Postdoctoral Fellowship on metapopulation dynamics of midcontinent snow geese, University of Saskatchewan

The Department of Biology at the University of Saskatchewan is seeking a 2-year postdoctoral fellow to lead a project using all available demographic and population survey information for five subpopulations of snow geese in the Canadian Arctic and subarctic, including Queen Maud Gulf, Baffin Island, Southampton Island, La Pérouse Bay and James Bay, to quantify survival, productivity, and abundance, as well as emigration and immigration rates among subpopulations in an integrated metapopulation model (IMM). We will use the IMM to determine the demographic mechanism(s) for metapopulation change as well as subpopulation change. We also will use the IMM to conduct hypothesis tests about the environmental drivers of within and among colony variation in population dynamics. These products will contribute substantially toward ongoing assessment of midcontinent snow goose dynamics, which could inform management decisions and conservation planning. We anticipate the IMM will be extended to include Ross’s geese, given the two species co-occur and a large amount of data also exists for Ross’s geese in the years of our studies. Lastly, we anticipate the IMM could be useful for scenario-playing to predict the continued influence of climate change, land use and harvest on snow goose demography.

There will be opportunities to explore related research questions and collaborate on several projects in population and movement ecology in the Weegman lab. This project is an international partnership among researchers at Environment and Climate Change Canada, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, The American Museum of Natural History, Central Flyway Council, Mississippi Flyway Council, and the University of Saskatchewan.

Minimum qualifications:

Ph.D. in statistics, wildlife ecology or closely related field

Skills in Program R

Demonstrated excellence in verbal and written communication

Ability to work independently and as part of a research team

Preferred qualifications: 

Skills in JAGS, NIMBLE, Stan

Experience forming and running integrated population models

Knowledge and experience in avian ecology

Salary and benefits:  Approximately $65,000 Canadian per year plus benefits

Start date: 1 September 2023

Last date to apply: 16 June 2023

To be considered for this position, please send a cover letter, curriculum vitae, research statement and contact information for three references to Dr. Mitch Weegman (mitch.weegman@usask.ca).