Position description: A postdoctoral research position is available through the Sewall Lab (http://sites.temple.edu/bjsewall/) in the Department of Biology at Temple University (https://bio.cst.temple.edu/) to investigate bat research and management in working landscapes. Research will focus on a combination of new field data collection on bats, statistical analysis of existing data on bats that have been collected over more than a decade, and applications to management of bats within an actively managed area of forest, grasslands, and rangelands used for military training. The research will focus on the Fort Indiantown Gap National Guard Training Center (http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/ft__indiantown_gap/7269 and http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/environmental/22021) in central Pennsylvania, a 17,100-acre area of working landscapes, native eastern deciduous forest, and rare remnant Pennsylvania grasslands.
Primary objectives of the research are to understand the distribution, patterns, and trends of bat populations of conservation concern; to evaluate correlates of bat use of foraging and roosting habitat; and to develop a long-term strategy for monitoring of bat populations. If funding permits extension into subsequent years, additional objectives will be to evaluate the effects of management and military training activities on bat populations; to develop a management strategy for bats that supports bat persistence while enabling the maintenance of training activities and satisfying regulatory requirements; and expanding the focus of monitoring and management to the regional scale. Opportunities may be available to extend research to a broader ecosystem level, and to participate in other ongoing research activities onsite. Opportunities may also be available to participate in mentoring of undergraduate or graduate students. Fort Indiantown Gap is home to 18 state-listed plant communities of concern and over 118 Pennsylvania species of concern. Wildlife surveys have documented 40 mammal, 119 bird, 38 reptile and amphibian, 34 fish, 67 butterfly, and 858 plant species occurring on the 17,100 acre installation. Timing: The position will begin on or after October 1, 2015. The position will be a full-time position for one year, with opportunity for renewal into one or more subsequent years likely but dependent on funding availability. Location: The researcher will be based primarily at the Fort Indiantown Gap National Guard Training Center, located near Annville, Pennsylvania. This center is about 100 miles northwest of Philadelphia, and about 22 miles northeast of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The researcher will regularly visit the Sewall Lab of the Department of Biology on the main campus of Temple University in downtown Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Qualifications – required Required qualifications are: - Ph.D. degree in mammalogy, wildlife ecology, conservation biology, or related field - Expertise in field research on bats, including experience with acoustical monitoring of bats, live capture of bats, radiotelemetry, and other field techniques with bats - Ability to plan and execute field research involving field teams, extensive logistics, and a need for proactive coordination with military personnel to gain access to sites for research - Expertise in analysis of acoustical data - Expertise in statistical analysis and spatial analysis - Expertise in applying ecological data and management priorities to the development and implementation of effective management protocols - Experience publishing research in peer-reviewed journals - Ability to establish a close and productive working relationship with faculty and students in an academic setting, and with civilian and military personnel on a military installation - Ability to work independently and in teams. Application To apply, please send: - a cover letter describing your interest in and qualifications for this position along with dates of availability, - a current curriculum vitae (cv), - pdfs of one or more relevant publications, and - contact information for 3 references familiar with your qualifications Application materials should be sent to Dr. Brent Sewall by email at [email protected]. Please write “Postdoctoral research – Bat research and management” in the subject line. Evaluation of applications will begin on August 10th and continue until the position is filled.
