Position: Post-Doctoral Research Associate Agency: Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University
Description: We seek a research associate to play an important role in a quantitative project using and developing novel state-space models to examine the influence of invasive species (Bythotrephes and Dreissenid mussels), global climate change and other factors on zooplankton in the Great Lakes, and consequent effects on the Great Lakes' food webs and fish recruitment. The incumbent will use state-space model approaches (e.g. iterated filtering) and compare their utility to other approaches. The incumbent will use plankton and environmental time-series data, and use results together with individually based models to examine potential effects and interactive effects of invasive species. The postdoc will interact across academic and federal institutions, and work as part of a team, as the project involves collaboration between statisticians (Ed Ionides of the Univ. of Michigan, James Bence of Michigan State Univ.), ecologists (Scott Peacor of MSU and John Marino of Bradley Univ.) and Great Lakes food web scientists (David Bunnell of the USGS Great Lakes Science Center and Hank Vanderploeg of the NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory). The postdoc will be housed at MSU's Quantitative Fisheries Center (QFC), and have opportunity to interact with QFC staff working on a range of quantitative ecological and natural resource issues. The incumbent may participate in other QFC activities, including delivery/development of on-line and short-courses and consulting projects with QFC supporting partners. Qualifications: PhD in statistics, ecology, fisheries science or related discipline with a strong record of research productivity in quantitative methods is required. Preference will be given to candidates with strong programming skills, and strong mathematical background. Salary: $47,500 per year plus benefits. Initial appointment is for 1 year with possibility of extensions for subsequent years on an annual basis. Closing date: Until filled Contact: All applicants must apply via www.jobs.msu.edu search posting #4438. Please submit your CV, letter of interest, and transcripts (unofficial). Inquiries about the posting can be directed to Dr. Scott Peacor ([email protected]). Please include CV with inquiries.
