Research Associate, College of Forestry and Conservation

The University of Montana is seeking a full-time Research Associate for climate change vulnerability analysis and amphibian monitoring. Responsibilities include statistical analysis in R, data synthesis, and manuscript preparation. The position is based in Missoula, MT, but remote candidates with a proven track record may be considered. Salary ranges from $62,000 to $65,000 annually, with funding available for 2 years contingent on performance.
The University of Montana seeks a Research Associate for climate change vulnerability analysis and amphibian monitoring in collaboration with the National Park Service and US Geological Survey. Key responsibilities include statistical analysis in R, data synthesis, and manuscript preparation. The position is full-time, based in Missoula, MT, but remote candidates with a proven track record may be considered. Salary ranges from $62,000 to $65,000 annually.

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 two primary tasks:
• Completing a climate change vulnerability analysis (CCVA) and mapping of climate refugia for amphibians on NPS lands in the continental U.S.
• 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.
Examples of

Duties and Responsibilities
• Deriving parameters from modelled down scaled climate predictions and other spatial datasets.
• Conducting statistical analyses in the R programming 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 the 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.
Minimum 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 conduct analysis of complex, quantitative ecological data.
• Practical statistical analysis experience with statistical programming languages like R, R Markdown, Python, and/or Git Hub.
• 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, particularly with large spatial datasets (e.g., gridded landcover data and climate projections) and conducting 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr