Postdoctoral Research Associate, Wildlife Ecology

Brown University is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Wildlife Ecology to investigate the decline of muskrats in the northeastern U.S. The role involves fieldwork, data analysis, and publication of research. Candidates will work under Professor Laurence C. Smith, collaborating with various agencies and scientists. The position lasts one year with potential for renewal and includes a competitive salary and health benefits. Fieldwork requires hiking and kayaking in remote locations.
Description



Topic areas: wildlife ecology, biogeography, conservation science, environmental science, habitat suitability modeling/geospatial analysis, field studies



Description:




Brown University seeks a postdoctoral research associate to support a NASA-funded investigation of the precipitous decline in muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) with focus on the northeastern United States. While there is a growing realization that muskrats are experiencing precipitous, widespread population decline across North America, the causes of this population decline are poorly understood. The project will test several ecological hypotheses to determine the cause of muskrat population decline using a combination of field work, environmental DNA, and satellite remote sensing data analysis in wetland areas.



Duties of the position:




(1) Writing and publication of peer-reviewed research related to the project.




(2) Data analysis and interpretation.




(3) Providing mentorship to graduate students and research technicians.




(4) Hiking in remote locations while transporting field equipment in all weather conditions.




(5) Willingness to operate a kayak in remote wetland environments in all weather conditions.




(6) Collection of water samples and other field observations.




The successful candidate will be a member of the research group of Professor Laurence C. Smith in the Department of Earth, Environment and Planetary Sciences, and the Institute at Brown for Environment and Society at Brown University. The successful candidate will have opportunities to interact with numerous governmental wildlife management and conservation agencies, NASA, and research scientists at Brown and other universities. The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) and USDA National Genomics Center for Wildlife and Fish Conservation are key co-funded partners. The project has enthusiastic collaborators in multiple state environmental management agencies throughout the northeast. The successful candidate will attend annual meetings of the NASA Biodiversity and Ecological Conservation program in Washington, DC, and the Northeast Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies.




The anticipated duration of the position is one (1) year with opportunity to renew up-to-three years depending on performance. Brown University provides a competitive salary with health benefits to all postdoctoral research associates.



How to apply:




Email Professor James R. Kellner at james_r_kellner@brown.edu with (1) a CV or resume, (2) a cover letter that summarizes your qualifications and experience, and (3) the names and contact information for three professional references. In your cover letter, please indicate your earliest available start date. Candidates should also address how they would contribute to the research and/or teaching missions of our diverse and inclusive living-learning community.




The position is available immediately; the start date is flexible for the selected candidate.



Major tasks:




Fieldwork (20%). Supporting actions: driving, hiking, operating a kayak, collecting water samples, and making field observations.




Data analysis, interpretation, and writing peer-reviewed journal articles (60%). Supporting actions. Statistical analysis of field data, analysis of satellite remote sensing (as appropriate based on the specific background of the successful candidate), writing, and producing publication-quality graphics.




Participation in the lab (15%). Supporting actions. Providing mentorship to undergraduates and graduate students. Participation and leadership in regular lab meetings.




Attendance at professional meetings (5%). Supporting actions. Traveling to and participating in professional meetings, including NASA in Washington, DC.



Qualifications




This position requires a PhD in wildlife ecology, biogeography, environmental science, habitat suitability modeling/geospatial analysis/remote sensing, or a related field. Candidates who have completed the requirements for the PhD but for whom the degree has not yet been conferred are encouraged to apply. The successful candidate must demonstrate a record of scholarly publication and possess the ability to conduct fieldwork in remote wetland environments, the ability to conduct and interpret statistical data analysis, and the willingness to travel to professional meetings. Experience with environmental DNA and remote sensing or geographic information systems is desirable but not required.



Additional physical demands: This position requires field work in wetland environments, including hiking while carrying equipment, using a kayak, and collecting water samples in all weather conditions.



Application Instructions




Email Professor James R. Kellner at james_r_kellner@brown.edu with (1) a CV or resume, (2) a cover letter that summarizes your qualifications and experience, and (3) the names and contact information for three professional references.