[ECOLOG-L] Three Professorships, and One Tenure-Track Lectureship in Biology - University of California, Merced
Three Professorships in Biology and Ecology and One Tenure-Track Lectureship in Biology University of California, Merced The School of Natural Sciences at the University of California, Merced seeks applicants for four faculty positions: Ecology (Full or Associate with tenure, or Assistant tenure-track), Systems Biology (Assistant tenure-track), and Biostatistics (Assistant tenure-track), and one tenure-track Biology Lecturer. For the Ecology position, we seek outstanding individuals with research interests in any ecological field using experimental, field, computational, and/or theoretical approaches and working at population to global scales. The Systems Biology position includes research areas that use comprehensive datasets and multiple types of analysis to relate overall biological function to underlying biochemical or biophysical processes for predictive understanding. The Biostatistics research areas of interest include statistical methods for experimental design, epidemiology, medical informatics, evolutionary biology, sequence bioinformatics, genomics, evolution of microbial systems and pathogens, and systems biology. The Lecturer position closely parallels a tenure-track Assistant Professor but with an emphasis on undergraduate education. All applicants must be able to teach effectively at both undergraduate and graduate levels. For more information and to apply go to: http://jobs.ucmerced.edu/n/academic/listings.jsf;jsessionid=95FADBAFFF4C13F912A3B023DA4F1F80?seriesId=1 Interested applicants should submit materials online. Applications will be considered starting December 1, 2011. UC Merced is an AA/EOP employer.
[ECOLOG-L] PhD positions at IMPRS for Organismal Biology
The International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS) for Organismal Biology offers several PhD student positions. The IMPRS is based in southern Germany and is jointly organized by the Max Planck Institute for Ornithology in Seewiesen and Radolfzell and the University of Konstanz. Outstanding students of all nationalities with a deep commitment to basic research in Organismal Biology are invited to apply. More than 25 internationally recognized research groups actively participate in the PhD program and offer challenging, cutting-edge PhD projects in the fields of Behavioral Biology, Ecology, Evolution, Physiology, and Neurobiology. For a list of all PhD projects visit www.orn.mpg.de/IMPRS. All students accepted to the program will be supported by stipends or contracts. The program offers dedicated teaching programs, high quality research experience, and outstanding research facilities in an inspiring research and living environment. All courses are taught in English. Each PhD candidate receives individual supervision and mentoring and is guided in her/his research work by a PhD advisory committee. Deadline for the application is January 15, 2012. Interviews with the applicants are scheduled for mid-March. Candidates accepted into the program may start latest October 2012. The Max Planck Society and the University of Konstanz are equal opportunity employers. Applications from women and historically under-represented groups are particularly welcome. Qualification Applicants should hold an MSc or equivalent degree in biology or a related discipline at the point of enrollment. Queries should be mailed to the program office: im...@uni-konstanz.de Application For the application process visit www.orn.mpg.de/IMPRS
[ECOLOG-L] PostdocTORAL RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP - University of Rhode Island
POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP available to investigate the spatial distribution and abundance of seabirds and seaducks in nearshore and offshore waters of southern New England (USA) in relation to risks associated with proposed wind power developments. We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher with strong quantitative skills and modeling experience (including distance sampling, occupancy estimation, spatially-explicit mechanistic population models, risk assessment), who understands the natural history of seabirds and its implications for modeling their ecology and risk of offshore development, and who thrives in collaborative, applied research groups. Among other duties, the postdoctoral researcher will use existing data to: (1) develop spatially explicit models that identify the key biotic and abiotic factors that affect the abundance and distribution of seabirds and seaducks in Rhode Island nearshore and offshore waters, (2) apply these spatially explicit models to predict affects of global climate change on seabird and seaduck abundance and distribution, and (3) estimate seasonal changes in population size of seaduck species and apply these population models to harvest management plans. Stipend approx. $3500/mo plus full benefits, depending on experience, for a minimum of 1 year (can be extended to 5 years depending on productivity). Start date January 2011. This work will be done through the Department of Natural Resources Science at the University of Rhode Island, under supervision of Drs. Peter Paton and Scott McWilliams, and in collaboration with federal and state biologists (notably, Jay Osenkowski, RI DEM). University of Rhode Island is a land-grant, seagrant academic institution that has state-of-the-art spatial analysis and graphic capabilities, hosts the Graduate School of Oceanography (http://www.gso.uri.edu/), hosts scientists from both the North Atlantic Coast Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (http://www.cesu.psu.edu/unit_portals/NOAT_portal.htm) as well as the National Park Service Inventory and Monitoring Program (http://science.nature.nps.gov/im/units/ncbn/a_staff.aspx), and is closely associated with the EPA Atlantic Ecology Division Laboratory (http://www.epa.gov/aed/). Please send letter of interest, resume, and contact information for 3 references to ppa...@uri.edu. Review of applications will begin 10 December 2011. Early applications are encouraged.
[ECOLOG-L] Biostatistician Assistant Professor position, UNLV
POSITION TITLE The University of Nevada, Las Vegas invites applications for Assistant Professor - Biostatistics PROFILE of the UNIVERSITY UNLV is a comprehensive research university of approximately 28,000 students and 3,300 faculty and staff dedicated to teaching, research, and service. The university has internationally recognized programs in hotel administration and creative writing; professional degrees in law, architecture, and dental medicine; and leading programs in fine arts, sciences and education. UNLV is located on a 332-acre main campus and two satellite campuses in dynamic Southern Nevada. For more information, visit us on-line at: http://www.unlv.edu. ROLE of the POSITION The School of Community Health Sciences at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas is recruiting for a full-time, tenure track faculty position in Biostatistics at the rank of Assistant Professor. Candidates must have a solid methodological background in biostatistics, excellent oral and written communication skills, a strong interest in teaching and mentoring of both Masters and PhD degree-seeking graduate students, and ability to collaborate with research investigators in community health and/or related fields of study. QUALIFICATIONS Candidates are required to have a Ph.D in biostatistics, statistics, or similar field. The candidate must be from a college or university accredited by the U.S. Department of Education or an internationally recognized accredited organization. Preferred candidates will have demonstrated post-doc experience, teaching ability and a strong record of independent and competitively funded research SALARY RANGE Salary competitive with those at similarly situated institutions. Position is contingent upon funding. APPLICATION DETAILS Submit a letter of interest, a detailed resume listing qualifications and experience, and the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of at least three professional references who may be contacted. Applicants should fully describe their qualifications and experience, with specific reference to each of the minimum and preferred qualifications because this is the information on which the initial review of materials will be based. The review of materials will begin [insert date], and will continue until the position is filled. Materials should be addressed to Search Committee Chair, and are to be submitted via on-line application at https://hrsearch.unlv.edu. For assistance with UNLVs on-line applicant portal, contact UNLV Employment Services at (702) 895-2894 or hrsea...@unlv.edu. [Note: formal posting will occur soon]
Re: [ECOLOG-L] Ecology What is it?
Hello Matt others, In addition to your citations (below) and as far as I am aware, the Manifesto for Earth has been published in two other places, vis: - The Structurist No 43/44. University of Saskatchewan. pp. 5-9 2004 Special Edition entitled Toward an Ecological Ethos in Art and Architecture. Edited by Eli Bornstein. 152 pp. - Davidsonia 2004. Quarterly journal of the Univ of B.C. Botanical Gardens. 15: (2) 70-81. Generally, the Manifesto (www.ecospherics.net) has not received negative criticism. It has been translated into Spanish, French, German, Ukrainian, Russian and Italian. It was, however, reviewed by a representative of the Vatican in La Republica, Italy's national newspaper where the reviewer disagreed only with Principle Number 1 which states that The Ecosphere is the center of value for humanity. The criticism stems from the core Catholic belief that source of value is to be found in God and not Earth itself. It is of interest that there have not been any science-based criticisms of the Manifesto so it is good to see this discussion on Ecolog-L. The Manifesto is Earth-centered and not organism-centered and, as far as I know, this makes it the most ecocentric document in the field of ecological philosophy and ethics. It represents the results of well over 100 years of ecological and natural history observations, experience and thinking of its two authors. Concerning your puzzling speculation (below) that the Manifesto seeks to close discussion rather than to open it and also perhaps it is not practical I would respond by pointing out that this is a manifesto and not some other kind of document. Unlike many other manifestos, declarations and similar writings it does not mix up what is (ecologically) and the ethical consequences, namely what ought to be. It explicitly points the way/path to ecocentric thinking, a difficult concept for many people (including most ecologists) who are raised on a heavy diet of pure anthropocentrism with a smattering of (organism centered) biocentrism. Note that the what is is presented in the first six principles and the what (consequentially) ought to be in the last five principles. In the final year of writing and revising the manifesto, we could not conceive a principle which could be added to the eleven. All other possibilities were best subsumed under one or another of the eleven. This seemed a bit odd to us but there you have it. The Manifesto has also once again been described and discussed in the second edition of 'Ecological Ethics: An Introduction' By Patrick Curry which was recently published (2011) by Polity Press (332pp). Pointing the way to ecocentric thinking is what Patrick Curry's book is about. I am reading it now. Finally, I called the owner/editor of Biodiversity (where the Manifesto was first published n 2004) re the ISI reference and he said that the journal is indexed in a number of services and he will look into approaching ISI. Cheers, Ted Mosquin (Retired ecologist/biologist) On 11/10/2011 12:03 PM, Matt Chew wrote: Wayne, et al: The manifesto has been cited, e.g., by: Patrick Curry (2006) Ecological Ethics. Cambridge UK: Polity Press. J. Anthony Cassils (2007) Some Reflections on Human Rationality (or the Lack of It) and the Way Ahead. Proceedings of the Canadia Association for the Club of Rome 3(11)19-27 Robert Burke (2011) The Rise and Fall of Growth: The Inappropriateness of Continuous Unchecked Growth. Journal of Futures Studies 16(1)79-100. There may be others, but I've used up the 10 minutes I had available. A link to the manifesto and some promotional text were posted to ECOLOG-L in March 2004 (see Digest #2004-83) by one of its authors. It has also been cited and linked to by various websites. Why has it not been cited in ISI indexed journals? Perhaps because (like many manifestos) it seeks to close discussion rather than open it. Perhaps because it isn't practical. Any other thoughts? Matthew K Chew Assistant Research Professor Arizona State University School of Life Sciences ASU Center for Biology Society PO Box 873301 Tempe, AZ 85287-3301 USA Tel 480.965.8422 Fax 480.965.8330 mc...@asu.edu oranek...@gmail.com http://cbs.asu.edu/people/profiles/chew.php http://asu.academia.edu/MattChew - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG -www.avg.com Version: 2012.0.1869 / Virus Database: 2092/4607 - Release Date: 11/09/11
Re: [ECOLOG-L] Ecology What is it?
Comments inserted below, with much stuff cut out: Matt Chew anek...@gmail.com wrote: As of the latest digest I received, this thread had attracted input from fewer than 0.1% of the list's 12K recipients. Perhaps there are 12K reasons for remaining unengaged but I suspect they are all variations or combinations of a few basic themes. Rather than debate plausible rationalizations, I challenge you all to consider Wayne's question carefully. I suspect that for the vast majority of list participants, responding to rhetorical questions like Wayne's is simply a waste of time. Many of them are likely busy practicing ecology. Are you an ecologist? What makes you one? I still call myself an ecologist, though I seldom actually do any work any more. I have the requisite training (degrees in related sciences including a Ph.D. in Zoology with research emphasis in ecology), experience (I investigated and published on ecological questions and taught ecology for many years), and approach (I used observational and experimental techniques to resolve testable hypotheses). Recycling stuff? Organic gardening? Watching a TV show? Joining the Sierra Club, Audubon, and/or TNC (etc.)? Taking a class? Two classes? Earning a certificate? An Associate's degree? A BA? A BS? An MA? An MS? A Ph.D.? Some other accredited degree? Working in the field for 1/5/10/20 years? Ecology is a science, like other sciences. One who does not investigate scientifically is not a scientist, hence not an ecologist, regardless of confused beliefs about what constitutes ecology, regardless of training, regardless of degrees and certificates held. Should anyone who calls whatever they feel, think or do ecology be considered an ecologist because they call themselves one? Of course not. If so, why does ESA have a certification process? Because industry prefers to be able to say that a person whom they pay to do work for them as a contractor is certified by an appropriate entity, or because persons feel more authority when they seek contractual employment with industry. Few academic ecologists, unless consulting is important to them, bother with certification. Many industrial ecologists do. Does that process exclude anyone who seeks certification? If so, can excluded individuals still call themselves an ecologists? Can those of us who never seek certification call ourselves ecologists? Likely few or none who lack the published qualifications apply for certification, therefore few or none are excluded. Certification is not a prerequisite for practicing our science. Practicing our science is a prerequisite for being an ecologist. Anyone can call himself anything he wants to. Making such a claim for some professions (military officer, physician, lawyer) might be illegal in some contexts. Claiming degrees, training, or experience one does not have could be grounds for a lawsuit or prosecution for fraud. But simply calling oneself an ecologist through ignorance or puffery is none of those things. But if one has training, or experience, and practices the science of ecology, then one is an ecologist. Does being certified mean you know what you're talking about, or merely that you're using the right words? Being certified means that one applied, and holds the required credentials and experience. It is a screen, but it does not and cannot guarantee competence. If ecology means all those things, can it really mean any one of them? Ecology does not mean all of those things, though some folks are confused. The impending 100th anniversaries of Rachel Carson's Silent Spring _Silent Spring_ was published in 1962, not 100 years ago. The fiftieth anniversary of its publication is impending, not the 100th. _Silent Spring_ was a plea for environmental sanity regarding pesticide use, not a founding document for the science of ecology. and of ESA and BES as organizations are good excuses to ponder all this. I'm expecting 12,000 answers by Monday night. But don't cc me. Just respond to the list. Most list members are more engaged in what they do than they are in responding to rhetorical questions. mcneely
[ECOLOG-L] Postdoc - Landscape Ecology/Global Change Ecology
Postdoctoral Researcher in Landscape Ecology/Global Change Ecology A two year postdoctoral position in the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment is available at the University of New Hampshire. The postdoc will join Drs. Rebecca Rowe (University of New Hampshire) and Eric Rickart (Natural History Museum of Utah, University of Utah) as part of the ongoing NSF-funded Great Basin Resurvey Project. The primary focus of this project is comparing historical and modern survey data for small mammals on multiple mountain ranges in the Great Basin of the western US to investigate change in species distributions and community composition over the past century. Additional details can be found at: http://www.nre.unh.edu/rebecca-j-rowe, http://nhmu.utah.edu/vertebrate-zoology?q=eric-rickart-phd, and http://home.utah.edu/~u0547417/. We seek a highly motivated candidate interested in understanding how changes in climate and land cover are impacting small mammal biodiversity. The position represents a superb opportunity to work at the interface between historical ecology, landscape ecology and biogeography and the candidate will have input in shaping future research directions for this project. Familiarity with landscape connectivity analyses and/or species distribution modeling and/or occupancy modeling would be an advantage. Experience working with small mammals or in the Great Basin is not required, but all applicants must be interested in participating in some field work associated with this project. Start date is flexible but preference will be given to candidates who can begin on or before August 27 2012. The position offers a competitive salary and benefits. To apply: Please send a single pdf document containing a cover letter summarizing your research experience and interests, CV, and contact information for three references by email to rebecca.r...@unh.edumailto:rebecca.r...@unh.edu. Review of applications to begin January 15, 2012 and will continue until the position is filled. UNH is an AA/EEO Employer. UNH is committed to excellence through the diversity of its faculty and staff and encourages women and minorities to apply.
[ECOLOG-L] Graduate Opportunity - physiological ecology
Physiology and ecology of salamanders and lizards Graduate opportunity in the Gifford lab at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Research in the Gifford lab at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock is focused on how ectotherms (salamanders and lizards) deal with variation in environmental conditions (temperature) and the ecological and evolutionary consequences of these strategies. The lab is recruiting Masters students to start in the Fall of 2012. Opportunities are available to undertake studies on the ecology and physiology of salamanders and lizards. Research topics are flexible; however, it is expected that the work will involve a physiological component. Many potential field sites are available in fairly close proximity to UALR (maximum ~3 hr drive) and include some of the most beautiful natural areas in the state (Buffalo National River), and a variety of biological field stations (e.g., Ouachita Mountains Biological Field Station OMBS). The student(s) will be supported by teaching assistantships (TA) through the Department of Biology, which includes a full tuition waiver. Animal care facilities are available in the Department of Biology, and the Gifford lab is well equipped for physiological studies on a variety of ectotherms (environmental chambers, respirometry system, high-speed video, small animal racetrack and treadmill, and calorimeter). Preferred qualifications include some record of prior research experience, interest in physiology, ecology, or evolution, and a herpetological interest. Minimum admission requirements to the Masters program at UALR include a B.S. degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale), upper level coursework in four of the following six areas (cell/molecular biology, ecology, evolution, genetics, physiology, organismal biology), two lecture courses in physics, four lecture courses in chemistry (organic and inorganic), and a minimum combined score of 950 on the verbal and quantitative sections of the GRE General test. Program application deadline is April 15 for Fall semester entry; however, earlier submission of applications is encouraged. Please send initial inquiries via email to megiff...@ualr.edu. Please include contact information for two references; a brief statement of your research experience, goals, and why our lab would be a good fit; and a CV. Feel free to check out general lab information at the Gifford Lab website (http://web.me.com/gifford/Gifford_Lab/Home.html).
[ECOLOG-L] UW-Madison Postdoc Vacancy - Freshwater Biodiversity
The McIntyre lab at UW-Madison is seeking a post-doc to help lead quantitative analyses of conservation hotspots for global freshwater biodiversity. The position is part of an NSF-funded project on conserving freshwater ecosystem services, and involves close collaboration with global geospatial analysts (led by Charles Vorosmarty) and economists (led by Faye Duchin) as well as many academic and NGO colleagues. The work will build upon our recent analysis of global threats to river ecosystems and their services (Vorosmarty et al. 2010 Nature). The post-doc will lead spatial analyses to identify freshwater conservation hotspots around the world. Ancillary analyses may address the underlying causes, future prospects, and prioritization of hotspot areas, or any other issues surrounding freshwater ecosystem services. In addition, the project will involve using expert elicitation surveys to quantify professional opinion about the relative degree of threat posed to freshwaters by different types of stressors. We anticipate that this work will help to define near-term and long-term agendas for global freshwater conservation efforts. There will also be considerable latitude to pursue spin-off collaborations devised by the post-doc. Desired qualifications include: - Expertise in global freshwater biodiversity and biogeography - Experience conducting large-scale spatial analysis using GIS - Experience with conservation prioritization/optimization models - Experience with expert elicitation surveys - A strong record of publication based on independent thinking - A collaborative approach to science but ability to work on tasks independently - An interest in furthering conservation on the ground The position will begin between January-June 2012, and funding is available for at least 2 years, pending performance. A competitive post-doc salary will be offered, including health benefits. The position will be based in the Center for Limnology at UW-Madison, which features a vibrant atmosphere in which collegial interactions among faculty, staff, post-docs, and graduate students are the norm. Madison is widely recognized for high quality of life (lively arts scene, access to outdoor recreation, public transportation), and costs of living are moderate. To apply, please submit a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, three reprints, and contact information for three references to Valerie Seidel (vsei...@wisc.edu). Assemble documents into a single PDF file, and submit by email with subject line: Post-doctoral Position--Global Change and Rivers. Review of applications will begin on 15 December 2011, and will continue until the position is filled. Disclaimer: Unless confidentiality is requested in writing, information regarding the names of applicants must be released upon request. Finalists cannot be guaranteed confidentiality. UW-Madison is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. We promote excellence through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.
Re: [ECOLOG-L] Ecology What is it?
Hmmm..you can't read our minds without active input to the listserv? I must be too used to working for the Fed. I am following the thread with interest. I may have some input. Just as you may only have 10 minutes to spare to respond, I am not funded to do half the work I am asked and expected to do, much less question or respond to why am I here (as an ecologist... etc.). Don't let my title fool you; as a district botanist my funded 'work' is to kill invasive plants, an inherently unsatisfatory task. My training is as a community ecologist, and whileI have my own ideas about what the study or application of that is, your and wayne's and other's discussion keep me engaged and I assume that speaks to others as well. Maybe the thread loses importance, as the Occupy movement, with time, but it continues to surface, so let's none of us quit thinking, or expressing our thoughts. discourse keeps the process alive. thank you. david David C. Baker Botanist, Tiller Ranger District 541-825-3149 Phone 541-825-3110 Fax -Original Message- From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news [mailto:ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU] On Behalf Of Matt Chew Sent: Monday, November 14, 2011 2:41 PM To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Subject: [ECOLOG-L] Ecology What is it? As of the latest digest I received, this thread had attracted input from fewer than 0.1% of the list's 12K recipients. Perhaps there are 12K reasons for remaining unengaged but I suspect they are all variations or combinations of a few basic themes. Rather than debate plausible rationalizations, I challenge you all to consider Wayne's question carefully. Sociologists who study the formation and dynamics of scientific disciplines use the concept of boundary work to describe the process of deciding what ideas (and those who adhere to them) are inside (therefore also outside') of the group. So, what's in and what's out of ecology? Academic ecologists and biogeographers have a long tradition of border skirmishing. But beyond that ecology seems to have been accreting adherents, methods and ideas at quite clip for the last 40 years or so. As an -ology, is ecology limited to studying something? Strictly speaking, yes; but we do not speak strictly. Is ecology a thing to be studied? We speak of the ecology of a place, of a geographical feature, of a species, of a population, of an assemblage, of a community (whatever that is) of an ecosystem (whatever that is) or of a landscape (etc.). Is ecology a method, a philosophy, an ethical stance, a moral commitment, a religious belief? Are you an ecologist? What makes you one? Recycling stuff? Organic gardening? Watching a TV show? Joining the Sierra Club, Audubon, and/or TNC (etc.)? Taking a class? Two classes? Earning a certificate? An Associate's degree? A BA? A BS? An MA? An MS? A Ph.D.? Some other accredited degree? Working in the field for 1/5/10/20 years? Should anyone who calls whatever they feel, think or do ecology be considered an ecologist because they call themselves one? If so, why does ESA have a certification process? Does that process exclude anyone who seeks certification? If so, can excluded individuals still call themselves an ecologists? Can those of us who never seek certification call ourselves ecologists? Does being certified mean you know what you're talking about, or merely that you're using the right words? If ecology means all those things, can it really mean any one of them? The impending 100th anniversaries of Rachel Carson's Silent Spring and of ESA and BES as organizations are good excuses to ponder all this. I'm expecting 12,000 answers by Monday night. But don't cc me. Just respond to the list. Matthew K Chew Assistant Research Professor Arizona State University School of Life Sciences ASU Center for Biology Society PO Box 873301 Tempe, AZ 85287-3301 USA Tel 480.965.8422 Fax 480.965.8330 mc...@asu.edu or anek...@gmail.com http://cbs.asu.edu/people/profiles/chew.php http://asu.academia.edu/MattChew
[ECOLOG-L] Post-doc opportunity at UC Davis
*Post-doc position in the spatial genetics and ecology of acacia-ants in Kenya* The Stanton and Grosberg labs, Department of Evolution and Ecology, University of California Davis We are seeking a highly motivated post-doc with expertise in spatial genetic analysis, an interest in using genetics to inform field experiments and surveys, and the ability to work up to 4 months per year at one of Africa’s most spectacular field research centers. Over the past twelve years, our team of colleagues at the Mpala Research Centre in Kenya has probed deeply into the ecological dynamics of a multi-species mutualism in which four species of acacia-ants associate with a single, dominant acacia, *A. drepanolobium *in highland savannas around East Africa. The relative ease with which field manipulations can be conducted in this system, in concert with its amazingly rich natural history, has resulted in a number of high-profile publications, and new insights into the dynamics of competition and coexistence among the symbiont ant species, the role of mega-herbivores in maintaining the mutualism, and the non-additive fitness consequences for long-lived host trees that associate with multiple species over their lifetime. For links to recent papers and some of the work in progress, please refer to the beautiful website of our pal and collaborator extraordinaire, Todd Palmer ( http://web.mac.com/toadpalmer/Site/welcome.html). The new post-doc will lead a relatively new research effort, in which we are focusing on three congeneric acacia-ant species that coexist at very fine spatial scales around the Mpala area— *Crematogaster sjostedti*, *C. mimosae*, and *C. nigriceps*. These species vary dramatically in ecology, life-history and apparent colony dynamics. Large, multi-queen, multi-tree colonies of *C. sjostedti* dominate in competition for host trees over smaller (sometimes multi-queen) colonies of *C. mimosae*, which in turn can competitively displace the single-queen colonies of *C. nigriceps.* The focus of our current project is to determine what role spatial patterns of within-colony and between-colony genetic variation may play in colony success in competition for food sources and host trees, colony establishment, the balance between intra- versus inter-specific competition, and on the ability of these intensely competing species to coexist system. Multiple microsatellite loci have been developed in two of the three species thus far, and patterns of variation at these loci identify colony structures that correspond closely with those obtained from field aggression assays. So, if you are, like us, someone who is driven to solve mysteries, here is just a small sample of observations we’ve made and questions we hope to address in this work. *Bigger colonies have a competitive advantage, but attaining large colony size requires multiple queens. To what extent are large colonies less genetically integrated than single-queen colonies? Does polygyny pre-dispose a colony to reduced cooperation or fragmentation? If not, how is colony integrity and cooperation maintained? ** Colonies of the different species are spatially aggregated— that is, conspecific colonies are more often near neighbors than expected by chance. To what extent are conspecific neighbors also related to one another? How do genetically related neighboring colonies arise? ** Do neighboring colonies of the same species compete as often and as intensively as heterospecific neighbors? To what extent are levels of intraspecific, inter-colony aggression determined by genetic relatedness? Here are the attributes we are seeking in the person who will fill this position. 1) Strong skills in writing and in transforming data into manuscripts and research proposals. 2) Experience in development of microsatellites and in analysis of microsats or other hyper-variable genetic markers using multiple software packages. 3) Experience in the design and execution of large-scale field experiments. 4) Good mentoring and organizational skills, with an ability to organize and supervise lab groups and research teams. 5) High levels of responsibility and self-motivation for independent work. 6) Experience with mapping and spatial analysis in GIS. 7) Experience and interest in ant or other haplodiploid social insects is a plus, but not essential. UC Davis is an extraordinarily stimulating and fertile environment for post-doctoral work in all aspects of evolutionary ecology. While on campus, the post-doc will have office and lab space in Storer Hall, home to both the Department of Ecology and the Center for Population Biology. We anticipate that the post-doc will make two trips per year to the Mpala Research Centre in Kenya, which hosts a stimulating international community of biologists and ecosystem scientists. This post-doc position is renewable for up to three years. Full-time salary will range from $38,500 to $45,000, depending on years of experience.
Re: [ECOLOG-L] Ecology What is it?
I am an ecologist because I can't help but think in ecological terms - which can be both a good and a bad thing. Sometimes the broader view creates more trouble than finds solutions, but it is what it is. I always end up coming to terms with my inability to sometimes evaluate a problem properly or account for all the factors that should be taken into consideration, if nothing else for practical purposes (if you want to finish part of a project, for instance, you must draw the line somewhere - maybe because the grant is done and you need to write a report, a paper, and get more funding - I can see that one starting a whole new discussion!). It helps that I have degrees, of course, since those degrees taught me the language, the background, and the method that makes me think ecologically. But they didn't turn me into who I am - I am sure there are plenty of people out there with degrees who don't particularly become ecologists but rather call themselves environmental scientists or something else. Maybe being an ecologist is a vision? I always wondered about the ESA certifications. In my mind, it has always been something for others, not for ourselves. Like a court of law or EPA might need someone to testify on something, and they like titles and certifications and such. I never thought of getting certified because I don't think it would add anything to me as an ecologist, but I may be wrong. Astrid Caldas, Ph.D. Climate Change and Wildlife Science Fellow Defenders of Wildlife 1130 17th Street N.W. Washington D.C. 20036-4604 Tel: 202-772-0229 |Fax: 202-682-1331 acal...@defenders.org | www.defenders.org -Original Message- From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news [mailto:ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU] On Behalf Of Matt Chew Sent: Monday, November 14, 2011 5:41 PM To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Subject: [ECOLOG-L] Ecology What is it? As of the latest digest I received, this thread had attracted input from fewer than 0.1% of the list's 12K recipients. Perhaps there are 12K reasons for remaining unengaged but I suspect they are all variations or combinations of a few basic themes. Rather than debate plausible rationalizations, I challenge you all to consider Wayne's question carefully. Sociologists who study the formation and dynamics of scientific disciplines use the concept of boundary work to describe the process of deciding what ideas (and those who adhere to them) are inside (therefore also outside') of the group. So, what's in and what's out of ecology? Academic ecologists and biogeographers have a long tradition of border skirmishing. But beyond that ecology seems to have been accreting adherents, methods and ideas at quite clip for the last 40 years or so. As an -ology, is ecology limited to studying something? Strictly speaking, yes; but we do not speak strictly. Is ecology a thing to be studied? We speak of the ecology of a place, of a geographical feature, of a species, of a population, of an assemblage, of a community (whatever that is) of an ecosystem (whatever that is) or of a landscape (etc.). Is ecology a method, a philosophy, an ethical stance, a moral commitment, a religious belief? Are you an ecologist? What makes you one? Recycling stuff? Organic gardening? Watching a TV show? Joining the Sierra Club, Audubon, and/or TNC (etc.)? Taking a class? Two classes? Earning a certificate? An Associate's degree? A BA? A BS? An MA? An MS? A Ph.D.? Some other accredited degree? Working in the field for 1/5/10/20 years? Should anyone who calls whatever they feel, think or do ecology be considered an ecologist because they call themselves one? If so, why does ESA have a certification process? Does that process exclude anyone who seeks certification? If so, can excluded individuals still call themselves an ecologists? Can those of us who never seek certification call ourselves ecologists? Does being certified mean you know what you're talking about, or merely that you're using the right words? If ecology means all those things, can it really mean any one of them? The impending 100th anniversaries of Rachel Carson's Silent Spring and of ESA and BES as organizations are good excuses to ponder all this. I'm expecting 12,000 answers by Monday night. But don't cc me. Just respond to the list. Matthew K Chew Assistant Research Professor Arizona State University School of Life Sciences ASU Center for Biology Society PO Box 873301 Tempe, AZ 85287-3301 USA Tel 480.965.8422 Fax 480.965.8330 mc...@asu.edu or anek...@gmail.com http://cbs.asu.edu/people/profiles/chew.php http://asu.academia.edu/MattChew
[ECOLOG-L] multitable: a new R package for complex ecological data
Studies in contemporary community ecology make use of data from a wide variety of sources, including information on dispersal barriers, functional traits, species interactions, and spatiotemporal and phylogenetic autocorrelation. The recognition of the importance of these factors has led to complex multiple-table data structures. For a simple example, when both environmental variables and functional traits are used to help understand variation in community composition, one obtains a multiple-table data set that cannot easily be organized into a standard data table with rows and columns representing replicates and variables. Nevertheless, most statistical tools require such a single-table data format. Storing multiple-table data in a single table often results in either large numbers of meaningless missing values or storage of redundant information. Even in the more flexible R computing environment, storing complex data in multiple tables (i.e. data frames in R-speak) often results in long difficult-to-read workflows. My frustration with these issues led me to develop the multitable package (on CRAN). This package introduces a new data object called a data.list, which organizes several data tables as a single R object. The primary goal of multitable is to provide a more intuitive framework for manipulating multiple-table data in R. As data.lists can be coerced to data.frames, they can be used with all R functions that accept an object that is coercible to a data.frame (e.g. lm; plot; lme; and many more). In essence, data.list objects work much like familiar data.frame objects, but handle a richer variety of data structures. Here are the package websites: http://multitable.r-forge.r-project.org/ http://cran.r-project.org/web/packages/multitable/index.html A quick introduction to multitable is here: http://cran.r-project.org/web/packages/multitable/vignettes/multitable.pdf I am very interested in constructive feedback, as I plan to continue to develop multitable to meet new challenges that arise in multiple-table data analysis -- particularly in ecology. Steve Walker -- Steven C Walker Postdoctoral researcher Département de Sciences Biologiques Université de Montréal https://sites.google.com/site/stevencarlislewalker/
Re: [ECOLOG-L] Ecology What is it?
Ecology is a science. It is no more about environmentalism, for example, than is physics, IMHO. Ecologists study the interaction between organisms and their environment. As a matter of fact, we know very little of ecology. If you want to refer to the founding of ESA, one of the major motivations was to get the non-science and pseudoscience out of ecology and try to establish ecology as a real science. With all the political hackery and pseudo-science trying to call itself ecology these days, ecology as a science has really not progressed much further than the original basic objectives of the founders of the ESA. The Earth Manifesto does not involve ecology. Robert Hamilton, PhD Professor of Biology Alice Lloyd College Pippa Passes, KY 41844 -Original Message- From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news [mailto:ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU] On Behalf Of Baker, David Sent: Tuesday, November 15, 2011 10:16 AM To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] Ecology What is it? Hmmm..you can't read our minds without active input to the listserv? I must be too used to working for the Fed. I am following the thread with interest. I may have some input. Just as you may only have 10 minutes to spare to respond, I am not funded to do half the work I am asked and expected to do, much less question or respond to why am I here (as an ecologist... etc.). Don't let my title fool you; as a district botanist my funded 'work' is to kill invasive plants, an inherently unsatisfatory task. My training is as a community ecologist, and whileI have my own ideas about what the study or application of that is, your and wayne's and other's discussion keep me engaged and I assume that speaks to others as well. Maybe the thread loses importance, as the Occupy movement, with time, but it continues to surface, so let's none of us quit thinking, or expressing our thoughts. discourse keeps the process alive. thank you. david David C. Baker Botanist, Tiller Ranger District 541-825-3149 Phone 541-825-3110 Fax -Original Message- From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news [mailto:ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU] On Behalf Of Matt Chew Sent: Monday, November 14, 2011 2:41 PM To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Subject: [ECOLOG-L] Ecology What is it? As of the latest digest I received, this thread had attracted input from fewer than 0.1% of the list's 12K recipients. Perhaps there are 12K reasons for remaining unengaged but I suspect they are all variations or combinations of a few basic themes. Rather than debate plausible rationalizations, I challenge you all to consider Wayne's question carefully. Sociologists who study the formation and dynamics of scientific disciplines use the concept of boundary work to describe the process of deciding what ideas (and those who adhere to them) are inside (therefore also outside') of the group. So, what's in and what's out of ecology? Academic ecologists and biogeographers have a long tradition of border skirmishing. But beyond that ecology seems to have been accreting adherents, methods and ideas at quite clip for the last 40 years or so. As an -ology, is ecology limited to studying something? Strictly speaking, yes; but we do not speak strictly. Is ecology a thing to be studied? We speak of the ecology of a place, of a geographical feature, of a species, of a population, of an assemblage, of a community (whatever that is) of an ecosystem (whatever that is) or of a landscape (etc.). Is ecology a method, a philosophy, an ethical stance, a moral commitment, a religious belief? Are you an ecologist? What makes you one? Recycling stuff? Organic gardening? Watching a TV show? Joining the Sierra Club, Audubon, and/or TNC (etc.)? Taking a class? Two classes? Earning a certificate? An Associate's degree? A BA? A BS? An MA? An MS? A Ph.D.? Some other accredited degree? Working in the field for 1/5/10/20 years? Should anyone who calls whatever they feel, think or do ecology be considered an ecologist because they call themselves one? If so, why does ESA have a certification process? Does that process exclude anyone who seeks certification? If so, can excluded individuals still call themselves an ecologists? Can those of us who never seek certification call ourselves ecologists? Does being certified mean you know what you're talking about, or merely that you're using the right words? If ecology means all those things, can it really mean any one of them? The impending 100th anniversaries of Rachel Carson's Silent Spring and of ESA and BES as organizations are good excuses to ponder all this. I'm expecting 12,000 answers by Monday night. But don't cc me. Just respond to the list. Matthew K Chew Assistant Research Professor Arizona State University School of Life Sciences ASU Center for Biology Society PO Box 873301 Tempe, AZ 85287-3301 USA Tel 480.965.8422 Fax 480.965.8330 mc...@asu.edu or anek...@gmail.com
[ECOLOG-L] POSTDOC- Hopkins Marine Station, Stanford University
HOPKINS MARINE STATION, STANFORD UNIVERSITY MARINE LIFE OBSERVATORY POSTDOCTORAL POSITIONS The Hopkins Marine Station (HMS) recently established a Marine Life Observatory (MLO) Program directed toward the nearshore environment of Monterey Bay. The function of the Marine Life Observatory is to explore how individual organisms, populations, and ecological communities vary over time and space in an effort to better understand how these marine ecosystems are influenced by oceanographic, ecological and climatological factors. We are accepting applications for two-year postdoctoral positions with research directed toward each of the following areas: 1) ecological processes shaping long term dynamics of intertidal or kelp forest ecosystems 2) marine microbial community dynamics (prokaryote and eukaryote) 3) human impact on marine coastal ecosystems. Applicants are expected to develop a vigorous research project that supports the establishment of a long-term monitoring program of the nearshore marine environment at HMS on Monterey Bay. For information about these HMS positions, see: http://mlo.stanford.edu Applicants should provide a cover letter, curriculum vitae, a statement of research plans with respect to the MLO mission, and the names of three references. Review of applications will begin on Jan 1, 2012 and continue until the positions are filled. The appointment is anticipated to begin June 1, 2012. Interested candidates should apply online at: https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/1253 Stanford University has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity. In that spirit, we particularly encourage applications from women, members of ethnic minorities, and individuals with disabilities.
[ECOLOG-L] Mammalian Physiology faculty position - Michigan Technological University
The Department of Biological Sciences at Michigan Technological University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in the area of Mammalian Physiology. The successful applicant will hold a Ph.D. with postdoctoral experience, will be expected to establish a vigorous, externally funded research program, and must have a strong commitment to undergraduate and graduate education. Teaching requirements include Human Anatomy and Physiology and Medical Laboratory Science courses. For more information, visit our website http://www.bio.mtu.edu/faculty_positions.htm For consideration, the application should include: 1) curriculum vitae; 2) description of future research (maximum 1 page); 3) statement of teaching interests and philosophy (max. 1 page); and 4) complete contact information for 5 references. A single pdf application should be submitted to: mammp...@mtu.edu Department of Biological Sciences, 1400 Townsend Drive, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI 49931-1295. Application review will commence Dec. 15, 2011 and continue until the position is filled. Michigan Tech is also an ADVANCE institution, located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, one of a limited number of universities in receipt of NSF funds in support of our commitment to increase diversity and the participation and advancement of women in STEM. In addition to the present search, a search to fill ten growth positions in “Transportation” and “Water” are under way and qualified candidates are encouraged to sent a separate application, following the “How to Apply” guidelines at www.mtu.edu/sfhi. Michigan Technological University is an Equal Opportunity Educational Institution/Equal Opportunity Employer. -- Amy Marcarelli Assistant Professor, Department of Biological Sciences Michigan Technological University 1400 Townsend Dr., Dow 740 Houghton, MI 49931 Phone: 906-487-2867 ammar...@mtu.edu http://www.bio.mtu.edu/faculty/Marcarelli.htm
[ECOLOG-L] *Post-doctoral Research Associate Examining Forest Carbon Cycling*
*Post-doctoral Research Associate Examining Forest Carbon Cycling* The University of Minnesota, Department of Forest Resources and the USFS Northern Research Station are seeking a postdoctoral scientist to conduct research examining the biological and environmental controls over carbon cycling and storage in forest ecosystems. The postdoctoral scientist will integrate field measurements of carbon storage and cycling with statistical and simulation models to gain insight into long-term, regional-scale patterns of carbon storage in forests. Experience with and/or interest in gas flux measurements and statistical modeling is preferred. This work includes the opportunity for independent field work across the northern Lake States and the postdoctoral scientist will be responsible for conducting field and lab work in support of project goals, supervising field and lab assistants, analyzing data and preparing peer-reviewed publications. The position is available immediately, funded for two years, and will be located in St. Paul MN. Qualifications: Ph.D. in ecosystem ecology, forestry, silviculture, biology or a closely related field. Applicants should be able to work independently, but also cooperatively with other researchers. Application Instructions: Applications and required documents must be submitted online at the University of Minnesota Employment website: http://employment.umn.eduhttp://employment.umn.edu, requisition 175192. Attach a cover letter, statement of interest and goals, resume/CV, and names and contact information for three references. Specific questions about the position should be directed to Dr. Anthony D'Amato (mailto:dam...@umn.edudam...@umn.edu) and/or Dr. Chris Woodall (mailto:cwood...@fs.fed.uscwood...@fs.fed.us). Review of applications will begin January 9, 2012 and will continue until the position is filled.
[ECOLOG-L] *Post-doctoral Research Associate Examining Biomass Harvesting Impacts on Forest Soils*
*Post-doctoral Research Associate Examining Biomass Harvesting Impacts on Forest Soils* The University of Minnesota, Department of Forest Resources is seeking a postdoctoral scientist to contribute to research assessing the regional capacity and sustainability of forest biomass harvesting in the Northern Lake States. This position will join a team of collaborators from the University of Minnesota, USFS, Northern Research Station, USGS, University of Wisconsin, and University of Missouri working to assess the environmental sustainability of woody biomass feedstock procurement from regionally important forest types (aspen, jack pine, and northern hardwoods) within the Lake States. This postdoctoral position will contribute to a network of replicated, operational-scale field experiments to quantify the impact of biomass harvesting on soil carbon and nutrient cycling. This work will build upon a rich suite of existing detailed field measurements, including soil nutrients, micrometeorological measurements, and soil respiration. The post-doc will work closely with scientists at the University of Minnesota, USGS, and the USDA Forest Service Northern Research Station. The ideal candidate will have a Ph.D. in forest soils, forest ecology, forestry, ecosystem ecology, or a closely related field, experience with forest soils and biogeochemistry, as well as a strong work ethic, demonstrated writing and quantitative capabilities, a record of leadership, and a proven ability to work independently. Applications or questions can be directed to Dr. Anthony D'Amato ( mailto:dam...@umn.edudam...@umn.edu, 612-625-3733). Applications and required documents must be submitted online at the University of Minnesota Employment website: http://employment.umn.eduhttp://employment.umn.edu, requisition 175191. Applications should include a cover letter, statement of interest and goals, resume/CV, and names and contact information for three references. This position is available immediately, is funded for at least two years, and is located in St. Paul, MN. Review of applications will begin January 9, 2012 and will continue until the position is filled.
[ECOLOG-L] Spider-keeping
Hi everyone! Does anyone have experience keeping these following spiders? Nephila clavipes (Golden silk orb-weaver spider) Gasteracantha cancriformis (Crab spider) Brachypelma albopilosum (Curly haired tarantula,.25 spiderlings) We would like them to be able to build webs/make silk. Any advice regarding the size of containment, feeding, temperature, humidity, etc would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! -Cong (Charles) Xu University of Notre Dame c...@nd.edu
[ECOLOG-L] Postdoc: Plant ecological genetics, Massey University, New Zealand.
Postdoctoral fellowship. Massey University, New Zealand. Plant Ecological Genetics. A two year postdoctoral fellowship is available to investigate whether declines in bird pollinators have exposed two native New Zealand plants to increased inbreeding and to a cryptic form of recruitment failure where fruits and seedlings are abundant but fail to recruit due to high rates of inbreeding depression. The study organisms will be Fuchsia excorticata (Tree Fuchsia) and Sophora microphylla (kowhai). For this project, we are combining genetic markers to measure inbreeding and to score gender in seedlings of the gynodioecious fuchsia with field studies of pollination ecology. The successful applicant will have experience with plant reproductive biology and implementing molecular genetic approaches (PCR, RT-PCR, and gene sequencing). The candidate should hold a Ph.D. in botany, genetics, or evolutionary biology. We seek an individual who is enthusiastic, highly motivated, and willing to work independently as well as with a team. This project is a collaboration between Alastair Robertson, Ecology Group, Institute of Natural Resources http://www.massey.ac.nz/~aroberts/welcome.htmlhttp://www.massey.ac.nz/~aroberts/welcome.html and Jennifer Tate, Institute of Molecular Biosciences, http://www.massey.ac.nz/massey/learning/departments/institute-molecular-biosciences/staff/tate_jennifer.cfmhttp://www.massey.ac.nz/massey/learning/departments/institute-molecular-biosciences/staff/tate_jennifer.cfm at Massey University in Palmerston North, New Zealand. Palmerston North is a small and friendly university town, which is located two hours from Wellington, the winery region of Hawke's Bay, and the volcanic plateau. The position will be jointly based within the Ecology Group, Institute of Natural Resources and the Institute of Molecular BioSciences and will take advantage of the facilities available at Massey, including the Massey Genome Service - http://www.massey.ac.nz/massey/research/centres-research/genome/massey-genome-service-home.cfmhttp://www.massey.ac.nz/massey/research/centres-research/genome/massey-genome-service-home.cfm. The closing date for applications is 31 January 2012. The starting date is flexible, but must be no later than 1 August 2012. For more information about this position, please contact Alastair Robertson (mailto:a.w.robert...@massey.ac.nza.w.robert...@massey.ac.nz). To apply for this position, please visit http://jobs.massey.ac.nzhttp://jobs.massey.ac.nz (reference A396-11).
Re: [ECOLOG-L] Ecology What is it?
I'll answer the question in one short easy to understand definition. To quote ESA: Annual Meeting, August 2000 Ecology is: The scientific discipline that is concerned with the relationships between organisms and their past, present and future environments, both living and non-living. This is the definition I teach in my classes. Ecology is to environmentalism or environmental science as Physics is to engineering. One is the science, the other is an application that makes use of the theory established by the science. Liane D. Liane Cochran-Stafira, Ph.D. Associate Professor Department of Biological Sciences Saint Xavier University 3700 West 103rd Street Chicago, Illinois 60655 phone: 773-298-3514 fax:773-298-3536 email: coch...@sxu.edu http://faculty.sxu.edu/~cochran/ http://faculty.sxu.edu/~cochran/ From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news on behalf of Matt Chew Sent: Mon 11/14/2011 4:41 PM To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Subject: [ECOLOG-L] Ecology What is it? As of the latest digest I received, this thread had attracted input from fewer than 0.1% of the list's 12K recipients. Perhaps there are 12K reasons for remaining unengaged but I suspect they are all variations or combinations of a few basic themes. Rather than debate plausible rationalizations, I challenge you all to consider Wayne's question carefully. Sociologists who study the formation and dynamics of scientific disciplines use the concept of boundary work to describe the process of deciding what ideas (and those who adhere to them) are inside (therefore also outside') of the group. So, what's in and what's out of ecology? Academic ecologists and biogeographers have a long tradition of border skirmishing. But beyond that ecology seems to have been accreting adherents, methods and ideas at quite clip for the last 40 years or so. As an -ology, is ecology limited to studying something? Strictly speaking, yes; but we do not speak strictly. Is ecology a thing to be studied? We speak of the ecology of a place, of a geographical feature, of a species, of a population, of an assemblage, of a community (whatever that is) of an ecosystem (whatever that is) or of a landscape (etc.). Is ecology a method, a philosophy, an ethical stance, a moral commitment, a religious belief? Are you an ecologist? What makes you one? Recycling stuff? Organic gardening? Watching a TV show? Joining the Sierra Club, Audubon, and/or TNC (etc.)? Taking a class? Two classes? Earning a certificate? An Associate's degree? A BA? A BS? An MA? An MS? A Ph.D.? Some other accredited degree? Working in the field for 1/5/10/20 years? Should anyone who calls whatever they feel, think or do ecology be considered an ecologist because they call themselves one? If so, why does ESA have a certification process? Does that process exclude anyone who seeks certification? If so, can excluded individuals still call themselves an ecologists? Can those of us who never seek certification call ourselves ecologists? Does being certified mean you know what you're talking about, or merely that you're using the right words? If ecology means all those things, can it really mean any one of them? The impending 100th anniversaries of Rachel Carson's Silent Spring and of ESA and BES as organizations are good excuses to ponder all this. I'm expecting 12,000 answers by Monday night. But don't cc me. Just respond to the list. Matthew K Chew Assistant Research Professor Arizona State University School of Life Sciences ASU Center for Biology Society PO Box 873301 Tempe, AZ 85287-3301 USA Tel 480.965.8422 Fax 480.965.8330 mc...@asu.edu or anek...@gmail.com http://cbs.asu.edu/people/profiles/chew.php http://asu.academia.edu/MattChew
[ECOLOG-L] Faculty Position - Plant Physiological Ecologist
The Department of Ecology at Montana State University seeks an Assistant Professor of Plant Physiological Ecology with a promising research and teaching record focused on responses of vegetation to climate change (to commence fall 2012).We are particularly interested in candidates whose research examines two or more of the following: (1) effects of global change on plant physiology and consequences for vegetation composition, plant quality, and/or productivity; (2) mechanisms of vegetation response including the interactive effects of water, light, temperature, and nutrients; (3) linkages between plant-level physiological response and patterns and process at broad spatial and temporal scales; and (4) use of simulation models or other quantitative tools to forecast vegetation pattern under global change. The successful candidate is expected to maintain an excellent program of research and publication with strong commitment to quality undergraduate and graduate education. The Department of Ecology is committed to faculty diversity, and women and minority candidates are especially encouraged to apply. Applicants should electronically submit a letter of interest addressing the required and preferred qualifications, a CV, description of research accomplishments and future directions, statement of teaching experience and interests, copies of up to three publications, and names and full contact information of three references by January 16, 2012 to: Plant Physiological Ecologist Search Committee, c/o Judy Van Andel, 310 Lewis Hall, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717; Phone: 406-994-4548; FAX: 406-994-3190 Email: jvanan...@montana.edu mailto:jvanan...@montana.edu. For further details including the required and preferred qualifications, please see the full job description at: http://www.montana.edu/jobs/faculty/12116-2.
Re: [ECOLOG-L] AIC scores
On Sun, 2011-11-13 at 11:31 -0600, Stephen Sefick wrote: Vegan (on CRAN) may be of help. Particularly look at the ordistep, ordiR2step etc. But do note the warnings that as these models don't really have a log likelihood and hence the don't have a deviance nor AIC. The AIC implemented in vegan uses the method of: Godínez-Domínguez, E. Freire, J. (2003) Information-theoretic approach for selection of spatial and temporal models of community organization. _Marine Ecology Progress Series_ *253*, 17-24. Read Jari's warnings in ?deviance.cca regarding its usage. ordiR2step uses the forward selection method of: Blanchet, F. G., Legendre, P. Borcard, D. (2008) Forward selection of explanatory variables. _Ecology_ 89, 2623-2632. which employs and adjusted R^2 criterion. Note that any form of forward selection applied to these multivariate methods is just as likely to be subject to all the problems of stepwise selection methods familiar to the application of linear regression. It would be helpful if we could combine these ordination methods with the concept of shrinkage (e.g. the lasso) so that selection could be performed in a single step *and* the effects of selection be taken into account. (There has been some progress in this regard in some [non-ecological] parts of the literature.) Or, better still, think before fitting the model and only include those terms that you wish to test that correspond to the hypotheses you wish to test. HTH G On Sun 13 Nov 2011 01:25:46 AM CST, David_Hewitt wrote: On Sat, 12 Nov 2011, Michel Rapinskimrapi...@uottawa.ca wrote: Hello, There is a function in R's basic library (stats), step(), which allows step by step selection of variables (forward, backward, both) on multiple linear regression models based on AIC scores. Unfortunately, and correct me if I am wrong, it only works for lm, aov and glm models. The package AICcmodavg handles many other types of linear models. It's on CRAN. In the case of selecting variables for canonical analysis, more specifically redundancy analysis (RDA), are there functions that enables these same test on rda models? I figured that since RDA is basically a multivariate extension of the multiple linear regression, it should work, but no luck! There are important differences between ordination and linear models. Beyond that, the issue of selecting important variables is far more complex than just an automated routine to search through them for significance (of any kind). Patrick's recommendation to have a look at the book by Burnham and Anderson is a good one -- start with pp 84-85 and section 4.4 (pp 167 -). I have succesfully managed to use the forward.sel() function in library(packfor), for selecting variables in my multivariate RDA models, but I also wish to do backward and alternating selection to help in the selection of my variables. Help will be greatly appreciated. Michel Michel Rapinski, MSc. Student Inst. of Plant Biology Research, Montreal Botanical Garden Université de Montréal Montréal, QC H1X 2B2 Tel: 514.772-1710 Fax: 514.872.9406 michael.rapin...@umontreal.ca University of Ottawa mrapi...@uottawa.ca Hi Minda, AIC scores depend upon the statistical models used. I think R does the best job of providing these scores, for example in the context of multiple linear regression and generalized linear models. The literature on R or on stats using R is growing rapidly. You will find readable treatments of AIC in Crawley's 2007 R book or in Zuur et al'sv2009 Mixed Effects Models and extensions in Ecology with R. And do not forget to examine ( I am not sure read is a realistic option) the valuable book by Burnham and Anderson 2002, Models Selection and Multimodel Inference. Patrick Foley bees, fleas, flowers, disease patfo...@csus.edu From: Minda Berbeco [mberb...@gmail.com] Sent: Wednesday, October 26, 2011 8:32 AM To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Subject: [ECOLOG-L] AIC scores Hello, I am looking for recommendations for programs to use for calculating AIC scores. I've looked into the AICcmodavg package with R, but the associated instructional material is not clear and I have not been able to get it to work. I hear that SAS is good as well, but have not found a good book that tells me how to create AIC scores (recommendations would be appreciated). I've also looked into SPSS, which according to IBM can create AIC scores, but have had no success. Any recommendations for programs and clear associated instructional material with information on how to run the program, write the code etc. would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Minda Berbeco Viticulture and Enology, UC Davis mrberb...@ucdavis.edu --
Re: [ECOLOG-L] Ecology What is it?
I've been casually scanning these discussions but not participating until now. So excuse me if I repeat something that's already been said. To me, as a professionally certified Senior Wildlife Ecologist (i.e., certified Senior Ecologist by ESA and certified Wildlife Biologist by The Wildlife Society), there seems to be three (over?)simple answers to the question Ecology What is it?: 1. The word ecology comes from the Greek oikos meaning household plus the Greek logos meaning reckoning. So, to me, ecology at its roots is the reckoning or consideration of natural households. (Other words with the oikos base include economics and ecumenical.) 2. When wandering through the woods (or the plains) with a group of biological professionals, it seems that the foresters/botanists are looking at the trees and shrubs, the wildlife biologists/zoologists are looking through the trees and shrubs to see the animals, and the soils scientist/geologist is looking down to see the ground and rocks. But the ecologist in me is looking at all of the above trying to make out how it all integrates and interacts. 3. The word ecology has become transmogrified by the media and the general public into a much wider meaning. Newspapers find that ecology fits the headlines better than environmental so the two words have become synonymous in their dictionary. And sometimes when I tell someone that I am an ecologist, the spoken or unspoken response is oh, so you're another one of those gdamdvirnmentlists (pronouncing the latter with only 5 syllables). Summation? For me, applied professional ecology is team formation -- integrating the more specific disciplines and perspectives into a cohesive and interrelating whole by providing insights on how natural things work together. Warren W. Aney Tigard, Oregon -Original Message- From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news [mailto:ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU] On Behalf Of Astrid Caldas Sent: Tuesday, 15 November, 2011 07:21 To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] Ecology What is it? I am an ecologist because I can't help but think in ecological terms - which can be both a good and a bad thing. Sometimes the broader view creates more trouble than finds solutions, but it is what it is. I always end up coming to terms with my inability to sometimes evaluate a problem properly or account for all the factors that should be taken into consideration, if nothing else for practical purposes (if you want to finish part of a project, for instance, you must draw the line somewhere - maybe because the grant is done and you need to write a report, a paper, and get more funding - I can see that one starting a whole new discussion!). It helps that I have degrees, of course, since those degrees taught me the language, the background, and the method that makes me think ecologically. But they didn't turn me into who I am - I am sure there are plenty of people out there with degrees who don't particularly become ecologists but rather call themselves environmental scientists or something else. Maybe being an ecologist is a vision? I always wondered about the ESA certifications. In my mind, it has always been something for others, not for ourselves. Like a court of law or EPA might need someone to testify on something, and they like titles and certifications and such. I never thought of getting certified because I don't think it would add anything to me as an ecologist, but I may be wrong. Astrid Caldas, Ph.D. Climate Change and Wildlife Science Fellow Defenders of Wildlife 1130 17th Street N.W. Washington D.C. 20036-4604 Tel: 202-772-0229 |Fax: 202-682-1331 acal...@defenders.org | www.defenders.org -Original Message- From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news [mailto:ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU] On Behalf Of Matt Chew Sent: Monday, November 14, 2011 5:41 PM To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Subject: [ECOLOG-L] Ecology What is it? As of the latest digest I received, this thread had attracted input from fewer than 0.1% of the list's 12K recipients. Perhaps there are 12K reasons for remaining unengaged but I suspect they are all variations or combinations of a few basic themes. Rather than debate plausible rationalizations, I challenge you all to consider Wayne's question carefully. Sociologists who study the formation and dynamics of scientific disciplines use the concept of boundary work to describe the process of deciding what ideas (and those who adhere to them) are inside (therefore also outside') of the group. So, what's in and what's out of ecology? Academic ecologists and biogeographers have a long tradition of border skirmishing. But beyond that ecology seems to have been accreting adherents, methods and ideas at quite clip for the last 40 years or so. As an -ology, is ecology limited to studying something? Strictly speaking, yes; but we do not speak strictly. Is ecology a thing to be studied? We speak of
[ECOLOG-L] 2012 ESA Annual Meeting: Reminder! Workshop, Special Session, Field Trip Proposals Due Dec. 1
Call for Proposals Workshops, Special Sessions, Field Trips Deadline for Submission: December 1, 2011 NOTE: Deadline time is 5:00 PM Eastern 97th Annual Meeting of the Ecological Society of America Portland, Oregon August 5-10, 2012 http://www.esa.org/portland We invite proposals for workshops, special sessions, and field trips at the 97th Annual Meeting of the Ecological Society of America. The theme for the meeting is Life on Earth: Preserving, Utilizing, and Sustaining our Ecosystems. WORKSHOPS http://www.esa.org/portland/workshop.php Workshops are sessions intended to convey specific knowledge or skills; they are not intended for the presentation of research papers. Workshops are frequently more interactive and informal than sessions within the formal scientific program, and often involve extended discussion or 'hands-on' training. SPECIAL SESSIONS http://www.esa.org/portland/specialSession.php Special sessions complement the formal scientific program, providing an opportunity for presentations or extended dialogue and exchanges beyond what is usually possible in the regular scientific sessions. These sessions are not intended for the presentation of formal research papers and do not conform to any single structure. FIELD TRIPS http://www.esa.org/portland/fieldTrip.php Field trips offer attendees an opportunity to visit ecologically significant locations such as conservation areas, restoration projects, research sites, local communities, and cultural landmarks. Full day and overnight trips are held on Saturday and/or Sunday, prior to the beginning of the formal scientific program. Shorter trips can be held during the week. Field trips may be linked with scientific sessions or workshops. Please visit the website for the 2012 ESA Annual Meeting for more in depth information on these and other types of sessions, including important deadlines. http://www.esa.org/portland If you have any questions, please contact the Program Chair, Brian McCarthy, at mccar...@ohio.edu, or the Program Coordinator, Jennifer Riem, at jenni...@esa.org.
[ECOLOG-L] Reminder: Nominations for 2012 National Wetlands Awards due 12/15/11
2012 National Wetlands Awards: Celebrate outstanding individual contributions to wetlands conservation Since 1989, the National Wetlands Awards have honored more than 150 individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary effort, innovation, and excellence in wetlands conservation, research, and education. Help us celebrate exceptional leaders in wetlands conservation by nominating someone for this prestigious award. Visit nationalwetlandsawards.org for more information. The deadline for submitting nominations is December 15, 2011. The National Wetlands Awards Program recognizes extraordinary individual achievement in six categories: Education and Outreach; Science Research; Conservation and Restoration; Landowner Stewardship; State, Tribal, and Local Program Development; and Wetland Community Leader. The winners in each category will be honored in a ceremony in May 2012. The awards are administered by the Environmental Law Institute, and supported by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Federal Highway Administration, NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and USDA Forest Service.
