quantitative Post-Doc at Penn State

[irwin]

Position Title:
Post-Doctoral Research Associate

Agency/Location:
The position will be housed at The Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA; however, some travel to Maine and Georgia will be required.

Description:
We seek an excellent candidate for a 2-year post-doctoral position in quantitative fisheries science. The project’s purpose is to address inherent challenges associated with performing trans-boundary research. The successful candidate will use freshwater stream fish populations as model systems to develop a framework and tools for linking large-scale system dynamics to monitoring and management programs. There will be opportunities to contribute to other ongoing efforts emphasizing the important connections among large-scale influences, ecological monitoring, and management decision making.

Responsibilities:
The successful candidate will collaborate with scientists at the Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Maine Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units (www.coopunits.org) and our partners (e.g., Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Maine Department of Inland Fish and Wildlife, and USFWS). The project will involve three primary tasks: (1) compile a regional spatiotemporal database for select riverine fish species; (2) develop and apply statistical models capable of accommodating the analytical challenges associated with trans-boundary research (e.g., merging of datasets with different spatial and temporal resolutions, etc.), and (3) use information about large-scale system dynamics to develop tools to help guide trans-boundary monitoring and management efforts. Perform other duties as required, including leading or contributing to grant writing.

Qualifications:
Competitive candidates will be highly motivated and possess a recent Ph.D. in Fisheries, Wildlife, Ecology or related discipline with strong quantitative emphasis, or a Ph.D. in Statistics with strong biological emphasis. A record of peer-reviewed publication and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment is required. Demonstrated expertise in database development and management, Bayesian estimation and GIS is preferred.

Please send a CV, statement of research interests, names and contact information of three references, and one relevant publication to Dr. Tyler Wagner (twagner@psu.edu; ph: 814-865-6592).

Salary:
$45,000/year for 2 years, plus excellent benefits

Closing Date:
Open until filled; preferred start date is 1 October 2012, but is negotiable; we will begin reviewing applications on 20 August 2012.