Plant invasions, fire, and tick-borne disease risk under climate change Two postdoctoral research associate positions are available, one each in the labs of Dr. Brian Allan (http://www.life.illinois.edu/allan/) at the University of Illinois, and Dr. S. Luke Flory (http://www.florylab.com/) at the University of Florida, through a Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program-funded project, to explore the potential effects of climate change on plant invasions, fire dynamics, and tick-borne disease risk on military installations in the southeastern United States. The project specifically seeks to address the feedbacks between plant invasions and fire ecology, how climate change may alter these dynamics, and the consequences for human risk of exposure to tick-borne diseases. The two postdoctoral research associates will be responsible for assisting with all aspects of the research, including study design, collection and analysis of data, preparation of manuscripts and reports, and participating in PI meetings and outreach.
Both positions are expected to begin in late 2016 or early 2017 (preferably by February or March 2017) and are renewable annually for up to three years of postdoctoral support. Candidates are expected to have completed their PhD prior to beginning employment. Given the expertise of the PIs, we expect, but are not requiring, that one postdoc will be more focused on tick disease ecology (Allan Lab) and the other more focused on invasion ecology (Flory Lab). Because field research will be conducted on Department of Defense properties, all applicants must be US citizens. To apply, please send a cover letter, CV, and names and contact information for three references as a single PDF file to Brian Allan (bal...@illinois.edu) or Luke Flory (fl...@ufl.edu) based on your interests and desired geographic location. University of Florida applicants will also need to apply online: (http://explore.jobs.ufl.edu/cw/en-us/job/499182/postdoctoral-research-associate) In the cover letter, please indicate interests and expertise as they relate to the ecology of plant invasions, fire dynamics, tick-borne diseases, or some combination of the three. Note that we are primarily interest in finding a well-qualified field ecologist, regardless of particular expertise. The minimum annual salary will be $47,476 plus benefits in accordance with new federal guidelines. The positions will remain open until filled but please submit your application by November 15, 2016 for full consideration. Both the University of Illinois and the University of Florida are equal employment and affirmative action employers and providers of ADA services. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ethnicity, color, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or identity, national origin, disability status or protected veteran status.
