[ECOLOG-L] Postdoc: Experimental coevolution (University of Liverpool)
Postdoctoral RA School of Biological Sciences, University of Liverpool 36 months Salary: £30594 (starting) Project: Host-symbiont coevolution: Exploring the parasitism-mutualism continuum An enthusiastic, dedicated postdoctoral research assistant is sought for a 3-year NERC-funded project that will use experimental evolution allied with genome re-sequencing to study coevolution across the parasitism-mutualism continuum. While both parasitism and mutualism are common ways of life, relatively little is known about how antagonistic and mutualistic coevolution differ. In this project, we will exploit the natural variation in the relationship between a plasmid and its bacterial host, associated with different environmental conditions, to examine in detail the consequences of parasitism and mutualism for the tempo and mode of evolution of both parties in a symbiosis. A complete evolutionary genetic picture of coevolution will be created through utilizing the recent advances in second generation sequencing technologies (454, illumina etc.). The successful candidate will hold a PhD in evolutionary biology (or related); experience of experimental evolution and/or comparative genomics research would be desirable. Training in analysis of next-generation sequencing data and bioinformatics will be provided. The post-holder will perform long-term selection experiments; whole genome re-sequencing; bioinformatics; statistical analysis; manuscript preparation; and assist in lab management. The post will be based in the School of Biological Sciences, University of Liverpool under the supervision of Dr Michael Brockhurst and Dr Steve Paterson. The post is available for 3-years from May 2010 (or until a suitable candidate is found). Deadline for applications is the 15th March 2010. Informal enquiries to Dr Brockhurst (br...@liverpool.ac.uk; 01517954519). Closing date: For full details, or to request an application pack, visit: http://www.liv.ac.uk/working/job_vacancies/research/R-571660.htm or e-mail j...@liv.ac.uk Tel 0151 794 2210 (24 hr answerphone)
[ECOLOG-L] Post-doctoral research position - Spatial modeling of climate change effects on breeding bird population trends
Post-doctoral Research Position. Post-doctoral research position with the Colorado Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit and Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology at Colorado State University to work closely with USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center. Minimum: Ph.D. in biology (wildlife), ecology, or related quantitative field. Knowledge of principles and methods of Bayesian analysis including experience with Markov chain Monte Carlo methods or software for conducting MCMC simulations. Demonstrated proficiency with statistical software including Splus or R and WinBUGS. Demonstrated desire and proficiency to publish in the peer-reviewed literature. Salary of $45,000 per year plus benefits. To apply view complete position description: Submit letter of application, CV, copy of transcripts, and reference contact information online at: http://warnercnr.colostate.edu/employment-opportunities.html. For full consideration, all materials must be received by 4:30pm, Friday, March 5, 2010. CSU is an EEO/AA employer. Colorado State University conducts background checks on all final candidates.
[ECOLOG-L] Summer offerings at the Highlands Biological Station
2010 SUMMER COURSES AND WORKSHOPS AT THE HIGHLANDS BIOLOGICAL STATION The Highlands Biological Station, an inter-institutional research center of the University of North Carolina is offering its 2010 series of summer courses and workshops that can be taken for credit toward your academic program. The following list of field-based courses and workshops are focused on the diversity of organisms in the region with special emphasis on identification and collection techniques as well as principles of evolution, ecology and conservation. Scholarships, Grants-in-aid of research for graduate students, and summer internships also available. Highlands, North Carolina is located in the southern Blue Ridge Mountains, at an average elevation about 3,800 feet, and situated near the Nantahala National Forest, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cherokee Indian Reservation, Appalachian Trail, and the Blue Ridge Parkway. For more information and to apply, visit www.wcu.edu/hbs, email h...@email.wcu.edu or call 828-526-2602. 2010 Course Schedule: TAXONOMY AND NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN MAYFLIES, STONEFLIES, AND CADDISFLIES with John C. Morse (May 3 May 15) BIOLOGY OF PLETHODONTID SALAMANDERS with Stephen G. Tilley (May 17 May 29) MAMMALS OF THE SOUTHERN APPALACHIANS with R. Wayne Van Devender (May 31 June 12) BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION OF BIRDS with Rob Bierregaard (June 14 June 26) INSECT BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY with James T. Costa and Lynn E. Fletcher (June 28 July 10) SPIDERS OF THE SOUTHERN APPALACHIANS with Kefyn M. Catley (July 12 July 24) FLESHY FUNGI OF THE HIGHLANDS PLATEAU with Andrew S. Methven (July 26 August 7) LAND SNAIL IDENTIFICATION WORKSHOP with Amy and Wayne Van Devender (May 1014) IDENTIFICATION OF SEDGES WORKSHOP with Dwayne Estes (May 2429) FERN IDENTIFICATION WORKSHOP with Dwayne Estes (August 914) MOUNTAIN BIODIVERSITY WORKSHOPFOR TEACHERS with Karen Kandl (June 21-25) Cost and Credit Information Course fee: $525 per 2-week course (**$425 for students from HBS member institutions**) Workshop fee: $275 per 1-week workshop (**$225 for students from HBS member institutions**) [Mountain Biodiversity can be taken for 2 graduate credits or 3 CEUs. Registration fee is $30] Course credit: Summer courses can be taken for 4 semester hours credit, workshops can be taken for 2 hours credit, through either UNC-Chapel Hill or Western Carolina University for an additional $85 Housing: $75/week Check website for course applications, detailed descriptions, and prerequisite requirements: http://www.wcu.edu/hbs/currentyrcourses.htm
[ECOLOG-L] PAID SUMMER INTERNSHIPS AT THE HIGHLANDS BIOLOGICAL STATION
2010 INTERNSHIPS IN SCIENCE EDUCATION AND HORTICULTURE AT THE HIGHLANDS BIOLOGICAL STATION, HIGHLANDS NORTH CAROLINA Three paid internships are available with applications due by April 4. Visit www.wcu.edu/hbs for application instructions. Positions are described below: SUMMER INTERNSHIPS AT THE HIGHLANDS NATURE CENTER Assistant Naturalists (2) Wage: $8.50/hour, group housing, and possible college internship credit. Hours: Full-time, temporary (40 hours per week, no overtime available, some Saturdays and evenings required), position is from mid-May through mid-August, but specific dates can be somewhat flexible. Description: Assistant Naturalists help with daily operations of the Highlands Nature Center. Primary duties include working with the public to interpret the natural history of the Southern Appalachians and related Nature Center exhibits, answering questions about local natural areas and recreational opportunities, actively developing and teaching several environmentally-based educational programs for both children and adults, and serving as co-counselor for a series of Nature Day Camps for children ages 4 to 15. Staff will also assist with the implementation of special evening programs for the public, and with the weekly evening lecture series. Work also involves the feeding, cleaning, general care, and interpretation of live animal exhibits (mainly reptiles and amphibians). Other general duties are also the responsibility of all Nature Center staff and include word processing; maintaining program schedules; participant registration; handling money; cleaning and maintaining exhibits, bathrooms, and animal enclosures on a daily basis; empty trash and recycling bins; care of live plants; etc. Summer staff may also be occasionally asked to assist other Station employees in the office, library, or Botanical Garden. These jobs may include heavy lifting (no more than 50 lbs.). Assistant Naturalists work a 40-hour week, but the schedule will require flexibility including some weekend and evening work. Qualifications: Applicants should be majors (or recent graduates) in biology, zoology, botany, environmental science, science education, outdoor recreation, or other related fields. Proficiency in dealing with the public is a must. Ideal candidates should have experience working with children, familiarity with (or enthusiasm to learn) a variety of environmental education activities such as Project WILD, and experience caring for animals. A basic knowledge of the flora and fauna of the Southern Appalachians is also desirable. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and have a valid drivers license, and must be in good physical condition to lead hikes. Willingness to work a flexible schedule is a must. Non-smokers are preferred. To apply: A State of North Carolina job application (PD107) must be completed. Send application, cover letter, and a list of 3 references to Patrick Brannon, Highlands Biological Station, 265 N. Sixth Street, Highlands NC 28741. Applications must be received by April 4. For more information, please call 828-526-2623. SUMMER INTERNSHIPS AT THE HIGHLANDS BOTANICAL GARDEN Botanical Garden Assistants (1) Wage: $8.50/hour, group housing, and possible college internship credit. Hours: Full-time, temporary (40 hours per week, no overtime or benefits available), position is from mid-May through mid-August, but specific dates can be somewhat flexible. Description: Botanical Garden Assistants maintain gardens, trails, boardwalks, and bridges throughout the Station property, and helps to identify, label, and maintain native plant species. This position may include working with the public to interpret the natural history of local plants and assisting with identification of native plant species. This job may involve heavy lifting (no more than 50 lbs.) and will sometimes involve working alone and in rainy weather. Occasionally, the individual will be asked to assist other Station employees in the office, library, or Nature Center. The successful applicant must be able to trim, cut, and pile brush; use a shovel, hoe, and other garden tools, as well as a wheel barrow, to do general gardening and trail repairs; help with lawn mowing and lawn maintenance on the campus; learn to identify wildflowers; collect and mount plant specimens; learn to make plant labels; and possibly help researchers with field work, as required. Qualifications: Applicants should be majors in biology, botany, horticulture, or some other environmental science. The ideal candidate should have training and/or experience in field biology and landscaping, and good skills in dealing with people. Familiarity with Southern Appalachian plant species and with horticultural practices is desirable. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and possess a valid driver's license. Non-smokers are preferred. To apply: A State of North Carolina job application (PD107) must be completed. Send application, cover
[ECOLOG-L] Summer 2010 Student Position at Patuxent Wildlife Research Center
Summer 2010 Student Position at Patuxent Wildlife Research Center Summary: The USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center in Laurel, Maryland is seeking to hire one full-time temporary student contractor to assist with the North American Breeding Bird Survey program (www.pwrc.usgs.gov/BBS), a long-term, continental avian monitoring program. Tasks will include working with wildlife survey data, performance of quality assurance and quality control procedures on biological data, data entry, assisting with database management, photocopying and filing, preparation of maps and assisting in preparation of administrative correspondence. Application deadline: Interested applicants should submit their resume and cover letter by March 1, 2010. Statement of Work 1.Types of services required: During the spring field season, approximately 3000 BBS routes are sampled by participants skilled in avian identification. These data are then processed and analyzed by USGS to inform avian conservation efforts in the U.S. and Canada. Tasks will include processing incoming data and materials, performing data entry and quality control procedures using web-based and Teleform OCR technologies, tracking progress, assisting with database management, photocopying, scanning and filing materials, map preparation, and corresponding with participants. 2.Required expertise/skills: a. Applicants are required to have completed two years of undergraduate course work (student must be at least a second semester sophomore). b. Applicants must be majors in Biology, Wildlife Management, Environmental Science, or similar field. c. Applicants must be able to communicate effectively in English both verbally and in writing. d. Applicants must have knowledge of computer software used to summarize and visualize data (i.e. Excel and Access), with a strong interest in learning more. e. Knowledge of the distributions and natural histories of North American birds is not required, but considered a plus. 3.Eligibility requirements: To be eligible for a student contract position, applicants must be either a currently enrolled student or a recent graduate. To qualify as a student, the applicant must be enrolled at least half-time in a degree-seeking program at an accredited college or university. Former students who graduated more than 12 months ago or who left school without graduating are not eligible to work under these contracts. Applicants will be required to show proof of their student status (or recent graduation). USGS employees, their spouses, and children are not eligible to participate in this program. U.S. citizens are eligible. Non-U.S. citizens may be eligible to participate, depending on their immigration status and the applicable regulations of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (formerly Immigration and Naturalization Service). Foreign students in the U.S. under F-1 visas are usually not able to participate in this program, due to USCIS restrictions on off-campus work. 4.Description of working conditions: Work will be performed in an office environment located on the USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center campus in Laurel, Maryland. Extended periods of computer use will be required. This is not a field or laboratory position. 5.Compensation: The student contractor will be paid $13.98 per hour. Student contractors are paid only for hours worked (no holiday or leave benefits). Student is responsible for all costs of transportation to and from the principal duty station location. The Government does not provide housing, meals or other living expenses while working at the principal duty station. Travel away from the duty station is not expected. 6.Principal Duty Station: USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, 12100 Beech Forest Road, Laurel, Maryland 20708-4038. Student contractors may enter the building only during business hours or when project manager is present. 7.Additional information: Number of students required is one. Estimated number of hours for the position is 544 (full-time for summer). There is a possibility of additional part-time hours continuing into the fall semester. The approximate start date is May 24, 2010. The approximate end date is August 27, 2010. There is some flexibility in start and end dates to accommodate variations in academic calendars. 8.How to apply: Send resume and cover letter to Keith Pardieck via email (kpardi...@usgs.govl). Applications must be received on or before March 1, 2010. In your cover letter include an explanation of how you meet the eligibility requirements, your expected graduation date, and discuss your experience as related to sections 1 and 2 above. Keith L. Pardieck BBS National Coordinator USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research
[ECOLOG-L] REU opportunity: Arctic
Position: Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU)- Arctic Position Summary: The Ecosystems Center of the Marine Biological Laboratory is seeking undergraduate applicants for several Arctic research projects. The Research Experience for Undergraduate (REU) positions are available to U.S. citizens or Permanent Residents only who are currently enrolled as undergraduates at U.S. colleges or universities (no graduating seniors). Successful candidates will participate in field research on either terrestrial or aquatic ecosystems in the Toolik Lake Research Natural Area on the North Slope of Alaska. Additional Information: In addition to gaining experience by assisting on a variety of project activities, REU students typically assume an independent project that is linked to larger studies of lakes, streams, tundra or land-water interactions. REU participants are expected to collect and analyze data and to produce a poster describing their project near the end of the field season. We anticipate funding for support of two to four REU positions during the 2010 field season. Candidates for these jobs should be available to live at Toolik Field Station for 8-10 weeks during June, July and August. Travel to Toolik Field Station is paid for by grant funds as well as the cost of room and board at the station. Basic Qualifications: Applicants should have completed basic coursework in biology, chemistry and ideally ecology or ecosystem studies. Attention to detail and a desire to learn new laboratory and field techniques are essential. Physical Requirements Applicants should be in good health, capable of rigorous outdoor activity, and prepared to live in a field camp where cooperation with others is essential, personal privacy is limited, and living accommodations are spare and simple. Required Applicant Documents: Resume/CV Cover Letter Special Instructions to Applicants: Please do not ask referees to send unsolicited letters. These will be requested from the final candidates only. Unofficial transcripts are required documents, but may be uploaded with your application package or faxed to the Human Resources Office, 508-289-7931. If faxing, please reference this posting. APPLY ONLINE AT: https://mbl.simplehire.edu/https://mbl.simplehire.edu An Equal Opportunity Employer Ann Woolford Human Resources Office Marine Biological Laboratory 7 MBL Street Woods Hole, MA 02543 human...@mbl.edu
[ECOLOG-L] WANTED: Li-Cor 6100 gas respiration chamber
Hello, The Fire Science Laboratory at the University of California, Berkeley, is looking for a Li-Cor 6100 gas respiration chamber. If somebody has information on where we can buy/borrow/have a used chamber please email (d...@berkeley.edu). This is an older model licor instrument and we are hoping somebody has one sitting in their lab and they don't mind parting with it. Thank you very much.
[ECOLOG-L] Job: Summer Field Assistant-Arctic
Position: Summer Field Assistant-Arctic Position Summary: The Ecosystems Center of the Marine Biological Laboratory is seeking applicants for a temporary summer field assistant to work on a project that examines the biogeochemistry of major arctic rivers. The position will be based out of Inuvik, Canada, and is expected to be approximately one month in duration, between mid to late June and mid to late July, 2010. Additional Information: The successful candidate will be responsible for taking daily water samples from the Mackenzie River, and processing these samples for later transport to Woods Hole and chemical analyses. Both sampling from shore and supervised work on a boat will be undertaken. The candidate will be expected to work independently and be able to troubleshoot problems that may arise in the field.Travel to Inuvik from Woods Hole and field living expenses will be paid in addition to a salary. Basic Qualifications: Applicants should have a BS degree or commensurate experience. Experience with proper collection and processing of water samples, and significant experience with field work is required. Applicants must demonstrate an ability to work independently and in remote locations. Physical Requirements Applicants must be in good health, capable of rigorous physical outdoor activity, prepared to work in harsh weather conditions, and willing to live in a group setting where personal privacy is limited. Travel to Inuvik from Woods Hole and field living expenses will be paid in addition to a salary Required Applicant Documents: Resume/CV Cover Letter APPLY ONLINE AT: https://mbl.simplehire.edu An Equal Opportunity Employer Ann Woolford Human Resources Office Marine Biological Laboratory 7 MBL Street Woods Hole, MA 02543 human...@mbl.edu
[ECOLOG-L] Need Grasshoppers
Does anyone have live grasshoppers (age not important) preferably Camnula pellucida, though I will take what I can get? I need 50 of them, will pay for shipping and provide all the necessary paperwork to ship out of state.
[ECOLOG-L] Undergraduate Scholarship Deadline extended until March 5, 2010
FIELD BIOLOGY IN THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS. The Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory (RMBL) has a 10 week Summer Education Program focused on student research. Students take one of two tracks: Independent Research/Short Course or Advanced Independent Research. All students conduct independent field research with a mentor. Summer research can become senior theses at home institutions. We offer three short courses: Methods in field ecology, Research training in wildlife biology, and Research training in field botany. THE DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR SUMMER SCHOLARSHIPS HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO MARCH 5, 2010. For more information, see http://rmbl.org/education -- Dr. Jennie Reithel Science Director Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory PO Box 519 Crested Butte, CO 81224 970-349-7231 phone fax
[ECOLOG-L] graduate student assistantship wetlands ecology
An assistantship is available for a M.S. degree in ecology through the Odum School of Ecology. The project will build upon information about the ecological condition and functions of isolated depressional wetlands in the Dougherty Plain of southwestern Georgia. The objective is to validate the historical and current land-use models developed from a prior study. It will also be used to further refine floristic quality indices for biotic assessment of depressional wetland condition in the Dougherty Plain of southwestern Georgia. The project will be co-advised by Dr. K. Kirkman (J. W. Jones Ecological Research Center), Dr. J. Hepinstall (UGA Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources)and Dr. Alan Covich (UGA Odum School of Ecology). If feasible, the proposed project will be developed in collaboration with investigations of mosquito assemblages in which models predicting wetland condition and vector-borne diseases will be assessed by Dr. Stephen Golladay and Dr. Alan Covich. Student background requirements: B.S. in ecology or natural resource management, with interest in plant ecology. Coursework and experience in landscape ecology, GIS skills, and plant identification are desirable. Willingness to conduct field studies and application-oriented ecological research is essential. For more information, contact: Dr. Katherine Kirkman J. W. Jones Ecological Research Center Route 2 Box 2324 Newton, GA 39870 229-734-4706 kkirk...@jonesctr.org Dr. Jeffrey Hepinstall-Cymerman Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources University of Georgia Athens, GA 31705 706-583-8097 jhepinst...@warnell.uga.edu Dr. Alan Covich Odum School of Ecology University of Georgia Athens, GA 31705 706-542-2968
[ECOLOG-L] new guide to the snakes of Florida
NEW - Identification Guide to the Snakes of Florida This full color, illustrated guide is a must have for anyone who spends time outdoors in areas where snakes may be encountered. University of Florida expert herpetologists Steve Johnson and Monica McGarrity provide critical venomous snake safety information, including tips for identifying venomous snakes, DOs and DON'Ts of venomous snake safety, and a guide to preparing for and dealing with a snakebite emergency. Color photographs of each of Florida's 46 snake species illustrate adult and juvenile markings and important color variations that will help you to identify these snakes in the wild. The guide provides detailed information about the average size of each snake, habitats where they are commonly found, what they eat, and more. This portable, durable, water-resistant guide is an essential reference to keep in your glove box, tool shed or backpack. Ring bound; 4 x 6; 138 pp. Item SP 456 - Price: $18. Available through the UF/IFAS bookstore at http://ifasbooks.ufl.edu Monica E. McGarrity Biological Scientist Gulf Coast Research Education Center University of Florida/IFAS 1200 North Park Rd., Plant City, FL 33563 Phone: (813) 757-2271 / Fax: (813) 707-7399 Website: http://ufwildlife.ifas.ufl.eduhttp://ufwildlife.ifas.ufl.edu/
[ECOLOG-L] Tenure-Track Plant Ecologist Position, Eastern Kentucky University
Eastern Kentucky University Department of Biological Sciences Assistant Professor Plant Ecologist A longer description of the position, which includes the information below, can be found here: http://www.biology.eku.edu/PlantEcoAd.php About the Position: Tenure-track, 9-month appointment, to begin August 15, 2010. Teaching responsibilities will include courses in the department's undergraduate biology and graduate degree (MS) programs. Primary courses to be taught include Forest Ecology, Dynamics of Ecosystems, Conservation Biology, introductory biology and botany courses, and other undergraduate and graduate level courses in area of specialty. The typical teaching load is 12 hours per semester, with possibility of reassigned time with extramural funding. New faculty can expect to teach 9 hours per semester during their first year. The successful candidate will be expected to establish an active, extramurally funded research program and mentor undergraduate and graduate (MS) students/ A Ph.D.from a regionally accredited or internationally recognized institution is required by the time of employment. Candidates must have a strong record of research accomplishments and must provide evidence of excellent teaching and communication skills. Preference will be given to candidates who use field studies in their research, who are familiar with the plant species and communities of the eastern United States, and have special interests in areas such as global climate change, landscape ecology, systems ecology, or invasive species. Preference will be given to candidates with online teaching experience. Applications must be submitted online via this link: http://www.hr.eku.edu/employment/ (requisition number 0606805) Review of applications will begin on Mar 1, 2010 and will continue until position is filled. Inquiries may be directed to Dr. Ron Jones (ron.jo...@eku.edu), Department of Biological Sciences, Eastern Kentucky University, 521 Lancaster Avenue, Richmond, KY 40475-3102. Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a satisfactory criminal background check and educational credential verification. Eastern Kentucky University is an EEO/AA institution that values diversity in its faculty, staff, and student body. In keeping with this commitment, the University welcomes applications from diverse candidates and candidates who value diversity. About the University: Eastern Kentucky University is a regional, comprehensive institution. EKU attracts about 16,000 students to the main campus in Richmond and several satellite centers from its Appalachian and central Kentucky service region and beyond. About the Department: Students enjoy close working relationships with 24 faculty members in the Department of Biological Sciences. Many faculty members are involved in supervising undergraduate and M.S. graduate research. The undergraduate program in wildlife management is one of only two in the state and the only degree program of its kind in the service region. Currently, ca. 45 full and part-time students are enrolled in the M.S. program in biology. Many are attracted by the department's reputation for ecological, environmental, and behavioral scholarship. Faculty research is facilitated by our lab facilities, a system of natural areas owned by the university, and close proximity to areas (such as the Central Kentucky Wildlife Management Area and Bluegrass Army Depot) that provide exciting opportunities for field research. In addition, plans are now underway for a new science building that will include state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities. About the Community: Richmond, with a population of about 30,000, is located where Kentucky's Bluegrass Region meets the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. There are varied cultural, historical, and outdoor recreational opportunities, with several state parks, Daniel Boone National Forest (including Red River Gorge), and national parks (Great Smoky Mountains and Mammoth Cave) within a few hours drive. Lexington, a convenient half-hour drive to the north, offers urban amenities in a metropolitan setting, as well as opportunities for collaboration with faculty at the University of Kentucky. The cost of living is relatively low (Richmond's Cost of Living Index is 87 and the national average is 100).
[ECOLOG-L] Postdoctoral and Post-masters Quantitative Ecology and Ecosystem Modeling Positions
Do not reply to sender, please contact Dr. Phillip Levin, phil.le...@noaa.gov Postdoctoral and Post-masters Quantitative Ecology and Ecosystem Modeling Positions NOAA-Fisheries, Northwest Fisheries Science Center (Seattle) Conservation Biology Division, Integrated Marine Ecology Team The Integrated Marine Ecology Team of the Northwest Fisheries Science Center (http://www.nwfsc.noaa.gov/) is seeking THREE QUANTITATIVE ECOLOGISTS OR ECOSYSTEM MODELERS to contribute to NOAA's Integrated Ecosystem Assessment (IEA) work in the California Current Large Marine Ecosystem. As part of the IEAs, we will perform single-species and community-level risk assessments, identify ecosystem indicators, test monitoring schemes, and evaluate management strategies. Appointment will be made at the post-doc or post-M.S. level with salary commensurate with experience. U. S. citizenship is required. We seek two postdoctoral researchers and one masters-level scientist, with strong backgrounds in quantitative ecology, who wish to develop and contribute to cutting-edge statistical and simulation models for marine systems. Candidates should be interested and qualified in one or more of the following: Ecosystem modeling: We have developed Atlantis ecosystem simulation models (http://atlantis.cmar.csiro.au/) for the California Current and the Central California Coast. We are using the models for simulation testing of alternative ecosystem-based management strategies for this region. Our research includes identifying and testing ecological indicators and monitoring strategies for the California Current, considering potential fishery management options and effects on ecosystem services, and considering tradeoffs or benefits of the interrelated policies of multiple state and federal agencies, in terms of economic, ecological, and social metrics. The new position will largely involve using the Atlantis ecosystem modeling code to support NOAA's Integrated Ecosystem Assessment (IEA) work on the west coast and Puget Sound. The new team member’s primary responsibility will be applying two existing Atlantis ecosystem models, published as Brand et al. (http://www.nwfsc.noaa.gov/publications/displayallinfo.cfm?docmetadataid=6677) and Horne et al. (in press). This will involve identifying and testing ecosystem indicators, and use of the models as decision support tools to evaluate potential management strategies. Quantitative ecology We are seeking team members with strong backgrounds in statistics to contribute to a series of single species and community-level analyses within the IEA framework. These analyses will help define the status, susceptibility, and vulnerability of species, communities, and ecosystem function. The work will make use of existing data sets and expand beyond classic single-species conservation approaches such as population viability analysis. Population and community modeling We are seeking team members who are interested in building population or simple community models in the context of Management Strategy Evaluation or Closed Loop Analysis. We envision the development of “minimum realistic models” that could be used to simulate various management strategies. Such models will compliment the whole-ecosystem models described above because their relative simplicity will allow for careful consideration of uncertainty. As resource managers develop specific ecosystem-based management schemes, these models will provide a key tool for evaluating specific strategies. Expectations For postdoctoral associates, deliverables will include both peer-reviewed publications and white papers for use in management. On a daily basis, the positions will involve computer programming, statistical analyses and parameter estimation, data and output visualization, and writing manuscripts. For masters-level technicians, deliverables will include contributing to joint publications. On a daily basis, the position will involve computer programming, statistical analyses and parameter estimation, data entry and output visualization, and contributing to the writing of manuscripts. About our Integrated Marine Ecology Team (http://www.nwfsc.noaa.gov) We are part of NOAA’s Northwest Fisheries Science Center, Conservation Biology Division, Ecosystem Science Program in Seattle. Our team’s goal is to research the ecological interactions and processes necessary to sustain ecosystem composition, structure and function in marine environments. We draw upon expertise from within and outside the NWFSC to address the following five research foci: • Interactions of target fish stocks with predators, competitors and prey • The effects of weather and climate on target species and their ecological communities • The effects of fishing on marine ecosystems and fish habitat • Interactions between fishes and their habitat • Marine Protected Areas as a fisheries conservation and management tool Term Funding is
