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University of Minnesota - 15th Ave Post-Doctoral Associate in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Apply for Job Job ID363741 LocationTwin Cities Job FamilyAcademic Full/Part TimeFull-Time Regular/TemporaryRegular Job Code9546 Employee ClassAcad Prof and Admin Add to Favorite Jobs Email this Job About the Job Post-Doctoral Associate Job Code: 9546 Percent Time: 100% Anticipated Initial Appointment Period: 1 August 2024 to 31 Dec 2026 Supervisor(s) of position: Professor Todd Arnold Position Summary: We are recruiting a post-doctoral research associate to fulfill contract obligations for two projects involving Trumpeter Swans. The first project involves compiling both published and unpublished information on Trumpeter Swan population ecology and synthesizing that information to provide science support for revision of the Flyway Trumpeter Swan Management Plan. Providing that support requires interacting with state, provincial, federal, tribal, and non-governmental agency partners. The second project involves developing an integrated population model (IPM) for Minnesota Trumpeter Swans that includes abundance estimates based on quinquennial census surveys, annual Breeding Bird Surveys (BBS), eBird checklists, and other sources of abundance data; age-specific estimates of annual survival based on band-recovery, recapture, resighting, and telemetry data; measures of fecundity based on observed age ratios or nest- and brood-monitoring studies; and estimates of movement probabilities between breeding and wintering areas, including permanent emigration to neighboring states and provinces. Both projects will involve working with large-scale and long-term data on population surveys, banding data, and movement data, and will require knowledge and experience with Bayesian modeling in JAGS, Nimble, or Stan. The University seeks applicants whose research, teaching, and service will contribute to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity in higher education and at the University of Minnesota. Our goal is to recruit diverse applicants who may be considered for tenure track positions at the University of Minnesota. Post-Doctoral Associates conduct research and/or service that provides further development of career skills or allows them opportunities to learn new research techniques. They are trained by and work in conjunction with a faculty mentor who determines the training agenda. Note: These are not positions to which permanent residency can be granted for international appointees. Job Duties: Lead effort to compile and synthesize information on Trumpeter Swan population ecology (20%). This includes all aspects of locating, summarizing, and synthesizing information on Trumpeter Swan population ecology to provide scientific support for revision of the Flyways Trumpeter Swan Management Plan. Lead research on development of an integrated population models (IPM) for Trumpeter Swans in Minnesota and surrounding states (70%). This includes all aspects of the research process, including refining research questions and objectives; acquiring, organizing and curating data; developing and curating code for running IPMs; interpreting output, including data visualization; preparing and delivering scientific presentations; and preparing manuscripts for publication. Stakeholder engagement (5%): Communicate with the project team and other interested stakeholders to make sure that findings from our research are disseminated widely and adopted into ongoing conservation efforts. Collaboration (5%): Assist PIs, stakeholders and associated graduate students with related efforts to better understand population ecology and management. Qualifications Required Qualifications: Successful candidate must hold a Ph.D. in Wildlife, Conservation Biology, Ecology, or related field; have a demonstrated publication record in avian population ecology; possess excellent statistical skills, including coding experience in R and JAGS; and be able to work both collaboratively and independently. Preferred Qualifications: Previous experience conducting population analyses on wans, geese, or other birds that exhibit deferred reproduction. Ability to work with diverse stakeholder groups including federal and state conservation agencies, NGOs, and volunteer organizations. Experience with data management and efforts to promote reproducible workflows (e.g., use of GitHub or other open access platforms for sharing data and code). Prior experience communicating scientific research to both professional and lay audiences, including evidence of formal and informal publications, presentations at scientific meetings and public lectures, or development of web-based communication tools. Benefits Working at the University At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work. The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes: Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts University HSA contributions Disability and employer-paid life insurance Employee wellbeing program Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity Financial counseling services Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits. How To Apply Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume. Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647. Diversity Employment Requirements Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment. About the U of M The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC) The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned... For full info follow application link. The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds. The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu.