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Postdoctoral Researcher: Developing Tools for Nonnative Species Prioritization in South Florida Ecosystems
Job Description
- Agency
- University of Florida and U.S. Geological Survey
- Location
- Gainesville, FL with some travel to southern Florida. We will consider hybrid and remote work models, but some travel will be required.
- Job Category
- Post Doctoral Appointments
- Salary
- $55,000 - $60,000
- Start Date
- 09/01/2023
- Last Date to Apply
- 08/10/2023
- Description
- We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher to develop tools for nonnative species prioritization for South Florida Ecosystems, including the Greater Everglades Ecosystem. This project will include cooperation with multiple federal, state, and county agencies associated with Everglades Restoration. This position requires an interest in invasion and decision science, and the successful applicant will engage with multiple federal, state, and county agencies associated with Everglades restoration to ensure that research products are useful. The postdoctoral research associate will work jointly with the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation at the University of Florida (Dr. Christina Romagosa and Dr. Luke Evans) and the U.S. Geological Survey’s Wetland and Aquatic Research Center (Dr. Wesley Daniel). The postdoc will be a member of a research lab at UF (https://www.floridainvasionecologylab.com) and will be expected to interact with students and technicians at all levels. Background: The Greater Everglades and associated ecosystems are large, unique, sub-tropical wetland and upland ecosystems located in southern Florida, USA. Draining and development in the 1900s degraded this ecosystem, and it is now the focus of one of the largest ecosystem restoration efforts in the world. Invasive species are a threat to this restoration effort, and the South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force (SFERTF, https://www.evergladesrestoration.gov/overview) has been directed by Congress (Water Resources Development Act 2020, section 504, “Invasive Species Risk Assessment Prioritization and Management”) to develop a priority list of invasive species that could significantly impact structure and function of ecological communities, native species, or habitats within this ecosystem. SFERTF member agencies are directed to work together to develop innovative strategies and tools, guide applied research, facilitate improved management, and to prevent future introductions of nonnative species. Project: A coordinated response to address nonnative species introductions involves science-based prioritization tools alongside information transfer to relevant decision makers. This project seeks to develop prioritization decision support tools to allow SFERTF member agencies to determine the invasion status of nonnative species (plant, invertebrate, and vertebrate) by using information on primary pathways, current distribution, spread risk, negative impacts (ecological and socioeconomic), effects on system-wide ecological indicators, and management feasibility to prioritize prevention and management efforts. The successful candidate will (1) lead development and evaluation of decision support tool(s) that prioritize nonnative species for prevention, rapid response, and/or control. The candidate will also (2) help facilitate meetings of invasive species experts from SFERTF member agencies to evaluate existing nonnative plant and animal species lists and discuss prioritization tool development process; and (3) help organize and lead a workshop to train SFERTF members agency representatives to use the prioritization tools and develop a priority list of invasive species for prevention, control, or eradication activities. Start date for this position is 1 Sept 2023 and ends 30 Sept 2024. To Apply: Applicants should send the following in a SINGLE file titled with your name (e.g., SmithJH.pdf) to cmromagosa@ufl.edu with “Nonnative Species Prioritization Postdoc” in the subject line. 1) Letter of interest, 2) CV, and 3) contact information for 3 professional references. Application review will begin as soon as they are received and will continue to 10 Aug 2023, or until a suitable candidate is found.
- Qualifications
- Qualifications Minimum qualifications: Successful applicant will have 1) Ph.D. in Ecology, Biology, Environmental Science, or a related science field at time of employment; 2) Proficiency in R statistical programming and spatial analysis; 3) Strong written and oral communication skills and ability to communicate to multiple audiences; 4) a demonstrated ability to publish in scientific journals. Preferred skills include facilitation experience, proven success working with agency stakeholders, as well as experience in the creation and curation of R shiny apps.
- Contact Person
- Christina Romagosa
- Contact Phone
- No calls please
- Contact eMail
- cmromagosa@ufl.edu
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