*Postdoctoral researcher position: Illegal turtle trade, confiscation, and reintroduction*
Massachusetts Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit (MA Coop Unit) Department of Environmental Conservation, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA *Application Deadline:* Priority review of applications will begin on 07 Feb 2025 but will remain open until suitable candidates are identified *Position start date:* Early to Mid 2025 *Position duration**:* 1 year with possibility of extension for a 2nd year *Position location*: University of Massachusetts (UMass), Amherst, MA & SO Conte Anadromous Fish Research Lab, Turners Fall, MA *Project Overview: * The US Fish and Wildlife Service, working with state and federal agencies with regulatory authority over turtles in the northeastern U.S., makes decisions about the confiscation and disposition of multiple species of native U.S. freshwater turtles encountered via extra-legal trade routes. Illegal collection of wild animals for the pet trade has resulted in population declines, and U.S. freshwater turtles are particularly vulnerable. Decision-makers wish to maximize the conservation status of turtle populations in the wild, so consider the repatriation and translocation of confiscated turtles to enhance population viability. The decision is complicated by risk to recipient populations, primarily of the disease and genetic (i.e., originating-recipient population mismatch) status of confiscated turtles. Therefore, this project aims to estimate and project the consequences of confiscation and repatriation decisions for illegally traded turtles. The successful candidate would have experience or interest in decision analysis, population matrix modeling, and population viability analyses. This work is a collaboration among the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Massachusetts Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit (MA Coop Unit) and the USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center at the SO Conte Anadromous Fish Research Lab. We are recruiting a postdoctoral researcher to work on the following: · Build/refine a population matrix model and population viability analysis that examines the effect of (re)introducing confiscated individual(s), who have unknown disease and poor genetics status, into a wild population. - Update a set of decision trees with the output of the population viability analysis to evaluate conditions that affect an optimal decision. - Writing research reports, papers for publication, and preparing data for release. We highly encourage people from historically underrepresented groups to apply. This is a one-year postdoctoral position. The postdoctoral researcher will be stationed at the University of Massachusetts (UMass) in Amherst, MA and the USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center (formerly the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center) at the SO Conte Anadromous Fish Research Lab in Turners Falls, MA. UMass is a top-ranked public university located in western MA, and the USGS Science Center produces research products of national and international significance for conservation and management of wildlife. The area offers a rich cultural environment in a rural setting close to major urban centers, with many great outdoor recreational opportunities. *Eligibility:* To be considered for the postdoctoral researcher position, you must: · Have a PhD in ecology, conservation, herpetology, or other related field *Salary/Benefits*: The postdoctoral researcher will be provided: · Annual salary based on the number of yrs of experience, as follows - · 0 – 2 yrs: $61,008 plus benefits · 3 – 4 yrs: $64,356 plus benefits · 5+ yrs: $68,964 plus benefits · Travel funds to attend a national conference · A supportive network of professionals who encourage work-life holism, promote mental health well-being, and working towards career goals · Professional development experiences relevant to a career with federal agencies · Mentoring, encouragement, and autonomy that promotes an understanding of how diverse perspectives are vital to achieving project goals *Application:* To apply, please fill out this google form (link: https://tinyurl.com/UMassTurtlePostdoc) and submit a single PDF with the following: - cover letter (see details below) - CV/resume - contact information for three professional references Priority review of applications will begin on 07 Feb 2025 but will remain open until suitable candidates are identified. The cover letter should be 1 – 2 pages describing: · your research interests and background · why you are interested in this position · your career goals · your experience (if applicable) and/or enthusiasm for learning about each of the following areas (note we do not expect applicants to have experience under each of these areas): ▪ Ecological knowledge related to: · Turtles · Illegal trade ▪ Decision analysis ▪ Quantitative and computer skills related to: · Population viability analysis Please send questions to any of the principal investigators listed below. *Principal Investigators:* Graziella DiRenzo (gdire...@umass.edu) – USGS, Massachusetts Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Unit Evan Grant (ehgr...@usgs.gov) – USGS, Eastern Ecological Science Center *Nondiscriminatory AA/EEO statement:* *UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.* To unsubscribe from this list please go to https://community.esa.org/confirm/?u=RhPWqPxFwODKvbkiT32nkIqRrsiSgulp
