Career Opportunity / 

Post Doctoral Fellow - Computer Vision/Arctic Avian Ecology

The University of Alaska Fairbanks is seeking a research Post Doctoral Fellow to work in collaboration with the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The position will focus on using Machine Learning and other quantitative methods to analyze existing video and logger data to assess the breeding ecology and limiting factors of common eider breeding on barrier islands in the Beaufort Sea, primarily within the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Join a team of investigators focused on high Arctic ecology.

Fairbanks, Alaska. Applicants who would like to work remotely will also be considered. - United States

The Post Doctoral Researcher will join a team investigating impacts of environmental change on Arctic marine birds and will gain knowledge on conservation practices being used to navigate oil and gas development within the Arctic Refuge coastal plain, while balancing the Refuge’s other four purposes. The project will benefit from a wealth of data collected from the study area over the past 5-10 years. Working with the co-PIs and other collaborators at the University and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the researcher’s work may include, but is not necessarily limited to: Develop innovative tools to study avian physiology, behavior, and demography using data collected using remote cameras and physiological data loggers. Using Computer Vision and Machine Learning to analyze time-lapse video of common eiders attending nests to assess incubation behavior and causes of nest failure. Publishing on these topics. Preparation of proposals for external funding on these and related topics.

We are seeking candidates for a Postdoctoral Fellow with Dr. Tuula Hollmen at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, working in collaboration with the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The Fellow will use quantitative methods, such as Computer Vision and Machine Learning, to analyze an existing dataset focused on the breeding ecology and limiting factors of common eider breeding on barrier islands in the Beaufort Sea, primarily within the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The dataset includes output from several remote monitoring tools (e.g., nest cameras and wind and heart-rate loggers). The emphasis will be on developing reproducible workflows for analyzing the data produced by these devices, as well as using those workflows to assess nest survival and factors affecting productivity, identifying nest predators, assessing physiological response to stressors, and predicting how climate change and future industrialization may impact eiders breeding on Beaufort Sea barrier islands.

The position allows for multiple professional development opportunities, including joining a team of investigators focused on high Arctic ecology and working closely with management agency partners on Arctic species conservation.

The Post Doctoral Researcher will be primarily based at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Applicants who would like to work remotely will also be considered.

Duration: Funding is secured for at least 1 year, with the opportunity of extension up to 2 years, based on performance and success in acquiring additional funding. Expected start date is January 2023.

 

REQUIRED EDUCATION OR TRAINING:    

Ph.D. in wildlife ecology, computer science, statistics, or closely related field.

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES: 

  • Knowledge of quantitative methods, including Computer Vision and Machine Learning, preferably to address questions associated with wildlife ecology using photos and video.
  • Proficiency in R or similar statistical software.
  • Demonstrated evidence of excellent written and oral communication skills, including success publishing in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
  • Ability to work independently and with a team.
  • Strong organizational skills.

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Experience in quantitative analysis of ecological data.
  • A strong interest or background in wildlife ecology.

Apply at https://careers.alaska.edu/en-us/job/522260/post-doctoral-fellow-arctic-avian-quantitative-ecology 

The review process for applications will be begin on December 5, 2022. This posting will be closed once it is filled.