[ECOLOG-L] Graduate Research Assistantship: University of Alaska Fairbanks
We are currently seeking one PhD candidate in the Department of Biology and Wildlife at the University of Alaska Fairbanks for studies of the influence of wetland characteristics and climate change on current and future biodiversity in sub-arctic boreal forest wetlands in Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska. Field work to begin no later than mid-May 2010. Persons with interest/experience in vegetative communities are particularly encouraged to apply. M.S. degree with a field-research-based thesis and substantial progress toward publication is required; preference will be given to demonstrated self-starters; demonstrated analytical, computational, and GIS skills; demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and productively as members and leaders of interdisciplinary field teams in remote field settings under sometimes extreme conditions, strong quantitative skills in order to model vegetation with a dynamic vegetation model and, ability to formulate and successfully resolve original research questions within the overall area of investigation. Support will consist of ~80% Research Assistantship and ~20% Teaching Assistantship, including tuition waivers and necessary field logistic support, subject to continued USGS funding, for persons who maintain satisfactory progress. The University of Alaska Fairbanks is an equal opportunity employer. Contact: Dr. Eugénie Euskirchen, University of Fairbanks, Institute of Arctic Biology by email: seeuskirc...@alaska.edu or phone: 907-474-1958, or Dr. Brad Griffith, USGS, Alaska Cooperative Fish Wildlife Research Unit, University of Alaska Fairbanks by email: dbgriff...@alaska.edu or phone: 907-474-5067 for further information and application instructions.
Re: [ECOLOG-L] Fungi and light
As far as I know fungi, like basidiomycetes, show positive phototropism (growing toward the light source), but don't necessarily need sunlight in their lifecycle for growth. I've never grown basidiomycetes in strict darkness, which may confound typical fruitbody formation. Joshua Villa On Feb 22, 2010, at 1:21 PM, Wayne Tyson landr...@cox.net wrote: QUESTION: Some fungi live without light. Others live in the presence of light. Apart from lichenization, do any fungi require light? If so, what function does light perform? Are there any fungi that are indifferent to light? WT
[ECOLOG-L] Summer field position in Alaska
A full-time research assistant position is available for summer/fall fieldwork in Alaska. The focus of our research program is to understand the effects of climate change on carbon cycling in tundra ecosystems. The position will be based in Alaska at a field site adjacent to Denali National Park. JOB DESCRIPTION Fieldwork will include maintenance of experimental plots and measurements of ecosystem-level respiration, photosynthesis, isotopes and plant biomass. The research assistant will also have the opportunity to develop her/his own individual research in the context of the larger project. This position will begin mid-May and continue through the end of the summer, with the beginning and ending dates somewhat flexible. There is the possibility for the position to continue into the fall and winter, based on interest and availability. Please look at the following link for more information about ongoing Alaska research in Dr. Ted Schuurs ecosystem dynamics lab at the University of Florida: http://ecology.botany.ufl.edu/ecosystemdynamics/schuur/ DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS * Course background in biology, ecology, botany or soil science * Prior field research experience * A desire to work out-of-doors in an incredible location and willingness to work long hours in the field (occasionally under adverse weather conditions) * Ability to work and live with other researchers in a collaborative research environment Competent, careful, emotionally mature and enthusiastic applicants desired! SUPPORT Shared cabin housing in Alaska, round-trip airfare to the field site, and a monthly stipend will be provided. APPLICATION To apply, send a letter of application, resume, and names and addresses of two references. Please include the dates you would be able to work-if you are able to work through the fall please mention this in your application. We will review applications beginning March 26, 2010. Application material should be sent to: Sue Natali at nat...@ufl.edu -or Sue Natali Dept. of Botany and Zoology 220 Bartram Hall University of Florida Gainesville, FL 32611
[ECOLOG-L] AIC in PROC REG
Thank you all for your responses. I forgot the SELECTION in the code. I knew the many eyes theory would hold. * Karen F. Gaines, Ph.D. Associate Professor and Environmental Biology Program Coordinator Eastern Illinois University Department of Biological Sciences Room 1162 Life Sciences Building 600 Lincoln Ave. Charleston IL, 61920-3099 (o) 217.581.6235; (f) 217.581.7141 e-mail:kfgai...@eiu.edu mailto:kfgai...@eiu.edu Web:http://www.eiu.edu/~biology/personnel/gaines.htm http://www.eiu.edu/~biology/personnel/gaines.htm Web:http://www.eiu.edu/~evb http://www.eiu.edu/~biology/personnel/gaines.htm *
Re: [ECOLOG-L] Fungi and light
Maybe somebody familiar with cave biology could tell us whether guano deposits far from the mouths of caves are beset with fungus. On a similar note, the fungi raised underground by leaf-cutter ants don't seem to mind the darkness. But what about those luminescent fungi in rotting wood? Do they need light so bad they make their own? ;-) Martin Meiss 2010/2/22 Joshua Villa joshuavi...@gmail.com As far as I know fungi, like basidiomycetes, show positive phototropism (growing toward the light source), but don't necessarily need sunlight in their lifecycle for growth. I've never grown basidiomycetes in strict darkness, which may confound typical fruitbody formation. Joshua Villa On Feb 22, 2010, at 1:21 PM, Wayne Tyson landr...@cox.net wrote: QUESTION: Some fungi live without light. Others live in the presence of light. Apart from lichenization, do any fungi require light? If so, what function does light perform? Are there any fungi that are indifferent to light? WT
[ECOLOG-L] Research in Industrial Ecology and Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment of Complex Adaptive Systems
*Graduate Research in Industrial Ecology and Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment of Complex Systems * Graduate Research Supervision is available at the School of Forest Resources/Forest Bioproducts Research Initiative of the University of Maine (USA) for any student of any academic background (e.g. engineering systems, industrial and systems engineering, computer science, mathematics, agriculture, chemical, civil, environmental engineering or computational economics, mathematical/computational biology, bioinformatics) with good academic standing. The applicant should be interested to pursue graduate studies at masters or PhD level in the area of life cycle sustainability modeling and assessment of complex systems (e.g. built environment, ecosystems, biorefinery, etc.). A background in LCA, materials flow analysis (MFA) or industrial ecology is not required, but applicant should be willing to learn the concepts/principles to pursue the challenging research in sustainability science and engineering. Applicant should have or develop good analytical and database skills, knowledge of basic statistics and probability and be willing to learn new software packages (e.g.OPENLCA, CMLCA, STELLA, POWERSIM, Netlogo, Starlogo, MATLAB). It is also desirable that he/she has taken or will take a course in system dynamics, agent based modeling, genetic algorithm, evolutionary programming and other complexity science methods and tools. This interdisciplinary research investigates the economic, social and environmental ramifications of building engineered complex systems in view of sustainability pursuit. We are interested to investigate and understand the coupling of human and natural systems to solve our pressing societal concerns. This research involves close collaboration with industries, government agencies, and the other departments (e.g. chemical and biological engineering, civil and environmental engineering, economics, environmental science and biology) at the University of Maine. Further information regarding research interests or topics and admission information can be accessed at http://ielcass.tripod.com/ilss/ If you are an international student, in addition to Graduate Record Examination (GRE) results, you should also have TOEFL (Test of English as Foreign Language) results for admission purposes. To apply for this research position or for further information, contact Dr. Anthony Halog at anthony.ha...@maine.edu. Anthony Halog, PhD, MBA Certified Life Cycle Assessment Professional Research Group for Industrial Ecology, LCA and Systems Sustainability (IELCASS) University of Maine, 5755 Nutting Hall Orono, Maine 04469-5775 Tel: +1-207-581-2944 Fax: +1-207-581-2875 Email: anthony.ha...@maine.edu Website: http://ielcass.tripod.com/ilss/
[ECOLOG-L] ESA Annual Meeting Abstracts due this Thursday, February 25!
FINAL REMINDER! Call for Contributed Oral and Poster Abstracts Deadline for Submission: Thursday, February 25, 2010 95th Annual Meeting of the Ecological Society of America Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania August 1-6, 2010 http://www.esa.org/pittsburgh We invite submissions of abstracts for contributed oral and poster presentations at the 95th annual meeting of the Ecological Society of America. The theme for the meeting is Global Warming: The legacy of our past, the challenge for our future. Abstracts related to this theme are highly encouraged, but submissions may address any aspect of ecology and its applications. We also welcome submissions reporting interdisciplinary work, that address communication with broad audiences, or that explore ways of teaching ecology at any level. Please note that invited speakers for Symposia, Organized Oral, and Organized Poster Sessions should follow instructions emailed to them on January 27 (reminder sent on February 19) and should NOT upload their abstracts via the links below. These abstracts will still be due on February 25, 2010. Contributed oral presentations are allotted 15 minutes plus 5 minutes for questions, and will be placed in thematic sessions scheduled Monday afternoon through Friday morning. By submitting an abstract, it is expected that authors will be available during any of these time slots. Contributed poster presentations are placed in late afternoon poster sessions scheduled Monday through Thursday afternoon. Posters should be hung all day preceding their session, and authors are expected to present their posters during the entire 2 hour poster session. For more information and to begin the submission process, please go to http://esa.org/pittsburgh/call_contributed_opa.php. If you have any questions, please contact the Program Chair, Frank Gilliam, at gill...@marshall.edu, or the Program Assistant, Aleta Wiley, at al...@esa.org.
[ECOLOG-L] Postdoc: Mosquito Ecology
Post Doctoral position available (2 years) Influence of ecological filters on container mosquito communities Inquiries will be accepted until 1 April 2010 The Yee lab in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Southern Mississippi is seeking a postdoctoral fellow to join a research program investigating how ecological filters affect container mosquito communities via effects on larval traits and oviposition preferences of medically important species. This work is part of a National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Disease grant that will involve field sampling, field and laboratory experiments, and statistical modeling. Opportunities for conducting independent research in this system or on other community members (e.g., other diptera, protozoans, bacteria) also exist. Requirements: ~ Ph.D. in ecology, entomology, or related field ~ experience with community and population ecology ~ experience or willingness to work with aquatic insects ~ willingness to supervise undergraduate students ~ basic knowledge of statistics ~ ability to work independently and be a lab leader in some cases ~ good physical condition, ability to work outdoors in a variety of conditions ~ a valid drivers license Candidates with some of these skills or a background in a related area also should contact me, provided they have a experience in some field(s) of ecology, experimental design, statistics, and a willingness to apply their knowledge to a new system. The start date for the position is 1 May 2010, or as soon after that date as is feasible for a suitable candidate. Funding for this position is pending but highly likely (a hiring decision will be made after final NIH grant decisions are made in April). The position is for up to two years, but depending on circumstances, additional funding may be available after the two year period has elapsed. If interested, the candidate can gain (paid) teaching experience within the department of Biological Sciences. The Yee lab currently is well supported and has access to state of the art research equipment for laboratory experiments (e.g., environmental chambers, ultramicro balance), nutrient analysis equipment (e.g., C:N analyzer), field sampling equipment, and access to the USM managed 300 acre Lake Thoreau Center containing a field enclosure for secure experiments. The Yee lab currently has 3 graduate students in addition to undergraduate researchers. The candidate also will be supported in attending at least one meeting per year (e.g., ESA, EntSoc, SOVE). Salary: $32,000 plus health benefits (12 months) More information about my lab can be found at: http://ocean.otr.usm.edu/~w777157/index.html The University of Southern Mississippi, a Carnegie Research High Activity institution with 15,000 students, is located in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, near the Gulf Coast and has abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation. Hattiesburg is the medical, commercial and cultural center of southern Mississippi and is ranked in the top five small metropolitan areas in the United States. The Department of Biological Sciences is comprised of about 30 faculty and 60 student pursuing M.S. or Ph.D. degrees along with 900 undergraduate majors. Further information about the department can be found at: http://www.usm.edu/biology/ --- To apply, submit (via e-mail): ~ current CV ~ one page cover letter with a review of your research experience ~ one page scientific interests and employment goals ~ reprints of recent papers ~ copies of university transcripts ~ contact information for three references ~ International students should also include TOEFL scores (copies are acceptable) Women and minorities are strongly encouraged to apply Send all material directly to: donald@usm.edu
[ECOLOG-L] Total Non-Structural Carbohydrate analysis
Hello all- I need a method to analyze total non-structural carbohydrates in grasses. Most of the articles I've found on the subject are rather dated and/or labor intensive. If anyone has a method or can suggest relevant articles please respond- it would be a huge help! You can also email me directly (tit...@missouri.edu). Thanks! Yarrow Titus University of Missouri College of Agriculture Food and Natural Resources Center for Agroforestry 203 ABNR Columbia, MO 65211 Phone: (573) 884-5340 Yarrow Titus yarrowti...@yahoo.com
[ECOLOG-L] plant ecology technician
JOSEPH W. JONES ECOLOGICAL RESEARCH CENTER ICHAUWAY, INC. PLANT ECOLOGY The Joseph W. Jones Ecological Research Center invites applications for a temporary Technician II position in the plant ecology lab. This is a 10 month position (March 2010 -December 2010). The employee will assist with many aspects of ongoing research, with particular emphasis on vegetation sampling related to a long-term ecological forestry study in the longleaf pine ecosystem. This position will report directly to the Plant Ecology Lead Technician. The 28,000-acre Research Center is located approximately 30 miles south of Albany, Georgia. The Centers research, education, and conservation programs focus on ecology and natural resource management. The site includes 16,000 acres of longleaf pine forests, over 1,000 acres of wetlands, and 26 miles of stream and river ecosystems. Job Requirements: Identification of ground cover species in the highly diverse longleaf pine ecosystem. Coordinate field data collection and supervise field assistants. Conduct vegetation sampling in demanding field conditions (i.e. heat, high humidity, and insects). Must have extensive experience with plant identification and use of dichotomous keys. Qualifications: M.S. degree in botany, plant ecology or related field. Coursework in plant taxonomy required. Knowledge of southeastern U.S. flora preferable. Wages: $26,000 Annual Salary, ($1,000 Bi-weekly); plus benefits Send cover letter, resume, list of pertinent courses and list of references with phone numbers by email to: j...@jonesctr.org, Plant Ecology Technician II, Attn: Cindy Craft, Joseph Jones Ecological Research Center, 3988 Jones Center Drive, Newton, GA 39870-9651 or FAX (229)734-4707. For specific questions or more information on this position, contact: Melanie Kaeser, Plant Ecology Lead Technician by Email: melanie.kae...@jonesctr.org. or (229)734-4706. The Joseph W. Jones Ecological Research Center is an equal opportunity employer. Rev. 02/15/2010
[ECOLOG-L] Postdoctoral positionSeedling pathogens and forest dynamics
Postdoctoral positionSeedling pathogens and forest dynamics A postdoctoral researcher is needed for a newly funded project on the effects of seedling pathogens on forest dynamics in the context of climate warming. Goals of this research are to identify putative seedling pathogens in a temperate mixed hardwood forest, and determine how seedling density, distance from conspecific adults, and increased temperature influence patterns of seedling demography and fungal community composition. The postdoc will coordinate a large-scale field project and develop and implement protocols for DNA-based identification of fungi. She or he will be based at Duke University and work in the labs of Jim Clark and Rytas Vilgalys. The project will involve training and supervision of research technicians, and travel to field sites at Harvard Forest. The ideal candidate will possess both strong field and molecular skills and play a role in both the intellectual development of the project along with management of data collection. Start date: immediate through 4/1/2010 Salary negotiable Requirements: Ph.D. in ecology, mycology, plant pathology, or related field Experience coordinating and managing large-scale field studies Strong laboratory and bioinformatics skills, including DNA sequencing and interpretation of sequence data to identify environmental samples Experience culturing fungi preferred, but not required To apply, send a CV, statement of research interests (2 pages max), and contact information for three references by March 21, 2010 to Jim Clark at jimcl...@duke.edu. Position is available in spring 2010.
[ECOLOG-L] Tenure-Track Biology Postion, StAndrews Presbyterian College
Please forward this message to anyone you think would have an interest. Biology: Assistant or Associate Professor in Biology, tenure track, beginning fall 2010. PhD in Biology or related discipline is preferred, ABD will be considered. The successful candidate will have expertise in an animal science, such as zoology or related field, and will be expected to teach majors and non-majors courses. Such courses could include introductory biology, anatomy and physiology, zoology, animal behavior, and possibly cellular or microbiology. Curricular and program development affecting both majors and non-majors will also be expected. Other responsibilities include teaching in the interdisciplinary liberal arts general education program, advising, and mentoring undergraduate research projects with a view to presentation and publication. Candidates with interests in equine-related biology are especially encouraged to apply. Send a letter of application, curriculum vitae, transcripts, statement of teaching philosophy, a listing of three letters of recommendation, and evidence of teaching effectiveness to Dr. Michael Morton, Chair of the Natural and Life Sciences Department, St. Andrews Presbyterian College, 1700 Dogwood Mile, Laurinburg, NC 28352 or morto...@sapc.edumailto:morto...@sapc.edu. Consideration of applications will begin upon receipt and will continue until the position is filled. St. Andrews is an Equal Opportunity Employer and minority candidates are encouraged to apply. http://www.sapc.eduhttp://www.sapc.edu/ Jennifer M. Withington, Ph.D. Asst. Professor of Biology St. Andrews Presbyterian College 1700 Dogwood Mile Laurinburg, NC 1-910-277-5332 P please consider the environment before printing this email inline: image001.gif
[ECOLOG-L] Postdoc: Agricultural Decision-Making and Environmental Management, UC Davis
UC Davis Post-Doctoral Position in Agricultural Decision-Making and Environmental Management The UC Davis Department of Environmental Science and Policy seeks to fill one post-doctoral position in Agricultural Decision-Making and Environmental Management. The post-doctoral position will be for two years residence with possible third year renewal, starting Summer 2010 or earlier. The post-doctoral fellow will support a USDA funded project analyzing local rangeland restoration programs and individual factors that encourage ranchers to adopt prescribed grazing practices in California. The project involves designing, delivering, and analyzing a structured survey instrument to a population of California ranchers. The survey will draw on various theories of agricultural decision-making including diffusion of innovation, social networks, and collective-action. The project is being conducted by an interdisciplinary team including natural and social scientists. More information about the rangeland management project can be found here: http://www.des.ucdavis.edu/faculty/lubell/Research/USDA%20Rangeland%20Restoration%20Final%20Proposal.pdfRangeland Restoration Proposal. The post-doctoral fellow will be a member of Dr. Mark Lubell's Environmental Policy and Behavior laboratory group and housed in the Department of Environmental Science and Policy. In addition to the rangeland restoration project, the post-doc will have opportunities to participate in other projects on sustainable agriculture and water management, mentor graduate students, teach classes, develop new research funding, and generally support an active research group. Applicants should be recent recipients of a doctoral degree, with demonstrated interest and publication ability in agricultural and environmental decision-making and policy, preferably with experience in the area of rangeland management. Applicants are required to have a background in survey design and analysis, social science theory, and strong skills in quantitative and statistical analysis. The project also requires strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interact directly with agricultural communities and stakeholders. The position is open with respect to academic discipline, and could include economics, political science, sociology, or other appropriate social science training. Please notify Dr. Mark Lubell (mailto:mnlub...@ucdavis.edumnlub...@ucdavis.edu) as soon as possible if you intend to apply, and send full applications electronically by March 1, 2010. Applications received by this date will be given first consideration, although we will continue to accept applications after that date. Applications should include a CV, letter describing research interests and background as applied to this project, examples of any relevant publications, and three letters of reference. The University of California, Davis, is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer with a strong institutional commitment to the development of a climate that supports equality of opportunity and respect for differences.
[ECOLOG-L] UC Berkeley 3rd year looking for research assistant position for the summer
My name is Eli Strauss, I am a third year Cognitive Science major at UC Berkeley. I am interested in studying animal behavior from a Cognitive Science perspective, and have taken multiple classes in Animal Behavior in addition to the courses contained within my major. I am looking for a job for this upcoming summer, and was wondering if anyone is in need of a research assistant. I have a significant amount of research experience, both in the field and in the lab. I currently do work in Steve Palmer's Visual Aesthetics lab (UC Berkeley), and have done field work in the past with Tim Caro, Mark Schwartz, and Sharon Strauss (all at UC Davis). If anyone is interested in hiring me as a research assistant for this summer, please let me know. Thanks, Eli
[ECOLOG-L] Microbial Metagenomics Summer Course
Summer course in Microbial Metagenomics directed by Drs. Thomas Schmidt and Jay Lennon at the Kellogg Biological Station (KBS), Michigan State University (MSU). This hands-on inquiry-based course exposes participants to state-of-the-art genomic methods to address questions about the structure and function of microbial communities. The nucleic acid based data generated during the course are integrated with the expansive information from the KBS Long Term Ecological Research site (LTER), which ranges from greenhouse gas fluxes to metagenome databases. The ultimate goal of the course is to uncover relationships between changes in microbial communities and ecosystem functioning. Morning lectures address pertinent ecological theories and principles underlying experiments that are conducted during the afternoon. The afternoon laboratory sessions focus on molecular and bioinformatic methods, including purification of DNA from environmental samples, PCR amplification, construction of clone libraries, sequence alignment, phylogenetic-based statistical analyses, quantitative PCR of functional genes, and mining of soil metagenomes. This is an intensive 2-week course modeled after the longer and internationally acclaimed MBL Microbial Diversity Course that Dr. Schmidt has directed. Participants will arrive on June 13th and depart June 26th. During this time, the course meets Monday through Friday from 9am-5pm. Housing and meals are available at KBS. The course is open to individuals of all academic backgrounds, but admission to the class (MMG 490/MMG 890 Section 432) is by application only with an April 1, 2010 deadline. An electronic application can be accessed and submitted here https://kbsmsu.wufoo.com/forms/kbs-summer-course-application/. Additional information about KBS summer courses can be found here http://www.kbs.msu.edu/education/summer-courses. Scholarship support is available.
Re: [ECOLOG-L] Fungi and light
Some fungi such as Pilobolus use light as a target for shooting their spore capsules. The fungus grows on cow patties and shoots toward light to avoid getting spore packets on the same patch of manure. Instead, by shooting towards light (up and out) they are more likely to land on grass where another cow can pick up the spore packet in its food. The spores go through the cow's gut and exit in a fresh manure pile. This makes an interesting lab exercise. If you don't know any helpful cows, you can buy the kit from Carolina or Wards - grow the fungus on rabbit manure agar, and then put cups with small light holes in the top over the plates when the spores are ready to shoot. You'll get a nice spatter of capsules around the hole, and if an agar plate is set on top of the hole, you should get growth of the fungus on the new plates. Fun way to show phototropism in fungi. D. Liane Cochran-Stafira, Ph.D. Associate Professor Department of Biological Sciences Saint Xavier University 3700 West 103rd Street Chicago, Illinois 60655 phone: 773-298-3514 fax:773-298-3536 email: coch...@sxu.edu http://faculty.sxu.edu/~cochran/ http://faculty.sxu.edu/~cochran/ From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news on behalf of Martin Meiss Sent: Tue 2/23/2010 7:41 AM To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] Fungi and light Maybe somebody familiar with cave biology could tell us whether guano deposits far from the mouths of caves are beset with fungus. On a similar note, the fungi raised underground by leaf-cutter ants don't seem to mind the darkness. But what about those luminescent fungi in rotting wood? Do they need light so bad they make their own? ;-) Martin Meiss 2010/2/22 Joshua Villa joshuavi...@gmail.com As far as I know fungi, like basidiomycetes, show positive phototropism (growing toward the light source), but don't necessarily need sunlight in their lifecycle for growth. I've never grown basidiomycetes in strict darkness, which may confound typical fruitbody formation. Joshua Villa On Feb 22, 2010, at 1:21 PM, Wayne Tyson landr...@cox.net wrote: QUESTION: Some fungi live without light. Others live in the presence of light. Apart from lichenization, do any fungi require light? If so, what function does light perform? Are there any fungi that are indifferent to light? WT
[ECOLOG-L] JOB OPENING; Marine population genetics technician at Hopkins Marine Station
Research technician at Stanford University's Hopkins Marine Station, in Pacific Grove, CA. Under the direction of the Principal Investigator the technician will assist with research related to genetic characterization of populations of marine vertebrates and invertebrates in the context of ongoing research into marine conservation and management. Duties include: • Collecting larvae and adult specimens of marine species. This may involve some travel within California and into Oregon and possibly Washington. • Extracting DNA and documenting genetic variation. This will include processing samples in the lab for DNA extraction and sequencing as well as entering, managing, and analyzing the resulting data. This will require the use (or development) of many research skills using a variety of molecular genetic tools. These include, but are not limited to DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, and DNA sequencing. • Field monitoring of multiple sites in central California. • Animal care including aquarium maintenance and routine care and feeding of marine species (primarily invertebrates). • Laboratory maintenance including maintaining the lab and taking responsibility for ordering some of the general supplies. There is potential for extension of the technician position to other research projects as well as the possibility of co-authorship of at least one resulting publication. QUALIFICATIONS: The successful applicant will be highly organized, have attention to detail, be able to work as an independent part of a team, have a basic understanding of and facility with standard computer software programs, and have practical experience with a variety of standard molecular tools (for example, DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, DNA sequencing, etc). In addition to these basic requirements, we desire an applicant with an interest in marine ecosystems and their ecological functioning. Please submit a c/v and a few words on why you're interested in the position to krbarr AT stanford.edu and spalumbi AT stanford.edu.
[ECOLOG-L] Workshop on Frugivory and Seed Dispersal, Montpellier, France June 13-18, 2010
Reminder : call for Oral and Poster Papers for FSD 2010: The 5th International Symposium - Workshop on Frugivory and Seed Dispersal (www.fsd2010.org http://www.fsd2010.org ): Montpellier, France, June 13th-18th, 2010. Paper and poster topics reflecting the FSD2010 Symposium¹s main themes are particularly encouraged, including: (1) Organismal and natural history oriented research; (2) Movement ecology, dispersal kernels, and genetic effects; (3) Ecology and evolution of frugivory and seed dispersal; and (4) Impact of anthropogenic disturbance and climate change on seed dispersal systems. Research on plant-animal interactions from all habitat types and global regions will be considered, and we encourage submission of original research from all scholars, including students, junior researchers, and senior scientists. Participants are asked to submit title and abstracts by March, 14, 2010, the deadline for registration at a normal fee. They will be reviewed by the academic committee (Katrin Böhning-Gaese, Pedro Jordano, Pierre-Michel Forget (Chair), Joanna E. Lambert, Anna Traveset, Joe Wright). All questions about registration and participation should be addressed to Dr. Pierre-Michel Forget, Chairperson of the FSD2010 Symposium-Workshop, by e-mail: fsd2...@yahoo.fr www.fsd2010.org http://www.fsd2010.org
[ECOLOG-L] Registration Open: Great Basin / Mojave Desert Climate Change Workshop
REGISTER AT: http://www.wr.usgs.gov/workshops/registration.html Great Basin / Mojave Desert Climate Change Workshop The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Geological Survey, the National Park Service, and the Environmental Protection Agency, in collaboration with several other agencies and organizations, are sponsoring a workshop focusing on natural resource research, adaptation, and mitigation needs related to climate change in the Great Basin and Mojave Desert. The workshop, will be held April 20-22, 2010 at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas, and will examine how climate change is affecting natural resources in deserts of the western U.S., as well as the land, water, and species management and research needs that are essential to address in the coming decade. Workshop objectives include: o Increase understanding of climate change processes and their effects on the physical systems and biota of the Great Basin and Mojave Desert o Provide the best available scientific information for adapting to change o Examine research and management needs o Evaluate management constraints and determine potential solutions o Develop effective research and management collaborations for addressing climate change into the future The workshop offers a valuable opportunity for scientists and natural resource managers to gather for a discussion of their information needs and opportunities. The poster session will be a highlight of the workshop. Please consider presenting your research results and project information in this forum. CALL FOR POSTER ABSTRACTS: http://www.wr.usgs.gov/workshops/poster.html For more information, please visit http://www.wr.usgs.gov/workshops/
Re: [ECOLOG-L] Fungi and light
Basidiomycetes, and many other fungi, are generally considered light sensitive. Hyphal cultures do not grow as well in light, and we always keep them in the dark. Some mushrooms are different shades depending on whether they were exposed to light as they emerged; the unexposed ones being noticeably paler, suggesting a melanin-like protective mechanism. Recently, a fungus was discovered near oak ridge national lab that has a melanin-like pigment which is believed to harvest energy from nuclear radiation (I am not making this up). And I can attest that the pilobolus experiment is a darn good one; they are amazingly accurate at shooting their spore near the light hole. You do not necessarily need any culturing equipment. If you have your students all gather some poo (from an herbivore, not dogs or cats or any other pets) that is fairly fresh and not dried out, it is a very interesting demonstration to follow the succession of organisms that begin to sprout. Keep the poo moist (just don't let it dry out). Pilobolus begins to emerge 1-2 weeks into the succession. Not all poo has pilobolus, but a lot does. This is why its a good idea to have your students each bring in a piece. hope that was helpful -Nick Rosenstock On Tue, Feb 23, 2010 at 2:45 PM, Cochran-Stafira, D. Liane coch...@sxu.eduwrote: Some fungi such as Pilobolus use light as a target for shooting their spore capsules. The fungus grows on cow patties and shoots toward light to avoid getting spore packets on the same patch of manure. Instead, by shooting towards light (up and out) they are more likely to land on grass where another cow can pick up the spore packet in its food. The spores go through the cow's gut and exit in a fresh manure pile. This makes an interesting lab exercise. If you don't know any helpful cows, you can buy the kit from Carolina or Wards - grow the fungus on rabbit manure agar, and then put cups with small light holes in the top over the plates when the spores are ready to shoot. You'll get a nice spatter of capsules around the hole, and if an agar plate is set on top of the hole, you should get growth of the fungus on the new plates. Fun way to show phototropism in fungi. D. Liane Cochran-Stafira, Ph.D. Associate Professor Department of Biological Sciences Saint Xavier University 3700 West 103rd Street Chicago, Illinois 60655 phone: 773-298-3514 fax:773-298-3536 email: coch...@sxu.edu http://faculty.sxu.edu/~cochran/ http://faculty.sxu.edu/%7Ecochran/ http://faculty.sxu.edu/~cochran/ http://faculty.sxu.edu/%7Ecochran/ From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news on behalf of Martin Meiss Sent: Tue 2/23/2010 7:41 AM To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] Fungi and light Maybe somebody familiar with cave biology could tell us whether guano deposits far from the mouths of caves are beset with fungus. On a similar note, the fungi raised underground by leaf-cutter ants don't seem to mind the darkness. But what about those luminescent fungi in rotting wood? Do they need light so bad they make their own? ;-) Martin Meiss 2010/2/22 Joshua Villa joshuavi...@gmail.com As far as I know fungi, like basidiomycetes, show positive phototropism (growing toward the light source), but don't necessarily need sunlight in their lifecycle for growth. I've never grown basidiomycetes in strict darkness, which may confound typical fruitbody formation. Joshua Villa On Feb 22, 2010, at 1:21 PM, Wayne Tyson landr...@cox.net wrote: QUESTION: Some fungi live without light. Others live in the presence of light. Apart from lichenization, do any fungi require light? If so, what function does light perform? Are there any fungi that are indifferent to light? WT -- PhD candidate: Ecosystem Science University of California, Berkeley 321 Koshland hall Berkeley, CA 94720
[ECOLOG-L] Ecologist teaching/research postdoc
Ecologist Postdoctoral Teaching/Research Fellow The Environmental Studies Program at Southwestern University seeks an ecologist with a specialty in a field such as Invasion Biology, Conservation Biology, Global Change Biology or Biogeochemistry for a postdoctoral position in Ecology. Candidates must have completed or anticipate completing a PhD in Ecology, Environmental Science or a related discipline by August 2010. The position will begin in August 2010 and will be for the 2010-2011 academic year. The position is approximately 50% teaching and 50% research. In the Fall the successful candidate will teach an introductory level course in Biodiversity for Biology and Environmental Studies majors and in the Spring will teach a course in her/his area of specialty. The postdoctoral fellow will have access to the research facilities of the Southwestern University Biology Department and a small budget to pursue research of her/his choosing. Southwestern University (www.southwestern.edu) is a selective, undergraduate institution committed to a broad-based liberal arts, sciences and fine arts education. Southwestern currently enrolls approximately 1,250 students and maintains a student to faculty ratio of 10 to 1. The University?s endowment ranks among the highest per student of undergraduate institutions in the country. In addition to a number of other national organizations, Southwestern University is a member of two consortia of premier liberal arts colleges, the Associated Colleges of the South and the Annapolis Group. Affiliated with The United Methodist Church, Southwestern University is located in historic Georgetown, Texas, in the heart of the Texas hill country, and is 28 miles north of Austin. Southwestern University is committed to fostering a diverse educational environment and encourages applications from members of groups traditionally under-represented in academia. For information concerning the University, visit our Web site at www.southwestern.edu. Candidates should submit letter of application, curriculum vitae, research and teaching statements, and contact information for three references to Maria Trevino, Faculty Secretary, trevi...@southwestern.edu, (512) 863-1360. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a suitable candidate has been identified. This position is funded by a grant to the Associated Colleges of the South from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Questions about the position can be addressed to Max Taub, Chair of the Biology Department (contact information below). Daniel (Max) Taub Associate Professor and Chair of the Biology Department Southwestern University 1001 East University Ave Georgetown TX 78626, USA email: ta...@southwestern.edu phone: (512) 863-1583 fax: (512) 863-1696
