Postdoctoral Fellow in Bird Modelling and Remote Sensing

The Boreal Avian Modelling (BAM) project seeks a Postdoctoral Fellow to join our team at Biodiversity Pathways and in collaboration with Drs. Erin Bayne and Elly Knight. BAM is a collaborative, long-term, project supporting the conservation and management of boreal birds in North America.

The successful applicant will be instrumental to new initiatives in use of remote sensing tools for conservation planning in Canada. BAM is leader in data integration and building predictive species abundance models for birds, and is a member of the WildTrax initiative that has millions of bird surveys to build those models. The focus of this position will be building species-specific habitat models for forest bird species using state of the art methods and remote sensing layers that are sensitive to regional variation in habitat selection and using those models to support conservation initiatives. The post-doc will lead the writing of manuscripts and represent the project at meetings from local to international, and with diverse partners.

Applicants must hold a recent PhD. Essential qualifications include strong quantitative skills coupled with an interest in avian ecology and conservation in general. Significant experience with machine learning and hierarchical models is desired. Demonstrated application of remote sensing tools like Google Earth Engine, LiDAR, and Planet will be a strong asset.

This is a two-year Mitacs funded position located in Edmonton, AB, with the possibility of renewal, conditional on performance and funding. Annual salary is $65,000-$70,000, with additional funds to cover expenses for software, project travel, scientific conferences, and publications. The position can begin as soon as a suitable candidate is found, with potential for relocation expenses to be covered. This is a desk-based position, but some field work may be needed or can be arranged. Biodiversity Pathways & the University of Alberta are committed to an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women; First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons; members of visible minority groups; persons with disabilities; persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression; and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas to apply.

Please provide a letter of interest, CV, an example of your scientific writing, and a list of three references. In your letter, state HOW you meet the qualifications and WHEN is your earliest availability. Apply by email to bamp@ualberta.ca with the subject heading “Postdoctoral Fellow in Bird Modelling and Remote Sensing”.

Applications will be accepted from February 10th, 2025 until the position is filled.

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