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Postdoc Position: Postdoctoral Researcher at Moss Landing Marine Labs (CA)

The Vertebrate Ecology Lab at Moss Landing Marine Labs is recruiting a Postdoctoral Researcher on the NSF-funded project: Foraging Ecology and Physiology of Emperor Penguins in the Ross Sea. Deadline to apply: 6/28/2023.

Agency/Organization: Moss Landing Marine Labs at San Jose State University, SJSU Research Foundation

Location: Moss Landing, California

Website: click here to apply

Job Description: The postdoctoral researcher will work under the direction of Associate Professor Birgitte McDonald. Understanding the mechanisms that animals use to find and acquire food is a fundamental question in ecology. Predators need to be able to adjust their foraging behavior depending on the conditions they encounter. Our primary goal is to identify behavioral and physiological variability in foraging Emperor Penguins that can be linked to individual success in the marine environment during two critical life history stages. We will investigate the foraging energetics, ecology, and habitat use of Emperor Penguins at Cape Crozier, the 2nd most southern colony, during late chick-rearing (field seasons Oct/Nov 2022 and 2024). Energy management is particularly crucial during late chick-rearing as parents need to feed both themselves and their rapidly growing offspring while being constrained to regions near the colony. Additionally, we are studying the ecology and habitat preference after the molt and through early reproduction using satellite-linked data loggers (field season Jan/Feb 2023). The postdoctoral scholar will take the lead on one or two aspects of the project. Potential projects include determining the habitat use of post-molt emperor penguins (tags are still collecting data), or investigating the foraging energetics of late chick-rearing emperor penguins. The postdoc will also participate in mentoring of graduate students and outreach activities. The last field season is tentatively scheduled for Oct/Nov 2024.

Essential duties and responsibilities:

  • Work with the PI and graduate students to conduct research investigating the foraging ecology, energetics, and habitat use of emperor penguins. Under the guidance of the mentor, the postdoc will collect and analyze data, and write manuscripts.
  • Work with PI to coordinate the fieldwork. This includes conducting an inventory, ordering field and lab supplies, testing data loggers, and packing and shipping gear.
  • Assist with the training of graduate and undergraduate students involved in the project and
    act as a mentor to graduate students in the Vertebrate Ecology Lab.
  • Participate in career development activities such as workshops at conferences and courses offered at San José State University (SJSU).
  • Responsibilities may evolve to ensure the postdoctoral scholar continues to develop professional skills.

Qualifications:

Education and experience

  • Ph.D in biology or a related discipline is required.
  • Minimum of 2 years’ experience working with birds or mammals is required (preferred marine species). Experience with animal capture, blood sampling, and data logger attachment is desired.
  • Minimum of 1 years’ experience working with large data sets is required — ideally with a specialization in animal movement.
  • Full proficiency in use of computer equipment and software, including Microsoft Office, and programing in R, MATLAB or Python is required.
  • Experience mentoring students in the field and lab is desired.

Knowledge and skills required

  • Skilled in techniques necessary to process and analyze large data sets using R or MatLab.
  • Excellent writing skills and communication skills
  • Ability to use initiative and sound independent judgment within established guidelines.
  • Ability to organize work, set priorities, and meet critical deadlines with little supervision.
  • Ability to work effectively and maintain cooperative working relationships with others.

Physical requirements

  • Must be able to sit or stand to operate a PC, including mouse and keyboard.
  • Must be able to lift 60 lbs.
  • Must be able to hike up to 4 miles daily carrying heavy backpacks (30-40 lb).
  • Must be able to get Medical and Dental clearance to work in a remote field camp in Antarctica.
  • Must be able to conduct fieldwork in cold conditions.

Wage: $28-29 hr (~$59,000/year) with benefits. Term: Sep 1, 2023 – Jun 30, 2025.

To apply: click here to apply

Application Deadline: 6/28/2023

Start Date: 9/1/2023 (start date negotiable)

Contact: Birgitte McDonald (birgitte.mcdonald@sjsu.edu)