[ECOLOG-L] MS Assistantship, Univ. of Montana: Human Dimensions of Private Lands Conservation

[Philip Higuera]

Now accepting applications. Please share with any qualified students who may be 
interested.

MS Research Assistantship – Human Dimensions and Spatial Analysis of Private 
Lands 
Conservation (1 year)

The UM College of Forestry and Conservation in Missoula, MT is seeking 
applicants 
for a one-year, MS Research Assistantship to work on novel approaches to 
private 
land use assessment and landowner outreach. For more information, see attached 
PDF 
for or visit http://www.cfc.umt.edu/research/humandimensions/projects/current-
projects.php

[ECOLOG-L] MS or PhD Assistantship: Human Dimensions of Wildland Fire, University of Montana

[Philip Higuera]

MS or PhD Research Assistantship – Human Dimensions of Fire  (2 years)

The University of Montana's College of Forestry and Conservation in Missoula, 
MT, 
is seeking applicants for a two-year MS or PhD Research Assistantship focused 
on 
understanding social and ecological resilience to wildfires in the Northern 
Rockies 
and Pacific Northwest. For more information, please see the attached PDF or 
visit 
http://www.cfc.umt.edu/research/humandimensions/projects/current-projects.php

[ECOLOG-L] M.S. Assistantship in Tree Physiology at Utah State University

[Steve Voelker]

The Department of Plants, Soils and Climate (https://psc.usu.edu/) at Utah
State University is seeking a master’s-level student to start a research
assistantship for the Fall semester of 2016. The prospective student will
undertake research to understand how drought stress affects water-use,
plant functional traits and stable isotopes (13C and 18O) of foliage and
tree-rings of pinyon pine (*Pinus edulis*/*monophylla*) and Utah
Juniper (*Juniperus
osteosperma*). Pinyon and juniper are two of the most common tree species
in Utah and are known to differ in their water-use strategies. Research
responsibilities will include employing a precision lysimeter system that
directly tracks water use and automatically adjusts irrigation schedules to
maintain the well-watered or drought-induced status of individual trees.
The student will be expected to work with other scientists within the
broader research community at USU that includes the Center for Water
Efficient Landscaping (http://www.cwel.usu.edu/), the Wasatch
Dendrochronology Research Group (https://wadr.usu.edu/) and the Ecology
Center (http://www.usu.edu/ecology/).



Qualifications: The ideal candidate would have a B.S. degree in biology,
ecology, forestry, environmental science or a related field. Applicants
should be able to work independently and also work cooperatively with other
researchers. The applicant should also have demonstrated strong written and
quantitative skills as well as a strong work ethic. If interested, please
attach a resume (include scores from GRE exam, if possible) to a message
that briefly outlines your background and research interests to Dr. Steve
Voelker (dr.s.voel...@gmail.com ) (
drstevevoelker.weebly.com).



Location: Utah State University is a Carnegie Doctoral / Research
University of more than 20,000 students, nestled in a mountain valley 90
miles north of Salt Lake City. Opportunities for a wide range of outdoor
activities are plentiful due to USU’s central location with respect to
numerous National Parks, Forests, Monuments and Conservation areas as well
as local ski resorts, lakes, rivers, and mountains. The nearby access to
outdoor recreation, stunning mountain views and relatively low cost of
living make Logan a very desirable location to live.

[ECOLOG-L] Postdoctoral Position in Population Ecology/Population Genetics

[Derek M Johnson]

We seek a highly motivated postdoctoral scientist to work on an NSF-funded
project that integrates population ecology and gene flow analyses to
understand the patterns and underlying processes of range expansion in an
infamous invasive species. The postdoctoral researcher will use a
combination of large data sets and simulation modeling to test the
multi-scale patterns and underlying processes of spread by the European
gypsy moth across the natural and human landscape in the eastern United
States.



For more information on the project, A LANDSCAPE RESISTANCE MAPPING
APPROACH TO UNDERSTANDING SPECIES INVASION PATTERNS, click the below link.
http://media.wix.com/ugd/d9d77e_4d2344d9e40d41d19ceaf11d32664d35.pdf



The successful applicant will work collaboratively with a team of faculty
with expertise in using statistical, modeling and GIS approaches in forest
insect ecology, population genetics, and landscape ecology. We are
particularly interested in a candidate with strong quantitative skills,
experience in population modeling on spatiotemporal scales, and with
proficiency in the R programming language. Knowledge of GIS, including
within the R platform, is desirable. A PhD in biology, ecology,
environmental science, genetics, or a related area is required. Applicants
should have demonstrated excellent writing skills and have a proven ability
to publish research in peer-review journals. The project entails working
with existing data sets, thus, there is not a field component to this
position.



The position will be based in the Department of Biology at Virginia
Commonwealth University (VCU) in Richmond, VA. The successful applicant
will be based in the laboratory of Derek Johnson (www.vcuderekjohnson.com),
but will also work closely with Dr. Rodney Dyer (VCU), and will be expected
to work with collaborators Patrick Tobin (University of Washington), and
Jeffrey Holland (Purdue University), including traveling to annual or
semi-annual collaborator meetings and national conferences. The appointment
is initially for one year, but may be renewed for a 2nd year conditional on
exemplary performance. Preferred start date is September – December 2016,
and while later start dates may be negotiable, earlier start dates are
preferable. Salary and benefits are competitive. To apply, contact Derek
Johnson (dmjohn...@vcu.edu) via email and send 1) a cover letter that
explains your fit to the position, the particular skills and expertise your
will bring to the project, and preferred start dates, 2) a complete CV with
publications, grants, and when you completed (or will complete) your PhD,
and 3) the names of three references. Review of applications will begin
June 15 and continue until the position is filled.


Derek M. Johnson
1000 W. Cary St.
Department of Biology
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA 23284
Email : dmjohn...@vcu.edu
Lab Website: www.vcuderekjohnson.com
(804)827-0274

Re: [ECOLOG-L] Looking for help from amphibian and reptile experts!

[Ed Laurent]

Hi Jen,

We're doing something very similar in the southeast and have several herp
forums already established. We also now have a tool to clone a "species
working group" template with a Drive document requesting information needs
for the candidate assessment process and links to several spreadsheets,
projects, and other content types that can be edited as appendices with
structured information. We've been slowly making announcements to determine
which forums result in the greatest return. ECOLOG-L was up next, so please
see below. Also, please feel free to contact me about starting and
administering groups if you think this process will be useful to your
objectives. I'm definitely interested in talking about your approach too.

-Ed

*Participation Requested: At-risk Species Forums*


Many species were recently petitioned to be federally listed as Threatened
or Endangered under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, and it is likely that
many more species will be in the near future. To assist the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service (USFWS) in determining whether the petitions are
warranted, the Wildlife Diversity Committee of the Southeastern Association
of Fish and Wildlife Agencies has established a Southeast At-Risk Species
(SEARS) Program. One component of this innovative program is the
“crowdsourcing” of knowledge and data about petitioned species.


We are establishing groups for each petitioned and candidate species on the
Griffin Groups collaboration platform (https://griffingroups.com). In each
group, a editable document contains descriptions of the species’ life
history and status, links to editable tables describing threats and
actions, a registry of research and monitoring projects, means to link or
recommend data collection protocols, as well as editable descriptions of
data repositories that contain historical observations. These crowdsourced
products, with their citations, will then be used by the USFWS for
assessing the petitions. The results will also be used for capacity and
needs assessments, evaluation of the crowdsourcing process, and determining
additional ways to improve the efficiency and comprehensiveness of the
candidate species assessment process.


To learn more about the SEARS program, visit the SEARS Data Coordination
group:
https://griffingroups.com/groups/profile/200347/sears-data-coordination


More species groups will be added over time. The list is maintained here:
https://griffingroups.com/relatedgroups/owner/200347


We seek your participation in consolidating information about these
petitioned species. Each group can serve as a nexus of communications, and
an archive of links to research and reports, survey methods and data, and
other information. If relevant forums or tools already exist, then they can
be bookmarked in the appropriate group to increase awareness and access.
Assisting with these information needs could be a part of class projects,
an efficient way to consolidate background information for new research, a
means to provide expert opinions, etc.


Subject matter experts are especially encouraged to join these groups to
collaborate on the species’ conservation. This process could include
sharing and recommending sampling protocols, sharing updates about research
and monitoring projects, integrating data repositories, discussing species'
taxonomies, developing management and monitoring plans, managing projects,
etc.


To join one or more of the species groups:

   1.

   Register as a member of Griffin Groups:
   https://griffingroups.com/register
   2.

   Validate your registration by clicking the link in the automated email
   (check your spam folder if you do not receive this email within a few
   minutes)
   3.

   Log into Griffin Groups: https://griffingroups.com/login
   4.

   Explore the list of species groups:
   https://griffingroups.com/relatedgroups/owner/200347
   5.

   Click on a group name and then the “Join group” or “Request membership”
   button under its title.


A welcome message is sent after joining any of the species groups. That
email contains instructions about Griffin Groups’ collaboration tools and
suggestions for their use.


Thank you for your participation,

Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies’ Wildlife Diversity
Committee

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Wildlife Management Institute

Connecting Conservation


For questions, please contact:

Dr. Ed Laurent - Connecting Conservation: edlaurent@connectingconservation


Additional contacts for SEARS program questions:

Becky Gwynn - VA Department of Game and Inland Fisheries:
becky.gw...@dgif.virginia.gov

Mike Harris - US Fish and Wildlife Service: michael_har...@fws.gov

Dr. Jon Gassett - Wildlife Management Institute: jgass...@wildlifemgt.org





On Tue, May 31, 2016 at 3:45 PM, Williams, Jennifer 
wrote:

> The Excel file linked here
>  
> contains
> a list of amphibian 

[ECOLOG-L] Postdoctoral Position in Landscape Ecology

[Crist, Thomas]

A Postdoctoral Fellow position is available in the Department of Biology,
Miami University, Oxford, OH, to conduct research on insect biodiversity,
species interactions, and ecosystem services in multiple habitats within
agricultural and exurban landscapes of SW Ohio.  The postdoc would also
involve teaching one course in introductory ecology.  The position is
available for one year beginning August 1, 2016, with the possibility of a
one-year extension, depending on performance and funding availability.
Requires a PhD in biology, ecology, environmental science, or related area;
field research experience with invertebrate biodiversity or community
interactions; and experience with statistical analysis using the R
programming language.  Desire experience in statistical analysis using
spatial methods and GIS analysis using ArcGIS.  Submit cover letter,
curriculum vitae, statement of research and teaching interests, and contact
information for three references to
http://miamioh.hiretouch.com/job-details?jobID=2819.  Direct inquiries in
Thomas Crist (thomas.cr...@miamioh.edu).  Screening of applications will
begin June 15, 2016 and continue until the position is filled.

Miami University, an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, is
firmly committed to a multicultural environment and strongly encourages
applications from minorities, women, protected veterans and individuals
with disabilities.   Miami does not permit, and takes action to prevent
harassment, discrimination and retaliation on the basis of sex (including
sexual harassment, sexual violence, sexual misconduct, domestic violence,
dating violence or stalking), race, color, religion, national origin,
disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, military
status, or veteran status in its application and admission processes,
educational programs and activities, facilities, and employment practices.
Miami University immediately investigates and takes disciplinary and/or
remedial action when appropriate.  Requests for all reasonable
accommodations for disabilities should be directed to
adafacultyst...@miamioh.edu or by phone at (513) 529-3560.  Miami
University's Annual Security and Fire Safety Report with information on
campus crime, fires, and safety may be found at
http://www.miamioh.edu/campus-safety/annual-report/index.html.  Hard copy
available on request.  A criminal background check is required.  All
campuses are smoke and tobacco free.


Thomas O. Crist
Professor and Chair
Department of Biology
212 Pearson Hall
Miami University
Oxford, OH 45056
513-529-3100
thomas.cr...@miamioh.edu
http://miamioh.edu/biology

[ECOLOG-L] Awards International Symposium on Deep-Sea Corals, Boston September 2016

[Santiago Herrera]

Dear Colleague,

The Deep-Sea Biology Society (http://dsbsoc.org/) is pleased to announce that 
we will providing a small 
number of travel awards to those wishing to attend the 6th International 
Symposium on Deep-Sea 
Corals (http://deepseacoral.org/) that will take place in Boston, 
Massachusetts, from September 11-16, 
2016.

Awards will be decided based on the quality of the abstract and financial need. 
Travel award applicants 
are required to submit an abstract to the symposium. The abstract submission 
deadline is June 10. 

Applications must be submitted through this form http://goo.gl/forms/gb0RkxjfT4 
before June 15.  
Applicants will be notified about their application outcomes via email by 
mid-July. Successful applicants 
will be expected to write a short blog post for the DSBS website about their 
experience in the IDSCS. 

In addition to the travel awards, the society will be sponsoring awards for the 
best oral and poster 
presentations by early career scientists at the IDSCS. Early Career is defined 
as anyone who has 
graduated from a PhD program and is pre-tenure, or is in an equivalent research 
or governmental 
position. (Please indicate your interest to be considered our registration site 
when registering for the 
symposium).

Only standing members of the Deep-Sea Biology Society are eligible for the 
awards. If you are not a 
member already, you can join the society here http://dsbsoc.org/membership/. 

Questions about these awards should be directed to Santiago Herrera: 
sherr...@alum.mit.edu.

Please pass the word about the society and these awards to your friends and 
colleagues and invite them 
to join!

Sincerely,

Santiago Herrera, PhD
Membership Secretary of the Deep-Sea Biology Society

CIHR Postdoctoral Fellow
Lehigh University
University of Toronto

Visiting Professor (starting Fall 2016)
Department of Biological Sciences
Lehigh University

Phone (USA): +1 508 744 6453
Phone (Canada): +1 647 521 1110
Email: sherr...@alum.mit.edu
Website: http://alum.mit.edu/www/sherrera
Twitter: @herre_san

Mission: The Deep-Sea Biology Society aim is to promote deep-sea biological 
sciences and 
conservation through ensuring open forums for scientists, engaging the public 
and policy makers, and 
ensuring demographic diversity among scientists.

[ECOLOG-L] Looking for help from amphibian and reptile experts!

[Williams, Jennifer]

The Excel file linked here

contains
a list of amphibian and reptile species being evaluated for listing
determinations under the Endangered Species Act.


As part of Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation’s role in
ensuring that the best science is in the hands of managers and decision
makers, we are compiling a list of all experts on each of these species.
This file will help biologists across the nation who are involved in any
aspect of listing determinations (including evaluating information that
could suggest that listing may not be warranted) or subsequent recovery
processes.


*In the  spreadsheet, please include your name, email address, and a short
description of the type of conservation or population ecology work you are
doing or have done that qualifies you to be considered an expert on the
species. Please email the file with this information directly to me
at jen_willi...@nps.gov .*


Thank you in advance for helping us to connect those involved in these
decisions with those who have the greatest knowledge on the subject!


Sincerely,


Jen

-- 

Jen Williams, Ph.D.

Federal Coordinator for Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
(PARC)
1201 Oakridge Dr., Suite 200
Fort Collins, CO 80525
Phone: 352-568-5903 (cell) or 970-267-2159
Fax: 970-225-3585

*Let us step into the night and pursue that flighty temptress, adventure.*

The mission of PARC is to conserve amphibians, reptiles and their habitats
as integral parts of our ecosystem and culture through proactive and
coordinated public-private partnerships.  To learn more, visit parcplace.org

[ECOLOG-L] Post-doc position

[Barbara Ralston]

Post-doctoral Position with U.S. Geological Survey, Flagstaff, AZ

MODELING WITH PLANT RESONSE GUILDS AND EXPLORING RIPARIAN COMMUNITY 
LINKAGES ON A REGULATED RIVER IN THE SOUTHWEST U.S

We seek a highly motivated post-doctoral scientist to lead research on 
the effects of Glen Canyon Dam operations, and other drivers of 
environmental change on riparian and terrestrial vegetation along the 
Colorado River downstream of the dam using plant response guilds. The 
successful candidate will have experience in plant ecology, familiarity 
with developing and applying statistical models, some exposure to 
riparian systems, as well as proven record of publications in peer-
reviewed journals. 

Background:
Riparian vegetation affects physical processes and biological 
interactions along river and stream channels. The presence and expansion 
of riparian vegetation promotes bank stability, diminishes the magnitude 
of scour and fill during floods, and the types of vegetation present 
affect wildlife habitat quality in both the terrestrial and aquatic 
realms. In Grand Canyon, the effect of riparian plants on the physical 
template of the Colorado River corridor is beginning to receive more 
attention because the interaction between vegetation and sediment has 
implications for campsite availability and accessibility, wildlife 
habitat, and aquatic shoreline habitats. With the increasing recognition 
of the role that both of vegetation and river regulation have on fluvial 
geomorphology, studies that evaluate the additive effects of both change 
agents on shoreline and channel geomorphic landforms are increasingly 
relevant to resource managers interested in preserving or re-
establishing biotic linkages and channel dynamics. 

Project Description:
This project utilizes annual monitoring data and historic data to 
explore the utility of plant response-guilds to probabilistically 
evaluate and assess wildlife habitat, and to use the guilds and a 22-
year topographic survey record for retrospective analyses of riparian 
vegetation change on selected sandbars. We seek a post-doctoral 
scientist to use identified plant-response guilds (sensu Merritt et al., 
2010, Freshwater Biology, 55: 206–225) to develop vegetation response 
models to flows released from Glen Canyon Dam that may inform the 
retrospective analysis and future restoration efforts. The researcher 
identifies and estimates vegetation response, but also works with 
riparian and aquatic ecologist and geomorphologist to identify linkages 
between vegetation and aquatic and terrestrial communities and explores 
feedback responses between vegetation change and sediment and geomorphic 
change. The post-doctoral researcher will interact with scientists in 
the Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Center and, the US Forest 
Service and USGS Science Center in Fort Collins, CO. We expect that 
development and application of plant response guild models will 
culminate with a series of high-impact peer-reviewed publications. 
Insights gained from the modelling will help inform ongoing adaptive 
management experimentation in Glen and Grand Canyon (see 
www.gcdamp.gov). 

Appointment Details:
Term of appointment is initially for 13 months with the possibility of 
extension for 1-2 additional years highly likely, but contingent on 
funding and adequate progress by the applicant; A start date in late 
2016 is desirable, but with some flexibility.  Review of applications 
will begin on July 5, 2016 and will continue until a suitable candidate 
is identified.  Salary is $71,012/yr (GS12) + full benefits.  All local 
and professional travel costs will be covered.  Scientist will be 
advised by a research scientist at the USGS Grand Canyon Monitoring and 
Research Center. The postdoc will be located in Flagstaff, Arizona at 
USGS-GCMRC. 

Field work occurs primarily along the Colorado River in Grand Canyon, 
AZ. Work includes whitewater rafting and camping for multiple days (up 
to 16 days), and may require hiking in rough desert terrain over 
distances more than 5 miles with large elevation change and limited 
access to water. Field conditions can include exposure to temperature 
extremes, common in desert environments, and monsoonal rain in the 
summer months.

Instituitonal background: 
The U.S. Geological Survey's Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Center 
(GCMRC; www.gcmrc.gov) is the science arm of the Glen Canyon Dam 
Adaptive Management Program.  The construction and operation of Glen 
Canyon Dam has fundamentally altered the physical template of the 
Colorado River (e.g., sediment inputs and water clarity, water 
temperature, geomorphology), which has in turn affected biological 
resources of concern including introduced rainbow trout and native, 
endangered fish populations.  Scientists at GCMRC develop and implement 
research and long-term monitoring of physical, biological, and cultural 
resources downstream from Glen Canyon Dam needed to inform the adaptive 

[ECOLOG-L] Multiple Postdocs in Disease Ecology - EEB Dept., Univ. of Minnesota

[Eric Seabloom]

MULTIPLE POST-DOCTORAL POSITIONS IN DISEASE ECOLOGY
Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior; University of Minnesota

Our research group seeks to hire 2-3 motivated and conceptually driven 
post-doctoral associates to 
work collaboratively using empirical and/or theoretical approaches to test 
community ecology and 
behavioral ecology theory in pathogen communities. This work will focus on, but 
not necessarily be 
limited to, 
(i) investigating the role of vector behavior on pathogen dynamics, 
(ii) testing the relevance of  resource competition and metacommunity theory to 
pathogen 
communities, and 
(iii) investigating the interactions between disease and movement broadly. 

The successful applicant will work within a collaborative research team of 
faculty, postdoctoral 
researchers, and graduate students that includes expertise in using 
mathematical, statistical, and 
empirical approaches in behavioral, community, and disease ecology.  We are 
particularly interested 
in applicants with strong skills in mathematics, statistical and analytical 
techniques, or molecular 
techniques relevant to the detection of phytoviruses using qPCR or metagenomics 
techniques. 
Demonstration of excellent writing skills are is an essential qualification for 
these positions. The 
appointment is initially for one year, but may be renewed annually. Starting 
date is negotiable and 
may begin as soon as possible.

Questions about this position should be addressed to Drs. Allison Shaw 
(as...@umn.edu), Elizabeth 
Borer (bo...@umn.edu), or Eric Seabloom (seabl...@umn.edu).

Review of applications will begin 15 June 2016 and positions will remain open 
until filled.  

Apply for this position (Job Opening ID: 310245) via the University of 
Minnesota Office of Human 
Resources website: http://www1.umn.edu/ohr/employment/

https://www.myu.umn.edu/psp/psprd/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM.HRS_APP_SCHJOB.GBL?
Page=HRS_APP_JBPST=U=Applicant=1JobOpeningId=310245
=1

[ECOLOG-L] Introductory GIS and Species Distribution Modelling courses for Marine Biologists, August 2016

[Colin D. MacLeod]

GIS In Ecology will, once again, be running the following introductory courses 
for marine biologists in the use of GIS and Species Distribution Modelling in 
August 2016.



1. An Introduction To Using GIS In Marine Biology, 8th – 10th August 2016, 
Glasgow, Scotland: This three day course covers the basics of how to use GIS in 
marine biological research and is aimed at those who have little or no 
experience in using GIS, but who wish to learn. The course is taught by Dr 
Colin D. MacLeod, author of the ‘An Introduction To Using GIS In Marine 
Biology’ series of books, and is taught in the type of language marine 
biologists will be familiar with. It consists of a series of background and 
practical sessions which will provide all the information needed to start 
successfully using GIS in marine biology. Cost: £395 (£300 for students, 
unwaged and those working for NGOs). More information on this course, including 
an online booking form, can be found at: 
http://www.gisinecology.com/Training_Course_Glasgow_August_2016.htm. If you 
have any questions, or wish to book a place by email, email: 
cdmacl...@gisinecology.com




2. An Introduction To Species Distribution Modelling In The Marine Environment, 
11th – 12th August 2016, Glasgow, Scotland: This two day course follows on from 
the introductory GIS course and provides all the information required to start 
using Species Distribution Modelling (SDM) in the marine environment in a 
practical and biologically meaningful way. In a series of background sessions, 
case studies and practical exercises, it covers how to create data layers of 
species distribution, how to select and create raster data layers of 
environmental variables, such as water depth, how to join information on 
species distribution to environmental information, how to export data from a 
GIS project for analysis in a statistical package, such as R, how to create 
spatial visualisations based on a statistical model and how to validate the 
spatial predictions of a model. The practical sessions work through a species 
distribution modelling project based on real marine survey data from start to 
finish. Cost: £295 (£200 for students, unwaged and those working for NGOs). 
This course can be done with either ArcGIS or the freely available open source 
GIS software package QGIS. More information on this course, including an online 
booking form, can be found at: 
http://www.gisinecology.com/Training_Course_SDM_August_2016.htm. If you have 
any questions, or wish to book a place by email, email: 
cdmacl...@gisinecology.com. Note: This course requires a basic knowledge of GIS 
(as covered in the above introductory GIS course) and how to use ArcGIS or QGIS 
GIS software.




For more information on other upcoming courses from GIS In Ecology, visit: 
http://www.GISinEcology.com/training_courses.htm.

All the best,

Colin

==
GIS IN ECOLOGY - Providing Training, Advice And Consultancy On The Use Of GIS 
In Ecology

Web: www.GISinEcology.com Email: i...@gisinecology.com

Need to ask a question about using GIS? Try the GIS In Ecology Forum: 
www.GISinEcology.com/GIS_in_Ecology_forum.htm

Books From GIS In Ecology Staff:

GIS For Biologists: A Practical Introduction For Undergraduates; RRP: £24.99
An Introduction To Using GIS In Marine Biology; RRP: £44.99
An Introduction To Using GIS In Marine Biology: Supplementary Workbook One - 
Creating Maps Of Species Distribution; RRP: £19:99

If you wish to purchase these books, visit: 
http://www.gisinecology.com/Book_Shop.htm

To help the environment, please do not print out this email unless it is 
unavoidable.
==

---
This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
https://www.avast.com/antivirus

[ECOLOG-L] Gabon Biodiversity Program Managing Director Position

[Jessica_Deichmann]

The Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute is looking for a Gabon
Biodiversity Program Director to manage the long-standing program in Gabon. 


Job Description: The Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute’s (SCBI)
Center for Conservation and Sustainability is seeking a highly motivated
Conservation Biologist to lead and manage a SCBI biodiversity and
conservation program in Gabon, Africa. The incumbent will implement the
Gabon Biodiversity Program’s strategic plan, assure thoughtful design of
program content, and foster collaborative relationships with program
partners. The program generates knowledge and understanding of the Gamba
Complex to restore habitats, protect wildlife species, and connect people to
conservation. For further information, visit: nationalzoo.si.edu/SCBI/CCS/.

Background: SCBI conducts research to study, understand, predict, and
monitor the impact of infrastructure development projects on biodiversity
and ecosystem services. The knowledge and information generated by SCBI
programs provides management recommendations for best conservation and
sustainable development practices. Guided by the principles of the
Convention on Biological Diversity, SCBI has worked with select energy
development companies since 1996 to integrate biodiversity conservation
priorities into development projects. 

Resposibilities: The Gabon Biodiversity Program Director is responsible for
developing, managing and implementing the Gabon Biodiversity Program in
coordination with the CCS Director and Managing Director of Field Programs.
 The incumbent will be expected to:
- manage and implement Smithsonian and Gabonese policies and standard
operating procedures to effectively achieve SCBI’s objectives and priotities,
- conduct scientific research, primarily guided towards applying
conservation practices for the long term sustainability and conservation of
the area,
- facilitate collaborations with national and international organizations,
- promote educational activities,
- develop, coordinate and implement communication, education and fundraising
strategies to make the program financially sustainable,
- develop annual management and budget plans,
- monitor and update financial data regularly,
- present program activities in oral and written forms, and
- publish research, monitoring and conservation results.

Qualifications: The successful applicant: 1) has a PhD in conservation
biology, ecology, biology, or a related discipline, 2) has 3-5 years
experience leading and managing programs, certified in program management or
with 3-5 years of experience in organizational and project management
skills, 3) has a background in science and statistical analysis with a
strong publication record, 4) is fully bilingual in English and French, with
excellent oral and writing communication skills.

The position is based in Gabon with regular travel to research sites within
the country and occasional international travel.

Applicants should email: 1) a 2-page letter of interest detailing
qualifications for the position, 2) curriculum vitae (4-page maximum), and
3) contact information for 3 professional references indicating name and
address of institution, email address, and phone number, to Sulema Castro at
c...@si.edu. Please include “Gabon Biodiversity Program Director” in the
subject line of the email.

Salary: Determined based on qualifications. Note: Temporary 1 year Trust
Appointment, with possibility of extention.

Application Deadline: June 27, 2016, to be filled by August 2016.
Applications will be reviewed as they are received.

[ECOLOG-L] Course Introduction to Geometric Morphometrics, January 9-13, Alberta, Canada

[Soledad De Esteban Trivigno]

Dear colleagues,

Registration is open for the course "INTRODUCTION TO GEOMETRIC MORPHOMETRICS-
8th edition".

INSTRUCTORS: Prof. Chris Klingenberg (University of Manchester, UK) and Dr.
Jesús Marugán (UAM, Spain).

Dates: January 9th-13th, 2017.

Place: Banff Center, Alberta, Canada (https://www.banffcentre.ca/)

More information and registration:
http://www.transmittingscience.org/courses/geometric-morphometrics/introduction-geometric-morphometrics-canada/

This course is entitled to teach the main concepts of shape analysis based on
landmark coordinates and its multivariate procedures, and how they can be put

into practice across any biological discipline in which the phenotype (form) and
 its variation are the principal sources of information.

Program:

1. Introduction: Shape, size and biological morphology.
2. Morphometric data: Equipment, landmarks, outlines and surfaces.
3. Visualizing shapes and shape changes.
4. Looking at variation: PCA.
5. Distinguishing groups: CVA and discriminant analysis.
6. Symmetry and asymmetry.
7. Morphometrics in a messy world: outliers and measurement error.
8. Regression and allometry.
9. Covariation between things: PLS.
10. Morphological integration.
11. Modularity.
12. Phylogeny and comparative methods.
13. Putting things together: Combining analyses to solve biological questions.
14. Presentation of group work by participants.

Please feel free to distribute this information between your colleagues if you
consider it appropriate.

With best regards

Soledad De Esteban-Trivigno, PhD.
Scientific Director
Transmitting Science
www.transmittingscience.org

[ECOLOG-L] volunteers South Africa, striped mouse project

[Carsten Schradin]

Volunteers needed

Evolution and Socio-Ecology of small Mammals in the Succulent Karoo of South
Africa

 

Opportunity: This is a great opportunity for anybody who wants to get more
experience in field work related to animal behavior, evolution,
eco-physiology, and ecology before starting an MSc or PhD project.

Project: We study the evolutionary and ecological reasons as well as
physiological mechanisms of group living, paternal care, communal nesting
and social flexibility in the striped mouse. One focus is on the adaptation
to droughts, combining physiological, behavioral, ecological and
evolutionary research. As this species is diurnal and the habitat is open,
direct behavioral observations in the field are possible.

What kind of people are needed? Biology/zoology/veterinary students are
preferred as candidates. Applicants must have an interest in working in the
field and with animals. Hard working conditions will await applicants, as
the study species gets up with sunrise (between 5 and 6 o` clock), and stops
its activity with dusk (19 o` clock). Work during nights might also be
necessary. Work in the field will be done for 5 days a week. Applicants must
be able to manage extreme temperatures (below 0 at night in winter,
sometimes over 40°C during summer days). Applicants must both be prepared to
live for long periods in the loneliness of the field and to be part of a
small social group.

Work of volunteer field assistants: Trapping, marking and radio-tracking of
striped mice; direct behavioral observations in the field. Volunteers will
also see how blood samples are collected for physiological measurements.
Volunteers are expected to help with maintenance of the research station
(water pump, solar power, etc.).

Confirmation letter: Students get a letter of confirmation about their work
and can prepare a report of their own small project to get credit points
from their university for their bachelor or masters studies.

Costs: Students have to arrange their transport to the field site
themselves. Per month, an amount of Rand 1450 (around 175 US$, 100 Euro)
must be paid for accommodation at the research station. Students must buy
their own food etc in Springbok (costs of about R 3000, approx. 350 US$ or
250 Euro/month). Including extras (going out for dinner; shopping), you
should expect costs of about 600 US$ / 450 Euros per month. Students get an
invitation letter which they can use to apply for funding in their home
country.

Place: The field site is in the Goegap Nature Reserve near Springbok in the
North-West of South Africa. The vegetation consists of Succulent Karoo,
which has been recognized as one of 25 hotspots of biodiversity. It is a
desert to semi-desert with rain mainly in winter (June to September).

When and how long: At the moment we are looking for two volunteers to start
in June / July 2016 and two volunteers to start in August / September.
Volunteers are expected to stay for 2-3 months. We are also looking for
volunteers for later in 2016.

How to apply? Send a short motivation letter stating why and for which
period you are interested and your CV via email to
succulent.karooo.research.stat...@kabelbw.de. 

 

More information under

http://stripedmouse.com/site1_3_5.htm 

 

 

 

 

WORKING AS A FIELD ASSISTANT IN GOEGAP NATURE RESERVE

 

A report by Romy Höppli, student at the University of Zurich, who staid in
Goegap June to August 2008

 

 

Blue skies without a single cloud for six weeks – rocky mountains with
little vegetation –  yellow, orange and pink fields of flowers in whatever
direction you look – small mammals, lizards and birds in our front yard and
Mountain Zebras, Springbok and Ostrich right next door...

This was my time at the Succulent Karoo Research Station in Goegap Nature
Reserve in South Africa! During six weeks from the beginning of July until
the middle of August I've been living here, studying mice, experiencing
nature like never before and being part of a small community where there was
always something to laugh and joke about! 

After arriving in Goegap, right the next morning my scientific adventure in
South Africa began: Setting and checking traps, nest observations and
radio-tracking were our daily routine. While I got bitten by the mice quite
often in the beginning and my right middle finger was scarred all over, I
improved quickly shaking the mice out of the traps, weighing them and
checking the number of the ear tag. Other duties like cleaning the cages of
the mice in the captive colony, washing the dirt from probably several
months out of the traps, painting the new Wendy House and putting in a floor
and curtains quickly added to our daily field work activities. 

It was never boring in Goegap! There was always something to do: studying
the striped mouse, listening to the interesting and funny stories every
member could tell or just enjoying the time while reading a book or writing
e-mails to friends to tell them about this unique experience.