POST-DOCTORAL LEVEL POSITION

INSTITUTE FOR COMPUTATIONAL EARTH SYSTEM SCIENCE

 

Area of Research:  Ecological Modeling

 

Initial review of applications will begin on 21 July 2008, however the position will remain open until filled.

 

We seek a postdoc to work on models characterizing the effects of individual and/or spatial heterogeneity on population dynamics. The specific project opportunities will depend on the interests and experience of the applicant, but include: relating individual heterogeneity in demographic rates to population-level consequences such as extinction risk and invasion speed; understanding how heterogeneity and stochasticity in individual growth rates can influence population growth rates; understanding how spatial heterogeneity in the environment can lead to individual heterogeneity in demography and growth. The modeling approaches range from strategic models of generalized organisms to more specialized models that represent plants, aquatic invertebrates, fish, or terrestrial vertebrates. The primary advisors will be Bruce Kendall and Roger Nisbet; the postdoc will also interact with an interdisciplinary team that is using a restored reach of the Merced River in California as an “outdoor laboratory” to study the hydrology and ecology of rivers (ecological leads on this project are Brad Cardinale and Hunter Lenihan).

 

Applicants should possess a PhD in applied mathematics, mathematical or theoretical biology, systems biology, or some related discipline. The ideal candidate will have strong background in the construction and analysis of discrete- or continuous-time dynamical models, and should have experience or training in working with stochastic and or spatial processes.

 

The position (UC title within Specialist series) is available immediately and is full time with a salary range of $44,400 - $48,372. Funding is available for two years, with salary contingent on experience.  

 

Applicants should submit a CV, a statement of research interests, and the names of three referees to nisbet@lifesci.ucsb.edu. Initial review of applications will begin on 21 July 2008, however the position will remain open until filled.

 

An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

 

Posted:  August 20, 2008