I am seeking a Postdoctoral Associate to work at the interface of theoretical and experimental ecology, on a project examining the impact of environmental variability on the dynamics of ecological communities. Population biologists have developed a growing understanding of how the basic processes of growth, reproduction, and mortality respond to altered environmental conditions. However, little work has focused on how these ‘direct’ responses to environmental variability combine with the ‘indirect’ responses conveyed via interactions in the food web. This project aims to better understand how the organization of food web interactions modulates the impact of environmental variability on the fundamental properties of ecological communities such as their diversity, stability, and productivity.
The project will involve a combination of theoretical work (development and analysis of multispecies stochastic models) and complementary microcosm experiments (comprised of communities of freshwater plankton species). The ideal candidate possesses a strong background in theoretical ecology, including non-linear dynamics, stochastic processes, numerical analysis, and in the design and analysis of experiments. Previous experience with freshwater microcosms is an asset, but not a requirement. It is anticipated that the successful candidate will play an important role in shaping the objectives and execution of the project to meet their own research interests/goals. Applicants must have, or be near completion of, a Ph.D. in ecology or a relevant discipline. Funding is available for two years, at a rate of $40000 plus health benefits, with an anticipated start date between Jan 1/09 and May 1/09. Interested candidates should send a copy of their CV, together with a short statement of their own research interests, and the names and addresses of three references to: David Vasseur Yale University Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (www.yale.edu/eeb) PO Box 208106 New Haven, CT 06520-8106 [EMAIL PROTECTED] (electronic applications preferred) Review of applications will begin on Oct 13/08 and will continue until the position is filled. Information on postdoctoral appointments, support, and training at Yale is available at www.yale.edu/postdocs/ . Yale University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
