Postdoctoral Scholar

Job Title: Postdoctoral Scholar
Location: SICCS
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Job ID: 605292
Workplace Culture
NAU is a community devoted to student success and sustained by an unshakable commitment to our shared mission, vision, and values. We-faculty, staff, and administrators-thrive by combining our efforts and working side by side to further NAU's culture of excellence.
[](https://nau.edu/strategic-plan-2025/)

Job Description
Northern Arizona University is seeking candidates for a postdoctoral position to develop integrated population models (IPMs) for management applications in ecology. The postdoctoral scientist will work with Dr. Kiona Ogle at NAU and Dr. Jamie Sanderlin at USFS Rocky Mountain Research Station and other USFS collaborators to develop IPMs for management applications in ecology. Expected outcomes include the publication of scientific manuscripts describing the methodology and findings related to the study.
The primary objectives for this post-doctoral position are to:

* Develop and analyze existing long-term study data from nest density, nest survival, occupancy, productivity, and home range size data within an IPM for white-headed woodpeckers, a National Forest focal species selected for monitoring at three Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Projects;
* Assess study design effort for each data source in relation to monitoring objectives;
* Incorporate the initial IPM into an adaptive management framework. The post-doctoral researcher will also have the opportunity to participate in other Forest Service Research & Development projects under the umbrella of data integration and leveraging multiple data sources.

Minimum Qualifications

* Must have a PhD in statistics, ecology, or closely related field by the start of employment.
* Must also have demonstrated experience publishing scientific papers in the areas of statistics, quantitative ecology, or ecology.
* Must have the ability to develop and implement Bayesian hierarchical statistical models.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
Knowledge

* Competitive candidates should have a background in one or more areas related to population demographic models, data-model integration, integrated population models, and avian or wildlife biology.
Skills

* Experience using R, JAGS, OpenBUGS, STAN, or NIMBLE software is desirable.
* Experience developing custom software to fit Bayesian models and working knowledge of Unix/Linux computer operating systems is preferred.
Abilities

* An ability to communicate and enjoy collaborating in groups on research is beneficial.

Background Information
Northern Arizona University requires satisfactory results for the following: a criminal background investigation, an employment history verification and a degree verification (in some cases) prior to employment. You may also be required to complete a fingerprint background check.
Additionally, as an employer in the state of Arizona, NAU is required to participate in the federal E-Verify program that assists employers with verifying new employees' right to work in the United States.
Finally, each year Northern Arizona University releases an [Annual Security Report](https://in.nau.edu/police-department/annual-security-and-fire-safety-reports/). The report is a result of a federal law known as the Clery Act. The report includes Clery reportable crime statistics for the three most recent completed calendar years and discloses procedures, practices and programs NAU uses to keep students and employees safe including how to report crimes or other emergencies occurring on campus. In addition, the [Fire Safety Report](https://in.nau.edu/police-department/annual-security-and-fire-safety-reports/) is combined with the Annual Security Report for the NAU Flagstaff Mountain Campus and NAU-Fort Defiance as these campuses have on-campus student housing. This report discloses fire safety policies and procedures related to on-campus student housing and statistics for fires that occurred in those facilities.
If you would like a free paper copy of the report, please contact the NAUPD Records Department at (928) 523-8884 or by visiting the department at 525 E. Pine Knoll Drive in Flagstaff.

Salary
Annual salary is $50,000.

FLSA Status
This position is exempt from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and therefore will not earn overtime or compensatory time for additional time worked.

Benefits
Post-Doctoral Scholars are hired on a contract basis, renewable each fiscal year for a maximum of 4 renewals (5 years) according to terms of the Arizona Board of Regents' [Conditions of Post-Doctoral Service](http://azregents.asu.edu/rrc/Policy%20Manual/6-310-Conditions%20of%20Postdoctoral%20Scholar%20Service.pdf).

NAU offers an excellent benefit package to Post-Doctoral Scholars including generous health, dental and vision insurance; 10 days of vacation and 10 holidays per year; and tuition reduction for employees and qualified family members. New employees are eligible for benefits on the first day of the pay period following their enrollment, after their employment date. Employees will have 31 days from their start date to enroll in benefits. Participation in NAU retirement plans is not available to Post-Doctoral Scholars. More information on benefits at NAU is available at the NAU [HR benefits page](https://in.nau.edu/human-resources/eligibility-enrollment/).

Learning and Development
Your career at Northern Arizona University includes the opportunity for professional development. [New employee on-boarding training](https://in.nau.edu/Human-Resources/Required/) includes courses to be completed within the first 30 days. If your position includes the supervision of a benefit-eligible employee, we offer the NAU Supervisors Academy for you to complete within your first 2 years.

Application Deadline
Open until further notice, however, full consideration will be given to applications received by April 30, 2021.

How to Apply
Application materials include:

* Curriculum vitae
* Cover letter describing interest in project and relevant background and qualifications relevant to the position
* Contact information for 3 professional references
All application materials should be submitted electronically in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format.
To apply for this position, please click on the "Apply" button on this page. You must submit your application by clicking on the "Submit" button by midnight of the application deadline. If you need assistance completing your application there are instructions available on the [Human Resources website ](https://in.nau.edu/human-resources/)or in person in the Human Resources Department located in Building 91 on the NAU Campus - on the corner of Beaver and DuPont Streets.

If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to participate in the hiring process please contact the Office of Equity and Access at: 928-523-3312/TDD - 928-523-1006 or PO Box 4083, Flagstaff AZ 86011.

General Information
Northern Arizona University is a 22,870-student institution with its main campus in Flagstaff, a four-season community of about 70,000 at the base of the majestic San Francisco Peaks. NAU's emphasis on undergraduate education is enhanced by its graduate programs and research as well as distance learning. All faculty members are expected to promote student learning and help students achieve academic outcomes.
The university is committed to a diverse and civil working and learning environment.
For information about diversity, access, and equity at NAU, see the [Center for University Access and Inclusion webpage](http://nau.edu/Center-for-University-Access-and-Inclusion/).

Equal Employment Opportunity
Northern Arizona University is a committed Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution. Women, minorities, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. NAU is responsive to the needs of dual career couples.
[EEO is the Law Poster and Supplements](https://in.nau.edu/Human-Resources/Posters-Required-by-Law/)
NAU is an Employer of National Service. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other National Service alumni are encouraged to apply.