[ECOLOG-L] Job: UGeorgia, Research Technician, Plant Evolutionary Ecology
RESEARCH TECHNICIAN POSITION: PLANT EVOLUTIONARY ECOLOGY UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA A full-time research technician position is available starting Feb 2010 in the laboratory of Shu-Mei Chang in the Department of Plant Biology at the University of Georgia. The general research interests of lab are to understand how evolutionary and ecological factors may influence the mating systems in flowering plants. Current projects include conservation genetics of endangered species, evolution of separate sexes in flowering plants and functional analyses of male traits in hermaphroditic plants. Field and greenhouse experiments are a big component of these projects so it is crucial that the candidate can work outdoor and in the greenhouse in conditions that can be demanding, including working in hot GA summer weather. Responsibilities also include bench work in the laboratory, such as DNA extraction, PCR, allozymes and microsatellite DNA genotyping, and measuring morphological and life history traits of plants. Candidates are expected to have some basic knowledge on laboratory techniques such as PCR and DNA extraction. Other duties include: overseeing day-to-day management of the laboratory including the purchasing of supplies and equipment; insuring proper operation and maintenance of laboratory equipment; entering and managing electronic data files; working with undergraduate research assistants; maintaining greenhouse plants, and training of student workers. The position is ideal for a highly motivated person interested in gaining field and laboratory skills prior to starting graduate school or other work in the life sciences. Requirements for the position are a bachelor's degree in biology, plant biology, ecology, evolution, or a related field as well as basic computer skills. The ideal candidate has a strong work ethic, positive attitude, excellent communication and organization skills, and the desire to acquire new field and laboratory research skills. Research experience in plants and an enthusiasm for field work will be advantageous. To apply, please send a CV, a letter describing research background and interests and names and contact information of two references to Shu-Mei Chang, ch...@plantbio.uga.edu. Applications will be reviewed until position is filled. Salary is commensurate with experience and includes benefits.
[ECOLOG-L] Postdoc: ecosystem modeler, Univ. GA
ECOSYSTEM MODELER POSTDOC Postdoc to develop a simulation submodel of benthic biogeochemical processes including filter feeding by clams for inclusion in a larger coupled ecological hydrodynamic model of the Plum Island Sound estuary. In addition to modeling, postdoc will be responsible for collecting background calibration / validation data on clam populations and dynamics in this estuary. This modeling effort is part of an NSF-funded Coupled Natural-Human Systems project in coastal Massachusetts studying suburbanization, watershed N dynamics, estuarine eutrophication and the shellfish industry. Postdoc will work with a team of scientists from Clark, MBL, Penn State, UNH and UGA, as well as the PIE LTER. This up to 2-yr position to be based out of the University of Georgia but to include significant field work in Massachusetts. Position to be filled winter/spring 2010 with applications first screened Jan 4, 2010 and interviewed in February. Application should include: letter explaining career goals and expertise needed to develop model, CV, graduate school course of study and grades, names and full addresses of 4 referees. Email application materials to Ginger Garrison (gin...@uga.edu) with subject header listed as MODPD. Additional information available from C. Hopkinson at chopk...@uga.edu.
[ECOLOG-L] GRA Opportunity, Urban Hydrology
Graduate Research Assistantship Investigating Urban Water Flow Regimes and Water Quality The University of Missouri, USA A highly motivated graduate student is sought to investigate water yield, peak flow, and/or suspended sediment in an intensively instrumented central Missouri (USA) forested, agricultural and urban watershed. The project is a multi-agency collaborative effort to better understand hydrologic processes and causal mechanisms governing water flow regimes (timing and quantity), and water quality regimes in multi-use urbanizing watersheds. The successful applicant will be required to work collaboratively, conduct field work and aid in installation and maintenance of instruments and monitoring sites. Other duties will include data collection, processing, analysis, modeling and a quality Thesis/Dissertation including published manuscript(s). Start date is on or before January 15th, 2010. Qualifications: Applicants must have completed at least one degree in natural resources, environmental sciences, hydrology, watershed hydrology, water quality, or a related field. Applicants must possess a valid US driver's license and are expected to work both independently and collaboratively. Experience in stream measurements, hydroclimate data processing, analysis and modeling, water quality monitoring, soil physics, GIS and computer programming is desirable. Strong verbal, written, and computational skills are essential. Applicants must be able to lift and carry equipment, pipes, instruments and tools. Application: A highly competitive stipend is offered plus tuition and health insurance. If interested, please forward by email your transcript, curriculum vitae, recent GRE scores, recent TOEFL scores (if appropriate), cover letter, a letter describing your research interests (2 page limit), a letter describing your career goals (2 page limit), and the names and contact information of three references to: Dr. Jason A. Hubbart, Department of Forestry, University of Missouri, 203-Q ABNR Bldg, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; Tel No. (573) 884-7732; Fax: (573) 882-1979; Email: hubba...@missouri.edu , Website: http://web.missouri.edu/~hubbartj/
[ECOLOG-L] Ph. D. Research Assistantship - City University of New York - Aquatic ecology
We are seeking an applicant to fill a graduate assistantship (Ph.D.) at the City University of New Yorks (CUNY) Graduate Center. The research will focus on the influence of oyster restoration on sediment nutrient cycling in a eutrophic coastal environment (Jamaica Bay, NY), and is funded by the National Science Foundation. Individuals with an interest in ecology, biogeochemistry, and shellfish biology are encouraged to apply. We are seeking a student that has obtained a BS or MS in a related discipline, has field experience in aquatic research, and has a record of excellent teamwork skills. The successful applicant will be co-advised by Chester Zarnoch and Timothy Hoellein at Baruch College and enrolled in the Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, and Behavior program in the Department of Biology at CUNYs Graduate Center. Applications to the CUNY Graduate Center are due Jan 1, 2010. See the following website for more information on how to apply: http://web.gc.cuny.edu/eeb/index.html Prior to applying, prospective students are encouraged to contact either PI with a brief description of their experience and research interests. Sincerely, Timothy J. Hoellein, Ph.D. timothy.hoell...@baruch.cuny.edu Phone: (646) 660-6247 http://www.baruch.cuny.edu/wsas/academics/natural_science/thoellein.htm http://tim.hoellein.googlepages.com/timothyj.hoellein Chester B. Zarnoch, Ph.D. chester.zarn...@baruch.cuny.edu Phone:(646) 660-6239 http://faculty.baruch.cuny.edu/czarnoch Baruch College, City University of New York Dept. of Natural Sciences Box A-0506, 17 Lexington Avenue New York, NY 10010 Fax: (646) 660-6201
[ECOLOG-L] Volunteers needed for song development study - Panama
Volunteers are needed in both the laboratory and field for a project that aims to study song development in suboscine birds. The work will take place in Panama, at The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, in collaboration with Nathalie Seddon and Joseph Tobias from The University of Oxford. These positions are most appropriate for individuals interested in pursuing a career in behavioral ecology and evolution. Working at The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute provides ample opportunities to integrate with a large body of tropical scientists, often leading to future collaborations and positions. Lab Positions: Three-month positions available throughout the year (first position begins in January 2010). Positions will involve caring for captive-raised birds (i.e., hand feeding and cleaning of cages), collection and sorting of native and captive raised arthropods for diet supplementation, monitoring daily song experiments, and processing song recordings. Preference will be given to individuals with prior experience handling birds and/or caring for animals in captivity. Field Positions: May 2010 September 2010. Positions will involve nest searching, mist netting, banding, collecting small blood samples, and recording wild songs. Preference will be given to individuals with relevant experience, and ability to work in challenging field conditions. Volunteers can expect to work 5-6 days a week for 8-10 hours a day. Housing is provided, as is Internet in a nearby computer room. If interested, please email Janeene Touchton at touch...@princeton.edu 1) a cover letter explaining why you are interested in participating in this project, 2) a CV, and 3) names and contact information of two or three references by December 30, 2009.
[ECOLOG-L] Osa Peninsula ecolodges
I suspect many ESA members have visited the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica through participation in OTS courses. Here's an opportunity to support conservation in that area. David Friends of the Osa is a small non-profit whose mission is to conserve the fabulous Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica. As a fundraising strategy, we are holding an online auction of fabulous ecolodge stays in the beautiful Osa Peninsula this winter, so I'd like to advertise it with you, as many of you would surely like to visit the Osa Peninsula and see magnificent rainforests and captivating wildlife. This would make a great Christmas present for friends, family or yourself, and 100% of your winning bid will be used to support conservation activities on the Osa! We are offering 3-night stays for two people at anytime until November 2010 at 7 ecolodges at starting bids of only $300. The auction has only 3 days to go and you can bid now on Ebay. The following ecolodges are participating: * http://www.laparios.com/Lapa Rios http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItemitem=110458834483ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT * http://www.elremanso.comEl Remanso http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItemitem=110458867225ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT * http://www.nicuesalodge.comPlaya Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItemitem=110458571618ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT * http://www.iguanalodge.com/index.phpIguana Lodge http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItemitem=110458886255ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT * http://www.playacativo.com/Playa Cativo http://cgi.ebay.com/3-night-stay-Playa-Cativo-Lodge-Costa-Rica_W0QQitemZ110458917889QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_Lodging?hash=item19b7dd5401 * http://www.osaadventures.com/index.htmBosque Rio Tigre http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItemitem=110458926306ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT * http://www.bosquedelcabo.comBosque del Cabo http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItemitem=110458945872ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT
[ECOLOG-L] PhD Opportunities at Yale (Jetz Lab): Ecology, Biogeography and Conservation
PhD Positions in Ecology, Biogeography and Conservation (Jetz Lab) Dept of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EEB) Yale University Up to two fully-funded PhD positions are available starting Fall 2010. We are interested in students with research experience who are excited about interdisciplinary work spanning a range of ecological scales. Applicants should have a strong interest in combining theory, data analysis and modeling, and potentially fieldwork to address questions in Community ecology, Community phylogenetics, Geographical ecology, Movement ecology, Biodiversity science, Biogeography, Biodiversity informatics, and Global change ecology. Our preferred study system is terrestrial vertebrates, but work on other groups (including plants) is possible. The student will be integrated in the departments thriving graduate program in ecology and evolution and will be able to interact closely with related programs in the neighboring Yale School of Forestry Environmental Studies. Annual stipends are ca. $27k. RESEARCH GROUP: In the Jetz Lab, the successful candidate will interact with two finishing PhD students, three resident and one affiliated postdoctoral fellow. For further information see: http://www.yale.edu/jetz Within the Jetz Lab, the EEB Department, the Yale Institute for Biospheric Studies (http://www.yale.edu/yibs), the Peabody Museum (both physically connected to the EEB Department), and the Yale Climate Energy Institute there are excellent training opportunities in GIS, macroecology, phylogenetics, phylogeography, macroevolution, biodiversity science, climate change science, global change ecology, and more. There is the potential to develop and co-supervise undergraduate research projects. APPLICATIONS: Please note that applications are due December 4, 2009. For further information see http://www.yale.edu/eeb/grad/index.htm and http://www.yale.edu/graduateschool/admissions/index.html
[ECOLOG-L] Fwd: NPS Benefits-Sharing Final EIS has been released
The NPS Benefits-Sharing Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) has been completed. The EIS can be found at the National Park Serviceâs Planning, Environment and Public Comment (PEPC) website at http://parkplanning.nps.gov. Select Washington Office from the park menu and then click on the link for benefits-sharing. The Final EIS is also available on CD or in hard copy by writing to the Benefits Sharing EIS Team, Yellowstone Center for Resources, P.O. Box 168, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming 82190. For more information, visit the Benefits-Sharing EIS website http://www.nature.nps.gov/benefitssharing/ FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Gerry Gaumer 202 208-6843 Al Nash 307 344-2010 - NATIONAL PARK SERVICE NEWS RELEASE - National Park Service Releases Final Environmental Impact Statement On Benefits-Sharing The National Park Service (NPS) is proposing to implement benefits-sharing agreements with scientists who conduct research in National Park System units. Such agreements could return benefits to the park and the public if the research results lead to the development of commercially valuable materials. The proposed changes are outlined in a Benefits Sharing Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) which has just been completed and released to the public. The preferred alternative in the Final EIS does not change the existing strict research permit process. Regulations would continue to prohibit issuing permits for activities that would adversely affect, impact, or damage public health and safety, visitor use activities, proper use of NPS facilities, scientific research, environmental or scenic values, or a parkâs natural or cultural resources. They would continue to prohibit the commercial use or sale of park specimens and prohibit damage to or consumptive use of park resources. Under the preferred alternative, a benefits-sharing agreement may be negotiated with researchers who wish to commercialize their research results. The permit process would remain separate from any benefits-sharing negotiations.Prior to the development of any agreements, a prospective permittee must meet all the regulatory requirements for obtaining a research permit; the park unit must comply with all resource protection requirements; and a permit must be issued. Typically, negotiations would not occur until after research has already been conducted. The proposed changes are not about commercializing the parks, but are about the public receiving some benefit from commercial projects that result from analysis of samples collected in national parks. The best known example of a viable commercial product arising from research results related to the study of biological material originating in national parks was the invention of the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) process. The PCR process, which facilitates the widespread use of DNA analyses, often uses an enzyme isolated from the Thermus aquaticus bacteria collected in Yellowstone National Park. The NPS has identified four types of non-monetary benefits that could occur under some or all benefits-sharing agreements: knowledge and research relationships, training and education, research-related equipment, and special services such as laboratory analysis. All benefits received under any type of benefits-sharing agreement would be dedicated to the conservation of resources protected and managed by the National Park Service. Currently, an average of more than 200 national parks annually host independent research efforts, authorized under permits generated under current policies and procedures. Only a small portion of NPS research permittees are expected to be affected by benefits-sharing. The analysis and recommendations contained in the Final EIS will be reviewed by the Director of the National Park Service. The Director will make the final decision and can choose the preferred alternative or any combination of management approaches addressed in the Final EIS. The Director is expected to issue the Record of Decision (ROD) in early 2010. The Final EIS is available online at http://parkplanning.nps.gov by selecting the âWashington Officeâ. It is also available on CD or in hard copy by writing the Benefits Sharing FEIS Team, Yellowstone Center for Resources, P.O. Box 168, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming 82190. - www.nps.gov -,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,., Public Affairs Office Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190 (307) 344-2013 yell_public_affa...@nps.gov www.nps.gov/yell David Cameron Duffy Professor of Botany and Unit Leader Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (PCSU) University of Hawai`i 3190 Maile Way St. John 410 Honolulu, HI 96822-2279 (808) 956-8218 phone (808) 956-4710 fax / (808) 956-3923 (backup fax) email address:
Re: [ECOLOG-L] Data sharing in ecology
NATURE wants eighteen bucks to download Bob's article. I wonder how many have ponied up? I wonder if these dudes have ever heard of pricing theory (it's a helluva lot easier to find a million suckers with a buck than one sucker with a million). Ironic, eh? Data sharing, si! Paper sharing depends on how badly one wants to read or scan the paper. Libraries used to be free (tax-supported or supported by other functions). Now that there is a MUCH cheaper alternative (Internet) to clay-paper publishing, the Big Journals look upon downloads as a profit-center. There is no passing forward of the economies, but there is a hustling and a-gouging. WT - Original Message - From: Anon. bob.oh...@helsinki.fi To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Sent: Monday, September 14, 2009 5:53 AM Subject: [ECOLOG-L] Data sharing in ecology Hej! Last week Nature published a special feature on data sharing (http://www.nature.com/news/specials/datasharing/index.html). it was mostly about other areas of science, but I think the problem of how to equitably share data is present in ecology too. SO, I blogged some thoughts: http://network.nature.com/people/boboh/blog/2009/09/14/data-sharing-some-ramblings I'm coming at this from the perspective of someone who wants to use the data, and I'd be interested in hearing other views - particularly from people who generate data on the problems associated with free access. All comments are welcome, preferably on my blog (just to keep the discussions in one place). Bob -- Bob O'Hara WWW: http://www.RNI.Helsinki.FI/~boh/ Blog: http://network.nature.com/blogs/user/boboh Journal of Negative Results - EEB: www.jnr-eeb.org Help send my wife to Antarctica (please?) http://www.blogyourwaytoantarctica.com/blogs/view/152 No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.409 / Virus Database: 270.13.97/2370 - Release Date: 09/14/09 11:36:00
[ECOLOG-L] Postdoctoral position in Biodiversity Science and Informatics (Yale)
Postdoctoral position in Biodiversity Science and Informatics (Biodiversity informatics, Species distribution modeling, GIS, Conservation of East African vertebrates Jetz Lab, Dept of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EEB), Yale University One 2-3 year position is available starting between January and July 2010. We are looking for an expert in the analysis, management, and visualization of large quantities of spatial (and phylogenetic) biodiversity data. Knowledge of the major biodiversity informatics initiatives, the design of relational databases, species distribution modeling, and GIS are required. The successful candidate will likely have deep working knowledge in most of the following: SQL/postgreSQL, PostGIS, ArcGIS, Python, PHP, Java, R. Experience in Unix/Linux will be a benefit. A number of basic or applied research opportunities based on databases in the Lab are possible and will be developed jointly with the successful candidate. One specific research opportunity is an assessment of the fate of East African terrestrial vertebrates under climate change. This project will include time in the field with collaborators in Kenya, and close interactions with the African Conservation Center, the Natural History Museum in Nairobi, and the Kenya Wildlife Service. RESEARCH GROUP: In the Jetz Lab, the successful candidate will interact with two PhD students and four postdoctoral fellows. For further information see: http://www.yale.edu/jetz. Yale has a thriving community of postdocs and graduate students in ecology, evolution and global change science. The postdoctoral fellow will benefit from interactions with the EEB Department, the Yale Institute for Biospheric Studies (http://www.yale.edu/yibs), the Peabody Museum (both physically connected to EEB), the Yale Climate Energy Institute, and the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies (http://environment.yale.edu). APPLICATION: Please email short letter of interest, C.V., and the names and contact details of three referees (ideally all combined in one pdf) preferably by 4 Dec 2009 to walter.j...@yale.edu Subject line: Biodiversity Postdoc. Review of applications will begin immediately, and continue until the position is filled.
Re: [ECOLOG-L] Data sharing in ecology
THink about this. Tycho Brahe is considered one of the observational genious's of his time. Johannes Kepler is considered one of the theoretical genious's of the same time. Kepler used Brahe's data to create his laws of planetary motion. The laws could not have been created without Brahe's observations. Brahe's observations would be little more than a curiosity without Kepler's mathematical findings. Together they got far. By themselves, neither would be remembered nearly as well. Without Kepler's Laws, Newton may never have constructed his law of gravity which filled in why the planets maintained their motion. However, Brahe invited Kepler into his court, but hardly gave Kepler any of his data! It was upon Brahe's death that Kepler got full access. It was Brahe's life work. No point, just an observation! On Mon, Sep 14, 2009 at 7:53 AM, Anon. bob.oh...@helsinki.fi wrote: Hej! Last week Nature published a special feature on data sharing (http://www.nature.com/news/specials/datasharing/index.html). it was mostly about other areas of science, but I think the problem of how to equitably share data is present in ecology too. SO, I blogged some thoughts: http://network.nature.com/people/boboh/blog/2009/09/14/data-sharing-some-ramblings I'm coming at this from the perspective of someone who wants to use the data, and I'd be interested in hearing other views - particularly from people who generate data on the problems associated with free access. All comments are welcome, preferably on my blog (just to keep the discussions in one place). Bob -- Bob O'Hara WWW: http://www.RNI.Helsinki.FI/~boh/ Blog: http://network.nature.com/blogs/user/boboh Journal of Negative Results - EEB: www.jnr-eeb.org Help send my wife to Antarctica (please?) http://www.blogyourwaytoantarctica.com/blogs/view/152 -- Malcolm L. McCallum Associate Professor of Biology Managing Editor, Herpetological Conservation and Biology Texas AM University-Texarkana Fall Teaching Schedule: Vertebrate Biology - TR 10-11:40; General Ecology - MW 1-2:40pm; Forensic Science - W 6-9:40pm Office Hourse- TBA 1880's: There's lots of good fish in the sea W.S. Gilbert 1990's: Many fish stocks depleted due to overfishing, habitat loss, and pollution. 2000: Marine reserves, ecosystem restoration, and pollution reduction MAY help restore populations. 2022: Soylent Green is People! Confidentiality Notice: This e-mail message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply e-mail and destroy all copies of the original message.
[ECOLOG-L] NSF deadlines vs. target dates, etc.
Probably some of you (as I have) benefited in the past from the flexibility in submission dates for NSF proposals, because you forgot to include something in a proposal, were asked to revise the budget, or needed some extra time to respond to reviews you just got on a previous proposal. We were told at a recent panel meeting that this previous flexibility is going to disappear as a change is made from target dates to deadlines for the programs that most ecologists apply to for funding. So be forewarned that if you miss the deadline, you may have to wait until the next opportunity (probably six months later) to submit your proposal. I do see that the DEB Website still shows 9 January 2010 as a Proposal Target Date, so I'm not sure when the policy will change. There is an official policy on Special Exceptions to the NSF Deadline Date Policy Due to Natural or Anthropogenic Events. We were also encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity to suggest reviewers when submitting a proposal (including current contact information). Apparently only 40% of PIs submitting proposals do this. Postdocs were particularly (in light of their mobility) encouraged to keep their Web sites up to date with current contact information. David Dr. David W. Inouye, Professor Dept. of Biology University of Maryland College Park, MD 20742-4415 Rocky Mtn. Biological Laboratory PO Box 519 Crested Butte, CO 81224 ino...@umd.edu 301-405-6946
