Postdoctoral Research Associate
- Employer
- Texas A&M University Corpus Christi
- Location
- Texas, United States
- Salary
- Salary Not specified
- Date posted
- Mar 22, 2024
View more
- Position Type
- Faculty Positions, Science, Technology & Mathematics, Statistics
- Employment Level
- Post-Doc
- Employment Type
- Full Time
Job Title
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Agency
Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi
Department
College of Science - Life Sciences
Proposed Minimum Salary
Commensurate
Job Location
Corpus Christi, Texas
Job Type
Staff
Job Description
TAMU-CC is a dynamic university designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and Minority-Serving Institution (MSI) with approximately 11,000 students from 47 states and 54 foreign nations. We employ over 1,400 full-time and 2,000 part-time Islanders (including students/GAs). The University attracts highly talented faculty and staff and offers an array of undergraduate and graduate degrees, including doctoral programs. As a member of the Texas A&M University System, TAMU-CC benefits from a range of resources, increased visibility and influence, and opportunities to collaborate in mutually beneficial ways with peers across member institutions and associated agencies.
TAMU-CC's beautiful campus is located on a 240-acre island on Corpus Christi Bay and was ranked #1 College by the Sea by Best College Reviews. Our natural setting is enhanced by its modern, attractive, and state-of-the-art classroom buildings and support facilities.
Learn more information here!
PURPOSE
- The Postdoctoral research position will be part of the
McCracken Lab in the Department of Life Sciences at Texas A&M
University-Corpus Christi.
- The successful candidate will advance research in biodiversity,
species distribution modeling, movement/habitat use and
conservation, with a particular focus on amphibians and reptiles
(herpetofauna).
DESCRIPTION
Seeking a highly motivated and skilled Postdoctoral researcher to join an interdisciplinary team dedicated to advancing research in biodiversity, species distribution, habitat use, and conservation, with a particular focus on amphibians and reptiles. The successful candidate will employ a suite of methodological approaches to study herpetofauna in south Texas and will analyze spatial and temporal patterns to understand their ecological needs and conservation status. They will also be responsible for preparing publications and reports on research results and assist with mentoring undergraduate and graduate students conducting field work and data analysis. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to critical conservation efforts and to advance our understanding of herpetofaunal ecology.
Functional Area 1: Research
Percent Effort: 30%
Job Duties
- Contribute to the design and implementation of field studies to
collect data on amphibian and reptile biodiversity, species
distributions, movement and habitat use. Focus is on Texas Species
of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN's), with funded projects
investigating the Texas Scarlet snake, Texas Diamondback terrapin,
and the Black-spotted newt.
- Employ a range of tools and techniques including camera traps,
AHDriFT, automated recording devices, eDNA sampling and traditional
surveys to collect data.
- Collect morphometric and biological sample data for genetic and
disease analyses. (i.e. blood, tissue, swabs, etc.)
Functional Area 2: Data Analysis
Percent Effort: 30%
Job Duties
- Build species distribution models for focal SGCN's to inform
research and conservation strategies.
- Use machine/deep learning approaches for species detection and
identification.
- Apply biodiversity and movement statistics (including
hierarchical modeling) to analyze data.
Functional Area 3: Disseminate Research Results
Percent Effort: 30%
Job Duties
- Lead the preparation of research findings for publication in
peer-reviewed national/international journals; and present results
at local, regional, national, and international
meetings.
- Engage with local communities, stakeholders, and conservation
organizations to disseminate research findings and promote
conservation initiatives.
- Provide engaging research updates for communication platforms
including social media and other media outlets, as
applicable.
- Contribute to the preparation of interim and final reports for
projects.
Functional Area 4: Other
Percent Effort: 10%
Job Duties
- Assist with mentorship of undergraduate and graduate students
conducting field work and data analysis.
- Assist with monthly travel and expense reporting.
- Assist with permitting and IACUC protocols.
- Contribute to the development of grant proposals to secure
funding for ongoing and future research projects.
- Engage with our departmental and university-wide academic
community.
QUALIFICATIONS
- PhD in ecology, wildlife biology/ecology, conservation biology,
statistics, applied mathematics, or a related field.
- Strong organizational and quantitative skills, including
expertise in data management and statistical analysis (Program
R).
- Proven track record of publishing scientific research in
peer-reviewed journals.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with
the ability to engage effectively with a range of
audiences.
- Demonstrated experience in conducting field research in
challenging environments.
- Ability to safely carry 50 lbs. and work in and around aquatic
environments.
- Valid US driver's license and ability to operate 4-wheel drive
vehicles.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with GIS software and species distribution
modeling.
- Research experience with vertebrates, preferably herpetofauna.
Including collection of biological samples such as blood and
tissue, and implanting PIT tags.
- Experience with field survey methods such as traditional
herpetofauna techniques, eDNA sampling, AHDriFT, camera traps,
and/or acoustic monitoring.
SALARY
Approx. $4,375 monthly (Approx. $52,500 Annually)
BENEFITS (rules, policies, eligibility apply)
From our generous benefits package and professional development opportunities, to our retirement programs and our commitment to service excellence, the Island University is an engaging and rewarding place to work.
Insurance
- Medical
- $0 - $30 per month for Employee Only coverage after university
contribution ($920 value).
- Up to 83% of premium covered by the university:
- Employee and Spouse
- Employee and Children
- Employee and Family coverage
- Employee and Spouse
- $0 - $30 per month for Employee Only coverage after university
contribution ($920 value).
- Dental & Vision
- Life Insurance, Accidental D&D, Long Term Disability,
Flexible Spending Account and Day Care Spending Account
On-campus wellness opportunities
Work Life Solutions:
- Counseling, Work Life Assistance, Financial Resources, and
Legal Resources
Tuition Benefits:
- Public Loan Forgiveness
- Book scholarships
- 100% tuition coverage for up to 18 credit hours per fiscal year
(other rules may apply).
Retirement
- Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) or Optional Retirement
Plan (ORP)
- Voluntary Tax Deferred Account/Deferred Compensation
Plan
Time Off:
- 8+ hours of vacation paid time off every month.
- 8 hours of sick leave time off every month.
- 8 hours of paid time off for Birthday leave.
- 12-15 paid holidays each year.
All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution's verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution's procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.
Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.
To apply, visit https://tamus.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/TAMUCC_External/job/Corpus-Christi-TX/Postdoctoral-Research-Associate_R-071801
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