Post-doctoral postion

2007-10-03 Thread Leger, Elizabeth
Post-Doctoral Scholar, University of Nevada, Reno
Department of Natural Resources  Environmental Sciences

Department Web Address: http:/www.ag.unr.edu/nres/

 

Job Description:

The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science at the University 
of Nevada, Reno seeks to hire a post-doctoral scholar to participate in a 
project on the effects altered lignin biosynthesis on plant growth and soil 
carbon formation. This is a two-year project to investigate the growth, biomass 
partitioning and soil carbon formation in control aspen and four lines of 
transgenic aspen seedlings varying syringyl:guaiacyl (S/G) lignin ratio, which 
has negative effects on plant growth and biomass partitioning and which can 
further lead to reductions in soil C formation. The successful candidate will, 
with guidance from the Principle Investigator, implement this study in a 
greenhouse setting at UNR, make the appropriate measurements, and publish the 
results in the open literature.  

 

Job Open Date: 10-01-2007  

Job Close Date: 10-31-2007

 

Required Qualifications:

PhD. in plant physiology or closely related field.

Preferred Qualificiations:

Experience in culturing plants in greenhouse settings and knowledge of soils.  

Contact information for this position:

Heidi McConnell, 775-784-4020

[EMAIL PROTECTED]

 

Instructions to Applicants:

Apply online at https://www.unrsearch.com, search for Post-Doctoral Scholar.

 

Interested applicants will be prompted to attach a curriculum vitae, cover 
letter and contact information for three references. You may also attach 
unofficial transcripts to your online application if you are able to scan them 
into a .pdf format.

 

Additionally, MAIL unofficial transcripts to:

Heidi McConnell, Search Coordinator

Natural Resources  Environmental Science MS 0186

1000 Valley Road

Reno, NV 89502


Re: Ecosystem and Environmental Services

2007-10-03 Thread Wayne Tyson
There's something troublesome to me about the terms, even though I 
recognize their utility and inevitability.  There's just something 
disturbing about thinking about Mother Nature (aka the earth 
ecosystem and all its little ecosystems, as it were) servicing humans.

As a practical matter, though, why not break the terms down into 
their constituent meanings and compare them?  What does ecosystem 
mean, and what does environment mean?  And what are services, 
exactly?  I find that this exercise, silly though it may seem at 
first glance, and even unnecessary, often gives me insights I never 
would have otherwise seen.  Looking at the etymology can sometimes be 
particularly enlightening.

Definitions have their uses; they also can be traps, not to mention 
semantic devices that can mislead.  They tend to freeze the mind.

WT

At 02:38 PM 10/2/2007, Fabrice De Clerck wrote:
A quick question for the group - is there a distinction between
ecosystem services and environmental services, or are both terms
synonymous?

Cheers,
Fabrice


Fort Stewart - Post-graduate Internship

2007-10-03 Thread Yetta Jager
Position: Post-graduate Intern – Stream Water Quality

Background
Located near Savannah, Georgia, Fort Stewart is a large military
installation (280,000 acres) dedicated to supporting the 3rd Infantry
Division while conserving natural resources, including fish and wildlife and
their habitat.  Assessment of the water quality of streams and monitoring
the biological integrity of fish communities is necessary to describe,
quantify, manage, and protect the natural resources on Fort Stewart.  We
seek a responsible and capable individual who wishes to gain practical field
experience in resource management and stream ecology. Our Postgraduate
Internship Program for Fort Stewart is administered by the Oak Ridge
Institute for Science and Education (ORISE). The appointment is for one year
beginning November, 2007 with potential for renewal for up to two additional
years subject to availability of funds.  The annual stipend can range from
$29,400 to $36,400, depending on education and experience.

Duties
The intern will support Fort Stewart’s Environmental Division, Fish and
Wildlife Branch in its efforts to integrate habitat protection and
management actions with military training, endangered species, forestry, and
other natural resource management plans.  Opportunities for cross-training
in a wide variety of management activities exist, ranging from endangered
species management to monitoring fish and wildlife resources.  In addition,
the intern will be involved in a SERDP-funded study to assess the population
viability of the endangered shortnose sturgeon (see
www.esd.ornl.gov/~zij/SERDP.html). The intern will lead the stream sampling
effort designed to characterize relationships between watershed land cover
and stream nutrients.  Opportunities will exist to collaborate in the
analysis and publication of study results.

Qualifications 
We seek a self-motivated, reliable individual that is comfortable working
outdoors and capable of working independently.  Educational background
and/or practical experience in the field of environmental engineering,
natural resources or environmental science is required.  A driver’s license
is also required.  To inquire about or apply for this position contact:
 

Tim Beaty, Chief, Fish and Wildlife Branch  Dr. Henriette Jager
Fort Stewart, GA 31314  Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Phone: (912) 767-7261   Phone: (865) 574-8143
E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]   Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]


Re: Ecosystem and Environmental Services

2007-10-03 Thread Deborah Hersha
As a spin-off on Wayne Tyson's comments, to me, services imply work done
or products provided for an unrelated entity (in this case, humans).  It can
also imply that humans perceive themselves outside the realm of the
ecosystem; not interrelated with the workings of the system.  It conjures
images that humans are entitled to the benefits from the world around them
but are not in any way responsible in returning back to the system in a
sustainable (another word I am beginning to shy away from its use) way. 

 

It seems to me one of the first steps to implementing a paradigm shift in
the human perception of the role they play in environment and specifically,
as members of ecosystems, is to use vernacular that suggests we are
intertwined and human actions directly impact their environment and
ecosystem, not to mention the longevity that the system will have to provide
quality services.   

 

I struggle with understanding the human psyche enough to convince them that
the services provided by their local water systems are limited and their
actions with respect to the aquatic system directly impact the timeframe of
that limitation. Humans should not have rights of entitlement when it comes
to ecosystem services.   It seems to me, if people understand or
perceive they are a cog in the wheel, their behavior would be modified.
Could it be as simple as paying close attention to the words used to
communicate and the perceived ideas conjured by the use of particular words?


 

Sidebar: I am a PhD candidate at Ohio State University working on the role
of protozoa and their use as a bioassessment tool in headwater streams.   I
am also a NSF fellow working with secondary teachers in my research
watershed developing/implementing watershed ecological curriculum from an
inquiry, place-based perspective. 

 

DKHersha

 

 

 

 

-Original Message-
From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Wayne Tyson
Sent: Wednesday, October 03, 2007 1:56 AM
To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU
Subject: Re: Ecosystem and Environmental Services

 

There's something troublesome to me about the terms, even though I 

recognize their utility and inevitability.  There's just something 

disturbing about thinking about Mother Nature (aka the earth 

ecosystem and all its little ecosystems, as it were) servicing humans.

 

As a practical matter, though, why not break the terms down into 

their constituent meanings and compare them?  What does ecosystem 

mean, and what does environment mean?  And what are services, 

exactly?  I find that this exercise, silly though it may seem at 

first glance, and even unnecessary, often gives me insights I never 

would have otherwise seen.  Looking at the etymology can sometimes be 

particularly enlightening.

 

Definitions have their uses; they also can be traps, not to mention 

semantic devices that can mislead.  They tend to freeze the mind.

 

WT

 

At 02:38 PM 10/2/2007, Fabrice De Clerck wrote:

A quick question for the group - is there a distinction between

ecosystem services and environmental services, or are both terms

synonymous?

 

Cheers,

Fabrice


Re: Ecosystem and Environmental Services

2007-10-03 Thread William Silvert
In response to Malcolm and the other respondents on this issue, I think the 
point of speaking of  services is not some philosophical argument about 
the place of man in the universe, but simply a way of getting across the 
idea that there is a real quantifiable benefit to having healthy 
environments. Ecologists may respect ecosystems for their own sake, but 
economists take the view that this is not enough for some people and for 
political effect we need to convince them that protecting the environment is 
of real value.

For example, once homeowners realise that the forests above their houses 
protect them from mudslides they may begin to see something in common with 
tree huggers.

From this point of view, ecological services are just a subset of 
environmental services. Tree roots that stablise the soil provide an 
ecological service, while glaciers that release water in time for the spring 
planting season provide a non-ecological environmental service.

Bill Silvert

- Original Message - 
From: Malcolm McCallum [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU
Sent: Wednesday, October 03, 2007 12:08 AM
Subject: Re: Ecosystem and Environmental Services


 Ecosystem services are things organisms in the environment do.
 Environmental services are things cleaning professionals do (ranging from
 house cleaning to disinfection for mold).

 Hope that helps.

 Malcolm McCallum

 On Tue, October 2, 2007 4:38 pm, Fabrice De Clerck wrote:
 A quick question for the group - is there a distinction between
 ecosystem services and environmental services, or are both terms
 synonymous?

 Cheers,
 Fabrice 


Faculty Position: Physiologist (Northeastern Illinois University)

2007-10-03 Thread John Kasmer
PHYSIOLOGIST

The Department of Biology at Northeastern Illinois University invites
applications for a tenure-track position at the ASSISTANT PROFESSOR level to
begin September 2008.  We seek a candidate who uses modern physiological
techniques to address any of a wide range of questions related to the
biology of either vertebrates or invertebrates.   

The successful candidate will have a strong commitment to excellence in
teaching and ability to engage graduate and undergraduate students in
research.  Teaching responsibilities will include vertebrate physiology, a
course involving a major group of animals, and courses in an area of
specialization.  Contributions to both the undergraduate and graduate
programs will be expected as well as research and service.  An earned
doctorate in animal physiology or a related field is required.  

Northeastern Illinois University is a comprehensive state university of over
12,000 commuter students located on the northwest side of Chicago and is
recognized as having the most ethnically diverse student body in the Midwest.  

Send letter of application, official transcripts, curriculum vitae with
current e-mail address, statements of teaching philosophy and research
plans, copies of published research if available, and three letters of
recommendation, at least one addressing teaching effectiveness to: 
Physiology Search, c/o Dr. John Kasmer, Chair, Department of Biology,
Northeastern Illinois University, 5500 N. St. Louis Ave., Chicago, IL 
60625-4699, or via e-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED]  Review of applications will
begin October 15, 2007, and continue until position is filled.  For further
information, contact Dr. John Kasmer via e-mail.  Women and minority
candidates are especially encouraged to apply.  AA/EOE.


PhD Student for Riparian Biogeochemical Cycling Study in Central Idaho.

2007-10-03 Thread Katy Kavanagh
Position Announcement: PhD Student for Riparian Biogeochemical Cycling 
Study in Central Idaho.

Announcement: I am seeking a highly motivated PhD student to participate 
in an interdisciplinary study on the role of salmon carcasses in soil and 
plant biogeochemical cycles including linkages to the aquatic and 
terrestrial food webs. Ocean-reared salmon have been extirpated from a 
vast region in central Idaho for almost 100 years due to hydro power 
development and irrigation. We will be reintroducing carcasses to assess 
their influence on ecosystem productivity. The PhD student will establish 
and conduct soil nutrient input and vegetation manipulation experiments, 
soil and plant analysis, including stable isotope analysis and gross soil 
nutrient fluxes. The student will primarily be responsible for the soil 
and vegetative component of this project, but will also be expected to 
collaborate with stream ecologists, fish biologists and wildlife 
biologists on the project. The stipend is $25,000 per year including 
tuition waiver.  The successful candidate will be a PhD student in the 
College of Natural Resources at the University of Idaho.  The project 
includes faculty, biologists, technicians and post doctoral scientists 
from University of Alaska, Washington State University, Idaho State 
University and Idaho Fish and Game.

Field Working/Living Conditions:  The field sites are riparian forests 
along several first and second order streams in the Boise, Payette and 
Weiser watersheds in central Idaho. This is a beautiful landscape to work 
in with few mosquitoes and little summer rainfall. The candidate will be 
camping in remote field sites and will be expected to spend a significant 
part of the spring/summer months in the field.

Technical Qualifications: The PhD candidate should be familiar with 
biogeochemistry, forest ecology and ecosystem processes associated with 
plant productivity and nutrient cycling. Experience working with stable 
isotopes is advantageous as is familiarity with nitrogen gross 
mineralization techniques. Good experimental and laboratory skills with 
evidence of ability to publish research results in refereed journals are 
highly desired. Applicants are required to have a master’s degree in 
forest ecology, ecosystem ecology, biogeochemistry or other appropriate 
field.

Personal Qualifications: The candidate should be self-motivated, focused, 
able to work independently and work as part of a multidisciplinary team. 
You should be capable of driving to remote sites on gravel roads, hiking 
several kilometers and are comfortable camping in primitive areas. 

How to Apply: To apply for this position, please email the following to 
Kathleen Kavanagh; [EMAIL PROTECTED]: (1) your CV (including GRE scores and 
percentiles); (2) a 1-2 page description of your research interests and 
ideas; please also describe your technical and personal qualifications for 
this position; (3) contact information for three references. Inquiries are 
welcome.

Application Deadline: Applications will be considered until the position 
is filled.

Starting Date: A starting date of January 2008 or earlier is ideal. 
However, students who can join this project in the spring or summer of 
2008 are also encouraged to apply.


Faculty Position at Columbia University

2007-10-03 Thread Maria Uriarte
ECOLOGY, EVOLUTION AND ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGY
COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
We seek an ecological, evolutionary or environmental biologist whose 
research complements and augments strengths within the department and 
related institutions ( www.columbia.edu/cu/e3b/job). Appointment will be 
at the Assistant Professor level. We encourage applicants working on 
animals or microbes at landscape, regional or global scales.  Successful 
candidate will be expected to establish a vigorous, externally funded 
research program and to participate in undergraduate and graduate 
teaching.  Ph.D. required. Candidates should send single PDF file 
including CV, research and teaching statements, and contacts for 3 or more 
referees to [EMAIL PROTECTED] by November 5, 2007.  Columbia 
University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.  
Minorities and women are encouraged to apply. 


Conference on the Ecological Dimensions of Biofuels

2007-10-03 Thread Cliff Duke
Conference on the Ecological Dimensions of Biofuels

Hosted by The Ecological Society of America

Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center

Washington, DC

March 10, 2008

__=20

Production of fuels from plants and agricultural and forestry wastes can
reduce both society's dependence on fossil fuels and net emissions of
atmospheric carbon dioxide, the major contributor to global warming.
Expanded use of this bioenergy requires assuring that its production and
consumption are truly sustainable.

__

Conference Highlights:

500 attendees will hear invited presentations by leading scientists on:

* sustainable development and use of biofuels;

* social, biogeographic, land use, and biodiversity considerations; and,

* ecological dimensions of alternatives for crop selection and
production,

harvest and transport of product to refinery, and refining of liquid
fuels and

other co-products.

The conference will conclude with an evening social featuring additional
poster presentations and opportunities for attendees to network with
presenters and others working in this important field.

Full details, including an agenda, registration information, and
sponsorship opportunities, will be available soon at

http://www.esa.org/science_resources. Meanwhile, contact Dr. Clifford
Duke, Director of Science Programs,

for additional information (202-833-8773, [EMAIL PROTECTED]).


help on counts in access

2007-10-03 Thread Lorna S R Joachim
Does anyone know how to do counts in Access for 
observational data like this:

FOCAL   BEHAVIORTARGET
1   7   1
1   14  6
1   14  3
1   14  2
1   2   2
1   71b 6
1   2   3
1   9   2
1   13  2
1   11  4
1   2   4
1   14  4
1   9   3
1   13  4
1   13  5

1   14  3
1   13  5
1   14  6
1   7   1
1   9   6
1   13  6
1   12  6
1   15  6
1   9   4
1   9   3
1   10  6
1   13  2
1   13  4
1   13  3
1   3   16

1   11  6
1   14  6
1   3   16
1   9   6
1   13  6
1   13  2
1   13  3
1   13  4
1   13  5
1   7   1
1   3   15
1   4   1
1   19  1
1   27  1

1   27  1
1   13  16
1   3   16
1   19  1
1   4   1
1   3   15

1   27  1
1   19  1
1   13  16
1   3   15

1   27  1
1   13  16
1   3   15
1   19  1
1   3   16

1   27  1
1   19  1
1   13  16
1   3   15
1   3   16

1   27  1
1   19  1
1   13  16
1   3   15
1   3   16


Course info request: Pesticides and the Environment

2007-10-03 Thread Adam Oliver Brown
Hi all
I will be giving a 4th year-level undergraduate course for the first =20
time on Pesticides and the Environment.  This course will cover =20
aspects of pest biology (insects, mites, nematodes, rodents, weeds, =20
microorganisms etc.), disease vectors, different methods of treatment =20=

(biological, chemical, physical), the chemistry of major groups of =20
pesticides (inorganic, organic etc) as well as effects on non-target =20
organisms and the environment.

I would be greatly appreciative to hear about similar courses that =20
have been given, including info on syllabi, testing/project =20
assignments and textbooks (or parts thereof) that you have used.  Any =20=

other comments or suggestions that I have not listed would also be =20
appreciated.

Please reply to me personally and I will post a summary to the list.
many thanks and cheers
adam



Adam Oliver Brown, Ph.D

Dept. of Biology/D=E9p. de biologie
University of Ottawa/Universit=E9 d'Ottawa

30 Marie Curie
Ottawa, Ontario
Canada
K1N 6N5

(613) 562-5800 ext. 6308
(613) 562-5486 (fax)
(819) 962-7966 (cell)
[EMAIL PROTECTED]

http://www.biology.uottawa.ca/details.php?lang=3Dengid=3D162



Marking strategies

2007-10-03 Thread Chris M. Titus
During the winter 2008 I will be doing research on a species of dwarf gecko 
(Sphaerodactylus corticola soter)

Question: Does anyone have suggestions for tagging these very small creatures 
(for identification purposes) without impeding their movement or causing damage 
to the individual?  

Species characteristics:
~25-35mm in length
found beneath rocks
velvet like skin

Thanks,

Christopher Titus


Job: Research Technician in Drosophila laboratory

2007-10-03 Thread Kim van der Linde
Research Technician, OPS

We are seeking a full-time research technician, experienced in 
traditional genetics and molecular genetics, to assist in a new 
three-year project. Duties include traditional genetic crosses, 
phenotypic measurements of Drosophila, construction of transgenes,  and 
assays of gene expression. Will also manage an active Drosophila lab and 
supervise routine stock maintenance and undergraduate employees. Pay 
will be from $10-$15/hour, depending on experience.

Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in a biological science, or equivalent laboratory 
experience.

Requirements
Experience with molecular biological techniques.  Excellent knowledge of 
transmission genetics.  Good organizational skills.  Experience working 
with Drosophila (fruit flies) is desirable, but not required.

Contact Info
The work will be at the laboratory of Dr. David Houle 
(http://bio.fsu.edu/~dhoule/), Department of Biological Science 
(http://www.bio.fsu.edu/), Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 
32306. To apply, send a brief letter stating your interest, a curriculum 
vitae, and the contact information for three references to Kim van der 
Linde, [EMAIL PROTECTED] Applications will be considered starting 
October 17, 2007. For additional information, please contact Dr. Kim van 
der Linde directly

Equal Employment Opportunity
An Equal Opportunity/Access/Affirmative Action Employer.

-- 
http://www.kimvdlinde.com


Re: Marking strategies

2007-10-03 Thread Malcolm McCallum
Try using a fluorecent dye marker.  However, use the air gun type as they
will probably shed their tails if you try individually marking them with
the hypodermic needl

On Wed, October 3, 2007 3:52 pm, Chris M. Titus wrote:
 During the winter 2008 I will be doing research on a species of dwarf
 gecko (Sphaerodactylus corticola soter)

 Question: Does anyone have suggestions for tagging these very small
 creatures (for identification purposes) without impeding their movement or
 causing damage to the individual?

 Species characteristics:
 ~25-35mm in length
 found beneath rocks
 velvet like skin

 Thanks,

 Christopher Titus



Malcolm L. McCallum
Assistant Professor of Biology
Editor Herpetological Conservation and Biology
http://www.herpconbio.org
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
[EMAIL PROTECTED]


fellowship for graduate student work in Rocky Mountain National Park

2007-10-03 Thread David Inouye
See http://rmna.org/ for information about the Rocky Mountain 
Research Fellowship for graduate student work in Rocky Mountain 
National Park.  Park housing, a stipend, and research expenses are 
included.  For more information contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] or call 970-586-0108. 
 


Student Observers Needed for Spring Phenological Study

2007-10-03 Thread Rodrigo Vargas
Student Observers Needed for Spring Phenological Study

Overview
We are seeking students to participate as phenological observers in a National 
Science Foundation funded project being conducted in northern Wisconsin for 
approximately four weeks during spring 2008.  Selected individuals will work as 
part of a four-person observation team.  Starting and ending times will vary a 
few days depending on spring weather conditions, but most likely commence 
during the last week of April and extend to the last week of May.

Phenology is the study of periodic plant and animal life cycle events that are 
influenced by environmental changes, especially seasonal variations in 
temperature and precipitation driven by weather and climate.  Wide ranges of 
phenomena are included, from first openings of leaf and flower buds, to insect 
hatchings and return of birds.  Each one gives a ready measure of the 
environment as viewed by the associated organism. Thus, timings of 
phenological events are ideal indicators of the impact of local and global 
changes in weather and climate on the Earth's biosphere.

Qualifications
Team members must be able to work with minimal supervision in a variety of 
outdoor conditions.  They must also show attention to detail and be able to 
make accurate observations as well as systematically record them.

Orientation
Before starting, team members will receive a full orientation to phenology as 
well as the specific protocols and procedures to be used during the field work. 
 
On-going support will also be provided.

Lodging
Team members will be housed at the Kemp Natural Resource Station (KNRS) in 
Woodruff, WI.  The station has comfortable rooms, showers, and kitchen 
facilities, as well as wireless Internet connectivity.  See http://
www.kemp.wisc.edu for more details about this facility.

Work and Schedule
Team members will generally go into the field every other day, so work days 
will 
alternate with days off during the four-week period.  This schedule may change 
for short periods if necessary due to severe or unusual weather.  On work days 
the team will be transported to the field site and spend approximately eight 
hours recording the phenological state of tagged trees along marked transects.  
Cold lunches, beverages, and water will be carried in each work day.

Benefits
Team member’s reasonable transportation costs to and from their home 
institutions to UW-Milwaukee (UWM) will be covered.  All transportation to and 
from UWM to KNRS and to and from KNRS to the field site, food, and lodging 
expenses during the four-week period will be provided.  In addition, team 
members will each receive a $2000 stipend.

Contact Information
If you would like more information or wish to be considered as a phenological 
observer, please contact Prof. Mark D. Schwartz, Dept. of Geography, UWM at 
(414) 229-3740 or [EMAIL PROTECTED] 


Re: Marking strategies

2007-10-03 Thread Mark A. Albins
Chris,

We use elastomer tags to ID small damselfish (Stegastes partitus) from  
2 to 8 cm TL in size.  The tags consist of a small amount of  
flourescent colored rubberized plastic injected just under the skin.

Try googling Northwest Marine Technologies... look for VIE (Visible  
Implant Elastomer) tags

Aloha

**
Mark A. Albins
Department of Zoology
Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR 97331-2914
phone:  (541) 740-7747
fax: (541) 737-0501
**


Quoting Chris M. Titus [EMAIL PROTECTED]:

 During the winter 2008 I will be doing research on a species of   
 dwarf gecko (Sphaerodactylus corticola soter)

 Question: Does anyone have suggestions for tagging these very small   
 creatures (for identification purposes) without impeding their   
 movement or causing damage to the individual?

 Species characteristics:
 ~25-35mm in length
 found beneath rocks
 velvet like skin

 Thanks,

 Christopher Titus