Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research associate in community ecology at Purdue University. Support exists for a 2-year appointment to begin in 2009 in the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources (http://www.fnr.purdue.edu/), with the possibility of extensions. The successful candidate will work in collaboration with the Hardwood Tree Improvement and Regeneration Center under the direction of Rob Swihart, whose focus is on fragmentation ecology, seed dispersal, oak ecology, and plant-herbivore interactions. Involvement in planned or ongoing projects is expected, including one or more of the following: 1) identifying environmental determinants of seed dispersal and predation by rodents and birds in hardwood ecosystems; 2) evaluating effects of herbivores and competitors on early life stage demography of oaks; 3) assessing the importance of density-dependence and diet selection in determining the impact of mammalian herbivores on efforts to restore or regenerate woody plants; 4) modeling occupancy patterns, metapopulation dynamics, and landscape genetics in species as varied as rodents and beetles; and 5) modeling the role of plant toxins in mediating functional responses of herbivores in complex communities.
The successful applicant will conduct original research, write manuscripts for publication, and develop competitive grant proposals. A Ph.D. in ecology, wildlife, or related discipline is required, along with strong quantitative skills. Publication and grant-writing experience is expected. Field research and experience with analysis and programming in R is desirable. Please email a resume and a short (1-page) letter of interest, including cumulative GPA, GRE scores, and contact telephone numbers and email addresses for three references to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. Purdue University is an equal access/equal opportunity/affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce.
