Postdoc in extreme environmental effects on demography of stream fish and salamanders (USA)

Position description:
Climate change will likely increase the frequency and severity of extreme
events. Understanding and forecasting biological response to extreme events
represents a key challenge to applied ecology. This project involves
incorporating forecasts of extreme events into population models for stream
fish and salamanders in the northeastern US. Existing models include
detailed demographic models (integral projection models), abundance models
and occupancy models. Extreme events in streams mainly result in floods and
droughts, so models will account for effects of these drivers on vital rates
and probabilities of local extinction. Models will primarily rely on
existing data, but there is an opportunity to conduct flume tests of the
effects of environmental drivers on vital rates if necessary. The post-doc
will collaborate directly with a hydrologic modeler, and indirectly with a
large team of environmental and biological modelers.

The USGS Conte Anadromous Fish Research Center in Turners Falls, MA seeks a
postdoctoral research associate to develop demographic models for species
response to extreme events. The project is part of a larger US Department of
Interior effort to understand effects of hurricanes on the northeastern US.
Preferred start date is September 1, 2014.

Qualifications:
Competitive candidates will have skills in demographic modeling (projection
matrices, abundance and occupancy models), estimation (particularly in a
Bayesian context), and optimization, with previous experience working on
collaborative research projects and familiarity with headwater streams. We
are especially interested in applicants with experience linking
environmental drivers to demographic models. The successful candidate will
also have excellent writing and personal communication skills. Applicants
are expected to have earned a Ph.D. degree in a relevant discipline,
preferably within the last 2 years.

Benefits:
Salary is $52K per year plus a health care allowance, with support available
for 2 years.  Travel funds will be provided to attend regional workshops
during model development, and to attend professional conferences.

Application:
Send a letter describing your background and experiences as they relate to
this position, and a CV with names and contact information for three
references to Ben Letcher (bletcher@usgs.gov). To receive full
consideration, send application materials by 31 March 2014.