Postdoctoral Fellowship: Climate and Bird Migrations in the Gulf of Maine The University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass) seeks a postdoctoral fellow to analyze relationships among weather conditions and migratory bird abundance, distribution, phenology, and/or routes of movement, and use the results to forecast potential future changes in bird ecology.
The postdoc can use a variety of approaches to address these issues, which might include analyzing historical empirical data and modeled data to analyze climate, oceanographic, and ecological variables. We expect that the findings from this research will have direct relevance to the management of protected areas throughout the Gulf of Maine. The fellow will be expected to work with cooperators to develop and deliver outreach materials and activities as a part of the project. The candidate will work with faculty, staff, and students at UMass, National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, SERC Institute (a non-profit), University of Maine, and other cooperating institutions. The candidate will split time between the UMass campus in Amherst, Massachusetts and the Schoodic Education and Research Center in Acadia National Park (Winter Harbor, Maine). The position is currently funded for 1.5 years, and the target start date is June 2013 (negotiable). We are actively seeking funds to extend the term of the position. Minimum qualifications: *Ph.D. in climatology, ecology, ornithology, or another related field *Excellent communication and computer skills *Strong quantitative skills *Experience working with collaborators from different disciplines and backgrounds and interest in continuing to do so Additional desired qualifications: *Experience working with climate models, using both empirical historical data and climate forecasts *Experience analyzing and modeling wind conditions and storms *Experience with GIS *Some knowledge of bird ecology *Knowledge of climate and ecology of Gulf of Maine region *Experience with climate change science, adaptation strategies, and assessments *Experience working with stakeholders or decision-makers in real decision contexts A competitive salary, including benefits is offered. For application please email a short cover letter, CV and contact details of three references to Dr. Abe Miller-Rushing at abe_miller-rush...@nps.gov. For questions contact abe_miller-rush...@nps.gov. Review of applications will begin 4 March, 2013 and continue until the position is filled.
