Research Assistant II

Back to search results Apply now Job no:933915
Work type:Support Staff
Pay Grade: 12
Major Administrative Unit / College: College Of Agriculture And Nat Resources
Department: Fisheries And Wildlife 10002344
Sub Area: AP- Professionals
Salary: Salary Commensurate with Experience
Location:East Lansing
Categories:Research/Scientific, Administrative Professionals- AP, Full Time (90-100%), Union, Remote-Friendly

The Department of Fisheries and Wildlife is seeking applicants for a research assistant to join the Christensen Lab at Michigan State University to assist with a project evaluating private land access for management of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in free-ranging deer populations using spatial and statistical models. The research assistant will join a dynamic research team in the Christensen Lab at Michigan State University, a research group with a strong focus on wildlife disease ecology and spatial modeling. The successful candidate will work on a critical project that aims to evaluate patterns of landowner access and implications for mitigating the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) among ungulates. This project's goal is to use spatial models to assess the risks associated with CWD spread, explore potential mitigation strategies based on landowner willingness to participate in disease management efforts and their characteristics, and determine optimal locations for CWD management efforts based on private land access. This research project builds upon the lab's current data collection on attributes of landowner access and will be part of a multi-disciplinary collaboration with the USDA-APHIS Wildlife Services National Wildlife Research Center. The research assistant will collaborate on research activities designed to produce results suitable for presentation in scientific journals, conferences, and for stakeholder interests. Expected deliverables include assisting or leading the completion of annual reports, submission of at least one scientific publication, and presentation of research findings at conferences. The research assistant is expected to work collaboratively with colleagues and project partners and communicate research findings to broad audiences. 

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in the specific field of research employment or related science field; three to five years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in overseeing research projects and laboratory operations, operating and maintaining a variety of laboratory equipment, performing specialized and difficult analytical and research techniques, and designing research experiments in an area related to research being performed; may require software specific to the area of research; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. The position may require special licensing or certification in the field related to the area of employment.

Master's degree in statistics, geography, wildlife ecology, epidemiology, biometrics or a related field.

Excellent communication skills, both written and oral. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a research team. Expertise in spatial and statistical modeling (preferably at a landscape scale), working with remote sensing and census tract data, and expertise of software such as Program R, Python, and other GIS platforms. Ability to formulate hypotheses, conduct appropriate analyses independently and with appropriate scientific and statistical validity, and interpret data sufficient to draw defensible inferences and conclusions. Experience publishing statistical, ecological, geographical, and/or disease research results in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Ability to work effectively and courteously with a multi-disciplinary team.

Competitive candidates will have experience developing statistical and/or spatial models for wildlife ecology and disease systems (private lands analysis or CWD a plus), experience with simulation, experience in human geography, strong oral and written communication skills for diverse audiences including biologists, scientists, policy makers, and the public sufficient to document and disseminate completed research results, experience collaborating with state wildlife management agencies on wildlife disease research and management, ability to summarize and analyze spatially explicit data using R and ArcGIS, experience establishing productive collaborations with other researchers, research background in population or disease ecology and a publication record commensurate with time since degree completion are preferred.

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.

Please submit your CV, a letter of research interests and goals, a list of three references, and academic transcripts.

More about The Christensen Lab: Join our team at the Christensen Lab and contribute to critical research that addresses the challenges posed by CWD and its impact on ungulate populations. We look forward to welcoming a dedicated postdoctoral research associate to our project and our dynamic research group. Our lab focuses on evaluations of wildlife population health and understanding the dynamics of infectious diseases in wildlife populations to develop strategies for their management and conservation. We employ cutting-edge field research, quantitative modeling, and interdisciplinary approaches to address critical challenges in wildlife health. For more information about our lab, please visit our website: www.christensen-lab.org .

Review of applications will continue until filled. For more information about the position, contact Dr. Sonja Christensen ([email protected] ).

STANDARD 8-5

This is an off dated position funded for one year from the date of hire with possible extension contingent upon funding renewal.

www.christensen-lab.org

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.

Advertised:Mar 20, 2024 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close:Apr 2, 2024 Eastern Daylight Time