Research Associate-Fixed Term
Michigan State University

Job no: 963468
Work type: Faculty/Academic Staff
Major Administrative Unit / College: College Of Agriculture And Nat Resources
Department: Fisheries And Wildlife 10002344
Sub Area: FAS- Fac./Acad Staff
Salary: Salary Commensurate with Experience
Location: East Lansing
Categories: Research/Scientific, Fixed Term Academic Staff, Full Time (90-100%), Non-Union, Remote-Friendly
Position Summary

Title: Synthesis of critical knowledge gaps in climate change risks to wetlands and wetland ecosystems services in the Midwest.

A postdoctoral research associate position is available in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife at Michigan State University (MSU) as part of the Midwest Climate Adaptation Science Center (MW CASC), a Center funded by the U.S. Geological Survey and comprising academic and partner institutions in Illinois, Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Indiana (https://mwcasc.umn.edu/). The MW CASC is part of a national network of regional Centers that teams scientists with natural and cultural resource managers and local communities to help fish, wildlife, water, land, and people adapt to a changing climate. The MW CASC Consortium's vision is to advance climate adaptation science and practice across all components of the climate adaptation cycle by pursuing region-specific, collaborative, synthesis projects that build on past work, provide new resources and tools, and catalyze adaptation capacity across the Midwest.

The MSU-based Postdoctoral Fellow will serve as the principal analyst and researcher for the Consortium's synthesis project intended to identify key gaps in the translation of climate science, and use of climate change adaptation approaches, among practitioners actively restoring drained wetlands in the Midwestern United States. The approach will emphasize relationship-building and engagement with a diverse group of practitioners who will be invited to collaborate and assist with the synthesis. Post-doctoral associate will assess the state of the science and practices used to inform projects where lands are being transitioned back from agricultural use. Initial goals are to learn about the restoration practices, including what guidance and tools practitioners are using for site selection and for implementing and evaluating restoration projects, particularly considering a changing climate. The postdoc will be expected to lead data analysis, organize workshops, and develop senior-authored manuscripts as outputs from these activities. Research outcomes will be co-produced with non-academic partners to support the implementation of research findings in environmental decision-making and will require partner engagement and regular briefings.

The postdoc will work closely with MSU faculty, Drs. Jen Owen, Angela Burrow, and Barret Wessel, and TNC research scientist Dr. Kimberly Hall and with a regional synthesis working group that will include consortium members and state, federal, and tribal partners. The postdoc will be expected to interact in-person with the synthesis project's working group at annual MW CASC meetings, workshops, and other appropriate events.

Opportunities for training, professional development, and conference attendance will be provided by the team as well as through the MSU Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (https://postdocs.msu.edu/).

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.

Required Degree

Doctorate -ecology, natural resources or a related

Minimum Requirements

• Ph.D. in ecology, natural resources or a related field by the start of the position
• Research interests in wetland ecosystems, climate change, management and/or conservation of natural resources.
• Expertise with quantitative and/or spatial data analysis
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills
• Strong publication track record with at least one first author publication
• Strong interest in stakeholder engagement
• Excellent oral and written communication skills

Desired Qualifications

• Experience working in multidisciplinary or interdisciplinary collaborative groups or teams
• Experience with grant writing
• Experience with project management

Required Application Materials

Please submit a CV, names and contact information for three references, 2-3 representative publications or papers, and a 2-3 page statement summarizing your research interests and experience, including any previous work engaging with managers/stakeholders, conducting needs assessments, and sharing science with diverse audiences. Please contact Dr. Jen Owen (owenj@msu.edu) with questions.

Review of Applications Begins On

07/10/2024

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

Website

https://www.canr.msu.edu/fw/

Department Statement

The Department of Fisheries and Wildlife is a vibrant community of scholars comprising about 50 core faculty (tenure stream and fixed-term faculty, and academic specialists), 80 graduate and 240 undergraduate students, and 30 research associates. Our Mission is to build local, national, and international capacities to conserve ecosystems that support fish, wildlife, and society through integrated programs in research, education and engagement. We are committed to the integrative nature of natural resources conservation and management, with our expertise ranging from disciplinary areas with a long-standing history in the domain of fisheries and wildlife to those emerging more recently. For more information about the Department, please visit our website: https://www.canr.msu.edu/fw/

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.

Advertised: Jun 28, 2024 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Jun 28, 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

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