Research Associate I, White Sturgeon Population Viability

Posting Context Statement

Incumbent will perform quantitative research on the population dynamics of White Sturgeon in the Snake River. Using existing data, the incumbent will estimate abundance, survival, recruitment, and movement rates for two sturgeon populations. The incumbent will use estimates to parameterize a demographic simulation model that accommodates management interventions and different environmental scenarios. Position supervised by Dr. Matt Falcy of the USGS, Idaho Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit at the University of Idaho.

Position Overview

Performs research activities and analysis; implements and evaluates research procedures and data. Records observations and measurements then reports results. Responsible for analyzing and preparing results for publication. Works under general supervision with a certain degree of creativity and latitude. May supervise junior research personnel.

Duties may include:

• Provide technical support in planning and/or designing of scientific projects, studies, or applications
• Plan and conduct research and analysis of scientific data
• Interpret test results and comparing with determined standards and limits
• Identify and evaluating scientific samples and determining need for further testing
• Develop recommendations and/or providing solutions, standards, and protocol to a wide range of difficult problems
• Plan, design, develop, monitor and/or evaluate portions of a scientific project, study, or application
• Provide scientific evaluations/assessments
• Research, implement, standardize, and evaluate new procedures
• Maintain detailed records of results and prepares written reports acceptable to the Principal Investigator and funding agencies
• Other duties as assigned

Required Experience

Two years of post-bachelor’s research experience related to the domain of this position

Required Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Fisheries Science or closely related field

Additional Preferred

• Expertise in fisheries ecology and management
• Expertise in R
• Familiarity with hierarchical, age-structured population modeling
• Familiarity with mark recapture techniques, especially open population models
• Familiarity with Bayesian analysis and model selection in JAGS
• Familiarity with integrated population models is preferred but not required