Post-doc Position in Species Distribution Modeling and Conservation Science

Background: We are recruiting a post-doctoral associate to lead two exciting projects advancing the use of species distribution modeling in conservation planning. This will involve the development and application of models to produce spatially-explicit predictions and conduct statistical inference on the vulnerability of declining grassland birds and bumble bee populations to patterns of climate and land use change across the Upper Midwest. The post-doc will have access to data from citizen science projects, the Wisconsin Breeding Bird Atlas (ebird.org/atlaswi/home) and Bumble Bee Watch (bumblebeewatch.org), and freedom to develop research questions within the broader objectives of the projects. Both projects involve building species-specific models to derive estimates of occupancy and abundance, and evaluate the importance of conservation areas and human-modified landscapes for target species.

The position will be funded for 2 years, and is a collaborative project between the University of Wisconsin-Madison, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Geological Survey, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The postdoc will be advised by Dr. Benjamin Zuckerberg (UW-Madison) and work closely with Dr. Claudio Gratton (UW-Madison) and Dr. Christine Ribic (USGS/UW-Madison). The position will be hosted in the department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Qualifications: We seek motivated candidates with a PhD in ecology or related discipline, excellent statistical skills in modeling species distributions (e.g., occupancy modeling and estimation, Bayesian hierarchical modeling, Maxent modeling), and experience or interest in conservation biology. It is likely that this project will involve both presence-absence (occupancy estimation) and presence-background (Maxent) approaches. Previous experience working with spatial databases (climate, land cover) and large biological databases is highly beneficial. Strong computing and data management skills, especially R, are desirable. The candidate should have demonstrable ability to produce quality manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals and experience working in collaborative research environments, including working with outside partner organizations.

Start Date: September 2019 (negotiable)

To apply, please send a single .PDF document including a cover letter summarizing research interests and experiences, curriculum vitae, unofficial list of relevant coursework, and contact information for three references to: bzuckerberg@wisc.edu.

After reviewing all applicants, we will ask for reference letters from top candidates.

The position is open to both U.S. citizens and international candidates. UW-Madison will assist with visa applications as necessary once an offer is made.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. We promote excellence through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.

Review of applicants will begin immediately, but the position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found. Applications received by April 26, 2019 are guaranteed full consideration.