POSITION TITLE: Post-doctoral Research Position: Manatee Demographic
Modeling

SALARY: $50K - $55K per year, commensurate with qualifications and
experience, benefits included.

PERFORMANCE PERIOD: Up to three years after start date, anticipate
October 2010-2012 (Contingent upon appropriation of funds)

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 31 August 2010, or until suitable candidate is
found

POSITION SUMMARY:

Colorado State University is seeking candidates for a postdoctoral
position to (1) develop stage-based demographic models for manatee
populations, based on integrating photo-identification data with newly
acquired genetic fingerprinting data for live individuals and carcasses;
(2) develop and implement a model of adult manatee survival probabilities
specific to migration patterns; and (3) implement a model to estimate boat-
strike scar acquisition probabilities for manatees. This modeling will
serve to support decision-making by USFWS and Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission. The scope of work will include parameter
estimation, model development, and development of guidelines for future
collection of photo-id and genetic data. Parameter estimation will build
off previous work on the use of multi-state mark-recapture models to
estimate demographic parameters.

DUTIES:

The modeling work will be primarily supervised by Dr. Bill Kendall at
Colorado State University. The incumbent will also work closely with Dr.
Cathy Langtimm and other personnel of the USGS Sirenia Project, as well as
personnel of Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, for problem
definition and modeling guidance, provision of photo-id and genetic data,
monitoring design issues, and analysis of genetic data. Accordingly, the
postdoc position will be located at the USGS Sirenia Project in
Gainesville Florida, with significant travel to Fort Collins, Colorado.

MINIUMUM REQUIREMENTS:

1.    Ph.D. in biology (wildlife), ecology, or related quantitative
field.
2.    Demonstrated knowledge and proficiency with statistical modeling
used to describe population dynamics from mark-recapture data.
3.    Demonstrated proficiency with statistical software used to
estimate vital rates.
4.    Demonstrated desire and proficiency to publish in the peer-
reviewed literature.

DESIRED ABILITIES:

Competitive candidates will have a background in demographic estimation
and population modeling, using multistate models. Proficient programming
skills and experience with hierarchical modeling are desirable. The
successful candidate will have excellent written and personal
communication skills and a desire to work in a collaborative way on
applied problems.

TO APPLY:

Submit letter describing your background and interest, curriculum vitae,
copy of college transcripts, and the names and contact information for
three references online at: http://warnercnr.colostate.edu/employment-
opportunities.html. For full consideration, all materials must be received
by 4:30pm, Tuesday, August 31, 2010.

For further information, contact:

William L. Kendall (wkendall@usgs.gov)
970/491-7066
USGS Colorado Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit
Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology
1484 Campus Delivery - Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1484
or
Catherine A. Langtimm (clangtimm@usgs.gov)
508/867-8346
USGS Southeast Ecological Science Center
Sirenia Project
2201 NW 40th Terrace
Gainesville, FL 32605

Colorado State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action
employer and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws,
regulations, and executive orders regarding affirmative action
requirements. The Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity is located in
room 101 Student Services. In order to assist Colorado State University
in meeting its affirmative action responsibilities, ethnic minorities,
women and other protected class members are encouraged to apply and to so
identify themselves.

Colorado State University is committed to providing a safe and productive
learning and living community. To achieve that goal, we conduct background
investigations for all final candidates being considered for employment.
Background checks may include, but are not limited to, criminal history,
national sex offender search and motor vehicle history.