We are seeking a candidate with strong quantitative and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) skills for a Post-Doctoral Research Associate opportunity in the USGS Maine Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit at the University of Maine. The candidate will participate in an effort to implement Priority Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Area (PARCA) criteria to identify focal areas vital to maintaining reptile and amphibian diversity in the North Atlantic Landscape Conservation Cooperative (NA-LCC); integrate spatially-explicit projections of current and future climatic suitability for priority reptiles and amphibians; identify gaps in the existing protected area network for identified PARCAs; and, assess climate sensitivity and future resiliency of the identified PARCAs. The candidate will collaborate with scientists from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, the University of Georgia, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, and state fish and wildlife agency or natural heritage program personnel throughout the NA-LCC. The position is funded for up to 2.5 years, and the target start date is May 2012 (negotiable). A competitive salary including benefits is offered, depending on experience. Minimum qualifications are: --Ph.D. in biology (wildlife), ecology, herpetology, or related field by May 2012. --Experience conducting large-scale GIS analyses and developing and maintaining large relational databases. --Demonstrated proficiency with and understanding of spatial statistical methods used for modeling species and habitat distributions. --Demonstrated proficiency with ArcMap and R or SPlus. --Demonstrated desire and proficiency to publish in peer-reviewed literature. --Knowledge of natural heritage data bases, interpretation of climate model output, and experience with herpetofauna are assets. --Desire to work in a collaborative team setting. To apply: Candidates should e-mail a cover letter, CV, and names and contact information of three references in a single pdf to Dr. Cynthia Loftin ([email protected]) and Dr. Phillip deMaynadier ([email protected]), with the subject line as PARCA Postdoc. Review of applications will begin January 15, 2012, and continue until a suitable applicant is identified.
