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Postdoctoral Research Associate, Division of Biological Sciences

University of Montana

Job Description


Application instructions are located at the bottom of the page.  Please apply directly through the University of Montana's career portal UM Jobs at https://umjobs.silkroad.com/ for positions at the University of Montana – Missoula, University of Montana Western (Dillon), and Helena College.  Do not apply through Indeed.com or use easy apply through Indeed.com*.

The Division of Biological Sciences invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to work collaboratively with Dr. Helen Chmura (USFS- Rocky Mountain Research Station, University Affiliate) and Dr. Creagh Breuner (University of Montana) on a research project to develop non-invasive endocrine techniques for assessing reproductive status in rare forest meso-carnivores.

Knowing whether meso-carnivores such as Canada lynx and wolverine are actively reproducing on National Forests is significant to resource managers, who must assess wildlife needs and impacts within the context of a multiple use landscape. However, the biology of many meso-carnivores means that traditional endocrine measures (i.e. progesterone) are not suitable for assessing pregnancy status. The postdoctoral research associate will collect and utilize non-invasive samples from multiple ongoing projects to verify whether alternative targets for assessing pregnancy status can be applied to samples collected from free-living meso-carnivores. This information will be used to evaluate the feasibility of assessing reproductive status in ongoing wildlife monitoring efforts and will be presented at scientific conferences and published in the peer-reviewed scientific literature.

The individual will be hired through the Biology Department at the University of Montana and will also be affiliated with the Wildlife and Terrestrial Ecosystems Research Group at the USDA Forest Service – Rocky Mountain Research Station (RMRS). The position will involve collaboration and coordination with other partners and projects at RMRS, the National Genomics Center for Fish and Wildlife Conservation, and Region 1 of the US Forest Service, as well as other research groups working on the conservation of meso-carnivores.

The person assigned to this role will grow their career in new directions that complement graduate work, while acquiring new skills and professional connections. The Breuner Lab and RMRS are committed to postdoctoral mentorship and expect the postdoctoral scholar to let us know about their professional goals so that we can help you achieve them. The postdoctoral research associate will be encouraged to pursue side-projects as time and funding permit.

The University of Montana is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity in all areas. In that spirit, we are particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of qualified people who would assist the University in demonstrating its five priorities for action : Place student success at the center of all we do; drive excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, and research; embody the principle of “mission first, people always"; partner with place; and proudly tell the UM story.


Position Details
  • Position is full-time, 1.0 FTE, Letter of Appointment and includes a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including Insurance package, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program
  • Salary for this position is $55,000 - $60,000 per year commensurate with qualifications

Minimum Requirements
  • A PhD in the biological sciences (e.g. ecology, physiology, animal behavior, conservation, wildlife biology), with degree conferral before the position start date
  • Two or more years of experience conducting research in a field setting with a demonstrated commitment to teamwork in the field and field safety
  • Demonstrated experience analyzing biological data in R
  • Excellence in oral and written communication in both day-to-day workplace interactions and in communicating scientific information to diverse audiences (this includes conferences, peer reviewed literature, stakeholder meetings etc.)
  • Willingness to be adaptable and flexible when unanticipated challenges alter research plans
  • Deep commitment to conservation and to working effectively with multi-stakeholder teams

 
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with endocrine laboratory techniques (e.g. RIA, EIA), including assay validation. We are especially interested in candidates who have experience with non-invasive sample types (e.g. feces and hair).
  • Winter field experience in remote settings, including snow-tracking, safe operation of snowmachines, and travel in avalanche terrain
  • Basic familiarity with wildlife population modeling and Bayesian analysis

About DBS and UM

The Division of Biological Sciences at The University of Montana-Missoula delivers high-quality academic programs in the biological sciences.  The division’s mission includes educating students at all levels from the baccalaureate to the doctoral, so that they develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to succeed as professional biologists and as citizens in a rapidly changing world facing problems that include significant biological components; to foster strong research programs that create new knowledge, understanding, and approaches in biology and that enhance the learning environment for students; and to apply biological science to benefit the university, state, region, nation and the world.

Nestled in at the base of Mount Sentinel and on the banks of the Clark Fork River, UM campus is described as one of the most beautiful in the US. The region boasts unparalleled year around recreational opportunities and a vibrant arts and culture community. UM offers a unique opportunity for professional growth in a magnificent environment. The University of Montana offers eligible employees a generous benefits package that positively separates UM from other local employers and offers many programs and policies to support work-life balance for its employees.

UM provides a culture that values hard work, intellectual curiosity, diversity, collegiality, innovative thinking, and teamwork, making it a great place to grow and develop professionally. Located in the heart of western Montana’s stunning natural landscape, UM attracts first rate teachers, researchers, and students from around the world. A city within a city – with its own eateries, stores, medical facilities, banking and postal services, and zip code – UM has an increasingly diverse population and rich culture.

To learn more about the University of Montana, Missoula, and the State of Montana, please visit the links below.

Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to the Offer of Employment In accordance with University regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations. ADA/EOE/AA/Veteran's Preference Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. As an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, we encourage applications from minorities, veterans, and women. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law. References: References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. Testing: Individual hiring departments at UM may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions. Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9).


 
How to Apply

Priority Application Date: Wednesday, November 16, 2022by 11:59 PM (Mountain Time)

Complete applications received by the ‘Priority Application Date’ will be guaranteed consideration. The position will remain open until filled. Candidates are required to submit the following materials online through the UM Jobs website directly to ensure your complete application is received.

A complete application Includes:

  • Letter of Interest – addressing your qualifications and experience related to the stated required skills for the position. A general letter salutation such as “Dear Search Committee” or “Dear Hiring Manager” is acceptable
  • Detailed Resume – listing education and describing work experience
  • Professional References – names and contact information for three (3) professional references

  • Missoula, Montana, United States

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