The United States Geological Survey is recruiting a post-doctoral scientist in quantitative ecology for a project focused on developing and testing methods to assess the impacts of wind energy on wildlife at regional to national scales. Funding for the fellowship is for 1 year and is subject to renewal for 2 additional years given availability of funding. Remuneration is US$ 73,848, plus benefits. The post-doc will work with project co-leads Jay Diffendorfer (USGS Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center), Matt Merrill, and Margo Corum (USGS Eastern Energy Resources Science Center), as well as Wayne Thogmartin (USGS Upper Midwest Environmental Change Science Center), and Scott Loss (Oklahoma State University). The research fellow will be in Denver, CO, at the Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center.
Candidates will support the project by taking lead and collaborative roles in: 1) the review, synthesis, testing, and evaluation of existing assessment approaches; 2) Developing assessment methods for species sensitive to habitat loss and fragmentation; 3) Developing a method for both initial screening and more detailed assessment of species response to wind energy; 4) Considering mortality from wind energy in an additive vs. compensatory framework. In addition, the candidate will have latitude to pursue novel wind-wildlife assessment methods. Given the list of co-mentors, research could include: Bayesian statistical approaches related to wind impacts on wildlife; occupancy based approaches to estimate regional risk; and evaluating biases to improve regional and national mortality estimates of wind energy on birds and bats. The post-doc will participate in the review, synthesis, and testing of existing assessment methods and develop new approaches, author and present results of research, and participate in grant and report writing. The project supports ongoing research and offers opportunities to collaborate with investigators and two post docs. The project also employs undergraduate and graduate students for geospatial analysis, literature synthesis, and model development. Applicants should possess strong skills in the R programming language, an understanding of Bayesian statistics, and experience publishing in peer-reviewed journals. Experience modeling wildlife populations, and geospatial methods/GIS skills are highly desirable. Experience with wildlife and wind energy development is preferred, but not a necessary condition for this position. The position is available as soon as a suitable candidate is found. To apply, please prepare a cover letter, curriculum vitae, transcripts, and contact information for three references. Please send your application via email, subject line “Wind Impacts Methods Post-doc”. For eligibility requirements, see (http://www.usgs.gov/humancapital/sw/postdoctral.html). The successful applicant will develop a research proposal in collaboration with Dr. Diffendorfer. The application and any questions should be directed to: Jay Diffendorfer United States Geological Survey Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center Denver Federal Center, Bldg 25, MS 980 Denver, Co. 80225 303-236-5369 [email protected]
