The Kitzes Lab at the University of Pittsburgh (http://kitzeslab.org) is seeking applications for up to two Postdoctoral Scholars with expertise in bioacoustics, quantitative ecology, avian ecology, machine learning, and/or data science. The ideal candidate will contribute to our long-term goal of developing and applying automated acoustic survey and machine learning methods to study the ecology and conservation of birds, frogs, and other sound-producing taxa.

Along with incoming Research Assistants and a graduate student, the candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to many ongoing projects, including a newly funded NSF Global Center on AI and Biodiversity Change and ongoing work supported by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the Pennsylvania Game Commission, and the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation. Potential general research areas include:

  • Understanding the factors driving population change in avian species of conservation concern in restored forests across Pennsylvania
  • Surveying rare and endangered frog species at field sites across Pennsylvania, California, Panama, and Brazil to assess population recovery after disease outbreaks
  • Surveying and modeling populations of secretive marsh birds in the United States and Canada
  • Spatially localizing individual birds and mammals in heterogeneous landscapes using arrays of time-synchronized acoustic recorders
  • Developing new machine learning/artificial intelligence methods for identifying sounds of interest in field recordings

The postdoc will lead the writing and publication of scientific manuscripts, present findings at scientific conferences, support the writing of research grants, and mentor graduate and undergraduate students.

Minimum qualifications include a Ph.D. in biology, ecology, data science, or a related field. Expertise in machine learning, statistical modeling, and/or avian field surveys is desirable.

The successful candidate will join a large research group currently consisting of one postdoc, five graduate students, three Research Assistants, and numerous undergraduate students. Our lab strives to create a supportive and healthy workplace culture, emphasizing collaborative work, active mentorship, effective communication, and professional development for all of our lab members.

The start date for the position is flexible, and applicants may join the lab any time through summer 2024. The initial appointment will be for one year, with funding available for a second and third year pending positive reviews. Postdoctoral Associates at Pitt receive benefits including health insurance, access to libraries and recreational facilities on campus, free access to public transit, and paid vacation days. In addition to salary (currently ~$56,000 per year), funding is available for field assistants, equipment, conference travel, and publication fees to support the postdoc’s research program.

Interested applicants should send an email to justin.kitzes@pitt.edu that includes (1) a cover letter describing your interest in this position, prior research, and plans for future research, (2) your CV, (3) the names of three references, and (4) a writing sample. Interested candidates are also invited to contact other lab members for information about the open positions and lab environment. Review of applications will begin in September 2023 and will continue until the positions are filled.