Postdoctoral Research Position: Large-scale field experiments on the factors that limit plant distribution
A postdoctoral position is available to work to understand longleaf pine understory plant community assembly and restoration, in collaboration with John Orrock (University of Wisconsin), Ellen Damschen (University of Wisconsin), Lars Brudvig (Michigan State 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 candidate will join a research team conducting 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 study areas (Fort Bragg, NC, Savannah River Site, SC, and Fort Stewart, GA). The successful candidate will be responsible for implementing a large-scale experimental study (manipulating seed additions, consumer exclosures, and competitor removals) at the Savannah River Site and must be adept at working with local resource managers as well as managing field assistants to assure the execution of the project. The 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 two years, with the possibility of additional support to extend the position. The preferred start date is July 25, 2010, although some flexibility exists in setting the start date. The successful candidate will be expected to remain at the study site at the Savannah River Site near Aiken, South Carolina for a sufficient amount of time each year to ensure that project goals are met. At the study location, the postdoctoral associate will also be able to interact with researchers and managers at the U.S. Forest Service, members of the Corridor Project research group (www.conservationcorridor.org), researchers working on other large-scale experimental landscape manipulations, as well as researchers at the nearby Savannah River Ecology Lab. 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. 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. 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 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. Application review will begin immediately, and continue until the position is filled. Women and minorities are strongly 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. The University of Wisconsin is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Applications should be sent (e-mail preferred) to: John Orrock e-mail: [email protected] Department of Zoology University of Wisconsin Madison, WI, 53706
