Postdoctoral Researcher in Quantitative Ecology

Postdoctoral Researcher in Quantitative Ecology

Based at The Morton Arboretum (near Chicago, Illinois)

The Morton Arboretum invites applications for a two year postdoctoral researcher for an NSF-supported project focused on quantifying species’ historical range shifts and population sizes using multiple data types. The successful applicant will join an international team of researchers with expertise in mathematics/ statistics, ecology, biogeography, and population genetics. The postdoctoral researcher will collaborate with the project team to develop and implement quantitative methods to make inference about range shifts since the last Ice Age by integrating datasets which have different characteristics and spatial and temporal resolution (environmental, paleoecological, and genetic data).  The project is described at https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=1759759

The Morton Arboretum is a world-class plant science research institute and public botanic garden near Chicago, USA, with research strengths in ecology, conservation, and genomics.  The Morton Arboretum has ongoing collaborations with scientists at the Field Museum, University of Illinois Chicago, two National Laboratories, the Brookfield Zoo, and Chicago Botanic Garden. 

Applicants should have a Ph.D. (or Ph.D. defense scheduled in the very near future) in the quantitative sciences (i.e., mathematical biology, statistics, theoretical ecology, or related fields), OR in an ecological field with demonstrated experience in quantitative ecology. Experience in Bayesian statistics, spatial modeling, state-space modeling, or mathematical modeling is preferred.  Some experience in computer programming is preferred.  Other desired qualifications include a strong work ethic, problem-solving and time management skills, and experience communicating scientific results. Applicants should demonstrate interest in working at the interface of statistics and ecology, and in contributing to a growing open-source project.

The postdoctoral researcher will be provided opportunities for professional development, depending on their interests, including attending international scientific meetings, and mentoring in code development and scientific ethics.  Other opportunities could include involvement in outreach (e.g., curriculum development, workshop implementation), supervising undergraduate researchers, networking, and participation in workshops and short courses.  The postdoctoral researcher will have freedom to identify and attend relevant opportunities, for which funding will be provided.

The position is funded for two years, with possibility for continuing support pending future funding success.  The postdoctoral researcher will be based at The Morton Arboretum and will primarily work with Dr. Sean Hoban, Dr. Andria Dawson (Mount Royal University, Calgary), and Dr. Adam Smith (Missouri Botanical Garden).  The position will require some travel to work with collaborators at Mount Royal University and the Missouri Botanical Garden, as well as attend team meetings and workshops. All travel costs are covered by grant funds. 

Application materials must include four documents concatenated into two PDFs as follows. Relevant qualifications and skills should be clearly highlighted in the cover letter and CV.

One document to include:

• 1-2 page cover letter describing your qualifications and your interest in the project (project is described at https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=1759759)
• evidence of scientific outputs (e.g. writing samples such as publications, dissertation, unpublished manuscripts, technical reports)
• names and contact information for three references

Second document to include:

• CV/Resume

Applications may be submitted until the position is filled; applications received by April 15 are guaranteed consideration. A start date of Fall 2019 or earlier is preferred. Applicants must apply at careers.hireology.com/themortonarboretum/. Inquiries about the job or the application process are welcome- please contact Dr. Sean Hoban (shoban@mortonarb.org), Dr. Adam Smith (adam@earthskysea.org), or Dr. Andria Dawson (andria.dawson@gmail.com).

The Morton Arboretum is an equal opportunity employer committed to achieving a diverse workforce.