This is a 3.75 year fixed-term post. We are looking for an ecological
statistician to collaborate with researchers developing new models and analytical
methods for assessment of the cumulative impacts of multiple stressors on marine
mammal populations (see NRC 2017 for a recent review). The post will involve
working as part of an interdisciplinary working group comprising ecologists,
bioacousticians, physiologists and statisticians. The working group aims to advance fundamental and practical understanding
of the cumulative effects of multiple stressors. It will consider work being carried out under
four different case studies, each focusing on a different marine mammal species
and/or suite of stressors.
An initial task will build upon established Bayesian methods for
modelling probability of behavioural response as a function of sonar dose
(Miller et al. 2014). Existing models
have focused on single-species analyses with exposure to a single stressor. Here we are looking to extend these Bayesian methods currently used to fit single stressor
dose-response functions to multiple stressors.
Another early task will be to support the case studies in their
experimental design and work closely with the working group and case study
personnel to provide advice prior to the start of field work efforts, which may
involve simulations or power analyses to inform decision making.
In developing a fully functioning Population Consequences of Multiple
Stressors (PCoMS) model for each of these case studies, the post holder will
need to consider the existing Population Consequences of Disturbance (PCoD) models
(Pirotta et al. 2018) and other relevant efforts, such as the application of
Dynamic Energy Budget (DEB, Kooijman 2010) models to these kinds of problems.
We welcome applications from candidates with a PhD in Statistics or a
closely-related discipline, who have an interest in developing and using statistical
methods to solve real-world problems in ecology. Experience with and/or
research interests in the following areas would be advantageous: fitting
discrete- or continuous-time models to data (especially in the application
areas of population biology, epidemiology, toxicology or behavioural ecology), experimental
design / power analysis and applied Bayesian modelling. The overall project is
a highly interdisciplinary so the ability to communicate effectively between disciplines
is essential. The project will involve
several face-to-face meetings with project partners and collaborators in the
USA.
The successful candidate will be based in the world-leading Centre for
Ecological and Environmental Modelling (CREEM) under the supervision of Professor
Len Thomas. There will also be close
links with colleagues, in particular Dr. Catriona Harris at CREEM and Professor
Peter Tyack at the Sea Mammal Research Unit.
CREEM has an excellent record of retaining research staff, so while this
is a fixed-term 3.75 year post there may be prospects for continuation beyond
that period.
For informal enquiries, we encourage those considering applying to
contact Professor Len Thomas (len.thomas@st-andrews.ac.uk).
Applications are particularly welcome from women, and people from the
Black, Asian, Minority or Ethnic (BAME) community, who are under-represented in
Science posts at the University. You can find out more about Equality and
Diversity at http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/hr/edi/.
The University is committed to equality for all, demonstrated through
our working on diversity awards (ECU Athena SWAN/Race Charters; Carer Positive;
LGBT Charter; and Stonewall). More details can be found at http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/hr/edi/diversityawards/.
References
Kooijman, S.A.L.M. (2010) Dynamic energy budget
theory for metabolic organisation. Cambridge University Press, Great Britain,
ISBN 9780521131919.
Miller, P.J.O., R.N. Antunes, P.J. Wensveen,
F.I.P. Samarra, A. Catarina Alves, P.H. Kvadsheim, L. Kleivana, F.-P.A. Lam,
M.A. Ainslee, P.L. Tyack and L. Thomas. 2014. Dose-response relationships for
the onset of avoidance of sonar by free-ranging killer whales. Journal of the
Acoustical Society of America 135: 975-993.
NRC. 2017. Approaches to understanding the
cumulative effects of stressors on marine mammals. Washington, DC: National
Academies Press. DOI: https://doi.org/10.17226/23479.
Pirotta, E., C. Booth, D. Costa, E. Fleishman,
S. Kraus, D. Lusseau, D. Moretti, L.F. New, R. Schick, L. Schwarz, S. Simmons,
L. Thomas, P. Tyack, M. Weise, R. Wells and J. Harwood. 2018. Understanding the
population consequences of disturbance. Ecology and Evolution 8: 9934-9946.
Closing Date: 12 August 2020
Please quote ref: AR2381NB
Further Particulars: AR2381NB FPs.doc
School of Mathematics and Statistics
Salary: £33,797 - £36,914 per annum
Start Date: End of September 2020 or as soon as possible thereafter
Fixed Term: 45 Months