Postdoctoral Fellow - Biological Sciences(Behavioral & Spatial Ecology)

Postdoctoral Fellow - Biological Sciences(Behavioral & Spatial Ecology)

Job Description

The Department of Life Sciences, in the College of Arts and Sciences (CoAS), at Texas A&M University-San Antonio, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellowship in the Biological Sciences. The successful candidate will be trained in the Biological Sciences and be willing to work in a collaborative and fast-paced environment. 

The position will be a member of a cohort of six CoAS postdoctoral fellows.  As part of the inaugural cohort, each fellow will participate in a mentored, guided program of professional development, attend regular journal clubs and lab meetings and receive support and guidance in grant and fellowship writing. 

This is a research position in the laboratory of Principal Investigator (PI) Dr. Jennifer N. Phillips.  The Phillips Lab studies problems related to anthropogenic development and sensory pollution on animal behavior, movement, and the related consequences for populations and communities of birds and other wildlife. The postdoctoral fellow will be primarily employed as an effector of the research agenda of the PI. Given the short duration of this initial appointment, a major part of that agenda will be to secure funding for continued employment via the writing of grant proposals pertaining to the effects of noise and light pollution on behavior, dispersal, populations, and community diversity. Specifically, the postdoctoral fellow’s main tasks will be to analyze a dataset on daily movements of radio tagged birds and other related datasets as well as collaborate as a co-author on manuscripts. Additionally, the fellow will be expected to help band birds, deploy and expand a nest box and radio-telemetry system on the TAMUSA campus.

This is a grant funded position for one year, i.e. from 1 September, 2021, to 31 August, 2022. Grant funded positions are contingent upon available grant funding.

Roles and Responsibilities

Working with PI to advance research in the laboratory by:

Collecting and analyzing data

Presenting work at seminars and conferences

Writing manuscripts for publication

Writing and submitting grant proposals

Commitment to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive laboratory culture

Mentoring graduate and undergraduate student researchers and training them in field and analytical methods

May perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned or directed by the PI

Required Education and Experience:

Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology or equivalent field.

Substantial experience modeling and analyzing complex datasets in R

Ability to write effectively

Understanding of statistical methods and experimental design

Preferred Education and Experience:

Experience with project development and grant writing

Experience banding birds, radiotracking, and analyzing movement data

Experience deploying radiotowers or other equipment in remote settings

Experience managing a team of undergrad/graduate students

Experience with survival and occurrence modeling

Experience with nest searching

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and statistical applications.

Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.

Ability to communicate clearly and effectively to ensure understanding.

Knowledge of standard laboratory regulatory procedures, including IACUC, IBC, and/or  IRB practices.

Maintain updated training and certification in laboratory safety procedures. 

Adheres to Federal, State, and Texas A&M University System procedures, policies, and safety regulations.

Ability to perform physical activity in the heat and humidity of Texas and the southwest

Some evening and weekend work may be required. 

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Please make sure to provide the following documents:

Application

Cover Letter to include two professional references

Resume

The position is open until filled, and inquiries or questions are welcome to Dr. Phillips at Jphillips@tamusa.edu.

For detailed instructions on how to apply for any positions on our website, please use the following link:

http://www.tamusa.edu/humanresources/job-opportunities/index.html

Please ensure that all required documents are uploaded prior to submitting the application. Once application is submitted, no changes or revisions can be made.  If you have issues with adding documents with your application, please contact HR at 210-784-2058.

Summary of Employee Benefits

https://www.tamusa.edu/documents/hr/summary-of-employees-benefits-2020.pdf

In compliance with ADA, if accommodations are needed for the application process, please contact HR at (210) 784-2058.