We seek to fill a PhD-level position of Research Associate. This position
will be responsible for conducting systematic literature reviews, data
analysis, and original research to guide the development of exotic species
monitoring and management at national park units in the Mojave Desert. The
successful candidate will produce multiple technical reports and peer-
reviewed publications on key aspects of exotic plant distributions (such as
distance from roads and along elevational gradients), syntheses of exotic
species monitoring plans and statistical sampling approaches in other
regions, methods for prioritizing species invasiveness and potential
impacts to guide monitoring priorities, and habitat invasibility inquiry to
address key scientific uncertainties for meeting information needs for
developing a readily applicable protocol for monitoring exotic plants in
the Mojave Desert. This position is an excellent fit for someone who is
interested in applied ecological research that has clear conservation and
management implications and who is interested in working with resource
managers to develop practical scientific tools for dealing with threats
from exotic species invasions in national parks.
This position is a full-time, grant-funded position. The position is fully
funded for one year and is authorized for funding for a second year pending
satisfactory project progress and re-authorization of the funding. The
salary for the position is extremely competitive and includes
health/retirement benefits and 24 days of vacation/year. The necessary
start date for the position is summer 2009, preferably on or before July
1.
The candidate will be part of the highly productive Desert and Dryland
Forest Research Group, housed at the UNLV Public Lands Institute and
Department of Environmental Studies. This group is coordinated by Dr.
Scott Abella (http://faculty.unlv.edu/abellas2/) and includes a team of
Research Assistants and graduate students. The group is producing 10-15
peer-reviewed publications per year and specializes in applied ecology with
management implications for ecological restoration, revegetation, exotic
species containment, and fire ecology. More information about our group is
available from http://www.unlv.edu/staff/cengel/DDFRGHome.htm
Qualifications: Required qualifications include a completed PhD degree
(completed prior to June 2009) in natural resources management, ecology,
conservation biology, or a related field with undergraduate and graduate
GPA cumulatives of ≥ 3.0/4.0; coursework and experience in sampling design,
statistical analyses, data synthesis, and GIS; a demonstrated commitment to
produce written products as evidenced by the production of two or more peer-
reviewed journal articles (samples of written products of finalists will be
reviewed); and experience in botany/plant ecology as demonstrated through
coursework or project experience. To qualify for this position, the
candidate must be able to obtain a Nevada driver’s license and possibly
pass a background investigation for access to National Park Service
facilities and computers. Preferred qualifications include: a documented
field-based research project (graduate project or during employment) that
included sampling plant communities or a similar applied research-based
thesis or dissertation; demonstrated experience in synthesizing existing
data and scientific literature; experience with plant identification and
taxonomy; research and project management experience in the desert
Southwest and/or demonstrated experience with exotic species projects.
Applications: Application materials must include a 1) cover letter, 2)
resume, with citations of the two or more peer-reviewed publications
required for the application, and 3) the name, address, telephone, and e-
mail address of 3 professional references. In the cover letter, applicants
should summarize qualifications and experience as they relate to this
position, since the initial review will serve to evaluate applicants based
on documented, relevant qualifications and work experience. Materials
should be addressed to Sharon Altman, University of Nevada Las Vegas, 4505
S. Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas, NV 89154-2040, and are to be submitted via
on-line application only at https://hrsearch.unlv.edu. For assistance with
UNLV’s on-line applicant portal, contact Jen Martens at (702) 895-2894 or
email [email protected].
Review of applications will begin April 15 and continue until the position
is filled.
UNLV is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to
achieving excellence through diversity.
