Job Information
Michigan State University(MSU) Assistant Professor Research - Fixed in East Lansing, Michigan
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 and harvest simulation modeling to modernize walleye and yellow perch statistical catch-at-age models in Lake Erie and evaluate sustainable harvest policies. Currently, the bi-nationally managed Lake Erie walleye and yellow perch fisheries are valued at more than $1 billion USD/yr, and presently represent the only Marine Stewardship Council certified fisheries in the Laurentian Great Lakes. The hired scientist will work closely with the Lake Erie Committee (LEC), Lake Erie Walleye Task Group (WTG) and the Yellow Perch Task Group (YPTG) to translate existing stock assessment models from ADMB to RTMB and conduct assessment research to improve existing assessment modeling approaches. Anticipated activities and research include 1) translating existing assessment models from ADMB to RTMB, 2) conducting research to further existing models to the state-space modeling framework, and 3) making structural changes to models as requested by the WTG and YPTG. Upon completion of assessment model changes, the candidate will use simulation modeling to explore the robustness of existing harvest policies and evaluate new policies. The researcher will join an exciting team of fisheries scientists working at the Quantitative Fisheries Center and will help with efforts to improve 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, harvest policy analysis, or management strategy evaluation.
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 offers a generous benefits package (details at .
Review of Applications: The search comm