Postdoctoral Research Opportunity in the Orrock Lab at Washington University in St. Louis
Funding is available for a postdoctoral position in the Orrock Lab in the Department of Biology at Washington University in St. Louis (see lab webpage for more details: www.biology4.wustl.edu/faculty/orrock). In collaboration with John Orrock, the candidate will explore aspects of spatial ecology, plant-animal interactions, or predator-prey dynamics using theoretical and empirical approaches. Topics of interest in the lab include the role of predators in affecting spatial dynamics of prey, the evolution of anti-predator behavior, habitat modification by invasive plants, the role of community size in mediating stochastic effects on competition, and the role of ecological interactions in affecting conservation (in collaboration with the Corridor Research Group; see www.conservationcorridor.org). There is considerable flexibility in the focus of the research the applicant can conduct. However, it is imperative that the research facilitate interactions between the applicant and members of the lab. The academic community in the Department of Biology at Washington University is highly collegial, and contains faculty with strengths in community ecology, plant ecology, demography, invasive species, population genetics, conservation, and spatial ecology. Moreover, interactions with ecologists at nearby University of Missouri, Saint Louis University, and the Missouri Botanical Garden provide additional opportunities for collaboration and scholarship. Potential field research sites include the Tyson Research Center (www.biology.wustl.edu/tyson/), which is located 20 minutes from campus and offers a variety of systems for controlled experimental and observational research. Ozark glades offer spatially dynamic systems for metapopulation and metacommunity studies, and are also available within a days drive. The Missouri Ozark Forest Ecosystem Project (MOFEP; see http://mofep.mdc.mo.gov/) provides opportunities to study large-scale, long-term impacts of forest management practices on ecological dynamics. In addition, collaborative research is the Orrock Labs current field sites in California grasslands, on the Channel Islands off the California coast, and at the Savannah River Site (South Carolina), within a large-scale manipulation of landscape connectivity (www.conservationcorridor.org). Applicants must have relevant Ph.D. experience in ecology. Funding for salary and research expenses is available for 1 year, with a renewal available for a second year, and with a very flexible start date. In addition, the successful applicant will work collaboratively to obtain additional funding. Application review will begin December 1, 2007, and continue until the position is filled. Interested applicants should send a curriculum vitae, a one-page statement of research interests focusing on projects that could be conducted while working at Washington University, three relevant publications, and contact information for three references. Send materials (e-mail preferred) to : John Orrock, Department of Biology, Washington University, Saint Louis, MO 63130; e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Women and Minorities are strongly encouraged to apply. Washington University is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
