POSITION: Post-doctoral Research Associate – Resource Equivalency Modeling for Restoration of Freshwater Mussels
LOCATION: Virginia Tech University, Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Blacksburg, Virginia
SALARY: $45,000-50,000/year + benefits
PROJECT DURATION: Once hired, the position is for 2 years.
PROJECT TITLE: Development of resource equivalency analysis (REA) models for restoring freshwater mussels for NRDAR cases.
POSITION SUMMARY: The Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation at Virginia Tech is accepting applications for the position of Postdoctoral Research Associate. Research will focus on developing and publishing a resource equivalency analysis (REA) model for freshwater mussels for use in the Department of Interior’s (DOI) Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration (NRDAR) cases. Accomplishment of this objective will provide NRDAR program managers and the general wildlife management community with REA modeling tools that can be used to estimate lost mussel service years and replacement value for case development. The project will focus on native mussels and will accommodate the life history assumptions of this unique animal group, which have special conservation significance in North America. The ecology and reproduction of mussels provides unique opportunities for developing and testing REA models, including modeling their longevity, breeding age, fecundity and other life history factors. The incumbent will work collaboratively with Virginia Tech’s Dr. Paul Angermeier and Dr. Jess Jones and DOI economists to develop Leslie matrix-based models utilizing Excel and r-script coding in Program R. A main goal of the modelling is to allow for flexibility of a wide variety mussel restoration planning options, including injury quantification, restoration scaling, and incorporating varied mussel life history and demographic scenarios. Programming in Excel and R is required.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: PhD in quantitative ecology, natural resource economics or related discipline, with an emphasis on aquatic ecosystems and freshwater mussel restoration desired; demonstrated scientific productivity, including peer-reviewed publications; strong statistical modeling and analytical skills; and demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively; demonstrated scientific productivity, including peer-reviewed publications; strong statistical modeling and analytical skills. Excellent writing and speaking skills; demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively.
HOW TO APPLY: Job announcement and application portal can be found here:
https://careers.pageuppeople.com/968/cw/en-us/job/524417/postdoctoral-as...