Postdoctoral Researcher - Seabird Spatial Ecology, Oregon State University


Job Description

The Department of Forest Ecosystems and Society in the College of Forestry is 
soliciting applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to work as part 
of a collaborative effort between the laboratories of Dr. Jim Rivers 
(http://people.forestry.oregonstate.edu/jim‐rivers/) and Dr. Matt Betts 
(http://www.fsl.orst.edu/flel/) in association with Kim Nelson and Dan Roby in 
the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife. This position will assist with 
research projects that are investigating space use, habitat selection, and 
breeding ecology of the endangered Marbled Murrelet in western Oregon. The 
anticipated start date for this position is no later than March 15, 2018; 
support is available for a minimum of 2 years subject to adequate performance 
review after 12 months. Salary is $44,000‐$52,000/year, depending on experience



Position Duties

The postdoc will be responsible for several project components that include but 
are not limited to:

1.       Evaluating marine and terrestrial habitat use by murrelets during the 
breeding season

2.       Quantifying breeding behaviors obtained from remote cameras (e.g., 
incubation, offspring provisioning)

3.       Helping to lead field efforts at‐sea capture, tagging of murrelets, 
and execution of field data collection

4.       Leveraging existing data to further project objectives



Minimum Qualifications

-          Ph.D. in wildlife ecology or a closely related field

-          Computing skills including statistical software (e.g., R), spatial 
software (e.g., ArcGIS, Spatial Analyst, Google Earth), and database programs

-          Professional competence in planning, designing, executing, and 
coordinating research

-          Demonstrated proficiency for independently writing scientific 
publications for peer‐ reviewed journals

-          Strong communication skills, including excellent command of the 
English language, that allows for working effectively as a member of a large 
research team

-          Professional competence in handling and banding/tagging birds, as 
well as obtaining biological samples

-          Ability to traverse steep, rugged, and/or uneven terrain while 
carrying up to 25 pounds in all weather conditions.



Preferred Qualifications

-          Previous research with spatial and breeding ecology of seabirds 
(especially alcids)

-          Knowledge and experience with forest management practices of the 
Pacific Northwest

-          Lead‐author on publications assessing habitat use and selection 
and/or breeding ecology

-          A demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity



Application Instructions

For additional details about the position, including how to apply, visit the 
application web site 
(http://oregonstate.edu/jobs/)<http://oregonstate.edu/jobs/)> and search for 
posting number P01761UF. Applications will be

accepted starting 11/29/2017 and the position will close on 01/05/2018 or until 
the position has been filled. All applications will be acknowledged 
electronically; only those selected for consideration on a shortlist will be 
contacted and asked to provide letters of recommendation. Questions should be 
directed to Jim Rivers ([email protected]).



Oregon State University commits to inclusive excellence by advancing equity and 
diversity in all that we do. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity 
employer, and particularly encourage applications from members of historically 
underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, 
veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to 
help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.

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