Postdoctoral Fellow in Ecological Forecasting of Boreal Bird Population Responses to Climate and Landscape Change

The Boreal Avian Modelling Project (BAM) seeks a Postdoctoral Fellow to join the Cumming lab at Université Laval, Québec City, in collaboration with J.A. Tremblay of Environment and Climate Change Canada. BAM is a long-term, international research collaboration supporting the conservation and management of boreal breeding birds in North America. The position is offered for one year, with the possibility of extension for two or three years, conditional on performance, eligibility, and funding.

The successful applicant will be instrumental to new initiatives in population assessment and avian conservation planning for eastern Canada. The goal of this project is to evaluate the impacts of past, present and future forest management on bird populations in SFI (Sustainable Forestry Initiative) certified vs. non-certified forests. This position will apply spatial simulation models to forecast species responses to forest management, anthropogenic disturbance, and climatic change (e.g., Cadieux et al. 2020; Micheletti et al. 2021), in order to identify effective methods to sustain their populations. The project may also include the application of spatial prioritization methods for conservation planning (e.g., Stralberg et al. 2018). This position will work closely with a research associate who will lead the development of species-specific habitat models for forest birds (see Crosby et al. 2019 and Adde et al. 2020), and with project graduate students. This work will be integrated with BAM’s efforts to produce national and regional avian density models. The postdoc will lead the writing of manuscripts and represent the project at meetings from local to international, and to research partners in government, industry, ENGOS, and academia.

Applicants must hold a PhD in a relevant discipline, to have been awarded not more than 3 years before taking up this position. Essential qualifications include strong quantitative skills coupled with an interest in avian ecology and conservation in general, independent of disciplinary background. Significant experience with advanced statistical or computational methodologies are essential (including R programming skills, while field experience in boreal systems and experience in multidisciplinary collaborations will be assets. Proficiency in French and English, both written and spoken, is preferred.

The preferred start date is September 1st 2022, but later or earlier dates may be negotiable. Location of tenure is negotiable given current circumstances, but the preferred location is Université Laval (Québec City), to facilitate effective engagement with the growing modelling team. Relocation expenses to Québec may be covered for qualified applicants. This is a lab-based position, but some field work may be needed or can be arranged. Annual salaries are $55,000-$60,000 including benefits. Additional funds are available to cover operating, conference and publication costs. BAM and Université Laval are committed to an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will be fully considered. 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 who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and of the University environment to apply.

To Apply:
Please provide a letter of interest, CV, an example of your scientific writing, and a list of three referees. 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 Eastern Forest and Bird Modelling”. Applications will be accepted until 30.05.2022 or until the position is filled.

This position is now closed.