[ECOLOG-L] Job: Endowed Chair in Plant Genetics
The Biology Department at Bucknell University invites applications for the David Burpee Endowed Chair in Plant Genetics to begin August 2012. Bucknell University is a premier liberal arts university with a long- standing teacher-scholar tradition. The successful candidate must have a strong commitment to curricular development for both majors and non-majors. As part of the five course teaching load, the successful candidate will be expected to teach an introductory course for majors or a non-majors course that contributes to the universitys general education requirements. Additionally, the successful candidate will teach an upper-level course in her/his area of specialty within plant biology that complements our current course offerings. It is also expected that the successful candidate will establish a research program that involves talented undergraduates and has the potential to attract extramural funding. We are especially interested in candidates working in the fields of ecology and evolution. The department has outstanding resources for botanical research and teaching including three greenhouses, an extensive living plant collection, a mixed- habitat natural area, an herbarium, an arboretum, environmental chambers as well as a staffed imaging facility including confocal and scanning electron microscopes. The successful candidate will have access to discretionary funds that may be used for research equipment, supplies, travel, and personnel. The position is offered at open rank. Applicants must have a Ph.D., an established independent research program and extensive teaching experience with evidence of teaching effectiveness. Candidates with appropriate experience may be considered for hire with continuous tenure, pending approval of departmental and university committees. Finalists for this position who wish to be considered for tenure upon appointment will be asked to submit a complete tenure dossier. Applications should include a curriculum vita, a detailed description of research plans, a teaching statement and names and e-mail addresses of three professional references. To apply, please visit: http://www.bucknell.edu/jobs. Review of applications will begin on October 15. The search will remain open until the position is filled. Questions about this position should be directed to Mark Spiro (sp...@bucknell.edu). Bucknell University values a diverse college community and is committed to excellence through diversity in its faculty, staff, and students. An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, Bucknell University especially welcomes applications from underrepresented groups.
[ECOLOG-L] Introductory distance sampling workshop 3-6 December in Tampa Florida
Places are still available for an introductory distance sampling workshop to be held at the Tampa Marriott Westshore 3-6 December 2011. The workshop will immediately follow the conclusion of the Marine Mammal Conference being held in Tampa and will be presented by Prof. Steve Buckland and Dr. Len Thomas along with others from the Univ. of St. Andrews. Please consult the website (http://www.ruwpa.st-and.ac.uk/distance.workshops/floridaoverview.html) for a description of the workshop content and the registration process. Registration is a five step process: 1) visit http://www.ruwpa.st-and.ac.uk/distance.workshops/floridaoverview.html and click on the 'Registration' menu option, there you will find a link to the 'registration form.' 2) complete the registration form and email or fax it back to Rhona (as described on the form), 3) follow the link on the Word registration form (page 2) to go to the St. Andrews on-line shop to make payment, 4) return to the Registration page in your browser and complete the questionnaire at the bottom of the page to provide us with additional information about you so we can organise our materials to suit, and finally 5) optionally return to the Florida overview web page and near the bottom of that page you will find a link to the hotel hosting the workshop where you can make room reservations.
[ECOLOG-L] Position! as Project Administrator for NSF-funded Research Ambassador Program
Application opens: September 12, 2011 Remains open: until filled RESEARCH AMBASSADOR PROGRAM PROJECT ADMINISTRATOR SPECIAL NOTE This position is an at will appointment. This is a full time 12-month position funded for one year, with support thereafter dependent on grant award and renewal. BACKGROUND Funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation, the Research Ambassador Program (http://www.researchambassador.com/) helps scientists and underserved audiences work across the traditional boundaries of academia, research and conservation. In this program, both scientist and newcomer become ambassadors to each other's culture - learning the language, exchanging ideas and working toward common goals. By interacting with people who typically have little or no access to nature or opportunities in science, the Research Ambassador Program gives scientists a powerful opportunity to expand their work through the fresh perspectives and creative energy of new audiences. POSITION PURPOSE Supporting two linked scientific outreach programs at the University of Utah's Center for Science and Mathematics Education - the Research Ambassador Program and Sustainable Prisons Project - the Project Administrator (PA) coordinates activities in research, conservation, and education that connect scientists - particularly ecologists - to communicate results of their studies to underserved public audiences (e.g., prison inmates, urban youth, people in assisted living centers). The PA links scientists and the public with a broad spectrum of partners, e.g., artists, land and resource managers, conservation groups, government agencies, private businesses, and other groups. NATURE AND SCOPE The PA reports to Dr. Nalini Nadkarni, an ecosystem scientist, University of Utah faculty member, Director of the Center for Science and Mathematics Education, and Director of the Research Ambassador Program and Sustainable Prisons Project. The PA is responsible for the design, implementation and evaluation of science communication activities involving the scientists, underserved public audiences and partners such as state resource management agencies, conservation groups, and individuals. The PA mentors and supervises graduate/undergraduate students while working with University of Utah faculty and staff, contracted scientists, evaluation experts, agency personnel, artists, and volunteers to complete program objectives in research, conservation and education. In addition to occasional instruction in his/her area of expertise, the PA ensures the smooth day-to-day operations of each program, including duties in administration, budgeting, reporting, community and partnership relations, website management and developing and maintaining information and tracking systems. UNIVERSITY PROFILE The University of Utah is the flagship institution of higher learning in Utah. Located in Salt Lake City in the foothills of the Wasatch Mountains, it serves over 31,000 students from across the U.S. and the world. With over 72 major subjects at the undergraduate level and 90 major fields of study at the graduate level, the University prepares students to live and compete in the global workplace. Known for its proximity to world-class ski resorts within 40 minutes of campus, the U encourages an active, holistic lifestyle, innovation and collaborative thinking to engage students, faculty and business leaders. COMPENSATION * Salary is $3,891 to $4,475 per month depending on qualifications; * A full benefits package which includes: 15 days of sick and 12 days of vacation leave per year, plus 2 personal days; paid holidays; a generous medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; the TIAA-CREF retirement program; deferred compensation and optional supplemental retirement accounts are available. For more information about UU's excellent employee benefits, view http://www.hr.utah.edu/ben/summ/standard/paidleave.php * After six months of employment, employees are eligible for the Tuition Reduction Plan: http://www.hr.utah.edu/ben/summ/standard/tuition.php MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS * Master's degree in science or communication from an accredited college or university; * Three years of work experience in science, science communication, or project management; * Two years of professional experience working in a team or collaborative setting. DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS Additional consideration may be given to candidates demonstrating the following qualifications: * Advanced degree in environmental studies, resource management, public administration, or a related field; * Experience organizing scientific or environmental education, including the development and implementation of new programs; * Established connections with existing informal science
[ECOLOG-L] Should ecological evaluation be a component of regular forest inventory?
Dear Colleagues, We recently had a heated debate with the forestry administration on whether ecological evaluation should be a component of regular forest inventory. Those who support the idea thought ecological evaluation could be easily integrated with the regular forest inventory and provided valuable information. Those who against the idea felt that the addition of ecological investigation would interfere with the main purpose of regular forest inventory, which is to monitor the growth of forests, and would add burdens to field workers. Currently in a pilot project the following factors were investigated along with the regular forest inventory: Forest ecological function index, which is a composite index calculated from timber volume, cover rate, average tree height, species composition and other factors; Forest health classes, which include four classes from unhealthy to health based on the growth of trees; Biodiversity indexes, which include diversity of forest types, diversity of species, diversity of age classes; Naturalness, which measures how close is the structure of the forest to the climax community in the region; Fragmentation index, which is represented as the number of forest patches. I want to hear your advices on the following issues: 1. Should ecological evaluation be included in regular forest inventories or should it be done in separate investigations? 2. If you believe that ecological evaluation should be included in regular inventories, which factors should be investigated? Any opinion on the current factors? 3. If you knows a good literature resource which has discussed this issue, please kindly share with us. Thank you very much for your help! Jun Yang, PhD Professor of Forestry Beijing Forestry University P.O.Box 47 No. 35 Qinghua Donglu Haidian District, Beijing 100083 China
[ECOLOG-L] Postdoc: ecosystem services in an agricultural landscape, France
POST-DOCTORAL POSITION OPEN in ECOLOGY Linking plant species diversity of small forest patches embedded in an agricultural landscape to ecosystem services throughout the European temperate biome open at the Jules Verne University of Picardy (UPJV) Prof. Guillaume DECOCQ's Lab, Amiens city (France) A multi-year postdoctoral position in ecology is available in the research group of Guillaume Decocq at Jules Verne University of Picardie (Amiens, France), beginning in early 2012. The fellowship is to work primarily on a pan-european project dedicated to ecosystem services associated to biodiversity of small forest patches in agricultural landscapes. There is sufficient latitude for the successful applicant to steer the project to align with her/his interests. Background: Climate and land use changes pose severe threats to biodiversity and the services they provide to human societies. In many parts of Europe, the original forest cover has strongly been reduced and in these regions forests presently occur as small fragments, often embedded in an intensively used agricultural matrix. Despite their small size, these forest patches often act as refuges for biodiversity and may provide a wide range of ecosystem services (ES) to populations and human society. Biodiversity and ES of small forest fragments are mutually dependent as they are determined by a similar set of drivers. However, the nature and strength of the relationships between biodiversity and ES will vary, depending on the taxonomic group and ES under consideration, and on the landscape context including the type and intensity of the surrounding land-use and the land-use history. Moreover, the value attributed to an ES will differ between different regions. All these sources of variation remain largely unknown and their effects on human perception, hence on decisions about management, planning and policy, is poorly understood. The main objective of this project is to quantify ES and biodiversity in small forest fragments among agricultural landscapes and across different regions in Europe, to analyse how their mutual relationships vary between landscapes and to assess the extent to which ES are valued differently. The project will build on a unique field experiment covering ~650 forest patches in 16 5 km x 5 km landscape sampling windows distributed across the entire European temperate forest biome. During the project, field data will be collected to quantify the structural, functional and taxonomic biodiversity and to determine a well-chosen set of ES (including provisioning, regulating and cultural services such as e.g. stemwood production, above- and below-ground carbon sequestration, plant-pest-beneficial insect interactions) delivered by the patches. In doing so, a series of proxy-measurements will allow covering all the ~650 patches. This research will occur in rural landscapes along a transect ranging from South France to Central Sweden and Estonia, through Belgium and Germany, but most of the field work will be done in North France, where the successful applicant will be based (at the Jules Verne University of Picardie in Amiens city). Applicants should have the following experience and qualifications: Ph.D. in Ecology, connferred by January 1st, 2012. Strong background in (forest) eccosystem ecology (plant ecology, plant-animal relationship, biogeochemistry/nutrient cycling). Experience in forest ecology and management, landscape ecology, soil science, field ecology, and related areas is also desirable. Intimate working knowledge of GIS. Excellent verbal and writtenn communication skills to facilitate a collaborative research environment and dissemination of results in scientific outlets. Significant field and laboratory experience and exxcellent analytical/statistical/modelling skills. Intimate working knowledge of R. Desire to take the lead role in writting several publications per year. Willingness to navigate thhe scientific, administrative and financial aspects of managing a research project within a pan-European network of scientists. Willingness to work together with stakeholders aand end-users of the research Desire to work closely with and mentor others, including undergraduate and Ph.D. students A valid driiver's license The salary is approximately 2100 net per month (ca. $2960).. Position to begin January 1st, 2012 with an initial one-year commitment and the possibility of extension to two other years (full support is available for 3 years). To apply, please send a cover letter addressing each of the requested qualification, a CV, two or more references (contact information or letters), and relevant reprints (optional) to Prof. Guillaume Decocq (mailto:guillaume.dec...@u-picardie.frguillaume.dec...@u-picardie.fr). Applications will be considered until the position is filled.
[ECOLOG-L] Faculty position in Integrative Biology
The Department of Biology at the University of South Dakota is recruiting an Assistant Professor (tenure track) in Integrative Biology. We seek candidates who use modern molecular techniques to address questions that integrate organismal function with environmental and/or developmental influences. The successful candidate's research will complement that of existing faculty, enabling fruitful collaboration and mentoring of graduate students. Opportunities for collaboration include faculty with research interests that scale from molecules to landscapes. Research support includes the departmental DNA sequencing facility, and proteomic/genomic core facilities on campus. Teaching includes molecular biology, courses in the candidate's area of expertise, and possible participation in team-taught introductory biology. The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to establish a productive and extramurally funded research program and actively train M.S. and Ph.D. students. Position will begin August 2012. A Ph.D. is required and postdoctoral experience is preferred. How to Apply: Applicants must apply online at https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu and must provide a cover letter that describes background with respect to the qualifications listed above, statements of research and teaching interests, a CV, and names and contact information for at least professional three references. Questions regarding the position may be directed toward Dr. David Swanson, Integrative Biologist Search Chair (david.swan...@usd.edu). Review of applications will begin October 17, 2011, and will continue until the position is filled. The University of South Dakota is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to increasing the diversity of its faculty, staff and students.
[ECOLOG-L] Job: Canada Research Chair Faculty Position in Quantitative Fisheries Science and Management
Canada Research Chair Faculty Position in Quantitative Fisheries Science and Management The School of Resource and Environmental Management at Simon Fraser University (Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada) is a dynamic graduate school in which both social and natural scientists apply multi-disciplinary approaches to research in resource and environmental management. The School has a substantial research and teaching program in Fisheries Science and Management (www.rem.sfu.ca/fishgrp/index.html). The School seeks to fill a tenure-track faculty position in Fisheries Science and Management, with a leading-edge senior candidate who will meet the criteria and qualify for a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair (www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca/). We invite applications from Ph.D. scientists who have a strong quantitative background in fisheries science and management, simulation modeling, and statistics. A research emphasis on wild Pacific salmon is desirable, but other research foci will also be considered. The successful candidate will have experience and demonstrated applied accomplishments in fisheries science and management, for example in: (1) Applied fish ecology, conservation, population dynamics, fisheries oceanography, sampling design, effects of habitat change and management, or multispecies interactions; and/or (2) Stock assessment, risk assessment and management, evaluation of management strategies or policies, ecosystem-based reference points and metrics, species at risk, or invasive species. Collaborative experience with one or more of government, industry, or non-government organizations will be an advantage. The successful candidate will teach graduate and undergraduate courses, supervise graduate students, and conduct research using multi-disciplinary approaches to fisheries science and management. Relevant teaching experience is desirable. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. However, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. Simon Fraser University is committed to employment equity and encourages applications from all qualified women and men, including visible minorities, aboriginal people, and persons with disabilities. Please note that this position is contingent upon available funding and is subject to final approval by the Board of Governors. Applicants should send a Curriculum Vitae, samples of relevant reprints, a brief (2-4 page) statement of your research vision and teaching philosophy, and immediately request three referees to send confidential letters of recommendation* directly to: Dr. Frank Gobas, Director, School of Resource and Environmental Management, Simon Fraser University, Room 8425 TASC 1 Bldg., University Dr., Burnaby, B.C., CANADA V5A 1S6. TEL: 778-782-3074; FAX: 778-782-4968; e-mail: rem_facultysea...@sfu.ca For more information, visit the School's web site at www.rem.sfu.ca/ Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The search committee will begin reviewing applications on November 1, 2011. It is important that we receive all application materials, including letters of reference, at the time of application. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. * Under the authority of the University Act personal information that is required by the University for academic appointment competitions will be collected. For further details see: http://www.sfu.ca/vpacademic/Faculty_Openings/Collection_Notice.html Best Regards, May Fan Assistant to Directors School of Resource and Environmental Management Faculty of Environment Simon Fraser University TASC 1 - 8405 University Drive Burnaby, B.C. V5A 1S6 T: (778) 782.3074 F: (778) 782.4968 W: www.rem.sfu.ca
[ECOLOG-L] Job Opportunity - Insect Ecologist
Overview The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) is a $430 million dollar observatory project dedicated to understanding how changes in climate, land use and invasive species impact ecology. For the next three decades NEON will collect a comprehensive range of ecological data on a continental scale across 20 eco-climatic domains representing US ecosystems. NEON will use cutting edge technology including an airborne observation platform that will capture images of regional landscapes and vegetation; mobile, relocatable, and fixed data collection sites with automated ground sensors to monitor soil and atmosphere; and trained field crews who will observe and sample populations of diverse organisms and collect soil and water data. A leading edge cyberinfrastructure will calibrate, store and publish this information. The Observatory will grow to 300+ personnel and will be the first of its kind designed to detect and enable forecasting of ecological change at continental scales. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: •Develop and oversee sampling designs to track abundance, diversity, phenology, and population dynamics of ground-dwelling beetles and mosquitoes. •Develop and oversee NEON invertebrate identification design, including DNA barcode libraries for selected taxa. •Develop QA/QC protocols for field sampling and data processing. •Develop the scientific rationale for scientific measurements and methods. •Coordinate outsourced lab selection and oversee contracts •Work with NEON scientists to develop useful data products and analyses for the NEON data. •Work with NEON scientists to develop appropriate ways to maintain data and formats for public data access. •Coordinate information sharing with relevant communities •Work with collaborating laboratories and NEON scientists to facilitate publication of results, and collaborate with other NEON scientists to prepare reports and develop recommendations for best practices, future analyses and data processing. Education: •PhD in ecology, evolution, or related field Experience: •5 years research experience (including PhD research) in insect ecology, specifically related to ground-dwelling beetles or mosquitoes •5 years field experience (including PhD research), familiarity with pitfall trapping methods, mosquito trapping methods, insect identification, collections, and/or DNA barcoding. •Experience working in a collaborative scientific enterprise Skills and Abilities: •Scientific writing and review •Proficiency in analyses that correlate biological data with abiotic variables and ability to perform such analyses within a geospatial framework •Ability to work independently, but as part of an active Science team •Strong communication and interpersonal skills •Undertake responsibilities beyond those associated with individual research projects Physical Requirements: •The candidate may be exposed to conditions in the field, and therefore must be able to traverse uneven ground such as dirt banks, stream beds, and shallow ponds carrying equipment and materials up to 40 lbs. Apply to: www.neoninc.org NEON Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, Minorities, Veterans and Disabled Persons are encouraged to apply.
[ECOLOG-L] a non Ivory Tower view of invasive species
Forwarded from the Aliens Listserver Date: Fri, 09 Sep 2011 09:53:55 +0300 From: Witt, Arne (CABI-Africa) a.w...@cabi.org Subject: Re: [Aliens-L] Opinion Article in TheScientist Dear All As an invasion biologist and ecologist I am all too aware of the impacts that invasive plants have on biodiversity but I would like to raise an issue that seems to have been forgotten in this whole debate and that is the impact that invasive species have on livelihoods in Africa it is not just about biodiversity. I have seen homes and villages abandoned, cultures and traditions being eroded, conflict being driven by a lack of resources due to the impacts of invasive plants, etc. etc. it is a livelihood issue for many people and as such a matter of life and death for hundreds of thousands of people on this continent. In a continent where more than 80% of the population is reliant on natural resources for their very survival trivializing the issue of invasive plants for whatever reason is a real cause for concern for those amongst us trying to manage IAS in Africa and elsewhere in the developing world the same applies to many parts of SE Asia. I suggest that those critical of our efforts to control IAS look at the bigger picture instead of only focussing on IAS issues in the so-called developed world no doubt donors also get to read these articles and there is a fear amongst people like me that it may lead to donor apathy in the long term IAS are not a serious issue so why should we fund IAS projects? I often ask myself what contribution these anti-IAS management papers make to development and improving the livelihoods of millions of people on this planet or are they merely an attempt to criticize other scientists or to convince donors to put their money elsewhere maybe someone has the answer for me!! We are being overwhelmed by invasive species and they are impacting on all sectors of our society something needs to be done now. Below is a short excerpt from a popular article I wrote on the impacts of some invasive plants on livelihoods in Africa in an attempt to get the message across I could write a book about this to most of you this is probably common knowledge so my apologies for that but those critical of IAS management should take heed and look at the bigger picture as I have said before. Regards Arne It has been estimated that weeds in general cause a yield loss of about 10% in less developed countries and 25% in the least developed countries (Akobundu, 1987). Currently 49 countries worldwide have least developed country (LDC) status, with 33 of these in Africa in other words more than half of the countries in Africa loose 25% of their potential yields as a result of the presence of weeds. In most countries it is the responsibility of women and children to weed - it has been estimated that 100 million women in Africa spend 20 billion hours weeding per annum which I consider to be a gross underestimate. These yield losses as a result of weeds were calculated prior to parthenium becoming a serious problem we can now assume that yield losses thanks to weeds are significantly higher. In fact in Ethiopia parthenium is currently considered to be the most important weed both in croplands and grazing areas by 90% of farmers in the lowlands (Tamado and Millberg, 2000) with sorghum yields being reduced by 97% in experimental fields with high densities of parthenium (Tamado et al., 2002). The impact of parthenium has also been well documented in Australia and India (Evans, 1997) where studies have revealed that parthenium is allelopathic and that infestations reduce crop yields and that the weed displaces palatable species in natural and improved pasture (Channappagoudar et al., 1990). In terms of animal husbandry it has also been reported that this noxious weed can reduce pasture carrying capacities by as much as 90% (Jayachandra, 1971). Research has also shown that the weed poses serious health hazards to livestock and if eaten can taint their milk and meat (Towers and Subba Rao, 1992). In fact it has been claimed by staff at the Somali Regional State Livestock, Crop and Rural development Bureau in Jijiga, Ethiopia, that the local farmers had lost dairy markets in Somalia because the milk of cattle had been tainted by parthenium, which is known to make milk distasteful A conversation with a Masai pastoralist on the outskirts of Nairobi National Park, Kenya, revealed that the milk of nanny goats was distasteful after they had eaten the inflorescences of parthenium this response was totally unsolicited. Some farmers in Ethiopia also claim that they have lost livestock during dry periods when there was little available grazing and the animals had eaten parthenium out of desperation. Parthenium can also cause severe allergenic reactions in people who come into contact with the weed
[ECOLOG-L] Post-doctoral position: Northern Pintail population modeling
Postdoctoral Position U.S. Geological Survey, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center Northern Pintail Population Modeling The U.S. Geological Survey, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center (Laurel, Maryland) is seeking candidates for a postdoctoral position to develop a predictive population model for Northern Pintails (Anas acuta) that integrates the effects of habitat and harvest management. The model will serve as a key component in addressing the challenges posed by recent reviews to better integrate objectives of waterfowl habitat and population management in a single modeling framework. The framework for the model has been developed; the focus of the postdoctoral work is on estimating the model parameters using Bayesian hierarchical methods. Relevant data exist at several spatial scales (continental, regional, and local) to inform population size, survival and reproductive rates, and harvest; these will need to be knit together to draw inference about other latent parameters in the model. The postdoctoral position will be part of an interagency research team, including scientists from USGS, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ducks Unlimited, Environment Canada, UC Davis, and Utah State University, among others. The research team will provide substantial support, including access to appropriate data and review of model details. The ideal candidate will have a background in population modeling, Bayesian hierarchical estimation, waterfowl population dynamics, structured decision making, and adaptive management. Proficient programming skills are required, particularly in WinBUGS and Program R, or an equivalent system for estimation. The successful candidate will also have excellent writing and personal communication skills. Applicants are expected to have earned a Ph.D. degree in a relevant discipline, preferably within the last 5 years. The position will be located in Laurel, Maryland. The desired start date is January 2012 or sooner, and the position is funded for 13 months. The salary level is very competitive. Applications are due no later than September 30, 2011. If you are interested, send a curriculum vitae, a letter describing your background and interests, and the names of three references to Michael Runge (mru...@usgs.gov). For further information, contact either: Michael Runge (mru...@usgs.gov), USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center 12100 Beech Forest Road, Laurel, MD 20708-4017 (301) 497-5748 Scott Boomer (scott_boo...@fws.gov), USFWS Division of Migratory Bird Management 11510 American Holly Drive, Laurel, MD 20708 (301) 497-5684
[ECOLOG-L] Post-doctoral research associate: Waterbird management and monitoring
Research Associate: Waterbird Management and Monitoring The Patuxent Wildlife Research Center and the NC Cooperative Research Unit seek a research associate to support an integrated monitoring program for a broad suite of waterbirds across the Atlantic and Mississippi Flyways in the eastern United States. The monitoring program is driven by the decision-making needs of management agencies and their partners, at three spatial scales (flyway, regional, and local), and encompasses monitoring of waterbird populations and their habitats. The Integrated Waterbird Management Monitoring (IWMM) initiative has completed one pilot season. Continued development of the monitoring program will require: development of appropriate sampling designs at multiple scales; data management and analysis; training field staff in monitoring and data management protocols; logistical oversight of the data collection; revision of sampling designs and methods in light of the pilot data; and consultation with database engineers to describe the performance requirements for a web-based database for long-term use. Description This position is located at Patuxent Wildlife Research Center. The successful applicant will work with Patuxent scientists and Dr. Jaime Collazo (NCSU), and will be part of an interagency research team, including scientists from U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Refuges, USFWS Division of Migratory Bird Management, and several Joint Ventures. The research team will provide substantial support in the overall framework for the monitoring program, logistical arrangements with field staff, and review of the details of the monitoring plan. Travel funds will be provided to support visits with study team members and other cooperators, and to attend regional training workshops. Qualifications Minimum: Master's degree plus 1-3 years of research assistant experience is required. Preferred: 1) Ph.D. in quantitative ecology, biostatistics, or other relevant field, preferably within the last 5 years; 2) Expertise in monitoring design for ecological problems and database management; 3) Knowledge of waterbird ecology, statistical analysis, and adaptive management; and 4) Excellent verbal and written communication skills to facilitate a collaborative research environment and dissemination of results in public forums and scientific outlets. Benefits The salary range is approximately $50,000 - $70,000 (includes 15% fringe benefits with the potential for a 5% annual increase) depending on qualifications. 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. Benefits are fully described in the University?s Benefits Handbook ( http://www7.acs.ncsu.edu/benefits/pdf/Post-Doc_Benefits_Booklet.pdf). Application If interested, please submit an online application for job announcement #61971 at the North Carolina State University employment opportunities website https://jobs.ncsu.edu/applicants/jsp/shared/frameset/Frameset.jsp?time=1315419254497 For general questions about the position and the Integrated Waterbird Management and Monitoring Program contact Jim Lyons (james_ly...@fws.gov). For questions about North Carolina State University, contact Jaime Collazo (jaime_coll...@ncsu.edu). For questions about USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, contact Michael Runge (mru...@usgs.gov).
[ECOLOG-L] Undergraduate Field Ecology and Environmental Science Programs though Notre Dame-Summer 2012
The University of Notre Dame Environmental Research Center (UNDERC) offers two Field Ecology and Environmental Science Programs for the summer of 2012 Hands on field work … Paid tuition and housing… 6 credits/summer…and get paid $2,500/summer!! Applications due November 4th! UNDERC-East: (May 14 – July 20) Spend the summer studying northwoods ecology and conducting your own research in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula where UNDERC encompasses more than 7500 acres with abundant wildlife (including wolves, black bear, deer) and includes lakes, streams, wetlands, and forests that have been protected for nearly a century. UNDERC-West: (June 1 – August 10): Spend the summer studying the ecology of an intermountain valley in Montana, learn how Native Americans lived and how this created their environmental awareness, and conduct your own research. Explore more than a million acres on the Flathead Reservation with abundant wildlife (including bison, elk, mountain lion, and grizzly bear) and includes grasslands, montane forests, streams and lakes. (Pre-requisite - UNDERC-East). These programs promote understanding of field environmental biology and how field research is conducted through 9 – 10 weeks in the wild. Applications are accepted from students who will be completing at least their sophomore year at a 4-year college or university. Acceptance is based on past academic performance and a statement of purpose. Preference is given to students pursuing a career in environmental sciences. Additional information and applications are available online (http://underc.nd.edu) or from Dr. Michael Cramer, UNDERC-East Assistant Director (mcra...@nd.edu) or Dr. Page Klug, UNDERC-West Assistant Director (pk...@nd.edu). Application deadline is Friday, November 4, 2011 and notification of acceptance will be provided by Friday, December 2, 2011.
[ECOLOG-L] Spider specimens needed for genetics study
Hello! I need some spiders (*any* species) and other arachnids for a study that my students are doing. If you're willing to collect specimens (preferably mature, if possible), including mygalomorphs and other arachnids then I'll take them (non-spiders will need to be IDed to species first, please, as I know little to nothing about non-Araneae taxonomy). I'll take as many specimens as you are willing to send. It is best if each specimen is in it's own vial, eppendorf tube, etc If you can collect them and put them into 95% EtOH, I will pay for the shipping. I would LOVE to get specimens from different parts of the world-- Australia, Africa, South America, Europe, Asia. Any and all are welcome and I will pay shipping! As many different spiders as possible. If they come from outside the US and Canada, I would prefer (if possible) that they be identified first. I don't care how common these are in your part of the world, they will be great for us to have! All specimens should have the full collection information, including the date and location collected (latitude and longitude, if possible), the name of the collector, the habitat in which it was found, and the collection method (hand collected, pitfall trap, etc...). Fresh specimens only, please, so specimens caught and euthanized very recently only, please. DNA degrades quickly and specimens collected long ago will not be good for our study. Please feel free to contact me off list to make any arrangements. Also, please let me know before any specimens are shipped: brpat...@dwu.edumailto:brpat...@dwu.edumailto:brpat...@dwu.edu Thanks! Brian L. Brian Patrick, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Biology and Chair Department of Biological Sciences Dakota Wesleyan University 1200 W. University Ave. Mitchell, SD 57301 USA
