Research Assistant II

Position Summary

Project Title: Chasing the deer denominator: Establishing a standardized white-tailed deer abundance estimator for Chronic Wasting Disease treatment areas.

Overview: We invite applications for a research assistant II position to join a dynamic research team with Michigan State University and the Michigan DNR with a strong focus on deer population estimation and wildlife disease ecology. The successful candidate will work on a critical project to evaluate existing estimators for deer population abundance and implement a standardized deer estimate for small-scale assessments to be used across jurisdictions in the Midwest. While many deer population estimates exist, a single, cost-effective method that can be easily replicated with measures of precision and detection is critical for reliable estimates. Further, to better understand the treatment effects of chronic wasting disease (CWD) across jurisdictions with varying deer habitats and CWD prevalence, a standard abundance method is needed. To ensure efficient collection and use of the data and meaningful estimates, a protocol is needed to improve communication and feasibility of a single approach. This research is critical to efforts to manage CWD on the landscape and enhance our understanding of effective mitigation strategies. This research project builds upon a multi-disciplinary collaboration with state wildlife agencies across the Midwest region, USGS, and USDA-APHIS Wildlife Services.

The research assistant II will collaborate on research activities designed to produce results suitable for presentation in scientific journals, conferences, and for stakeholder interests. Expected deliverables include: 1) a review of available deer-density estimate approaches and an analysis of their strengths and weaknesses, 2) implementation of a study design and overseeing of data collection for a suite of selected estimation approaches, 3) estimation of abundance using the selected methods, and 4), assisting or leading the completion of annual reports, submission of at least one scientific publication, and presentation of research findings at conferences. The selected candidate is expected to work collaboratively with colleagues and project partners and communicate research findings to broad audiences.

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in wildlife ecology, statistics, biometrics or related science field; three to five years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in overseeing research projects and laboratory operations, operating and maintaining a variety of laboratory equipment, performing specialized and difficult analytical and research techniques, and designing research experiments in an area related to research being performed; may require software specific to the area of research; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. The position may require special licensing or certification in the field related to the area of employment.

Desired Qualifications

Desired qualifications: M.S. or Ph.D. in wildlife ecology, statistics, biometrics or a related field. Excellent communication skills, both written and oral. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a research team. Expertise in using statistical modeling (preferably on wildlife populations), working with remote sensing and spatial data, and expertise of software such as Program R, Python, and GIS platforms. Ability to formulate hypotheses, conduct appropriate analyses independently and with appropriate scientific and statistical validity, and interpret data sufficient to draw defensible inferences and conclusions. Experience publishing statistical, ecological, geographical, and/or disease research results in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Ability to work effectively and courteously with a multi-disciplinary team. Ability to manage a team of technicians both in the field and lab.

Preferred qualifications: Competitive candidates will have experience developing statistical models for wildlife ecology, methods in abundance estimation, experience with simulation, and strong oral and written communication skills for diverse audiences, including biologists, scientists, policymakers, and the public, sufficient to document and disseminate completed research results. Experience with camera trapping, drones, or other field-based estimation for wildlife is a plus. Experience collaborating with state wildlife management agencies on wildlife research and management, ability to summarize and analyze spatially explicit data using R and ArcGIS, experience establishing productive collaborations with other researchers, research background in population or disease ecology, and a publication record commensurate with time since degree completion are preferred.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

Please submit your CV, a letter of research interests and goals, a list of three references, and academic transcripts for all terminal degrees.

Special Instructions

For more information about the position, contact Dr. Sonja Christensen (chris625@msu.edu). Search committee will further include Dr. Brett DeGregorio (Unit Leader, Michigan Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit) and Dr. Dwayne Etter (Wildlife Research Specialist, Michigan DNR).

More about The Christensen Lab: Join our team at the Christensen Lab and contribute to critical research that addresses the challenges posed by CWD and its impact on ungulate populations. We look forward to welcoming a dedicated postdoctoral or post-masters research associate to our project and our dynamic research group. Our lab focuses on evaluating wildlife population health and understanding the dynamics of infectious diseases in wildlife populations to develop strategies for their management and conservation. We employ cutting-edge field research, quantitative modeling, and interdisciplinary approaches to address critical challenges in wildlife health. For more information about our lab, please visit our website: www.christensen-lab.org.

The Department of Fisheries and Wildlife is a vibrant community of scholars comprising of 40 core faculty (tenure stream and fixed-term faculty, and academic specialists), 80 graduate and 240 undergraduate students, and 30 research associates. Our Mission is to build local, national, and international capacities to conserve ecosystems that support fish, wildlife, and society through integrated programs in research, education and engagement. We are committed to the integrative nature of natural resources conservation and management, with our expertise ranging from disciplinary areas with a long-standing history in the domain of fisheries and wildlife to those emerging more recently. For more information about the Department, please visit our website: https://www.canr.msu.edu/fw/.

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Description of End Date

This is an off dated position funded for 1 year from hire date with possible extension contingent upon funding renewal.

Website

www.christensen-lab.org

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

Bidding eligibility ends October 15, 2024 at 11:55 P.M.