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.