Job no: 511778
Work type: Research Faculty
Senior management: College of Science
Department: Biological Sciences
Location: Blacksburg Area
Categories: Research / Scientific
Job Description
A postdoctoral position in quantitative conservation biology is available in the labs of Dr. Jeff Walters and Dr. Meryl Mims in the Department of Biological Sciences at Virginia Tech. This position is based in Blacksburg, VA, and offers a unique opportunity to work with both PIs in Year 1 with a possible reappointment in Years 2 and 3 in the Mims Lab. This position will be well-suited for postdoctoral candidates interested in analytical skill development, teamwork, mentoring, and publications related to vertebrate conservation. Responsibilities with the Walters Lab (Y1) include: extracting information from long-term demographic databases for red-cockaded woodpeckers to parameterize and test a spatially-explicit, individual-based population model; and data analysis and manuscript preparation for ongoing projects, including analysis of demographic data, population data, spatial data and avian point count data. Responsibilities with the Mims Lab (Y1-3) include: comparative, multidimensional vulnerability assessments for anurans (frogs and toads) of the United States, and mentoring a team of undergraduate researchers to help augment an existing anuran trait database. The successful applicant will join a growing community of ecologists and evolutionary biologists and their teams here at VT.
Required Qualifications
We are seeking a creative and motivated Ph.D. with expertise in ecology, wildlife, conservation, quantitative ecology, or a related field; an interest in population modeling and vulnerability assessments; excellent communication and project leadership skills; demonstrated collaboration and teamwork potential; a strong track record of science communication, including peer-reviewed publications; and experience with species distribution modeling, mechanistic niche modeling, and/or individual-based modeling. The successful applicant will collaborate closely with undergraduate students, managers, and faculty. A Ph.D. degree must be completed prior to starting the position at VT.
Preferred Qualifications
Strong preference will be given to candidates with the following software and programming skillsets: GIS; programs Mark, Distance, and Access; R; GitHub.
Salary Information: $45,000
Review Date: December 15, 2019
Additional Information
The successful Candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.
This position will start in early 2020. The specific start date is flexible and could begin as soon as January 2020 or as late as March 2020 for exceptional candidates; review of applications will begin on December 15, 2019, and preference will be given to candidates available to start by February 1, 2020. Candidates should submit to the jobs.vt.edu website: 1) a cover letter explaining their research and future interests; 2) a CV; 3) names and contact information for three references. Please apply to job #511778. Application screening will continue until the position is filled. Virginia Tech is committed to promoting inclusive and equitable opportunities for candidates from a broad range of backgrounds. We encourage applications from traditionally underrepresented groups in ecology and STEM fields, including minority groups, first-generation college students, applicants from low income backgrounds, or applicants who followed non-traditional paths to academia.
*Start date is flexible, but priority will be given to candidates available to start by February 1, 2020.
About Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech is a public land-grant university, committed to teaching and learning, research, and outreach to the Commonwealth of Virginia, the nation, and the world. Building on its motto of Ut Prosim (that I may serve), Virginia Tech is dedicated to InclusiveVT—serving in the spirit of community, diversity, and excellence. We seek candidates who adopt and practice the Principles of Community, which are fundamental to our on-going efforts to increase access and inclusion, and to create a community that nurtures learning and growth for all of its members. Virginia Tech actively seeks a broad spectrum of candidates to join our community in preparing leaders for the world.
Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and desire accommodation please contact the hiring department.
Advertised: November 1, 2019
Applications close: Open until filled