[ECOLOG-L] Is academic publishing a racket?

[Julie Messier]

Dear Ecologers, 

A lab mate sent me a link to a newspaper article that I feel deserves 
further discussion. In Brad Boyle's own words, it is 'a provocative and 
important article in The Guardian on the racket of academic publishing': 
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/aug/29/academic-publishers-
murdoch-socialist. 
Also, see the original blog by George Monbiot: 
http://www.monbiot.com/2011/08/29/the-lairds-of-learning/ for more 
discussion on the topic.

Are we really all being ripped off, or is this just another paranoia? If 
academic publishers are indeed parasites, how do we break the vicious cycle 
given that we do build our careers on publishing in high-end journals? Can 
open access journals ever become 'high-end'?

Julie Messier

--
PhD Candidate,
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
University of Arizona

[ECOLOG-L] Ecological sensitivity of Australian rainforests to selective logging

[Alexandre F. Souza]

Hello friends,

   Do anyone has the pdf of the review article

ROSS HORNE and JOHN HICKEY 1991 Ecological sensitivity of Australian
rainforests to selective logging. Australian Journal of Ecology Volume 16,
Issue 1, pages 119–129.

   It is online since 2006 but I do not have access in my university in
Brazil and the library does not have the paper version of the journal.

   Thanks in advance,

   Alexandre

[ECOLOG-L] JOB: PhD Max-Planck-Institute for Evolutionary Biology

[Lutz Becks]

We are a seeking a motivated PhD student to join our research team working on 
the interaction of evolution and ecology at the Max Planck Institute for 
Evolutionary Biology in Plön, Germany.   

Evolution in action has recently been recognized as an important player for 
many ecological interactions. It is now well recognized that evolutionary 
change can affect the interaction between species within in a few generations 
and that ecological interactions may influence the outcome of evolution in 
return. This project uses fast growing aquatic organisms (algae, viruses, 
rotifers) that allow tracking of evolutionary change and ecological dynamics in 
combination with subsequent analysis through mathematical modeling. For details 
of the study system refer to Becks et al. 2010 Ecology Letters, Becks & Agrawal 
2010 Nature, Ellner & Becks 2011 Theoretical Ecology. 

We are looking for a highly motivated ecologist or evolutionary biologist to 
join our newly formed group “Community dynamics” at the Max Planck institute 
for Evolutionary Biology. The ideal candidate is fascinated by evolutionary and 
ecological questions, independent and creative. She/he has a background in 
evolutionary biology, population or community ecology and has worked with 
aquatic systems before. A MSc (or equivalent) in Biology is required. For more 
information on the project contact Lutz Becks (lbe...@evolbio.mpg.de).  

The institute offers a stimulating international environment and an excellent 
infrastructure with access to state-of-the-art techniques. The town of Plön is 
in the middle of the Schleswig-Holstein lake-district within a very attractive 
and touristic environment near the Baltic Sea, close to the university towns of 
Lübeck and Kiel. Hamburg and Lübeck are the closest airports.    

The position is funded for three years, starting as soon as January 2012. 
Please apply by sending your CV, including the email addresses of two referees, 
and a letter of motivation to Lutz Becks (lbe...@evolbio.mpg.de). Review of 
applications will continue until the position is filled.  

 The Max Planck Society is an equal opportunity employer.

[ECOLOG-L] PhD research assistantship in Sydney, Australia

[Feike Dijkstra]

A PhD research assistantship is available to study the effects of
drought on soil carbon and nutrient cycling mediated by rhizosphere
processes in the Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources at
the University of Sydney.  If you are interested and have an MS degree
in soil science, environmental science, ecology, or related field, send
an application letter, CV including contact information of two referees,
and copies of transcripts to feike.dijks...@sydney.edu.au.  You are
particularly encouraged to apply if you have experience using stable C
and N isotopes.  

 

The University of Sydney is Australia's premier University with an
outstanding global reputation for academic and research excellence, and
employs over 6,800 permanent staff supporting over 46,000 students. The
Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources has established
strengths in soil science, physiological ecology of terrestrial
ecosystems, plant pathology, plant breeding, precision agriculture,
spatial information systems, agroforestry, and agricultural and resource
economics. Further information about the faculty and its academic
programs are available at www.sydney.edu.au/agriculture
 .  Scholarships covering tuition
and living allowance of AU$20,000 per year are available through the
University of Sydney.

 

For more information about the assistantship contact Feike Dijkstra at:
feike.dijks...@sydney.edu.au.

 

 

FEIKE A DIJKSTRA | ARC Future Fellow and Senior Lecturer

Faculty of Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources

THE UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY
Level 4, Biomedical Building (C81), 1 Central Ave, Australian Technology
Park | Eveleigh | NSW | 2015
T +61 2 8627 1122  | F +61 2 8627 1099 
E feike.dijks...@sydney.edu.au | W
http://sydney.edu.au/agriculture/staff/find_staff_member/staff_profiles/
feike_dijkstra.shtml

 

[ECOLOG-L] Latin American Field assistants wanted - Robinson Crusoe Island, Chile

[Lis Castillo Nelis]

I am looking for Latin American field assistants from October 20th – December 
20th, 2011 to help with a research project on the interaction of invasive 
species.  The research takes place on Robinson Crusoe Island, Juan Fernández 
Archipelago, Chile.  Our main task is identifying plants inside and outside of 
rabbit exclosures.  Food and lodging are included while on the island.  
Transportation assistance (roundtrip mainland Chile to island) may be possible 
for applicants from Latin America.  Speaking or reading English is not 
required.  Preference will be given to Chilean applicants.  Deadline for Latin 
American applicants has been extended to September 8th.  Please note that the 
deadline has NOT been extended for applicants from non-Latin American countries 
and remains September 4th.  

For more information visit http://www.stanford.edu/~lnelis/Postulacion (Spanish)
Or http://www.stanford.edu/~lnelis/AsstApp.html (English)

Thanks for your interest!
Lis Castillo Nelis

[ECOLOG-L] Hilton Pond 08/01/11 (Spiders Of August)

[Bill Hilton Jr. (RESEARCH)]

Due to a family medical emergency, we haven't posted "This Week at Hilton Pond" 
for a while, but we're back at it now with a photo essay about the "Spiders of 
August." If you think you've got a bad case of arachnophobia, it's time to 
confront your fears--perhaps by taking a look at the images and text within our 
installment for 1-31 August 2011 at 
http://www.hiltonpond.org/ThisWeek110801.html

While there please scroll down for a list of all birds banded or recaptured 
during the period--you may be surprised at the number of Ruby-throated 
Hummingbirds--and to read a few miscellaneous nature notes. We also acknowledge 
those who recently have supported Hilton Pond Center's initiatives in 
education, research, and conservation.

Happy Nature Watching!

BILL

=

RESEARCH PROGRAM
c/o BILL HILTON JR. Executive Director
Hilton Pond Center for Piedmont Natural History
1432 DeVinney Road, York, South Carolina 29745 USA
office & cell (803) 684-5852
fax (803) 684-0255

Please visit our web sites (courtesy of Comporium.net):
Hilton Pond Center for Piedmont Natural History at http://www.hiltonpond.org 
"Operation RubyThroat: The Hummingbird Project" at http://www.rubythroat.org

==

[ECOLOG-L] HIP working group recruiting Leadership Team member

[Hilmar Lapp]

Hackathons, Interoperability, Phylogenetics (HIP), a NESCent working  
group [1], envisions a future virtual phyloinformatics bazaar in which  
comparative data and phylogenies are archived, shared, annotated, re- 
used, aggregated, marked up, mashed up, and linked in. In pursuit of  
this vision, the working group is staging a series of hackathons  
(i.e., intensive participant-driven hands-on development meetings)  
that empower early-career scientists to help build and take advantage  
of an emerging network of interoperable evolutionary resources [1].


The HIP leadership team [2], which is responsible for planning and  
implementing the hackathons, is seeking an additional member to share  
in our vision. We are particularly interested in a scientist with  
experience in applying phylogenetic approaches in ecology (broadly  
defined), ideally with some kind of emphasis on data integration,  
aggregation, or other kinds of data reuse.  Leadership team members  
need not be programmers, but they must be interested in promoting the  
development and application of software tools and interoperability  
standards, and they are expected to bring to the table knowledge of  
software-related challenges (and possibly resources) relevant to using  
phylogenies and comparative data for ecological research questions.


HIP leadership team members are expected to attend a face-to-face  
leadership meeting in December 2011 or January 2012, monthly  
teleconferences, and 3 hackathons over the next 2 years; they should  
allow additional time to prepare for meetings and to follow ongoing  
hackathon projects.  Hackathons thrive on a balanced mix of  
participant expertise and roles: leadership team members will be part  
of the mix, but may serve in roles other than software developer, such  
as documentation coordinator, use-case researcher, code tester, etc.  
(If you are interested only in being part of a hackathon, watch for  
future calls for participation in this venue).


Over the 2-year period of the project, the HIP leadership team will  
steer the focus areas, participant mix, and tangible products for the  
working group hackathons. The team members can expect enjoyable, rich,  
and productive interactions with a growing and energetic community of  
evolutionary scientists interested in issues of interoperability, data  
sharing, standards, and cyberinfrastructure. This is a unique  
opportunity to make a contribution towards advancing the state-of-the- 
art and the state-of-the-practice in interoperability and evolutionary  
biology.


To apply, please fill out a short online application form at http://bit.ly/qmqfXi 
 by September 12th, 2011.  We encourage you to resolve any questions  
you have about the group’s mission, the hackathon model, or the  
specific role you might play, by contacting one of the project’s PIs  
listed below. The current Leadership Team [2] will sort through the  
applications and reach a decision within one week.


Feel free to re-send this message as needed. Thanks!  On behalf of the  
HIP leadership team,


Rutger Vos (rutgera...@gmail.com), University of Reading
Arlin Stoltzfus (ar...@umd.edu), University of Maryland / NIST
Enrico Pontelli (epont...@cs.nmsu.edu), New Mexico State University

[1] http://evoio.org/wiki/EvoIO_Working_Group_Proposal
[2] http://evoio.org/wiki/EvoIO_Working_Group_Proposal#Leadership_Team

[ECOLOG-L] Call for Papers "Future of African Rainforests" Conference Oxford January

[Clara B. Jones]

http://www.eci.ox.ac.uk/africa/index.php

-- 
Clara B. Jones
[Still playing the game with entropy...]
Blog: http://vertebratesocialbehavior.blogspot.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/cbjones1943
Cell Phone: 828-279-4429

[ECOLOG-L] Environmental Scientist position at Northern Kentucky University

[Richard L. Boyce]

Environmental Scientist - Assistant Professor (Fall, 2012)

The Department of Biological Sciences invites applications for a 
Tenure-track, Assistant Professor in Environmental Science beginning 
Fall 2012.   Ph.D. in Environmental Science or related field 
required.  Preference will be given to those with an emphasis on 
environmental pollution and remote sensing/GIS experience.  Primary 
teaching responsibilities include Introduction to Environmental 
Issues, Orientation to Environmental Careers, and Introductory 
Biology. Opportunity to develop new environmental courses. Research 
specialization area is open; multidisciplinary approaches are 
encouraged.  Successful candidate will have the opportunity to be 
involved in the Environmental Science program 
(http://www.nku.edu/~envsci/), the new College of Informatics 
(http://informatics.nku.edu/), and will be expected to work closely 
with the Center for Integrative Natural Science and Mathematics 
(CINSAM) (http://www.nku.edu/~cinsam/).  Research opportunities 
abound due to our close proximity to the Ohio River, and our close 
collaboration with the Center for Applied Ecology, the Cincinnati 
branch of the U.S.  EPA, and the University of Cincinnati. The 
Department has a strong focus on undergraduate research.  Northern 
Kentucky University is a growing, vibrant comprehensive metropolitan 
university of 16,000 students that is just minutes away from 
Cincinnati, OH, and CVG airport. A detailed description of the 
position plus departmental information may be found at 
http://www.nku.edu/~biosci.  Send letter of application; brief 
statement of professional goals; statements of teaching/research 
philosophy; curriculum vitae; transcripts; and names, addresses, 
phone numbers, and e-mail addresses of three references to 
bio...@nku.edu or hard copy to Environmental Scientist Search, 
Department of Biological Sciences, SC 204E, Northern Kentucky 
University, Highland Heights, KY  41099. E versions are preferable. 
Review of application materials will begin on Oct. 11, 2011 and 
continue until position is filled.


NKU, located seven miles from downtown Cincinnati in an area offering 
an outstanding quality of life, is a nationally recognized 
metropolitan university committed to active engagement with the 
Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati region of nearly two million 
people.  Our institution is built on core values that emphasize 
multidimensional excellence, learner-centered education, civic 
engagement, multiculturalism, innovation, collegiality, and 
collaboration across disciplines and professional fields.  For 
additional information on Northern Kentucky University visit 
http://www.nku.edu.  NKU is an affirmative action/equal opportunity 
employer. A criminal background screening is required.


--

Richard L. Boyce
Director, Environmental Science Program
Associate Professor
Department of Biological Sciences
Northern Kentucky University
Nunn Drive
Highland Heights, KY  41099  USA

859-572-1407 (tel.)
859-572-5639 (fax)
boy...@nku.edu
http://www.nku.edu/~boycer/
=

"One of the advantages of being disorderly is that one is constantly 
making exciting discoveries." - A.A. Milne

[ECOLOG-L] Graduate Research Opportunities in Applied Science

[Shannon O'Connor]

voir ci-dessous pour une version en français

 GRADUATE RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES IN APPLIED SCIENCE

 Effects of Hydroelectric Operations in Canadian Aquatic Ecosystems

 NSERC HydroNet is a national research network aimed at promoting
sustainable hydropower and healthy aquatic ecosystems in Canada.  The
general objectives of the network are to acquire new knowledge, and to
develop new tools, to better assess, minimize, and mitigate the effects of
hydropower on fish and their habitats.

 This network includes 13 academic scientists, and a strong partnership with
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (6 scientists) and numerous major hydroelectric
companies (Manitoba Hydro, BC Hydro, Brookfield Power). The network offers
unique interdisciplinary training opportunities.

 We are presently looking for candidates interested in the following
projects:

 • M Sc project: Modelling fish habitat use in the littoral zones of lakes
and reservoirs; D. Boisclair and P. Legendre (U. de Montréal,
daniel.boiscl...@umontreal.ca)

 • Ph D project: Relationship between community structures and the
production rates in rivers; J. Rasmussen (University of Lethbridge,
joseph.rasmus...@uleth.ca) and D. Boisclair (U. de Montréal)

 If you are bright and enjoy challenges that include field research in areas
that combine fundamental and applied sciences, send your CV and a cover
letter to contact individuals before November 1st 2011.

 version française

 OPPORTUNITÉS D’ÉTUDES SUPÉRIEURES AU CANADA EN RECHERCHE APPLIQUÉE

 Effets des Opérations Hydroélectriques sur les Écosystèmes Aquatiques

 HydroNet CRSNG est un réseau national de recherche qui vise le
développement durable de l’hydroélectricité. Les objectifs généraux de ce
réseau sont d’acquérir de nouvelles connaissances et de développer de
nouveaux outils pour estimer et minimiser les impacts des opérations
hydroélectriques sur les poissons et leurs habitats. Ce réseau compte 13
chercheurs universitaires et s’appuie sur un partenariat important provenant
du Ministère des Pêches et Océans Canada (6 chercheurs) et de 3 grandes
compagnies productrices d’hydroélectricité (Manitoba Hydro, BC Hydro et
Brookfield Power). Le réseau offre des possibilités uniques de formation
interdisciplinaire.

 Vous trouverez ci-dessous deux projets pour lesquels nous cherchons des
candidats :

 • Projet de maîtrise: Modélisation de la qualité des habitats littoraux de
lacs et réservoirs; D. Boisclair and P. Legendre (U. de Montréal,
daniel.boiscl...@umontreal.ca)

•  Projet de doctorat: Relation entre la structure des communautés et le
taux de production de rivières; J. Rasmussen (University of Lethbridge,
joseph.rasmus...@uleth.ca) et D. Boisclair (U. de Montréal)

 Si vous êtes brillants et motivés par des défis qui impliquent des travaux
de terrain et de laboratoire et qui combinent la recherche fondamentale à la
recherche appliquée, faites parvenir vos Curriculum vitae et une lettre de
motivation aux personnes appropriées avant le 1er novembre 2011.

[ECOLOG-L] ESA Emerging Issues Conference: Poster Abstract Submission Now Open

[Jennifer Riem]

Call For Poster Abstracts (Students and Post-Docs)
"Developing Ecologically-Based Conservation Targets Under Global Change"
The 2nd Emerging Issues Conference
of the Ecological Society of America

February 27 - March 1, 2012
National Conservation Training Center
Shepherdstown, West Virginia
http://esa.org/emergingissues

Eligibility: Undergraduate students, graduate students, post-docs (at time of 
conference)
Benefits: Up to 20 awards, each up to $1,000 for travel expenses
Application deadline: Thursday, September 29, 2011

ESA's Governing Board announces the Conference, "Developing Ecologically-Based 
Conservation Targets Under Global Change," to be held February 27 to March 1 
2012, in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. The conference is co-chaired by Bernd 
Blossey of Cornell University and Dov Sax of Brown University. This by 
invitation only conference at the National Conservation Training Center will 
include two full days of presentations, discussions, and poster sessions; one 
day of workshops; and a concluding plenary.

The conference will bring together ecologists, land and conservation managers, 
and students to 1) identify both existing and novel conservation targets that 
are ecologically sound in light of rapid global change, and 2) develop a 
framework for assessing the inherent tradeoffs, risks, and benefits involved in 
achieving those conservation targets. The ultimate objective is to provide 
science-based, practical decision tools for those charged with implementing 
conservation strategies throughout North America and internationally.

The Conference Committee is soliciting submissions of poster abstracts by 
eligible students and post-docs that relate to the conference theme. A final 
participant group representing gender, ethnic, and disciplinary diversity is a 
key goal of the conference and as such these factors will be taken into 
consideration during the abstract review process. The conference committee 
especially encourages abstract submissions from students and post-docs from 
underrepresented groups.

Abstracts that break new ground in understanding or managing the impacts of 
global change on conservation are especially encouraged. Authors may approach 
the topic through ecology, policy, or education applied to any geographic 
region, habitat, or species. We are especially interested in integrative 
approaches that recognize the importance of interdisciplinarity and those 
bridging traditional divides between natural and social scientists. Abstracts 
will be reviewed in October and authors will be notified of their acceptance 
status by November 3, 2011.
How to submit an abstract

We are now accepting abstracts from students and post-docs for a September 29 
deadline. Visit http://www.esa.org/emergingissues/abstracts.php for more 
information on the application components and author instructions. From there 
you will be directed to the abstract submission form for the conference. If you 
have any questions, please contact Jennifer Riem, Science Programs Coordinator 
at the Ecological Society of America, at 
jenni...@esa.org.

[ECOLOG-L] Post Doctoral Research Associate in Dendritic Network Ecology/Amphibians: deadline reminder

[Evan H Grant]

Post Doctoral Research Associate in Dendritic Network Ecology/Amphibians
Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative (ARMI) in the Northeast

Project leaders:
Evan H. Campbell Grant, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Laurel, MD
Winsor H. Lowe, University of Montana, Missoula, MT
William F Fagan, University of Maryland, College Park, MD

Position description:
The Patuxent Wildlife Research Center seeks a postdoctoral research associate 
to investigate how dispersal among tributaries affects the persistence and 
dynamics of stream amphibian populations in larger stream networks. There is 
sufficient latitude for the successful applicant to steer the project to align 
with her/his interests.

This research will occur in National Parks, National Forests, and Wildlife 
Refuges throughout the Northeastern United States. The successful applicant 
will be based at Patuxent Wildlife Research Center in Laurel, Maryland. 

Qualifications:
1.  Ph.D. in quantitative ecology, wildlife ecology, or related fields.
2.  Knowledge of amphibian ecology, spatial modeling, and population 
estimation.
3.  Experience conducting fieldwork, especially in streams, and supervising 
research technicians.
4.  Excellent verbal and written communication skills to facilitate a 
collaborative research environment and dissemination of results in scientific 
outlets.

Benefits:
The salary range is approximately $40,000 - $70,000 depending on qualifications 
and other factors.  This is a one-year time-limited appointment with potential 
for extension based on the scope of the applicant’s interests and 
contingent on funding.  Full support is available for 2 years, with a 3rd year 
dependent on funding availability.  Support for technicians and travel is also 
available.

Application:
Send CV with names and contact information for three references to Evan Grant 
(ehgr...@usgs.gov).  We encourage applicants to submit materials by September 
31, 2011.

Evan Grant 
Northeast Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative
Patuxent Wildlife Research Center
Laurel, MD 20708-4017

[ECOLOG-L] 2012 SWS Diversity Program Undergraduate Mentoring Awards for SWS/INTECOL Meeting in Orlando, Florida

[Day, Frank P.]

The Society of Wetland Scientists (SWS) announces the availability of 
undergraduate student awards for travel to attend the annual SWS meeting at the 
INTECOL Wetland Conference June 2 – June 9, 2012 in Orlando, Florida. The 
mission of this SWS program is to increase diversity in the Society and the 
field of wetland sciences by offering full travel awards to undergraduate 
students from underrepresented groups and providing career mentoring and 
exposure to career options at the Society’s annual meeting (see application 
form for eligible groups). These awards are supported by the National Science 
Foundation and several SWS Chapters (Mid-Atlantic, South Atlantic, Central, 
South Central, North Central, Western, and Pacific Northwest). The areas of 
interest of the student participants range from freshwater to marine and 
involve a wide variety of organism types. Undergraduate participants must be 
citizens or permanent residents of the United States or its possessions. An 
undergraduate student is a student who is enrolled in a degree program 
(part-time or full-time) leading to a baccalaureate or associates degree. 
Spring 2012 graduates are eligible as well. Application materials and 
additional information are available from Dr. Frank P. Day, Old Dominion 
University (f...@odu.edu) and on the program’s web page 
(http://www.sws.org/mentoring.mgi). An email to Frank Day expressing interest 
in the program can serve as a preapplication. Application deadline is November 
15, 2011.

[ECOLOG-L] Job advertisement

[Foitzik, Susanne]

Could you please post the following job advertisement?
Thanks a lot
Susanne


Job announcement
---
The Faculty 10 Biology, Zoological Institute, Department Evolutionary Biology
at the University of Mainz is searching for


Two doctoral Students (3 years - 50-65% TVL E13)

in the research area Behavioral Ecology and Evolutionary Biology ants

Application is possible until positions filled, for full consideration, apply 
by 30th Sept. 2011
---

We invite applications for the two positions for doctoral students, which are 
funded by the
German Science Foundation (DFG). The projects analyze the evolution of 
resistance and
virulence in structured populations of slavemaking ants and their hosts and 
natural selection
on the behavior and composition ant societies, including the evolution of 
colony personalities.
The scientific projects include the field studies, behavioral observations, 
genetic, chemical and
immunological analyses. Information on our scientific work including recent 
publications can be
found under http://www.bio.uni-mainz.de/zoo/evobio/. For further information,
please contact foit...@uni-mainz.de.

The University of Mainz hosts many excellent scientific institutions 
(http://www.uni-mainz.de/eng/)
and Mainz is a historic city located on the Rhine River with many students and 
a rich social and
cultural life 
(http://www.mainz.de/WGAPublisher/online/html/default/hpkr-5nkek8.en.html).

Interested candidates should send an application (as a single e-mail attachment)
containing a CV, PDF of their Master or Diplom Thesis, a list of publications a 
motivation letter
and two letters of reference to:


Prof. Dr. Susanne Foitzik
Evolutionary Biology

Institute of Zoology
Johannes-v.- Müller-Weg 6

55099 Mainz

Germany

+49 6131 39 27 840
foit...@uni-mainz.de

Starting date for the position is October 15st 2011, but is negotiable





Prof. Dr. Susanne Foitzik
Evolutionsbiologie
Insitut für Zoologie
Johannes Gutenberg Universität Mainz
Johannes von Müller Weg 6
55099 Mainz

Tel: +49 (0) 6131 39 27 840
Fax: +49 (0)6131 39 27 850
Email: foit...@uni-mainz.de