RESEARCH COORDINATOR FOR FOREST ECOLOGY (SMITHSONIAN-NTU PARTNERSHIP) Young and research-intensive, Nanyang Technological University (NTU Singapore) is ranked 11th globally. It is also placed 1st amongst the world’s best young universities. The Asian School of the Environment (ASE) at NTU Singapore (NTU; www.ntu.edu.sg) seeks to hire a Research Coordinator (equivalent to a senior technician) in forest ecology to manage research activities associated with the partnership between NTU and the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI). This position is centered on the ForestGEO-CTFS network of tropical forest observatories and related experimental studies in Asia. The focus is to use this network for fostering increased forest monitoring, research and training opportunities.
Key responsibilities for the position include: 1. Support and advice on periodic ForestGEO plot censuses in Asia; 2. Support development of experimental research projects associated with ForestGEO sites in Asia; 3. Train staff in standardized data collection and storage for plot censuses and additional regular surveys (e.g., annual tree mortality and dendrometer band surveys); 4. Lead initiatives to standardize plant identifications among ForestGEO & experimental plots; 5. Maintain strong relationships with ForestGEO, ASE and host-country partner institutions. 6. Using the ForestGEO Asia plot data, conduct independent research on community and ecosystem ecology, plant systematics, and related areas. 7. Engage with the ForestGEO and ASE intellectual communities through participation in seminars, local collaborations, special events, etc. 8. Prepare and manage budgets and ensure all procurement and health and safety guidelines are adhered to. 9. Frequent travel to field sites in Asia, as well as occasional travel to the ForestGEO headquarters in Washington DC. Required knowledge and qualifications include: • MSc. or PhD in botany, plant ecology or related field • At least three years experience working on the forests and plants of tropical Asia • At least 2 years of field experience in the forests of tropical Asia • At least 3 publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals • Academic training in any of the following fields of tropical forest science: plant population, community or ecosystem ecology, physiological ecology, plant systematics and evolution. Required competencies include: • Some experience with data management software and analytical tools for botany and plant ecology • Experience working with ecological field equipment and infrastructure (e.g., weather stations, plant ecophysiology, etc.) • Experience with field sample collection (e.g., soils, plant specimens, tree measurements, etc.) • Knowledge of identification and taxonomy of Asian plants, especially trees • Experience working with forest plot data would be an advantage • Working knowledge of Bahasa Melayu/Indonesia and/or Mandarin would be useful • Experience working as part of a research team • Positive working attitude and a good team player • Good listening and communication skills • Meticulous in the management and implementation of work activities • Excellent time management skills • Able to work as part of a team as well as independently Applications, including the applicant’s CV highlighting relevant experience, and contact information for three professional references, should be sent to the Chairman of the Search Committee, NTU, at ase_humanresour...@ntu.edu.sg indicating Research Coordinator for Forest Ecology. Enquiries can be sent to Professor David Wardle (david.war...@ntu.edu.sg) or Professor Stuart Davies (davi...@si.edu). Review of applications will begin on January 8 2018 and will continue until the position is filled. More information can be found at: http://www.ase.ntu.edu.sg/
