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Environmental Studies: Postdoctoral Scholar - Ecology (Open Until Filled; Initial Review 2/29/16)

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Position description

The Department of Environmental Studies at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) invites applications for the position of Postdoctoral Scholar in Ecology, under the direction of Christopher Wilmers and Heiko Wittmer (Victoria University of Wellington). The successful applicant will help coordinate a new research project in Siskiyou County, northern California, funded by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). The project is aimed at understanding the dynamics of black-tailed and mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) in two separate areas encompassing a range of environmental and management conditions. A particular focus of the project is to tease apart the effects of environmental variables including habitat quality and puma (Puma concolor) predation on deer population dynamics.

Specific duties include (but are not limited to) coordinating a large-scale, intensive field project involving GPS collared black-tailed and mule deer as well as pumas. This will involve providing input on study design; overseeing and contributing to fieldwork including 1) Deer: fawn captures, monitoring radio-collared individuals (adults and fawns), investigating deer mortality sites, conducting vegetation surveys, conducting pellet surveys, and working with remote cameras; and 2) Pumas: Locating designated GPS locations, conduct kill site analyses, and working with remote cameras; data management, analysis and interpretation. Under the directors’ supervision, the postdoc will guide at least two fully paid field technicians and/or Ph.D. students as well as a large number of interns and maintain excellent working relationships with local CDFW personnel aiding with the study. The postdoc further ensures that project milestones are accomplished on time, and that all safety protocols are followed. We are particularly interest in applicants with a Ph.D. in Ecology or a related field and previous experience in ungulate ecology and predator-prey interactions. Good communication skills (verbal and written) and excellent organizational skills are essential and applicants should have substantial experience conducting/leading fieldwork in remote and rugged areas. Good quantitative skills are desirable given the expectation to help with data analysis and manuscript preparation.

This is an excellent position for someone who recently finished their Ph.D. with a desire to continue conducting fieldwork involving large ungulates and carnivores prior to pursuing a career in academia or with State/Federal management agencies.

RANK: Postdoctoral Scholar (Level 1 to 3)

SALARY: $44,556-$48,192, full time annual salary, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: Ph.D. in Ecology or related discipline. Experience conducting fieldwork involving large mammals.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: We prefer candidates with previous experience capturing deer (fawns and adults) and/or large carnivores and those having completed capture and restraint training. Wilderness first aid training would be beneficial. Applicants with a valid driver license and experience driving 4WD vehicles.

POSITION AVAILABLE: April, 1, 2016. (Appointment contingent upon availability of funding)

TERM OF APPOINTMENT: The initial appointment is for one year, with the possibility of extension through 12/2019. Reappointment is also contingent upon availability of funding. For appointments within the University of California, a total duration of an individual’s postdoctoral service may not exceed five years, including postdoctoral service at other institutions.

TO APPLY: Applications are accepted via the UCSC Academic Recruit online system, and must include a letter of application addressing how you meet the qualifications, curriculum vitae, research interest statement, writing sample (peer-reviewed journal article preferred), and three letters of recommendation.*
Documents/materials must be submitted as PDF files.

Apply at https://recruit.ucsc.edu/apply/JPF00346

Refer to Position #JPF00346-16T in all correspondence.

*All letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law. For any reference letter provided via a third party (i.e., dossier service, career center), direct the author to UCSC’s confidentiality statement at http://apo.ucsc.edu/confstm.htm.

CLOSING DATE: Review of applications will begin on February 29, 2016. To ensure full consideration, applications should be complete and letters of recommendation received by this date. The position will remain open until filled, but not later than June 30, 2016.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. UC Santa Cruz is committed to excellence through diversity and strives to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all students and employees. Inquiries regarding the University’s equal employment opportunity policies may be directed to: Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064; (831) 459-2686.

Under Federal law, the University of California may employ only individuals who are legally able to work in the United States as established by providing documents as specified in the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Certain UCSC positions funded by federal contracts or sub-contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E-Verify check. More information is available here or from the Academic Personnel Office (APO) at (831) 459-4300.

UCSC is a smoke & tobacco-free campus.

If you need accommodation due to a disability, please contact the Academic Personnel Office at apo@ucsc.edu (831) 459-4300.

VISIT THE APO WEB SITE AT: http://apo.ucsc.edu

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Letter of Application - Addressing how you meet the qualifications

  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

  • Research Interest Statement

  • Writing Sample - Peer-reviewed journal article preferred

Reference requirements
  • 3 letters of reference required

Job location

Yreka, CA