Postdoctoral Research Associate - Statistical Ecology

Postdoctoral Research Associate - Statistical EcologyApply now (https://secure.dc4.pageuppeople.com/apply/822/gateway/default.aspx?c=apply&lJobID=521379&lJobSourceTypeID=801&sLanguage=en-us) Job no: 521379 Work type: Post Doc (Amherst Only) Location: UMass Amherst Department:Environmental ConservationUnion:Post DocCategories: Laboratory & Research, Postdoctoral Research Associate, College of Natural Sciences About UMass AmherstUMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.Job SummaryThe Statistical Ecology Postdoctoral Researcher contributes to the development of a scalable joint species distribution model (JSDM) to predict the relative abundance of plant species under climate change. Predictions will be used to identify climate-resilient, native plant species to inform northeastern plant conservation management.Essential Functions

Works collaboratively to extend existing JSDM methodologies for high-dimensional, compositional natural community data.

Implements novel JSDM using state-of-the-art Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methodologies coded in R, C/C, and/or STAN.

Applies developed JSDM to generate probabilistic predictions of the relative abundance of native plant species under climate change informed by plant survey data from across the northeastern US.

Contributes to the development and testing of a web application to generate climate-resilient plant lists based on JSDM output.

Leads the authorship of scientific journal articles reporting on the JSDM and its applied outcomes.

Contributes to open-source science including the sharing of model code and reproducible case studies via GitHub.

Other Functions

Contributes as an active member of a diverse research community consisting of graduate students, postdocs, and faculty.

Assists and mentors graduate students when aligned with research goals and experience.

Contributes to applied statistical workshops and conferences.

Performs related duties as assigned or required to meet project goals.

Work collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, diversity, equality and inclusiveness.

Work in partnership with colleagues within the CNS community and across the campus to support the Dean’s strategic priorities.

Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the College of Natural Sciences.

Minimum Qualifications

PhD in applied statistics or statistical ecology.

Demonstrated experience implementing MCMC samplers for Bayesian hierarchical models in R, C/C, and STAN.

Able to work collaboratively as part of diverse research team.

Strong record of publishing in applied statistical and/or ecological journals.

Preferred Qualifications

Prior experience working with JSDMs or large-scale, multivariate spatial models.

Prior research experience in plant community ecology.

Additional Details

Based in the Itter Lab within the Department of Environmental Conservation at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Jointly supervised by Dr. Malcolm Itter and Dr. Bethany Bradley within the Department of Environmental Conservation.

Position funded through the USGS Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center.

Initial position for one year with a second year likely depending on performance and continued funding.

Work Schedule

Expected to be in-person and available during normal business hours (M-F, 9-5).

Occasional travel to conferences and workshops.

Salary Information

$75,000/annual.

Special instructions to applicants:Along with the application, please submit a letter of application describing research background and interest in the position, a curriculum vitae, and contact information for three (3) professional references. Apply byDecember 1, 2023to ensure priority consideration. The search may remain open until a suitable candidate has been identified.As part of a commitment to their own multicultural community, CNS seeks an individual with a demonstrated commitment to diversity and one who will understand and embrace university initiatives and aspirations. (https://www.cns.umass.edu/diversity-equity-inclusion)UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.Advertised: Nov 13 2023 Eastern Standard TimeApplications close: Feb 12 2024 Eastern Standard Time