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Working/Functional Title

Assistant Professor -- Fishery Stock Assessment

Position Summary

The Department of Fisheries and Wildlife at Michigan State University invites applications for a full-time, 12 month fixed-term Assistant Professor Research with a 100% research assignment.  The position start date is anticipated to be 7/1/2024. This is one of two new fishery stock assessment positions; candidates who wish to be considered for both positions should apply to both. 

The Quantitative Fisheries Center (QFC) seeks a Research Assistant Professor with experience in quantitative fisheries stock assessment to modernize statistical catch-at-age assessment models and develop training opportunities in stock assessment and statistical modeling using R TMB.  Statistical catch-at-age assessment models are used widely in the Laurentian Great Lakes for management purposes, including setting recommended harvest levels for important commercial and recreational fisheries (e.g., lake trout, lake whitefish, and walleye) and for determining appropriate stock levels to maintain predator-prey balance in Lakes Michigan and Ontario.  These assessment models are currently programmed in AD Model Builder but need to be modernized to RTMB.  Additionally, several of the assessment models currently being used exhibit severe retrospective patterns that require correction and the models may benefit from being adapted to a state-space modeling framework to avoid subjective decisions regarding data weightings.  Research exploring potential benefits of a hierarchical approach to assessment modeling may also occur.   Concurrent to modernizing assessments, the researcher will also help develop online and in-person training opportunities/materials so that Great Lakes assessment scientists are able to maintain and update assessment models for management purposes.  Opportunities will also be available to conduct simulation modeling to explore the robustness of existing harvest policies and evaluate new or proposed policies.  The researcher will join an engaged and expanding team of fisheries scientists working at the Quantitative Fisheries Center tasked with improving fishery stock assessments throughout the Great Lakes.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Doctorate -fisheries or wildlife science

Minimum Requirements

An earned Ph.D. in fisheries or wildlife science, or related discipline with a strong background in fishery stock assessment modeling and harvest policy analysis. A demonstrated record of activities in research including at a post-doctoral research associate or some other Ph.D.-level research scientist position focused on assessment modeling.

Desired Qualifications

Familiarity with AD Model Builder or Template Model Builder, particularly RTMB, is highly desired. Preference will be given to candidates with demonstrated experience engaging agency personnel and stakeholders at the interface of technical analysis and resource management.  

Required Application Materials

Upload the following required documents: a) letter of interest that includes a) qualifications and interest in the position (2-page maximum); b) current curriculum vitae; c) a description of how you will contribute to FW diversity, equity and inclusion goals; and d) contact information for three professional references. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Special Instructions

Salary and Benefits: $75,000 + benefits. Initial appointment is for 1 year with a possibility of 1 or more annual extensions depending on performance and needs identified by Great Lakes stock assessment scientists. MSU off