Postdoctoral Associate: Informing waterfowl management and conservation using eBird data - Lab of Ornithology

Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.

Postdoctoral Associate: Informing waterfowl management and conservation using eBird data

Center for Avian Population Studies

Cornell Lab of Ornithology

College of Agriculture & Life Sciences

Cornell University

Ithaca, New York

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.

About us:

Job description:
We seek a Postdoctoral Associate interested in statistical modeling, natural resource decision-making, conservation, and management. The incumbent will explore using eBird Status and Trends (S&T) products and eBird raw data to inform waterfowl conservation and management planning in support of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP). This project is a partnership with researchers at the Lab of Ornithology, Cornell University, Ducks Unlimited, Forbes Biological Field Station, Louisiana State University, and the NAWMP Science Support Team. The postdoctoral associate will be advised by Dr. Orin Robinson. Project objectives include:

Assessing the level of agreement between professionally collected data and eBird or eBird S&T products across multiple geographies, spatial and temporal scales, and species. Evaluating the use of eBird and/or eBird S&T in bioenergetics models that inform regional waterfowl conservation planning, such as those employed by migratory bird joint ventures. We will compare model output to those run with traditionally collected data to determine how management decisions may change depending on the data set. Investigating differences in the information provided by each data set, using lessons learned to integrate the data in distribution, population density, and bioenergetics models for waterfowl. Examining how current eBird S&T models perform on species that form large aggregations (e.g., waterfowl, shorebirds) during the annual cycle and testing alternative models that may provide more accurate predictions than the current eBird S&T modeled product. Exploring methods for integrating eBird S&T and/or estimates from newer models developed under objective 4 with independent data sources for analyses to inform conservation action.

In addition to outside partners the postdoctoral associate will be working closely with scientists in the Information Science and Technology, Bird Population Studies, and Conservation Science programs within CAPS. We encourage postdoctoral associates to explore related research questions and collaborate on projects conducted in the Lab and with partners.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Develop methods for and applications of eBird, eBird Status and Trends, and professionally collected survey data to meet project goals (50%).
• Present results at professional meetings, conferences, and popular seminars. Prepare peer reviewed papers and other research products, including reports and relevant information to partners. (20%)
• Research and engaging with funders. (10%)
• Engage in ongoing academic and intellectual life within the Conservation Science and Information Science Programs at the Lab of Ornithology and at Cornell University, Ducks Unlimited, Forbes Biological Field Station, Louisiana State University, and NAWMP Science Support Team. (10%)
• Participate in general project management and working directly with internal and external project collaborators. (5%)
• Perform related projects and special duties as assigned. Establish and maintain a safe, productive, and respectful working environment that fosters a culture of inclusivity and teamwork. Create and promote an environment that fosters diversity, equity, and inclusion in all endeavors. (5%)

Term of position:

This is a one-year appointment, with annual reappointment up to two additional years, conditional on availability of funds and satisfactory performance. The ideal start date for this position will be Spring 2023.

Required qualifications:

• PhD in quantitative ecology, applied statistics, or a related field with strong background in statistics and model development.
• Experience with R and other statistical languages.
• Ability to apply quantitative methods to answer ecological questions or hypotheses.
• Record of success conducting research and scholarly activities, including publication in peer-reviewed journals.

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience related to using wildlife survey data, experience with citizen science data is preferred but not required.
• Experience in ornithology is a bonus, but not required.

Salary, rewards, and benefits:

CALS hiring range for this position is $55,341 - $65,000, dependent upon experience and includes benefits. Relocation funds are available.

Fully remote work will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Local personnel will have the flexibility to work on a hybrid schedule with opportunities to work on-site and from home.

Benefits provided by Cornell include a broad range of comprehensive health care options, generous paid leave provisions: 3 weeks of vacation, 13 holidays (including end of year winter break), paid family leave, and superior retirement contributions. Additionally, Cornell provides access to professional development initiatives, wellness programs, and employee discounts with local and national retail brands.

Application instructions:

Pay Range:

Pay Ranges:

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience.

• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position.

• Academic Discipline (faculty pay ranges reflects 9-month annual salary)

• Unique applicable skills.

Employment Assistance:

Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also visit the office of Workforce Recruitment and Retention Monday - Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. to use a dedicated workstation to complete an online application.

Notice to Applicants:

EEO Statement:

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University's heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations. Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students, and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose, and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery, and engagement.