Postdoctoral Researcher – Spatial Ecology, Oregon State University

Position Summary

The Department of Forest Ecosystems and Society in the College of Forestry is soliciting applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to work as part of a collaborative effort between the laboratories of Dr. Matt Betts (http://www.fsl.orst.edu/flel/) and Dr. Jim Rivers (http://people.forestry.oregonstate.edu/jim-rivers/). This position will assist with research projects that are investigating space use, habitat selection, and population ecology of the endangered Marbled Murrelet in western Oregon. The anticipated start date for this position is January 4, 2016; support is available for a minimum of 2 years subject to adequate performance review after 12 months.

Position Duties

The postdoc will work with existing data (e.g., LiDAR, Landsat TM, at-sea counts, nesting sites) and use species distribution modeling to integrate nesting data with at-sea observations to produce several high quality peer-reviewed publications. Publications will address several objectives that include but are not limited to:

1.     Determining the spatial scale(s) that predict murrelet occurrence and nesting, with a focus on the degree to which habitat amount and fragmentation influence occurrence and nesting.

2.     Evaluating the extent to which changes in terrestrial habitat adjacent to the ocean influences murrelet at-sea population densities.

3.     Using state-space models to understand movement of tagged birds using landscape and seascape data.

4.     Using data on distributions of murrelet nest predators to improve prediction accuracy of species distribution models.

Minimum/ Required Qualifications

-       Ph.D. in wildlife ecology or a closely related field

-       Computing skills including statistical software (e.g., SAS, R), spatial software (e.g., ArcGIS, Spatial Analyst, Erdas Imagine, Google Earth), and database programs

-       Professional competence in planning, designing, executing, and coordinating research

-       Demonstrated proficiency for independently writing scientific publications for submittal to peer-reviewed journals

-       Strong communication skills that allows for working effectively as a member of a large research team

Preferred Qualifications

-       Previous research with spatial ecology of seabirds (especially alcids)

-       Knowledge and experience with forest management practices of the Pacific Northwest

-       Lead-author on publications using species distribution models

-       Experience with state-space models

Application Instructions

Applicants should create a single PDF file that contains (1) a cover letter addressing your qualifications as they relate to the specific duties and qualifications described in the position description; (2) a full-length curriculum vitae (CV); (3) the names and contact information (email, telephone, and mail) of three referees who may be contacted; and (4) two examples of peer-reviewed publications; this document should be emailed to Dr. Matt Betts (matthew.betts@oregonstate.edu) with “Seabird Spatial Ecology Postdoc Position” in the subject line. For additional details about the position, including how to apply, visit the application web site (http://oregonstate.edu/jobs/) and search for posting #0016471. For full consideration, apply byDecember 1, 2015. Applications will continue to be accepted after this date until a sufficient applicant pool has been achieved or the position is filled. The closing date is subject to change without notice to applicants.

Oregon State University commits to inclusive excellence by advancing equity and diversity in all that we do. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.