Postdoctoral Fellow - Climate Change Impacts on Migratory Waterbirds and Wetlands

The Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management in the Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources at Oklahoma State University invites applications for the position of Postdoctoral Fellow.

Funding is available for a two-year postdoctoral research position to work with Drs. Craig Davis and Scott Loss in the Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management (NREM) at Oklahoma State University. This position is funded through the South Central Climate Adaptation Science Center (SC-CASC) and will address research questions related to the impacts of climate change on migratory waterbirds and wetland habitats in the U.S. Great Plains region. The postdoc will lead work that expands on our previous research evaluating effects of changing precipitation regimes on wetland extent and migratory shorebird habitat use in the Great Plains. Specifically, the postdoctoral fellow will: (1) leverage existing datasets on waterbird habitat use and movements to project climate change effects on habitat for multiple groups of migratory waterbirds (e.g., ducks, geese, cranes); (2) help coordinate a survey study that evaluates perceptions about climate change and climate change adaptation practices among multiple stakeholder groups (state/federal biologists, Tribal nations, NGOs, private landowners); and (3) disseminate decision support tools that stakeholders can use to prioritize wetland management strategies that increase resilience of wetlands and waterbirds to climate change.

Well-qualified individuals with a strong quantitative modeling background, experience working with large data sets, and research interests in climate effects on avian species and their habitat are encouraged to apply. Experience with social science surveys is also beneficial but not required. In addition to collaborating with Drs. Davis and Loss, the postdoc will collaborate with an interdisciplinary research team that includes: Dr. Omkar Joshi (a social scientist in NREM); 1-2 OSU graduate students funded on the same project; ecologists with U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, North Dakota State University, Kansas Fish and Wildlife Cooperative Research Unit, and Texas A&M University-Kingsville; and project stakeholders and partners with a variety of state, federal, and tribal agencies.

Salary for this postdoctoral fellow position is $60,000/yr plus benefits excluding retirement; funding is also available for travel to meet with collaborators and present at scientific conferences.  Check out our competitive benefits and eligibility at https://hr.okstate.edu/prospective-ee.html.

This is an 11-month temporary faculty position.  Appointments are to be made for a term of one year or less.  Reappointments for a total period of not more than two years may be made. Review of applications will begin August 30, 2024, and will continue until a suitable applicant is identified. Anticipated start date is between November 2024 and Jan 2025 (start date is somewhat flexible).

Required qualifications:  Applicants must have a Ph.D. in ecology, conservation biology, natural resource management, or a related field; demonstrated experience conducting research that results in peer-reviewed publications; strong quantitative analysis skills including past experience managing and analyzing large data sets; strong written and oral communications skills; and a strong record of successfully leading and participating in collaborative team research.

To apply:  Applications must be submitted online at: https://jobs.okstate.edu (search by keyword req18084)

Applicants should submit:  1) a 1-2 page cover letter summarizing their experience and research expertise related to the above project goals and required qualifications, 2) curriculum vitae, and 3) contact information for three references.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Dr. Craig Davis or Dr. Scott Loss
Oklahoma State University
Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management
008C Agricultural Hall
Stillwater, OK 74078
Email: craig.a.davis@okstate.edu or scott.loss@okstate.edu
http://nrem.okstate.edu

The Department of Natural Resource Ecology & Management provides instruction, research and Extension expertise that focuses on the natural resources of fisheries, forests, rangeland and wildlife within and beyond the boundaries of Oklahoma Our mission is to increase public awareness and understanding through teaching, research and Extension, of the ecology, management and sustainable use of these natural resources that are important for maintaining ecosystem health, species diversity, agriculture and forest production, hunting and fishing, and the enjoyment of experiencing nature. For more information, visit: https://agriculture.okstate.edu/departments-programs/natural-resource/index.html

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Oklahoma State University, as an equal opportunity employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. Oklahoma State University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all individuals and does not discriminate based on race, religion, age, sex, color, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, or veteran status with regard to employment, educational programs and activities, and/or admissions. For more information, visit eeo.okstate.edu.