Position summary: A fully funded postdoctoral position in invasive species population modeling and genomics is available for up to 2.5 years in the Mims Lab in the Department of Biological Sciences at Virginia Tech. This project is funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Science Applications Program. The responsibilities of the position include working closely with a team of collaborators from Virginia Tech and state and federal agencies to develop a data-driven, landscape scale model that simulates spatial processes (environmental variability, metapopulation dynamics) and species interactions to optimize control of aquatic invasive species and promote the persistence of at-risk species. The project will focus on an established population of non-native bullfrogs in the San Rafael Valley of Arizona and will consider spatiotemporal population dynamics of non-native bullfrogs and native Arizona treefrogs. The project leverages existing data, including historical genetic samples, with ongoing field efforts and provides opportunities for immediate first-author publications (Year 1) as well as leadership of longterm efforts and collaborations (products expected in Years 2 and 3). This position provides an immediate opportunity to connect with and contribute to dynamic research communities at Virginia Tech, including the Global Change Center, the Integrative and Organismal Biology Group, and Stream Team. The successful applicant will work closely with managers and a team of collaborators from multiple institutions and agencies, including the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The position includes funding for professional development, scientific communication, and networking opportunities, including conference presentations and travel. The Mims Lab is committed to inclusion and diversity, and we especially welcome applications from members of traditionally underrepresented or excluded groups in ecology and conservation.
Qualifications: We are seeking a Ph.D. with expertise in population biology, population genomics, invasive species, and/or landscape ecology, and with a strong track record of collaboration, project leadership, communication with scientific and conservation experts and non-experts, fieldwork and crew leadership, quantitative skills, and peer-reviewed publications. The successful applicant will collaborate closely with graduate students, managers, and faculty from multiple institutions and backgrounds. An interest in and commitment to mentoring graduate and undergraduate students is important as well. Applicants must be willing to travel to Arizona for fieldwork for multiple months at a time during the spring and summer and occasionally for off-season trips. Note that the Ph.D. degree must be completed prior to starting the position at VT. Strong preference will be given to candidates with experience in one or more of the following: population genetics/genomics, strong quantitative skills including coding, modeling and simulating population dynamics, and fieldwork experience. Additional favorable qualifications include experience with anuran sampling, collection and analysis of temperature and acoustic data, remote sensing, and mentoring graduate and undergraduate students.
Anticipated start date and end date: The specific start date is flexible and could begin as soon as March 2021 or as late as May 2021 for exceptional candidates. Application & Review dates: For full details and to submit your application, click here.
Review of applications begins after February 1, 2021.