Research Associate

Description

The University of Montana invites applications for a Research Associate to work under the supervision of Dr. Lisa Eby in collaboration with the National Park Service (Dr. Andrew Ray) and US Geological Survey (Dr. Blake Hossack). The Research Associate will have to primary tasks of (1) completing a climate change vulnerability analysis (CCVA) and mapping of climate refugia mapping for amphibians on NPS lands in the continental U.S. and (2) synthesizing data from amphibian monitoring programs in national parks to evaluate responses to climate covariates and provide guidelines on designing more efficient monitoring programs. Funding is currently available for 2 years, but is contingent on satisfactory performance.

The University of Montana is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity in all areas. In that spirit, we are particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of qualified people who would assist the University in demonstrating its five priorities for action : Place student success at the center of all we do; drive excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, and research; embody the principle of “mission first, people always"; partner with place; and proudly tell the UM story.

Examples of Duties and Responsibilities

• Deriving parameters from modelled downscaled climate predictions and other spatial datasets.
• Conducting statistical analyses in the R programing environment.
• Assessing the rigor of research results.
• Conducting independent scientific reviews of primary literature.
• Providing review and analysis of data.
• Leading the preparation of manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication.
• Productively collaborating and communicating with research team, local biologists, and managers.

Position Details

Office space is available on the University of Montana (Missoula) campus. There might also be office space available at NPS facilities in Santa Fe (NM), Las Cruces (NM), Tucson (AZ), or at other NPS office locations. We will consider candidates who are stationed remotely if they have a demonstrated track record of productivity.

Position is full-time, 1.0 FTE, Letter of Appointment and includes a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including insurance package, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program.

Salary for this position is $62,000-$65,000 per year commensurate with qualifications.

Qualifications

• PhD in wildlife biology, ecology, biology, or a similar field.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the scientific process including both the scientific method and its application to ecological research.
• Proven ability to conduct scientific literature reviews, collect and manage databases and data sets, and ability to conduct analysis of complex, quantitative ecological data.
• Practical statistical analysis experience with statistical programming languages like R, R Markdown, Python, and/or GitHub.
• Experience in writing progress reports for funding agencies and managing scientific databases.
• Ability to work both independently and with a collaborative team using strong interpersonal skills, including strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work in an office setting and to work collaboratively with other project and agency partners.
• Demonstrated ability to present research results and project impacts to broad audiences (written and oral).
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Expertise in GIS and the processing/analysis of remotely sensed data and familiarity with large data repositories (e.g., Google Earth Engine).

• Experience conducting analysis of complex, quantitative ecological data. In particular, the candidate will have to work with large spatial datasets (e.g., gridded landcover data and climate projections) and conduct multi-species occupancy modeling using program R.

• Strong record of research, including experience leading peer-reviewed publications in high quality journals.

• Ability to travel for up to 7 days consecutively, both in state and out of state as needed to work with collaborators and local biologists. We do not expect much travel will be required.

Application Instructions

Screening of applications will begin after the closing date; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established. Please upload the following materials:

• Letter of Interest – addressing the stated required skills for the position
• Detailed resume listing education and describing work experience
• Three (3) professional references - Names and contact information

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

University of Montana shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR §§ 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, national origin, creed, service in the uniformed services (as defined in state and federal law), veteran status, sex, gender, age, political ideas, marital or family status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation (“protected classes”). Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, creed, service in the uniformed services (as defined in state and federal law), veteran status, sex, gender, age, political ideas, marital or family status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation.

Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request.

Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law.

Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to the offer of employment. In accordance with university regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations.

References: References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. Testing: Individual hiring departments at UM may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions.

Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9).