Postdoctoral Researcher - Behavioural Modeling of Leatherback Turtle Movements from Satellite Telemetry Data
Bedford Institute of Oceanography, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada Position: Applications are sought for a Visiting Fellow at the Bedford Institute of Oceanography, Fisheries & Oceans Canada, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. The successful candidate will work with two PIs, Ian Jonsen and Mike James, to estimate and characterize critical foraging habitat for the Atlantic Leatherback turtle in Canadian waters. This work will involve adapting existing movement models for a large Argos satellite telemetry dataset to accommodate descriptors of the bio-physical environment encountered by foraging leatherback turtles. Interactions with fisheries will also be considered. The successful candidate will be based at the Bedford Institute of Oceanography but will interact frequently with faculty and students at nearby Dalhousie University. Qualifications: Applicants must have a Ph.D. (or be nearing completion), good quantitative skills and a background in ecology, oceanography, or mathematics/statistics. Experience in biological or physical oceanography, tagging of marine predators, and/or computer programming are strong assets. Expertise with the statistical programming environment R and/or Matlab are essential, experience with WinBUGS/OpenBUGS is desirable. Applicants will be expected to show evidence of research productivity, the potential to work as a strong team member and the ability to provide deliverables on a well-defined schedule. Responsibilities: Adapt existing state-space models for electronic tracking data to infer the influence of potential oceanographic drivers of leatherback behaviour; work with oceanographers to determine candidate oceanographic data for inclusion in behavioural models; writing manuscripts for primary publication. Salary: A competitive salary for postdoctoral positions in Canada ($40 $45 K). The appointment is contingent upon funding availability and will be for 1 year with a possibility of extension for a second year. Application Date: Priority will be given to applications received before March 31, 2008. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. How to Apply: Applications are to include a CV, a statement of research experience and interests and the names and full contact information of three qualified references. Please, also include a PDF of 1 representative primary publication or submitted manuscript. Inquiries and applications are to be emailed to: Dr. Ian Jonsen Research Scientist Population Ecology Division Bedford Institute of Oceanography Fisheries and Oceans Canada 1 Challenger Dr Dartmouth, NS B2Y 4A2 CANADA [email protected] http://www.mathstat.dal.ca/~jonsen/ 1-902-426-9760
