Postdoctoral Fellow - Wind, CRP, and Birds (Oklahoma State University)

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.

Position Description: Funding is available for a one-year postdoctoral research position (with the potential for extension of the position beyond one year) to work with Drs. Scott Loss and Courtney Duchardt in the Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management at Oklahoma State University. This position is funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service (USDA-ERS) and will focus on evaluating effects of wind energy, the conservation reserve program (CRP), and wind-CRP interactions, on occupancy, abundance, and/or species diversity of birds across the U.S. The postdoctoral fellow will follow-up on work led by another OSU postdoc to address this objective using analyses of existing, publicly available sources of “big data” like eBird and the North American Breeding Bird Survey.  

Well-qualified individuals with a strong quantitative analysis background, experience working with large data sets (especially BBS and/or eBird), and research interests in global change ecology, ecological effects of energy development, and/or effects of land cover change and conservation programs on wildlife including birds, are encouraged to apply. 

The postdoctoral fellow will also have the opportunity to contribute to a broader collaborative project that includes modelers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), ecologists at the U.S. Geological Survey, and economists at USDA-ERS. The overarching purpose of this interdisciplinary project is to use results of the above bird analyses to forecast wind turbine locations and examine trade-offs in the ecological and socioeconomic effects and benefits of CRP and wind development. Ultimately, the study aims to provide information to decision-makers so they can maximize both the wildlife and rural development benefits of CRP, and the local and national benefits of wind energy development.

Salary Information: Salary for this postdoctoral fellow position is $55,000/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.  

Regarding work location for this position, Drs. Loss and Duchardt are willing to consider possible arrangements for remote work for part or all of the employment period. 

Employment Conditions: This is an 11-month temporary faculty appointment. Appointments are to be made for a term of one year or less.  Reappointments for a total period of not more than three years may be made. Review of applications will begin March 7, 2024, and will continue until a suitable applicant is identified. The position will be filled as soon as possible. 

Qualifications: 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.

Application: To apply:  Applications must be submitted online at: https://jobs.okstate.edu (search by keyword req17242) 

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. Scott Loss 
Oklahoma State University 
Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management
008C Agricultural Hall 
Stillwater, OK 74078 
(405) 744-4607 
Email: scott.loss@okstate.edu 
http://nrem.okstate.edu

Scott Loss's Lab Website: scottrloss.wixsite.com
Courtney Duchardt's Lab Website: https://cduchardt.weebly.com/

About the Department: 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

To learn more about OSU Agriculture and Stillwater, visit these websites.
https://agriculture.okstate.edu
https://agresearch.okstate.edu
https://extension.okstate.edu
https://www.okstate.edu
https://www.visitstillwater.org
https://www.stillwaterchamber.org

Equal Employment Opportunity: 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.