Research Associate
Range Dynamics of Landbirds in Eastern North America and Conservation
J. D. Nichols, J.A. Royle, J.R. Sauer
Patuxent Wildlife Research Center
J. A. Collazo
NC Cooperative Research Unit, North Carolina State University
The Patuxent Wildlife Research Center and the NC Cooperative Research
Unit seek a research associate to investigate range dynamics of
landbirds in eastern North America over the past 30 years. Local
probabilities of extinction and colonization are viewed as the vital
rates responsible for range dynamics. Competing hypotheses about
variation in these vital rates across time and space in response to
increasing temperatures and landcover changes will be incorporated
into spatially referenced occupancy models and tested using data from
the North American Breeding Bird Survey. Analytic results should lead
to predictive models for North American landbirds and should also
provide a framework for addressing similar questions for other taxa.
Work will be done in concert with the Biodiversity and Spatial
Information Center at NCSU and the Auburn Cooperative Research Unit,
both USGS sponsored research teams that have developed regional
vegetative cover maps and models of landcover change.
Description
The successful applicant will work with Patuxent researchers and Dr.
Collazo to apply and develop methods to estimate parameters of
interest under different models. Analyses will be used to
discriminate among competing hypotheses about the spatial pattern of
range dynamics and about landscape attributes associated with
conservation value (e.g., low probabilities of extinction). Resulting
predictive models will be used to assess the risk/benefits of land
use and management scenarios in conjunction with decision support
tools. Significant contributions in macroecology and biogeography
are expected from the development of new analytic methods and from
the hypothesis-driven approach to the modeling of range dynamics as a
function of global climate change.
Qualifications
1. Ph.D. in quantitative ecology or biostatistics
2. Knowledge of landscape ecology and avian ecology,
3. Working knowledge of Geographic Information Systems.
4. Excellent verbal and written communication skills to
facilitate a collaborative research environment and dissemination of
results in public forums and scientific outlets.
Benefits
The salary range is approximately $50,000 - $70,000 (includes 15%
fringe benefits with the potential for a 5% annual increase)
depending on qualifications. This is a two-year time-limited
appointment with potential for extension based on the scope of the
applicant's interests and contingent on funding. Benefits are fully
described in the University's Benefits Handbook
(http://www7.acs.ncsu.edu/benefits/pdf/Post-Doc_Benefits_Booklet.pdf).
The job announcement and application are posted on the official NCSU
jobs website
<https://jobs.ncsu.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=82214>https://jobs.ncsu.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=82214
If interested, please email a CV, unofficial transcripts, statement
of research interests and experience, and names and contact
information for three references to James D. Nichols
(<mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]>[EMAIL PROTECTED]) and Jaime A. Collazo
(<mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]>[EMAIL PROTECTED]).
