Postdoctoral Associate: Evaluating Pinyon Jay population status and correlates of decline

Position Function:
We seek a Postdoctoral Associate with experience in statistical modeling who is also interested in natural resource decision-making and species conservation. The successful candidate will use data products from eBird Status and Trends (https://science.ebird.org), combined with datasets from field surveys and remote sensing, to map Pinyon Jay distributions and investigate potential factors behind population change. The specific focus of the project will include (a) testing the association between eBird-based population trends and habitat conditions, and (b) exploring avenues for combining information sources from eBird with data from other monitoring programs. As such, the successful candidate will work closely with researchers both at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the USDA Forest Service to address information needs while gaining valuable experience working on a large-scale, multi-agency problem. The postdoctoral associate will be advised by Dr. Viviana Ruiz-Gutierrez in close collaboration with Dr. Andrew Stillman at the Cornell Lab, and by Dr. Gavin Jones at the USDA Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station. 

Project objectives include:

1. Identify the shape and strength of associations between habitat variables and Pinyon Jay population trends, map these effects across the species’ range, and simulate potential responses to landscape change using existing approaches.
2. Explore avenues for combining information streams from eBird with results from professional monitoring programs to improve species distribution models.
3. Collaborate with the USDA Forest Service and other agencies to assess prospective data sources to combine with eBird-based analysis. This may include developing maps of habitat variables from remote sensing platforms and analyzing data from field surveys. 

The applied nature of this research means that the postdoctoral associate will work with land managers from the USDA Forest Service (National Forest System) and beyond while collaborating within the Conservation Science program at the Cornell Lab. We encourage postdoctoral associates to explore related research questions and collaborate on projects conducted at the Lab and with partners to support their career development.

Anticipated Division of Time:

• Develop methods for and applications of eBird and eBird data products (e.g., relative abundance and population trend estimates from the eBird Status & Trends project) to meet project goals (45%).
• Prepare peer reviewed papers and other research products. Present results at professional meetings, conferences, and popular seminars. (25%)
• Engage and communicate with partners in conservation and research. Participate in career and professional development opportunities. (10%)
• Engage in ongoing academic and intellectual life within the Conservation Science and Information Science Programs at the Lab of Ornithology and Cornell University, and with external partners. (10%)
• Participate in general project management and working directly with internal and external project collaborators. (5%)
• Perform related projects and special duties as assigned. Establish and maintain a safe, productive, and respectful working environment that fosters a culture of inclusivity and teamwork. Create and promote an environment that fosters diversity, equity, and inclusion in all endeavors. (5%)

Term of position:
This is a one-year appointment, renewable for up to three years conditional on available funding and successful work. 

Requirements:

• PhD in quantitative ecology, applied statistics, or a related field with strong background in statistics and model development.
• Experience with R and analyzing spatial datasets.
• Ability to apply quantitative methods to answer ecological questions or hypotheses.
• Record of success conducting research and scholarly activities, including publication in peer-reviewed journals and presentation at scientific conferences.

Salary, rewards, and benefits:
Salary is commensurate with experience, $56,484 to $68,000 per year, and includes benefits. The successful candidate will also receive travel funds for a trip to collaborators in Albuquerque, NM. Annual salaries are subject to the Cornell University annual salary improvement program.

Personnel will have the flexibility to work on a hybrid schedule with opportunities to work on-site and from home. The candidate’s availability to join the vibrant on-site community in Ithaca, NY is a plus, although fully remote work may be considered on a case-by-case basis within the U.S. International candidates must be willing to relocate to the Ithaca area.

Benefits provided by Cornell include a broad range of comprehensive health care options, generous paid leave provisions: 3 weeks of vacation, 13 holidays (including end of year winter break), paid family leave, and superior retirement contributions. Additionally, Cornell provides access to professional development initiatives, wellness programs, and employee discounts with local and national retail brands.

To apply: 
Please apply via https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/27198.
Qualified candidates should submit a short cover letter, curriculum vitae, contact information for three references, and a statement supporting diverse communities (this can be a stand-alone document (preferred) or the information can be embedded in other parts of the application materials) outlining how, through research, teaching, service, mentoring, extension, and/or outreach, the candidate has and will contribute to support Cornell’s historical mission of “any person … any study,” via the website. 

Applications will be reviewed as received beginning March 11, continuing until a suitable applicant is identified. The ideal start date for this position is Fall of 2024.

If you have questions, please don't hesitate to contact me: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/staff/andrew-stillman/