The Alaska Center for Conservation Science (ACCS) is seeking a Research Professional 4 to manage and grow its Invasive and Harmful Species program. This is a full-time, externally funded position at the University of Alaska Anchorage.

As part of this position, the Invasive Species Program Lead will build on existing relationships with agency partners, manage and coordinate the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) funded regional Invasion Hotspot Pilot Project; conduct geospatial/landscape ecological analyses; write grants, technical reports or scientific manuscripts; present information to partners and the public; and work alongside database managers to manage core invasive and harmful species information. Core datasets include species range maps, occurrence records, invasiveness ranks, and taxonomic checklists. Invasive and harmful species addressed includes terrestrial plants and animals, aquatic plants and animals, and marine invasive invertebrates and harmful algae. Secondary duties will involve fieldwork in Alaska.

The selectee will work closely with other members of the ACCS Botany and Aquatic Ecology programs, ACCS’s Kachemak Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, and will collaborate with agencies and organizations including USFWS, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, regional Soil and Water Conservation Districts, other federal and state agencies, NatureServe, and other Natural Heritage Programs.

Funding for this position will largely come from USFWS through an investment by Department of the Interior’s “National Early Detection Rapid Response Framework” in Southcentral Alaska as well as five other designated Invasion Hotspot locations nationally. The two-year project in Alaska will among other things, develop early detection monitoring for specific taxa (such as dreissenid mussels); conduct multitaxon surveillance of priority waterbodies and landscapes; support field validation of environmental DNA methods; provide trainings for invasive species identification; and provide data management and data interface enhancements.

Applicants should possess knowledge of invasive species ecology and management. Have the ability to manage grants and to secure funds from a variety of sources. Strong interpersonal skills; ability to collaborate and coordinate with teams from state and federal agencies, conservation organizations, and academic institutions. Strong geospatial analytical skills with large datasets, landscape ecological skills which may include species distributional modeling. Strong writing skills; ability to conduct literature reviews and synthesize research, and write proposals, reports, and scientific manuscripts. Having knowledge of Alaskan habitats and systems and the ability to work in diverse environments is a plus.

Minimum Qualifications (Required Experience, Education &/or Training):              

Experience with tracking project deliverables, timelines, budgets, and supervision of junior staff. Experience with public outreach or scientific presentations to broad audiences. Experience and interest in collaborating with Indigenous or rural communities is preferred.

Must have a Master’s degree in Biology, Wildlife, or related field plus 4 years of relevant, postgraduate experience or equivalent combination of training and experience (e.g., Ph.D. + 0 years).