Ecologist Postdoctoral Research Fellow, IS-0408-11

Smithsonian Institution • Washington, DC

46d • Onsite

About The Position

The Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to develop a novel biodiversity metric for animal mortality to inform global biodiversity policy. This role involves synthesizing methods from movement ecology, demography, and environmental data science to identify animal mortality events, quantify their causes, and produce standardized, scalable metrics that link anthropogenic and environmental stressors to mortality risk and population changes. The goal is to create a standardized indicator as part of the Animal Movement Biodiversity Observation Network (Move BON). The researcher will coordinate work within the Move BON Mortality Metrics Working Group, co-led by Scott Yanco (NZCBI) and Ruth Oliver (UC Santa Barbara). The developed indicators are intended for integration into national biodiversity strategies and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. The project will also produce a toolkit for metric calculation compatible with national reporting obligations and a cross-taxa case study in partnership with national reporting bodies to ensure policy relevance. Key outputs include peer-reviewed publications, an open-source toolkit for reproducible indicator calculation, and a national or regional case study demonstrating cross-taxa implementation.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree that has equipped applicants with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position.
• Working knowledge of the principles of ecology and conservation of wildlife through coursework in ecology, wildlife management, or a related field.
• At least one year of biology technician experience equivalent to the next lower grade.
• Self-direction and motivation, combined with flexibility and entrepreneurial thinking.
• Expertise and experience in advanced movement ecology and/or population biology analyses, with expertise in incorporating remote sensing variables in analytical frameworks.
• Ability to work with large databases in a team science setting using best practices for open science and collaboration.
• Demonstrated skill in analyses using R; computer programming (e.g., Python, Java, BASH, and/or Google Earth Engine).
• Experience collaborating across institutions to jointly pursue research topics relevant to both academic and applied audiences.
• Demonstrated experience managing and completing complex projects with multiple stakeholders and deliverables, including strong communication skills.
• Demonstrated excellence in written communication, especially as it relates to manuscript writing.
• Must submit all college transcripts.
• Must clearly identify how you fulfill the SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE to be considered.

Nice To Haves

• Coordination within the Move BON Mortality Metrics Working Group.
• Development of a standardized indicator for animal mortality.
• Creation of an open-source toolkit for reproducible indicator calculation.
• Partnership with national reporting bodies for a cross-taxa case study.

Responsibilities

• Analyzes data using computers with statistical and graphics software applying appropriate statistical tests and data reduction methods.
• Reviews background material submitted with samples, determines approaches to be used in analysis and devises modification in the method that is required to solve the analytical problems.
• Writes reports and publishable scientific papers and gives oral presentations on the results of the sampling and experiments.
• Publishes scholarly reports of descriptive and/or theoretical nature based on the above.
• Serves as a consultant and advisor on professional matters in their area of expertise to colleagues, Federal agencies, institutions, organizations, and the general public.
• May assist with guidance and teaching of students and technicians working on one or more research projects.
• May train staff members, interns, fellows, students, and visiting scholars in the theory and practical use of specialized equipment as appropriate.
• Advises researchers in the interpretation of the obtained data and ensures safe and responsible work practices with such equipment.
• Assists in preparation and submission of grant proposals.
• Reviews research proposals, manuscripts, and publications as requested by scientific colleagues and outside institutions.
• Lectures to professional associations and other organizations.
• Attends and participates in national and international scientific conferences, seminars, and societies.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Health Insurance
• Dental & Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Transit/Commuter Benefits
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
• Annual and Sick Leave
• Family Friendly Leave
• 403b Retirement Plan
• Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants
• Credit Union
• Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Child Care)
• Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: postdoctoral
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree