The Postdoctoral Fellow II will join a multi-institution NSF project focused on predicting the effects of climate change and variability on population dynamics of the invasive annual grass Bromus tectorum across western North America (https://bromecast.wixsite.com/home). Our goal is to determine the relative value of data on genetic variability, physiological tolerances, demographic rates, and interspecific interactions for ecological forecasting at the regional scale. The project combines genetic sequencing with four intensive common garden experiments and over forty less intensive distributed experiments. This position, in Peter Adler's lab at Utah State University (https://qcnr.usu.edu/labs/adler_lab/), will lead synthetic data analyses and modeling studies based on all these different data sources. The successful applicant will work closely with Megan Vahsen (https://mvahsen.weebly.com/), Mevin Hooten (https://mhooten.github.io/) and Jesse Lasky (http://www.personal.psu.edu/jrl35/psu/index_JRL.html) and their respective post-docs. The position is funded for one year, with extension to two years contingent on success. The salary will be $55,000 and the position begins January 1, 2025. This posting will remain open until filled. Application screening begins on September 1st.
ResponsibilitiesThe position is 100% research. The post-doc will assist with data collection and sample processing, lead data analyses, build statistical and simulation models, prepare and submit manuscripts to peer-reviewed journals, and present research at national and international meetings. The post-doc will also have the option to participate in outreach activities.
QualificationsMinimum Qualifications:
PhD in ecology, biology, statistics, or related fieldA record of publication in peer-reviewed journalsDemonstrated skills in scientific computingData analysis experience, specifically fitting dynamic models to empirical dataPreferred Qualifications:
Experience programming in RExperience with both frequentist and Bayesian statisticsBackground in plant ecology Required DocumentsAlong with the online application, please attach:
Resume/CV to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV"Name and contact information for 3 professional references to be entered into Candidate ProfileCover letter to be typed/pasted at the end of your applicationResearch Statement to be typed/pasted at the end of your application**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**
Advertised Salary $55,000, plus excellent benefits ADAEmployees work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes. The employee is regularly required to sit and often uses repetitive hand motions.
College/Department HighlightsUtah State University is Utah's land-grant university with its main campus located in Logan, which offers the amenities of a college town within the Cache Valley metropolitan zone of 115,000 people. Cache Valley is a 90-minute freeway drive north of Salt Lake City and its international airport. Positioned along the scenic Wasatch Mountains and Bear River Range, the region offers a bonanza of outdoor activities within minutes of campus and is within a day's drive of eight national parks, numerous national monuments, and vast areas of publicly-owned rangeland and forest.
As an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer, USU is dedicated to recruiting stellar candidates from a diverse pool, including women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities. Post-docs at USU receive outstanding medical, retirement, and professional benefits.
Further information:
Ecology Center: https://ecology.usu.edu/
Department of Wildland Resources: http://qcnr.usu.edu/wild//
Logan and Cache Valley: http://www.tourcachevalley.com/
Direct queries to Peter Adler, at peter.adler@usu.edu.
Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university, with a strong commitment to excellence, access, and inclusion, empowering people to lead successful lives of involvement, innovation, and impact. Utah State provides high-quality education to 27,500-plus students locations throughout the state, including at three residential campuses, eight statewide campuses, and 23 education centers. USU Online educates students from all 50 states and 55 countries. For over 25 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns in all of Utah’s counties. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge through research and scholarly activities, providing a high-quality undergraduate and graduate education at an affordable price.
Utah State is committed to cultivating a community of inclusive excellence where all perspectives, values, cultures, and identities are acknowledged, welcomed, and valued. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU.
The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or hr@usu.edu.
About the Region
U.S. News and World Report ranked Utah first for its strong economy, fiscal stability, education, and health care. Outstanding outdoor recreational opportunities abound throughout the state, including five national parks, 43 state parks and recreation areas, and 15 alpine ski resorts. The home of USU’s main campus, Logan, is a city of 54,000-plus people in a picturesque mountain valley 80 miles north of Salt Lake City. The Logan metro area claimed the top spot in the Milken Institute’s 2022 ranking for best-performing small cities in the nation.
*updated 04/2024
Notice of Non-discriminationIn its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.
The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:
Executive Director of the Office of Equity Matthew Pinner, discrimination@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 401, 435-797-1266
Title IX Coordinator Cody Carmichael, titleix@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 404, 435-797-1266
Mailing address: 5100 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322
For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit https://equity.usu.edu/, or contact:
U.S. Department of Education, Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 800-421-3481, OCR@ed.gov
*updated 09/2023
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