[ECOLOG-L] New life discovered growing on plastic waste dubbed the 'plastisphere'
New life discovered growing on plastic waste dubbed the 'plastisphere' Penny Orbell ABC Environment 13 Nov 2013 bacteria nestle in pits on a piece of plastic The dents in which the bacteria were found give scientists hope that they may be breaking down the plastic waste. Credit: Environmental Science and Technology A whole new group of microscopic creatures has been found growing of the vast amount of discarded plastic floating in the world's oceans. VAST AMOUNTS OF of plastic debris floating in the ocean are supporting new forms of microscopic life and whole new ecosystems. Scientists writing in the journal Environmental Science Technology are collectively calling this new life the 'plastisphere'. Previous studies have thoroughly outlined the harmful effects of plastic on animals such as fish, birds and other forms of marine life. However, none had fully assessed the effects of plastic on microscopic ocean dwellers. The team, which included Tracy Mincer at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in Massachusetts and Linda Amaral-Zettler of the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, used fine mesh nets to collect pieces of plastic — around 1 to 5mm in diameter — from sites in the North Atlantic Ocean. Using a combination of high-resolution imaging and genetic sequencing, they discovered unique ecosystems living on two kinds of plastic, with communities composed of microbes that are genetically distinct from those on other natural surfaces in the surrounding waters, such as driftwood or feathers. The plastic communities were also more diverse than those in seawater samples, which are typically dominated by only a few species. The organisms inhabiting the plastisphere were different from those in surrounding seawater, indicating that plastic debris acts as artificial 'microbial reefs', said Mincer. They supply a place that selects for and supports distinct microbes to settle and succeed. More than 1,000 species of microbes were found in the study, including plants, algae and bacteria, some of which remain unidentified. These communities typically had a natural order: with plant-like organisms at the bottom of the food chain and higher order creatures that feed on them. Other organisms that live in harmonious relationships with each other were also identified. We're not just interested in who's there. We're interested in their function, how they're functioning in this ecosystem, how they're altering this ecosystem, and what's the ultimate fate of these particles in the ocean, said Amaral-Zettler. Are they sinking to the bottom of the ocean? Are they being ingested? If they're being ingested, what impact does that have? Electron microscope images also reveal that some bacterial members of the plastisphere were nestled in 'pits' on the plastic surface, supporting the idea that these organisms may actually be contributing to the degradation of the plastic. Studies conducted over the last 22 years found that despite an increase in the production of plastics, the amount of plastic oceanic debris has remained relatively stable. The scientists hope that 'pit formers' are breaking down the plastic, though they caution that more experiments need to be conducted. When we first saw the 'pit formers' we were very excited, especially when they showed up on multiple pieces of plastic of different types of resins, said Zettler. Now we have to figure out what they are by sequencing them and hopefully getting them into culture so we can do experiments. As the research is in its infancy, it is difficult to speculate yet about the potential effects of the emerging plastisphere on marine ecological environments. Researchers are concerned that as the plastics, along with the unique micro-organisms they harbour, drift widely they have the potential to act as vectors for dispersal of harmful pest species or pollutants. Penny Orbell wrote this article as part of her science communication studies at the University of Melbourne.
[ECOLOG-L] Tenure-track faculty position - University of Otago, Botany Dept
DEPARTMENT OF BOTANY The University of Otago is looking to appoint a Lecturer to join the Department of Botany who clearly demonstrates energy, drive and enthusiasm for plant science. We seek a botanist with a research focus on marine primary producers. Candidates who draw inspiration from physiological, ecological and applied questions are encouraged to apply. The successful candidate will be able to contribute to the Department of Botany’s strategic research themes: NZ Flora and Evolution; Ecosystem Processes and Services; Environmental Change and Resilience; and Physiological Processes. We particularly encourage applications from candidates who show an aptitude for multi-disciplinary collaborative research and who are practically experienced in the marine environment. Collaboration with researchers in other University of Otago Departments will be encouraged, especially the Department of Chemistry, the Department of Marine Science and the Department of Zoology. The major responsibilities of the position will include (1) teaching into some of the courses within the Degree Programmes in Botany, Ecology, Genetics or Marine Science; (2) attracting and supervising post-graduate (Masters and PhD) students; (3) establishing an externally funded research programme and (4) building an excellent publication profile. The position will be offered as a confirmation-path (tenure track) position at the level of Lecturer. The minimum qualification is a PhD degree. The successful candidate is expected to take up duties in August 2014. If justified, a favoured candidate may be able to negotiate an earlier or later starting date with the Head of Department. Specific enquiries may be directed to Professor Katharine Dickinson, Head of Department, Botany, contact details below. Applications quoting reference number 1301896 will close 15 January 2014 (New Zealand standard time). Professor Katharine J. M. Dickinson HEAD OF DEPARTMENT • BOTANY University of Otago • PO Box 56, 479 Great King Street, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand T: +64 3 479 9059 | C: +64 21 249 9059| W: http://www.botany.otago.ac.nz/people/staff/dickinson.html W: http://www.botany.otago.ac.nz/alpine/index.html E: kath.dickin...@otago.ac.nz
Re: [ECOLOG-L] Beware: Predatory Open Access Journals
Hey All, I got an email from the new open access fleet that is JSciMed Central ( http://www.jscimedcentral.com/) which advertises 32 topic journals asking me about becoming an editor for JSM Environmental Science and Ecology. I checked out the journal's publications and although there are few, they appear to be actual science, and their board of editors appear to be legitimate researchers. However, as I did further research into the journal, it turns out to be a scam. Keep your eye out and don't be tempted by offers without checking them out first. Here is a list of predatory publishers: http://scholarlyoa.com/2012/12/06/bealls-list-of-predatory-publishers-2013/ Good luck! -Laura -- Laura Brannelly Public Health and Tropical Medicine James Cook University Townsville, QLD 4811
[ECOLOG-L] Adjunct professor(s) needed for intro Bio sequence and AP
Baldwin Wallace University seeks applications for part-time, adjunct faculty positions in the Department of Biology and Geology. The preferred candidate will hold a Ph.D. in biology or related field, although applicants with a Masters degree in biology or related field will be given strong consideration. We are seeking candidates to teach the introductory biology sequence for majors (lecture and lab) and anatomy physiology lab, starting January 1, 2014. Applicants should send cover letter, Curriculum Vita, contact information for three references, statement of teaching philosophy, unofficial transcripts, and, if available results of teaching evaluations to Michael E. Kovach, Chair, Department of Biology Geology, Baldwin Wallace University, 275 Eastland Road, Berea, OH 44017 or mekov...@bw.edumailto:mekov...@bw.edu
[ECOLOG-L] Call for Applications: Leptospirosis Modeling, a NIMBioS Investigative Workshop
The National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS) is now accepting applications for its Investigative Workshop, Leptospirosis Modeling, to be held June 3-5, 2014, at NIMBioS. *Objectives: *Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease of global public health importance with complex transmission dynamics. This workshop will explore mathematical tools and approaches for describing 1) within-host dynamics of /Leptospira/ infection and immunity in reservoir and incidental hosts; 2) multi-host, multi-species /Leptospira/ transmission dynamics in urban and rural settings; and 3) environmental drivers of leptospirosis transmission in animals and people. The workshop will bring together expertise in bacteriology, molecular biology, epidemiology, statistics, veterinary medicine, human medicine, ecology, hydrology, mathematical modeling, network dynamics, evolutionary dynamics, and nonlinear analysis. Participants will explore the state of knowledge of leptospirosis transmission in animal and human populations and the capabilities and limitations of the existing techniques that could be used for explaining currently available empirical data. Recommendations will then be made on the need for further empirical studies as well as future directions for modeling and analysis. As a result of this workshop, we will have an improved understanding of the conceptual models of /Leptospira/ transmission in various ecological systems and of the gaps in data and methods. We will also established new collaborations and a common language between biologists and theorists interested in leptospirosis. *Location: *NIMBioS at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville *Co-Organizers: *Claudia Munoz-Zanzi, Div. of Epidemiology and Community Health, School of Public Health, Univ. of Minnesota, Minneapolis; Michael Begon, Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior, Institute of Integrative Biology, Univ. of Liverpool; and Xiaopeng Zhao, Mechanical, Aerospace and Biomedical Engineering, Univ. of Tennessee, Knoxville For more information about the workshop and a link to the online application form, go to http://www.nimbios.org/workshops/WS_leptospirosis Participation in the workshop is by application only. Individuals with a strong interest in the topic are encouraged to apply, and successful applicants will be notified within two weeks of the application deadline. If needed, financial support for travel, meals, and lodging is available for workshop attendees. *Application deadline:* February 10, 2014 The National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS) (http://www.nimbios.org) brings together researchers from around the world to collaborate across disciplinary boundaries to investigate solutions to basic and applied problems in the life sciences. NIMBioS is sponsored by the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture with additional support from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
[ECOLOG-L] Postdoc: Plant-associated microbiomes
*Postdoctoral Position – Plant-associated microbiomes * A postdoctoral position is available in the lab of Dr. Marc St-Arnaud ( http://www.irbv.umontreal.ca/personnel/chercheurs/marc-st-arnaud?lang=en ) at the Biodiversity Centre in Montreal, QC, Canada, which is located within the Montreal Botanical Gardens. Preferred start date is between January and May 2014. The primary project will involve analysis of plant-associated microbiomes from agricultural soils in western Canada. The successful candidate will have access to preserved samples from a large field experiment, which compares the effects of a number of different agricultural practices. In addition, the project will examine the effects of canola on crop productivity and soil microbiota. The exact research questions are open-ended, and there will also be opportunities to collaborate on other projects and develop new research directions. Requirements: Applicants should have a Ph.D. in ecology, microbiology, bioinformatics, or a related field. A strong publication record is essential, and should demonstrate the ability to not only analyze data, but to draw out interesting trends and relate these to the biological literature. Some experience with multivariate analysis is required, and familiarity with R, Mothur, Qiime, MG-RAST or other software used in the analysis of metagenomic and/or ecological community data will be considered a strong asset. Application: To apply, please send a cover letter, CV, and contact information for 3 references to Dr. Marc St-Arnaud: marc.st-arn...@umontreal.ca. In the cover letter, briefly describe your research interests as they relate to this position. Location: The Biodiversity Centre is a new facility in the heart of the Montreal Botanical Gardens, which brings together top researchers from a variety of disciplines related to biodiversity science ( http://www.irbv.umontreal.ca/a-propos/centre-sur-la-biodiversite?lang=en). The Centre is located directly next to the Insectarium, Biodome, Planetarium and Olympic Stadium, and is only a 15-minute commute by metro to the heart of downtown Montreal. Submissions will be considered as they are received, but are due no later than December 15, 2013.
[ECOLOG-L] New Podcast from the Encyclopedia of Life: Dolphins
Dolphins Podcast Stenella attenuata and Stenella longirostris You have probably seen cans of tuna in your local supermarket marked dolphin safe. That label means the tuna was fished in a way that spares most dolphins from being killed in the tuna fleets giant nets. In this podcast, biologist and guest reporter Matt Leslie brings us a story about tuna, the intertwined fate of fisheries and dolphins, and the work of scientists. Listen to the podcast: http://education.eol.org/podcast/dolphins The One Species at a Time podcast series is supported by the Harvard Museum of Comparative Zoology.
[ECOLOG-L] Tenure-track Assistant Professor in Biology, CSUS
Tenure-track Assistant Professor, Department of Biological Sciences Needs exist in: human anatomy, physiology, integrative biology, and organismal introductory biology. Ph.D. in a biological sciences discipline, completed by Aug 31, 2014; broad training and/or experience in biological sciences; experience in college teaching and in working with diverse groups required. Preference given to applicants who are willing to help the department develop innovative teaching strategies. The Department of Biological Sciences at California State University, Sacramento expects its faculty members to achieve excellence in classroom teaching; they are also expected to engage in scholarship, student advising, university service, and community service. Mail CV, all transcripts, email addresses and telephone numbers of three references, statements of teaching and scholarly interests, and three letters of recommendation to: Jennifer Lundmark, Chair, Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, CA 95819-6077. Website: http://www.csus.edu/bios/. To ensure full consideration, all application materials should be received by December 16, 2014; position open until filled. For more detailed information, please see vacancy announcement at http://www.csus.edu/hr/facultyvacancies/vacancies.html. Equal Opportunity employer. Clery Act statistics available. Mandated reporter requirements. Criminal background checks may be required. - Jamie Kneitel, Ph.D. Associate Professor Graduate Coordinator Department of Biological Sciences California State University Sacramento, CA 95819-6077 Office: 404 Sequoia Hall Phone: 916-278-3633 Email: knei...@csus.edu Web: http://www.csus.edu/indiv/k/kneitel/ -
[ECOLOG-L] Canada Research Chair in Biogeochemistry/Environmental Chemistry
Canada Research Chair (Tier II) Environmental Chemistry in Agroecosystems School of Environmental Sciences University of Guelph The School of Environmental Sciences (SES) at the University of Guelph invites applications from outstanding candidates for a Tier II Canada Research Chair (CRC) in the area of environmental chemistry in agroecosystems. The CRC program invests $300 million per year to attract and retain some of the world's most accomplished and promising minds to Canadian universities. Tier II positions are for exceptional emerging researchers within 10 years (excluding maternity/paternity and other leaves, subject to CRC’s approval) from PhD completion, acknowledged by their peers as having the potential to lead in their field within 5 to 10 years. We seek applications from outstanding researchers who are investigating contemporary environmental issues in agroecosystems including, but not limited to, climate change, carbon sequestration, biogeochemical cycling, soil and water quality. Applicants should have a strong background in one or more of the following areas: water chemistry, soil chemistry, geochemistry, or biogeochemistry. Candidates must hold a Ph.D. degree in Soil Science, Geology, Chemistry, Biogeochemistry, or a closely related field. A strong publication record and demonstrated potential for innovative, leading-edge research and collaboration are required. The successful candidate is also expected to develop an innovative undergraduate teaching program in the area of environmental chemistry, albeit at reduced course-load. This tenure-track appointment will be at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor. The SES ( www.uoguelph.ca/ses/ ) is a consolidation of internationally recognized expertise in the life and physical sciences that allows faculty to focus on the comprehensive study and analysis of interconnected concepts and processes inherent to the Earth’s Critical Zone. The Critical Zone is the near surface layer of the Earth where complex interactions involving soil, rock, water, air and living organisms regulate natural ecosystems and ultimately determine the quantity and quality of life sustaining resources. The SES is one of six academic units within the Ontario Agriculture College ( www.uoguelph.ca/oac/ ). Complete information about the Canada Research Chair program can be found at ( www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca/ ). The successful candidate's research program is expected to correspond thematically with the University of Guelph's Strategic Research Plan ( www.uoguelph.ca/research/ ). The deadline for applications is January 3, 2014, however the competition will remain open until a suitable candidate has been identified. The University of Guelph is committed to employment equity and free and open competition for all positions on campus, we therefore cannot guarantee employment at the University for a spouse or partner. Please consult our official policy for further information: http://www.uoguelph.ca/facultyjobs/spousal.shtml . Please send a single PDF file containing: your curriculum vitae , statement of research interests, statement of teaching interests, and contact information for three references to: Jo‐Anne Scarrow, Secretary to the Director ( jscar...@uoguelph.ca) School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph Guelph, ON N1G 2W1 All CRC appointments are subject to review and final approval by the CRC Secretariat in Ottawa. The research chair position will be available once approval is received from the CRC Secretariat. The University of Guelph is committed to an employment equity program that includes special measures to achieve diversity among its faculty and staff. We therefore particularly encourage applications from qualified Aboriginal Canadians, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities and women. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. -- Jonathan Newman Professor Director, School of Environmental Sciences Before noon: Bovey 1106; Afternoon: Alexander Hall 264 tel. +1 519 824 4120 ext. 52147; email: jonathan.new...@uoguelph.ca http://www.uoguelph.ca/~jnewma01 http://www.ses.uoguelph.ca/ Jo-Anne Scarrow Secretary to the Director, School of Environmental Sciences Before noon: Bovey 1107; Afternoon: Alexander Hall 264 tel. +1 519 824 4120 ext. 52661; email: jscar...@uoguelph.ca Here we are, trapped in the amber of the moment. There is no why. —Kurt Vonnegut
[ECOLOG-L] Call for Proposals: Great Lakes Fishery Commission
Greetings- The Great Lakes Fishery Commission is accepting pre-proposals through January 15, 2014 for the Sea Lamprey Research Program and the Fishery Research Program. Please visit the commission website at http://www.glfc.org/research/Combined_RFP.pdf for more details.
[ECOLOG-L] Job Ad: Asst. Prof in Geoscience and Environmental Sustainability at University of Pittsburgh
*Geoscience and Environmental Sustainability* The Department of Geology and Planetary Science (http://www.geology.pitt.edu) at the University of Pittsburgh invites applications for a tenure-track position at the assistant professor level to expand and enhance our current research expertise in Geoscience and Environmental Sustainability.We seek an individual working on global-scale issues that tie geoscience research to quantitative sustainability themes.Research directions that integrate well with current departmental expertise include, but are not limited to, global geospatial analysis, remote sensing of atmospheric composition and natural disasters, climate change and glacial processes, and the relationship between hydrology, geomorphology, (bio)geochemistry in coupled natural-human systems. We are particularly interested in individuals that integrate quantitative field measurements with emerging research tools such as climate change/geohazard related modeling using orbital/airborne LiDAR and/or thermal IR, landscape evolution modeling, and modeling/measurements of regional to global-scale atmospheric fluxes.It is expected that this hire will strengthen our existing interdisciplinary collaborations with local and regional institutions including the Mascaro Center for Sustainability and Innovation at the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, the DOE-National Energy and Technology Laboratory, and the NASA-Goddard Space Flight Center. The successful candidate will be expected to develop an active, externally funded research program, including the supervision of M.S. and Ph.D. students and undergraduate research projects.Teaching duties include undergraduate and graduate courses in the candidate's area of expertise. Applicants should email the following materials to the Environmental Sustainability Search Committee atgeols...@pitt.edu mailto:geols...@pitt.edu1) a CV (including past and current grant support), 2) statements of research and teaching interests, 3) copies of three relevant publications, and 4) names and contact information of four references.Questions regarding the position should be directed to Mark Abbott at mabbo...@pitt.edu mailto:mabbo...@pitt.edu, 412-624-8783. Review of applicants will begin on January 1, 2014 and proceed until the position is filled.A Ph.D. is required at the time of appointment, and the position begins in the fall term of 2014, subject to budgetary approval. The University of Pittsburgh is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.Applications from women and members of minority groups are especially encouraged. -- Daniel J. Bain Assistant Professor University of Pittsburgh, Department of Geology and Planetary Science Mail: 200 SRCC 4107 O'Hara St. Pittsburgh, PA 15260 Phone: 412 624-8766 Fax: 412 624-3914 email:db...@pitt.edu
[ECOLOG-L] Six Ph.D. Fellowships in Global Change: Virginia Tech
Six Fellowship Positions in Global Change at Virginia Tech: INTERFACES OF GLOBAL CHANGE Description: We are seeking highly motivated Ph.D. students interested in global change to participate in a unique doctoral program at Virginia Tech. The Interfaces of Global Change Interdisciplinary Graduate Education Program (IGC IGEP) is designed to address the multi-dimensional aspects of global change, including the complex interactions among disease, pollution, climate change, habitat loss, invasive species, and the science-society interface. In the future, a more interdisciplinary understanding of how these anthropogenic factors interact is necessary to inform public policy, minimize further environmental degradation and loss of biodiversity, and to promote sustainable solutions to the greatest environmental challenges of the 21st century.#8232; Six one-year fellowship positions, which include funding for tuition and a monthly stipend, are available for the 2014-2015 academic year. The goals of the IGC IGEP are to provide each Fellow with a broad perspective on: A) how major global changes interact to impact biodiversity and environmental health, B) the societal causes and consequences of these ecological problems, and C) the role that science can play in resolving these issues by informing sound environmental policy. Our interdisciplinary graduate program welcomes the participation of students from a broad range of disciplines, including, but not limited to, such fields as biology, entomology, environmental science, toxicology, veterinary medicine, agriculture, fisheries and wildlife, plant pathology, history, engineering, and geosciences. Students will receive their Ph.D. degree from the home department of their choice, while also enrolling in the IGC IGEP. In this way, students will gain depth in their specific scientific area of expertise, while simultaneously gaining breadth in the multifaceted realm of global change and the science-policy interface. Applications are now being accepted. To be considered for a 2014-2015 fellowship (one year tuition and stipend), your complete application must be received by March 1st, 2014. However, additional applications for admission to the Interfaces of Global Change program will be considered until August 1st, 2014. Please visit our website for complete details: http://globalchangephd.com/ Qualifications: Minimum qualifications include a B.A. or B.S. degree. Requirements will vary depending on the home department. Interested students should contact one of our IGC core faculty members ( http://globalchangephd.com/faculty/ ), or any other Virginia Tech faculty member, about joining their research program. Once you have identified a faculty mentor, complete the normal application process to the Virginia Tech Graduate School. ( http://graduateschool.vt.edu/admissions/applying/#online ) Then, for complete instructions on how to apply for a fellowship in the Interfaces of Global Change program, please see our website: http://globalchangephd.com/apply/. Start Date: August 15, 2014 Location: Blacksburg, Virginia Contact Person Gloria Schoenholtz, IGC Program Coordinator Contact email scho...@vt.edu
[ECOLOG-L] Summer Field Opportunities: Yosemite National Park, CA
These four summer positions involve a complete remeasurement of the 25.6 ha Yosemite Forest Dynamics Plot, located near Crane Flat in old-growth sugar pine/white fir forest. The plot burned at generally low to moderate severity in the 2013 Rim Fire. Tasks include revisiting each tree and snag; recording mortalities, ingrowth, and newly fallen wood; measuring scorch and snag heights; and mapping shrub patches, down CWD and areas of the forest floor that did not burn. Other tasks include measuring fuel consumption along fixed transects, installing and measuring dendrometers, and collecting data from associated instrumentation. Mortality checks require hatchet use. Staff will supervise students and volunteers. Qualifications: Previous experience taking vegetation research data, working safely in challenging environments, and following complex data collection protocols is required. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to solve problems and to work both independently and in teams of two or three. Work will involve moving through sometimes steep, rocky terrain with delicate and expensive equipment, as well as the ability to carry up to 15 kg of additional gear. Work experience in post-fire forests strongly desired, as is some knowledge of western flora, tree pathogens, and forest insects. Staff must have a driver’s license and a Wilderness First Aid/CPR certification (or higher) valid until August 31, 2014 (if you are not certified, please include your plans for certification in your cover letter). Other: Practical experience in the operation and maintenance of computer, electronic, and mechanical equipment; familiarity with a variety of software and instrumentation; and experience with periods of outdoor living are all positives. Duration: Late-May – mid-August 2014; there is some schedule flexibility for people graduating from ‘quarter system’ universities. Salary: $10 to $13 per hour, depending on experience. Camping accommodations provided. The work schedule is four, ten hour days per week. Apply: Please assemble all of the following into a single PDF file and email it to james.l...@usu.edumailto:james.l...@usu.edu – 1) A one-page cover letter describing your interests, reasons for applying, and specific dates of availability (including any planned mid-summer absences), 2) A resume or CV, no longer than two pages, 3) Unofficial transcripts, and 4) Phone numbers and email addresses of references (please do not send letters of reference). Additional information and background at: http://www.yfdp.org, the Facebook Group Yosemite Forest Dynamics Plot, and the gigapan.com group ‘WesternForestInitiative’. Contact Jim Lutz at james.l...@usu.edumailto:james.l...@usu.edu with questions not answered on those pages. Application deadline: January 31, 2014. Decisions: February 28, 2014. Exceptional candidates will be selected earlier. James A. Lutz Assistant Professor, Forest Ecology Utah State University
[ECOLOG-L] graduate student opportunities in odonate ecology
Ph.D. M.S. opportunities in odonate ecology I am seeking 1-2 graduate students to join my lab who are interested in landscape community ecology, particularly pertaining to the following topics: •modeling potential climate and land-use change impacts on odonates •ecomorphology of odonates •modeling odonate (dragonfly/damselfly) metapopulations and/or metacommunities Preference will be given to students with previous experience in these topics as well as experience with GIS or remote sensing. For more information about research done in my lab, please check out my webpage at: http://www.biol.ttu.edu/faculty/nmcintyre/default.aspx. Prospective students will be funded (upon qualification) by a departmental Teaching Assistantship. To apply, please send your Curriculum Vitae, which should include all of the following items: •a statement about your research interests and how they are compatible with the kinds of research that I do •a statement about your career goals •a brief list of your academic and professional accomplishments (degrees, GPA, GRE scores, awards, fellowships, publications, grants, presentations at professional meetings, jobs, etc.) •the names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses of 3 references Application deadline: 15 December 2013. Nancy McIntyre, Ph.D. Department of Biological Sciences Texas Tech University Lubbock, TX 79409-3131 USA 806.742.2710 ext. 280 nancy.mcint...@ttu.edu
[ECOLOG-L] Director, Tyson Research Center
Dear Colleagues, This is a very nice position for a senior-level Ecologist. If you have any questions about the position, please feel free to contact me. Tiffany Knight Director Tyson Research Center Washington University invites applications for the tenured position of DIRECTOR of its Tyson Research Center. The Tyson Research Center is a fenced 2,000-acre outdoor laboratory of oak- hickory forest, savannah and prairie ecosystems on a karst landscape. Tyson is on the boundary of the Ozark Plateau and is located only 20 miles from the main campus and on the edge of St. Louis metropolitan region. Tysons activities include extensive field research, educational programs, and outreach. Facilities include the Living Learning Center, a certified Living Building, new laboratories and a recently renovated administration building. Tyson is a member of Washington Universitys International Center for Advanced Renewable Energy and Sustainability (I-CARES) (http://i- cares.wustl.edu). The Director will be an I-CARES endowed professor and a faculty member in an appropriate department and school of Washington University with opportunities to participate in both graduate and undergraduate education. The successful candidate should have a Ph.D. and an on-going research program that is externally funded and internationally recognized. Potential fields of research include but are not limited to ecology, earth sciences, environmental studies, environmental engineering, landscape architecture, and anthropology. Experience in the use and administration of field research sites is desirable. The director will be responsible for overseeing the administration of the research center, including coordination of research and education activities, developing programs, and supervision of the permanent staff who oversee day to day operations. This is a 12 month appointment with a competitive salary. The starting date is open. Additional information on Tyson Research Center can be found at www.tyson.wustl.edu. Letters of application should be accompanied by a curriculum vitae, a brief statement of experience and research interests, and the names of three individuals who can provide letters of recommendation. Questions regarding the position and application can be sent to: Tyson Director Search tysondirec...@wustl.edu. To ensure full consideration, applications should be received by February 1, 2014. Washington University is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. Applications from women and members of underrepresented minority groups are strongly encouraged.
[ECOLOG-L] Position Announcement: Stewardship Ecologist - Virginia Natural Heritage Program - closes Dec 6
See link below for information: Please review the most recent addition to DCR's job announcements on DCR's (Internet or Intranet) at: http://dcrintra.dcr.virginia.gov/DCR_Public/Jobs/JobList.cfm. DCR's Division of Natural Heritage is currently seeking a qualified individual to fill a vacancy (Position #00436) in or near Staunton, Virginia. This position is part of DCR's Natural Heritage Program responsible for conserving Virginia's biological diversity through inventory, protection and stewardship, and twice selected as the outstanding Natural Heritage Program in the Americas. The position is part of a professional natural resource team managing the state Natural Area Preserve (NAP) system, which protects habitat for rare species and outstanding examples of Virginia's natural communities. Application closing date: December 6, 2013. ONLY Online applications through RMS will be accepted. Applications must be filed on-line at: http://jobs.virginia.gov/. Resumes will be accepted only if accompanied by a completed state application. Applicants who do not own a computer are encouraged to apply on-line through the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) in your area or visit a local library to use public access computers. If you have question or problems, call 804 786-7964. DCR is an E-Verify Employer. DCR is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
[ECOLOG-L] Graduate student opportunities in plant ecology – UBC
Graduate student opportunities in plant ecology – U. of British Columbia Jennifer L. Williams Department of Geography Biodiversity Research Centre University of British Columbia, Vancouver I am looking for one or more MSc or Phd students to join my growing lab group. The main goals of the lab are to understand how environmental fluctuations and species interactions influence the ecological and evolutionary processes that regulate species abundance and population persistence. We take a variety of approaches to address these goals, including experiments in the field and greenhouse and quantitative models. Current projects in the lab focus on how contemporary evolution influences life history strategies and rates of spread of plants in changing environments. We are starting new experimental work investigating spread in native and introduced species in the Garry Oak savanna ecosystem that extends from Vancouver Island south into central Oregon. There is also the potential to work on a variety of questions in grasslands of interior BC, especially on the spread and control of invasive plants, and scope for students to develop their own projects related to the broader lab objectives. Please see my lab website for more information: http://williamslabubc.weebly.com/ and find information about applying to UBC Geography here: http://www.geog.ubc.ca/graduate/. All students admitted to Geography are guaranteed a stable minimum income that comes from a combination of teaching assistantships and UBC fellowships. Applications are due on January 10 (MSc) and January 17 (PhD), but if you are interested in applying, please contact me sooner. Please send an inquiry email (jennifer.willi...@geog.ubc.ca), including a brief statement of your research interests, how those overlap with those in the lab, and why you are interested in graduate school, and attach your CV and an unofficial transcript.
[ECOLOG-L] Northeast Section of The Wildlife Society 2-week Field Course, May 18-31, 2014
The Northeast Section of the The Wildlife Society, in cooperation with Castleton State College and the Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife, will be hosting our 6th annual 2-week Wildlife Field Course in Castleton, Vermont, May 18-31, 2014. Please visit the course website for details and application materials: http://wildlife.org/NE/field_course The course fee is $850 and includes 3 credits through Castleton State College and room and board for the 2 weeks. The course is housed at the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department's Edward Kehoe Conservation Camp near Castleton with much field work on the nearby Bird Mountain Wildlife Management Area. The course emphasizes hands-on experience with basic field techniques and small group work organized around the theme of conducting a biological inventory. The course is led by practicing wildlife biologists and ecologists who volunteer their time to serve as instructors providing great networking opportunities and career perspectives during evening discussion sessions. Enrollment is capped at 20 students and as of today (Nov 14) there are 12-14 spaces available. Don't get stuck on the waiting list, sign up soon. John E. McDonald, Jr., Ph.D. Assistant Professor Department of Environmental Science Westfield State University Westfield, MA 01086 jemcdon...@westfield.ma.edu 413-572-8393 Northeast Section Representative and Fellow, The Wildlife Society http://www.westfield.ma.edu/prospective-students/academics/environmental-science/
[ECOLOG-L] UK PhD opportunity on Deforestation and Amazon Biodiversity
I have an opening for a NERC-funded UK/EU PhD student to combine field-based data collected by University of Leeds RAINFOR project, with modelling and mathematical analysis methods developed in the group of Prof. Bill Kunin (Biology, U. Leeds). Research will focus on impact of past and future deforestation on tree species biodiversity. In particular, understanding economic, social and environmental return on investment from a decade of Brazilian government policy interventions which successfully reduced deforestation within Brazil, but perhaps increased it in neighbouring countries. The full project description, desired qualifications and contact info can be found here: http://www.nercdtp.leeds.ac.uk/projects/index.php?id=40 Eligibility criteria on NERC website: http://www.nerc.ac.uk/funding/available/postgrad/eligibility.asp Application deadline is January 24, 2014. See full instructions here: http://www.nercdtp.leeds.ac.uk/how-to-apply/ Kind regards, Dr. Guy Ziv School of Geography University of Leeds
[ECOLOG-L] Assistant Professor in Wildlife Ecology
Assistant Professor Wildlife Ecology School of Agricultural, Forest, and Environmental Sciences The School of Agricultural, Forest, and Environmental Sciences (SAFES), Division of Natural Resources, is seeking to fill a tenure-track position at the Assistant Professor level with specialization in the ecology, management, and conservation of terrestrial mammalian wildlife. The position is a 9-month, academic year appointment and is approximately 50% teaching/50% research, although this split may vary slightly among years. The anticipated starting date is 15 August 2014. Clemson is a Land Grant university situated in the Upper Piedmont of South Carolina, USA. The 1,400 acre campus is part of the 18,000 acres of University Farms and Forests devoted to teaching and research. Clemson University is recognized as a top 25 public university by U.S. News and Word Report . This position will require significant contributions to teaching, advising, and mentoring. The successful applicant will teach on average two undergraduate and one graduate course per year. Courses of interest at the undergraduate level include but are not limited to Wildlife Biology, Principles of Fish Wildlife Biology, Mammalogy, and Habitat Analysis and Modeling. The Wildlife Ecologist will develop a graduate-level course that adds analytical and conceptual dimensions to the graduate program. Duties also include undergraduate advising for students in the Wildlife and Fisheries Biology major. Service to university and professional communities is expected. The successful candidate will develop a nationally recognized and externally funded research program supporting both graduate and undergraduate students that focuses on current and emerging issues in mammalian wildlife ecology and the management and conservation of large mammals and their habitat. The candidate is expected to develop strong collaborative relationships with state and federal wildlife agencies as well as NGOs. Applicants that integrate aspects of wildlife-habitat modeling, applied wildlife ecology, game management, quantitative ecology, or related disciplines with a focus on large game will be favored. Qualifications include a Ph.D. in wildlife, ecology and environmental sciences, zoology, natural resources, or related areas. Preference will be given to candidates with post-doctoral research and/or teaching experience, evidence of research productivity, and potential to secure external research funding to support an active research program that supports the Land Grant mission. Candidates with strong records of undergraduate teaching and mentoring are preferred. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Position is open until filled. For full consideration apply by 10 December 2013. A web page for the position can be found at www.clemson.edu/cafls/safes/hiring/wlfaculty.html Application Procedure Please email a single PDF file (lastname_wildlife.pdf) including (1) a letter of interest with applicants contact information; (2) names, titles, and contact information for 3 references; (3) a one-page teaching philosophy; (4) a one-page research plan; (5) an unofficial transcript from the PhD degree-granting institution; and (6) a Curriculum Vitae to: Dr. Patrick Jodice Search Committee Chair School of Agricultural, Forest, and Environmental Sciences (SAFES) G27 Lehotsky Hall, Clemson University Clemson SC 29634-0310 pjod...@clemson.edu The Jeanne Clery Disclosure Act requires institutions of higher education to disclose campus security information including crime statistics for the campus and surrounding areas. As a current or prospective Clemson University employee, you have a right to obtain a copy of this information for this institution. For more information regarding our Employment, Campus Safety and Benefits, please visit the Human Resources - Prospective Employees web page shown below: http://www.clemson.edu/cao/humanresources/prospective/ Clemson University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any individual or group of individuals on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status or genetic information.
[ECOLOG-L] Updated 2014 Training Course Schedule at the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation
Greetings! The Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation is proud to announce their updated 2014 course schedule. This year is shaping up to be a full year with 8 courses confirmed so far, 2 brand-new offerings, and more courses on the way! All courses are currently either 1 or 2-week intensive residential courses hosted in our new, sustainably-built Academic Center on the grounds of SCBI in Front Royal Virginia. Most courses can be taken either for graduate credit or continuing education units. Limited scholarships are available for international applicants. Visit our website (http://SMConservation.gmu.eduhttp://SMConservation.gmu.edu) or email us at mailto:scbitrain...@si.eduscbitrain...@si.edu for more details about each course, course costs, and credits earned. And, be sure to check back over the coming months for additional courses. Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation Graduate/Professional Training Courses 2014 Front Royal, Virginia, USA http://smconservation.gmu.edu/programs/graduate-and-professional/professional-training-courses/animove-animal-movement-analysis-for-conservation/AniMove: Animal Movement Analysis for Conservation (new!) March 31-April 11, 2014 Animal movements are critical for maintaining ecosystems services and biodiversity. Technological advances have greatly increased our ability to track animal movements, but analyzing and contextualizing vast amounts of tracking data can present scientific, computational, and technical challenges. This two-week course focuses on interdisciplinary approaches linking animal movement with environmental factors to address theoretical and applied questions in conservation biology. To achieve this, participants will acquire significant skills in computational ecology, modeling, remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). http://smconservation.gmu.edu/programs/graduate-and-professional/professional-training-courses/mccs-0503-species-monitoring-and-conservation-terrestrial-mammals/Species Monitoring Conservation: Terrestrial Mammals April 28-May 9, 2014 This course teaches current techniques in assessment and monitoring of wild mammal populations, including bats. Participants learn principles of study design; current field assessment methods; data analysis techniques including MARK and DISTANCE software; application of monitoring data to decision-making and population management; and collection and preparation of museum voucher specimens. http://smconservation.gmu.edu/programs/graduate-and-professional/professional-training-courses/estimating-animal-abundance-and-occupancy/Estimating Animal Abundance and Occupancy May 19-30, 2014 The course is designed to provide a strong theoretical and analytical background to both graduate students and professionals in distance sampling, mark-recapture, and occupancy modeling techniques, with a strong focus on the practical use of field data in the programs DISTANCE, MARK and PRESENCE. The course is taught by Gary White, Jim Nichols, Jim Hines and Joe Kolowski. http://smconservation.gmu.edu/programs/graduate-and-professional/professional-training-courses/mccs-0507-adaptive-management-for-conservation-success/Adaptive Management for Conservation Success June 16-20, 2014 This course is taught in partnership with Foundations of Success (FOS). Working in teams on a real conservation project, participants practice conceptualizing projects, formulating objectives and providing evidence of conservation results. The course builds skills in designing and planning effective projects that provide clear evidence of conservation impact, and in use of Miradi adaptive management software. http://smconservation.gmu.edu/programs/graduate-and-professional/professional-training-courses/mccs-0501-statistics-for-ecology-and-conservation-biology/Statistics for Ecology and Conservation Biology August 18-29, 2014 Gain in-depth knowledge of analysis techniques for cutting-edge ecological research, employing R: classical regression models; mixed models; generalized linear models; generalized additive models; how to deal with the limitations of real datasets; and conservation-specific approaches. http://smconservation.gmu.edu/programs/graduate-and-professional/professional-training-courses/species-monitoring-and-conservation-bird-migration/Ecology and Conservation of Migratory Birds (new!) September 1-12, 2014 Led by the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center, this course teaches the most current methods in the research of migratory birds including theoretical concepts, field and laboratory methods (including mist-netting, banding, tissue sampling, stable isotope geochemistry, geolocators and radio telemetry), data analysis (including mark-recapture statistics) and applied conservation strategies.
