[ECOLOG-L] Success rate for applicants from Chronicle of Higher Ed

[Malcolm McCallum]

Hi, I hope my belief that this will be of interest is not misplaced!
The Chronicle of Higher Education has a set of forums in which academics,
mostly liberal arts, discuss academic issues.

So, today I got on that forum and noticed this discussion about the number
of applications people submitted and the number of phone, conference,
campus interviews and offers they received.

Link here: http://chronicle.com/forums/index.php/topic,193969.0.html

It was pretty interesting to see the claims, and at first it was difficult
to make much sense out of it.  So, I sat down and put all the claims into a
spreadsheet.  I would think, despite most of the people be liberal arts
people, that the general trend should be true for us ecology types.

Its only 27 respondents, but check this out.

The averages superficially suggest it takes on average roughtly
8-9 applications to get one phone interview
11-12 applications to get one campus interview
32-33 applications to get one offer.
This tells you that if you send out 1-2 applications, your probability of
getting an interview or an offer is pretty low.

Effect of No. of applications on No. of phone interviews: R-sq = 0.81
(phone interviews = -1.19 + 0.15*[no. of applications])

Effect of No. of phone interviews on campus interviews: R-sq = 0.033.

Effect of No. of campus interviews on tenure track offers: R-sq = 0.294,
slope = 0.26.

Part of this probably relates to campus interviews w/o preliminary phone
interviews as it was not always clear how frequently this happened.
Regardless, I think one can see that the more applications you send,
the more likely you will get a phone interview, and the more phone
interviews you get should translate into ultimately more offers.  However,
just applying at random probably does little to increase your chances.

These were the results based on each post
(I only counted ones where they indicated the N of applications)

Number of applications submitted (27 respondents)
51.7 = mean number of applications submitted.
26.5 = median number of applications submitted.
68.6 = SD for N of applications.
3-331 = range
10-40 = quartile range

Number of Phone interviews from above applications submitted...
6.8 = mean phone interviews
0.5 = median phone interviews
11.7= SD
0-52 = range
0-9 = quartile range

Number of campus interviews from above pool
3.8 = mean number of campus interviews
4.0 = median number of campus interviews
3.8 = SD
0-15 = range
3-6 = quartile range

Number of non-tenure track offers from above pool
0.53 = mean number of non-tenure track offers
0.00 = median number of non-tenure track offers
1.80 = SD
0-8 = range
0-1 = quartile range

Number of tenure track offers from above pool.
1.58 = mean number of tenure track offers
1.00 = median number of tenure track offers
1.80 = SD
0-6 = range
0-3 = quartile range









-- 
Malcolm L. McCallum, PHD, REP

Link to online CV and portfolio :
https://www.visualcv.com/malcolm-mc-callum?access=18A9RYkDGxO
Google Scholar citation page:
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=lOHMjvYJ=en
Academia.edu:
https://ui-springfield.academia.edu/MalcolmMcCallum/Analytics#/activity/overview?_k=wknchj
Researchgate:
 https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Malcolm_Mccallum/reputation?ev=prf_rep_tab

Ratemyprofessor: http://www.ratemyprofessors.com/ShowRatings.jsp?tid=706874

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Re: [ECOLOG-L] fixed vs. random effects in field research

[David Schneider]

Here is a how Quinn  and Keough (2002 Cambridge University 
Press) address the distinction between random and fixed effects.
_
8.1.1 Types of predictor variables (factors)
There are two types of categorical predictor variables
in linear models. The most common type is
a fixed factor, where all the levels of the factor (i.e.
all the groups or treatments) that are of interest
are included in the analysis. We cannot extrapolate
our statistical conclusions beyond these specific
levels to other groups or treatments not in
the study. If we repeated the study, we would
usually use the same levels of the fixed factor
again. Linear models based on fixed categorical
predictor variables (fixed factors) are termed fixed
effects models (or Model 1 ANOVAs). Fixed effect
models are analogous to linear regression models
where X is assumed to be fixed. The other type of
factor is a random factor, where we are only using
a random selection of all the possible levels (or
groups) of the factor and we usually wish to make
inferences about all the possible groups from our
sample of groups. If we repeated the study, we
would usually take another sample of groups
from the population of possible groups. Linear
models based on random categorical predictor
variables (random factors) are termed random
effects models (or Model 2 ANOVAs). 
__

In the Grossman query (below) temperature, rainfall, and
density would likely be fixed because they are of interest -- 
the contrasts would be of interest across  the particular
values of temperature,  rainfall, and density.  Inference
would be only to the measured values and their contrasts.
All three variables become fixed if fitted as a regression
instead of as categorical variables. 
Temperature might be taken as a random variable over a small 
range, but would not be credible as a random variable over 
a wide range, given its profound effect on biological processes. 
Location would be either random or fixed, depending on whether 
the inference was to only those 3 sites at the stated dates of 
measurement (fixed), or to all possible sites in some stated 
area (random),  or to the hypothetical population of a very 
large number of repetitions at those sites (random, as above).
If the locations were known to differ in some salient 
biological way, such that they could be ordered as to
expected effect, location could be legitimately treated as fixed.

The choice of random versus fixed categorical variable lies with 
the judgement and knowledge of the biologist.
A good statistician will demure on demands for hard and fast rules. 
A good  statistician will instead probe the biologist as to the 
scope of inference, then help the biologist form the 
correctly nested (log) likelihood ratio (as in Quinn and 
Keogh or any of many texts).  The likelihood ratio is
key - in either a decision theoretic context (as in Quinn
and Keough) or with inference from a prior to a posterior 
probability, if that is what you want to do. 

~ David Schneider




Quoting "Street, Garrett" :

> There is also an excellent section on what constitutes a random or fixed
> effect in Tom Hobbs and Mevin Hooten's "Bayesian Models: a Statistical Primer
> for Ecologists" using fecundity of spotted owls (adapted from Clark's work on
> the subject), and again using hypothetical sampling of aboveground biomass,
> as examples. Both examples are accompanied by clear and concise explanations
> of the implications for the underlying distributions and assumptions of the
> model one might seek to fit, and for the ecology informing the models.
> 
> Garrett Street
> Assistant Professor
> Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture
> Mississippi State University
> 
> On May 17, 2016, at 4:34 PM, Brian Church
> > wrote:
> 
> There is a fairly detailed discussion of fixed vs. random effects on
> CrossValidated here:
>
http://stats.stackexchange.com/questions/4700/what-is-the-difference-between-fixed-effect-random-effect-and-mixed-effect-mode
> 
> Based on the discussion there, it seems like temperature, rainfall, and
> density could all be considered to be random effects for the following
> reasons:
> 1. You are unlikely to sample the entire populations for those variables.
> 2. They are not being controlled
> 3. They are likely continuous and distributed in some way (e.g., normal)
> rather than discrete values
> 4. You are unlikely to be interested in responses at a specific temperature,
> rainfall, and density; rather, it seems more interesting to understand
> effects relating to the underlying distributions of those variables.
> 
> Those commenting in the CrossValidated forum cite a few sources, though they
> seem to be general/mathematical rather than ecology-specific. Hope that helps
> some.
> 
> -Brian Church
> 
> 
> On Tue, May 17, 2016 at 11:12 AM, Gary Grossman
> 

Re: [ECOLOG-L] fixed vs. random effects in field research

[Street, Garrett]

There is also an excellent section on what constitutes a random or fixed effect 
in Tom Hobbs and Mevin Hooten's "Bayesian Models: a Statistical Primer for 
Ecologists" using fecundity of spotted owls (adapted from Clark's work on the 
subject), and again using hypothetical sampling of aboveground biomass, as 
examples. Both examples are accompanied by clear and concise explanations of 
the implications for the underlying distributions and assumptions of the model 
one might seek to fit, and for the ecology informing the models.

Garrett Street
Assistant Professor
Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture
Mississippi State University

On May 17, 2016, at 4:34 PM, Brian Church 
> wrote:

There is a fairly detailed discussion of fixed vs. random effects on 
CrossValidated here: 
http://stats.stackexchange.com/questions/4700/what-is-the-difference-between-fixed-effect-random-effect-and-mixed-effect-mode

Based on the discussion there, it seems like temperature, rainfall, and density 
could all be considered to be random effects for the following reasons:
1. You are unlikely to sample the entire populations for those variables.
2. They are not being controlled
3. They are likely continuous and distributed in some way (e.g., normal) rather 
than discrete values
4. You are unlikely to be interested in responses at a specific temperature, 
rainfall, and density; rather, it seems more interesting to understand effects 
relating to the underlying distributions of those variables.

Those commenting in the CrossValidated forum cite a few sources, though they 
seem to be general/mathematical rather than ecology-specific. Hope that helps 
some.

-Brian Church


On Tue, May 17, 2016 at 11:12 AM, Gary Grossman 
> wrote:
I'm having a bit of difficulty getting a clear understanding of what should be 
considered a fixed vs. a random effect in a linear mixed model analysis of 
field data. Even the statisticians seem to say "it depends on who's defining 
it" or "sometimes the same treatment/variable can be either". Some examples may 
help, let's say I collected samples annually in three sites and wanted to test 
for the effect of daily rainfall, daily temperature, and density, on 
recruitment of individuals in the following year. Using the lmer function in R 
which of these would be fixed effects and which would be random? A reference or 
two would help. I really couldn't find much in a google search on field 
studies, but I didn't go to anything like zoological abstracts. TIA, g2

--
Gary D. Grossman, PhD
Fellow, American Fisheries Soc.

Professor of Animal Ecology
Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources
University of Georgia
Athens, GA, USA 30602

Website - Science, Art (G. Grossman Fine Art) and Music 
www.garygrossman.net

Board of Editors - Animal Biodiversity and Conservation
Editorial Board - Freshwater Biology
Editorial Board - Ecology Freshwater Fish

Hutson Gallery Provincetown, MA - 
www.hutsongallery.net/artists.html

[ECOLOG-L] BLM Landscape Ecology Intern

[Emily Kachergis]

We are hiring an intern to join the Assessment, Inventory and Monitoring 
team at the BLM National Operations Center in Denver.  This is an exciting 
opportunity to support land management from Alaska to Arizona in a variety 
of ways, especially GIS.  For more info or to apply, please go to the 
following link:

https://sccorps-openhire.silkroad.com/epostings/index.cfm?
fuseaction=app.jobinfo=489=ONLINE=992339_id=
16984=1=4=0=0=
n=NULL==NULL===&
isKilometers==yes=

For more information about BLM assessment, inventory, and monitoring, see 
the AIM Website: http://aim.landscapetoolbox.org

Emily Kachergis
Landscape Ecologist
BLM National Operations Center
Denver, CO

Re: [ECOLOG-L] fixed vs. random effects in field research

[Brian Church]

There is a fairly detailed discussion of fixed vs. random effects on
CrossValidated here:
http://stats.stackexchange.com/questions/4700/what-is-the-difference-between-fixed-effect-random-effect-and-mixed-effect-mode

Based on the discussion there, it seems like temperature, rainfall, and
density could all be considered to be random effects for the following
reasons:
1. You are unlikely to sample the entire populations for those variables.
2. They are not being controlled
3. They are likely continuous and distributed in some way (e.g., normal)
rather than discrete values
4. You are unlikely to be interested in responses at a specific
temperature, rainfall, and density; rather, it seems more interesting to
understand effects relating to the underlying distributions of those
variables.

Those commenting in the CrossValidated forum cite a few sources, though
they seem to be general/mathematical rather than ecology-specific. Hope
that helps some.

-Brian Church


On Tue, May 17, 2016 at 11:12 AM, Gary Grossman 
wrote:

> I'm having a bit of difficulty getting a clear understanding of what
> should be considered a fixed vs. a random effect in a linear mixed model
> analysis of field data. Even the statisticians seem to say "it depends on
> who's defining it" or "sometimes the same treatment/variable can be
> either". Some examples may help, let's say I collected samples annually in
> three sites and wanted to test for the effect of daily rainfall, daily
> temperature, and density, on recruitment of individuals in the following
> year. Using the lmer function in R which of these would be fixed effects
> and which would be random? A reference or two would help. I really couldn't
> find much in a google search on field studies, but I didn't go to anything
> like zoological abstracts. TIA, g2
>
> --
> Gary D. Grossman, PhD
> Fellow, American Fisheries Soc.
>
> Professor of Animal Ecology
> Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources
> University of Georgia
> Athens, GA, USA 30602
>
> Website - Science, Art (G. Grossman Fine Art) and Music
> www.garygrossman.net
>
> Board of Editors - Animal Biodiversity and Conservation
> Editorial Board - Freshwater Biology
> Editorial Board - Ecology Freshwater Fish
>
> Hutson Gallery Provincetown, MA - www.hutsongallery.net/artists.html
>
>
>

[ECOLOG-L] Postdoctoral Researcher on "Microbial biology and geochemical processes of contrasting ecosystems: from desert to tropics" at the School of Life Sciences and the School of Earth and Space E

[Hinsby Cadillo-Quiroz]

Postdoctoral Researcher on "Microbial biology and geochemical processes of 
contrasting 
ecosystems: from desert to tropics" at the School of Life Sciences (SOLS) and 
the School of Earth 
and Space Exploration (SESE), Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ
 
A collaborative postdoctoral position on “microbial biology and geochemical 
processes in 
contrasting ecosystems" is available jointly at the School of Life Sciences 
(SOLS) and School of Earth 
and Space Exploration (SESE) at Arizona State University (ASU).

The relationship between microbial communities’ activities and their effects or 
signatures ranging 
from ecosystem-scale to planetary-scale, is a key study subject to account for 
global carbon 
budgets on earth or for potential biosignatures on the ever increasing number 
of confirmed 
extrasolar planets. In this project, we aim to identify emergent properties of 
microbial physiology 
and ecosystem functioning in contrasting geochemical and energetic contexts as 
provided by (i) 
dry, oligotrophic desert environments and (ii) water-saturated, highly organic 
carbon-rich Amazon 
peatlands. This project is highly interdisciplinary and our questions and 
activities aim to address 
such topics as: soil geochemical measurements of rates of biotic and abiotic 
processes; 
development of isotopic measurements including natural abundance and/or 
tracer-enrichment 
experiments with ecologically important gases (i.e., O2, CO2, CH4, N2O and 
others); microbial 
physiology assessments in situ and in vitro through imaging coupled with 
metagenomics and 
metaproteomics approaches; and energetic/functional microbial activity 
modeling. The research 
requires fieldwork involving expeditions to remote locations (deserts and 
tropics in South America) 
followed by complementary laboratory activities. The Postdoctoral Researcher 
will work in close 
collaboration with two PI’s, two graduate students, and undergraduate 
researchers.

This position is under the supervision of Prof. Hinsby Cadillo-Quiroz (carbon 
degradation and 
microbial biology, http://cadillo.lab.asu.edu) and Prof Hilairy Harnett 
(geochemistry of soils, 
isotopic biology and astrobiology, 
https://webapp4.asu.edu/directory/person/646920). The 
selected candidate will join a collaborative effort between SOLS and SESE 
faculty. Desert 
geochemistry and microbial respiration at low energy availability is part of 
the current effort by the 
Life Processes research team in the ASU Nexus for Exoplanet System Science 
project 
(http://www.nexss.io/), while Amazon peatlands geochemistry and microbial 
functional groups is 
part of efforts JGI-CSP and Ecosystem Science of Amazon Peatlands project. The 
postdoctoral 
researcher will catalyze common areas of research connecting these two efforts 
in an innovative 
and integrative fashion.

Applicants must have a PhD in relevant areas (Environmental Sciences, 
Astrobiology, Microbiology, 
Geochemistry, and others). Candidates with strong expertise in biogeochemistry, 
microbial 
ecophysiology, -omics studies or a combination will be preferred. 

Strong candidates will also possess: (i) significant publication record (papers 
published, in press, 
or submitted), (ii) creativity, independence, and the desire to learn, (iii) 
proficiency in both written 
and spoken English, as well as (iv) analytical, interpersonal, and presentation 
skills. Position is 
available in an annual basis, renewable upon satisfactory performance. 
Competitive salary and 
benefits are available. Application should include: (i) a brief cover letter, 
(ii) Curriculum Vitae 
including three professional references, (iii) a brief description of past 
research accomplishments 
and future research goals. Send application to the following email: 
cadillo-lab-a...@asu.edu
The early revision of applications starts on June 15th 2016; applications will 
be reviewed weekly 
thereafter until the search is closed. Starting date is flexible but mid August 
2016 is desirable.

A background check is required for employment. Arizona State University is an 
equal 
opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to excellence through 
diversity. Women and 
minorities are encouraged to apply. For additional information on this position 
and the School of 
Life Sciences, please visit https://sols.asu.edu/resources/employment.

Re: [ECOLOG-L] fixed vs. random effects in field research

[Gabriel Barros]

Hi Dr. Grossman,

The definition of fixed and random independent variables is really an
eternal struggle.
I believe the book of Tony Underwood might help you someway.

Underwood, A.J. Experiments in ecology: their logical design and
interpretation using analysis of variance, xviii, 504p. Cambridge
University Press, 1996.

Best regards,

Gabriel

*Gabriel Barros Gonçalves de Souza*
Biologist - M.Sc. in Ecology and Biomonitoring
PhD Candidate in Ecology at Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ)
Laboratory of Fishery Biology and Technology
CRBio: 59.707/05-D
Cel: +55 (71) 99187-9065
CV Lattes: http://lattes.cnpq.br/4012374701934609

2016-05-17 15:12 GMT-03:00 Gary Grossman :

> I'm having a bit of difficulty getting a clear understanding of what
> should be considered a fixed vs. a random effect in a linear mixed model
> analysis of field data. Even the statisticians seem to say "it depends on
> who's defining it" or "sometimes the same treatment/variable can be
> either". Some examples may help, let's say I collected samples annually in
> three sites and wanted to test for the effect of daily rainfall, daily
> temperature, and density, on recruitment of individuals in the following
> year. Using the lmer function in R which of these would be fixed effects
> and which would be random? A reference or two would help. I really couldn't
> find much in a google search on field studies, but I didn't go to anything
> like zoological abstracts. TIA, g2
>
> --
> Gary D. Grossman, PhD
> Fellow, American Fisheries Soc.
>
> Professor of Animal Ecology
> Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources
> University of Georgia
> Athens, GA, USA 30602
>
> Website - Science, Art (G. Grossman Fine Art) and Music
> www.garygrossman.net
>
> Board of Editors - Animal Biodiversity and Conservation
> Editorial Board - Freshwater Biology
> Editorial Board - Ecology Freshwater Fish
>
> Hutson Gallery Provincetown, MA - www.hutsongallery.net/artists.html
>
>
>

[ECOLOG-L] Conservation Genetics Ph.D. Graduate Assistantship - North Dakota State University

[Jon Sweetman]

Conservation Genetics Ph.D. Graduate Student Assistantship to conduct
research on landscape genetics of northern leopard frogs.  The project will
analyze an existing dataset to evaluate gene flow among isolated wetlands,
as means of assessing biotic connectedness.  Additional sampling and
possible development of additional molecular markers will be pursued as
warranted.  This project is funded through an EPA grant and is a
collaborative project between Craig Stockwell (NDSU) and David Mushet (USGS
Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center).   Field work will take place in
the upper Great Plains.

Position to start as early as fall semester, 2016

Requirements:  BS or MS in ecology, aquatic ecology, fisheries biology,
conservation biology or related field; Experience analyzing population
genetics data, quantitative skills, and ability to work independently and
as part of a research team.

Preferred:  M.S., experience with amphibians, experience with
landscape-genetic landscape-resistance models, field research experience.

Salary:  $22,000/year + full tuition waiver

Contact:  Craig Stockwell, Professor, Biological Sciences, 201 Stevens
Hall, Box 6050, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108-6050;
http://www.ndsu.edu/stockwell_lab/
 e-mail:  craig.stockw...@ndsu.edu

Please send application materials to craig.sockw...@ndsu.edu and include
the following:  1) cover letter, 2) curriculum vitae / resume, 3) all
college-level transcripts and 4) names and contact information for three
references.

[ECOLOG-L] Lecturer, Environmental Science & Ecology

[Janet Puhalla]

Lecturer, Environmental Science & Ecology

The Center for Earth and Environmental Science (CEES) at the State
University of New York, College at Plattsburgh, seeks to fill a Lecturer
position in environmental science and ecology, effective August 2016.  The
successful candidate will be committed to excellence in teaching and service
in an institution dedicated primarily to undergraduate education.  He or she
will be expected to demonstrate an understanding of and sensitivity to
diversity and gender issues, as SUNY Plattsburgh is committed to ensuring
that its graduates are educated to succeed in an increasingly complex,
multicultural, and interdependent world.

Responsibilities include: Teaching 12 contact hours per semester from the
following courses: Wetland Ecology and Management, Field Ecology, Forest
Ecology and Management, Plant Ecology, General Ecology with lab, or
Restoration Ecology.  Both Forest Ecology and Wetland Ecology are full-day
immersive field courses taught in the fall semester as part of the Applied
Environmental Science Program at the William H. Miner Institute. CEES
classes are traditionally field-based and take advantage of the natural
resources of the Lake Champlain-Adirondack region.

Required Qualifications: M.S. or Ph.D. in an ecological discipline is
required at time of appointment.  The successful candidate will have
demonstrated an ability to work effectively and collegially with faculty,
staff, and administrators.

Preferred Qualifications: Candidates with a Ph.D. in an ecological science
or a related field with expertise in wetland and forest ecology and
management are preferred. Preference will be given to candidates with
documented evidence of college-level teaching effectiveness.

SUNY Plattsburgh is an equal opportunity employer, committed to excellence
through diversity.  As an equal opportunity employer and a government
contractor subject to VEVRAA, SUNY Plattsburgh complies with hiring
regulations regarding sex, color, religion, national origin, disability, age
and veteran status.

Salary: $40,000 minimum, plus excellent benefits. Review of applications
will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. 
Application materials received by June 3 will be guaranteed full
consideration. Please apply to http://jobs.plattsburgh.edu/postings/7162 and
include a cover letter, resume/CV, and contact information for three current
professional references. Official transcripts from an accredited institution
will be required prior to employment.

[ECOLOG-L] Undergraduate Research Conference at the Interface of Mathematics and Biology, Oct. 8-9, 2016

[Catherine Crawley]

*Undergraduate Research Conference at the Interface of Mathematics and 
Biology, Oct. 8-9, 2016*

**
**The National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis 
(NIMBioS) will host the eighth annual Undergraduate Research Conference 
at the Interface of Mathematics and Biology to be held Oct. 8-9, 2016, 
at the Univ. of Tennessee Conference Center in Knoxville, TN. The 
conference provides opportunities for undergraduates to present their 
research at the interface of biology and mathematics. Student talks and 
posters will be featured as well as a plenary speaker, a panel on career 
opportunities, a graduate school showcase, and other networking 
opportunities. Faculty and students are invited to attend, as well as 
middle and high school teachers. *A limited amount of support is 
available to cover the cost of **registration*/**/*and lodging - 
deadline is August 20 to request funding. *Conference registration 
deadline is September 28.


If you have or plan to request funding, do not register for the 
conference until you have been contacted by NIMBioS about the status of 
your funding request. For more information, go to 
http://www.nimbios.org/education/undergrad_conf2016


*
Catherine Crawley, Ph.D.
National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS)
University of Tennessee
1122 Volunteer Blvd, Ste. 106
Knoxville, TN 37996
e ccraw...@nimbios.org 
t +1 865 974 9350 
f +1 865 974 9461 
http://www.nimbios.org
http://www.facebook.com/nimbios
http://twitter.com/nimbios
To receive email notifications of blog updates, click here 

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[ECOLOG-L] fixed vs. random effects in field research

[Gary Grossman]

I'm having a bit of difficulty getting a clear understanding of what should
be considered a fixed vs. a random effect in a linear mixed model analysis
of field data. Even the statisticians seem to say "it depends on who's
defining it" or "sometimes the same treatment/variable can be either". Some
examples may help, let's say I collected samples annually in three sites
and wanted to test for the effect of daily rainfall, daily temperature, and
density, on recruitment of individuals in the following year. Using the
lmer function in R which of these would be fixed effects and which would be
random? A reference or two would help. I really couldn't find much in a
google search on field studies, but I didn't go to anything like zoological
abstracts. TIA, g2

-- 
Gary D. Grossman, PhD
Fellow, American Fisheries Soc.

Professor of Animal Ecology
Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources
University of Georgia
Athens, GA, USA 30602

Website - Science, Art (G. Grossman Fine Art) and Music www.garygrossman.net

Board of Editors - Animal Biodiversity and Conservation
Editorial Board - Freshwater Biology
Editorial Board - Ecology Freshwater Fish

Hutson Gallery Provincetown, MA - www.hutsongallery.net/artists.html

[ECOLOG-L] Assistant Director - National Aquatic Monitoring Center

[Charles Hawkins]

Assistant Director - National Aquatic Monitoring Center
Department of Watershed Sciences
Utah State University – Logan, UT

Position Summary 
The successful candidate will serve as an Assistant Director of the National 
Aquatic 
Monitoring Center (NAMC) at Utah State University (USU). The NAMC is a joint 
partnership between the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and USU and is housed 
within the Department of Watershed Sciences. The overall goals of the NAMC are 
to 
provide macroinvertebrate sample processing services, assist federal and state 
agencies with the design and implementation of scientifically defensible 
aquatic 
monitoring programs, and conduct coordinated research related to aquatic 
monitoring 
and natural resource issues. For this specific position, we seek applicants 
qualified to: 
(1) assist with Center strategic development and administration; (2) 
participate in 
funding procurement, financial management, and research; and (3) provide 
oversite of 
day-to-day Center activities.

Responsibilities
1.  30% – Administration of the NAMC taxonomic service center (aka The 
BugLab). 
Responsibilities include the development of Center strategic plans and 
supervision of 
associated staff and budgets related to service contracts. The service center 
employs 
four full-time taxonomists and 15-20 part-time employees who sort samples.
2.  40% – Assist with the design and implementation of stream and river 
monitoring 
programs for the BLM and other federal and state agencies – including 
supervision of 
associated staff, collaboration with state and federal agencies, and service as 
a subject 
matter expert (aquatic monitoring) on resource management committees and 
taskforces. The NAMC also employs three full-time research and support staff, 
part-
time GIS and programming specialists, and 10-20 seasonal technicians in support 
of 
field monitoring activities.
3.  20% – Conduct or assist with research related to aquatic monitoring and 
natural 
resource issues occurring on public lands. This work includes, but is not 
limited to, 
funding procurement, conducting applied research, and manuscript preparation.
4.  10% – Participate in Center strategic development and administration.

Minimum Qualifications
1.  Master’s degree with extensive project development and management 
experience.
2.  Expertise in aquatic ecology, biomonitoring, water quality monitoring, 
or other 
environmental monitoring disciplines.
3.  Effective interpersonal, verbal communication, and writing skills.

Preferred Qualifications 
1.  PhD in aquatic sciences.
2.  Experience supervising professional employees and managing scientific 
laboratories, research labs, or monitoring programs.
3.  Knowledge of relational databases (particularly SQL), the programming 
languages 
R and python, or GIS and geospatial analyses.
4.  Demonstrated ability to design and implement scientific studies, 
analyze results, 
and publish scientific findings.  

Salary
Competitive professional salary commensurate with experience plus a full Utah 
State 
University benefit package (health, dental, and retirement) worth approximately 
45% of 
salary.

USU is an equal opportunity employer, and we encourage applications from 
diversity 
candidates. Applicants must apply online (www.jobs.usu.edu) by June 17th, 2016. 
Contact Scott Miller (scott.mil...@usu.edu) or Chuck Hawkins 
(chuck.hawk...@usu.edu) for additional information regarding this position.

[ECOLOG-L] Respecting nature challenges society and conservation science - PNAS

[Steve Young]

The recent Paris accord on global climate change is a key step in
acknowledging biophysical limits to human actions, but the challenge of
respecting the biosphere’s ecological limits remains underrated. We analyze
how respecting these limits squarely conflicts with an economy centered on
growth and technology to mitigate environmental stress. The need to
mitigate human impacts on species and natural systems has made conservation
science a major multidisciplinary discipline. Society and conservation
science have tried unsuccessfully to resolve this need within the growth
paradigm. We show that its resolution increasingly demands profound shifts
in societal values. Our aim is to identify the nature of these necessary
shifts and to explore how they define future paths for conservation science.

http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2016/05/13/1525003113.abstract.html?etoc

Steve

[ECOLOG-L] Megafauna Postdoc Aarhus University

[Morgan Ernest]

2-yr postdoc on “Long-term biogeographic build-up of megafauna functional
structure worldwide” 

Title: Long-term biogeographic build-up of megafauna functional structure
worldwide

Research Area and Project Description: This postdoc project is part of the
big Semper Ardens project “Megafauna ecosystem ecology from the deep
prehistory to a human-dominated future” (MegaPast2Future), funded by the
Carlsberg Foundation. Given intensifying human impacts, we are now at a
crossroads for Earth’s megafauna. Do we let it become lost or do we attempt
to restore it and its functional importance? Therefore, there is now rapidly
growing interest in understanding the role of megafauna in ecosystems and in
providing the scientific basis for megafauna restoration. MegaPast2Future
will provide the scientific basis for acting in this critical situation, via
a much improved theoretical and empirical basis, covering both basic science
and real-world applicability. The postdoc project will contribute to
building an integrative paleobiological-ecological understanding of how
megafauna functional complexity has built up (notably how predictable this
has been [vs. historically contingent], incl. how it has been affected by
past climate change) as well as assessing the ecosystem consequences.
Methodology: Apply macroecological analyses to the rich fossil record for
megafaunas globally, with a focus on functional composition.

Qualifications and Specific Competences: Applicants to the postdoc positions
must have PhD degree in paleobiology, ecology or evolutionary biology (or
equivalent) or have submitted their PhD thesis for assessment before the
application deadline. To be recruited for this position solid experience in
ecoinformatics and advanced statistical analyses of large paleobiological
and/or ecological data sets. Experience with quantitative paleobiology
and/or macroecology is expected. The successful candidate should also have
strong collaborative skills, proven abilities to publish at a high
international level, and have good skills in English and international
applicants who do not have English as their first language must document
strong English language qualifications.

Supervisors and collaborators: Project PI prof. Jens-Christian Svenning will
be the main supervisor. The postdoc will join a team working on the
long-term build-up of megafauna functional complexity, also including prof.
Svenning and a postdoc and a PhD student at Aarhus University, as well as
two international collaborators, prof. Felisa A. Smith (US), prof. Chris E.
Doughty (Oxford) and postdoc Søren Faurby (Spain), plus – a more general
level - other team members from other parts of the MegaPast2Future project.

Place of Employment and Place of Work: The place of employment is Aarhus
University, and the place of work is Section of Ecoinformatics &
Biodiversity (ECOINF), Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Ny
Munkegade 114, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark. ECOINF is an ambitious,
collaborative and highly international research community. Postdocs and PhD
students are encouraged to collaborate within the group, across departments
and with other universities. More information about the people and research
activities of the group can be found at http://bit.ly/ecoinfAU.

Application dead-line: June 15 2016. Starting date: September 1st 2016, but
negotiable.

Contacts: Applicants seeking further information are invited to contact:
Professor Jens-Christian Svenning, phone +45 28992304, e-mail:
svenn...@bios.au.dk.

[ECOLOG-L] Field Research Assistant wanted

[C. E. Timothy Paine]

Research Assistant Wanted
A research assistant is required to assist with research on tree community
dynamics in tropical Peru. The project examines seedling communities in
lowland rainforest at the Cocha Cashu Biological Station of Manu National
Park. A student or recent graduate would suit this position as there will be
free time to develop your own project. The station provides access to
pristine, undisturbed tropical forest, with intact fauna and flora, so
opportunities for interesting research projects are great and you will be
surrounded by researchers at all career stages.

Main Duties
•   Research assistant required for 3 months from July to September 2016.
•   You will be spraying seedling plots spread throughout the forest every 
10
days and monitoring the condition of wire mesh exclosures, these need to be
mended if they are damaged. Time between these treatments is your own to
develop your own work.
Requirements
•   Previous fieldwork experience desirable, particularly experience working
at remote sites.
•   You will be walking long distances every day in hot, humid conditions, 
so
applicants must be fit, self-motivated, and tolerant to biting insects. 
•   Work is to be carried out without supervision so you must be confident 
and
responsible working alone in the field.
•   Some knowledge of Spanish would be beneficial but is not required.

Accommodation, Transport and Costs
Accommodation will be camping on tent platforms in the forest, the field
station has an office with electricity, showers and food and drinking water.
For more information about the field station visit
http://cochacashu.sandiegozooglobal.org. 
Station fees, including food, accommodation and transport in the park are
covered, but you will need to arrange your own transport to Cuzco, Peru.

To Apply
To apply please send a CV and covering letter, detailing your interest and
suitability for the position, to k.j.hazelw...@stir.ac.uk. Please do not
reply to me.