The Baum Lab at University of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada (https://baumlab.weebly.com; @BaumLab) seeks to recruit an outstanding postdoctoral fellow (PDF) who will lead research investigating mechanisms of coral reef ecosystem recovery following mass coral mortality.
Research Context and Specific Focus: The 2015-2017 mega El Niño unleashed globally unprecedented heat stress on Kiritimati (Christmas) Island, a large coral atoll in the central equatorial Pacific Ocean. With its strong spatial gradient of local human disturbance, Kiritimati offers an excellent platform for studying how local and global stressors interact. This post-doctoral fellow would have access to a wealth of ecological data collected as part of Dr. Baum’s long-term research program on Kiritimati.Drawing upon these data, the post-doctoral fellow would have the freedom to investigate various aspects of ecosystem recovery, from coral community composition and habitat complexity (using novel Structure-from-Motion imagery), to fish abundance and diversity, or food web rewiring (focused on fish trophic dynamics), depending on their interests and expertise. Research for the position would be supported for the full two years (to value of approximately $30K per year), including field research expenses, conference travel and publication costs. Required Qualifications: - A PhD in ecology, with a focus on marine ecology and/or stable isotope ecology; - Excellent publication record (Minimum of 6 peer-reviewed publications); - Excellent technical, analytical, computer, organizational, and problem-solving skills. Strong attention to detail, and meticulous work style, as evidenced by previous research; - Excellent time management skills, including the ability to meet project goals in a timely manner, and follow through on projects to completion; - Strong interpersonal and communication skills, the ability to work both independently and collaboratively, and to communicate research findings at professional meetings and in high quality peer-reviewed journals. Desired Qualifications: - Scientific diver qualifications and extensive dive experience; - Experience working in remote field sites; Research Environment: The postdoc will be based in Prof. Julia Baum’s lab (https://baumlab.weebly.com; @BaumLab) in UVIC’s (https://www.uvic.ca/) Department of Biology. The Baum lab is a supportive and stimulating research environment, with a group of scientists who are committed to scientific outreach and policy, to open science, and to enhancing diversity in STEM. UVic is one of Canada’s top comprehensive universities (https://www.macleans.ca/schools/university-of-victoria/), has a vibrant ecology community (https://uvicecology.weebly.com/) and is located in beautiful Victoria, on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Interested candidates should thoroughly familiarize themselves with Dr. Baum’s research program and details on her lab website. Salary Funding: The fellow will need to secure his/her own salary funding by working with Dr. Baum to apply for an NSERC Postdoctoral Fellowship (http://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/Students- Etudiants/PD-NP/PDF-BP_eng.asp; Notes: Candidates for this fellowship must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada), a Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship ((http://banting.fellowships- bourses.gc.ca/en/home-accueil.html; Notes: This highly competitive fellowship is open to candidates of all nationalities and requires academic excellence and an outstanding publication record (e.g. ~8-12 peer-reviewed publications in quality journals); or a Mitacs Elevate Fellowship (https://www.mitacs.ca/en/programs/elevate; Notes: This fellowship is open to candidates of all nationalities). Dr. Baum will work with the successful applicant this summer/fall to craft the appropriate postdoctoral fellowship application. International applicants are also strongly encouraged to determine if PDF funding opportunities are available from their home country that would enable them to hold the fellowship internationally, in the Baum Lab. To apply: Candidates should submit the following materials via email to Dr. Baum (baum ‘at’ uvic.ca) in a single PDF document, with your last name in the file name and the subject heading “CoralRecoveryPDF”: -a cover letter explaining your motivation for applying for this position, how your prior research experience qualifies you for the position, and your career goals; -a CV (including publication list and clear specification of relevant quantitative skills; publication list may include publications in advanced stages of preparation); -names and contact details for three references. All qualified persons are encouraged to apply. In accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority. The Baum Lab and UVIC are committed to employment equity and we encourage applications from women, visible minorities, aboriginal people, and persons with disabilities. Start date: November 2018 - April 2019 (flexible); Applicant must be highly competitive for, and available to write PDF applications in time for this year’s deadlines. If starting in the lab this fall, applicant should also be available to attend the Baum Lab’s lab retreat Labour Day weekend in Banff National Park. Deadline to Apply: Fri. August 31st, 2018.
