Three Postdoctoral Positions in Ecology Three postdoctoral positions are available to work to understand longleaf pine understory plant community assembly and restoration, in collaboration with John Orrock (Washington University), Ellen Damschen (Washington University), Lars Brudvig (Washington University), and Joan Walker (Forest Service Southern Research Station and Clemson University), and with funding from the Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP). The successful candidates will conduct experimental research to determine how local ecological processes (dispersal limitation, competition, consumers) interact with landscape context to influence plant community diversity, composition, and restoration at three sites located in the Carolinas (including Fort Bragg, NC and Savannah River Site, SC). The successful candidates will be responsible for implementing a large-scale experimental study (manipulating seed additions, consumer exclosures, and competitor removals) and must be adept at working with local managers and managing field assistants to assure the execution of the project. In addition to facilitating the goals of the larger project, each postdoc will also be encouraged to develop their own independent research within the context of the larger project.
Funding for salary, benefits, and research expenses is available for three years for each of the postdoc positions. The preferred start date is spring 2009. The primary location for each of the postdocs will be determined together with the research group, but substantial time will need to be spent at the field sites in the Carolinas to conduct the experimental portions of the work (each postdoc will likely be responsible for one of the field sites). Applicants must have relevant Ph.D. experience in ecology, conservation biology, or restoration ecology and be eager to work as a collaborative team with the other postdocs and scientists on the project. Application review will begin January 1, 2009, and continue until the positions are filled. Women and Minorities are strongly encouraged to apply. Washington University is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Applications should consist of a 1-2 page statement of research interests focusing on projects that could be conducted related to the themes of this research project, a curriculum vitae, relevant publications, and names of three references. The application should also contain a cover page that highlights the applicantÂ’s skills and abilities in areas relevant to this project, including experience with community ecology, experimental ecology (e.g., consumer exclosure construction, seed additions, etc.), ecological restoration, landscape ecology (e.g., landscape analyses, GIS skills, etc.), managing volunteers and field crews, and collaborating with management agencies. Applications should be sent (e-mail preferred) to: Ellen Damschen E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Department of Biology Washington University 1 Brookings Drive Campus Box 1137 St. Louis, MO 63130
