Post Doctoral Research Fellow

Job Summary/Basic Function:

Serves in a temporary position that enables an individual with their Ph.D. to continue their training as a researcher and gain skills and experience that will prepare them for their research career in academia or elsewhere. As a postdoc, the position can perform mostly independent research, collaborate on a multi-scholar research initiative, or even may have lead responsibility for discrete components of a larger research project or program, all while under the general direction of a senior or principal researcher.

Department Overview:

The project is a collaboration between Boise State University, Cornell University, George Washington University, and the Centre for Ecology, Development, and Research (CEDAR; Uttarakhand, India). This is a two-year appointment and while the PDRA will be based in Boise, they will be co-mentored by Dr. Ginger Allington (Cornell University) and have the opportunity to work closely with members of the team in New York and India. Project partners will provide expertise on pollinator ecology, institutional emergence, remote sensing, and spatial modeling.
The PDRA position requires deep expertise in agent-based model building and application, reproducible science, and a strong quantitative background - a doctorate in a quantitative subject (e.g.,, geography, computational social science, quantitative ecology, computer science) is a requirement; a track record of multi-disciplinary research and team science. Experience in complementary disciplines (e.g., land systems science, environmental governance, natural resource management) and willingness to participate in international field work is strongly preferred.

Level Scope:

After earning a Ph.D., the next step in the academic or research career path is often a postdoc. A postdoc is a continuation of a researcher’s training that enables them to further their professional development and start to transition from student to independent researcher. Postdocs also often take additional leadership or teaching responsibilities in their laboratory or department. These positions are usually two to three years and it is not unusual for a researcher to do more than one postdoc.

Essential Functions:

60% of Time the Postdoctoral Research Fellow may:
● Problem solve research challenges and model development, as applicable.
● Contribute discrete components of a larger project under the general direction of a senior or principal researcher.
● Prepare complete documentation of research activities for reference purposes, including following applicable data management protocols.
● Analyze, interpret, and document research findings for review.
● Compare actual and expected results and suggest solutions to correct the deviations.
● Evaluate existing research or modeling techniques and recommend improvements to ensure quality and productivity.
● Assist in the preparation of proposals and reports.
● Assist in teaching classes.

35% of the Time the Postdoctoral Research Fellow may:

● Develop the computational pipeline for an agent-based model of institutional emergence for pollinators
● Gather, maintain, and document spatial datasets necessary for the ABM
● Lead or contribute analyses to peer-reviewed publications
● Prepare complete documentation of research activities for reference purposes, including following applicable data management protocols.
● Assist in the preparation of proposals and reports.
● Participate in monthly research team meetings
● Support proposal development for additional funding for the project
● Finalize manuscripts not associated with this project
● Participate in training and professional development opportunities
● Mentor graduate and undergraduate students

5% of the time other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

Basic
● The selected candidate must be able to meet eligibility requirements for work in the United States at the time the appointment is scheduled to begin and to continue working legally for the proposed term of the appointment.
● Excellent teamwork and communication skills.
● Scientific writing skills demonstrated through peer reviewed publications.
● Ability to acquire accurate, reproducible data.
● Critical eye towards consistency, reproducibility, and the scientific method in general.
● Excellent project and time management skills.
● Strong interpersonal skills and mentoring skills.
● Advocate for safety and ethics in the work place.

Preferred
Determined by department needs

Minimum Qualifications:

Requires a minimum of a Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in a relevant discipline.

Preferred Qualifications:

● Broad understanding of complex syste