POSITION: Postdoctoral Fellow in Conservation ecology DEGREE REQUIREMENTS: Candidates must have obtained their doctorate after 31 December 2004 or obtain it 30 days prior to the initiation of their contract.
LOCATION:Puerto Williams, Chilean Antarctic Province (Cape Horn Biosphere Reserve) Chile CONTRACTING INSTITUTION: University of Magallanes (UMAG) ASSOCIATED INSTITUTIONS: Institute of Ecology and Biodiversity & University of North Texas WORK CONDITIONS: One year contract with possible permanent contract POTENTIAL PROJECTIONS: After PBCT project funding ends, potential full-time contract in the UMAG & interaction with centers of research excellence in Chile and internationally DEADLINE: Review of applications will begin on 25 November 2010 and continue until position is filled BEGINNING OF ACTIVITIES: As early as November 2010 and no later than January 2011 NATIONALITY: Preference for Chilean nationals/residents CONTEXT OF THE POSITION: The Omora Ethnobotanical Park is a Long-Term Socio-Ecological Research (LTSER) site, coordinated by the University of Magallanes in conjunction with the Institute of Ecology and Biodiversity and the Omora Foundation in Chile, and with the University of North Texas, the Center for Environmental Philosophy and OSARA in the US. This is the first explicitly marine-terrestrial study site in Chile and in addition constitutes the research, education and conservation center for the Cape Horn Biosphere Reserve (CHBR). This location will provide the selected postdoctoral fellow with a unique opportunity to participate in a project that allows for constant collaboration with world-class researchers and academic intuitions and in addition is a part of one of eight Centers of Scientific Excellence in Chile, supported by the Millennium Scientific Initiative (Ministry of Planning) and the Bicentennial & Basal Financing Program (Chilean Science Commission). In 2008, the Omora Park received the Science and Practice of Ecology and Society Award, and in 2010 won 2nd prize in the Raanan Weitz Competition for Innovation in Sustainable Development. The postdoctoral appointment is being made available as part of a national initiative, called the Bicentennial Program, and aims to insert Ph.D.-level scientists in academia. The position entails a year postdoctoral term with a subsequent possible commitment of a full-time contract from the university, pending successful completion of fellowship. JOB DESCRIPTION: The person selected for this position will have the position of postdoctoral fellow and should collaborate in one or more of the following areas: 1. Conduct research in priority lines for the Omora Park: a) ornithology b) socio-ecological studies c) impacts of invasive exotic species 2. Integrate research with ongoing education initiatives led by the Omora Park in the Cape Horn Biosphere Reserve 3. Link research to broader approaches to conservation of biological and cultural diversity, specifically conducting and implementing conservation and ecotourism activities in the context of the Cape Horn Biosphere Reserve, and the Omora Park as a site of the Chilean Long-Term Socio-Ecological Research Network (LTSER-Chile). General research objective: Develop studies that integrate ecological research into the implementation of conservation and ecotourism activities in the context of the Cape Horn Biosphere Reserve, and the Omora Park as a site of the Chilean Long-Term Socio-Ecological Research Network (LTSER-Chile). The selected person should also fulfill the following research and outreach related responsibilities: 1. Help supervise and manage volunteers and students from national and international programs 2. Coordinate and collaborate with international postgraduate field courses (UMAG-University of North Texas) with an interdisciplinary and biocultural conservation focus (www.chile.unt.edu) 3. Provide site-based oversight of the development of associated projects (student projects, monitoring programs and data bases) 4. Participate in the development of environmental education programs for the local community 5. Link research with projects and initiatives in the area of ecotourism 6. Collaborate in the development of the graduate masters of science program at UMAG, entitled Management and Conservation of Subantarctic Natural Resources. The specific expected results of this position include: a. Expand the present research related to avian ecology, building on the Omora Parks status as the longest running forest bird monitoring program in southern South America. b. Re-enforcement of academic collaborations and joint publications based on the long-term studies in the Cape Horn Biosphere Reserve c) Developing scientific tourism in coordination with researchers, graduate students, and private operators at the Omora Park d. Collaborate in existing graduate courses at the UMAG and create a new graduate course in the UMAG that focuses on the specialty of the selected individual e. Consolidate avian (and/or invasive species) monitoring programs in the Omora Long-Term Socio-Ecological Research Site, in collaboration with the Chilean Agriculture Service, the Chilean Forestry Service, the Tourism Service, and other agencies. BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: Ph.D. with 2 years of experience in conservation and ecological field work or equivalent combination of education and experience Proven ability to collaborate in interdisciplinary projects linked with public and private sector Proficiency in English and Spanish is required and a good ability to communicate REQUIERED KNOWLEDGE: Experience in conservation at Latin American field sites and ability to relate well with the local community Demonstrated ability in development and management of field studies Experience leading teams and motivating groups of people to achieve goals and manage complex projects and budgets Proven ability in interpersonal communication and conflict resolution Flexibility and adaptability Willingness to participate in diverse programs organized by the Omora Park SKILLS: Resolve problems involving multiple researchers and projects Anticipate, diagnose and resolve complex issues that require creative solutions Interpret regulations and rules, evaluate information and modify processes to adapt them to changing situations Project management, including coordination of teams of graduate students, and volunteers Ability to perform multiple tasks involved in field work Work under pressure Capacity to resolve tension between students and colleagues Capacity to build cooperative relationships with diverse groups, including the local community, government authorities, members of the board of directors and the general public REQUIREMENTS: Drivers license Physical condition that permits working under variable climatic conditions in a remote site Be able to work in difficult terrain and with a certain level of risk Ability to travel Work occasionally on weekends and extra hours OPPORTUNITIES: The Cape Horn Biosphere Reserve is considered one of the worlds last pristine wilderness areas, which is currently threatened by an increase in connectivity and business opportunities related to tourism. The person contracted for this position will have the opportunity to participate directly in this initiative of global significance and world-class quality. The selected candidate, for example, will contribute to the Scientific Advisory Committee of the biosphere reserve, will develop and participate in basic and applied science projects that support the holistic use and management of the subantarctic archipelago, and will aide in the socialization of these results in the broader community. In addition, this locations relevance to the globe is as significant as that of the Galapagos Islands in terms of science, history and conservation. Being selected for this position is a unique opportunity for the postdoctoral fellow to develop professionally and personally in association with one of eight Centers for Scientific Excellence in Chile, supported by the Millennium Scientific Initiative (Ministry of Planning) and the Bicentennial and Basal Financing Programs (Chilean Scientific Commission). The home base of the position is Puerto Williams, which is the capital of the Chilean Antarctic Province, located on the north coast of Navarino Island (55°S). It has a population of 2,200 inhabitants and while it has all basic services, it is still considered remote (accessible by a 1.5 hour plane ride; 5 flights per week). The island is provisioned weekly by a ferry from Punta Arenas, the regional capital and the location of the main campus of the University of Magallanes. The region is known for its extraordinary beauty and the worlds cleanest air and water. Heating of homes on the island is done with wood stoves, and housing conditions are basic, but comfortable. For couples, there are opportunities for the partner to participate in ecotourism and/or educational activities conducted by Omora Ethnobotanical Park. SEND CV, COVER LETTER AND 2 LETTERS OF REFERENCE TO: Dr. Andrés Mansilla (PI): [email protected], telephone: 56-61-207089 With copy to: Dr. Christopher Anderson: [email protected] RELATED WEB SITES: www.umag.cl/williams, www.omora.org, www.ieb-chile.cl, www.osara.org, www.chile.unt.edu, www.cep.unt.edu
