Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply for a Research Associate post- doc position with Prof. Don Waller in the Department of Botany at the University of Wisconsin Madison. This position (supported by NSFs Ecology program) will provide an exciting work environment and exceptional training opportunity.
Project: Our group is evaluating patterns of long-term ecological change in Wisconsin forest plant communities. Our primary goals are to determine how ecological conditions interact with species characteristics to affect community dynamics. We are particularly interested in learning how site and landscape conditions interact with plant functional traits to determine stochastic patterns of species persistence, colonization, and local extinction. The work is supported by an NSF grant entitled: A functional approach to analyzing long-term change in plant communities Further details about the project can be found under Grant Proposals at: http://idisk.mac.com/donwaller-Public For further information about activities of the Waller Lab and reprints of recent work, see: http://www.botany.wisc.edu/waller/ Qualifications & Skills sought: We seek recent PhDs with skills in some reasonable subset of the following: * Expertise on the measurement and functional analysis of plant traits * Experience and expertise with data management and databases (e.g., MS Access) * Interest and expertise in analyzing theoretical models and/or empirical patterns of community structure and change macroecology, neutral models, etc. * Expertise in multivariate statistical analysis * Proficiency in applying ordination techniques (e.g., PCOrd or Primer) * Experience supervising students and/or technical staff * Knowledge of the eastern / Midwestern flora and plant communities * Excellent writing and communication skills * Ability and willingness to work effectively as part of a team Term: 1.5 2.5 years, starting Winter or Spring 2007-08 Closing Date: Open until filled Compensation: Starting salary of ~$36K, commensurate with skills & experience, plus an excellent benefits package including high-quality health care and ice fishing in the winter . . . Application Procedures: Please look over the materials mentioned above and then compose an application consisting of: 1. A cover letter specifically addressing which of the skills and qualifications listed above that you would bring to the position 2. A current curriculum vitae 3. 1-2 (p)reprints of your papers or manuscripts pdfs are fine 4. A list of 3-4 references including current contact information (email and phone number) 5. A 1-2 page statement laying out: a) what you expect or hope to get out of this experience, b) what particular aspects of the position most interest you (and why) Please send application materials (preferably as email attachments) to: Don Waller ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) Dept. of Botany (608) 263-2042 232 Birge Hall 430 Lincoln Drive University of Wisconsin Madison, WI 53706 USA
