Postdoctoral Position in Experimental Landscape Ecology A postdoctoral position is available to examine the role of matrix permeability during large-scale restoration as part of a new landscape-scale experiment in collaboration with John Orrock (Washington University), Lars Brudvig (Michigan State University), Ellen Damschen (Washington University), and the USDA Forest Service-Savannah River. The successful candidate will be an integral member of this team and conduct research aimed at the explicit restoration of longleaf pine forest understory plant communities, followed by experimental manipulations of matrix characteristics (e.g., tree density, fire frequency) to understand how management affects the spread of restored communities at large spatial scales. Project foci will also include experiments to evaluate the spatial dynamics of plant-animal interactions (e.g. seed predation, seed dispersal) within the experimental landscapes. The successful applicant will be involved in all aspects of this project, including planning of experimental manipulations and devising studies of plant-consumer interactions. The project will be conducted at the Savannah River Site, near Aiken, SC. The successful candidate must be adept at working with local land managers and managing field assistants to assure the execution of the project, including oversight of experimental treatments. In addition to facilitating the goals of the larger project, the successful candidate will also be encouraged to develop their own independent research within the context of this study and/or in collaboration with members of the Corridor Research Group (www.conservationcorridor.org), which is also located at the Savannah River Site. Funding for salary, benefits, and research expenses is available for two years. The preferred start date is between April and June 2010, although there may be some flexibility. The primary location for the postdoc will be determined together with the research group, but substantial time will need to be spent at the field sites at the Savannah River Site.
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 scientists and land managers on the project. Prior experience with large-scale field experiments, community ecology, seed dispersal, managing field crews, or collaboration with management agencies is desirable. Candidates with expertise in consumer or seed manipulation studies, especially experience working with small-mammal consumers, are encouraged to apply. Because the Savannah River Site is a highly secure area run by the U.S. Department of Energy, non-US citizens may have difficulty gaining clearance to work there. Review of applicants will begin March 1, 2010, and continue until the position is filled. 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 applicant's skills and abilities in areas relevant to this project. Women and Minorities are strongly encouraged to apply. Washington University is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Applications should be sent (e-mail preferred) to: John Orrock E-mail: [email protected] Department of Biology Washington University 1 Brookings Drive Campus Box 1137 St. Louis, MO 63130
