Postdoctoral position in plant-herbivore interactions and population dynamics
Ecology and Evolution group, Florida State University We are seeking a postdoc to work with us on a study of the effects of insect herbivores on plant population dynamics. In this study we are using a combination of density and herbivore manipulation experiments in the field with density-dependent demographic modeling. The focal plant is Solanum carolinense, a native perennial. This project is based at Florida State University in the Underwood lab (<http://bio.fsu.edu/~nunderwood/homepage/>http://bio.fsu.edu/%7enunderwood/homepage/) and is a collaborative venture with Stacey Halpern (http://www.pacificu.edu/as/biology/faculty/halpern.cfm) at Pacific University and Brian Inouye at FSU (<http://bio.fsu.edu/~binouye/>http://bio.fsu.edu/%7ebinouye/). A primary responsibility of the postdoc will be managing data collection from a large field experiment, including coordinating a team of technicians and undergraduate researchers and working with them in the field. Additional responsibilities include experimental work (especially greenhouse studies), plant propagation, data analysis, and assistance with mentoring undergraduate researchers. The postdoc will also be encouraged to participate in writing up results for publication, and to develop their own independent or collaborative research relevant to the larger project. Minimum qualifications include a Ph.D. in a relevant field, good field skills, knowledge of working with plants and/or insects, ability to work in hot and humid conditions, and excellent time and people management skills. Desirable qualifications include strong analytical, statistical, or demographic modeling skills. Annual salary starts at $37,000/yr. Funding is available for two years, renewed annually with review, and funding for an additional year may be possible. Ideally, the position would begin no later than March 2008; start date somewhat flexible. To apply (or if you have questions) e-mail Nora Underwood (<mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]>[EMAIL PROTECTED]). Stacey Halpern will also be available to meet with potential applicants at the Ecological Society meeting in San Jose in August (contact her at <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]>[EMAIL PROTECTED] to arrange a meeting). For applications, e-mail a CV, a research statement (describing your research interests, how you might contribute to this project, and how this position would relate to your long-term research goals), and the names and contact information for three references. Applications accepted until the position is filled. Florida State University is an R1 research institution. The Ecology and Evolution Group at FSU is very interactive and friendly, with particular research strengths at the intersection of evolution and ecology. See <http://www.bio.fsu.edu/ee/index.html>http://www.bio.fsu.edu/ee/index.html for more information about the EE group and the area around FSU.
