Postdoc in population biology

DESCRIPTION:
The Lincoln Park Zoo and the Alexander Center for Applied Population Biology
are searching for a two-year post-doctoral fellow to conduct and manage
research and conservation projects in applied population biology, including
working with cooperatively managed zoo-based populations and in situ (wild)
populations of endangered and threatened species.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Fellow will help design, conduct, and manage population biology research
and conservation studies in collaboration with a strong existing team of
scientists in the Zoo’s Alexander Center for Applied Population Biology.
The primary focus is on applied research that improves population management
and species conservation.  Tasks include participating in all aspects of the
scientific method including designing studies, preparing protocols,
collecting data, analyzing data, writing manuscripts for publication, and
preparing oral or poster presentations for staff and conferences.

The Fellow will become an active participant in some existing projects,
including assessing sustainability of zoo-based populations using population
viability analyses, looking for patterns in vulnerability across species,
and analyzing an existing dataset on whether zoo breeding and transfer
recommendations are being effectively used for species management.  The
Fellow will take primary lead on a new initiative modeling the dynamics of
the wild population of Hines Emerald Dragonflies in collaboration with
USFWS.  In addition, post-doc will continue or initiate new research.

Tasks will also include supervision of staff and interns as they collect,
manage, and analyze data; representing the zoo and our research at
scientific meetings; and assisting the supervisor in management of the
population biology research program.   Other duties as assigned by immediate
supervisor.

This position is for two years, subject to review after one year, and will
be filled as soon as possible.  Salary will be commensurate with experience.

QUALIFICATIONS:

PhD in ecology, statistics, applied mathematics, or a related discipline is
required.  Experience in developing stochastic population models to address
questions about species conservation and management is required.

Experience developing customized population models in Matlab, R, or another
programming language preferred.  Familiarity with the principles of small
population biology as they apply to zoo population management preferred.
Familiarity with zoo population management software (PopLink, ZooRisk,
SPARKS, PMx, PMCTrack) preferred.  Strong statistical skills preferred.

Successful candidates must also have strong interpersonal, computer,
organizational, and communication skills (written and spoken).  Experience
managing grant budgets is preferred. Experience supervising staff is preferred.

REQUIREMENTS:

Available to work all necessary hours, including some weekends and holidays.

APPLICATION DETAILS:
Applicants should include 1) a cover letter explicitly describing the fit
with this position and a possible start date, 2) a curriculum vitae, 3) two
letters of recommendation, 4) the Lincoln Park Zoo application for
employment form.  See http://www.lpzoo.org/careers for more details.