Postdoctoral Research Scientist in Community Ecology and Evolutionary Modeling

Postdoctoral Research Scientist in Community Ecology and Evolutionary Modeling
University of Montana: Provost: Missoula: College of Health: Public and Community Health Sciences

Location: Missoula, MT, United States
Open Date: Oct 22, 2024
Deadline:

Description
The University of Montana invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Scientist in Community Ecology and Evolutionary Modeling to begin Spring 2025. Funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation Organismal Response to Climate Change program, the postdoctoral research scientist will focus on a new computational model for community ecology and evolutionary dynamics to assess climate change vulnerability in a predator (cutthroat trout; Oncorhynchus clarkii) - prey (tailed frog; Ascaphus spp.) system in US Pacific Northwest streams. Using this integrated modeling approach, research questions will address the relative vulnerability of predators and prey when trophic interactions, climate change sensitivity, and adaptive capacity are considered together in spatially explicit settings. This project will yield a deep understanding of key processes in climate change vulnerability and provide novel tools for the integrated assessment of environmental, ecological, and evolutionary components of organismal responses to climate change.

The postdoctoral research scientist will be part of collaborative and interconnected teams across many institutions spanning genomics, physiology, community and ecosystem ecology, eco-evolutionary modeling, and stakeholder engagement. They will work closely with Colorado State University (Dr. Chris Funk), USGS (Dr. Jason Dunham), University of Idaho (Dr. Paul Hohenlohe), USFS (Dr. Alex Fraik), Oregon Dept Fish & Wildlife (Dr. K Anlauf-Dunn), and University of Montana (Dr. Erin Landguth).

The postdoctoral research scientist will have the opportunity to participate in field work, research, teaching, and mentoring activities that will further their career training. They will serve as lead author on peer-reviewed publications; participation in manuscript review; dissemination results at regional, national and international conferences; and participation in seminar series and outreach events. Example tasks, opportunities, and responsibilities for this position are given as follows:

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.

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.

The option for part-time work (0.75 FTE) and/or remote work is available.

Salary for this position is $70,000 per year.

Funding is available for 2 years, but is contingent on satisfactory performance on a yearly basis.

Examples of Duties and Responsibilities

• Integrate empirical data, statistical algorithms, and predictive models for assessing the impact of landscapes, life history, and climate-adaptive genes on predator-prey dynamics.
• Test predictions with a predator-prey multispecies spatially explicit, individual-based, eco-evolutionary modeling framework.
• Utilize high-performance computing including the CEL, UM Griz/Hellgate, and CPHR Data and Modeling Core clusters to process and analyze very large datasets.
• Publish at least 2 first-authored peer reviewed manuscripts from research, and contribute as co-author on additional manuscripts from this research.

Qualifications

• PhD (by start date) with experience in one or more of the following: wildlife biology, landscape/spatial ecology, connectivity, population/landscape genetics, simulation modeling, or other related experience.
• Experience in data analysis, modeling and statistical analysis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Coding proficiency in one or more of the following languages: R, Python, C , Java, etc.
• Experience with HPC cluster and Cloud computing.
• Expertise in GIS and the processing/analysis of remotely sensed data and familiarity with large data repositories (e.g., Google Earth Engine).
• Expertise with CDMetaPOP or in the application and interpretation of spatial statistical models and spatio-temporal modeling, individual-based modeling, and machine learning models.
• Record of research output in high quality publications.

• PhD (by start date) with experience in one or more of the following: wildlife biology, landscape/spatial ecology, connectivity, population/landscape genetics, simulation modeling, or other related experience.
• Experience in data analysis, modeling and statistical analysis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Coding proficiency in one or more of the following languages: R, Python, C , Java, etc.
• Experience with HPC cluster and Cloud computing.
• Expertise in GIS and the processing/analysis of remotely sensed data and familiarity with large data repositories (e.g., Google Earth Engine).
• Expertise with CDMetaPOP or in the application and interpretation of spatial statistical models and spatio-temporal modeling, individual-based modeling, and machine learning models.
• Record of research output in high quality publications.

Application Instructions
Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact Dr. Landguth (erin.landguth@umontana.edu) with any questions with ‘ORCC postdoc inquiry' in subject line.

Screening of applications will begin after the closing date of December 29, 2024; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established. Please submit the following application 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

For more information and to apply, visit https://apply.interfolio.com/157704

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).




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