Post Doctoral Associate - Biology

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The Quimbayo Lab is searching for a Postdoctoral Associate within the University of Miami, Department of Biology to compare biodiversity patterns of terrestrial and marine organisms across space and time.

The research will be conducted primarily at the University of Miami, with potential trips to visit collaborating labs. The postdoctoral associate work will be structured into the following tasks :

Task 1. Compare terrestrial and marine communities in oceanic archipelagos. Based on the Island Biogeography Theory and its multiple extensions that explain species diversity patterns in insular systems.

We will use taxonomic and trait-based approaches to explore terrestrial and marine communities. Specifically, we will test whether reef fish, marine invertebrates, birds, and plant communities in oceanic archipelagos exhibit different taxonomic and functional beta-diversity patterns.

Task 2. Linking climate change and past, present, and future of fish communities. The redistribution of species due to global environmental changes and the consequences for biodiversity and by extension human well-being are not yet fully understood.

Climate change may promote range expansions, contractions, and local extinctions and therefore, affect multiple aspects of diversity, including functional and phylogenetic.

Quantifying the impacts of recent ocean warming on the structure of ecological communities and predicting how future climate may continue to modify these assemblages hinges on effectively utilizing large, high quality, datasets.

We will model how ocean warming influences species distributions, traits and phylogenetic diversity of fish communities in shallow and mesophotic reefs.

Task 3. Evaluate temporal trends in benthic communities. Understanding the temporal dynamics of benthic communities can help identify the impacts of environmental changes, such as climate change, pollution, and habitat destruction.

It also allows for the assessment of recovery and resilience following disturbances. This information is vital for informing conservation strategies, managing marine resources, and predicting future changes in marine ecosystems.

We will use data from long-term monitoring programs to evaluate changes in the benthic cover over time.

Outcomes : First and co-author publications.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities :

Strong computational skills, including data management, data wrangling, and data management systems.

Programming experience (R and / or Python)

A demonstrated track record of analyzing complex ecological data.

The ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team

Experience in Bayesian modeling

How to Apply :

Interested applicants should submit a single PDF file including the following information :

1. Cover letter addressing how the candidate’s expertise meets the position requirements listed above, describing previous experience and preferred area of research

2. A statement of research accomplishments and interests

3. CV (including contact information for 3 references).

4. Significant publications

Duration

Anticipated appointment duration up to two years.

Minimum Qualifications :

Education Requirements (Essential Requirements) :

Doctoral degree or equivalent in their specialty

Work Experience Requirements (Essential Requirements) :

Desirable previous post-doctoral experience but is not a requirement

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

Must have excellent communication skills, oral and written.

Must be detail-oriented

The University of Miami is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Females / Minorities / Protected Veterans / Individuals with Disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Applicants and employees are protected from discrimination based on certain categories protected by Federal law. Click for additional information.

Job Status : Full time

Full time

Employee Type : Staff

Staff

Pay Grade :