The McIntyre group at UW-Madison is seeking a post-doc to help lead quantitative analyses of conservation priorities 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 help lead spatial analyses to identify freshwater biodiversity hotspots around the world. In addition, the project will involve using expert elicitation surveys to quantify professional opinion about the relative importance of many categories of stressors. This work will be conducted in close collaboration with major NGOs, and will help to define near- and long-term agendas for global freshwater conservation efforts. The position will offer considerable latitude to devise and pursue additional analyses to address the underlying causes, future prospects, and prioritization of hotspot areas, or other topics related to freshwater ecosystem services and systematic conservation planning. Desired qualifications include: - expertise in global freshwater biodiversity and biogeography - experience conducting large-scale spatial analysis and conservation prioritization models - strong communication skills to coordinate efforts with project partners - 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 September-December 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 immediately, and will continue until the position is filled.
