Postdoctoral Scientist Whooping Crane Population Modeling

Postdoctoral Scientist Whooping Crane Population Modeling Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology Colorado State University POSITION TITLE: Post-doctoral Research Position SALARY: Commensurate with qualifications and experience, benefits included. PERFORMANCE PERIOD: Up to two years after start date, anticipate December 2009-2011 (Contingent upon appropriation of funds) APPLICATION DEADLINE: 6 November 2009, or until suitable candidate is found POSITION SUMMARY: Colorado State University is seeking candidates for a postdoctoral position to develop a population model of the whooping crane Eastern Migratory Population (EMP). The model will serve to support decision-making by managers of the EMP. The scope of work will include parameter estimation, model development, and use of models to evaluate management of the EMP. Parameter estimation will build off previous work on the use of Bayesian multi-state mark-recapture models to estimate demographic parameters for the EMP. Model development will involve integrating demographic parameter estimates into a stochastic population model. The model will then be used to evaluate (1) the probability of successful establishment of the EMP under varying future demographic rates, (2) actions targeted at increasing reproductive success, and (3) how different release strategies may affect long-term population viability via tradeoffs between effects of demographic stochasticity and effects of inbreeding.

DUTIES: The incumbent will work closely with members of the Whooping Crane Eastern Partnership (WCEP), a multi-agency and -nonprofit partnership dedicated to establishment of a migratory whooping crane population in eastern North America. WCEP members will assist with model and management scenario development and access to data. Accordingly, the postdoc position will be located at the U.S. Geological Survey, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, in Laurel, Maryland.

MINIUMUM REQUIREMENTS: 1. Ph.D. in biology (wildlife), ecology, or related quantitative field. 2. Demonstrated proficiency with simulation modeling and software used to describe population dynamics 3. Demonstrated proficiency with statistical software used to estimate vital rates. 4. Demonstrated desire and proficiency to publish in the peer-reviewed literature.

DESIRED ABILITIES: Competitive candidates will have a background in demographic estimation, population modeling, and decision analysis. Proficient programming skills are required (R or MATLAB). Experience with WinBUGS is preferred. The successful candidate will have excellent written and personal communication skills and a desire to work closely with management agencies. APPLICATION: Applicants should email: (1) a letter describing your background and interests, (2) curriculum vitae, (3) copies of college transcripts and (4) the names and contact information for 3 references to BOTH Dr. Sarah Converse ([email protected]) and Dr. Larissa Bailey ([email protected] ). For further information, contact: Sarah Converse ([email protected]) (301) 497-5635 USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center 12100 Beech Forest Road, Laurel, MD 20708-4017 or Larissa Bailey ([email protected]) (970) 492-4084 Colorado State University Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology 1474 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1474 Colorado State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding affirmative action requirements. The Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity is located in room 101 Student Services. In order to assist Colorado State University in meeting its affirmative action responsibilities, ethnic minorities, women and other protected class members are encouraged to apply and to so identify themselves. Colorado State University is committed to providing a safe and productive learning and living community. To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for all final candidates being considered for employment. Background checks may include, but are not limited to, criminal history, national sex offender search and motor vehicle history.