Postdoctoral researcher in aquatic/terrestrial connectivity and road crossings
We seek a postdoctoral researcher to join a collaborative project on road crossings in urban environments. Road crossings (bridges, culverts) are known to impact aquatic and terrestrial systems as a result of various factors. The postdoctoral researcher will join a research team at the University of Toronto (Canada) and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (http://trca.on.ca/) working to develop (i) landscape context sensitive decision making and (ii) integrate cumulative effects of existing and planned road networks and land use into the decision support tool. This work will ensure that the most relevant ecosystem functions are being managed at an appropriate spatial scale and level of effort, given the gradient in the character of landscape (e.g. urban, peri-urban, and rural). The postdoc will determine important ecological indicator species and/or functions and characteristics (e.g. habitat quality or connectivity) to characterize impacts due to proposed road crossings, integrate them into existing models, assess the impacts of cumulative effects, and transfer this knowledge to external partners. Strong quantitative skills are necessary. Prior experience in GIS, aquatic and/or terrestrial ecology, interest in landscape/riverscape connectivity, and good communication skills are desirable. Funding is at an NSERC post-doctoral researcher level and for 18 months. Due to funding requirements we require the post-doctoral researcher to join our group no later than Nov 1, 2013. Please send your CV, contact information for three references, and a letter indicating your interest that clearly articulates how this work will build on your existing research experience, specific skills and your date of availability. Please email this information by September 16, 2013 to both: Marie-Josee Fortin ([email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>; http://labs.eeb.utoronto.ca/fortin/) and Donald Jackson ([email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>; http://jackson.eeb.utoronto.ca/).
