The Quantitative Ecology Lab, led by Dr. Raisa Hernández Pacheco at California State University – Long Beach (CSULB), invites applications for a postdoctoral fellow in primate population ecology. The position is part of a US NSF-funded research project focused on the evolutionary demography of social mammals with a particular interest in understanding how the social environment experienced by individuals affect the eco-evolutionary dynamics of their populations. The project is highly interdisciplinary and seeks to jointly evaluate behavioral, physical, and cognitive data of rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) at the Cayo Santiago Biological Field Station in Puerto Rico. The position is based at CSULB, and depending on the candidate’s interests and skill set, opportunities for field work at Cayo Santiago are also available. This project will allow for many opportunities for the postdoctoral fellow to strengthen and grow their research program in population ecology and/or evolutionary demography. The project has opportunities for collaboration with a diverse set of mentors of varying expertise at multiple institutions, and professional development including strengthening technical skills, leading collaborative papers, and presenting at major conferences.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
The postdoc should be well-versed in population ecology modeling, including experience in structured population models and advanced skills in managing large datasets using computer programming. Specific duties include but are not limited to:
- Execute coded/reproducible management of large datasets;
- Construct and analyze structured population models;
- Oversee and work collaboratively with a diverse team of graduate and undergraduate students, and staff from multiple institutions; this may also include field settings;
- Plan studies and execute data collection with nonhuman primates, this could include cognitive experiments and/or morphometric sampling;
- Present scientific research at conferences and publishing in peer-reviewed journals;
- Design and implement educational outreach locally and/or at the field research site
EDUCATION, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- PhD in biology, ecology, or related field;
- Experience performing structured population models (i.e., matrix population models, integral projection models);
- Proficiency in R programming language or another relevant language;
- Proficiency in written and spoken English;
- Strong communication and leadership skills, including working as part of a diverse team;
- Willingness to work and collect field data on nonhuman primates in Puerto Rico; prior experience with primates is preferred but not required;
- Willingness to learn or prior experience with observational methods and/or morphometrics;
- Willingness to learn basic language skills in Spanish;
- Demonstrated interest in mentoring diverse undergraduate and graduate students;
Review of applications will begin on March 3, 2023 on a rolling basis and continue until filled.
For more details and how to apply, please visit the CSULB Quantitative Ecology Lab's webpage: https://www.csulb.edu/biological-sciences/quantitative-ecology-lab
Questions are welcome! rai.hernandezpacheco@csulb.edu