We are seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher with expertise in agro-ecology, avian ecology, and/or disease ecology to join Daniel Karp’s lab in the Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology at the University of California, Davis. The initial appointment will be for one-year with the likely extension for a second year (contingent on adequate performance). The postdoctoral researcher will join a collaborative and interdisciplinary team of faculty, government scientists, and other researchers focused on assessing the potential role of wild birds in spreading foodborne diseases on fresh produce farms (i.e., Shiga-toxin producing E. coli, Salmonella sp. and Campylobacter sp.). 

• Application review begin date- August, 23 2021 (applications solicited until position is filled) 
• Start date- January 1, 2022
• Location- In person at UC Davis
• Full Job Ad- https://tinyurl.com/hvsdcurd 

Tensions between farmland conservation and food-safety goals have escalated, as the produce industry becomes increasing concerned about wildlife introducing foodborne pathogens onto farms. Birds are of particular concern as they carry pathogens, are difficult to exclude from farms, and defecate on crops. The core goals of this project are to: (1) quantify pathogen prevalence across many farmland bird species via existing studies and assays of field-collected feces; (2) survey birds and collect feces on produce farms to determine which species defecate on crops and in which contexts; (3) assess pathogen survival in bird feces on different substrates and from different species; and (4) communicate risk assessments for >50 species via a photographic guide to help growers co-manage birds for both conservation and food-safety goals. 

The success applicant will have... 

• A Ph.D. in Ecology or a closely related field. 
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and an ability to work both independently and collaboratively with researchers and practitioners  from different backgrounds. 
• Demonstrated ability to follow through on project deliverables and communicate findings in high quality peer-reviewed journals. 
• Experience designing, planning, and executing research projects. 
• Experience with ornithological field methods (most importantly, mist-netting)
• Strong quantitative skills and demonstrated proficiency with R. 
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in science 

Please apply by preparing: (1) your CV inclusive of publications, awards, and field experience, (2) a cover letter discussing your qualifications, research interests, and motivations for this position, (3) a 1-2 paragraph summary about your commitment to diversity and inclusion in science, (4) contact information for 3 references. Send materials to [log in to unmask] with the subject line: Avian Agroecology and Disease Postdoc Application