Post-Doctoral Associate: Predicting occurrences of aquatic invasive species within the Upper Mississippi River Basin 

University of Minnesota

Twin Cities, MN, USA 🇺🇸

Job ID: 355376

Location: Twin Cities

Job Family: Academic

Full/Part Time: Full-Time

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Job Code: 9546

Employee Class: Acad Prof and Admin

About the Job

Post-Doctoral Associate
Job Code: 9546
Percent Time: 100%
Anticipated Initial Appointment Period: Summer 2023 to Summer 2025
Supervisor of position: Nick Phelps and Lynn Waterhouse

Position Summary:
We are recruiting a Post-Doctoral Associate to start Summer 2023 (or Fall 2023) to work on predicting occurrences of aquatic invasive species within the Upper Mississippi River Basin (UMRB). The successful candidate will work as part of a collaborative team to evaluate several questions regarding which predictors (physical, chemical, biological, anthropogenic, and geographic) work best in modeling the presence of AIS in the UMRB. The project also seeks to highlight species of concern and areas of high risk and high resilience. This project builds upon work done by the US Geological Survey (USGS) on horizon scanning and has co-PIs from USGS and University of Minnesota. Initial project work will be focused on meeting with an advisory panel, gather and understanding the data (including any data cleaning), and learning the statistical model framework (i.e., boosted regression trees). The Post-Doctoral Associate will work with a MS graduate research assistant in the Water Resource Sciences Program on the project. The results of the model will highlight areas for future research as well as provide meaningful information for management agencies focused on managing AIS in the UMRB. The project calls for outreach activities, including multiple workshops to be taught to interested collaborators and stakeholders as well as outreach with the Bell Museum of Natural History, the Post-Doctoral Associate would play a lead role in both. There is the possibility to start working on the project (paid) in Summer 2023. Candidates from underrepresented groups and/or with diverse backgrounds are highly encouraged to apply.
The University seeks applicants whose research, teaching, and service will contribute to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity in higher education and at the University of Minnesota. Post-Doctoral Associates conduct research and/or service that provides further development of career skills or allows them opportunities to learn new research techniques. They are trained by and work in conjunction with a faculty mentor who determines the training agenda. Post-Doctoral Associates are receiving training while also performing services for the University of Minnesota, for which they are compensated.
Note: These are not positions to which permanent residency can be granted for international appointees.

Job Duties:
Collation and organization of data from state, federal, and tribal agencies to support synthesis and data analyses.
Meeting with collaborators and data keepers.
Application of the modeling frameworks to the data and conducting statistical analyses.
Lead data analysis, visualization, publishing manuscripts, and presenting/communicating results to a wide range of audiences.
Assist with quantitative workshops.
Contribute to report writing and budget management.
Working with and providing mentoring to graduate student on project.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:
Ph.D. in Fisheries, Wildlife Biology, Ecology, Limnology, Mathematics, Statistics, or a related field.  Strong preference will be given to candidates who have experience using boosted regression trees and analysis of large datasets. A strong work ethic, good communication skills, attention to detail, interest in fisheries science with management implications, and the ability to work both collaboratively and independently are critical. Experience in quantitative modeling (using R), database management, and data visualization are required. Individual may be immediate post-degree or returning for additional training, updating, and/or retooling.

Preferred Qualifications:
Experience working with large-scale environmental (biological, chemical, physical, and geographic) data
Experience applying, fitting, and analyzing results from boosted regression trees
Experience applying, fitting, and analyzing results from species distribution models
Experience leading or co-teaching quantitative workshops
Experience or interest in science communication

Benefits

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you’ll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning.  We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

  • Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
  • Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Scholarship
  • Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
  • Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
  • University HSA contributions
  • Disability and employer-paid life insurance
  • Employee wellbeing program
  • Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
  • Financial counseling services 
  • Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online.  To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions.  You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your “My Job Applications” page and uploading documents in the “My Cover Letters and Attachments” section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission.  The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.  To learn more about diversity at the U:  http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

Please note: All employees at the University of Minnesota are required to comply with the University’s Administrative Policy: COVID-19 Vaccination and Safety Protocol by either providing proof of being fully vaccinated on their first day of employment, or complete a request for an exemption for medical exemption or religious reasons. To learn more please visit:  https://safe-campus.umn.edu/return-campus/get-the-vax

About the U of M

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation’s most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.


POSITION TYPE

ORGANIZATION TYPE

EXPERIENCE-LEVEL

DEGREE REQUIRED

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