Postdoctoral Fellowship Announcement Modeling Development Scenarios and Ecosystem Services in Peru
Context: The Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) conducts research and monitoring to study, understand, predict, and integrate biodiversity conservation needs with development priorities of large infrastructure projects. Guided by the principles of the Convention on Biological Diversity, SCBI has worked with a select group of oil and gas companies since 1996 to develop conservation and development best practices for conserving biodiversity and ecosystem services that benefit humans and wildlife. Since May 2014, SCBI has been working in the Madre de Dios Department of Southeast Peru to study biodiversity and intends to develop conservation and sustainable development scenarios with stakeholders. SCBI is seeking a postdoctoral fellow to study development activities in the region, ecosystem services, landscape connectivity, and changes in past and future land use through modelling. Research description: 1) conduct a bibliographic synthesis of models and methods available for modelling land use changes and assessing connectivity and relevant ecosystem services; 2) develop and implement innovative models and methods in the study area; 3) produce land use management scenario outcomes; 4) prepare high quality reports and high impact scientific papers related to the research project; and 5) contribute to other research and conservation activities within SCBI. Qualifications: We are seeking a highly motivated individual with the following qualifications: 1. a PhD by December 2014 in biostatistics, natural resources management, ecology, geography, economics, or a related discipline; 2. experience with application of spatial models, such as hydrology, Landis and Invest; experience with ArcGIS; computer programming ability; 3. strong writing skills and publication experience; 4. scientific project management skills and the ability to work independently; 5. excellent communication skills and the ability to work well in small teams; 6. fluency in English; oral and written proficiency in Spanish; 7. physical capability to work outdoors in a variety of conditions; and 8. willing to travel to Peru. Application: Applicants should submit: 1) a letter of interest detailing their qualifications for the position, 2) a curriculum vitae, and 3) three professional references with contact information (institution, email address, phone number). These documents can be sent by email to Sulema Castro ([email protected]) with the indication “Peru SP-ES postdoc application” in the subject line. Starting date: January 2015 Location: Based in Washington, DC, USA with trips to Peru Duration: One year, renewable depending on project scope and outcomes Application deadline: November 17, 2014.
