Two fully funded positions in forest landscape modelling are available =
at
Universit=E9 Laval, Qu=E9bec, Canada (http://www.ulaval.ca): a =
postdoctoral
fellowship (2yr) and a doctoral studentship (3yr). The positions are =
funded
through the Sustainable Forest Management Network grant "Sustainable =
forest
management under climate change: a multicriteria assessment for eastern
Canada" and the Canada Research Chair in Boreal Ecosystems Modelling. =
Key
collaborators include Andr=E9 Desrochers, Daniel Fortin and Fr=E9d=E9ric =
Raulier
(Universit=E9 Laval), Pierre Drapeau (Universit=E9 du Qu=E9bec =E0 =
Montr=E9al), Sylvie
Gauthier (Canadian Forest Service) and Marcel Darveau (Ducks Unlimited
Canada).
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The positions will contribute to a broader project linking empirical =
models
of various landscape-scale ecological processes within a spatially =
explicit
regional simulation engine in order to evaluate alternate forest =
management
and conservation plans. The evaluation criteria address sustainability =
and
biological conservation under climate change. Some specific modelling
components are: wildfire and fire management; forest stand dynamics;
distribution and abundance of wildlife populations (e.g. waterfowl,
songbirds, woodland caribou); static and dynamic protected areas =
networks.=20
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Responsibilities for the two positions will be negotiated within this
framework, based on the interests and skills of the most qualified
applicants. However, the postdoctoral fellow will be expected to assist =
with
integration of digital forest inventory and growth and yield data within =
the
modelling framework and to lead the development and execution of =
simulation
experiments. Both positions require advanced quantitative and written
skills. Experience with spatial simulation modelling is desirable.
Familiarity with the C programming language and with GNU/Linux =
development
environment would be a definite asset.=20
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Applicants should review the modeling methodology by consulting these
references:
The Forestry Chronicle 80:478-484=20
Landscape Ecology 17:433-444.=20
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Information on some companion national modelling initiatives can be =
found
here: =20
http://www.borealbirds.ualberta.ca=20
http://www.rr.ualberta.ca/Research/Beacons/beacons.htm
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Position will remain open until suitable candidates are found: desired
starting dates are September 2007 (PhD) and as soon as possible (PDF). =
Note
that although the official language at Laval is French, dissertations =
may be
written in English. Applications or enquiries, in French or English, may =
be
addressed to the address indicated below. Applications should include a
concise but detailed covering letter, a current CV and the names and =
contact
information of three references.
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Steve Cumming
Canada Research Chair in Boreal Ecosystems Modelling
Sciences du bois et de la for=EAt
Universit=E9 Laval
(418) 656-2131 poste 2593
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