[ECOLOG-L] Graduate Research Assistantship- Estuarine Ecology
I am seeking a motivated student to fill a graduate assistantship at the M.S. or Ph.D. level in the Marine Biology Program at Texas AM University- Corpus Christi (http://marinebiology.tamucc.edu/). The position is available beginning in either late August, 2010, or January 1, 2011. The research project will focus on the role of top-down (i.e., grazing) vs. bottom-up (i.e., light, nutrients) environmental factors in determining estuarine phytoplankton bloom potentials and community composition. My lab conducts research on estuarine/coastal phytoplankton ecology, nutrient organic matter cycling in the coastal zone, food-web dynamics, and impacts of anthropogenic climate change on coastal ecosystems. TAMU-CC is affiliated with the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies (http://harteresearchinstitute.org/), which is where our research labs are located. This study will require the student to spend some time during spring and summer of the next few years at a field station in Morehead City, NC. I would also envision a spin-off of this work to develop in coastal Texas waters. Candidates should have a background in ecology or marine science and should possess strong quantitative skills. The assistantship will be grant-supported and has an excellent stipend relative to the cost-of- living. Cost-of-living in Corpus Christi, Texas, is inexpensive and ample opportunities exist for cultural/artistic and outdoor activities. San Antonio is approximately 2 hours to the northwest, Austin 3 hours to the northwest, and Houston 3 hours to the northeast. Interested candidates should email me, Dr. Mike Wetz at mw...@fsu.edu, by July 24th, 2010. Please include a letter of interest, C.V., unofficial transcripts and GRE scores.
[ECOLOG-L] OXFORD UNIVERSITY: 3-year postdoc on tool use and culture in crows
UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD DEPARTMENT OF ZOOLOGY Postdoctoral Research Associate Tool use in New Caledonian crows salary range: 28,983 -- 35,646 GBP p.a. (incl. discretionary range to 38,951 GBP p.a.) A three-year postdoctoral position is available, from August 2010 onwards, to work on the ecological and social context of tool use in New Caledonian crows (Corvus moneduloides). The post is funded as part of a 5-year BBSRC David Phillips Fellowship to Dr Christian Rutz, and will be based at the Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, UK. The post-holder will be responsible for coordinating and conducting fieldwork in New Caledonia, South Pacific. The research project will chart the ecology and behaviour of wild, free-ranging crows, using detailed field observations, systematic surveys, and novel biologging technologies. In addition, specific hypotheses will be examined in controlled experiments with wild and captive subjects. This is an exceptional opportunity to conduct topical field research on animal tool use and culture in a high-profile study system, and to take a leading role in a prolific and expanding research project. The successful candidate will have a PhD in behavioural ecology, ecology, evolutionary biology or a related subject, and experience in conducting independent field research, preferably in remote study locations. Proven skills in writing and publishing papers in leading scientific journals are essential. Experience of supervision in a research context, and working as part of a multi-disciplinary team are desirable. Previous field-ornithological experience, or a background in animal-cognition research, are not essential. Informal inquiries (with CV) should be addressed directly to Dr Christian Rutz (christian.r...@zoo.ox.ac.uk). Further particulars and application forms are available from http://www.zoo.ox.ac.uk/jobs or from the Personnel Office of the Department of Zoology, University of Oxford (Tinbergen Building, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PS, UK; phone: +44(0) 1865 271190; email: recr...@zoo.ox.ac.uk). Quoting reference number AT10013, applicants should send to the above address: (i) a completed application form; (ii) a CV with contact details of three referees; and (iii) a cover letter explaining point-by-point how they meet the selection criteria for the post (as specified in the further particulars) and why they wish to conduct research on New Caledonian crows. The closing date for applications is 30 July 2010, and interviews with short-listed candidates are scheduled for 10 August 2010 (or will take place soon thereafter). This is a re-advertisement, and applicants from the previous round do not need to re-apply. Dr Christian Rutz BBSRC David Phillips Fellow Department of Zoology University of Oxford South Parks Road Oxford OX1 3PS, UK +44/1865/271179 christian.r...@zoo.ox.ac.uk www.zoo.ox.ac.uk
[ECOLOG-L] flowering plant densities in the Brazilian cerrado?
Dear Ecologers, I am looking for data on densities of flowering plants (especially those visited by stingless bees) in the Brazilian cerrado biome. Estimated densities would also be useful. If you have such data or can suggest other people to contact, your help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks. Sincerely, Elinor Lichtenberg - Elinor Lichtenberg Ph.D. Candidate Nieh Lab Division of Biological Sciences University of California, San Diego 9500 Gilman Drive, MC 0116 La Jolla, CA 92093-0116 elich...@ucsd.edu (858) 822-5011 -
[ECOLOG-L] Postdoc in Plant Ecology at Case Western Reserve University
Postdoctoral Research Associate -- Plant Ecology at Case Western Reserve University A Postdoctoral Research Associate position is available in Jean H. Burns' lab (currently at http://www.eve.ucdavis.edu/burns/) at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH to develop collaborative research in plant ecology. The focus of the Burns lab is on the mechanisms governing community assembly, with a special focus on invasive plant species and phylogenetic comparative methods. The research program is flexible, but applicants with strengths in plant demography, mycorrhizal interactions, or herbivore defense compounds are especially encouraged to apply, as are applicants with strong quantitative skills. I am looking for a highly motivated Ph.D. with an interest in developing a collaborative research program. Interested applicants should have a Ph.D. in ecology, evolution, or a related field by the start date. I will begin reviewing applications on 1 August 2010. The position may be filled as early as January 2010, but the start date is flexible. Applicants are encouraged to get in touch with me to discuss details of the position. To apply: email a single pdf with a cover letter, CV, brief research statement, and contact information for three professional references to Jean H. Burns at bu...@ucdavis.edu. Case Western Reserve University is a private university located in Cleveland, Ohio. CWRU owns and operates University Farms (http://studentaffairs.case.edu/farm/), a 389-acre property that includes laboratory and greenhouse facilities, and encompasses deciduous forests and meadows. Further, the CWRU Biology Department has an affiliation with The Holden Arboretum (http://www.holdenarb.org/home/), which has been promoting a mission of horticulture, conservation, education and research since 1931. It encompasses over 3,600 acres of a variety of habitats, and its staff includes multiple research scientists conducting work on plant and ecosystem ecology. Cleveland has a low cost of living and many wonderful cultural resources, including a world-class symphony (http://www.clevelandorchestra.com/), art museum (http://www.clevelandart.org/), and botanical garden (http://www.cbgarden.org/). In employment, as in education, Case Western Reserve University is committed to Equal Opportunity and World Class Diversity.
[ECOLOG-L] Job announcement: Ecologist, U.S. Department of Energy
ESA is posing this job announcement at the request of U.S. Department of Energy. Please send any inquiries to the agency contact listed in the job announcement at USAJOBS. The U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of Biological and Environmental Research (BER), is seeking an Ecologist to serve as a Program Manager for the Climate and Environmental Sciences Division. BER advances world-class biological and environmental research programs and scientific facilities for DOE missions in energy, environment, and basic research. The Climate and Environmental Systems Science Division supports an interdisciplinary portfolio including terrestrial ecology, atmospheric sciences, climate modeling and simulation, and subsurface science. The Ecologist Program Manager will be responsible for basic research programs on terrestrial ecology within the Climate and Environmental Systems Sciences Division. The successful candidate will provide program leadership for the development, implementation and operation of long-term ecological experiments relating to climate change. The position is within the Federal Civil Service, with a salary range of $89,033 to $155,500. For further information about this position and the instructions on how to apply and submit an application, please go to http://jobview.usajobs.gov/GetJob.aspx?JobID=88870296JobTitle=Ecologistq=ecologistwhere=germantown%2c+mdbrd=3876vw=bFedEmp=NFedPub=Yx=52y=16AVSDM=2010-06-22+00%3a03%3a00 It is imperative that you follow the instructions as stated on the announcement (10-DE-SC-HQ-054 (dc)). To be considered for this position, you must apply online. This announcement closes on July 27, 2010. Jennifer Riem Science Programs Coordinator Ecological Society of America jenni...@esa.org 202.833.8773 x 218
Re: [ECOLOG-L] Humans in the definition of ecosystems
Ecolog: Certainly Polgar's remarks have a ring of truth, and they remind me that a large part of the world's almost 7 billion humans are simply going about their business of survival in an increasingly degraded environment--one for which there are no reliable statistics but about which there can be little question. Worse, there are no statistics on how the once biologically rich areas in parts of the earth, Africa, for example, were fairly recently (the last century) self-sustaining but now largely dependent, ironically upon the very imperial nations which impoverished them in the latter nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, and continue to do so. I have a little trouble following Polgar's meaning concerning importance and dominance. If by important Polgar means keystone, I would certainly agree that H. sapiens' departure or diminishment might have salutary effects upon biological diversity, but I would suggest that bacteria are more likely to be important biologically. If by importance Polgar means the destruction of other species for reasons unrelated to survival and a seeming determination to foul its own nest (not to mention those of other species and others of its own kind) on the basis of clearly insane whims (e.g., production of artless and valueless trinkets and planned obsolesence; cell phones, ad nauseam), it would seem that H. sapiens wins that contest hands down. But again I would emphasize that it is the development of culture that is at the root of this phenomenon. Nature may drive us, but culture drives us crazy. WT - Original Message - From: Gianluca Polgar gianluca.pol...@gmail.com To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Sent: Tuesday, June 29, 2010 7:42 AM Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] Humans in the definition of ecosystems I'm afraid I have far more radical ideas about humans and ecosystems. In my opinion, humans are animals, not unlike any other animal on the planet. Any possible dichotomy between humans and other animals would be arbitrary from an ecological point of view, that is, anthropocentric. I believe that the big difference perceived between Homo sapiens and other organisms (not only animals) is merely the effect of the extraordinarily disproportionate interest we express for H. sapiens. For instance, let's think at the Gaia hypothesis: does anyone think that the impact of H. sapiens on the biosphere is quantitatively and qualitatively more important than any species of denitrifying bacteria, or than cyanobacteria? How rapidly the biosphere biogeochemical cycles, which are at the base of any biological process on Earth, would change if a crucial procariote strain or lineage suddenly disappears? My educated guess is that such changes would be much more drastic than any global change induced by greenhouse gases released by H. sapiens in the atmosphere. Fortunately (also for us, I would say), such pivotal organisms cannot apparently be threatened by human activity on Earth. Analogous examples can be made for several species of insects, with huge biomasses and numbers of individuals. I personally do not think that H. sapiens is the dominant species on the planet. Its ecological impact on the biosphere is gradually decreasing as we consider organisms that are less and less ecologically (and up to a certain extent, phylogenetically) related to (e.g. interacting with) H. sapiens. This is probably the main reason why we are the only hominid species on the planet, and why so few apes presently survive (most being at risk of extinction). This is the reason why H. sapiens drove the majority of mammal megafaunas to extinction much before industrialization, and one of the reasons why there are so many environmentalist campaigns for vertebrates than for arthropods, protists, or procariotes (apart from anthropomorphic and demagogical issues). It is clear that the ability of H. sapiens (or better of some its populations) to modify its habitat for his own survival is driving the colonised systems to their carrying capacity, rapidly inverting its adaptive value. But carrying capacity is a concept based on what must be carried by the system... making this essentially a problem for H. sapiens and for ecologically related species. Nonetheless, I think that the same permanence of this trait in our r-selective culture is indeed based on this obsolete dichotomy: H. sapiens and everything else. I think that as ecologists, we should be very clear on this point, if we propose to manage our habitats and co-evolve with other organisms by means of one of our best adaptations: mind. It is often advantageous to focus on a single organism (e.g. H. sapiens or Aedes albopictus) or on a group of organisms, to address specific ecological problems. Nonetheless, I think that ecologists should promote and sustain a more holistic concept of ecology and ecosystems, with no permanent focus on a single portion or process; we reached the limits of our habitat: the biosphere must be managed as a whole,
[ECOLOG-L] rabies in North American microtines
Is anyone aware of any reports of rabies in Microtus in North America? There are several reports, years and decades old, mentioning rabies isolated from Microtus arvalis in Europe, but I haven't been able to find anything definite on the North American species. Has anyone looked into this at all? Thanks very much, John A.
[ECOLOG-L] Gulf Coast Road trip TX-LA-AL-MS-FL - need contacts
As soon as I return from the Bering Sea (I'm blogging for Nature on this oceanographic project - http://tinyurl.com/2ctghbl) project I'm taking a road trip from TX to the FL panhandle (or maybe just AL depending on timing) to document effects of the oil spill. I am wondering if anyone on this list is willing to meet with myself and another environmental reporter to show us places that you may have access to, that you want to show the press and ultimately the public, little-known stories, or particularly wildlife impacts. I'm personally interested in stories on the greater marine ecosystem - all the stuff that nobody will ever see under the ocean. so anyone who knows how to get out there diving, or on a boat please let me know. I've heard that BP has sort of commandeered all the research vessels and prevented many from going out in the guise of trying to make sure they're Available in case they're needed. I would love to get out in the Gulf any way possible. It will be around the last week in July so please email me if you have any contacts, suggestions, or can meet with us personally even if it's just a stroll on the beach to talk about your own research. I'm reporting for several markets and so is my colleague. Best Wendee My adventures in the Bering Sea ~ http://blogs.nature.com/news/thegreatbeyond or a tally: http://tinyurl.com/2ctghbl ~~ Wendee Holtcamp, M.S. Wildlife Ecology ~ @bohemianone Freelance Writer * Photographer * Bohemian http://www.wendeeholtcamp.com http://www.wendeeholtcamp.com/ http://bohemianadventures.blogspot.com http://bohemianadventures.blogspot.com/ ~~ 6-wk Online Writing Course Starts July 24 (signup by Jun 17) ~~ ~~~ I'm Animal Planet's news blogger - http://blogs.discovery.com/animal_news
