Current Openings

Postdoctoral Research Associate - Avian Bioacoustics and ARU-Based Monitoring

The PEASE Lab at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in avian bioacoustics and autonomous recording unit (ARU)-based monitoring. This is a full-time, grant-funded position with an initial appointment of one year and the expectation of renewal for a second year contingent on satisfactory performance. The target start date is July/Aug 2026. Total term is expected to be two years.

This position is funded through a cooperative agreement with the United States Forest Service, Hoosier National Forest (HNF). The postdoc will lead the development of standardized field and analytical protocols for ARU-based avian monitoring on the HNF, with the goal of producing tools that HNF staff can independently implement for long-term avian community assessment and evaluation of forest management outcomes.

Responsibilities

The postdoctoral associate will:

  • Design and optimize ARU-based field protocols for pre- and post-management monitoring (prescribed burn and timber harvest units) using simulation-based study design and power analyses

  • Develop an ARU survey protocol for use in previously established Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) route areas, including a calibration component to establish equivalence with traditional point count methods

  • Build and document a user-friendly analytical pipeline for estimating avian species richness, diversity, abundance, and soundscape metrics from ARU data, suitable for use by agency personnel with limited bioacoustics expertise

  • Supervise seasonal field technicians during breeding season ARU deployment and data collection

  • Conduct field validation work on the Hoosier National Forest in southern Indiana during 2027 breeding season

  • Train HNF staff in protocol implementation and use of the analytical pipeline

  • Contribute to peer-reviewed publications and project reports

  • Collaborate closely with existing PEASE Lab members and HNF staff

Qualifications

Required:

  • Ph.D. in wildlife ecology, ornithology, bioacoustics, or a closely related field (degree must be earned by start date)

  • Demonstrated experience with ARU deployment and management of large acoustic datasets

  • Proficiency in R and/or Python for ecological data analysis

  • Experience with automated species identification software (e.g., BirdNET, Perch, or similar)

  • Strong written and oral communication skills, including experience preparing technical reports and peer-reviewed manuscripts

Preferred:

  • Experience with occupancy models, N-mixture models, or distance sampling for avian occurrence and abundance estimation

  • Experience with simulation-based study design or power analysis

  • Field experience with avian point count surveys

  • Experience working with state or federal natural resource agencies

Salary and Benefits

Salary is $60,000/yr. The position includes full benefits through Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Full support for field data collection is included. Additional support for conference travel and professional development opportunities is available.

About the Lab and Institution

The PEASE Lab focuses on applied ecology, with ongoing projects using bioacoustics to study forest bird communities, nightjar population dynamics, and avian density estimation. Additional research opportunities with existing lab members is anticipated. Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a Carnegie R1 research institution located in the Shawnee Hills region of southern Illinois, proximate to extensive public lands including Shawnee National Forest.

To Apply

Applicants should submit the following to Dr. Brent Pease, bpease1@siu.edu (1) a cover letter describing relevant experience and interest in the position, (2) a current CV, (3) contact information for three professional references, and (4) up to two representative publications or technical reports. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Questions regarding the position may be directed to Dr. Brent Pease at bpease1@siu.edu