Position Function:
This position is through the Mississippi State University Quantitative Ecology & Spatial Technologies (QuEST) Laboratory and the Geosystems Research Institute (GRI). The successful candidate will be primarily advised by Dr. Melanie Boudreau (Mississippi State University). The Postdoctoral Associate will work closely with co-investigators and research scientists from the USDA – ARS Geospatial and Environmental Epidemiology Unit. In particular, the researcher will be tasked with combining various data sources to create an agent-based model of CWD risk. Given the large amount of data, the candidate must also have the capability to conduct work in common programming environments (R, Python) within a high-performance computing environment when needed. The candidate will also be required to publish peer-reviewed publications from this work . In addition to project duties the candidate will be expected to take a leadership role in the QuEST lab.
Salary Grade: UC
Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.
Department Profile:
Mississippi State University is one of the leading research institutions in the Southeast (Carnegie R1 Doctoral Universities: Very High Research Activity) and ranked as a top-tier land grant university by the National Science Foundation. The Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture (WFA) has a strong applied focus in wildlife conservation and management. The faculty within the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture leads one of the most productive research programs in the Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine. The department is well-known for its highly collegial and interdisciplinary faculty, post-doctoral fellows, research and extension associates that help make the department one of the premier institutions for applied wildlife and fisheries science in the nation. As one of the fastest growing undergraduate programs in the region, our 300 undergraduate students concentrate in wildlife agriculture science, human-wildlife interactions, conservation biology, wildlife veterinary medicine, conservation law enforcement, and wildlife, fisheries and aquaculture science. The department also houses 60 graduate students across a variety of programs. It is home to the Mississippi USGS Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, a US Fish and Wildlife Service Unit, USDA Wildlife Services State Director’s office, and some state agency offices. For additional information see www.cfr.msstate.edu/wildlife
Area of Specialization:
Chronic Wasting Disease Risk
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Working with stakeholders to complete the identified project objectives
• Participate in oral and written communications as needed to interface with participating scientists and stakeholders
• Disseminate knowledge in primary literature and at conferences and meetings
• Participate in QuEST Lab meetings and mentorship activities
Minimum Qualifications:
• Ph.D. in quantitative ecology, biology, statistics, applied mathematics, or other related fields
• Demonstrated experience in quantitative ecology (particularly landscape and movement ecology) and computer programming
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
Preferred Qualifications:
• General background in spatial ecology, animal movement, and agent based models
• Demonstrated history of publication and collaboration
• Extensive knowledge in R or Python
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Must have the knowledge and ability to work with minimal supervision necessary to perform duties at a high level and prioritize day-to-day workloads.
• Strong interpersonal skills as interactions with graduate students and USDA stakeholders will occur
• Ability to work independently and as part of a trans-disciplinary team
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
No unusual physical requirements. Requires no heavy lifting, and nearly all work is performed in a comfortable indoor facility. Job frequently requires standing, sitting, reaching, talking, hearing, handling objects with hands, and lifting up to 10 pounds. Vision requirements: Ability to see information in print and/or electronically. Externally imposed deadlines; set and revised beyond one’s control; interruptions influence priorities; difficult to anticipate nature or volume of work with certainty beyond a few days; meeting of deadlines and coordination of unrelated activities are key to position; may involve conflict-resolution or similar interactions involving emotional issues or stress on a regular basis.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Applications must be completed online at www.jobs.msstate.edu (PARF# 509973) and must include: 1) cover letter, 2) resume or Curriculum Vitae, 3) one-page statement of interest and expertise, 4) contact information for three references, and 5) academic transcripts. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for the screening process, but official are required if an offer is made. Applicants should redact their social security number if it appears on their transcript prior to submitting it online. Applicants should also email a copy of the cover letter and resume/CV directly to mrb851@msstate.edu For questions, contact Melanie Boudreau, 662-325-2297; mrb851@msstate.edu
Restricted Clause:
Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325-5839.
What do I do if I need an accommodation?
In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.
If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.
