Postdoctoral Position U.S. Geological Survey, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center Northern Pintail Population Modeling
The U.S. Geological Survey, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center (Laurel, Maryland) is seeking candidates for a postdoctoral position to develop a spatially-implicit population model for Northern Pintails (Anas acuta) that integrates the effects of habitat and harvest management. The model will serve as a key component in addressing the challenges posed by recent reviews to better integrate objectives of waterfowl habitat and population management in a single modeling framework. Model development will occur through a process of iterative prototyping, with the initial focus on capturing the right general structure of the model, and detail and functionality added over time. The model design will be driven by the decision contexts provided by the North American Waterfowl Management Plan, and the setting of annual harvest regulations. We hope that this work will also build a solid platform for developing future population models for other species of conservation concern. The postdoctoral position will be part of an interagency research team, including scientists from USGS, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ducks Unlimited, Environment Canada, UC Davis, and Utah State University, among others. The research team will provide substantial support in the overall framework for the model, access to appropriate data, and review of model details. Travel funds will be provided to support visits with study team members and outside cooperators, to attend regional workshops during model development, and to attend professional conferences. The ideal candidate will have a background in population modeling, structured decision making, adaptive management, waterfowl population dynamics, and Bayesian hierarchical estimation. Proficient programming skills are required, with some preference given to candidates with a background in MATLAB. The successful candidate will also have excellent writing and personal communication skills. Applicants are expected to have earned a Ph.D. degree in a relevant discipline, preferably within the last 5 years. The position will be located in Laurel, Maryland. The desired start date is summer 2009, and the position is funded at least through September 2010, with additional funding likely. The salary level is very competitive. Applications are due no later than May 29, 2009. If you are interested, send a curriculum vitae, a letter describing your background and interests, and the names of three references to Michael Runge ([email protected]). For further information, contact either: Michael Runge ([email protected]), USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center 12100 Beech Forest Road, Laurel, MD 20708-4017 (301) 497-5748 Scott Boomer ([email protected]), USFWS Division of Migratory Bird Management 11510 American Holly Drive, Laurel, MD 20708 (301) 497-5970
