[ECOLOG-L] The year Maine burned: Field trip, panel, and more! Next week.

[Inga La Puma]

Check out these events next week exploring the fire science of the 1947 fires 
in Bar Harbor, Maine.


PANEL: The Great Acadia Fire 70 Years Later: What Happened? Could it Happen 
Again? What if it Happened Again?

Tuesday, October 17, 2017, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
The Criterion Theatre, 35 Cottage Street, Bar Harbor, ME
This evening lecture and discussion will examine the climate and forest 
conditions that were ignited in 1947, the vegetation structure and fire danger 
in Acadia National Park today, and the agencies and organizations prepared to 
protect the island from wildfire into the future. Cost: $10 Tickets available 
at: www.criteriontheatre.org 

 

This event has been approved for 2.0 Category 1 CFE credits by the Society of 
American Foresters.
Fire Science and Management FIELD TRIP - The Great Acadia Fire 70 Years Later: 
Lessons and Future Challenges

Wednesday, October 18, 2017, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Acadia National Park, Mount Desert Island, ME
This all-day field trip will follow the path of the 1947 fire and offer fire 
scientists and managers an excellent outdoor classroom for exchanging 
information about fire ecology, fuels reduction, wildfire preparedness, and 
other lessons and challenges learned in 1947 and the seven decades since that 
catastrophe. Cost: $25 Register here: 
http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07eekewrxx88c9b563=7ymsovcab
 

For more information on these and related events being held next week: 
http://www.firesciencenorthatlantic.org/events-webinars-source/2017/3/31/field-trip-the-great-acadia-fire-70-years-later
 


Inga Parker La Puma, Ph.D
Science Communications Director, North Atlantic Fire Science Exchange (NAFSE)
Northeastern Forest Fire Protection Compact
Visiting Scientist, Center for Remote Sensing and Spatial Analysis, Rutgers 
University

NAFSE info:
Website: www.firesciencenorthatlantic.org
Twitter: @NorthAtlFireSci
Facebook: North Atlantic Fire Science Exchange

Contact me:
Email: inga.lap...@rutgers.edu
Mobile: 732-447-7168
Twitter: @IngaPLaPuma

[ECOLOG-L] Postdoc Position-Rangeland Climate Change - Texas A University

[David Briske]

The Department of Ecosystem Science & Management at Texas A University
invites applications for a post-doctoral research associate to contribute to
an USDA-NIFA funded project investigating agricultural vulnerability to
climate change in the U.S. Great Plains. The incumbent will work with a
transdisciplinary group of USDA scientists and several USDA Climate Hubs.
Responsibilities include assessing climate change impacts on rangeland
ecosystems, including extensive cattle production enterprises, and
evaluating the potential benefits of adaptation strategies on agricultural
vulnerability. Assessments will be based on historical data from the
National Agricultural Statistical Survey (NASS) and projections of NPP and
vegetation change from the MC2 Dynamic Global Vegetation Model. Metrics of
beef cattle production will be derived from MC2 model output and the
consequences of various adaptation strategies on these production metrics
will be accessed from the relevant literature. Tradeoff models will evaluate
the agricultural and ecological consequences of land use shifts among
rangeland and cropping systems in future climates.
Incumbent must hold a Ph.D. in ecology, range science or closely related
field. Knowledge of climate change impacts on rangelands and associated
adaptation strategies is required. Experience with data management, data
analysis and interpretation, geospatial data processing, and
transdisciplinary research is highly desirable.
Position available January 1, 2018 for a 2-year period, but an extension is
possible. Salary is $50,000/year, plus benefits. Direct inquires to David D.
Briske (dbri...@tamu.edu). Submit applications at greatjobs.tamu.edu; NOV:
10478; PIN: 006467. Applicant evaluation will begin December 1, 2017 and
continue until the position is filled.

[ECOLOG-L] Funded Masters opportunities at William and Mary

[John Swaddle]

Masters opportunities in Ecology and Conservation at the College of 
William and Mary

The Biology Department at the College of William and Mary is recruiting 
new research Masters students in behavioral, community, plant, wetlands, 
viral, functional, spatial, physiological, evolutionary, mathematical and 
conservation ecology, to start in Fall 2018.

We offer a two-year research-intensive Masters program where students are 
supported by teaching assistantships and full tuition waivers. For many 
students, getting a Masters in two years and writing publications and 
grants before applying to highly competitive Ph.D. programs or jobs is a 
very attractive option. We have a great track record of our recent MS 
students going on to excellent PhD programs and professional positions. 

With a low student-to-faculty ratio (approximately 7 – 8 new students each 
year with 25 full-time faculty), we offer an intimate and highly 
personalized research and education experience. Also, our graduate 
students often work closely with and mentor undergraduates, offering 
numerous informal teaching and personal development opportunities to go 
along with teaching assistantship experience in formal classes. 

Importantly, we have real strengths in many aspects of ecology and 
conservation. We have a diverse and active group, including: Harmony 
Dalgleish, Jelena Pantel, and Will Soto (community ecology), John Swaddle 
and Dan Cristol (behavioral ecology/ecotoxicology), Martha Case 
(pollination ecology and plant conservation), Laurie Sanderson (functional 
ecology), Joshua Puzey (molecular ecology), Kurt Williamson (viral 
ecology), Matthias Leu and Randy Chambers (conservation, wetland, and 
landscape ecology), Helen Murphy and Jon Allen (evolutionary ecology), 
Drew LaMar (mathematical ecology), and Paul Heideman (physiological 
ecology and pedagogy in biology). We have fully equipped labs to conduct 
behavioral and evolutionary studies in captivity with vertebrates and 
invertebrates, perform ecological experiments in a greenhouse and lab 
setting, analyze molecular data using core facilities, and analyze spatial 
data in state-of-the-art GIS labs, including our Center for Geospatial 
Analyses. The proximity of William and Mary to county, state, and federal 
parks as well as the Chesapeake Bay allows for extensive field research 
opportunities. 

Please visit us at:
http://www.wm.edu/as/biology/graduate/index.php and more specific 
information at the following to explore faculty research lab web pages:
Jon Allen: http://wmpeople.wm.edu/jdallen
Martha Case: http://wmpeople.wm.edu/macase
Randy Chambers: http://rmcham.people.wm.edu/
Dan Cristol: http://wmpeople.wm.edu/dacris
Harmony Dalgleish: http://wmpeople.wm.edu/hjdalgleish
Paul Heideman: http://pdheid.people.wm.edu/
Drew LaMar: http://www.people.wm.edu/~mdlama/
Matthias Leu: http://wmpeople.wm.edu/mleu
Helen Murphy: http://www.helenmurphy.net
Jelena Pantel: http://www.jhpantel.com
Joshua Puzey: http://puzeylab.weebly.com
Laurie Sanderson: http:/slsand.people.wm.edu/
John Swaddle: http://jpswad.people.wm.edu/ 
Kurt Williamson: http://wmpeople.wm.edu/kewilliamson
Will Soto: http://www.wm.edu/as/biology/people/faculty/soto-w.php

[ECOLOG-L] Tenure track position in Sustainable and Renewable Energy

[Amy B Seeboth-Wilson]

Dear all,


University of Wisconsin-Platteville (a rural, mid-size state university) is 
seeking a tenure track assistant professor in Sustainable and Renewable Energy 
Systems. This is an unusual and exciting faculty position in an up and coming 
field. We are seeking an individual who has an academic (and ideally, also 
applied) background in renewable energy and a strong desire to teach. We are 
looking for an enthusiastic and fun candidate to join our campus team in 
building the world's future thinkers and doers.


The full job description is here https://www.uwplatt.edu/careers?job=493788 and 
the program website is here http://www.uwplatt.edu/sres Please reach out to me 
with any questions or to learn more about the 
position!!


Sincerely,

Amy


Amy Seeboth-Wilson, AICP

Sustainability Coordinator

University of Wisconsin-Platteville

308 Royce Hall

(608) 342-7244


"Saving our planet, lifting people out of poverty, advancing economic growth... 
these are one and the same fight. We must connect the dots between climate 
change, water scarcity, energy shortages, global health, food security and 
women's empowerment. Solutions to one problem must be solutions for all." - Ban 
Ki-Moon

[ECOLOG-L] Assistant Professor, Plant Biology

[Howard Whiteman]

The Department of Biological Sciences at Murray State University invites 
applicants for a tenure-track position to begin August 2018. The Department 
offers both undergraduate and graduate (M.S.) degrees in a broad range of 
disciplines (http://www.murraystate/edu/biology).

The successful candidate will 1) teach introductory and upper-level courses in 
biology, including Botany, Field Botany and Systematic Botany; 2) conduct 
research, pursue external funding, and advise student research at both the 
undergraduate and graduate levels; 3) advise students toward careers in the 
ecological and evolutionary sciences and/or other fields; and 4) curate the MSU 
Herbarium.

Candidates must have a Ph.D. in Biology, Botany or closely related discipline 
with postdoctoral teaching or research experience.

Candidates must be able to teach courses in General Biology (majors and 
non-majors), Botany, Systematic Botany and other courses in their area of 
expertise. Candidates must demonstrate research potential in plant biology as 
evidenced by recent peer-reviewed publication and/or grants. Candidates must 
have ability to mentor undergraduate and master’s research students.

Preference will be given to candidates with excellent teaching skills including 
use of modern classroom technologies and herbarium or similar curatorial 
experience.

Candidates can apply at: https://www.murraystatejobs.com/postings/7172

Questions: contact Dr. Kate He, Chair, Plant Biology Search Committee, 
Department of Biological Sciences, Murray State University, Murray, KY 42071. 
Email: x...@murraystate.edu

[ECOLOG-L] Student Summer Wildlife Internship in African (paid)

[Robert McCleery]

This is a program run by Wildlife Ecology and Conservation faculty at the
University of Florida (McCleery, Fletcher, Austin and Wisely). Please
consider applying and contact the investigator if you have specific questions.  

As part of a National Science Foundation’s IRES (International Research
Experiences for Students) program, we are looking for 5 students to
participate in a wildlife research program in Swaziland, Africa, from late-
May to the end of July. Selected applicants will be a part of a study abroad
program (http://www.wec.ufl.edu/courses/study_abroad_swaziland.php), and
then will undertake individual research projects focused on hypotheses
regarding how land-use change and agricultural intensification influence
wildlife biodiversity and ecosystem services. Please review our website
(http://uf-ires.com) for full details on the program, and for course
information before applying.

This is a competitive program! Selected students will receive: 1) plane
fare, 2) fully-funded 3-week study abroad course, 3) a 6-week paid
internship, and 4) food and accommodation at camp. This will be the third
cohort of students to participate in this program and details on the types
of projects from previous cohorts are available on the website
(http://uf-ires.com). To be eligible, students should be preferably juniors
or seniors (who are not graduating Spring/summer 2018), from a U.S.
institution, and who are enrolled in school and who have taken at least 3
credits of general ecology.

Interested students should apply on our website http://uf-ires.com  with the
following materials as one PDF file before Dec 2, 2018:
1) A 1 page (single spaced) motivational statement detailing why this
international experience in Swaziland will be beneficial to your academic
and career goals.
2) A curriculum vitae that includes relevant research and educational
experience, related volunteer activities, courses, hobbies, etc. 
3) A copy of academic transcripts (unofficial is acceptable for initial
application, with formal copy available upon request).
4) We require 1 letter from an academic (professor strongly preferred), and
the contact information (email and phone) for two additional references who
can speak to your academic work ethic and suitability for this program.
References will be contacted for short-listed candidates prior to final
selection.
5) Also include a writing example you have done during your academic career
(indicate the course and faculty associated with the course). 

[ECOLOG-L] Primer in Methods and Ecological Research (PRiMER): course in India

[Seshadri k.s]

-- Forwarded message --
From: "Vidisha Kulkarni" 
Date: Oct 3, 2017 12:26
Subject: [Gubbi Labs] : Primer in Methods and Ecological Research (PRiMER)
To:
Cc:

​Dear all,

Greetings from Gubbi Labs. We are offering a certificate and credit course
in Primer in Methods and Ecological Research in *December 2017* in India.
Last date for application is *28th October 2017. *Please go through the
details below and apply online.

Please find the course flyer attached.

PRiMER: Primer in Methods and Ecological Research

What is PRiMER?

PRimer in Methods and Ecological Research is a certificate course designed
and offered by Gubbi Labs to provide experiential learning on how to
appreciate and pursue research in ecology. This is first of a kind
intensive programme aimed at inspiring participants to be an ecologist, and
imparting essential skills.

Ecology, a unified field in biology, over the years has transcended
boundaries of subjects like physics, chemistry, mathematics and social
sciences. From being a mere observational and natural history based domain,
ecology has progressed to enable the understanding of complex processes and
behaviour seen in the natural world. PRiMER will enable the participants to
venture into fields of natural history, environmental biology and
theoretical ecology. The course is specifically designed for students and
professionals alike.

PRiMER is a two credit course with over 40 hours of contact teaching. It
will be facilitated by faculty members comprising of an expert panel of
ecologists and research scientists, with extensive experience in field
ecology. Core faculty members include Sudhira HS and Seshadri KS. We will
also draw insights and relevant skills from other subject experts.

What to expect in PRiMER?

The training will enable participants to carry out objective research
across various disciplines.

PRiMER exposes participants to the basic skills such as the art of asking
research questions, project planning and management, hands-on training in
census, sampling and monitoring techniques, ecological statistics, remote
sensing, mapping (GIS, spatial analysis and modelling), science
communication (presentations, writing scientific papers and popular
articles) and writing grant proposals. It will also expose participants to
soft skills such as effective leadership, adaptive management and highlight
the importance of working in teams.

Broad themes dealt in PRiMER

1. Introduction to Ecological Research: Fundamentals of research; planning
and management of independent research; literature review; seeing the big
picture and framing objective. The course will provide hands-on exposure to
mind-mapping tool (Freemind) and reference manager (Mendeley®).

2. Ecological Statistics: Fundamentals of data collection, database
management and exploratory analysis; nature of data and data types
(parametric and non-parametric); data visualization; descriptive
statistics; diversity indices; probability distributions; statistical
hypothesis testing; choosing and using appropriate statistical tests.
Introduction to tools for statistical analysis viz., Biodiversity Pro®,
PAST®, R, RStudio™.

3. Mapping and Modelling: Fundamentals of mapping and remote sensing; use
of navigation gadgets (Garmin eTrex 30; Smartphone based tools);
geo-spatial analysis; species distribution modelling; geo-visualization;
hands-on training in making maps. Tools exposed: QGIS®, MaxEnt, Google
Earth®

4. Ecological Census and Monitoring techniques: Fundamentals of field data
collection techniques; hands-on training in sampling techniques such as
line and belt transects, point, quadrat, time-constrained, audio-visual
encounter surveys; mark–re-capture techniques and camera trapping. Usage of
automated data collecting devices (acoustics and weather monitoring).

5. Communicating Research: Fundamentals of science communication; art of
storytelling; the nuances of presentation skills and techniques, writing
scientific and popular articles, and research grant proposals. Basics of
science journalism; developing a communication message; writing a press
release; pitching to reporters and giving effective sound and video bytes.


PRiMER provides you the tools necessary to synthesise field observations,
analyse data, interpret, visualize and report findings in a succinct
scientific framework. This intense field course will be beneficial to
aspiring biologists, researchers, forest managers, teachers, environmental
management consultants, nature enthusiasts and photographers. The training
and skill sets inculcated in PRiMER are necessary tenets for a career in
ecology and helpful in trans-disciplinary research.

Certificates will be awarded to all participants upon course completion.
Credits are subject to successful completion of the course and evaluation.

Venue: Panchabhuta, Kagal Beach, Birkodi, Kagala, Kumta Taluka,, Kagal,
State of Karnātaka, India

Course Dates:  4th December to 9th 

[ECOLOG-L] JOB: Research Scientist at EcoHealth Alliance, Modeling & Analytics

[Noam Ross]

Hello all, we are looking for a tech-level research scientist at EcoHealth
Alliance in NYC. Great for M.S. ecologists/epidemiologists with a
quantitative bent or those with a B.S. and a few years experience in data
analysis. Interested candidates are free to get in touch with me at
r...@ecohealthalliance.org with questions.

Position Title: Research Scientist
==



POSITION SUMMARY

EcoHealth Alliance seeks a creative and analytically-minded research
scientist with strong quantitative skills to support our Modeling and
Analytics team. The research scientist will work closely with our team of
scientists and staff on multiple projects related to disease emergence,
antimicrobial resistance, land-use change, and conservation. The research
scientist will work as part of the USAID supported PREDICT project as well
as other federally-funded research. Responsibilities of the research
scientist include performing statistical analyses, assembling and curating
data sets, performing literature reviews, and writing scientific
publications and government reports. The candidate must be self-motivated,
proactive, and willing and able to help design new research projects that
fit with the mission and direction of EcoHealth Alliance. The candidate
must be collaborative and comfortable working in a team-based environment.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

-   Assemble, clean, combine, and curate data sets from large, heterogenous
sources
-   Perform statistical analyses and develop epidemiological models to
understand and make predictions about disease emergence
-   Analyze data to identify potential interventions that reduce emerging
infectious disease spillover
-   Produce data visualizations
-   Develop tools and scripts for the M team and broader PREDICT
community to support analyses and reports
-   Collaborate in writing scientific publications and technical reports
-   Collaborate effectively with an interdisciplinary and international team
-   Participate in other projects and tasks as required or assigned by
supervisor

OTHER DUTIES

-   Represent EcoHealth Alliance at international and domestic conferences,
in-country meetings, and other venues
-   Work effectively with in-country and other collaborators
-   Serve as a spokesperson for EcoHealth Alliance at conferences,
scientific and public meetings, in the media, and through lectures
-   Participate in other projects and tasks as required or assigned by
supervisor

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

-   B.A. or B.S. in Statistics, Biostatistics, Public Health, Epidemiology,
Environmental Health, Infectious Disease Ecology, Data Science, or related
field at the time of starting the position
-   Strong quantitative, statistical, and computational skills
-   Demonstrated ability to self-teach new software tools and statistical
methods
-   Knowledge of open source statistical software, including R
-   Strong eye for detail
-   A passion for scientific rigor and meaningful impact
-   Strong verbal and written communication skills
-   Strong data management and project management skills
-   Fluency in spoken and written English

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

-   M.A. or at least two years of work experience in a related field
-   Experience in statistical analysis and modeling in ecology, public
health, and infectious diseases
-   Experience in working across diverse disciplines
-   Knowledge and experience of GIS and spatial analyses
-   Knowledge of SIR simulation modeling
-   Knowledge and experience in methods of reproducible research
-   Experience with R package development and web APIs
-   Publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals

The position is based at EcoHealth Alliance’s headquarters in New York
City. EcoHealth Alliance is an equal opportunity employer and we encourage
people with a diverse range of backgrounds to apply. We offer a competitive
salary and a comprehensive benefit package including health, dental, and
vision coverage and a 403(b) pension plan. For further information about
EcoHealth Alliance, please visit our website: [www.ecohealthalliance.org](
http://www.ecohealthalliance.org/)

How to Apply:
--

Send an email with a *single attachment* labeled with your first and last
name only (“first last.pdf”) in PDF format containing (a) a cover letter,
(b) CV, and (c) three references to  with
“RESEARCH SCIENTIST 2017” in the subject line. Emails without the subject
line or with multiple attachments will not be received. No formal text is
required within the body of your email, since only the attached PDF will be
evaluated. All inquires will receive an automatic response confirming
receipt. Applicatons will be evaluated and *only* appropriate candidates
will be contacted.

 Thank you for your interest in EcoHealth Alliance!

[ECOLOG-L] PhD Assistantship in carnivore ecology

[Viorel Popescu]

PhD Research Assistantship in carnivore ecology (20 hours per week)

We are looking for a motivated PhD applicant with strong quantitative 
skills to join the Conservation Ecology Lab in the Department of 
Biological Sciences at Ohio University starting in Fall 2018. This is a 
graduate research assistantship position under the supervision of Dr. 
Viorel Popescu. Our lab is working with the Ohio Department of Natural 
Resources on a project aimed at understanding the status of Ohio’s 
recovering bobcat population.

Applicants must be eligible for unconditional admission to the Ph.D. 
program in Biological Sciences, and have some familiarity with wildlife 
data hierarchical modeling methods (occupancy, capture-recapture) and 
spatial ecology, and experience with non-invasive field methods (camera 
trapping, hair and scat sampling). Research opportunities include 
analysis of existing bobcat datasets gathered by Ohio DNR, and 
collection of new non-invasive data on Ohio’s bobcats and carnivore 
community. The end goal will be to develop a population model to inform 
bobcat management and conservation in Ohio. There is potential to 
supplement the Ohio bobcat work with field research on Eurasian lynx 
ecology in the Romanian Carpathians (in collaboration with Romanian and 
Slovenian researchers; more information at: 
https://lifeslovenija.si/en/preventing-the-extinction-of-the-dinaric-se-
alpine-lynx-population-through-reinforcement-and-long-term-
conservation/). The applicant will have the opportunity to develop their 
own research goals related to the broader projects.

The research assistantship is funded for up to 3 years through an Ohio 
DNR grant. Funding includes a stipend and tuition waiver. Additional 
funding after the grant ends is available through a teaching 
assistantship from the Department of Biological Sciences. 

Applications are due in early January 2018, but I encourage interested 
students to contact me well before this date. Please send an email to 
pope...@ohio.edu, including a brief statement that describes your 
research interests and why you are interested in graduate school, and 
attach your CV and an unofficial transcript.

Please see the lab website for more information: 
http://vioreldpopescu.com and find information about applying to Ohio 
University Biological Sciences here: 
https://www.ohio.edu/cas/biosci/grad/bios-grad-admissions.cfm. 

Applicants must have completed a U.S. bachelor’s degree or its 
equivalent by August 25, 2017; applicants who already hold a MSc degree 
are preferred. Applicants who are not native English language speakers 
must submit evidence of English proficiency as outlined in the Graduate 
Catalog, www.ohio.edu/graduate/catalog. 

Ohio University does not discriminate against any person in employment 
or educational opportunities because of race, color, religion, age, 
ethnicity, national origin, national ancestry, sex, pregnancy, gender, 
gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, military service or 
veteran status, mental or physical disability, or genetic information. 
Ohio University is an equal access/equal opportunity affirmative action 
university.

[ECOLOG-L] Updates from the Encyclopedia of Life - Make your own Species Cards!

[Tracy Barbaro]

The Encyclopedia of Life (EOL; eol.org), a free online resource for 
biodiversity information, 
is excited to share our new Learning + Education monthly newsletters. Each 
month we will 
be highlighting some of our free classroom and field activities, lesson plans 
and online 
tools to explore biodiversity. 

Check out the October 2017 issue and subscribe! This month we are featuring 
“Make your 
own Species Cards."

https://tinyurl.com/y98b3rj2

Visit the Encyclopedia of Life Learning + Education website for more resources:
http://education.eol.org/

[ECOLOG-L] Graduate positions in community ecology, UC Santa Barbara

[Holly Moeller]

The Moeller Lab  (part of the Department
of Ecology, Evolution and Marine Biology  and
the Interdepartmental Graduate Program in Marine Science
 at the University of California, Santa
Barbara) seeks Ph.D. students interested in the study of metabolic
interactions among species. The lab uses a combination of field
observations, laboratory experiments, and mathematical models to understand
acquired metabolism, metabolic reactions that (rather than being encoded in
an organism's DNA) are obtained from other species. Mechanisms of
acquisition vary from mutually beneficial exchanges of metabolites to
parasitism and predation. Our goal is to connect these acquisitions to
shifts in ecological niche relevant to ecosystem function, and explore the
evolutionary implications of these metabolic "short-cuts".

In addition to enthusiasm for ecology and evolution, applicants should have
some background in mathematics (coursework including Multivariable Calculus
and Differential Equations, or relevant research experience is preferred).
Prospective students interested in the study systems listed here
 are
particularly encouraged to apply; however, research in the Moeller Lab is
diverse and students will be encouraged to develop and pursue independent
research projects as part of their dissertation work.

Interested students should contact me to discuss relevant research
interests and qualifications. Please write to
holly.moel...@lifesci.ucsb.edu and
include (1) a brief description of your research interests and, in
particular, how they overlap with the lab's focus; (2) a summary of your
mathematical background and relevant research experience; and (3) a CV
which includes your GPA, professional references, and GRE scores.

[ECOLOG-L] Graduate student opportunities in Disease Ecology

[Kate Langwig]

The Langwig lab at Virginia Tech is currently recruiting enthusiastic and 
motivated 
graduate students beginning in fall 2018. Students are expected to develop 
independent 
projects in disease ecology and evolution that complement work in the lab. 
Ongoing 
projects include both theoretical and empirical work on both human and wildlife 
disease 
systems. Potential projects include heterogeneity in host-pathogen 
interactions, 
mechanisms of host-pathogen persistence, and wildlife disease ecology and 
conservation. 

The Langwig lab in the Department of Biological Sciences is part of an 
expanding group 
of infectious disease faculty across several departments and colleges at 
Virginia Tech, 
enabling an extremely supportive cross-cutting and interdisciplinary training 
environment.

Interested applicants should have a strong interest in disease ecology and 
evolution, and 
a passion to positively influence science, conservation, and global health. 
Students are 
expected to obtain quantitative skills, and learn some programming. Students 
with 
previous experience in math, statistics, engineering, and computer science are 
especially 
encouraged to apply. 

More details about work in the Langwig lab can be found here: 
https://scholar.harvard.edu/klangwig. Prospective students should include a 
statement 
of research interests in the email text, a CV, and list of references to Kate 
Langwig (klang...@vt.edu) with the subject "Prospective Graduate Student".

[ECOLOG-L] 5 Smithsonian Staff Scientist Positions: forest biology, marine science, animal behavior, terrestrial microbial ecology, and tropical science

[Helene Muller-Landau]

The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI; www.stri.si.edu)
announces openings for permanent staff scientists to pursue independent,
internationally recognized research programs in the tropics.  Previous
tropical experience is not required. We seek outstanding colleagues who
will complement and enhance our existing strengths, and further develop our
intellectual community.

Positions are full-time research. Internal research funds are provided for
laboratory setup, core ongoing research and travel expenses. Staff
scientists may compete for additional intramural and external research
funds. Opportunities are available to mentor post-doctoral fellows,
students, and interns drawn from an international community, to teach in
graduate training programs with affiliated universities and to participate
in outreach to local and international audiences.

STRI is headquartered in the Republic of Panama, with modern research
facilities and terrestrial and marine field stations throughout the
country. Panama and adjacent regions of tropical America are rich in
terrestrial and marine habitats, archaeological sites and geological
deposits. STRI hosts a vibrant and collaborative scientific community of 30
staff scientists and over 1500 scientific visitors per year, including
fellows and interns supported through an intramural program. Staff
scientists work throughout the tropics, and maintain diverse research
programs in the ecology, evolution, physiology, development, and behavior
of marine and terrestrial organisms and ecosystems, both ancient and
modern, and the role of human interactions in shaping tropical
environments. We are especially interested in hiring scientists in the
following broad disciplines, though we will consider exceptional candidates
in any of our research areas:

FOREST BIOLOGY, including ecosystem ecology as well as the ecology,
evolution, and organismal biology of forest plants and animals.

MARINE SCIENCE, including ecology, evolution, physiology, and behavior of
marine organisms; paleo- and archaeo-biology; ocean biogeochemistry; and
microbial ecology.

ANIMAL BEHAVIOR, including behavioral ecology, sensory and neuroethology,
the genetic basis of behavior, behavior development physiology and
functional morphology, and chemical ecology of behavior. Candidates working
on any animal taxa, marine or terrestrial, will be considered.

TERRESTRIAL MICROBIAL ECOLOGY, including plant-soil-microbial interactions,
the role of microbes in biogeochemical cycling, pathogen dynamics, and
responses of microbial communities to global change.  STRI seeks a
scientist to understand the functional roles played by microbes in tropical
forests, part of a new initiative funded by generous support from the
Simons Foundation.

Early- to mid-career candidates are especially encouraged; applicants at
all postdoctoral stages will be considered. Annual salary is commensurate
with experience. Compensation packages are internationally competitive, and
have additional allowances to support educational expenses for dependent
children at private schools, including those following international
curricula. Positions are based in Panama and relocation expenses are
provided. For more information on the positions, including answers to
frequently asked questions, please see
http://www.stri.si.edu/recruiter/users/jobs.php?id=184

To Apply:  Applicants must have a Ph.D. in a relevant field. Interested
candidates should email the following to strisea...@si.edu as separate PDF
files: a cover letter, curriculum vitae, statement of research
accomplishments and interests, three to five significant publications, and
the names and contact information of three references. Please address
inquiries in the four focal fields to respective search committee chairs:
forest biology, Dr. Helene Muller-Landau at mull...@si.edu;  marine
science, Dr. Mark Torchin at torch...@si.edu; animal behavior, Dr. Rachel
Page, at pa...@si.edu; and terrestrial microbial ecology, Dr. Kristin
Saltonstall at saltonsta...@si.edu. For other research fields please
address inquiries to Dr. William Wcislo at wcis...@si.edu.  Positions are
open until filled; review of applications will begin on 15 November 2017.

Appointments are made without regard to nationality. STRI is an Equal
Opportunity employer, is committed to diversity in its workforce, and
encourages applications from dual career couples.