Postdoc on hierarchical models for bird distributions University of Cape Town, Animal Demography Unit
We invite applications from suitably qualified candidates for a postdoctoral research fellowship. The successful candidate will conduct research work on statistical analyses of bird distributions in Southern Africa within the project Dynamic macroecology funded by the South African National Research Foundation. The aim is to use modern statistical tools (hierarchical occupancy models) and atlas data to quantify recent range changes of South African birds, examine possible causes of these changes, and address questions in macro-ecology. The project is led by Res Altwegg at the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) in collaboration with Guy Midgley and Phoebe Barnard (SANBI), Les Underhill and Birgit Erni (University of Cape Town) and Jim Nichols (Patuxent Wildlife Research Centre). The postdoc will be based either at the University of Cape Town or SANBIs Kirstenbosch Research Centre, also in Cape Town. A short visit to Patuxent is envisioned. Applicants should hold a PhD either in ecology with a strong statistical component, or in applied statistics with a strong ecological component. Candidates must be able to demonstrate strong quantitative skills and experience with hierarchical models. Prior experience with occupancy models, state-space models and modeling spatial data would all be of advantage. The project is based on existing data, but there are possibilities to do field work, depending on the interest of the successful candidate. Conditions of Award The fellowship is only available to individuals who have achieved the doctoral degree within the past five years. Applicants may not previously have held any full-time academic or professional posts. The successful candidate will be required to register as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Cape Town. Candidates who are employed full-time are ineligible to apply. The successful candidate will be required to comply with the universitys approved policies, procedures and practices for the postdoctoral sector. Value and tenure The value of the Postdoctoral Research Fellowship is R200,000 per annum. The tenure of the fellowship is one year, and although not guaranteed, renewal for a further year will be considered. Renewals will be contingent on satisfactory academic progress and on the availability of funds. The fellowship does not include any benefits. Application Process To apply, send a letter of application, a CV including a list of publications and/or conference presentations, copies of academic transcripts, a copy of the relevant thesis (if no publications have emerged from this work yet), and names (and contact details) from two academics who have taught, supervised or worked alongside the applicant. Applications (preferably by email) should be sent to: Sue Kuyper, Animal Demography Unit, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa, [email protected] BY NO LATER THAN 5 December 2012 For more information, please contact Res Altwegg ([email protected], ++27 (0) 21 799 88 09) Selection process Selection of eligible candidates will be made by the team of project leaders. Applications that are incomplete, late or inappropriate will be disqualified. The University of Cape Town reserves the right to: disqualify ineligible, incomplete, inappropriate and/or late applications, and to change the conditions of award or to make no awards at all.
