The University of Maryland in collaboration with the USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center (formerly Patuxent Wildlife Research Center) is searching for a highly motivated and talented individual to work as a postdoctoral researcher on projects focused on analyzing movement data from wild birds, developing distribution models for waterfowl, and modeling the risk of highly pathogenic avian influenza transmission at the wild waterfowl-domestic poultry interface. This position will be dual-based at (1) EESC, a world-renowned facility that serves as one of the leaders in North American avian research located in Laurel, MD within 30 minutes of Washington D.C., and (2) University of Maryland in College Park, MD. The two stations are located within 15 min of each other.

Project description: This position will focus on multiple spatial modeling projects including development and comparison of waterfowl distribution models using varying datasets, development of spatial inputs for disease modeling, and advancement of avian influenza transmission modeling. Access to high-powered computing is available through the University of Maryland and USGS. The selected candidate will work directly with Dr. Diann Prosser (USGS) and Dr. Jennifer Mullinax (UMD), and in part with our professional collaborators across the country. In-lab interactions include other post-docs, long-term research technicians, graduate students, and interns. The post-doc will also have the opportunity to work with current students in a mentoring capacity, should they choose. Analyses and development of peer-reviewed journal articles are expected products. The selected applicant will be contributing to a long-standing partnership with USDA collaborators that has yielded numerous peer-reviewed publications and high value science actively used during current outbreak events.

Required expertise/skills:
The ideal candidate has a doctoral degree in Ecology, Wildlife Biology, Natural Resources, GIS, Statistics, Quantitative Analysis, Mathematics, or a related field. It is critical that the selected candidate have extensive experience in R or other related statistical software and be proficient in handling various forms of autocorrelation, particularly spatial and temporal. Experience with Bayesian analysis, large spatial datasets, wildlife disease, or avian ecology is a strong plus. Ability to write peer-reviewed manuscripts is a requirement. The candidate must be highly motivated, able to work independently, and good at communicating within a team.

Eligibility requirements: The selected candidate must successfully complete a criminal background check as required for access to government computers and properties.

Description of working conditions: Work will be performed predominately in the office environment located in Laurel, Maryland (EESC) and with 1-2 days per week at the University of Maryland, College Park. A telework option may be available for part of the week. The potential exists for occasional field work which may require transportation via mid-sized (20-40’) open boats. Extended periods of computer use will be required for this position.

Compensation: Compensation is commensurate with experience, and a full, competitive University of Maryland benefit package.

Approximate start date for the position is July 2022 or as soon as filled. This position is funded for 12 months with potential for extension to 24 – 36 months.

How to apply: Send the following to pwrc_application@usgs.gov and wildlife@umd.edu no later than July 10th with “Modeling Postdoc” in the Subject header. Applications will be reviewed as received.

1. Letter of interest, CV with publication list, contact info for 3 references, and one peer-reviewed writing example in a SINGLE document titled with your name (eg. DoeJohn.doc or SmithJane.pdf).