The Center for Conservation and Sustainable Development (CCSD) at the Missouri Botanical Garden seeks to hire a full-time postdoctoral scholar. The postdoc will work closely with Dr. Adam Smith in the CCSD’s Global Change Program to develop methods for applying next-generation species distribution models to data that traditionally has been difficult to model. In collaboration with Dr. Smith the postdoc will 1) develop novel modeling algorithms; 2) test these algorithms with simulations and high-quality specimen data obtained in collaboration with taxonomists at the Missouri Botanical Garden; 3) prepare and submit manuscripts for publication; 4) develop R packages that encapsulate these novel methods; 5) craft project specifications for a programmer who will create stand-alone software using these methods; 6) actively consult with collaborators at UC Berkeley. The successful candidate will:
- Have a solid background in applied mathematics and statistics (including Bayesian methods).
- Have expertise in R or related programming languages.
- Excellent communication skills, with experience presenting results and publishing in peer-reviewed journals.
- Understand and appreciate the difficulties of working with occurrence data that may have been collected in an opportunistic fashion, e.g., data from natural history museum specimens.
- Be enthusiastic about developing tools that enable conservation practitioners to avert loss of biodiversity and be able to translate complex ideas into straightforward procedures.
Candidates with a completed Ph.D. or that will soon graduate with a Ph.D. in ecology, wildlife biology, environmental science, statistics, or applied mathematics are encouraged to apply. Ideal start time is early 2016, but this is negotiable for applicants who may be graduating in the spring. The term for this grant-funded position will be 1 year, with renewal for an additional two years or more contingent on satisfactory performance. Salary will be commensurate with experience, and this position includes a comprehensive benefits package.
The position will be based in St. Louis, where a vibrant community of ecologists, conservation practitioners, and evolutionary biologists that interact through partnerships among MBG, Washington University, the University of Missouri-St. Louis, Saint Louis University, plus other area institutions. The position will be seated in the CCSD, which explores and implements new, science-based approaches to the conservation and sustainable use of plant diversity. CCSD’s strategies for conservation are based on a sound, scientific understanding of the occurrence and distribution of plants. CCSD applies the knowledge of plant diversity accumulated by Missouri Botanical Garden researchers over many years, making that knowledge usable for conservation planning and decision-making. Operating under the auspices of the Garden and as part of its division of Science and Conservation, CCSD builds upon the Garden’s institutional expertise, scientific programs, influence and resources.
To be considered, applicants should apply on-line by February 5, 2016 at: https://missouribotanicalgarden.applicantpro.com/jobs/310082-18077.html
Please direct questions to Dr. Adam Smith (adam.smith@mobot.org).
