The Center for Conservation and Sustainable Development (CCSD) at the
Missouri Botanical Garden seeks to hire a full-time postdoctoral scholar.
The postdoc will work closely with Dr. Adam Smith in the CCSDs Global
Change Program to develop methods for applying next-generation species
distribution models to data that traditionally has been difficult to model.
In collaboration with Dr. Smith the postdoc will 1) develop novel modeling
algorithms; 2) test these algorithms with simulations and high-quality
specimen data obtained in collaboration with taxonomists at the Missouri
Botanical Garden; 3) prepare and submit manuscripts for publication; 4)
develop R packages that encapsulate these novel methods; 5) craft project
specifications for a programmer who will create stand-alone software using
these methods; 6) actively consult with collaborators at UC Berkeley. The
successful candidate will:
Have a solid background in applied mathematics and statistics (including
Bayesian methods).
* Have expertise in R or related programming languages.
* Excellent communication skills, with experience presenting results and
publishing in peer-reviewed journals.
* Understand and appreciate the difficulties of working with occurrence data
that may have been collected in an opportunistic fashion, e.g., data from
natural history museum specimens.
* Be enthusiastic about developing tools that enable conservation
practitioners to avert loss of biodiversity and be able to translate complex
ideas into straightforward procedures.
Candidates with a completed Ph.D. or that will soon graduate with a Ph.D. in
ecology, wildlife biology, environmental science, statistics, or applied
mathematics are encouraged to apply. Ideal start time is early 2016, but
this is negotiable for applicants who may be graduating in the spring. The
term for this grant-funded position will be 1 year, with renewal for an
additional two years or more contingent on satisfactory performance. Salary
will be commensurate with experience, and this position includes a
comprehensive benefits package.
The position will be based in Saint Louis, where a vibrant community of
ecologists, conservation practitioners, and evolutionary biologists that
interact through partnerships among MBG, Washington University, the
University of Missouri-St. Louis, Saint Louis University, plus other area
institutions. The position will be seated in the CCSD, which explores and
implements new, science-based approaches to the conservation and sustainable
use of plant diversity. CCSDs strategies for conservation are based on a
sound, scientific understanding of the occurrence and distribution of
plants. CCSD applies the knowledge of plant diversity accumulated by
Missouri Botanical Garden researchers over many years, making that knowledge
usable for conservation planning and decision-making. Operating under the
auspices of the Garden and as part of its division of Science and
Conservation, CCSD builds upon the Gardens institutional expertise,
scientific programs, influence and resources.
To be considered, applicants should apply on-line by February 5, 2015 at:
https://missouribotanicalgarden.applicantpro.com/jobs/310082-18077.html
Please direct questions to Dr. Adam Smith ([email protected]).
