[ECOLOG-L] Postdoc at UW-Madison on remote sensing and biodiversity
UW-Madison, SILVIS Lab: Postdoc position on remote sensing and biodiversity Overview: We are offering one postdoc position focused on remote sensing and biodiversity, as part of a new USGS-funded project. The project is a collaboration between UW-Madison (V. Radeloff, A. Pidgeon), and the Humboldt University in Berlin (P. Hostert). The goals of the project are to a) derive a suite of new remote sensing indices relevant for biodiversity questions from Landsat satellite data, b) test these indices as predictors of bird biodiversity, as represented in the North American Breeding Bird Survey, and c) make predictive maps of bird biodiversity for the conterminous U.S. Positions: We are offering the postdoctoral position for two years, with an option for a third year. The appointment will be as a research associate. Salary is competitive and will commensurate with experience. The position is available immediately, and we seek to fill it by September 1st 2018 at the latest. The position will be based in the SILVIS lab (http://silvis.forest.wisc.edu/) and co-supervised by V. Radeloff and A. Pidgeon. The SILVIS lab is part of the Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. UW-Madison has a long history of excellence in ecology, conservation biology, remote sensing, and geography. The university ranks consistently among the top research universities in the United States. Total student enrollment is 43,000 of which approximately 12,000 are graduate and professional students, and there are over 2000 faculty. UW-Madison is an exciting place to learn and conduct research! The city of Madison ranks as one of the most attractive places in the U.S. to live and work. For information about campus and city, please see http://www.wisc.edu/about/ Qualifications: We seek candidates who work well in a collaborative setting and have excellent communication skills in English. We welcome applications from candidates with a background in ecology, environmental science, forestry, geography, or other related disciplines. Demonstrated skills in the processing and handling of satellite imagery, large datasets, statistical modeling, and GIS are expected, as is prior experience analyzing wildlife or other biodiversity data. Applicants must have completed their Ph.D. at the time of appointment, and should have published first-authored papers in peer-reviewed scientific journals. To apply: Please submit your application here: https://uwmadison.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6qV7mztRdvvfiND Please note that submitting an application includes filling out a small survey, and takes approximately 15 minutes. It also requires contact information for three references, and to upload (in PDF format): - a 2-page cover letter summarizing research interests and experiences - a Curriculum Vitae - unofficial transcripts (both undergraduate and graduate, compiled into one file) After reviewing all applicants, we will ask for reference letters and official transcripts for shortlisted candidates. The position is open to both U.S. citizens, and international candidates. UW-Madison will assist with visa applications as necessary once offers are made. The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. We promote excellence through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. Review of applicants will begin immediately, but the positions will remain open until suitable candidates are found. Applications received by March 10th 2018 are guaranteed consideration.
[ECOLOG-L] Postdoc/PHD positions in remote sensing at UW-Madison
UW-Madison, SILVIS Lab: Several remote sensing Postdoc and PhD positions available to study land use change, agricultural abandonment, and the Caucasus Overview: Several postdoc and PhD positions are available for two NASA funded projects. Both projects focus on land use change, and will makes extensive use of satellite data. One project will focus on land use change, especially long-term degradation of forests and grasslands in the Caucasus Mountains, analyze large amounts of satellite data, and link the observed changes to socioeconomic factors. The second project will focus on the development of methods to map agricultural abandonment, fallow fields and grasslands based on both Landsat and Sentinel-2 data. Test sites will be in Eastern Europe and across the globe. We are seeking to hire several postdocs and PhD students to contribute to these two projects. The projects are a collaboration between UW-Madison (V. Radeloff), and partners from other universities in the U.S., Europe, and the Caucasus region. Positions: We are offering the postdoctoral positions for two years. The appointments will be as a research associate. Salary is competitive and will commensurate with experience. The positions are available immediately, and we seek to fill it by September 1st 2018 at the latest. We are offering the PhD graduate assistantships for three years. The appointments will be as a research assistant with a stipend of $22,427 per year plus health benefits and tuition remission. We anticipate the PhD student to start September 1st 2018, but an earlier start date is negotiable. The university has a long history of excellence in ecology, conservation biology, remote sensing and geography. All positions will be based in the SILVIS lab (http://silvis.forest.wisc.edu/) and supervised by V. Radeloff. The SILVIS lab is part of the Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. PhD students will be enrolled in the Forestry Program, the no.-1 ranked forestry PhD graduate program in the U.S.! UW-Madison ranks consistently among the top research universities in the United States. Total student enrollment is 43,000 of which approximately 12,000 are graduate and professional students, and there are over 2000 faculty. UW-Madison is an exciting place to learn and conduct research! The city of Madison ranks as one of the most attractive places in the U.S. to live and work. For information about campus and city, please see http://www.wisc.edu/about/ Qualifications: For all positions, we seek candidates who work well in a collaborative setting and have excellent communication skills in English. Additional language skills are a plus. We welcome applications from candidates with a background in geography, ecology, environmental science, forestry, computer science, or other related disciplines. Demonstrated skills in the processing and handling of satellite imagery, large datasets, statistical modeling, and GIS are essential and expected. Knowledge of land use science, landscape ecology, and Eastern Europe/the Caucasus region is a plus, but is not required. Applicants for the post-doc positions must have completed their Ph.D. at the time of appointment and should have published in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Applicants for the PhD student positions must have a completed a BS by the time of appointment, and a completed MS degree is desirable, but candidates with equivalent experience will be considered. Prior publications are not required for PhD student applicants, but desirable. To apply: Please submit your application here: https://uwmadison.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bd8uKWzgkvzqGTH Please note that submitting an application includes filling out a small survey, and takes approximately 15 minutes. It also requires contact information for three references and to upload (in PDF format): - a 2-page cover letter summarizing research interests and experiences - a Curriculum Vitae - unofficial transcripts (both undergraduate and graduate, compiled into one file) After reviewing all applicants, we will ask for reference letters and official transcripts for shortlisted candidates. The positions are open to both U.S. citizens, and international candidates. UW-Madison will assist with visa applications as necessary once offers are made. The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. We promote excellence through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. Review of applicants will begin immediately, but the positions will remain open until suitable candidates are found. Applications received by February 28th 2018 are guaranteed consideration.
[ECOLOG-L] UW-Madison: 2 Postdoc + 1 PhD positions on bird populations, extreme climate events, and the role of refugia
UW-Madison: 2 Postdoc and 1 PHD position available to study the effects of extreme climate events on avian demographics: the role of habitat refugia in mitigating climate change Overview: Climate change poses severe threats to biodiversity, and conservationists have to adapt their management decisions to a changing climate. The challenge is that the biological response to future climate change is uncertain. Climate change will entail a general warming, but even more importantly may increase the frequency of extreme climate events (such as multiyear droughts) and extreme weather events (such as shorter droughts, heatwaves, and cold snaps). Our NASA funded study has two major goals. The first is a basic science question: we seek to predict the effects of extreme climate and weather events, including droughts, heat waves, and cold snaps during the breeding season, on bird demographics, focusing especially on waterfowl and forest birds. As part of this question we will test four alternative hypotheses to explain observed abundance declines: (1) the lower recruitment hypothesis, (2) the adult mortality hypothesis, (3) the long-distance dispersal hypothesis, and (4) the refugia hypothesis. Our second goal is an applied research question: we seek to quantify the role of National Wildlife Refuges and National Forests as refugia for waterfowl and forest birds respectively during extreme events, and to identify management actions to enhance this function. The project is a collaboration between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (La Crosse, Wisconsin, P. Heglund), United States Geological Survey (La Crosse, Wisconsin, W. Thogmartin), U.S. Forest Service (Ft. Collins, Colorado, C. Flather), University of Wisconsin-Madison (A. Pidgeon, V. Radeloff, and S. Vavrus), University of Nevada, Reno (T. Albright), and Stony Brook University (Stony Brook, New York, R. Akcakaya). At this point, we are filling three positions that will all be based in Madison, Wisconsin. A fourth position for a PhD student with R. Akcakaya focusing on population modeling will be filled in 2012. Positions: Three positions (one PhD and 2 Post-doc positions) will be based in the Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology. We are offering each as a fully funded 3-year position, with the potential for a fourth year depending on performance and project objectives. In terms of the different work tasks, we envision the following team composition: - One person (either PhD or post-doc) will focus on changes in forest bird populations in response to extreme climate events under the supervision of A. Pidgeon. - One person (either PhD or post-doc) will focus on changes in waterfowl populations in response to extreme climate events, and will be under the joint supervision of A. Pidgeon and V. Radeloff. - One position (either PhD or post-doc) will assess and predict extreme events, and will work under the supervision of V. Radeloff and S. Vavrus. PhD students would be appointed as 12-month research assistants, with an annual salary of $20,400, tuition remission, and full benefits including health insurance. Postdocs would be appointed as 12-month research associates, salary is competitive and commensurate with experience, and full benefits including health insurance is included. Start date for all positions is flexible, funding is in hand, and an early start date is preferred. The positions are open to both U.S. citizen, and non-residents. Qualifications: We are especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community. For applicants at the PhD level, a MS degree in ecology, wildlife ecology, atmospheric science, geography, environmental science, or related disciplines is required. Applicants with a BS degree will only be considered if substantial relevant experience can be shown. A solid working knowledge of remote sensing, GIS, and statistics is required. For applicants at the postdoctoral level, we expect a completed Ph.D. in an appropriate field (see list in previous paragraph) prior to appointment. Candidates should have a strong background in spatial/landscape ecology; intimate working knowledge of GIS; and strong quantitative skills. For the person filling the position focusing on extreme events, experience in working with climate data is desirable. For all three positions, we seek candidates who work well in a collaborative setting and have excellent communication and writing skills. Good English writing and verbal communication skills, and a demonstrated ability as a team member, are essential. To apply: Candidates should send a cover letter summarizing their research interests, a CV that spells out skills, and the contact information for three references. Please indicate in your cover letter explicitly which topical area you are interested in, and at which level (PhD or postdoc) you are applying. Review of applicants will begin immediately; position w
[ECOLOG-L] 2 postdoc and 1 PhD position, UW-Madison: Birds, extreme climate events, and habitat refugia
UW-Madison: 2 Postdoc and 1 PHD position available to study the effects of extreme climate events on avian demographics: the role of habitat refugia in mitigating climate change Overview: Climate change poses severe threats to biodiversity, and conservationists have to adapt their management decisions to a changing climate. The challenge is that the biological response to future climate change is uncertain. Climate change will entail a general warming, but even more importantly may increase the frequency of extreme climate events (such as multiyear droughts) and extreme weather events (such as shorter droughts, heatwaves, and cold snaps). Our NASA funded study has two major goals. The first is a basic science question: we seek to predict the effects of extreme climate and weather events, including droughts, heat waves, and cold snaps during the breeding season, on bird demographics, focusing especially on waterfowl and forest birds. As part of this question we will test four alternative hypotheses to explain observed abundance declines: (1) the lower recruitment hypothesis, (2) the adult mortality hypothesis, (3) the long-distance dispersal hypothesis, and (4) the refugia hypothesis. Our second goal is an applied research question: we seek to quantify the role of National Wildlife Refuges and National Forests as refugia for waterfowl and forest birds respectively during extreme events, and to identify management actions to enhance this function. The project is a collaboration between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (La Crosse, Wisconsin, P. Heglund)United States Geological Survey (La Crosse, Wisconsin, W. Thogmartin), the US Forest Service (Ft. Collins, Colorado, C. Flather), UW-Madison (Madison, Wisconsin, A. Pidgeon, V. Radeloff, and S. Vavrus), and Stony Brook University (Stony Brook, New York, R. Akcakaya). At this point, we are filling three positions that will all be based in Madison, Wisconsin. A fourth position for a PhD student with R. Akcakaya focusing on population modeling will be filled in 2012. Positions: Three positions (one PhD and 2 Post-doc positions) will be based in the Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology. We are offering each as a fully funded 3-year position, with the potential for a fourth year depending on performance and project objectives. In terms of the different work tasks, we envision the following team composition: - One person (either PhD or post-doc) will focus on changes in forest bird populations in response to extreme climate events under the supervision of A. Pidgeon. - One person (either PhD or post-doc) will focus on changes in waterfowl populations in response to extreme climate events, and will be under the joint supervision of A. Pidgeon and V. Radeloff. - One position (either PhD or post-doc) will assess and predict extreme events, and will work under the supervision of V. Radeloff and S. Vavrus. PhD students would be appointed as 12-month research assistants, with an annual salary of $20,400, tuition remission, and full benefits including health insurance. Postdocs would be appointed as 12-month research associates, salary is competitive and commensurate with experience, and full benefits including health insurance is included. Start date for all positions is flexible, funding is in hand, and an early start date is preferred. The positions are open to both U.S. citizen, and non-residents. Qualifications: We are especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community. For applicants at the PhD level, a MS degree in ecology, wildlife ecology, atmospheric science, geography, environmental science, or related disciplines is required. Applicants with a BS degree will only be considered if substantial relevant experience can be shown. A solid working knowledge of remote sensing, GIS, and statistics is required. For applicants at the postdoctoral level, we expect a completed Ph.D. in an appropriate field (see list in previous paragraph) prior to appointment. Candidates should have a strong background in spatial/landscape ecology; intimate working knowledge of GIS; and strong quantitative skills. For the person filling the position focusing on extreme events, experience in working with climate data is desirable. For all three positions, we seek candidates who work well in a collaborative setting and have excellent communication and writing skills. Good English writing and verbal communication skills, and a demonstrated ability as a team member, are essential. To apply: Candidates should send a cover letter summarizing their research interests, a CV that spells out skills, and the contact information for three references. Please indicate in your cover letter explicitly which topical area you are interested in, and at which level (PhD or postdoc) you are applying. Review of applicants will begin immedia
[ECOLOG-L] GIS/Remote Sensing Technician Position at UW-Madison
POSITION AVAILABLE: GIS/Remote Sensing Technician at UW-Madison Overview: A new position for a remote sensing and GIS technician is available in the Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The major work tasks will be to download, pre-process and classify satellite imagery, especially from Landsat and MODIS sensors, and to acquire and process GIS datasets. The technician will work primarily on two major projects assessing deforestation in Mexico, and climate change effects on biodiversity in the U.S. The position is part of the SILVIS lab (silvis.forest.wisc.edu). In the lab, we strive for a strong level of collaboration and team work, and to facilitate this, the technician’s task will also include assisting graduate students and postdoctoral fellows with remote sensing and GIS analyses. V. Radeloff will be the supervisor for this position. Qualifications: - B.S. in geography, forestry, environmental science, computer science or a related discipline. MS preferred. - 1-2 years of experience in remote sensing image classification (e.g., with ERDAS Imagine, ENVI), and processing of GIS datasets (e.g., in ArcGIS, GRASS) is essential. Programming experience to automate tasks highly desirable. Familiarity with Internet-GIS a plus. The GIS/Remote Sensing Specialist will organize and manage extensive spatial databases, and support and lead efforts to map land use and land use change. The specialist will also be responsible for documenting metadata and creating maps. Experience with conservation-related spatial data analysis is a plus. - We especially encourage candidates who work well in a collaborative setting and have excellent communication and writing skills. - UW-Madison is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. We are particularly interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community through their research, teaching and/or service. Position: The appointment type is Associate Information Processing Consultant. Funding is in hand for 2 years, and the position is renewable based on continued funding and satisfactory performance. The position is available immediately, and an early start date is preferred, but is open to negotiation. Salary is competitive and includes health care benefits. To apply: Candidates should send a cover letter summarizing their research interests, a CV, and the contact information for three references. Review of applicants will begin immediately; position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found. All applications received on or before May 26th 2011 are guaranteed consideration. Application packages (e-mailed as a single PDF file) should be sent to slsch...@wisc.edu. Unless confidentiality is requested in writing, information regarding applicants must be released upon request. Finalists cannot be guaranteed confidentiality. University: The University of Wisconsin –Madison is one of the major research universities in the United States (www.wisc.edu). It ranks 2nd in research expenditures among all U.S. universities and first among public universities. Total student enrollment is 41,500, out of which 8,800 are graduate students, working with 2,000+ faculty. UW-Madison has a long history of excellence in remote sensing, GIS, ecology, conservation biology, education research, and computer science. Town: Madison, Wisconsin consistently ranks as one of the best places in the United States to live, work, and study. It is Wisconsin's capital city, with a vibrant population of approximately 200,000 that combines small town charm with a nice variety of leisure and cultural opportunities. For more information on campus and town see http://www.uc.wisc.edu/profile/
[ECOLOG-L] UW-Madison PhD position in remote sensing and biodiversity conservation
UW Madison PhD position: land use change and biodiversity protection in Russia Position Description: A PhD research assistantship is available using remote sensing to monitor land cover and land use change, and its effects on biodiversity in Russia. Russia has undergone dramatic changes in land use and land cover since the breakdown of the USSR in 1990. In some regions, more than half of the agricultural land is out of production and succession to shrublands and forests is widespread. This offers unique opportunities for biodiversity conservation. On the other hand, forest exports are rising, and harvesting rates especially in the temperate forests of European Russia may not be sustainable. In the project, we will monitor recent land cover changes with satellite imagery, and assess effects on biodiversity and protected areas. Specifically, we will focus on land use change surrounding protected areas in the Caucasus and Ural Mountains, and will relate the observed changes to biodiversity inventories, and wildlife habitat. University, Department, Lab: The University of Wisconsin –Madison is one of the major research universities in the United States (www.wisc.edu). It ranks 2nd in research expenditures among all U.S. universities and first among public universities. Total student enrollment is 41,500, out of which 8,800 are graduate students. Employees include 2,000 faculty. UW-Madison has a long history of excellence in ecology, conservation biology, and remote sensing science. This project will be housed in the SILVIS laboratory (http://silvis.forest.wisc.edu) in the Department of Forest Ecology and Management (http://forest.wisc.edu). Town: Madison, Wisconsin consistently ranks as one of the best places in the United States to live, work, and study. It is Wisconsin's capital city, with a vibrant population of approximately 200,000 that combines small town charm with a nice variety of leisure and cultural opportunities. For more information on campus and town see http://www.uc.wisc.edu/profile/ Stipend/Salary: Current annual stipend levels are $20,184 per year before taxes, plus tuition remission and health care benefits. Financial support is provided by NASA and available for three years. The position is available immediately, a start date in the Spring of 2011 is strongly preferred, but a later start date may be negotiable for exceptional candidates. Qualifications: A MS degree in geography, environmental science, forestry, wildlife ecology, or other related disciplines is required. Applicants with a BS degree may be considered if substantial relevant experience can be shown. A solid working knowledge of remote sensing, GIS, and statistics software is required. Good English writing and verbal communication skills, as well as the ability to work in a team, are essential. Knowledge of a Slavic language and familiarity with Russia is a plus. Application Process: Applications will be reviewed upon receipt and review will continue until candidates are chosen. Applications received before Thanksgiving Nov. 20th are guaranteed consideration. The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. We promote excellence through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. Interested applicants are asked to e-mail to our Student Services Coordinator Sara Rodock (rod...@wisc.edu) the documents listed below (in one PDF file). Please specify in your letter when you would be available to start. - Cover letter outlining research interests, academic and professional backgrounds - Resume/CV - Copies of transcripts (unofficial copies acceptable at this point) - GRE scores if available - Reprints if available - Names and contact addresses of three references Volker Radeloff, Associate Professor Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology University of Wisconsin 1630 Linden Drive Russell Laboratories Madison WI 53706 radel...@wisc.edu
[ECOLOG-L] UW-Madison Postdoc position: Bird biodiversity in and around US National Forests, Parks, and Wilderness Areas
POSITION AVAILABLE: Postdoctoral Associate PROJECT TITLE: Biodiversity at the boundary: the response of birds to land use change in and near protected areas across the conterminous U.S. Overview: A 3-yr position is available for a postdoctoral associate to join an interdisciplinary research team examining the effects of human land use intensification near the boundary of protected areas on avian biodiversity. The position will be housed at the Silvis laboratory of Drs. Anna Pidgeon and Volker Radeloff, Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison. Protected lands in general, and National Forest System lands in particular, are critical to sustaining our biological heritage. However, protected lands are also an amenity that attracts development, and housing growth in and near National Forests, National Parks, and Wilderness Areas exceeds high national housing growth rates (Radeloff et al. 2010, PNAS). Although protected lands form a vital component of most regional strategies to conserve biodiversity, there has been little effort directed at understanding the proximity effects of private land use intensification on the capacity for protected land to maintain their conservation value. Because of the interdisciplinary nature of the project the successful candidate will be given the opportunity to work with members of the research team for extended periods in Fort Collins, CO (Dr. Curt Flather, Rocky Mountain Research Station) and Evanston, IL (Dr. Susan Stewart, Northern Research Station). Additional information about our ongoing research can be found on the following web pages: http://silvis.forest.wisc.edu/silvis.asp; http://www.fs.fed.us/rmrs/profiles/?last=Flather&first=Curtis+H ; http://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/people/Stewart. Qualifications: Applicants must have completed a Ph.D. in ecology or a related field prior to appointment. Candidates should have a strong background in spatial/landscape ecology; intimate working knowledge of GIS; and strong quantitative skills, particularly in the area of generalized linear modeling. Experience in the compilation and analysis of geographically large data sets will be viewed as an asset. We especially encourage candidates who work well in a collaborative setting and have excellent communication and writing skills. A start date in Feburary or earlier is preferred, but is open to negotation. To apply: Candidates should send a cover letter summarizing there research interests, a CV, a sample of representative publications, and the contact information for three references. Review of applicants will begin immediately; position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found. All application received on or before November 15th 2010 are guaranteed consideration. Application packages (emailed as a single PDF file) should be sent to (radel...@wisc.edu and apidg...@wisc.edu)
[ECOLOG-L] UW-Madison Postdoc position: Bird biodiversity in and around US National Forests, Parks, and Wilderness Areas
POSITION AVAILABLE: Postdoctoral Associate PROJECT TITLE: Biodiversity at the boundary: the response of birds to land use change in and near protected areas across the conterminous U.S. OVERVIEW: A 3-yr position is available for a postdoctoral associate to join an interdisciplinary research team examining the effects of human land use intensification near the boundary of protected areas on avian biodiversity. The position will be housed at the Silvis laboratory of Drs. Anna Pidgeon and Volker Radeloff, Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison. Protected lands in general, and National Forest System lands in particular, are critical to sustaining our biological heritage. However, protected lands are also an amenity that attracts development, and housing growth in and near National Forests, National Parks, and Wilderness Areas exceeds high national housing growth rates (Radeloff et al. 2010, PNAS). Although protected lands form a vital component of most regional strategies to conserve biodiversity, there has been little effort directed at understanding the proximity effects of private land use intensification on the capacity for protected land to maintain their conservation value. Because of the interdisciplinary nature of the project the successful candidate will be given the opportunity to work with members of the research team for extended periods in Fort Collins, CO (Dr. Curt Flather, Rocky Mountain Research Station) and Evanston, IL (Dr. Susan Stewart, Northern Research Station). Additional information about our ongoing research can be found on the following web pages: http://silvis.forest.wisc.edu/silvis.asp; http://www.fs.fed.us/rm/human-dimensions/staff/cflather.shtml ; http://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/people/Stewart. QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants must have completed a Ph.D. in ecology or a related field prior to appointment. Candidates should have a strong background in spatial/landscape ecology; intimate working knowledge of GIS; and strong quantitative skills, particularly in the area of generalized linear modeling. Experience in the compilation and analysis of geographically large data sets will be viewed as an asset. We especially encourage candidates who work well in a collaborative setting and have excellent communication and writing skills. The position will begin on or near September 1st, 2010. APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: Candidates should send a cover letter summarizing there research interests, a CV, a sample of representative publications, and the contact information for three references. Review of applicants will begin immediately; position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found. All application received on or before July 15th 2010 are guaranteed consideration. Application packages (emailed as a single PDF file) should be sent to (radel...@wisc.edu)
[ECOLOG-L] Postdoc position: Bird biodiversity in and around protected areas in the U.S.
POSITION AVAILABLE: Postdoctoral Associate PROJECT TITLE: Biodiversity at the boundary: the response of birds to land use change in and near protected areas across the conterminous U.S. OVERVIEW: A 3-yr position is available for a postdoctoral associate to join an interdisciplinary research team examining the effects of human land use intensification near the boundary of protected areas on avian biodiversity. The position will be housed at the Silvis laboratory of Drs. Anna Pidgeon and Volker Radeloff, Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison. Protected lands in general, and National Forest System lands in particular, are critical to sustaining our biological heritage. However, protected lands are also an amenity that attracts development, and housing growth in and near National Forests, National Parks, and Wilderness Areas exceeds high national housing growth rates (Radeloff et al. 2010, PNAS). Although protected lands form a vital component of most regional strategies to conserve biodiversity, there has been little effort directed at understanding the proximity effects of private land use intensification on the capacity for protected land to maintain their conservation value. Because of the interdisciplinary nature of the project the successful candidate will be given the opportunity to work with members of the research team for extended periods in Fort Collins, CO (Dr. Curt Flather, Rocky Mountain Research Station) and Evanston, IL (Dr. Susan Stewart, Northern Research Station). Additional information about our ongoing research can be found on the following web pages: http://silvis.forest.wisc.edu/silvis.asp; http://www.fs.fed.us/rm/human-dimensions/staff/cflather.shtml ; http://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/people/Stewart. QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants must have completed a Ph.D. in ecology or a related field prior to appointment. Candidates should have a strong background in spatial/landscape ecology; intimate working knowledge of GIS; and strong quantitative skills, particularly in the area of generalized linear modeling. Experience in the compilation and analysis of geographically large data sets will be viewed as an asset. We especially encourage candidates who work well in a collaborative setting and have excellent communication and writing skills. The position will begin on or near September 1st, 2010. APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: Candidates should send a cover letter summarizing there research interests, a CV, a sample of representative publications, and the contact information for three references. Review of applicants will begin immediately; position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found. All application received on or before July 15th 2010 are guaranteed consideration. Application packages (emailed as a single PDF file) should be sent to (radel...@wisc.edu)
[ECOLOG-L] UW-Madison PhD Position in Conservation Planning
Ph.D. Research Assistantship in Conservation Planning University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology One position is available for a highly motivated graduate student at the PhD level to conduct a research project focusing on conservation planning in Wisconsin. The successful applicant will have a strong interest in conservation planning, landscape ecology, land use modeling, GIS, and remote sensing. Wisconsin is rich in its biodiversity, but current trends such as housing growth and landscape fragmentation pose conservation threats. The goal of this research project is to understand these threats and to develop systematic conservation plans for three of Wisconsins unique and most treasured landscapes, the Baraboo Hills, the Northwest Wisconsin Pine Barrens, and the Northern Highlands Forests. Specific project objectives are to: a) improve our understanding of human-caused conservation threats by developing and integrating an econometric land use model; b) improve our understanding of habitat availability by developing and integrating advanced remote sensing methods into the habitat assessments; c) develop conservation plans for the three Wisconsin landscapes using the Landscape Conservation Decision Support System (LC DSS) of the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS); and d) collaborate with the Wisconsin Chapter of The Nature Conservancy to develop these plans, and with the Wildlife Conservation Society to use and improve their conservation planning tools Working under Dr. Volker Radeloff and Dr. Anna Pidgeon, the PhD student will join the research team in the SILVIS Lab in the Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology (http://forest.wisc.edu) at UW-Madison. A listing of current members of the lab and research projects can be found at the SILVIS Lab website (http://www.silvis.forest.wisc.edu/ ). Candidates should have the following education and skills: - Educational background in conservation biology, wildlife ecology, landscape ecology, environmental economics, geography, forestry, environmental science, or a related discipline; - Strong English writing and verbal communication skills; - Experience and/or some background in GIS, remote sensing, and statistics; - Motivation to work independently and to publish in peer-reviewed journals; - Proficiency with GIS and statistical analysis software; - Applicants with a Masters degree are preferred but exceptional candidate without Masters degree will be considered. All application received by March 15th are guaranteed consideration. Applicants should submit the following (electronically, preferred) to Sara Rock at rod...@wisc.edu. For questions about the application process or the position, please contact Volker Radeloff at radel...@wisc.edu. - Cover letter summarizing research interests and academic and professional background - Resume/CV - Copies of transcripts (unofficial transcripts sufficient at this point) - GRE scores, if available - Names and contact information for three references (no letters needed at this time) There is no need to apply formally to the department or the UW Graduate School at this point. The PhD assistantship is funded by a McIntire-Stennis grant, available for 3 years period and includes an annual stipend of $20,184, health insurance, and a tuition waiver. Please see http://www.wisc.edu/grad/ for further information about the Graduate School at UW-Madison. Any offer of an assistantship is dependent upon acceptance to the Graduate School and to our departmental PhD program. The University of Wisconsin Madison is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. We promote excellence through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. The University of Wisconsin is a major research university in the United States ranking 2nd in research expenditures among all U.S. universities and first among public universities. Total student enrollment is 41,000 of which 11,400 are graduate and professional students. UWMadison has a long history of excellence in theoretical and applied ecology, conservation biology, geography, and remote sensing science. The city of Madison ranks as one of the top places in the U.S. to live and work. For information about the campus and city of Madison, please see http://www.uc.wisc.edu/profile/
[ECOLOG-L] UW-Madison PhD Position in Remote Sensing of Deforestation in Mexico
Ph.D. Research Assistantship in Remote Sensing of Deforestation in Mexico University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology One position is available for a highly motivated graduate student at the PhD level to conduct a research project focusing on deforestation monitoring with remote sensing in Mexico. The successful applicant will have a strong interest in remote sensing, GIS, landscape ecology, and land use science. This Phd project is part of a larger study to examine the effectiveness of governmental programs to pay for ecosystem services, in this case support given to landowners to keep forest on their land. The main questions of the larger project are how effective such programs are in mitigating deforestation on enrolled properties, how this effectiveness varies with socioeconomic characteristics, and if spillover effects, i.e., increasing deforestation in neighboring areas, limit their effectiveness. The study will focus on a major payment for ecosystem services program in Mexico. Any estimation of program impact requires accurate detection of deforestation for large areas with remote sensing, and this is the focus of the Phd position advertised here. However, the entire research team is highly interdisciplinary and includes economists, social scientists, and conservation biologists, and this Phd position thus offers great potential to link remote sensing science with these fields. Working under Dr. Volker Radeloff and Dr. Jennifer Alix Garcia, the PhD student will join the research team in the SILVIS Lab in the Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology (http://forest.wisc.edu) at UW-Madison. A listing of current members of the lab and research projects can be found at the SILVIS Lab website (http://www.silvis.forest.wisc.edu/ ). Candidates should bring the following: - Educational background in geography, forestry, environmental economics, environmental science, conservation biology, landscape ecology, or a related discipline; - Strong English writing and verbal communication skills; - Spanish language skills not required, but desired; - Strong background in remote sensing, GIS, and statistics; - Motivation to work independently and to publish in peer-reviewed journals; - Proficiency with remote sensing, GIS and statistical analysis software; - Applicants with a Masters degree are preferred but exceptional candidate without Masters degree will be considered. All application received by March 15th are guaranteed consideration. Applicants should submit the following (electronically, preferred) to Sara Rock at rod...@wisc.edu. For questions about the application process or the position, please contact Volker Radeloff at radel...@wisc.edu. - Cover letter summarizing research interests and academic and professional background - Resume/CV - Copies of transcripts (unofficial transcripts sufficient at this point) - GRE scores, if available - Names and contact information for three references (no letters needed at this time) There is no need to apply formally to the department or the UW Graduate School at this point. The PhD assistantship is funded by a 3ie grant, available for 3 years period and includes an annual stipend of $20,184, health insurance, and a tuition waiver. Please see http://www.wisc.edu/grad/ for further information about the Graduate School at UW-Madison. Any offer of an assistantship is dependent upon acceptance to the Graduate School and to our departmental PhD program. The University of Wisconsin Madison is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. We promote excellence through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. The University of Wisconsin is a major research university in the United States ranking 2nd in research expenditures among all U.S. universities and first among public universities. Total student enrollment is 41,000 of which 11,400 are graduate and professional students. UWMadison has a long history of excellence in theoretical and applied ecology, conservation biology, geography, and remote sensing science. The city of Madison ranks as one of the top places in the U.S. to live and work. For information about the campus and city of Madison, please see http://www.uc.wisc.edu/profile/
[ECOLOG-L] PhD Assistantship in Remote Sensing and Conservation Biology
Two PhD Assistantships in remote sensing and conservation biology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison; Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology Position Description: Two PhD research assistantships are available in two projects using remote sensing to monitor land cover and land use change, and its effects on biodiversity in Russia. Russia has undergone dramatic changes in land use and land cover since the breakdown of the USSR in 1990. In some regions, more than half of the agricultural land is out of production and succession to shrublands and forests is widespread. This offers unique opportunities for biodiversity conservation. On the other hand, forest exports are rising, and harvesting rates especially in the temperate forests of European Russia may not be sustainable. In our projects, we will monitor recent land cover changes with satellite imagery, link the changes to socioeconomic drivers, and assess effects on biodiversity and protected areas. The first PhD position will focus on developing methods for large-area mapping based on Landsat TM/ETM+ time series, and on analyzing forest changes in Western Russia during the last decades. The PhD student in this position will be advised by Prof. Mutlu Ozdogan The second PhD position will focus on the monitoring of land use change surrounding protected areas in the Caucasus and Ural Mountains, and will relate the observed changes to biodiversity inventories, and wildlife habitat. The PhD student in this position will be advised by Prof. Volker Radeloff. University, Department, Lab: The University of Wisconsin Madison is one of the major research universities in the United States (www.wisc.edu). It ranks 2nd in research expenditures among all U.S. universities and first among public universities. Total student enrollment is 41,500, out of which 8,800 are graduate students. Employees include 2,000 faculty. UW-Madison has a long history of excellence in ecology, conservation biology, and remote sensing science. This project will be housed in the SILVIS laboratory (http://silvis.forest.wisc.edu) in the Department of Forest Ecology and Management (http://forest.wisc.edu). Town: Madison, Wisconsin consistently ranks as one of the best places in the United States to live, work, and study. It is Wisconsin's capital city, with a vibrant population of approximately 200,000 that combines small town charm with a nice variety of leisure and cultural opportunities. For more information on campus and town see http://www.uc.wisc.edu/profile/ Stipend/Salary: Current annual stipend levels are $19,596 per year before taxes, plus tuition remission and health care benefits. Financial support is provided by NASA and available for three years. Positions area available immediately, a start date no later than Fall of 2009 is strongly preferred, but a later start date may be negotiable for exceptional candidates. Qualifications: A MS degree in geography, environmental science, forestry, wildlife ecology, or other related disciplines is required. Applicants with a BS degree may be considered if substantial relevant experience can be shown. A solid working knowledge of remote sensing, GIS, and statistics software is required. Good English writing and verbal communication skills, as well as the ability to work in a team, are essential. Knowledge of a Slavic language and familiarity with Russia is a plus. Application Process: Applications will be reviewed upon receipt and review will continue until candidates are chosen. Applications received by May 1st, 2009 will be guaranteed consideration. The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. We promote excellence through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. Interested applicants are asked to e-mail to radel...@wisc.edu the documents listed below (preferably in one PDF file). Please specify in your e-mail if you are applying for both positions or only one, and when you would be available. - Cover letter outlining research interests, academic and professional backgrounds - Resume/CV - Copies of transcripts (unofficial copies acceptable at this point) - GRE scores if available - Reprints if available - Names and contact addresses of three references Volker Radeloff, Associate Professor Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology University of Wisconsin 1630 Linden Drive Russell Laboratories Madison WI 53706 radel...@wisc.edu Mutlu Ozdogan, Assistant Professor Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology University of Wisconsin 1630 Linden Drive Russell Laboratories Madison WI 53706 ozdo...@wisc.edu
