Position Description: Postdoctoral Research Associate

Minimum Qualifications: PhD in ecology or any biological science at time of enrollment hire.   Demonstrated proficiency in the development of simulation models.   Evidence of strong written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience with the development and testing of VORTEX or other models for minimum viable population analysis.   Familiarity with Geographic Information Systems.   Demonstrated capacity to work independently and in teams.   Should be able to contribute to the design of field/laboratory experiments.

Positions Description: A postdoctoral research associate is sought to participate in a collaborative study on the potential invasion of an exotic pest, Copitarsia decolora (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).   The objective of this component of the project is to determine the minimum number of individuals needed to found and maintain a population given varying degrees of environmental stochasticity.   Results of this model will contribute to the refinement of spatially explicit risk assessments and the improvement of monitoring protocols for the early detection of these potential pests.   Other members of the team are developing molecular diagnostics and conducting life-history experiments to support this research.

Description of work: This position will focus on the development of computer models in an office environment.   None of the research conducted by the associate will take place outdoors.   Results will be summarized regularly in informal briefings.   Publication of results is expected.   The associate will be hired through the University of North Dakota but will be stationed in St. Paul, MN on the campus of the University of Minnesota (to be supervised by Dr. Robert Venette).   The successful applicant will have to lift 50 pounds no more than once a year.

The position is for two years with the possibility of extension.   The search closes when a suitable candidate is found; there is no internal candidate for the position.  

Application: Send CV, statement of qualifications, at least one relevant reprint, and contact information for three references electronically to Dr. Rebecca Simmons

(rebecca.simmons@und.nodak.edu ).   Only electronic submissions will be reviewed.