Stephanie O'Donnell
- @StephODonnell
- | She / Her
WILDLABS
Dr. Mark Hebblewhite is recruiting a Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) to join the Ungulate Ecology Lab in late summer or early fall of 2022 for 2-3 years focused principally on developing innovative, independent-lead research on the spatial and population ecology of barrenground caribou in the Arctic as part of an NSF-funded Navigating the New Arctic (NNA) project entitled Fate of the Caribou: from local knowledge to range-wide dynamics in the changing Arctic. The PDRA will also have opportunities to develop independent research on my NSF-funded Long-term Research in Environmental Biology (LTREB) Ya Ha Tinda elk research project, amongst the world’s longest-running studies of elk.
The successful PDRA will work with an interagency team based at SUNY-ESF lead by Eliezer Gurarie, with Scott Goetz and Logan Berner at Northern Arizona University, Bill Fagan at U. of Maryland, Anne Gunn (former Govt NWT), as well as state and federal caribou management agencies in Alaska and Canada, and –crucially– indigenous groups and governments throughout Northwestern North America's Arctic region. In our Ya Ha Tinda work, the PDRA will collaborate with PhD students in our Lab and co-PI Evelyn Merrill (Emeritus) at the U. of Alberta, as well as with Parks Canada managers.
The position is based in the Ungulate Ecology Lab, within the Wildlife Biology Program in the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation (FCFC) with opportunities for collaboration on a variety of projects, graduate teaching, and field work.
Qualifications
- PhD in wildlife biology, ecology, conservation biology, or related field
- Demonstrated experience with statistical and spatial modeling, programming, R, GIS analyses, remote sensing, and scientific writing are core qualifications for this position
- Outstanding work ethic
- Exceptional quantitative skills and motivation
- Excellence in oral and written scientific publications
- Experience with analyses of GPS movement data from animals
- Excellence in communication and interpersonal skills
- Demonstrated experience working collaboratively with wildlife management agencies
Preferred qualifications
- Experience working with Indigenous knowledge, First Nations or co-management boards
- Field experience in large herbivores
- Field experience in the subarctic or arctic
- As well as a sense of humor!
Position Details
Annual salary starting at $50,000/year including benefits, retirement package and health care. NSF-Career Work Life Balance family leave supplemental funding potentially available, pending additional funding. Professional development, national and international (Canada) travel, training, and teaching opportunities. Position preferred to be based physically at University of Montana in Missoula.
University of Montana and Missoula
The University of Montana is one of the nation’s outstanding public research (R1) universities, committed to liberal arts education, research, and strong professional programs. UM is located in Missoula, a northern Rocky Mountain city located between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks. Missoula boasts abundant recreational opportunities with a blend of small-town charm and urban sophistication. Scientists and students have access to FCFC’s Lubrecht Experimental Forest and Bandy Experimental Ranch, the Flathead Lake Biological Station, and the Boone and Crockett Club’s Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Ranch. In addition, there is a strong non-University research community in the surrounding area including the Rocky Mountain Research Station, several non-profit groups, tribal, state and federal scientists (e.g., USGS, USFS).
How to Apply
Application Deadline: Monday, June 20, 2022 by 11:59 PM (Mountain Time). Top candidates will be contacted for interviews.
Candidates are required to submit the following materials online via "New Resume/CV" button below
*Please note, only five (5) attachments allowed per application. Please combine documents accordingly.
A complete application Includes:
- Cover letter summarizing interest and relevant experience
- Resume/CV
- Unofficial transcripts
- Contact information for 3 references (including phone and email – letters not required at initial screening stage)
Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to the Offer of Employment In accordance with University regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations. ADA/EOE/AA/Veteran's Preference Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. As an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, we encourage applications from minorities, veterans, and women. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law. References: References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. Testing: Individual hiring departments at UM may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions. Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9).
Job Location
Missoula, Montana, United States
Position Type
Full-Time/Regular