Postdoc in Adaptive Management Modeling of Invasive Grasses

Agency

University of Wyoming

Location

This position is based at the main University of Wyoming campus in Laramie, Wyoming. Flexibility to work remotely on some days may be available.

Job Category

Post Doctoral Appointments

Salary

$58,000 - $65,000 depending on experience.

Last Date to Apply

07/31/2023

Website

https://eeik.fa.us2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/231834

Description

We are seeking applications for a jointly appointed postdoctoral research position to model the impact of invasive grass management actions to aid decision-making. This position requires a strong interest in translational ecology, with the successful applicant engaging with multiple non-university stakeholders to ensure that research products are immediately useful and practical. The postdoctoral researcher will work jointly with the Department of Plant Sciences (Dr. Kelsey Brock) and the Wyoming Natural Diversity Database (WYNDD; Dr. Paige Copenhaver-Parry) at the University of Wyoming. One year of funding is currently available, and we anticipate success in obtaining an additional 2 years of funding (3 years total). The desired start date is fall 2023. The postdoctoral researcher will have an outstanding opportunity to compile and analyze existing monitoring data describing before/after invasive grass control treatment responses (e.g., herbicide application) across a large portion of Wyoming and the Northern Great Plains. The researcher will collaborate with WYNND to develop plans for long-term curation of these data, which come from multiple non-standardized sources. These data will be applied to evaluate, compare, update, and potentially assimilate existing adaptive management modeling frameworks developed for invasive grasses to generate more precise, data-informed management recommendations. The researcher should embrace the goals outlined by the Institute for Managing Annual Grasses Invading Natural Ecosystems (IMAGINE; www.invasivegrasses.com) and will be expected to communicate frequently with research partners, extension educators, and land managers throughout west-central USA. Opportunities for student mentorship and other professional development activities are available to prepare the successful applicant for career advancement. Application reviews will begin July 31, 2023, and will be open until the position is filled.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: A Doctoral Degree is required for this position, however, consideration will be given to applicants that are currently pursuing their Doctoral Degree and will complete the degree prior to starting work. - Completion by the start date of all requirements for a Ph.D. in ecology, environmental science, weed science, rangeland management or a closely related field - A desire to participate in translational ecology and develop partnerships with managers and practitioners - Must have strong skills in statistical modeling and be comfortable implementing a diversity of modeling frameworks, potentially including hierarchical Bayesian models and state-space models. - Experience using R programming language to process large data sets and perform statistical analyses - Valid driver's license with a motor vehicle record (MVR) that is compliant with the University Vehicle Use Policy. DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS: - Experience with Bayesian modeling - Knowledge of invasive species ecology and applied weed management - Familiarity with spatial data - Experience working with complex vegetation data - Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders - Demonstrated ability to communicate scientific findings through publications and presentations

Contact Person

kbrock5@uwyo.edu

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