing/analysis of remotely sensed
data and familiarity with large data repositories (e.g., Google
Earth Engine).
• Experience conducting analysis of complex, quantitative
ecological data. In particular, the candidate will have to work
with large spatial datasets (e.g., gridded landcover data and
climate projections) and conduct multi-species occupancy modeling
using program R.
• Strong record of research, including experience leading
peer-reviewed publications in high quality journals.
• Ability to travel for up to 7 days consecutively, both in state
and out of state as needed to work with collaborators and local
biologists. We do not expect much travel will be required.

Application Instructions

Screening of applications will begin after the closing date of
January 5, 2024; however, applications will continue to be accepted
until an adequate applicant pool has been established. Please
upload the following materials:
• Letter of Interest - addressing the stated
required skills for the position
• Detailed resume listing education and
describing work experience
• Three (3) professional references - Names and
contact information

For more information and to apply, visit https://apply.interfolio.com/158686

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

University of Montana shall abide by the
requirements of 41 CFR §§ 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a).
These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified
individuals based on their status as protected veterans or
individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against
all individuals based on their race, color, religion, national
origin, creed, service in the uniformed services (as defined in
state and federal law), veteran status, sex, gender, age, political
ideas, marital or family status, pregnancy, physical or mental
disability, genetic information, gender identity, gender
expression, or sexual orientation ("protected classes"). Moreover,
these regulations require that covered prime contractors and
subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in
employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion,
national origin, creed, service in the uniformed services (as
defined in state and federal law), veteran status, sex, gender,
age, political ideas, marital or family status, pregnancy, physical
or mental disability, genetic information, gender identity, gender
expression, or sexual orientation.

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. Testing:
Individual hiring departments at UM 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, as legally required (e.g., Form
I-9).

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