Postdoctoral Associate

About the role

The Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation at Virginia Tech is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to focus on developing and publishing a resource equivalency analysis (REA) model for freshwater mussels for use in the Department of Interior’s (DOI) Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration (NRDAR) cases.

Responsibilities

• Develop and publish a resource equivalency analysis (REA) model for freshwater mussels for use in NRDAR cases.
• Collaborate with Virginia Tech’s Dr. Paul Angermeier and Dr. Jess Jones and DOI economists to develop Leslie matrix-based models utilizing Excel and r-script coding in Program R.
• Work on the ecology and reproduction of mussels to develop and test REA models, including modeling their longevity, breeding age, fecundity, and other life history factors.
• Provide REA modeling tools for NRDAR program managers and the wildlife management community to estimate lost mussel service-years and replacement value for damage cases.
• Contribute to the development of flexible mussel restoration planning options, including injury quantification, restoration scaling, and incorporating varied mussel life history and demographic scenarios.

Requirements

• PhD in quantitative ecology, natural resource economics, or a related discipline awarded no more than four years prior to the effective date of appointment with a minimum of one year eligibility remaining.
• Experience in programming in Excel and r-script coding in Program R.
• Demonstrated scientific productivity, including peer-reviewed publications.
• Strong statistical modeling and analytical skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency with programming in R.
• Experience with Leslie matrix-based demographic modeling.
• Excellent writing and speaking skills.
• Emphasis on aquatic ecosystems and freshwater mussel restoration.

Pay

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Schedule

Appointment Type: Restricted

Benefits

Review Date: February 6, 2023

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.