The position is open to current students or recent graduates eligible to work as a student contractor (MS or PhD preferred). Graduates that completed their degree within the past year are eligible to work as student contractors. Contracts can cover up to 1 (PhD) or 2 (MS) years of work. Funding is available to support full-time researchers for 1 year, with potential extensions through a contract or development of a term position (up to 4 years). Applicants must be U.S. citizens. The start date, work schedule (i.e., full- versus part-time), and work location are negotiable; applicants that can start immediately and work full-time in Bozeman, MT are preferred.

If interested, please fax your resume, cover letter, and contact information for 3 or more references to Aaron Johnston at (406) 994-7525. Alternatively, applications can be mailed to Aaron Johnston, 2327 University Way, Suite 2, Bozeman, MT, 59715, or sent as encrypted email to ajohnston@usgs.gov. Please include your dates of availability and graduation date in the cover letter. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Requirements: 

• Analyses of large spatial datasets 

• Strong scientific writing skills 
• U.S. citizen 

 Desirable qualifications: 

• Proficiency in GIS and R 

• Expertise in remote sensing and image analysis 
• Expertise in disturbance ecology and invasive annual grasses in the sagebrush ecosystem 
• Expertise in ungulate or sage-grouse ecology and movement  
• Record of publication in peer-reviewed journals 
• MS or PhD in ecology