Postdoctoral Associate in Spatial Ecology

2 weeks ago


Amherst, Massachusetts, United States UMass Amherst Full time

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst is the flagship institution of the Commonwealth, recognized nationally as a premier public research university. It offers a comprehensive array of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Nestled in the picturesque Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, the University boasts a vibrant cultural atmosphere amidst a serene landscape, conveniently located near major urban areas. Additionally, UMass Amherst is part of the Five Colleges consortium, which includes Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College, enhancing the intellectual vitality of the region.

Position Overview

The lab led by Tammy Wilson at UMass Amherst is seeking a qualified Spatial Ecologist. The successful candidate will engage in research focused on understanding the impacts of roadways and human habitation on the habitat utilization and movement patterns of species such as bears, moose, and deer. Strong communication skills are essential for fostering collaborations with state agencies and contractors. The candidate should possess robust quantitative and GIS capabilities, with familiarity in habitat selection functions, movement modeling, and hotspot analysis. Responsibilities will include organizing and analyzing spatial datasets from various sources, including telemetry and camera trap data, as well as some fieldwork involving the maintenance of remote cameras.

Key Responsibilities

  • Gather and structure spatial data effectively.
  • Collaborate with agency partners and contractors to develop research and data analysis outputs that serve management needs.
  • Analyze collected data and prepare scholarly manuscripts for publication.
  • Conduct fieldwork within Massachusetts as required.
  • Guide and mentor graduate students in data analysis techniques.
  • Facilitate regular meetings and virtual discussions to update and collaborate with agency partners.
  • Contribute to grant writing and the development of research initiatives.

Additional Responsibilities

  • Promote teamwork, diversity, equality, and inclusiveness through collaborative efforts.
  • Engage with colleagues across the College of Natural Sciences to support strategic priorities.
  • Perform other duties as necessary to further the mission and objectives of the College of Natural Sciences.

Minimum Qualifications

  • A PhD in Ecology, Wildlife Biology, Geography, or a related applied field is required at the time of application.
  • An active driver's license is necessary, with the ability to operate a government vehicle.
  • Demonstrated experience and proficiency in GIS and spatial data analysis are essential.
  • Experience in managing and analyzing large datasets is required.
  • Capability to construct and execute complex models using ArcGIS, R, and/or JAGS for analyzing animal habitat selection, movement, or hotspot analysis.

Preferred Qualifications

  • A strong publication record is highly desirable.
  • Experience with Python programming is preferred.
  • Prior fieldwork experience in remote locations is advantageous.
  • Experience collaborating with agency partners is beneficial.

Physical Requirements

  • Fieldwork may involve hiking off-trail in rugged terrain for extended distances in varying weather conditions.

Work Schedule

  • Standard work hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, with flexibility available upon request.
  • This position requires a commitment of 40 hours per week.

Compensation

  • The salary range for this position is $63,000 - $72,000 annually, depending on experience.

Application Instructions

Applicants should submit a resume and cover letter along with their application. References will be verified during the finalist stage. Candidates should be prepared to provide contact information for three professional references.

UMass Amherst is dedicated to fostering a diverse community and seeks individuals who are committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity within the university environment.



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