Post doc fellowship in stable isotope ecology

We have an immediate vacancy for up to two postdoctoral fellows (PDFs)
to work on NSF-funded projects studying space-time dynamics in stable
isotope ecology (ITCE: Inter-university Training for Continental-scale
Ecology; and ORIGIN: Origin Inference from Geospatial Isotope
Networks). These positions will be based at the University of Utah and
overseen by a team of collaborators from University of Utah,
University of Colorado Denver, University of Florida, Purdue
University, and University of Southampton.

Project 1 will extend existing models to explore how stable H and O
isotope signatures of consumers reflect animal behavior, physiology,
and isotope dynamics in terrestrial or marine environments. Working
with the project members, the PDF will couple temporally explicit
isoscape models, agent based models of animal movement, and
physiological biogeochemical models to explore isotopic consequences
of specified traits. Model predictions will be tested against existing
and new data for model systems expressing contrasting traits. Project
goals include advancing understanding of controls on the isotopic
composition of consumers, isotopic variation within and among
individuals, and interpretation of stable isotope data in diet and
movement-focused applications.

Project 2 will focus on the development of creative approaches and
analytical tools for the interpretation of stable isotope data as
indicators of geographic provenance (e.g., in studies of migration
ecology, historic biogeography, paleoecology, archaeology, and
forensics). The PDF will work with the project team to propose and
test new approaches to the analysis and interpretation of isotopic
markers in geographic provenance research, leveraging data from a
range of natural systems. As a component of the project the PDF will
create and distribute an R-based package of tools that implement the
analysis frameworks developed and couple them with a spatially indexed
isotope database (IsoMAP) and other publically available
spatiotemporal datasets. The envisioned toolset will be of broad use
in geographic provenance studies and establish cross-community
standards for such applications.

Applicants should have working knowledge of stable isotope ecology,
physiology, and/or biogeography, strong quantitative skills, and
programming experience in R or similar scientific programming
environments; previous experience with developing and maintaining code
packages for CRAN is desirable. Although support is available for up
to 2 PDFs to work in the project areas defined above, it is possible
for an individual applicant to contribute to both areas depending on
their interest and skills.

To apply submit curriculum vitae, a letter summarizing interest in one
or more of the positions and career aims, and names and contact
information for three references to Gabe Bowen
(gabe.bowen@utah.edu).The project team will begin reviewing applications on October 1st and continue to accept applications until the positions are  filled.

Gabriel J. Bowen
Professor

Geology & Geophysics
University of Utah

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