Postdoctoral Research Associate: The impact of vertebrate frugivore loss on treefall gap dynamics
Dr. Haldre Rogers and Dr. Amy Dunham at Rice University seek applications for a postdoctoral fellow for an NSF-funded project focused on the impact of vertebrate frugivore loss on treefall gap dynamics. Research will explore the effect of disperser loss on forest community structure and regeneration in treefall gaps by integrating landscape scale observations, manipulative experiments and modeling approaches. See the project website at www.ecologyofbirdloss.org for more details about previous research in this system. The postdoc will work closely with Rogers and Dunham, along with Dr. Ross Miller at the University of Guam. The postdoc will be integrally involved in the design and implementation of field experiments, and analysis and writing of papers and proposals, and will be solely responsible for managing a 4-8 person field crew. Opportunities will be available for independent research projects on related topics. The appointment will be for 30 months. The target start date is May or June 2013 (negotiable). The position will involve fieldwork on the island of Guam with frequent travel to nearby islands of Saipan and Rota for the first 18 months (May 2013-Nov 2014) and from June-Aug 2015. When not doing fieldwork (i.e. from Dec 2014-May 2015, and Sept-Nov 2015), the postdoc will be based at Rice University in Houston, TX. Minimum qualifications: *Ph.D. in plant community ecology or a related field *Broad field ecology experience, preferably in tropical forests *Experience managing large field projects *Strong statistical analysis skills *Excellent written and verbal communication skills *Experience working with people from different disciplines and backgrounds, and an interest in continuing to do so Additional desired qualifications: *Experience with demographic modeling and/or spatially-explicit, individual-based modeling Position details: Salary is $39,000 $41,000 commensurate with experience, plus health benefits, and housing when in the Mariana Islands. Costs of travel to Marianas will be covered. How to Apply: Please email a cover letter, CV, and contact details for three references in a single pdf file to Dr. Haldre Rogers at [email protected]. For questions contact Haldre Rogers ([email protected]) or Amy Dunham ([email protected]). Review of applications will begin 31March, 2013, and will continue until the position is filled.
