Post-doc "noise"

POSTDOCTORAL POSITION at UC DAVIS -- There is an opening for a postdoctoral researcher in Gail Patricelli’s lab in the Section of Evolution and Ecology, at the University of California, Davis. The postdoc will take the reigns of an ongoing project studying the potential impacts of noise from energy development (natural gas and coalbed methane drilling) on communication and reproductive behaviors in Greater Sage-Grouse in Wyoming. The project involves three parts: 1) experimental playback of noise to undisturbed leks, monitoring the impacts with video recording, audio recording and behavioral observation, 2) measurement of noise levels at energy development sites, and 3) collaboration on a landscape-level model of noise sources and sound propagation in the sage brush habitat to predict the potential impact of proposed or existing development sites on local leks. The research involves ~3 mos. per year in the field, near Lander, Wyoming, and the rest of the year at UC Davis. Fieldwork involves riding ATVs and 4WD trucks through mud and snow, leadership of a field crew (4-6 people), early mornings, long days, close quarters, heavy batteries, amazing birds and beautiful mountain views. The project is funded for 3 years; postdoc must be able to start no later than Jan 2007. Unfortunately, the start-date is not flexible, since the next field season begins in February. Candidates must have a proven record of independent research, publication and effective grant writing (the main project is fully funded, but there may be opportunities for grants that allow expansion), as well as leadership, personnel management and organizational skills. Knowledge of Matlab, GIS, electronics and/or bioacoustics is a plus, but is not required. This is a very politically-charged project, and the postdoc must be able to communicate comfortably with scientists, energy developers, conservationists, land managers and the media. Please apply by e-mail to GAIL PATRICELLI: (EM: Gpatricelli AT ucdavis.edu); send a cover letter, short (1-2 pages) description of research accomplishments and interests, CV and 2 letters of recommendation by 15 Sep 2006.