The Zipkin Quantitative Ecology Lab seeks a postdoctoral scholar to work with a team of researchers on an NSF funded project to develop integrated, hierarchical statistical models to estimate and predict monarch butterfly demography across eastern North America. Project goals include tracking dynamics at each life history stage of this unique and iconic migratory species to 1) determine which stage(s) and environmental variables may be driving observed declines, and 2) predict impacts of climate and resource change on future population abundance. Data come from several continental-scale, volunteer-based monitoring programs. Our team (led by Elise Zipkin and Leslie Ries) has gathered and formatted the monitoring data and a processing platform has been built to extract relevant climate and environmental variables from appropriate databases. The postdoctoral scholar will work collaboratively to develop models, carry out analyses, and write manuscripts. The richness of the datasets allows for ample ability to explore many avenues of research and we seek a researcher with enthusiasm to pursue related projects that interests them.
Qualifications: Applicants must hold a PhD in ecology, biology, statistics, or a related field by the start of the position. Applicants are expected to have a strong background in mathematical and/or statistical modeling, ecology, and experience publishing scientific research. Knowledge of program R is required. Candidates with experience in Bayesian hierarchical analysis, integrated models, the BUGS language, and collaborative research are especially encouraged to apply. The position is based at Michigan State University (MSU) with opportunities to travel to meet with collaborators, attend workshops and conferences, and become involved in other lab projects. The position comes with a competitive salary and excellent health benefits. This is a full-time, 12-month, fixed-term position, with reappointment conditional on satisfactory performance. To apply, email as a single PDF: 1) a cover letter (2-pg max) with your research interests and qualifications for this position, 2) CV, 3) list of three references with contact information, and 4) one recent first-authored publication, to Dr. Elise Zipkin, Department of Integrative Biology, MSU ([email protected]). Please use the subject heading “PostDoc Application”. The position will remain open until filled.
