PROJECT DESCRIPTION Recent
advancements in remote sensing and biotelemetry technologies have enabled
collection of unprecedented amounts of high-resolution spatiotemporal data for
both animals and their associated landscapes. These data have in turn enabled
new understanding of the links between species and their environments; however,
application of common mathematical and statistical tools to these data for
understanding animal ecology and biogeography can be limited by computational
resources and efficiency due to the size of associated datasets. In light of
this, the Mississippi State University Quantitative Ecology & Spatial
Technologies (QuEST) Laboratory and the Geosystems Research Institute (GRI), in
collaboration with the School of Mathematics and Statistics at University of
Sheffield, UK, and the Centre for Biomathematics at Swansea University, UK, seek
to develop novel mathematical and statistical tools for describing spatial
phenomena using high-resolution remote sensing and biotelemetry datasets,
coupled to applications in high-performance computing to facilitate rapid data
analysis. SUMMARY OF POSITION This
position is through the Mississippi State University QuEST Laboratory and the GRI.
The successful candidate will be primary advised by Dr. Garrett M. Street
(Mississipi State University), Dr. Jonathan Potts (Sheffield University), and
Dr. Luca Börger (Swansea University). The Post-Doctoral Associate will work
closely with co-investigators across all 4 programs to carry out the project.
Specifically, the successful candidate for this position will collaborate with
researchers at MSU, Sheffield, and Swansea to identify current gaps in
mathematical or statistical tools for applications to the fields of animal
movement and dispersal, spatial epidemiology, species distributions, and
biological invasions, with particular attention to very-high resolution spatial
datasets over broad extents and scales. The candidate will develop new
quantitative tools to address identified gaps alongside applications of these
tools within high-performance computing frameworks across multiple spatio-temporal
scales. The
candidate will also be required to publish 2 or more peer-reviewed publications
from this work. In addition to project duties
the candidate will be expected to take a leadership role in the QuEST lab,
which includes but is not limited to mentorship of graduate and undergraduate
researchers, involvement in lab research projects, coordination of lab
meetings, and leadership on lab-generated publications. The 2-year term limited position will be funded from 1 July 2021 through 30 June 2022, with the possibility of extension pending additional extramural funding. The Post-Doctoral Associate will be based out of the QuEST Lab in the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture at Mississippi State University in Starkville, Mississippi, and will be primarily employed by the GRI. SALARY AND BENEFITS Salary will be $65,000 per year, including a full benefits package. QUALIFICATIONS The
Postdoctoral Associate must hold a Ph.D. in quantitative ecology, statistics, mathematical
biology, or another related field. The candidate must have a good background in
statistical and/or mathematical ecology, together with strong computing skills.
Experience of modelling in the context
of spatial ecology, animal movement, or biological invasions is also desirable,
but not essential. The candidate must have good oral and written communication
skills, be self-motivated, and be able to work effectively both independently
and as part of a trans-disciplinary team. Finally, the candidate must currently
possess right to work in the United States due to federal travel restrictions
during the COVID-19 pandemic. APPLICATION Applicants must apply through the MSU HRM website at: https://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/en-us/job/500405/postdoctoral-associate Applications must include: 1) cover letter, 2) resume or Curriculum Vitae, 3) one-page statement of interest and expertise, 4) contact information for three references, and 5) academic transcripts. Applicants should also email a copy of the cover letter and resume/CV directly to gms246@msstate.edu. TIMELINE Application review will begin March 1, 2021, and will continue until the position is filled. ANTICIPATED START DATE March 15, 2021, or later as negotiated TRAVEL This position may require/allow some travel to stakeholder meetings and to present research findings at regional and/or national conferences (approximately 2-4 overnight trips during the year). STATEMENT ON COVID-19 The project leadership team acknowledges that many aspects of academic life and travel must be reconsidered during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are committed to sensitivity toward applicant concerns regarding health and safety during the global pandemic and to creating a working environment that accommodates these concerns. For more information about COVID-19 and MSU’s official policy guidelines, please visit https://www.msstate.edu/coronavirus. CONTACT Applicants may contact Garrett M. Street [gms246@msstate.edu] with any questions prior to application submission.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY MSU is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified
applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race,
color, religion, ethnicity, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity),
national origin, disability status, age, sexual orientation, genetic
information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by
law. We always welcome nominations and applications from women, members of any
minority group, and others who share our passion for building a diverse
community that reflects the diversity in our student population. |