Overview:
We seek a highly motivated post-doctoral scientist to develop and apply
novel mark-recapture models to integrate different mark-recapture data
sets to better understand fish population dynamics in the Colorado River
and associated tributaries in its Grand Canyon reach. The successful
candidate will have experience in developing and applying mark-recapture
or similar statistical models as well as proven record of publications
in peer-reviewed journals.
Background:
Understanding how animal populations are responding to environmental
change often requires monitoring at broad spatial scales and in remote
locations. Sampling such populations can be particularly challenging
when species are only detectable at a given location for short periods
of time. Discrete visits to sites will be misleading if the timing of
visits does not match the timing of key biological processes. Emerging
technologies that sample animal populations continuously have clear
advantages from this perspective, but suffer from their own weaknesses –
most sensors are only capable of detecting over limited areas (i.e.,
small spatial grain). Ideally, these two forms of data would be
integrated to provide more robust estimates, however current methods for
analyzing these data either fail to fully use the available information
or only apply when strict assumptions are met.
Fixed antennae are being used in freshwater systems throughout
the country to detect fish that have previously been given tags. Among
other benefits, antennae can potentially decrease the need to handle
individuals from endangered populations. While methods exist to analyze
these data in a coherent framework when tagged individuals are only
moving in one direct (i.e., during unidirectional migration), more
general approaches, including approaches that allow for movement in both
directions are not currently available.
Project Description:
We seek a post-doctoral scientist to help develop and apply novel mark-
recapture models to integrate antennae with traditional mark-recapture
data. The primary focus of the project will focus on applying models to
endangered native fish, including humpback chub (Gila cypha), which
migrate between the Colorado River, where sampling of adults is
difficult, and one of its tributaries, the Little Colorado River, to
spawn. If time allows, the post-doctoral scientist may also analyze data
using portable antennae alongside traditional mark-recapture sampling,
help modify the existing fixed antennae array, and/or develop new
projects. The post-doctoral researcher will interact with scientists in
the Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Center and at Colorado State
University. We expect that development and application of mark-recapture
models will culminate with a series of high-impact peer-reviewed
publications. Insights gained from the modelling will help inform
ongoing adaptive management experimentation in Glen and Grand Canyon
(see www.gcdamp.gov).
Appointment Details:
Term of appointment is initially for 13 months with the possibility of
extension for 1-2 additional years highly likely, but contingent on
funding and adequate progress by the applicant; A start date in early
2016 is desirable, but with some flexibility. Review of applications
will begin on October 1, 2015 and will continue until a suitable
candidate is identified. Salary is $70,000/yr (GS12) + full benefits.
All local and professional travel costs will be covered. Scientist will
be co-advised by research scientists at the USGS Grand Canyon Monitoring
and Research Center and Colorado State University. The postdoc will be
primarily located in Flagstaff, Arizona at USGS-GCMRC but will have the
opportunity to spend up to 25% of their time at Colorado State
University.
Instituitonal background:
The U.S. Geological Survey's Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Center
(GCMRC; www.gcmrc.gov) is the science arm of the Glen Canyon Dam
Adaptive Management Program. The construction and operation of Glen
Canyon Dam has fundamentally altered the physical template of the
Colorado River (e.g., sediment inputs and water clarity, water
temperature, geomorphology), which has in turn affected biological
resources of concern including introduced rainbow trout and native,
endangered fish populations. Scientists at GCMRC develop and implement
research and long-term monitoring of physical, biological, and cultural
resources downstream from Glen Canyon Dam needed to inform the adaptive
management process.
How to Apply:
APPLICANTS MUST BE UNITED STATES CITIZENS. Verification of employment
eligibility will be required at the time of appointment.
Interested candidates should send inquiries, letter of interest,
curriculum
vitae, and contact information to Charles Yackulic ([email protected])
and Bill Kendall ([email protected]) .
