Postdoc needed!

Position: Post-Doctoral Fellow – Seed Dispersal by Native Birds on Saipan, Mariana Islands

Location: Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands

Appointment: 2-years

Description:

This research position is part of a larger collaborative project between J. Savidge (Colorado State University), H. Rogers (Rice University, www.ecologyofbirdloss.org) and J. Tewksbury (University of Washington) aimed at restoring ecosystem function (specifically seed dispersal) to Guam’s forests. Virtually all native seed dispersers have been extirpated from Guam, largely due to predation by the invasive Brown Treesnake. We will be determining the impact of seed disperser loss and the potential for different dispersers, both native and non-native, to restore function to Guam’s forests.

This 2-year position, based in Saipan, will focus on the potential role of 4 native avian frugivores (White-throated Ground-Dove, Mariana Fruit-Dove, Bridled White-eye, and Micronesian Starling) in restoring seed dispersal to Guam’s forests. These species are extirpated or nearly extirpated from Guam but still common on Saipan. The research aims to determine their diets and movement patterns to understand which tree species benefit from each bird species and predict the area over which an individual bird could provide seed dispersal services. The successful candidate will lead the experimental design and field data collection and have primary responsibility for analysis, presentation, and publication of the research. The incumbent will work collaboratively with others involved with the project and help supervise a field crew. Applicants must be able to work in rugged terrain and in hot, humid conditions. Airfare and some relocation expenses provided.

Qualifications:

Required: 1) Ph.D. in a discipline related to the research described above, 2) Practical experience in the design, conduct, and statistical analysis of ecological field studies, 3) Demonstrated ability to prepare and submit professional manuscripts in refereed journals, 4) Excellent written and oral communication skills. 

Desirable: Experience in 1) Analysis of avian habitat use and movement patterns, 2) Radio-telemetry, 3) Avian seed dispersal, 4) Mist-netting and banding birds, and 5) Collaborative projects.  Additionally, past experience supervising a field crew, and working in challenging conditions is desirable.

Start Date:  Anticipated February or March 2015

Application Procedure: To apply, upload a cover letter that includes how you satisfy the required and desirable qualifications and your research interests; curriculum vitae; transcripts from all universities attended (copies acceptable); relevant publications; and contact information for at least 3 professional references to the following address: http://warnercnr.colostate.edu/employment-opportunities.html.  Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, but to ensure full consideration, applications should be submitted by December 8, 2014.

For more information contact: Dr. Julie Savidge, julie.savidge@colostate.edu, 970 491-6510. 

Reflecting departmental and institutional values, candidates are expected to have the ability to advance the Department's commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Colorado State University is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or pregnancy. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. The Office of Equal Opportunity is located in 101 Student Services.

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.