Agency

University of Connecticut

Location

Storrs, CT, USA

Job Category

Post Doctoral Appointments

Salary

Commensurate with experience (starting at $54,840; for details see https://grad.uconn.edu/postdocs/policies-benefits/)

Last Date to Apply

08/15/2022

Website

https://elphick.lab.uconn.edu/

Description

The Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology at the University of Connecticut invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to work with Dr Chris Elphick, and collaborators within the Saltmarsh Habitat and Avian Research Program (SHARP). SHARP has been studying saltmarsh birds and their habitats throughout the northeastern United States since 2010. Over this period, we have accumulated considerable data on the occurrence and abundance of saltmarsh birds and associated habitat conditions (>3500 locations across 10 states), and the breeding biology of nesting species (>30 sites; >5000 nests). Since 2017, we have also conducted coordinated monitoring of habitat change at sites throughout the region that have been subject to habitat restoration and management designed to enhance coastal resilience. We seek a postdoctoral researcher with strong quantitative skills to (a) analyze data collected over this period and improve our understanding of the ecological integrity of managed coastal wetlands, (b) quantify the cost-effectiveness of management actions, (c) contribute to the writing of project reports, and (d) lead the production of high-profile journal papers that will inform coastal management and resilience planning. The successful candidate will be expected to collaborate with other members of the SHARP team to complete existing grant deliverables and to identify related research that addresses the goals of enhancing coastal resilience while conserving declining species. Such work may include, but is not limited to: evaluating return-on-investment of marsh restoration, quantifying trade-offs among ecosystem services, integrating new information into coastal conservation planning, and using spatial demographic modelling and survey data to better assess risk to saltmarsh birds and the marshes they depend on.

Qualifications

Qualifications: Candidates must have a PhD in biology, environmental science, or a closely related field; strong quantitative abilities, with expertise in statistics and GIS using Arc, R and/or Python; strong communication skills, including a successful track record of bringing writing projects to completion; the ability to work independently; and excellent team skills. Preferred candidates will also have experience with some combination of: ecological “big data”; coastal ecosystems; restoration ecology; conservation planning; avian ecology; and/or Bayesian statistics. To apply: This is a full-time, fixed-term position based at the Storrs campus of the University of Connecticut and includes competitive salary and health benefits as determined by the contract negotiated by the UConn Postdocs Union. Initial funding is for one year, with the potential to renew following a satisfactory performance review after 9 months. Review of applications will begin on 15th August 2022, and the position will remain open until filled; position can begin as early as September 2022. Interested candidates should email chris.elphick@uconn.edu with the subject line “SHARP postdoc” and include: (1) a one-page description of their research interests and qualifications, (2) a CV, (3) 1-2 representative publications, and (4) contact information for 3 people who can provide references. Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check. All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp. ________________________________________ The University of Connecticut is committed to building and supporting a multicultural and diverse community of students, faculty and staff. More than 100 research centers and institutes serve the University’s teaching, research, diversity, and outreach missions, leading to UConn’s ranking as one of the nation’s top research universities. UConn’s faculty and staff are the critical link to fostering and expanding our vibrant, multicultural and diverse University community. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer, UConn encourages applications from women, veterans, people with disabilities and members of traditionally underrepresented populations.

Contact Person

Chris Elphick

Contact eMail

chris.elphick@uconn.edu

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