Postdoctoral Researcher in Desert Fish Ecology and Conservation — Nevada Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit
Project description and responsibilities: The Nevada Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit (NVCFWRU) is recruiting a postdoctoral scientist to lead a project to develop an integrated (traditional fish capture methods and eDNA) native and non-native fish monitoring plan for Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge (AMNWR). AMNWR is a biodiversity hotspot of global significance with at least 26 endemic species in the unique desert oasis ecosystem. The scientist for this 2-year project will work closely with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Nevada Department of Wildlife, Washington State University, and Texas A&M researchers, staff, and biologists to synthesize AMNWR datasets, develop and carry out a one-year field-intensive pilot sampling project, and develop a peer-reviewed integrated status and trend monitoring plan for the refuge. The scientist will be expected to develop additional synthetic research products based around desert fish ecology and conservation from the rich historical datasets collected at the refuge over past decades. The postdoc will be based out of the NVCFWRU in the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences (NRES) or the Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology Program (EECB) and the Freshwater Fish Ecology Lab at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR).
We expect the postdoc to participate in our lab community and will provide opportunities to engage in mentoring, proposal development, and research collaborations. The postdoc will be afforded considerable educational training opportunities and encouraged to co-teach a departmental class, as interests dictate. The incumbent will join a strong community of post-doctoral scientists housed in the NRES and EECB programs at UNR.
Qualifications: PhD in fisheries biology, ecology, conservation biology, or a related field. Aquatic fieldwork expertise, experience with quantitative sampling methods, and a record of publishing in the peer-reviewed literature are required. Interest in fish ecology, sampling and monitoring design, ecological data science best practices, and producing science that is useful for natural resource management agencies through co-production are desired. The ideal candidate is creative, productive, and collaborative with strong oral and written communication skills. We value and support intersectional diversity and work-life balance.
Salary and benefits: Annual salary of $60,000/year and full benefits for two years. Mid-2025 start date preferred.
To apply: To apply, please email a cover letter, CV, and contact information for 3 references to Dr. Jeff Falke (jfalke@unr.edu). Interested applicants are welcomed to reach out with questions via email before applying. Although the position will be open until filled, applications will be reviewed upon receipt with a goal of a late January 2025 hiring decision.
https://freshwater-fish-ecology-lab-unr.github.io/ffelunr/index.html