Postdoctoral Fellowship: Wisconsin-based Community Science
The Milwaukee Public Museum (MPM) has been collecting, researching, and interpreting the natural and cultural world for nearly 140 years and is the most-visited museum in Wisconsin. On an annual basis, MPM attracts 550,000 visitors from every county in Wisconsin, nearly every state in the U.S., and many countries around the world. The Museum is a premier education resource, a venue for important scientific research, and a cultural treasure that preserves more than four million specimens and artifacts.
As MPM re-imagines the visitor experience, putting collections, research, and scientists at the center of the Museum-going experience, MPM also strives to connect people from across Wisconsin in learning together through doing science. The new Statewide Community Science Project (CSP) will actively engage youth, students, and communities across the state in collecting, delivering, and analyzing scientific data.
The Milwaukee Public Museum is seeking a postdoctoral researcher (PR) to collaborate on the design and implementation of MPM’s Statewide Community Science Project starting as early as fall 2021.
Expectations
1. The PR will assist in the management of MPM’s Statewide Community Science Project, including oversight of regular communication and planning of organizational meetings between MPM staff and collaborators.
2. The PR will assist in the development of research questions and study design, including determination of ecological requirements, for biodiversity survey work which will take place over the course of two field seasons at three partnering organizations in WI starting June 2022.
3. In collaboration with the PI and other MPM staff, the PR will travel to partnering locations to make arrangements for future onsite fieldwork and educational programming.
4. The PR will conduct on-site training for staff at partnering organizations relating to the care of field equipment (as needed), survey methodology, and data collection.
5. The PR will assist MPM and partner educators in the development and delivery of public programming and related events to take place at partnering organizations and/or MPM.
Financial support
This fellowship is a one-year appointment with the option to extend for an additional year contingent on progress, mutual agreement, and continuation of support.
Applicant Requirements
1. A Ph.D. in the biological, environmental, or life sciences is required. Specialization or expertise in ecology and/or field biology is preferred.
2. Previous experience and/or participation in community/citizen science work or project(s)
3. Biodiversity design and analysis expertise
4. Ability to disseminate results through publications and presentations (public and peer communities)
5. Strong organization skills and ability to prioritize and execute work independently
6. Willingness to travel frequently, throughout the state of WI
To Apply: Send a CV and cover letter to Dr. Jennifer Zaspel at zaspelj@mpm.edu with subject line Community Science Postdoc. This position is open until filled; however to receive full consideration, please submit materials by September 7th, 2021.
Compensation: Salary is commensurate with experience. The position includes full benefits, as well as funds for project-related travel, equipment, and other research-related expenses.
Read more here.
