[ECOLOG-L] Post-doc positions in evolutionary biology
Two post-doc positions (2 years) in evolutionary biology Umea University, Department of Ecology and Environmental Science, Sweden The role of climate change for the evolution of biodiversity The aim of the project is to understand how climate change affects evolution and the global distribution of species. The earth is subject to recurrent and rapid climate shifts at various time-scales, but the consequences of this has not been incorporated into models of evolution. In the project, models of past climate change are combined with phylogenetic data to address how diversification of species and spatial patterns in genetic divergence within species are affected by climate variability. Position 1 investigates the role of climate variability for the diversification of species. Data on past climate change from climate models are used together with phylogenies from a range of taxa to test for an association between climate variability and species diversification. Position 2 tests how climatic variability affects the degree of genetic divergence among populations. Data on levels of genetic divergence among populations are combined with data on past climate change from climate models to test for a correlation between genetic divergence and climatic stability, both within species (in cases where climatic stability varies across its geographic range) and between species inhabiting regions differing in climatic stability. For further information and guide on how to apply, see http://www8.umu.se/umu/aktuellt/arkiv/lediga_tjanster/315-301-09.htmlhttp://www8.umu.se/umu/aktuellt/arkiv/lediga_tjanster/315-301-09.html, or contact Roland Jansson (mailto:roland.jans...@emg.umu.seroland.jans...@emg.umu.se, www.emg.umu.se/roland) Last day for application is May 31, 2009. Roland Jansson, Associate professor Dept. of Ecology and Environmental Science Umea University SE-901 87 Umea, Sweden phone: +46-90-786 95 73 fax: +46-90-786 78 60 web: http://www.emg.umu.se/roland
[ECOLOG-L] Seasonal REU - Arctic
The Ecosystems Center of the Marine Biological Laboratory is seeking undergraduate applicants for an Arctic research project. The successful candidate will participate in field research on fish and aquatic ecosystems in the Toolik Lake Research Natural Area on the North Slope of Alaska. Research Experience for Undergraduate (REU) positions are available only to U.S. citizens or Permanent Residents who are currently enrolled and will still be enrolled after the REU as undergraduates at U.S. colleges or universities (no graduating seniors). Additional Information: Activities include PIT tagging fish, measuring the length and weight of fish, maintaining weirs and PIT tag antennas in the river, sampling physical parameters in streams, collection and analysis of water samples and benthic invertebrate samples. In addition to gaining experience by working on a variety of project activities, REU students develop a project that is linked to larger studies of streams. REU participants are expected to collect and analyze data and to give a scientific talk describing their project near the end of the field season. Candidates for the position should be available to live at Toolik Field Station for 8-10 weeks during June, July and August. Applicants need to be able to stay until late August. Travel to Toolik Field Station and room and board at the station is paid for by grant funds. Basic Qualifications: Applicants should have completed basic coursework in biology, chemistry and ideally ecology or ecosystem studies. Attention to detail, enthusiasm for fieldwork, and a desire to learn new laboratory and field techniques are essential. Preferred Qualifications: Coursework in fish biology, animal population biology and ecology, flyfishing or fishing expertise, and experience working outdoors under rigorous and potentially buggy and cold conditions. Physical Requirements Applicants should be in good health, capable of rigorous outdoor activity, and prepared to live in a field camp where cooperation with others is essential, personal privacy is limited, and living accommodations are spare and simple. Special Instructions to Applicants: Unofficial transcripts are required documents, but may be uploaded with your application packet or faxed to the Human Resources Office, 508-289-7931. If faxing, please reference both the posting number and position title. Apply online at https://mbl.simplehire.com / An Equal Opportunity Employer
[ECOLOG-L] Postdoctoral Scientist - Arctic Burn
A new project on Fire in the Arctic Landscape is expected to begin at the Ecosystems Center in 2009. The project will include one new postdoctoral position, to be filled sometime before the start of the 2009 field season (April, May, or June 2009). Additional Information: The research project will continue and expand a program of monitoring and observations on a large wildfire in northern Alaska, the 2007 Anaktuvuk River Burn, and in nearby unburned tundra, starting in spring 2009. The observations, comparisons, and analysis would build upon work begun in 2008 (the first summer following the fire) with SGER funds from the NSF Arctic Systems Science and NEON programs. Key components of the research include measurement of (1) surface C, water, and energy exchanges, (2) lake and stream chemistry and water flow, (3) tundra, lake, and stream community composition, and (4) evaluation of spectral reflectance measures of production, biomass, community composition, and burn impacts for use in scaling up to larger areas and for comparison with satellite- and airplane-based measures of reflectance. The postdoctoral associate will be expected to play a significant role in defining the specific approaches to be used, the field research designs, and the data synthesis and modeling approaches. Long-term collaborations with other arctic scientists, with international and PanArctic synthesis programs, and with the LTER network will provide additional opportunities. Basic Qualifications: The ideal candidate for this position will have a PhD and a strong background in ecosystem ecology and biogeochemistry. Our research group is particularly interested in hiring an aquatic ecologist or watershed biogeochemist, but broadly trained ecologists of all kinds are welcome to apply. The project will be based at the Ecosystems Center in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, during each winter but will include extensive field research at Toolik Field Station, Alaska, in 2009-2011. Required Applicant Documents: Resume/CV Cover Letter References Research Goals Apply online at https://mbl.simplehire.com / An Equal Opportunity Employer
[ECOLOG-L] Smithsonian Internship - Landscape Ecology of Endangered Species
GIS Internship at the Smithsonian Conservation Research Center The Conservation GIS Lab at the Smithsonian Conservation Research Center (CRC) is seeking an intern, to start immediately. The Lab focuses on developing remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications to conservation problems. (http://nationalzoo.si.edu/ConservationAndScience/ConservationGIS http://nationalzoo.si.edu/ConservationAndScience/ConservationGIS ). Projects include: 1. Using remote sensing and GIS for conservation of endangered species. Currently we are working on projects focused on Asian elephants, giant pandas, clouded leopards, Przewalski's horses, Mongolian gazelles, and others. 2. Training of wildlife management professionals in application of GPS, GIS and remote sensing to everyday management. The interns will assist with everyday lab management, enter data, help with training courses, and assist in the GIS/remote sensing aspects of these projects. We seek interns with a good knowledge of computers, Windows operating systems, and standard office software. Basic knowledge of GIS (preferably ArcGIS or ARC/INFO) and remote sensing are a plus but not necessary. The internship includes a stipend and housing. Send letter of interest and resume ASAP to Melissa Songer at song...@si.edu mailto:song...@si.edu by April 30. Include dates of availability in your letter. The Conservation and Research Center is located at the north entrance of the Shenandoah National Park about 60 miles west of Washington, D.C., in Front Royal, VA. CRC's mission is to advance conservation of biological diversity. In meeting the Smithsonian Institution's mandate, CRC increases knowledge through investigations of threatened species, habitats, and communities, and disseminates knowledge through advanced studies, professional training, and public outreach.
[ECOLOG-L] Centre for Forest Research 3rd Annual Conference (Gatineau, QC, Canada)
It is with great pleasure that the Centre for Forest Research (CFR, CEF in French) invites you to attend its 3rd Annual Conference. This event will be held on April 19th and 20th 2009, at the Hilton Lac-Leamy Hotel in Gatineau, Québec. The keynote speaker is *Vic Adamowicz* , Canada Research Chair (Environmental Economics), Associate Dean and Professor of forest economics in the Department of Rural Economy, University of Alberta. He has also received the Canadian Forestry Scientific Achievement Award from the Canadian Institute of Forestry in 2004. Professor Adamowicz will talk about *The Challenge of Biodiversity Conservation in Forests: Can Markets for Ecosystem Services Help?* on monday April 20th at 3pm. Details online: http://www.cef-cfr.ca/index.php?n=Colloque.Colloque2009?userlang=en
[ECOLOG-L] [NCSE] Adaptation 2009 Announcement
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit NCSE's Wildlife Habitat Policy Research Program (WHPRP) and the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) recently convened Adaptation 2009: Safeguarding Fish, Wildlife and Natural Systems in the Face of Climate Change. This innovative conference made an important contribution to advancing the dialogue about how natural resource management and conservation will need to be transformed to meet the challenges of climate change. Participants included more than 130 professionals working on management, policy and research related to wildlife and climate change. These leading thinkers and doers came from across the U.S., representing a broad diversity of expertise and balanced participation by non-governmental organizations, federal and state agencies, academia, and the private sector. The conference website is available at http://ncseonline.org/WHPRP/NWF/Adaptation2009/ and includes background information on the conference, available presentations and audio, as well as a short summary report. ___ NCSE mailing list n...@list.ncseonline.org http://list.ncseonline.org/mailman/listinfo/ncse
[ECOLOG-L] Habitat Assessment, Monitoring and Restoration Course
Graduate and Professional Course: Habitat Assessment, Monitoring and Restoration Sponsored by the Smithsonian’s Center for Conservation Education and Sustainability and George Mason University Conservation and Research Center, Front Royal, Virginia June 2-13, 2009 Through participation in lectures, field work, and computer modeling, complemented by discussions of relevant case studies from around the world, course participants will be prepared to apply their practical skills and theoretical knowledge to assessing, managing, and restoring diverse habitats of conservation concern. Topics and Activities -field techniques for assessing habitats -data analysis and interpretation -adaptive management for the monitoring and managing process -technologies such as GIS to aid in planning and management -demonstrations, field trips, and case studies regarding different management and restoration strategies Course participants who choose to pursue credit through George Mason University will complete additional projects to apply their skills and tailor their knowledge to their conservation backgrounds, including creating habitat monitoring and restoration plans for actual habitats. Course fee: US$2,750 (plus tuition costs for graduate credit) Fee includes instruction and course materials as well as all meals and lodging. Transfer to and from the airport is also provided. All travel costs are the responsibility of the participant. The Smithsonian-Mason Alliance designs courses to -provide graduate credit or continuing education for conservation professionals -meet the practical needs of the international conservation community -connect course participants with resources and experts -engage participants in an intensive, dynamic learning community representing global perspectives
[ECOLOG-L] Seeking your input for ESA's Digital Library
Thanks to advances in technology, faculty teaching undergraduate ecology can take advantage of digital resources that convey the best scientific findings. These digital resources, such as images, data, animations, articles, and activities, and information to supplement lectures, labs, and discussions, can be shared online and adapted by colleagues for their own courses. ESA seeks to improve the services of its EcoEd Digital Library (EcoEd DL - www.ecoed.net) that serves as a clearinghouse of digital resources for undergraduate education in ecology. This survey will guide the development of EcoEd DL. All teaching faculty AND research scientists are invited to participate. Please take a moment to complete this survey today at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=wPfcn512Zlpmsju_2b2gegDw_3d_3d to help us better understand your needs. You don#8217;t need to be an ESA member or current EcoEd DL user to participate. We really appreciate your input. Thanks. Teresa Mourad Director, Education and Diversity Programs ESA
[ECOLOG-L] secretary position of ESA-SS
Attention All ESA Students, The ESA Student Section is pleased to call for nominations for the secretary position of ESA-SS 2009. SECRETARY ROLE: The Secretary shall keep the records, accounts, and files of the Section, keep the minutes of the annual meeting, and shall perform such other duties as may from time to time be assigned. The Secretary shall serve for a term of one year. ELIGIBILITY AND NOMINATION: Self-nominations and nominations by colleagues are welcomed. Applications from graduate and undergraduate students are welcome. THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS MAY 2, 2009 Nomination packets should include: 1. Name and affiliation 2. A brief letter describing your background and why you want to become the secretary of the ESA-SS SUBMITTING APPLICATIONS: Nomination packets should be sent (by May 2, 2009) electronically as pdfs to the Student Section's Secretary, Johanna Delgado-Acevedo, at johannadelg...@yahoo.com with the phrase Secretary position in the subject line. We look forward to your applications, The ESA Student Section Chair: Matthew Whiteside Vice Chair: Rob Salguero-Gomez Secretary: Johanna Delgado-Acevedo
[ECOLOG-L] vice-chair position of ESA-SS
Attention All ESA Students, The ESA Student Section is pleased to call for nominations for the vice-chair position of ESA-SS 2009. VICE-CHAIR ROLE: The vice-chair shall work with the chair and other program officers of the society to coordinate the annual meeting programs, and promote the interests of the section. The Vice-chair shall serve for a term of one year. ELIGIBILITY AND NOMINATION: Self-nominations and nominations by colleagues are welcomed. Applications from graduate and undergraduate students are welcome. THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS MAY 2, 2009 Nomination packets should include: 1. Name and affiliation 2. A brief letter describing your background and why you want to become the vice-chair of the ESA-SS SUBMITTING APPLICATIONS: Nomination packets should be sent (by May 2, 2009) electronically as pdfs to the Student Section's Secretary, Johanna Delgado-Acevedo, at johannadelg...@yahoo.com with the phrase Vice-chair position in the subject line. We look forward to your applications, The ESA Student Section Chair: Matthew Whiteside Vice Chair: Rob Salguero-Gomez Secretary: Johanna Delgado-Acevedo
[ECOLOG-L] Field assistant needed in Costa Rica, June-August
Hola ECOLOG'ers, Apologies for cross-posting, and please circulate to other individuals or lists as appropriate. Gracias! VOLUNTEER FIELD ASSISTANT: PhD Student in need of a field assistant for research investigating the mechanisms and consequences of avian insectivore declines in Central America between 1 June - August 2009. I am seeking a highly motivated, reliable, and flexible assistant to work with me at several field sites in northeastern Costa Rica, including La Selva Biological Station and Tirimbina Rainforest Center. I am investigating the potential roles of two alternative mechanisms (food-limitation and microhabitat selection) in the declines of rainforest understory insectivorous birds, including ruddy-tailed flycatcher (Terenotriccus erythrurus), golden-crowned spadebill (Platyrinchus coronatus), and several antwren species, in rainforest reserves. The field work will be varied, including bird foraging observations and arthropod sampling, but the majority of the work will involve habitat structure data collection. Field work is intensive, involving fairly long days, long hikes and/or bicycle rides on often hilly and slippery terrain with backpacks full of water and field gear. Applicants should have significant progress towards a BS/BA (or higher degree) in Biology, Ecology, or a related field. Previous experience with birds, arthropods, vegetation surveys, or other field work especially tropical fieldwork - is preferable but not necessary. A strong interest in fieldwork and the flexibility, durability, and tolerance to deal with occasionally difficult conditions (heat, humidity, biting and stinging insects, snakes, steep terrain) is essential. Knowledge of Spanish is helpful but not necessary, as we will mostly be at field stations with other English-speaking researchers; though a willingness to learn will greatly improve your experience. The assistant must be detail-oriented and meticulous in data collection; experience with collecting systematic data in a scientific context is preferred. In general, applicants should be in good physical and mental condition, and able to maintain a positive and humorous attitude towards challenging and tiring work. In exchange for this, applicants will obtain a variety of valuable research skills, and will work in gorgeous locations with excellent birding opportunities. Room and board and all travel within Central America will be covered, but no stipend will be provided. I will cover at least half of the travel expenses to Costa Rica, with the remainder possible, depending on funding. Please send a resume, letter of interest (describing background, experience, available dates, and future goals), and the names and email addresses of 2-3 references by email attachment to Nicole Michel at nmic...@tulane.edu. Please feel free to contact me for further information; see also my website at http://studentweb.tulane.edu/~nmichel for more information. Applications will be reviewed and applicants contacted as they are received. * Nicole Michel Dept. of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology 400 Boggs Tulane University New Orleans, LA 70118 US Fax: 504-862-8706 US Cell: 360-606-5631 La Selva Biological Station, Costa Rica, January - August Costa Rica Fax: 506-2766-6535 Costa Rica Phone: 506-2766-6565 x178 http://studentweb.tulane.edu/~nmichel *
[ECOLOG-L] Frog field technicians - Fort Collins CO
Description: 1-3 seasonal research technicians are needed for Pseudacris maculata (Chorus Frog) research, primarily in Larimer County with some limited field work in the San Juan Mountains. Technicians will participate in all aspects of data collection. Field work will run from mid-May to mid-late July depending on weather. Additional lab work can continue into August, depending on the technician's summer schedule. Some sites will be relatively easy access and close to town, others will be in the backcountry. Camping at back country campsites may be required (1-4 nights at a time). Hiking, with a backpack (30-50 pounds), over rough terrain 4 -12 miles per day is required. Technicians will use visual encounter survey methods, collect wetland data, record amphibian calls, collect genetic samples, photograph animals, and capture animals for common garden experiments. Applicants must be willing to work at night and under harsh conditions. Attention to detail, organization and consistent methodology are vital. Technicians will use handheld computers, GPS units, and datasheets to enter data and will be responsible for quality assurance and weekly reports. Individuals with highly developed problem solving skills and strong sense of self motivation are highly desirable. Potential for molecular and morphological lab experience at the end of the field season, experience in the laboratory as well as the lab is desirable. Level of knowledge or skills: Ability to identify to species amphibians (all lifestages) present in the survey areas is a plus. Must be physically capable of hiking and carrying the loads listed above. Camping and hiking experience, including experience navigating off trail using map and compass is highly desirable. Must have an eye for detail and ability to follow multiple sampling protocols. The applicant must work well in a team and interact well with public/various land owners. Proof of first aid course and CPR a plus. A valid driver's license and ability to drive a government vehicle is required. Working conditions: Environmental conditions may range from blizzards at higher elevations to extremely hot conditions. Physical hazards include intense sun exposure, dehydration, thunderstorms, hailstorms and blizzards. Amphibian capture will occur at night. Snake encounters are possible but technicians are not required to handle poisonous snakes. Qualifications: Applicants must be available to start in mid-May in Fort Collins. Preference will be given for students in wildlife biology, ecology or a related discipline. Compensation: $10-12 / hour depending on experience. Deadlines: 17 April 2009, but review of applicants will begin immediately. Send resume with 3 references and letter of interest to: Dr. Melanie Murphy at: melanie.mur...@colostate.edumailto:melanie.mur...@colostate.edu. Please put frog technician in subject line. Melanie Murphy, Ph.D. Post-doctoral Associate Biology Department, A/Z 206 Colorado State University melanie.mur...@colostate.edu Office: 970-491-3720 Cell: 208-874-3749 Mailing Address Att: Melanie Murphy Colorado State University Biology Department 1878 Campus Delivery Fort Collins, CO 80523-1878
[ECOLOG-L] postdoc position in estuarine ecology
The Southeast Fisheries Science Center, in conjunction with the National Academies Research Associateship Program, is offering a postdoctoral research opportunity to assess the status of estuaries and coastal habitats for fish populations in the United States. The Southeast Fisheries Science Center Laboratory in Galveston has conducted extensive research on habitat associations of juvenile fishery species in Gulf coast estuaries and is actively working on measuring habitat-related growth and mortality for selected species. Our current goal is to develop mathematical models to link habitat characteristics with fishery productivity, and this position requires an ecosystem modeler to advance our understanding of habitat and fishery connections. This research will be part of a coordinated multiregional assessment of estuaries and coastal habitats of the United States in support of the National Fish Habitat Action plan (NFHAP). This particular research opportunity will cover the northwestern Gulf of Mexico, and the associate is expected to advance NFHAP objectives by 1) integrating NOAA Fisheries habitat classification system, land use/land cover data, hydrologic data, and water quality assessments to develop indicators of habitat condition and 2) testing the utility of these indicators with data on the abundance of well-studied taxa as well as historical and current species compositions. The NFHAP goal is to use this approach to prioritize management actions (e.g., protection, restoration) for each region. This position will be for one year with possibility of extension for an additional year. Applicants should have a broad knowledge of fish-habitat relationships and estuarine and marine ecology. Application details can be found at http://www7.nationalacademies.org/rap/. Research opportunity number is 26.03.05.B7134. The deadline for the first round of review is May 1. If interested, please contact Tom Minello Southeast Fisheries Science Center, Galveston TX (409) 766-3506 tom.mine...@noaa.gov
[ECOLOG-L] Registration Now Open for 350 Climate Conference
We are pleased and honored to announce the upcoming *350 Climate Conferencehttp://www.350conference.org/ *to be held at Columbia University in the city of New York on Saturday May 2nd. The conference will feature* *keynote speaker* Dr. James Hansen*, director of NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies. Determining the safe upper limit for atmospheric carbon dioxide is likely to be one of the most significant research questions of the 21st century. Dr. Hansen has made the case that this number is likely to be 350 parts per million (ppm) of CO2 or lower. Unfortunately, at present we find ourselves at 387 ppm and climbing. This conference will discuss the scientific, political, social and economic challenges and opportunities associated with reducing CO2 and mitigating climate change. Other speakers include *Majora Carter*, founder of Sustainable South Bronx, *Dr. Johannes Lehmann*, leading researcher on biochar carbon sequestration from Cornell University, *Dr. Daniel Hillel*, international authority on soils, hydrology, and sustainable agriculture from the Center for Climate Systems Research, *Michael Gerrard, JD*, director of the newly founded Center for Climate Change Law at Columbia University and *Professor Richard Heinberg*, author and lecturer on energy policy and solutions to climate change. Please visit our website at www.350conference.org for further information on additional speakers or to register http://www.350conference.org/. Seating is limited so please register soon! *REGISTER NOW* http://350conference.eventbrite.com/ -- http://www.350Conference.org May 2nd, 2009 | Columbia University 350confere...@gmail.com Telephone: (740) 258-8450
[ECOLOG-L] Volunteer Monarch Butterfluy Field Assistant
Volunteer Position: Monarch Butterfly Field Assistant (University of Guelph) What: I am looking for 1 student volunteer to assist with research on the spring migration patterns of the Monarch butterfly. Where: Throughout the continental U.S and Ontario (Great Lakes, US Gulf Coast, American Midwest, East Coast). When: May 1, 2009 to July 31, 2009. Primary field duties: Capturing/pinning of Monarchs, sampling of milkweed leaf tissue, and helping with navigation. Assistant must be flexible, able to work long hours (including driving for extended periods of time) and be comfortable camping outside in poor weather conditions. G drivers license an asset. Contact: Please send resume and phone numbers/contact info of 2 professional references to Nathan Miller, University of Guelph (nmil...@uoguelph.ca).
[ECOLOG-L] Education for Sustainable Development
Greetings! The E-Journal of Solidarity, Sustainability, and Nonviolence (SSNV) is launching a new series on education for sustainable development. This is the link: http://pelicanweb.org/solisustv05n04page1.html To get started on this new series, you are invited to a consultation on educational priorities for sustainable development. A preliminary test version of the consultation form is online: http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=cDNoNGlfcDh6NmQ0WTVPNllqRlNSVVE6MA.. Participants can view the results in spreadsheet format: http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=p3h4i_p8z6d4Y5O6YjFSRUQhl=en See page 1 for more on how the consultation will proceed. Even though this is a preliminary test, your participation and feedback are critical for this exercise to yield new insights that may be useful to sustainable development professionals. Please participate! Comments, suggestions, questions, problems ... please let me know. Thanks, Luis _ Luis T. Gutierrez, Ph.D. Editor, E-Journal of Solidarity, Sustainability, and Nonviolence http://www.pelicanweb.org/solisust.html This is a monthly, free subscription, open access e-journal.
[ECOLOG-L] Graduate assistantships in sustainable cropping systems
MS or PhD Graduate Assistantships available in Agronomy, Entomology, and Soil Science at The Pennsylvania State University to study sustainable cropping systems based on ecological principles. Cropping-system practices are being designed to minimize pest populations, conserve nutrients, soil, energy, and off-farm inputs. A recently funded 3-year project with a team of Penn State and USDA-ARS scientists, is seeking graduate applicants for 2009/2010 (even though it is late in the application process) and for 2010/2011. For more information, contact: Dr. Heather Karsten or Dr. Douglas Beegle, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences (h...@psu.edu; 814-863-3179; d...@psu.edu); or Dr. John Tooker, Department of Entomology (too...@psu.edu; 814-865-7082). John F. Tooker Assistant Professor Center for Chemical Ecology/ Department of Entomology Pennsylvania State University 501 ASI Building University Park, PA 16802 814-865-7082
[ECOLOG-L] Post-doctoral Position in Tropical Plant Ecology
POST-DOCTORAL RESEARCH FELLOW in Tropical Plant Ecology School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen We are offering a post-doctoral position for two years, to experimentally assess seedling drought and shade tolerance of tree species from the Congo Basin, and to identify functional traits predictive of these responses. The position is part of an EU-funded project, CoForChange, lead by CIRAD- Forêt in Montpellier, France. CoForChange has three main objectives: (1) to elucidate whether climate or anthropogenic disturbance is the main determinant of tropical moist forest change in the Congo basin, (2) to project changes in forest characteristics in the Congo basin with global change, and (3) to produce decision-making tools for conservation and sustainable management strategies. CoForChange brings together specialists of remote-sensing, populations and communities ecology, functional ecology, hydrology/climatology, pedology, paleoecology, anthropology and modelling, both from Europe and from Africa. CoForChange will (i) describe past and present patterns of forest characteristics in the Congo Basin; (ii) describe patterns of water availability and anthropogenic disturbance; and (iii) experimentally quantify species drought tolerance and light requirements. We will collate these data to evaluate the respective role of water availability and disturbance for temporal and spatial variability of forest characteristics. We will use that information to predict forest changes under global change, and to produce decision-making tools for conservation and forest management. (A project summary in French can be found on p. 8 of this .PDF file: http://www.agence-nationale- recherche.fr/documents/aap/2008/finances/biodiversa-resumes-2008.pdf) The experimental part of this project (‘Workpackage 4’) is lead by Dr Mike Swaine and Dr Bettina Engelbrecht. The Postdoctoral Fellow will be employed by the University of Aberdeen (with the post funded by NERC) but will be based in Pointe Noire, Republic of Congo (Brassaville). The salary will be paid at £29,704 per annum to start in July 2009. The work will include setting up, managing and analysing two experiments to screen a large number of target tree species for their responses to seasonal drought and to different irradiances. There will also be opportunities to develop your own research. The results will be published in international peer-reviewed journals, and will also be used to inform other Workpackages within the overall project. You will have a PhD in a relevant subject. Experience of working in the tropics and a good working knowledge of French would be significant advantages. Informal enquiries may be made to Dr M.D. Swaine (m.swa...@abdn.ac.uk). Should you require a visa to undertake paid employment in the UK you will be required to fulfil the minimum points criteria to be granted a Certificate of Sponsorship and Tier 2 visa. As appropriate, at the time an offer of appointment is made you will be asked to demonstrate that you fulfil the criteria in respect of financial maintenance and competency in English. Please do not hesitate to contact Diane Norris, HR Adviser, for further information on this. To apply online for this position visit www.abdn.ac.uk/jobs or alternatively you may request an application pack by emailing your name and contact details to j...@abdn.ac.uk or by telephoning our 24 hour answer service on (01224) 272727 quoting the job reference number YPL057R. The closing date for the receipt of applications is 30th April 2009. Promoting Diversity and Equal Opportunities throughout the University
