The Minnesota Zoo invites applications for the postdoctoral scientist position advertised below. If you have seen this posting previously, please note that some of the minimum and preferred qualifications have changed and additional language has been added. The deadline for applications is May 3, 2013.
Minnesota Zoo Postdoctoral scientist position, deer-moose parasite transmission project Job description The Minnesota Zoo seeks a dedicated postdoctoral scientist, referred to as a Project Specialist, to conduct lead work for a collaborative project to investigate and model parasite transmission dynamics between white-tailed deer, moose, and other vectors in northeastern Minnesota. The incumbent will work with collaborators to design and conduct the scientific study. Project activities will include placing tracking collars on white-tailed deer in areas where moose are also being tracked, mapping and monitoring deer movements remotely, collecting field data from areas used by deer and/or moose, and possibly field/laboratory identification of parasites. The postdoctoral scientist will then analyze project data, create a parasite transmission model that incorporates project data, and submit a minimum of two project-related scientific manuscripts to peer-reviewed journals within the time frame for this position. The primary goal of the deer-moose parasite transmission project is to help wildlife managers in Minnesota better understand and respond to the recent sharp decline in the State’s moose population. The postdoctoral scientist is also expected to meet with and present the project’s findings to appropriate wildlife managers in the State. He/she will also prepare and/or deliver articles, website material, and presentations to/for both scientific and general audiences. Additional duties may include assisting with a second project investigating wolf-moose interactions and predation in northeastern Minnesota. He/she will assist with field work and data collection, and may also assist with data analysis and/or manuscript preparation. This project is in partnership with Dr. Ron Moen, Research Associate at the Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI). The position will be located primarily at NRRI in Duluth, Minnesota. This position will work up to a maximum of three years. This position is contingent upon funding and a successful candidate will be hired once the funding is secured. Minimum qualifications - Ph.D. (in-hand at time of appointment) in Conservation Biology, Ecology, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Epidemiology, or other related field. - Ability to conduct field work independently and year-round in remote areas of northeastern Minnesota. Previous field experience is required. - Experience in empirical research design and methodology, with appropriate academic skills to publish results in peer-reviewed scientific journals. - High level of proficiency with Microsoft Office software, statistical analysis software, and R programming language. - Knowledge of host-parasite transmission dynamics in wildlife communities. - Experience analyzing and manipulating large data sets. - Excellent communication skills, including the ability to create and deliver high-quality presentations to both scientific and general audiences. - Excellent time management skills, as demonstrated by time to completion of Ph.D. or number of peer-reviewed articles published since completion of Ph.D., for example. Preferred qualifications - Ph.D. conferred within the past five years. - One or more previous first-author publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals, with number of publications commensurate with time since Ph.D. was conferred. - Previous field experience in conditions similar to those present in northeastern Minnesota. - Proficiency with Geographic Information Systems (ArcGIS) - Experience with spatially-explicit modeling techniques (preferably epidemiological modeling). Previous experience with and/or knowledge of deer and/or moose will be viewed favorably but weighted less than other qualifications. Start date: July-August 2013 Position location: primarily Duluth, MN, with field work in northeastern MN Salary: $18.46/hour, $38,544 annually Employment conditions: Temporary unclassified Travel is required Application deadline: May 3, 2013 **Job is contingent on passing a background check and a valid Class D driver's license** Please note that though this position is open to all applicants, the Minnesota Zoo and the State of Minnesota are unable to sponsor an employment visa. The applicant is responsible for ensuring current, valid work documents to work in the United States. The incumbent will be asked to present those documents before the position is offered. How to apply: Please review the following requirements to ensure your application is complete. Failure to provide the requested documents will result in your application not being considered. To apply, submit your resume online by May 3, 2013. Go to www.careers.state.mn.us to create a profile and apply to the job (posting number 13MZG000066). In addition to your resume, you must email or mail the following with a subject headline of Project Specialist Materials: - Cover letter - Unofficial graduate school transcript showing coursework completed and grades obtained as part of the applicant’s PhD program (official transcript to be supplied upon request) - 2-page (maximum) statement of qualifications (please list and describe how you meet each and every minimum qualification; also list and describe how you meet all relevant preferred qualifications) Please send additional materials to the Minnesota Zoo Human Resources by email at [email protected] or by mail with a subject headline of Project Specialist Materials: Minnesota Zoo Attn: Human Resources Project Specialist Materials 13000 Zoo Blvd. Apple Valley, MN 55124 All additional materials must be received by 5:00 pm on Monday, May 3, 2013
