The Urban Wildlife Institute is a science center focused on performing the research necessary to improve human-wildlife coexistence in cities. Our team includes landscape ecologists, statisticians, mammalogists, herpetologists, and animal behaviorists and we work collaboratively with scientists, educators, sociologists, and policymakers across the zoo, Chicago, and the country. We are seeking a post-doctoral researcher to join us. This researcher will analyze data and publish manuscripts from a large scale urban camera trapping survey dataset collected by the Lincoln Park Zoo. This dataset consists of five years of presence-absence data for urban wildlife species collected along urban-to-rural gradients. The post-doctoral fellow will be expected to work to identify areas for high-impact scientific publications from this dataset and design and implement new research in conjunction with Urban Wildlife Institute staff. This is an exciting opportunity to be a part of a growing nationwide network for urban wildlife data collection, as well as to gain vital experience in data analysis, citizen science, science outreach, human dimensions of wildlife, and potentially many more fields. The position is for one year with the potential for extension of up to two additional years depending on performance.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS • Develop scientific hypothesis regarding urban wildlife behavior, persistence, movement, and community assembly that can be tested using UWI’s Biodiversity Monitoring data, and implement studies to test those hypothesis. • Publish high-impact manuscripts resulting from the above work in conjunction with UWI staff. • Assist with coordination of urban camera trap data collected from other cities as part of the Urban Wildlife Information Network (UWIN) initiative, a new large scale urban wildlife monitoring effort, and ideally draft manuscripts from those data in conjunction with collaborators in partner cities. • This work may include some field data collection and/or management and training of research interns. • As needed, conduct field work to gather additional data in the Chicago metropolitan area. • As needed, assist with grant applications and presentations to donors and foundations. • Attend national scientific meetings and disseminate information regarding UWI’s urban wildlife research. • Other duties as assigned KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES The following are required for consideration: o PhD in ecology, conservation biology, or closely related scientific discipline. o Expertise in urban wildlife biology. o Experience working with wildlife presence data, ideally collected with camera traps, across large geographic regions, including occupancy modelling or other statistical methods that account for imperfect detection of species. o Experience with both applied and basic research o Possess strong computer, organizational and communication skills (written and spoken). Proficient use of MS Office, including MS Access. o Statistical and programming expertise, preferably in Program R. o Demonstrate a commitment to wildlife conservation, and willingness to participate in the department’s team approach to this project. Enthusiasm for working with others, including training staff, volunteers and students. The following are preferred qualifications o Experience with version control, have worked collaboratively on programming projects, have used structural equation modeling, and write well documented code. o Experience trapping and handling wildlife in the field, and a knowledge of Illinois flora and fauna. o Familiarity with Bayesian statistics. o Experience working in ArcGIS. OTHER REQUIREMENTS • Possess a driver’s license. • Available to work all necessary hours, including weekends, holidays and special events. • Attend Lincoln Park Zoo and/or Urban Wildlife Institute-related activities as necessary. • Available to attend training sessions and conferences as needed. Apply through: http://www.lpzoo.org/open-position/urban-wildlife-postdoctoral-researcher Please direct questions to Dr. Seth Magle at [email protected]
