Postdoctoral Research Associate, Collared Peccary Population Dynamics, College of Forestry

Description

The University of Montana invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to examine population dynamics of collared peccary (javelina). The postdoc will work collaboratively with faculty and graduate students at the University of Montana and Texas A&M University to develop population dynamics models for collared peccary. Little is known about the population demographics and dynamics of collared peccary in Texas. Therefore, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department committed to an extensive study of peccary across south Texas. Collaborators on the project are collecting data including mark-recapture, telemetry (GPS ear tags), aerial surveys, distance sampling, harvest, and camera traps. While graduate students will be using these data for specific research questions, the postdoc will lead the broader analysis and synthesis of these data. The postdoc will also lead the development of a population dynamics model for collared peccary, and assist in the development of sampling designs for future data collection to inform peccary abundance metrics and harvest strategy.

The postdoc will be expected to publish work in peer-reviewed literature coauthored with project collaborators. The position is based at the University of Montana, Missoula with some travel to Texas to meet with collaborators or visit field research sites.

Position is full-time, 1.0 FTE, Letter of Appointment (renewable for up to three (3) years starting March 1, 2025). Annual salary is $60,000 and includes a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including insurance package, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program.

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.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Must have a PhD in statistics, applied mathematics, wildlife biology, ecology, biology, or closely related field by the start of employment.
• Demonstrated experience publishing scientific papers in the areas of statistics or quantitative ecology.
• Ability to develop and implement Bayesian statistical models.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proficiency with the R language
• Experience with custom fitting Bayesian models.
• Knowledge of sampling theory.

Application Instructions

Application Instructions

Screening of applications will begin after the closing date of January 22, 2025 ; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.

To apply, please upload the following materials:

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

For questions, contact: Dr. Paul Lukacs ( paul.lukacs@umontana.edu )

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).