We are seeking to fill three positions at the University of Michigan for the Great Lakes Environmental Assessment and Mapping Project (GLEAM - http://www.snre.umich.edu/greatlakesthreats/)
The first is a full-time, one-year position at the post-MS or post-doc level. The second is a part-time, one-year position at the pre-doctoral level. The third is a full-time summer position at the undergraduate or recent-graduate level. All are desired to begin around 1 May 2010. Please see below for details, and contact Peter McIntyre ([email protected]) with questions. 1) Research Area Specialist Intermediate A full-time, one-year position beginning May 1, 2010 to assist in the development of spatial analyses that portray and synthesize patterns of environmental stressors in the Laurentian Great Lakes. DUTIES: Search for and acquire data sets on environmental stressors in the Great Lakes using available data bases such as STORET, NADP, census data etc., and data acquired from relevant experts. Perform statistical analyses on data bases to screen for outliers, search for relationships by correlation analysis and reduce the total number of variables by techniques such as principal components analysis. Synthesize data and construct statistical models to predict the spatial distribution of environmental threats such as nutrient runoff, nuisance algal blooms, etc. using multivariate techniques. Construct stressor maps within ArcGIS to depict the spatial distribution of environmental stressors using geostatistical techniques. Interact with other team members based at the University of Michigan and the core working group of GLEAM (see http://www.snre.umich.edu/greatlakesthreats/). Provide documentation and written summaries of all work carried out. Manage the distribution, analysis, and summary of surveys of Great Lakes experts regarding stressor impacts. Provide day-to-day management of the project, including overseeing workshops, leading correspondence with working group members and other experts, and serving as the liaison between project PIs and staff assistants. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Advanced degree (both M.S. and Ph.D. will be considered) in ecology, natural resources, or related fields with substantial graduate-level course work in statistics and GIS, or equivalent work experience. Excellent communication skills, both oral and written. Strong organizational skills, including attention to detail and accuracy. Excellent interpersonal skills for interaction with both senior and junior colleagues. The ability to work individually and as part of a team to meet deadlines in a multi-tasking environment. Good computing skills in Windows environment, including ArcGIS. Well-developed quantitative skills for developing and synthesizing spatial data. DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Advanced training in GIS. Experience in data processing, statistical analysis, and programming. Demonstrated ability to learn and use new computer software quickly and effectively. Experience with public and stakeholder outreach through personal meetings, workshops, and web-based formats. Prior research experience, including evidence of project completion and publication in the peer-reviewed literature. Familiarity with Great Lakes restoration and conservation issues, and aquatic ecosystem management. BENEFITS: Pay will be commensurate with experience (mid 30’s-mid 40’s), and will include an excellent benefits package. Funding is available for one year, with the possibility of extension pending performance and continued funding. The selected candidate will report to Prof. David Allan, lead-PI of the project. This position will be very rewarding for a candidate who enjoys mixing individual leadership and teamwork in the context of quantitative analysis. The project combines scientific rigor with a broad vision for guiding on-the-ground management of the Great Lakes, thereby providing professional development in both basic and applied science. The selected candidate will have the opportunity to lead-author at least one manuscript from the project, and to be closely involved in developing a suite of products to disseminate project results (scientific papers, website, pamphlets). The position requires full-time residence in Ann Arbor, based in the School of Natural Resources & Environment at the University of Michigan. Ann Arbor is a mid-sized city (110,000 residents) renowned for high quality of life and affordability. It is an easy drive from the other major cities of southern Michigan, including Detroit (30 minute drive). The Detroit airport is a major hub for air traffic, and is 25 minutes away. Ann Arbor offers a four-season climate, abundant outdoor recreational opportunities, a variety of entertainment options, and substantial cultural diversity. The University of Michigan is one of the top public research universities in the country, and the School of Natural Resources & Environment is a leader in innovative, interdisciplinary approaches to conservation and restoration. APPLICATION PROCESS: To apply for the position please submit a detailed letter of application, names and contact information for two references, and a curriculum vitae to the University of Michigan careers website at http://umjobs.org/, reference job posting number 39244. Questions about this position are welcomed. Please address questions to Dr. Peter McIntyre, [email protected] The University of Michigan, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. ____________________________________________________________ 2) Project support staff (Research Assistant I level) We seek to fill a part-time position (15-20 hours/week, on average) to begin May 1, 2010 and continue through July 2011 to support an assessment of environmental stressors in the Laurentian Great Lakes (see http://www.snre.umich.edu/greatlakesthreats/). DUTIES: Organize meetings of the working group including making reservations for workshop meeting site with food service, air travel, lodging, and related logistics; and manage reimbursement claims. Provide support to staff responsible for data analysis and mapping tasks, and carry out basic GIS analyses. Conduct correspondence (email, phone) with the working group, data providers, and other experts. Maintain project website and wiki site. Assist with preparing graphics and reports of project results. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor degree in ecology or related fields with course work in GIS, or equivalent work experience. Excellent communication skills, both oral and written. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail and accuracy. Excellent interpersonal skills. The ability to work as part of a team or individually while reliably meeting deadlines in a multi-tasking environment. Good computing skills in Windows and ArcGIS environments. DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Advanced training in GIS. Website and wiki management skills. Experience in data processing or analysis. Demonstrated ability to learn and use new computer software quickly and effectively. Prior research and programming experience. BENEFITS: Pay will be commensurate with experience ($10-15/hr). Benefits will not be available. The selected candidate will report to Prof. David Allan, lead-PI of the project. This position will be very rewarding for a candidate who enjoys working in a medium-sized team, and seeks experience at the interface between basic and applied environmental science. The project combines scientific rigor with a broad vision for guiding on-the-ground management of the Great Lakes, thereby providing exposure to a range of potential career pathways. The selected candidate will be closely involved in developing a suite of products to disseminate project results (scientific papers, website, pamphlets). The position is based in Ann Arbor at the School of Natural Resources & Environment of the University of Michigan. Ann Arbor is a mid-sized city (110,000 residents) renowned for high quality of life and affordability. It is an easy drive from the other major cities of southern Michigan, including Detroit (30 minutes). The Detroit airport is a major hub for air traffic, and is 25 minutes away. Ann Arbor offers a four-season climate, abundant outdoor recreational opportunities, a variety of entertainment options, and substantial cultural diversity. The University of Michigan is one of the top public research universities in the country, and the School of Natural Resources & Environment is a leader in innovative, interdisciplinary approaches to conservation and restoration. APPLICATION PROCESS: To apply, please send a detailed cover letter explaining your special qualifications, contact information for two references, and a current CV to Dr. Peter McIntyre, [email protected] Questions about this position are welcomed. Please address questions to Dr. Peter McIntyre, [email protected] __________________________________________________________________ 3) Summer research assistant (Research Assistant I level) We seek a current undergraduate or recent graduate to work over the summer as part of the Great Lakes Environmental Assessment and Mapping Project (GLEAM, please see http://www.snre.umich.edu/greatlakesthreats/). The job will entail two major tasks: 1) reviewing the peer-reviewed and grey literature to produce summary reports on the impact of each of ~35-40 types of human activities upon Great Lakes ecosystems, and 2) navigating through Google Earth imagery to identify certain man-made structures along the shorelines of all 5 Great Lakes. The successful applicant will possess strong communication skills (oral and especially written), a commitment to careful and scholarly work, excellent organizational skills, and an interest in the Great Lakes. The position will be based at the UM School of Natural Resources & Environment, and requires weekly reporting to Prof. David Allan. We expect that the tasks will require full-time effort (40 hr/wk) for approximately 3 months (dates flexible). The pay rate will be approximately $10/hr, but a higher rate may be possible for an exceptionally well-qualified candidate. To apply, please send a detailed cover letter explaining your special qualifications, contact information for two references, and a current CV to Dr. Peter McIntyre, [email protected] Questions about this position are welcomed. Please address questions to Dr. Peter McIntyre, [email protected]
