*Position title:* USGS Mendenhall Research Postdoctoral Fellowship Developing principles and practices for species assessments to inform endangered species determinations, especially for multiple-species assessments
*Closing date: 12 September 2018* *Position description:* This Mendenhall Research Fellowship will provide an excellent opportunity for an early career researcher (≤5 years post PhD) to work collaboratively with U.S. Geological Survey scientists and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service managers to provide scientific information through analyses and models that will support consequential decision making. The candidate will work with a research team to 1) develop models, future scenarios, and analyses to estimate current condition and forecast future condition for multiple species of freshwater mussels and cave/karst amphipods, and 2) develop principles, practices, methods, tools, and guidance for multiple-species assessments. While multiple-species assessment is a focal point, there is room in this research opportunity for creatively exploring other ways to gain efficiency and improve accuracy of species assessments. The research is expected to result in widely-distributed guidance and publications on achieving accurate and efficient species assessments. The research opportunity is more fully described here: https://geology.usgs.gov/postdoc/opps/2018/S29%20Smith.htm *Research advisors:* Dave Smith, [email protected]; Kelly Maloney, [email protected]; Mary Freeman, [email protected]; Amanda Rosenberger, [email protected]; John Young, [email protected] *How to apply:* Application requires development of a research proposal (contact Dave Smith [email protected]). The proposal and other application materials must be submitted at USAJOBS https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/506520700 *Areas of PhD:* Conservation biology, population ecology, community ecology, biology, quantitative ecology (candidates holding a PhD in other disciplines, but with extensive knowledge and skills relevant to the Research Opportunity may be considered). *Qualifications:* Applicants must meet one of the following qualifications: Research Biologist, Research Ecologist, Research Wildlife Biologist, Research Fish Biologist, Research Statistician (Biology). *Salary:* $81,548 per year *Duration of appointment:* 2 years *Position location:* USGS – Leetown Science Center, WV (near Shepherdstown, WV) *For more information, please contact:* David R. Smith USGS - Leetown Science Center 11649 Leetown Road Kearneysville, WV 25430 [email protected]; 304-724-4467
