The McIntyre lab at UW-Madison is seeking a post-doc to help lead quantitative analyses of conservation hotspots for global freshwater biodiversity. The position is part of an NSF-funded project on conserving freshwater ecosystem services, and involves close collaboration with global geospatial analysts (led by Charles Vorosmarty) and economists (led by Faye Duchin) as well as many academic and NGO colleagues. The work will build upon our recent analysis of global threats to river ecosystems and their services (Vorosmarty et al. 2010 Nature).
The post-doc will lead spatial analyses to identify freshwater conservation hotspots around the world. Ancillary analyses may address the underlying causes, future prospects, and prioritization of hotspot areas, or any other issues surrounding freshwater ecosystem services. In addition, the project will involve using expert elicitation surveys to quantify professional opinion about the relative degree of threat posed to freshwaters by different types of stressors. We anticipate that this work will help to define near-term and long-term agendas for global freshwater conservation efforts. There will also be considerable latitude to pursue spin-off collaborations devised by the post-doc. Desired qualifications include: - Expertise in global freshwater biodiversity and biogeography - Experience conducting large-scale spatial analysis using GIS - Experience with conservation prioritization/optimization models - Experience with expert elicitation surveys - A strong record of publication based on independent thinking - A collaborative approach to science but ability to work on tasks independently - An interest in furthering conservation on the ground The position will begin between January-June 2012, and funding is available for at least 2 years, pending performance. A competitive post-doc salary will be offered, including health benefits. The position will be based in the Center for Limnology at UW-Madison, which features a vibrant atmosphere in which collegial interactions among faculty, staff, post-docs, and graduate students are the norm. Madison is widely recognized for high quality of life (lively arts scene, access to outdoor recreation, public transportation), and costs of living are moderate. To apply, please submit a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, three reprints, and contact information for three references to Valerie Seidel ([email protected]). Assemble documents into a single PDF file, and submit by email with subject line: "Post-doctoral Position--Global Change and Rivers". Review of applications will begin on 15 December 2011, and will continue until the position is filled. Disclaimer: Unless confidentiality is requested in writing, information regarding the names of applicants must be released upon request. Finalists cannot be guaranteed confidentiality. UW-Madison is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. We promote excellence through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.
