2-year post-doc position in demographic monitoring

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2-year post-doc position in demographic monitoring

Postby Michael Schaub » Thu Sep 08, 2016 4:56 am

The Swiss Ornithological Institute in Sempach (Switzerland) is a non-profit private foundation. It disseminates knowledge on birds to the public, conducts scientific research focused on avian biology and ecology and provides information to improve conservation of birds. Together with our partners we ensure that nature benefits from the existing knowledge and law. We are offering the following post-doctoral position:

Understanding large-scale population processes in Swiss breeding birds using integrated population models (IPM)

The Swiss Ornithological Institute is seeking a highly motivated post-doctoral researcher to model large-scale population processes in Swiss breeding birds. The project aims 1) to provide knowledge and methods to establish a demographic monitoring scheme of Swiss birds drawing on multiple data sources using integrated population modelling (IPM) techniques, 2) to apply this modelling framework in a number of case studies to understand the large-scale population processes acting on those species and 3) to make recommendation for improving future data collection for demographic monitoring.

An initial part of the project will consist of generating an inventory of the available data sources and identification of species suitable for IPM modelling. The main part of the project will consist of methodological research and the application of its results in a number of case studies and of documenting this in research publications. A main data source in the project will be the Swiss breeding bird survey MHB, which has been producing 2-3 replicated counts in 267 1 km2 quadrats annually since 1999. These data allow estimation of population trends in abundance while accommodating imperfect detection. The demographic mechanisms underlying these trends remain unknown. By combining MHB data with other available data sources, especially ringing and productivity data, estimation of survival and recruitment becomes possible using IPM. Part of the project is funded by a grant of the Swiss National Science Foundation to Marc Kéry and Michael Schaub.

The ideal candidate has solid experience in population modelling, in Bayesian statistical modelling and is a proficient R and BUGS programmer. Further, a demonstrated ability and willingness to produce high-quality publications will be an important selection criterion.

The position is initially for two years, but may be extended to a third year. The ideal starting date would be January 2017. The working place is the Swiss Ornithological Institute in Sempach, Switzerland.

Applications
For further information please contact Michael Schaub (michael.schaub@vogelwarte.ch) or Marc Kéry (marc.kery@vogelwarte.ch). Applications should be submitted as one pdf-file to Michael Schaub (michael.schaub@vogelwarte.ch with cc to barbara.friedli@vogelwarte.ch) before 15 October 2016 and include a letter of motivation detailing your research interests and experiences, your current CV and contact information of two academic referees. Interviews will take place in November 2016.
Michael Schaub
 
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