[ECOLOG-L] M.S. Positions in Ecological Modeling
I seek students with an interest in ecological modeling to work on fundamental questions linking biodiversity and ecosystem function. Prior experience in programming or mathematical modeling is preferred but not required. However, successful applicants should have demonstrated analytical proficiency. Students are encouraged to design experiments or protocols for the analysis of existing data to test model predictions. Interested individuals should send a cover letter outlining experience and research interests, curriculum vitae, unofficial copies of university transcripts, GRE scores and contact information for three references to Dr. Susan Schwinning, Biology Department, 601 University Drive, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX 78666. Inquiries by phone or email are welcome. More information about my lab and the Biology Department can be obtained at www.susan-schwinning.net/Lab/ and the Biology Department’s webpage at www.bio.txstate.edu.
[ECOLOG-L] Ph.D. Position in Vegetation Modeling at Texas State University
I am seeking a Ph.D. graduate student to work on the representation of drought mortality in dynamic global vegetation models. The successful applicant is expected to work initially with the Sheffield Dynamic Global Vegetation Model to simulate episodes of tree mortality in the southern U.S. (New Mexico and Texas). Additionally, students are encouraged to design additional observational, experimental theoretical projects related to tree mortality. Prior experience in mathematical modeling and GIS is preferred but not required. However, successful applicants should have demonstrated analytical proficiency, interest and course work in plant science or ecology. The position is initially supported by a graduate teaching assistantship. Interested individuals should send a cover letter outlining experience and research interests, curriculum vitae, unofficial copies of university transcripts and GRE scores, and contact information for three references to Dr. Susan Schwinning, Biology Department, 601 University Drive, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX 78666. The college application deadline is January 15, 2014. Inquiries by phone or email are welcome.
[ECOLOG-L] M.S. Position in Desert Plant Ecology
The student will join an ongoing project examining the distribution of blackbrush – Coleogyne ramosissima along elevation gradients in the Mojave Desert of California. This collaborative project is funded in part by USGS and comes with the possibility of a paid summer internship with the Las Vegas USGS field office, as well as research and teaching scholarship support during the academic term. The project aims to develop improved understanding of the climatic, edaphic and ecological constraints of this important vegetation type to predict its response to climate change. The student will gain experience in ecophysiological field methods, including meteorological instrumentation, photosynthesis measurements and stable isotope analysis of water. The student must be able to work under strenuous outdoor conditions and spend a significant amount of time at the field site near the Nevada/California border. Interested individuals should send a cover letter outlining experience and research interests, curriculum vitae, unofficial copies of university transcripts, GRE scores and contact information for three references to Dr. Susan Schwinning, Biology Department, 601 University Drive, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX 78666. Inquiries by phone or email are welcome. More information about my lab and the Biology Department can be obtained at www.susan-schwinning.net/Lab/ and the Biology Department’s webpage at www.bio.txstate.edu.
[ECOLOG-L] General Biological Internship
GENERAL BIOLOGICAL INTERNSHIP Rhode Islands coastal habitat currently faces a number of threats including aggressive exotic invasive plant species. Interns will carry out control of invasive plants threatening important coastal shrub-scrub and salt-marsh habitat. Control methods include hand-pulling, herbicide application, cutting and digging with hand tools, and working with volunteers. Duties also include rare plant monitoring, bat acoustic monitoring, and Piping Plover and Least Tern monitoring and protection. Applicants must possess excellent field botany skills, and have the ability to work outdoors in all types of weather conditions, especially heat and humidity, endure biting insects, and to work well with others. Additionally, applicants must be in good physical shape, be able to hike long distances while carrying equipment, and possess a valid drivers license. Two positions available from May 19 to August 22. Compensation $215/wk plus possibility of housing. Send letter of interest, resume and contact information for 3 references to Nick Ernst, 50 Bend Road, Charlestown, RI 02813 OR email materials to nick_er...@fws.gov. Application deadline is February 1.
[ECOLOG-L] Salt Marsh Internship
SALT MARSH INTERNSHIP New England salt marshes provide critical habitat for a number of plant and animal species, many of high conservation value. Interns will assist the Rhode Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex in monitoring salt-marsh breeding birds and overall salt-marsh ecological integrity. Responsibilities include marsh bird surveys, Saltmarsh Sparrow mist-netting and banding, nest searching and monitoring, as well as nekton and vegetation surveys. Experience with mist-netting songbirds, kayaking, eastern songbird identification and ornithology preferred. Applicants must possess the ability to work outdoors in all types of weather conditions, especially heat and humidity; to endure biting insects; to work well with others; and be in good physical shape and able to hike over uneven terrain while carrying equipment. Applicants also must possess a valid drivers license and be willing to assist with other refuge projects such as invasive plant eradication and Piping Plover monitoring. Two positions available from May 12 to August 15. Compensation $215/wk plus possible housing. Send letter of interest, resume and contact information for 3 references to Rhonda Smith, 50 Bend Road, Charlestown, RI 02813 OR email materials to rhonda_sm...@fws.gov. Application deadline is February 1.
[ECOLOG-L] NERC-funded PhD Studentship in the United Kingdom open for competitive applications
Eligibility: UK and European Union applicants only (for details see: www.nerc.ac.uk/funding/application/studentships/) This PhD studentship supported by the Natural Environment Research Council, UK (NERC)-IAPETUS Doctoral Training Partnership is now open for applications from interested candidates. Candidates will be competitively assessed across all IAPETUS DTP projects (http://www.iapetus.ac.ukhttp://www.iapetus.ac.uk/ ) and will need to meet NERC minimum eligibility requirements (seehttp://www.nerc.ac.uk/funding/available/postgrad/eligibility.asp ). Successful projects are anticipated to start from Oct 2014. The studentship includes tuition fees, monthly stipend, and research funds depending on eligibility. Please contact Luc Bussière (luc.bussi...@stir.ac.ukmailto:luc.bussi...@stir.ac.uk) for more information about applying. Consequences of life history variation for demographic and phenological responses to environmental change http://www.iapetus.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/IAP_13_82-STI-Bussiere.pdf Supervisors: Luc Bussière (University of Stirling), Philip Stephens (University of Durham), Mario Vallejo-Marin (University of Stirling) Although shifts in phenology (the timings of recurrent biological phenomena) are among the clearest and best-supported consequences of climate change, both the factors predicting phenological shifts and the community consequences of such transitions remain far from clear. Life history traits (which affect age-specific probabilities of survival and reproduction) should play a central role in phenological evolution, but we need research that explores their possible contributions to interspecific diversity in the timing, duration and rate of progression of developmental stages. Assessing the likely consequences of phenological shifts for communities further requires empirical assessments of how shifts in phenology affect the fitness of interacting symbionts, and modelled simulations that explore the demographics of participants under alternate climate change scenarios. This PhD project will assess whether phenological shifts predictably differ among species characterized by contrasting life histories, and the consequences of such shifts for the fitness of symbionts. We focus on two groups with extraordinary variation in life history traits (hoverflies and dance flies) who provide a valuable pollination service to symbiotic flowering plants (flies are the main pollinators of many plants including members of the family Brassicaceae). Many hoverfly adults feed mainly on pollen and nectar (hence their value as pollinators), but their larvae have tremendously diverse habits, ranging from filter feeders living within rotting vegetation through to predaceous forms that devour other insects. These differences in larval diet could change the sensitivity of species to phenological cues, or alter adult requirements for pollen feeding. Dance flies are also important pollinators (especially in some habitats like the high arctic), and are known for unusual variation in sexual behaviour, including both classical sex-roles and sex-role reversed species. These differences in mating systems have strong implications for the timing and duration of adult activity. The PhD project will have three main parts, each dedicated to an important aim: Part 1: The candidate will use long-term historical data (from museums, recording schemes, and the Rothamsted Insect Survey) to assess covariance between life history traits and phenology across species of hoverflies and dance flies. The candidate will learn to apply advanced statistical models (using likelihood-based parameter exploration and model selection) to summarize phenologies, and ask whether and how life history traits affect parameters in these best-fit equations. Part 2: We will measure the consequences of variation in life history and phenology for pollination efficiency and seed set using field work on experimental arrays of radishes (Brassicaceae: Raphanus sativus). Flies are frequent and important pollinators, and radishes are self-incompatible (obligate outcrossers), often showing highly variable seed set. In consecutive field seasons, we will experimentally manipulate radish phenology and regress seed set on observations of pollinator phenology and abundance. Part 3: Using parameters describing the phenology of fly species, including transitions in phenology over time (from part 1), we will simulate changes in the temporal structure of community composition under different climate change scenarios. We will also assess the consequences of such change for the fitness of populations having varying floral phenologies and sensitivities to pollinator identity (based on observations of seed set in part 2). Application procedure To apply, contact Dr. Bussiere (luc.bussi...@stir.ac.ukmailto:luc.bussi...@stir.ac.uk) ASAP to indicate your interest and obtain further
[ECOLOG-L] Job Announcements to be posted.
SHOREBIRD CONSERVATION INTERNSHIP Three interns are needed to work as part of the Piping Plover recovery project with the USFWS in Rhode Island. This project monitors federally protected Piping Plovers and State protected Least Terns during the nesting season. American Oystercatchers which is classified as a Species of High Concern and federally protected Roseate Terns will also be monitored. Surveys will occur on federal, state, and private property in southern Rhode Island. The majority of the work for this position(s) will take place outdoors. Duties include erecting nest exclosures, posting and signing nesting habitat, educating the public, monitoring shorebird pairs and chicks, and recording data. Applicants must be in good physical shape and able to hike long distances on sand with heavy loads. Work will include weekends and holidays. Previous birding experience and a valid US driver's license are required. Must be a team player, have a positive attitude, and be willing to work on other projects within the biological program. Position extends from April 14 - August 8, 2013 (some flexibility for the start and end date exists). Salary $215/week + possibility of housing. Send letter of interest, resume, and contact information for 3 references to Ryan Kleinert, 50 Bend Road, Charlestown, RI 02813 OR email materials to ryan_klein...@fws.gov. Application deadline is February 1. GENERAL BIOLOGICAL INTERNSHIP Rhode Islands coastal habitat currently faces a number of threats including aggressive exotic invasive plant species. Interns will carry out control of invasive plants threatening important coastal shrub-scrub and salt-marsh habitat. Control methods include hand-pulling, herbicide application, cutting and digging with hand tools, and working with volunteers. Duties also include rare plant monitoring, bat acoustic monitoring, and Piping Plover and Least Tern monitoring and protection. Applicants must possess excellent field botany skills, and have the ability to work outdoors in all types of weather conditions, especially heat and humidity, endure biting insects, and to work well with others. Additionally, applicants must be in good physical shape, be able to hike long distances while carrying equipment, and possess a valid drivers license. Two positions available from May 19 to August 22. Compensation $215/wk plus possibility of housing. Send letter of interest, resume and contact information for 3 references to Nick Ernst, 50 Bend Road, Charlestown, RI 02813 OR email materials to nick_er...@fws.gov. Application deadline is February 1. SALT MARSH INTERNSHIP New England salt marshes provide critical habitat for a number of plant and animal species, many of high conservation value. Interns will assist the Rhode Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex in monitoring salt-marsh breeding birds and overall salt-marsh ecological integrity. Responsibilities include marsh bird surveys, Saltmarsh Sparrow mist-netting and banding, nest searching and monitoring, as well as nekton and vegetation surveys. Experience with mist-netting songbirds, kayaking, eastern songbird identification and ornithology preferred. Applicants must possess the ability to work outdoors in all types of weather conditions, especially heat and humidity; to endure biting insects; to work well with others; and be in good physical shape and able to hike over uneven terrain while carrying equipment. Applicants also must possess a valid drivers license and be willing to assist with other refuge projects such as invasive plant eradication and Piping Plover monitoring. Two positions available from May 12 to August 15. Compensation $215/wk plus possible housing. Send letter of interest, resume and contact information for 3 references to Rhonda Smith, 50 Bend Road, Charlestown, RI 02813 OR email materials to rhonda_sm...@fws.gov. Application deadline is February 1.
[ECOLOG-L] Position Available: Research Assistant (Palaeoecology) - University of Melbourne, Australia
Position Available: Research Assistant (Palaeoecology) - University of Melbourne, Australia Time commitment: 0.6FTE for 3 years. Salary: $55,823 - $61,138 AUD p.a. (pro rata) plus 9.25% superannuation The Palaeoenvironmental Research Team at the University of Melbourne is seeking a research assistant to work in our Palaeoecology Laboratory. The Research Assistant will be employed to work on an ARC funded project: The evolution of the El Niño-Southern-Oscillation in southeast Australia. This project will use multi-proxy lake sediment analyses to reconstruct environmental changes over the Late Pleistocene and Holocene. The Research Assistant will assist in day to day management and running of the laboratory work component of the project which will involve: processing and counting pollen and charcoal, measurement of N and C, stable isotope analysis, diatom preparation, general administrative tasks associated with the project and other tasks associated with the project. The role will also include some field work at times where there is a peak demand for field work within the project, which will be performed under routine supervision. The Research Assistant is expected to perform the work in a timely manner to enable the project to reach its project milestone targets. For more information: http://jobs.unimelb.edu.au/jobDetails.asp?sJobIDs=881606lPayScaleID=1136lWorkTypeID=1088lLocationID=lCategoryID=stp=AWsLanguage=enhttp://jobs.unimelb.edu.au/jobDetails.asp?sJobIDs=881606lPayScaleID=1136lWorkTypeID=1088lLocationID=lCategoryID=stp=AWsLanguage=en Cheers, Michael. Dr Michael-Shawn Fletcher Department of Resource Management and Geography The University of Melbourne 221 Bouverie Street, Parkville VIC 3010, Australia p. +61 3 90353048 | e. mailto:m...@unimelb.edu.aum...@unimelb.edu.au http://michaelsresearch.wordpress.com/ | http://www.msf-photograph.com/http://melbournegeography.com/ | http://www.msf-photograph.com/
[ECOLOG-L] Postdoctoral Position Water Sustainability and Climate Social Science, UW Madison
Please forward widely. Postdoctoral Research Opportunity Adaptive governance: water, land use and climate change in an urbanizing agricultural region A two-year postdoctoral researcher position is available with the Water Sustainability and Climate (WSC) research group at the University of Wisconsin-Madison as part of a five-year project funded by the National Science Foundation. The position requires strong social science training and ability to couple social research with ecological and hydrologic sciences. The researcher will have the opportunity to work with an excellent interdisciplinary research group (wsc.limnology.wisc.edu). This position will investigate the processes of environmental governance that shape human-environment interactions in the Yahara Watershed of southern Wisconsin. The WSC project features an integrated model and scenario development process to compare alternative futures for the watershed. Postdoctoral research: 1) First, the postdoctoral researcher will analyze governance processes and decision-making under uncertainty in the context of climatic, environmental, and social change. This research will examine decision-making processes with past and modeled future ecological conditions in the Yahara Watershed. The researcher will examine the role of governance in scenarios and identify how modeled future nonstationarity in water, land use, agriculture, and climate may challenge existing governance regimes. The researcher will also compare theories of change. 2) Second, the researcher will examine stakeholder engagement with the scenarios. We are interested in knowing whether engagement with scenarios by local stakeholders can alter perceptions and decision horizons and expand a space for creative thinking. The scenarios are provocative, plausible, place-based stories with contrasting social and biophysical conditions through year 2070. 3) (optional) Depending on the applicant's skillset, there may be an opportunity to continue developing a spatial dataset of policy interventions in the watershed to understand the role of different organizations (municipal, county, state, and federal agencies and nonprofit organizations) deploying different tools (acquisitions, regulations, incentives, etc.) to improve water quality. The postdoc will work closely with an interdisciplinary team spanning social, ecological, and hydrologic scientists. The project involves six faculty, two full-time staff members, and numerous graduate and undergraduate students. The overarching question of our work is: How will ecosystem services related to freshwater vary and how can they be sustained in regional watersheds as climate, land use and land cover, land management, the built environment and human demands change? As a part of this overarching question, we ask: How can regional governance systems for water and land use be made more resilient and adaptive to meet diverse human needs? In what ways are regional human-environment systems resilient and in what ways are they vulnerable to potential changes in climate and freshwaters? The geographic setting for this project is the Yahara Watershed, an urbanizing agricultural watershed in southern Wisconsin, containing the city of Madison. Here and elsewhere, human needs for freshwater are growing as changes in climate, landscapes, the built environment and institutions alter water flows and quality in sometimes unpredictable ways. These changes affect ecosystem services related to freshwater, such as flows of freshwater for domestic, agricultural, industrial, recreational and other uses; regulation of floods; water quality; and aspects of human health. To strengthen conceptual frameworks and improve predictive capacity, our interdisciplinary project will integrate biophysical and social-economic aspects of regional water systems. The position will also benefit from connections with the North Temperate Lakes - Long Term Ecological Research site and network. Applicants should have strong social science training with a prior degree in human dimensions of natural resources, geography, political science, planning, environmental policy, or related field. Background in water quality and quantity, agriculture, and/or land use change required. Previous social science research experience and ability to conduct interdisciplinary research are required. Experience with mixed qualitative and quantitative research methods is desired; ArcGIS and spatial analysis is desired but optional. Strong GPA, GRE scores, and oral and written communication skills are required. Applicants bringing diverse personal and professional backgrounds to the research program are encouraged to apply. The position will be co-supervised by Drs. Adena Rissman and Chris Kucharik. The 2-year Postdoctoral Research position will begin in Summer 2014. Review of applications will begin January 13, 2014 and continue until an applicant is selected. To apply, email to
[ECOLOG-L] NSF Funded Ph.D. Assistantship on Everglades Biogeochemistry
A Ph.D. Graduate Assistantship in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Alabama is available immediately for a highly motivated student to work on a large interdisciplinary project studying carbon dynamics in Everglades freshwater marshes. This NSF funded project focuses on developing an understanding of CO2, CH4, H2O and energy dynamics in these marshes as hydrology is changed by restoration activities. The student will have the opportunity to interact with scientists from the University of Alabama, Florida International University, FCE LTER, U.S. Park Service and NEON Inc. Applicants for this position should have a strong understanding of photosynthetic equipment, eddy covariance techniques and data loggers. In addition, applicants should have strong analytical and quantitative skills and advanced knowledge of SAS and/or R programming. Applicants with previous research experiences and a Masters degree in biogeochemistry, ecophysiology, or atmospheric sciences would be favored for the position. This is a fully funded assistantship that includes: stipend, health insurance, and tuitions waiver. Interested students should send a copy of their CV, statement of research interest, and unofficial copy of transcripts to Dr. Gregory Starr or contact Dr. Starr for more details (gst...@ua.edu or 205-348-0556).
[ECOLOG-L] Chair Search Biology
Biology Department Chairperson WINONA STATE UNIVERSITY Winona, Minnesota WSU invites you to join our Community of Learners as the Chairperson of the Biology Department. This position is a probationary/tenure-track appointment starting August 2014. Rank and salary are commensurate with qualifications and experience. Duties associated with this position include: 1) serving as Department Chair following official appointment in accordance with Article 20 of the IFO bargaining agreement (http://ifo.org/contract-benefits/contract/view-by-article-11-13); includes duties as described within the IFO agreement; 2) teaching introductory biology courses and upper division courses in area of expertise; 3) maintaining an active research program; 4) providing service to the department, university, and community; and 5) advising of undergraduate students. If you possess a Ph.D. in Biology or related field and have experience in the following areas: 1) undergraduate and/or graduate research; 2) acquiring extramural grant support; and 3) managing personnel, we encourage you to apply. For a complete position description and information on applying for this position, please go to http://agency.governmentjobs.com/winona/default.cfm. Review of applications begins January 13, 2014. Position available pending budgetary approval. All questions for this position should be addressed to j...@winona.edumailto:j...@winona.edu. A member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System. An equal opportunity educator and employer. Women, minorities and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
[ECOLOG-L] Forestry contact person / Facilitator in Mexico
Dear All, A group of forest officers from India are looking for a contact person/facilitator in Mexico to organize/facilitate an exposure trip from 16th Jan to 25th Jan, 2014. The group is looking for a person who would preferably be working with academia / federal government / reputed NGO and will have idea of Forestry/community forestry in Mexico. If desired, some honorarium /compensation can be arranged for the services offered. I shall be happy if the group can throw some suggestions and contact details. If anyone in the group has enough experience about Mexico, he/she is welcome to contact me or Mr. Satyendra Singh at satyendra96...@gmail.com directly. Thanks in advance!! Sidhanand Kukrety
[ECOLOG-L] UK PhD on jellyfish trophic ecology (including interactions with fish)
Folks We have a 4 year PhD position going for suitably qualified students on the trophic ecology of jellyfish and their interactions with fish as part of the London NERC Doctoral Training Programme. http://london-nerc-dtp.org/2013/11/27/887/ Co supervised by myself, Jon Houghton (Queen's University, Belfast), and Jon Grey, the project aims to improve our understanding of the ecological role of jellyfish in marine ecosystems in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Background: Jellyfish are increasingly seen as negative components of marine ecosystems, but relatively little is known about them, e.g. their trophic ecology. For instance, they are often considered as a single functional group feeding on the same prey throughout their life history, a view which has recently been challenged. Consequently, seasonal or ontogenetic shifts in diet, intra-specific differences in prey types or intra-guild predation is currently typically ignored or downplayed, e.g. in ecosystem and fishery models. Using stable isotope and gut content analysis, the proposed study will examine and contrast the trophic ecology of jellyfish communities from Britain and Northern Chile and examine their interactions with sympatric fish communities. Furthermore, this information will inform marine biologists, modellers and policy makers allowing them to improve fishery and ecosystem models. ***Unfortunately, in this case funding is only available for students that are either UK nationals or EU nationals that have resided in the UK for the past 3 years. However, I knew plenty of Brits and Euros who use the Ecolog-L list, and if you are one and are looking for a PhD or know of a suitable candidate, please see http://london-nerc-dtp.org/how-to-apply/ for applications details and requirements*** The application deadline is 9.00am Monday 17th February 2014. See http://london-nerc-dtp.org/2013/12/05/phd-projects-queen-mary-university-of-london/ for more projects. Dr Chris Harrod* Senior Lecturer in Fish Aquatic Ecology, School of Biological and Chemical Sciences Queen Mary University of London 1.31 Fogg Building Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS, UK Email: c.har...@qmul.ac.ukmailto:c.har...@qmul.ac.uk Twitter: @chris_harrod UK Mobile: +44 (0) 797 741 9314 UK Office: +44 (0) 207 882 3045 http://webspace.qmul.ac.uk/charrod/ *Chile address Instituto de Ciencias Naturales Alexander Von Humboldt, Universidad de Antofagasta, Avenida Angamos 601, Antofagasta, Chile *Chile Mobile: +56 9 7399 7792 *Chile Office: +56 55 637400
[ECOLOG-L] TT Faculty position in Microbial Ecology
The Department of Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology at Iowa State University invites applications for a tenure-track position at the Assistant Professor level in Microbial Ecology and Evolution to begin fall 2014. We seek a creative individual investigating microbial communities and microbiomes. Possible research areas may include: ecology and evolution of microbial communities; interactions of microbiomes with host phenotypes, and their change over time; mechanisms underlying the evolution and dynamics of microbiomes; and meta- and functional genomics, metabolomics, or metagenome evolution of microbial communities. Successful candidates will establish a vibrant, extramurally funded research program and will skillfully contribute to undergraduate and graduate education, including courses in their area(s) of expertise. Application instructions can be found at www.iastatejobs.com/applicants/Central?quickFind=84626. Applicants should submit a cover letter, CV, a research/vision statement that includes how their current or future research is relevant to healthy living (e.g., disease, pollution, ecosystem services) a statement of teaching interests, and up to three reprints. Review of applications is ongoing until February 1, 2014. Submission of three confidential letters of recommendation should be arranged as per instructions in the on-line application system. Please address questions about the position to microbio...@iastate.edu. Iowa State University values diversity and is an AA/EEO employer with an NSF ADVANCE program.
[ECOLOG-L] PhD Position in modelling and landscape genomics at the Université de Montréal
The James Lab in Spatial Ecology at the UdeM is seeking a motivated PhD student to undertake a research project on simulation modelling of landscape genomic dynamics of the mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae) outbreak system. The successful candidate will be part of a new multi-institutional and multi-disciplinary national research network (TRIANet) whose goal is to examine the causes and consequences of further eastward spread of the current mountain pine beetle epidemic in western North America. More information on the TRIANet project can be found at: http://www.thetriaproject.ca/ I am specifically looking for a numerically-inclined student with a background in ecology and/or population genetics and experience and interest in simulation modelling, programming, and statistics. Strong verbal, written, and quantitative skills as well as an excellent academic record are required. Full funding is available to support the successful candidate for four years in addition to a limited travel budget. Expected start date is September 2014. The Université de Montréal is a French language institution where graduate work may be undertaken in English or French. Applicants must meet the entrance requirements for the Université de Montréal, Département de sciences biologiques. To apply: Please send: 1) a cover letter, 2) a current CV, 3) unofficial transcripts, and 4) contact information for three references to: patrick.ma.james**at**umontreal.ca. To ensure full consideration please forward your application materials before January 31st, 2014 Please note that only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. -- Patrick M. A. James Professeur Adjoint / Assistant Professor Département de sciences biologiques Université de Montréal C.P. 6128, succursale Centre-ville Montréal, QC H3C 3J7 CANADA w1. https://sites.google.com/site/patrickmajames/ w2. http://www.cef-cfr.ca/index.php?n=Membres.PatrickJames w3. http://qcbs.ca/members/main-researchers/?profile=115
[ECOLOG-L] Joan G. Ehrenfeld Award - Donations Needed!
In 2012, The Urban Ecosystem Section of the Ecological Society of America (ESA) established the Joan G. Ehrenfeld Award for best presentation by a student in Urban Ecology at the society's annual meeting. Dr. Ehrenfeld was a pioneer of urban ecology whose contributions helped shape our knowledge of urban ecosystems. Her work spanned many taxa and systems, ranging from invasive species dynamics, urban wetland ecology and ecosystem function, restoration ecology, to the socio-ecological linkages determining ecological function in urban watersheds. She was a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and of the Society of Wetland Scientists. Her inspiring teaching reflected her broad interests, and she directed many undergraduates and graduate students into productive, ecology- related careers. Her former students and postdocs are continuing her work around the globe Your help is needed to fund this award. Our goal is to raise enough money to establish an endowment for the Joan G. Ehrenfeld Award as a permanent ESA award. This award currently has limited funding from a portion of the member dues from the Urban Ecosystem Ecology section and does not have funding to continue into the future. A permanent award in Joan’s honor will assure that her legacy of outstanding research and communication in urban ecology continues. With this award we honor Joan’s commitment to graduate-student education and the importance of communicating research findings to the scientific community and the public. By making a tax-deductible donation, you can ensure her legacy continues. We hope you will contribute to this award. Checks can be made out to the “Ecological Society of America” with “UEE-Joan G. Ehrenfeld Award” in the memo and sent to: Ecological Society of America 1990 M Street, Suite 700 Washington, DC 20036 The Ecological Society acknowledges all donations with a thank-you letter that outlines the tax exemptions. For more information, please feel free to contact Myla Aronson directly at myla.aron...@rutgers.edu or 848-932-4275. We sincerely thank you for your time and support, Myla Aronson and David Ehrenfeld
[ECOLOG-L] Call for Proposals John Wesley Powell Center
Call for Proposals John Wesley Powell Center for Earth System Science Analysis and Synthesis Due April 30, 2014 The John Wesley Powell Center for Earth System Science Analysis and Synthesis fosters innovative thinking in Earth system science through collaborative synthesis activities. This mission is driven by the growing recognition that synthesis is critical to solving complex problems facing Society. We invite interdisciplinary Working Groups comprised of USGS researchers and their national and international colleagues in academia and government to submit proposals. Working Groups collaborate to promote understanding through analysis of existing data and information. Groups that submit successful proposals will receive computing and data management support, funding for a Fellow, opportunities for meetings in Fort Collins, CO, and between-meeting collaborative tools. Proposals are invited for projects that will begin on or after October 1, 2014. Some proposals may be jointly funded by USGS and the National Science Foundation/Directorate for Geosciences/Earth Sciences (NSF/GEO/EAR). Proposal Deadline: April 30, 2014 Instructions for proposal preparation and submission are available at: http://powellcenter.usgs.gov/http://powellcenter.usgs.gov -- ___ Jill S. Baron, Co-Director mailto:jill.ba...@colostate.edujill.ba...@colostate.edu John Wesley Powell Center for Earth System Analysis and Synthesis US Geological Surveymailto:jill_ba...@usgs.govjill_ba...@usgs.gov Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory ph 970-491-1968 Colorado State University fx 970-491-1965 Fort Collins CO 80523-1499 cell 970-217-8949 http://powellcenter.usgs.govhttp://powellcenter.usgs.gov ___ We do not err because truth is difficult to see. It is visible at a glance. We err because this is more comfortable. Alexander Solzhenitsyn (1918-2008)
[ECOLOG-L] UCLA/La Kretz Workshop in Conservation Genomics
UCLA/La Kretz Workshop in Conservation Genomics, 22-27 March, 2014 Conservation biology and genetics have had a long and intimate relationship, and constitute one of the key applications of evolutionary analysis to real-world biological problems. The impacts of population genetics, phylogenetics and phylogeography have been particularly striking for conservation biology, and have helped solve some of the most pressing problems in biological conservation. As the field of landscape-based genetics continues to grow and mature, the increasing availability of genomic-level data, analytical models and methods stand to make profound new contributions to our ability to identify and protect at-risk populations and recover those that are most endangered. However, genomic level analyses also carry a heavy burdendata sets are enormous and often require diverse computational approaches for assembly, quality control and analysis. This annual workshop provides a comfortable, informal training environment for a small group of motivated graduate students to explore how conservation problems can best be addressed with genomic-level data. Our goal is to provide hands-on experience on the efficient collection, troubleshooting, and analysis of large, genome-level data sets for conservation-relevant problems. One of the highlights of our workshop is active participation from members of several US government agencies who are at the forefront of endangered species protection and management, providing a forum for exploring the most relevant aspects of conservation genomics to managers. The UCLA/La Kretz workshop is held at the La Kretz Field Station and the Stunt Ranch Reserve, both located a few miles apart in the heart of the Santa Monica Mountains. Only 30 miles from UCLA (and LAX airport), but nestled in the relatively undeveloped 160,000 acre Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, these two venues provide an ideal location to bring exciting new developments in genomic science and pressing needs in conservation and management together in a single workshop. Our current instructor list, drawn from UCLA, UC Davis, and UC Berkeley includes: Mike Alfaro Gideon Bradburd Brant Faircloth Evan McCartney-Melstad Kirk Lohmueller Mark Phuong Brad Shaffer Victoria Sork Phil Spinks Ian Wang Bob Wayne Participants from USGS, USFWS, and the US National Park Service Topics covered include: Traditional conservation genetics Next generation platforms: the best tool for the job Data management pipelines: Quality Control Data storage Data organization Data analysis: SNPs Sequences Exploring very large data sets Functional genomic data Genomic data and GIS Conservation phylogenomics Prerequisites Available housing limits course enrollment to ~15 students. Preference is given to doctoral candidates who are in the early to middle stages of their thesis research, and who have completed sufficient prerequisites (through previous coursework or research experience) to have some familiarity with using a command line interface or programming languages (i.e. Perl, python etc.). Postdocs and faculty are welcome to apply, but our first priority is to graduate student applicants. [BS1] Admission and Fees Students will be admitted based on academic qualifications and appropriateness of research interests. The course fee is $400. This includes food and lodging at the La Kretz Field Station, transportation to and from UCLA to the venue, and any incidental fees for the duration of the course (arriving March 22, departing March 27). Application Forms and Information Visit the La Kretz Center for California Conservation Science website for additional information and to download an application form: http://www.environment.ucla.edu/media/files/2014-La-Kretz-Conservation-Genomics-Application-0h-etl.docxhttp://www.environment.ucla.edu/media/files/2014-La-Kretz-Conservation-Genomics-Application-0h-etl.docx Application Deadline Applications are due by January 17, 2014. Please send a completed application form and one letter of recommendation from your major advisor. Students will be notified via e-mail by January 24, 2014 of acceptance. Applications should be sent as PDFs, with your name in the title, via email to: Phil Spinks email: pqspi...@ucla.edu
[ECOLOG-L] Ph.D. Position - Biodiversity and habitat offsets for freshwater fishes
Biodiversity and habitat offsets for freshwater fishes Enthusiastic, team oriented, and self-motivated students are encouraged to apply for a Ph.D. position to work on biodiversity offsets strategies for freshwater fisheries. Students will be under the supervision of Dr. Mark Poesch and will have the opportunity to develop novel research on freshwater fishes, and interact with team members and industry partners. Biodiversity and habitat offsets remain an important component for mitigating anthropogenic impacts to aquatic systems. In Canada, Fisheries Protection Provisions in the 2012 revisions to the Fisheries Act (s 6.1) have deemed habitat and biodiversity offsets as a key component of Canadas fisheries regulation. When habitat that is deemed vital for commercial, recreational or Aboriginal (CRA) fisheries, is destroyed; habitat/biodiversity offsets are required to ensure No Net Loss in fisheries productivity. It is unclear as of yet which offsetting strategies will provide sustainability and ongoing productivity of CRA fisheries. This project will look at developing offsetting strategies In Albertas oil sands region. This area produces 70% of Canadas crude oil, and ranks third, after Saudi Arabia and Venezuela, in terms of proven global crude oil reserves. This project will look at comparing current offsetting strategies and determining best practices and new approaches for fisheries productivity. Candidates must have an undergraduate and graduate degree (M.Sc.) in Biology, Ecology, Zoology, Evolutionary Biology, or a related field, with high overall GPA (especially in related courses). Modelling and field experience is considered an asset. Candidates interested in this position should send an email to Dr. Mark Poesch (poesch(at)ualberta.ca) with cover letter identifying research interests, CV, transcripts (unofficial accepted), and a writing sample; as well as the names of three references. To ensure full consideration, please forward your application material before January 31, 2014. The University of Alberta is consistently rated as one of the top 5 universities in Canada, and one of the top 100 universities worldwide. Located in Albertas capital city, Edmonton (population of 1.2 million people), the University of Alberta provides a dynamic mixture of a large research intensive university, urban culture and recreation. More than 39,000 students from across Canada and 144 other countries participate in nearly 400 programs and 18 faculties. Contact Information: Dr. Mark Poesch Assistant Professor, Conservation Ecology University of Alberta, Department of Renewable Resources 751 General Services Building, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2H1 Ph: 780-492-4827 Email: Poesch(at)ualberta.ca URL: www.markpoesch.com
[ECOLOG-L] Avian Point Count Research Assistants (4) and Student Field Workers (4), New England
Student field workers and research assistants (total of 8 positions) are needed for a project with USGS Maine Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit at the University of Maine to study birds in Spruce-Fir Forests throughout New England and their response to forest management. Description: The selected applicants will conduct avian point count surveys and forested vegetation surveys. Bird surveys will take place early each morning and data will be entered each afternoon. Duties also may include territory plotting, vegetation sampling. This study will focus primarily on birds in softwood dominated forests, but field research will be conducted in the working forest landscape and include mixed forest stands as well. Please send a CV or resume with a cover letter detailing interest in the position, relevant experience, and the contact information for at least 3 references as a single document to the email indicated below. Include in the subject line: “Assistant application”. Compensation: Employees will be provided housing near study areas in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont, a vehicle for fieldwork use, and a wage ranging $7.60-11 per hour depending on experience and completion of an undergraduate degree. Work-study students are encouraged to apply. More experienced applicants may be asked to take leadership roles and supervise a less experienced technician and will receive compensative pay. Please indicate interest in your cover letter. Research sites are remote, and numerous outdoor recreational opportunities are located nearby such as hiking, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and moose watching. Qualifications: The ability to identify forest birds of New England by both sight and sound is essential. Applicants must have the ability to hear high pitched bird songs/calls, be tolerant of biting insects including black flies and mosquitoes, and be able to work alone and in teams. Experience with multi-species point count surveys for birds, vegetation surveys, data entry in Microsoft Excel and Access, and territory plotting are preferred. Enrollment or completion of a college degree in biology, wildlife, zoology, or related field also preferred. A valid U.S. driver’s license and a demonstrated record of safe driving (subject to documentation and approval by University of Maine) are required. Safety training requirements including CPR, first aid, driving safety, fieldwork safety, and others will be addressed during the first week of employment. Enthusiasm for working in rugged but beautiful field sites is essential. Contact: Brian Rolek Contact email: brian.ro...@maine.edu Start date: 10 May 2014 End date: 31 August 2014 Application deadline: 12 January 2014
[ECOLOG-L] Assistant/Associate Professor of Wildlife Biology
Tenure-track Assistant/Associate Professor position in Wildlife Biology The Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management (NREM, www.nrem.iastate.edu) at Iowa State University seeks to fill a 9-month tenure-track Assistant/Associate Professor position in Wildlife Biology. The appointment is expected to be approximately 60% research, 30% teaching, and 10% outreach. The department is seeking a faculty member whose research agenda is focused on characterizing impacts of environmental factors (e.g., climate change, toxins, pathogens) on gene expression, epigenetics, genomics, endocrinology, immunology, and/or physiology of wildlife. The successful candidate will be expected to supervise an independent research program that will attract extramural funding. Teaching responsibilities will contribute to the existing Animal Ecology undergraduate curriculum. The candidate will also have the opportunity to develop a course in her/his area of expertise. The candidate will advise undergraduate students in the Animal Ecology major. Service to the university, profession, and society is expected of this position. Apply by February 15, 2014 to ensure full consideration. Please direct questions to Dr. Julie Blanchong, search committee chair, at 515-294-9699 or by email (jul...@iastate.edu). For the full announcement and to apply go to http://www.iastatejobs.com and search for vacancy # 131322. Iowa State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
[ECOLOG-L] REGISTRATION IS OPEN: Midwest Ecology Evolution Conference
Registration and abstract submission are open for the 2014 Midwest Ecology Evolution Conference, hosted by the University of Dayton. To register, visit: http://meec2014.wordpress.com/registration/ Conference details: - March 1-2, 2014 - University of Dayton: Dayton, OH - The Midwest Ecology and Evolution Conference (MEEC) is an annual migratory conference that is student hosted and attended from institutions located in the Midwestern United States. The conference supplies an outstanding opportunity for graduate and undergraduate students to showcase their research, network with students and faculty from surrounding institutions, and make connections with potential graduate or post-doctoral advisors. MEEC provides a low pressure, safe environment for young scientists to explore new ideas, practice their delivery of scientific findings, and present at a regional conference. For more details, visit our website and like MEEC on Facebook! Website: http://meec2014.wordpress.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MEEC.conference Contact us: meec2...@gmail.com
