Postdoctoral Research Associate
Illinois Natural History Survey
Prairie Research Institute
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
The Illinois Natural History Survey (INHS) investigates and documents the biological resources of Illinois and other areas and acquires and provides natural history information that can be used to promote the common understanding, conservation, and management of these resources. INHS is part of the Prairie Research Institute (PRI) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, which is centrally located between Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. Learn more at go.illinois.edu/PRIjobs.
Why Work at the Prairie Research Institute?
Highlights of Employee Benefits (PDF)
The University of Illinois is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, or veteran status. For more information, visit http://go.illinois.edu/EEO.
Description
The Illinois Natural History Survey is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to evaluate, develop, and implement population estimation methods and support strategic conservation planning for the state’s wildlife resources. Applicants should have an interest in developing a strong and diverse quantitative skillset, and the ability to work closely and communicate effectively with a diverse group of collaborators.
The associate will work closely with INHS scientists (Drs. Kirk Stodola, Max Allen, and T.J. Benson), the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, citizen scientists, and other researchers and faculty. The position is based in Champaign, Illinois, where opportunities exist for collaborations with an interdisciplinary community of researchers and graduate students. Opportunities for fieldwork and teaching are not required but are available depending on the successful applicant’s interests. This position is funded by a Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Grant and multiple years of funding is available pending successful performance.
Duties Include
- Evaluating long-term datasets collected on wildlife in Illinois for quality and potential sources of bias.
- Developing quantitative approaches (i.e., Bayesian hierarchical methods) to integrate these datasets into estimates of demographic parameters and abundance.
- Investigating factors affecting long-term population trends in Illinois wildlife.
- Developing probabilistic decision-making tools to provide recommendations for management.
- Examining current data collection protocols to improve future inference and management decisions.
Required Qualifications
- D. (within the last 10 years or by the start date) in wildlife ecology, natural resources, or related discipline, with a research interest in quantitative approaches to population estimation and decision making for adaptive management.
- Demonstrated quantitative analytical skills, competence with R, and interest/ability in learning new statistical programs and approaches.
- Proficiency in the use and creation of databases in commonly employed software databases.
- Ability to write clearly and scientifically, with evidence of successful publications.
- Possess excellent organizational, interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
- Ability to apply analytical/scientific thinking to define and solve problems.
- Familiar with the most current and appropriate sampling methods of different taxa.
- Ability to work independently, collect and analyze field data, and coherently translate findings both verbally and in writing to granting agencies and to scientific and public communities.
- Effective communication, collaboration, personal relations, and teamwork skills.
- Valid driver's license.
Salary and Appointment
Funding for the position is anticipated for 2 years, with possible extension as project funding allows. Salary is competitive and is dependent on experience and skills. The start date is negotiable.
Application
For full consideration, applications must be received by November 1, 2022. To apply, please e-mail 1) cover letter that clearly articulates how your qualifications and experience make you a viable candidate for this position and should address the qualifications listed above, 2) a CV, and 3) the names and contact information (including e-mail addresses) of three professional references to Dr. Kirk Stodola, kstodola@illinois.edu
For hiring questions, please contact Amber Hall, HR Business Partner at amberh@illinios.edu.
University of Illinois faculty, staff, and students are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If you are not able to receive the vaccine for medical or religious reasons, you may seek approval for an exemption in accordance with applicable University processes.
University of Illinois conducts criminal background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer. Convictions are not a bar to employment. As a qualifying federal contractor, the University of Illinois System uses E-Verify to verify employment eligibility. The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, visit Policy on Consideration of Sexual Misconduct in Prior Employment.
