Postdoctoral Associate

Department Profile:

The Department of Wildlife, Fisheries & Aquaculture has 30 faculty, 60 graduate students, and 7 administrative support staff (excluding extension and research support personnel). The Department has extension, research, education and service programs in wildlife, fisheries and aquaculture. For additional information see the departmental website: www.cfr.msstate.edu/wildlife/index.asp

Area of Specialization:

Chinese Giant Salamander Ecology

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture (WFA) seeks a dynamic scholar, communicator and educator interested in working on the reintroduction ecology of Chinese giant salamanders (Andrias davidianus). In particular, we seek someone with expertise in one or more of the following areas: spatial ecology, movement ecology, trophic dynamics, species distribution/demographics, niche modeling, environmental DNA, or molecular genetics.

The candidate will be responsible for conducting molecular genetics to: 1) understand the population structure where the releases will occur, so that the proper source population can be selected; 2) sample river areas in several China nature reserves using eDNA to understand native population persistence. Furthermore, the candidate will select and monitor, with the assistance of field technicians, released animals using radio transmitters and monitor survival, habitat selection, spatial and temporal movement. Additional studies on the giant salamanders are available that the applicant may be interested in conducting (e.g. reproductive physiology, behavioral ecology, and predator-prey dynamics). The position will be a mix of field work and laboratory work.

In addition, the applicant will be responsible for maintaining appropriate records and databases; effective mentoring of graduate and undergraduate students; guest lecturing in the department; publication of research in peer-reviewed manuscripts; gain experience writing and submitting grants; design and data management including statistical analysis; producing periodic progress reports and financial statements on the research program; interface with other team members around the country; present research findings both nationally or internationally; perform other related duties as assigned to support the amphibian conservation lab's mission in order to achieve the goals and objectives of the program.

Minimum Qualifications:

Ph.D. with expertise in wildlife/fisheries ecology, biology, zoology and/or related discipline. Excellence in communication and organizational skills; peer-reviewed publication history; and a commitment to service are expected. The candidate should show the ability to collaborate with diverse scientific disciplines, various stakeholder groups, academic institutions and federal and state natural resource agencies to support long-term partnerships.

Preferred Qualifications:

Preferred characteristics include experience with GIS, radio transmitters, spatial ecology programs and software, molecular genetics, procurement of extramural funds to accomplish research, mentoring of graduate students, strong quantitative/statistical skills and some teaching experience. Inclination will be given to candidates whose research naturally crosses disciplinary lines and focus on wildlife habitat interactions.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of and demonstrated skills in data management and analysis with multiple statistical models and software platforms such as program R and SAS in addition to GIS, Microsoft Access(r), and/or SQL. Familiarity with resource selection, movement ecology, large mammal conservation, and/or quantitative ecology. Demonstrated ability to multi-task among competing priorities.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort:

Ability to perform routine office duties, interact with fellow researchers and stakeholders, participate in call or web conferences, and a willingness to travel out of country, including spending several months in China in challenging field conditions under extreme weather conditions.

Instructions for Applying:

Interested applicants must apply online at www.jobs.msstate.edu by submitting a cover letter, vitae, statement of research interests with emphasis on how this opportunity aligns with career goals and interests, copy of your transcripts, and the complete contact information for three references. Applicants should redact their social security number from their academic transcript prior to submitting online. For additional information, please e-mail Dr. Andrew Kouba at a.kouba@msstate.edu or call 662-325-2378 and leave a detailed message.

Restricted Clause:

Contingent upon continued availability of funding.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

MSU is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, ethnicity, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, disability status, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We always welcome nominations and applications from women, members of any minority group, and others who share our passion for building a diverse community that reflects the diversity in our student population.