Botany/Forest Ecology Fellowship
=20 Description: =20 The Smithsonian Institution is seeking an individual with a strong interest in botany and forest ecology for a one year fellowship opportunity with the Smithsonian's Global Earth Observatory (SIGEO) initiative. SIGEO is the Smithsonian's major new research platform for measuring the global impact of climate change, expanding upon their network of long-term tropical forest monitoring plots. For more details on SIGEO, visit: http://biogeodb.stri.si.edu/bioinformatics/sigeo/ or http://www.scgcorp.com/uic2007/docs/Lydeard-SIGEO.pdf =20 The fellowship will comprise participation in the establishment of a long-term temperate forest monitoring plot, along with the opportunity to develop an individual research project within the larger SIGEO initiative. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading the inventory and mapping of all woody plant species in a 25 hectare temperate deciduous forest plot established at the Smithsonian's Conservation and Research Center in Front Royal, VA during the 2008 field season. S/he will acquire skills in voucher specimen preparation, data archiving, management and analysis, and field assistant supervision. =20 Required qualifications: =20 M.S. in botany, forest ecology, plant ecology, natural resources, conservation biology or a closely related field; with the intention to pursue a Ph.D. preferred. Excellent knowledge of the taxonomy and identifying characters of the woody plant species of eastern U.S. deciduous forests and/or the mid-Atlantic region; experience with botanical field surveys, plant ID, voucher specimen collection and preparation, and field and GPS-based mapping; ability to work independently in sometimes hot and humid conditions, supervise field assistants, follow established survey and mapping protocols, and collect detailed and accurate data. =20 Duration, compensation and work location: =20 The start date is somewhat flexible but must begin between March and May 2008, and will last for one (1) year. Salary is $24,000, with appointment as a Smithsonian research fellow. The employment location will be at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park's Conservation and Research Center (CRC) on the outskirts of Front Royal, VA. The CRC is beautifully situated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains adjacent to Shenandoah National Park and the George Washington National Forest. Multiple outdoor recreational opportunities abound in the area, and the cultural attractions of Washington, DC are an easy 1-1.5 hour drive to the east. =20 Application procedure: =20 To apply, please e-mail electronic copies of a cover letter describing your qualifications and interest in the position, a CV or resume, college transcripts, and the names of three (3) references to [EMAIL PROTECTED] by February 15, 2008. Cover letters can be addressed to Norm Bourg, Ph.D., Ecological Research Programs Manager. =20 =20
