Deadline: Sun, 10/27/2024 - 12:00pm Employer: Arizona Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit Job Field: Wildlife Job Type: Experienced Professional Location: Arizona Location Detail: Southeast AZ Job Description: Position summary/job description We are seeking an enthusiastic, self-motivated postdoc with strong quantitative interests and skills for an 18-month project to evaluate the population dynamics of Mearns’ Quail in southeast Arizona. The successful candidate will take the lead role in this collaborative project between the U.S. Geological Survey’s Arizona Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit and the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD) and be based within the School of Environment and Natural Resources at the University of Arizona in Tucson. The project will use hunter harvest data previously collected by AGFD in combination with long-term weather data and remotely sensed imagery to determine if and how those dynamics are related to hunter activity and environmental conditions. The project will also explore the feasibility of using statistical reconstruction population models to estimate Mearns’ quail abundance and evaluate how abundance changes in response to environmental conditions. Finally, the project will provide recommendations for additional data that the Department may collect in the future to help better inform estimates of Mearns’ quail population dynamics. This information collectively may be used to guide future management decisions related to Mearns’ quail. The successful candidate will work closely with the Small Game Program Manager for AGFD and other state and regional AGFD biologists. The successful candidate will take the lead role in preparing scientific papers for publication and agency reports. Products from this position will include progress reports and at least one manuscript for peer-reviewed publication. Qualifications: Qualifications The ideal candidate will have a PhD in a relevant field (e.g., Biology, Wildlife Ecology, Statistics, etc.), strong quantitative skills (particularly with hierarchical models for estimating population demographic parameters), advanced programming skills in R, a demonstrated record of and enthusiasm for publishing scientific research, ability to write high quality manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication in a timely manner, excellent written and verbal communication skills, ability to work both independently and collaboratively, an enthusiasm for wildlife conservation, and a strong work ethic. Previous experience with Bayesian statistical reconstruction population models and/or integrated population models is strongly preferred. Previous experience with upland game birds and/or recreationally harvested species is preferred but not required. The ideal candidate will also have an enthusiasm for participating in the lab culture and mentoring junior members of the lab (e.g., graduate and undergraduate students). Miscellaneous: The position will start January 2, 2025, and is funded for 18 months with an annual salary of $61,008. The postdoctoral research associate will be employed through the University of Arizona. The postdoctoral research associate will have the opportunity to participate in weekly lab meetings and interact with other undergraduate and graduate student researchers. Opportunities will be available to present results at regional and national conferences. About the Area The Tucson metropolitan area includes approximately one million residents with an abundance of natural ecosystems and outdoor recreation opportunities. Within an hour’s drive from the University of Arizona campus one can experience the Sonoran Desert of Saguaro National Park and Ironwood National Monument or drive to the mixed conifer forest >8,000 ft elevation on the top of Mt. Lemmon. Madera Canyon in the Santa Rita Mountains features world-renowned bird watching opportunities. Tucson is approximately two hours from Phoenix, four hours from Flagstaff, and five hours from the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. Tucson has an amazing dining scene and is a United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) City of Gastronomy. How to Apply: The University of Arizona job application link is expected to go live by the end of September. In the meantime, persons interested in applying are encouraged to contact Dr. Javan Bauder at jbauder@arizona.edu to express their interest. More information about Dr. Bauder’s lab and research can be found at his Coop Unit Website.
