Accepting Applications for Post-doc Fellowship

Great Hollow is pleased to announce a two-year fellowship to support a post-doctoral scientist in residence at our preserve in New Fairfield, Connecticut. The Fellow will: (1) conduct independent field research at Great Hollow Nature Preserve and/or other relevant study sites in the region, (2) support other research projects of Great Hollow’s, (3) coordinate and mentor Great Hollow’s summer interns, and (4) contribute to the general day-to-day operation of Great Hollow as a member of our small staff, including, but not limited to, occasional assistance with outreach and stewardship. The ideal candidate will be an ecologist whose research is field-based, integrative, innovative, has a conservation application, and will complement Great Hollow’s current areas of study. Candidates may work in any discipline that is relevant to the biodiversity and ecological communities of the northeastern U.S.  The fellowship is primarily intended for early-career scientists who have completed their PhD within the past 5 years, but post-doctoral researchers at any career stage are eligible to apply. PhD candidates who expect to defend during the spring of 2024, have a strong publication record, and have an appropriate level of research experience will also be considered.

Primary Responsibilities

The Fellow will be responsible for designing and conducting ecological research at Great Hollow Nature Preserve and/or other appropriate sites in the region in collaboration with Great Hollow’s executive director, Chad Seewagen. The Fellow will be expected to submit the work for publication within the 24-month fellowship period. Projects that have a conservation application are preferred, but not required. The Fellow will be expected to apply for extramural funding to help support their research (e.g., equipment/supplies, offsite lab analyses, field assistant wages), but the research should be designed to be accomplishable even if efforts to secure funding are unsuccessful. The Fellow will be provided with a modest internal budget of $3,000 per year for direct expenses if external funding is not acquired.

The other primary responsibility of the Fellow will be to help coordinate Great Hollow’s summer internship program. This includes managing the internship application and selection process, and directly mentoring up to two selected interns (who are usually undergraduates, but may sometimes include post-bac or graduate students) as they assist with Great Hollow’s research projects and/or conduct independent projects of their own. The Fellow will be encouraged to use the interns as field assistants in their research and may hire interns with particular skillsets and experience to be most helpful to them. For interns who are interested in conducting their own independent research, the Fellow will help them to design feasible projects, mentor them on data collection, data analysis, and scientific writing, and oversee their daily activities.

Timeline

The term of the fellowship is 24 months, with minimal potential for extension or transition into a permanent position. The start date is flexible and can be tailored to the timing of the Fellow’s anticipated field season, but is preferred to be sometime between the winter of 2023/2024 and early spring of 2024.

Qualifications

• PhD in biology, ecology, natural resources, conservation biology, or a related field, preferably earned within the past 5 years. PhD candidates who expect to defend by the spring of 2024 will also be considered.
• Independent research experience that has included study design, field work, field crew supervision, data analysis, and publication of results.
• Strong quantitative skills and proficiency with biological statistics, including the use of R and GIS.
• A minimum of two first-author publications in relevant peer-reviewed journals.
• Demonstrated success securing grants or other extramural funding.
• Experience teaching or mentoring students, preferably with independent research projects.
• Familiarity with northeastern U.S. flora, fauna, ecosystems, and general principles of habitat management and conservation.
• Familiarity with a range of standard field research techniques that will enable the Fellow to mentor interns on projects outside of his/her area of expertise.
• English fluency and an ability to effectively communicate with other staff, interns, and members of the public.
• Ability to work well with others as part of a small team.
• ​Ability to live in shared, smoke-free and drug-free housing with respect for others.
• U.S. citizenship or current authorization to work in the U.S.
• Valid U.S. driver’s license.

Compensation

On-site staff housing is available to the Fellow for free and with free utilities. The Fellow will also receive a compensation package that includes reimbursement for personal enrollment in the ConnectiCare health insurance program, an annual salary of $40,000-45,000 DOE, and a year-end, performance-based bonus. The available housing includes a private bedroom with a queen bed in our staff house at Great Hollow. Up to three seasonal staff members may also live in the house between late May and early August each year. The house is a recently renovated, fully furnished farmhouse with a fully equipped kitchen and wireless internet. A washer and dryer are also available on-site. The housing is not suitable for families with children, and minors are not allowed to stay in the house under our insurance policy. Pets are allowed under most circumstances but need to be approved in advance by the executive director.

Application Instructions

Please submit the following to apply.

1) A single PDF containing:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Research statement that includes a description of how your research experience fits the fellowship and Great Hollow’s mission, and brief descriptions of up to three potential projects that you would propose conducting as the Fellow (no more than 3 total pages, single-spaced)
• Contact information for, and relationships to, two or more professional references

2) PDFs of up to 3 selected publications

Applications will be reviewed as they are received and accepted until the position is filled. Applications should be addressed to Great Hollow’s executive director Chad Seewagen and emailed to . Please put “RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP [Last name_First name]” in the subject line.

Great Hollow is an equal opportunity employer. We are dedicated to providing an inclusive, non-discriminatory and harassment-free environment for all employees, volunteers, members, and program participants. Discrimination or harassment because of age, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, nationality, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or any other status is not tolerated and is strictly forbidden.