Position Description

Academic Job Description

Department of Natural Resources and the Environment

Fisher Population Modeling Post Doc

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is a pioneer of purpose-driven science and Cornell University’s second largest college. We work across disciplines to tackle the challenges of our time through world-renowned research, education, and outreach. The questions we probe and the answers we seek focus on three overlapping concerns: We believe that achieving next-generation scientific breakthroughs requires an understanding of the world’s complex, interlocking systems. We believe that access to nutritious food and a healthy environment is a fundamental human right. We believe that ensuring a prosperous global future depends on the ability to support local people and communities everywhere. By working in and across multiple scientific areas, CALS can address challenges and opportunities of the greatest relevance, here in New York, across the nation, and around the world.

Position Function

A postdoctoral position is available in the Fuller Spatial Ecology and Decision Science Lab https://blogs.cornell.edu/fullerlab/ with the New York Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit and the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment at Cornell University to evaluate the effects of harvest on fisher populations.

Historically, fishers were distributed across New York, but the species was nearly extirpated by the 1930s as a result of unregulated trapping. Populations have recovered in many areas, allowing for sustainable harvest opportunities in some parts of the state (e.g., parts of the Adirondacks and eastern New York). The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation recently opened new areas to fisher harvest in central New York with a conservative trapping season as a result of occupancy work in our lab suggesting that specific Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) may be able to support a harvest season. The postdoc will evaluate the effects of the conservative trapping season by comparing fisher density 3 years pre- versus 3 years post-trapping season regulation change (data from >600 sites using camera trapping and hair snares). In contrast to central New York, fishers in the northern zone of New York may be declining in several Adirondack Wildlife Management Units. The postdoc will develop a fisher population model and use a decision science approach to evaluate which harvest management scenario (e.g., variation in trapping season length, timing, bag limits) best achieves biological, social, and agency objectives. The research will provide decision-making guidance for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

Anticipated Division of Time

80% research, 10% data collection, 10% writing.

Requirements

 Ph.D. in ecology, wildlife biology, conservation biology, natural resources, statistics, or a related field, with a focus on quantitative methods in population ecology. Strong mathematical and programming skills, demonstrated proficiency in statistical estimation and simulation modeling and use of R. Previous experience with population estimation using (spatial) capture-recapture models. Demonstrated desire and proven ability to publish in peer-reviewed journals. Excellent writing and personal communication skills. The ability to work independently and under limited supervision as well as collaboratively.

Desired qualifications:

Competitive candidates will have experience in application of decision science. Experience with spatial capture-recapture and occupancy models; experience with harvest-based models. Successful applicants will possess strong personal communication skills, as well as a desire to conduct quantitative science for applied resource management needs. Applicants should be independent and motivated to work with a broad range of external collaborators, and have experience working with management agencies.

Supervision Exercised: No supervision of others expected

Salary: $57,000/year plus benefits (health and dental insurance, retirement, life insurance, disability. There is a possibility of extension, pending additional funding.

Start date: As soon as possible.

To apply:

Please apply via Academic Jobs Online https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/27503

Qualified candidates should submit a short cover letter, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references.

Applications will be reviewed as received, continuing until a suitable applicant is identified.

CALS hiring range for this title is $56,484 to $57,000.

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

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