[ECOLOG-L] Job: Toolik Field Station, naturalist

[David Inouye]

POSITION OPENING: NATURALIST AT TOOLIK FIELD STATION, ALASKA

We are seeking applications from enthusiastic persons who are 
interested in summer ecological field research in remote northern 
Alaska. Our field site is located near the Toolik Field Station, 
Alaska, and is the focus of research by nearly 100 scientists who 
work on a variety of terrestrial and aquatic ecology projects. The 
overall objective of the research program of the Environmental Data 
Center is to expand the collection of baseline environmental data 
complementary to and in extension of those already collected by other 
long-term studies, such as the Arctic LTER, and make them available 
to the research community. One area of focus is on the timing of 
biological events in relation to climatic conditions. We established 
a long-term plant-phenology monitoring program, in which the dates of 
first occurrences such as leaf emergence, flower development and seed 
dispersal are recorded. We also record bird species daily seen or 
heard along established routes, monitor the dates of species arrival 
and departure, and document bird breeding and migration statistics. 
We will be repeating the bird surveys and plant phenology monitoring, 
as well as developing a small mammal inventory.


 Job responsibilities will include conducting bird and plant 
phenological surveys as well as data collection, entry, and 
organization under general supervision. In addition, candidates must 
possess a willingness to interact with other scientists and statewide 
scientific personnel at the field station to share findings and 
coordinate efforts. Assistance with other tasks related to the 
overall goals of the Environmental Data Center, such as, but not 
limited to, water sample collection, small mammal trapping, and 
routine lab equipment maintenance may be necessary. The position will 
report to the Toolik manager of the Environmental Data Center.


 If you are interested, please follow the link 
https://www.uakjobs.com/applicants/Central?quickFind=72428 
to apply for this position by 22 December 2010. If you have any 
additional questions, please contact Anja Kade at 
ank...@alaska.edu.

[ECOLOG-L] Research Assistantship: examining the impact of the landscape on gene flow by distinct insect pollinators

[Sara Rodock]

The Laboratory of Dr. Johanne Brunet at the University of
Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Entomology is looking for a Master or
PhD student to work on a project examining the impact of the landscape
on gene flow by distinct insect pollinators. Interests in pollination
biology and evolutionary biology are a must and previous research
experience in these areas is highly desirable.  Preferred starting
date is June 2011 although applicants for September 2011 will also be
considered.

Information on the Department of Entomology at UW-Madison can be found at:
http://www.entomology.wisc.edu

Information on the JF Crow Institute for the Study of Evolution at
UW-Madison can be found at:
http://www.evolution.wisc.edu

For further information on the research contact Dr. Johanne Brunet at
the University of Wisconsin Madison at jbru...@wisc.edu or
608-265-3587.

For further information on the application procedures contact Sara
Rodock at rod...@wisc.edu or 608-262-9926.

Interested applicants are asked to e-mail the Student Services
Coordinator, Sara Rodock (rod...@wisc.edu), the documents listed below
(in one PDF file).
-cover letter
-resume/cv
-unofficial transcripts
-names and contact information for 3 references

[ECOLOG-L] Graduate opportunities in Ecosystem Biogeochemistry - University of Georgia

[Nina Wurzburger]

I am recruiting MS and PhD students to join my lab group in the Odum School
of Ecology at the University of Georgia. The research in my lab focuses on
the biogeochemical cycles of terrestrial ecosystems and global change. Recent
and ongoing work in the lab includes examinations of nutrient limitation on
ecosystem processes, plant-soil relationships and the role of root symbioses
(mycorrhizas and nitrogen fixation) in the nutrient cycles of temperate and
tropical forests. I am seeking graduate students with a strong interest in
nutrient cycles, plant-soil relationships and/or soil ecology to join my lab
in the summer or fall of 2011. Students will have the opportunity to develop
research projects in temperate or tropical ecosystems (see lab website for
more details). Interested students should contact Nina Wurzburger with a CV
and a brief statement of research interests.

Nina Wurzburger ninaw...@gmail.com

Wurzburger Lab:  https://sites.google.com/site/ninawurzburgerlab/

Odum School of Ecology at the University of Georgia:
http://www.ecology.uga.edu/.

[ECOLOG-L] Urge Secretary of Interior Salazar to maintain the existing definition of endangered under the Endangered Species Act

[Shaye Wolf]

In response to litigation over the listing status of the polar bear, the
government is arguing that only species facing an “imminent” danger of
extinction can be listed as endangered.  This narrow definition is contrary
to language of the Endangered Species Act, inconsistent with the current
list of threatened and endangered species, and will limit protections for
species known to be at risk of extinction.  
 

The Endangered Species Act defines an endangered species as “any species
which is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of
its range,” and a threatened species as “any species which is likely to
become an endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or
a significant portion of its range.”  Under this definition, any species
that is in danger of extinction properly qualifies as “endangered.”  

 
Many species currently considered endangered do not arguably face an
imminent risk of extinction.  For example, the critically imperiled yet
long-lived North Atlantic right whale is properly classified as
“endangered,” even though actual extinction under current trends is likely
many decades away.  Requiring extinction to be “imminent” prior to listing a
species like the North Atlantic right whale as “endangered” will result in
many such species being denied “endangered” status until they are already
committed to extinction, a result clearly at odds with the intent and
purpose of the Endangered Species Act.  

 
Please consider signing onto a letter to Secretary of Interior Salazar,
requesting that he not change the definition of endangered under the
Endangered Species Act to require species to face an imminent risk of
extinction before qualifying as endangered.  To find further information and
sign the letter, please visit
http://action.biologicaldiversity.org/p/salsa/web/common/public/content?content_item_KEY=8097


For more information on this issue, please see
http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/programs/biodiversity/endangered_species_act/listing_species_under_the_endangered_species_act/pdfs/Fact_Sheet_Definition_of_Endangered.pdf


Thank you for your consideration.

Noah Greenwald
Endangered Species Program Director
Center for Biological Diversity

 

[ECOLOG-L] National Needs Fellowship Assistantships Available

[Hollandsworth, Kathryn]

M.S. and Ph.D. Assistantships in Forestry at Virginia Tech
Four graduate assistantships are available for the Master of Science and 
Doctorate of Philosophy degrees in Forestry beginning in August 2011.  The 
graduate programs will be housed within the Department of Forest Resources and 
Environmental Conservation at Virginia Tech. The successful candidates will 
conduct research in the areas of climate change or biomass/bioenergy.  For 
those candidates interested in climate change, we seek applicants for 
dendrochronology (under the mentorship of Dr. Carolyn Copenheaver) and remote 
sensing/modeling (under the mentorship of Dr. Val Thomas).  For candidates with 
a primary focus on biomass/bioenergy, assistantships are available in forest 
economics (under the mentorship of Dr. Jay Sullivan) and forest operations and 
business (under the mentorship of Dr. Chad Bolding). The graduate 
assistantships are funded by a USDA National Needs Fellowship Grant and 
therefore candidates must be citizens of the United States and either first 
generation college students (neither parent has a college degree), women, or 
minorities.  Interested candidates with a background in environmental science, 
forestry, geography, natural resources, wood anatomy or biology are encouraged 
to apply and candidates with forestry experience from other disciplines are 
also welcome.  The assistantships include stipends ($18,500/12 month 
appointment for M.S. students and $24,500/12 month appointment for Ph.D. 
students), research and conference travel support, tuition waivers, and a 
student health insurance subsidy.  Candidates should send a brief statement of 
interest and qualifications to the faculty mentor for the area of interest 
(email is preferred).  Offer of assistantship will be contingent upon 
acceptance to the Graduate School at Virginia Tech (application information is 
available at http://www.grads.vt.edu/index.html).
Climate Change:
Dendrochronology - Dr. Carolyn Copenheaver: ccope...@vt.edu
Remote Sensing/Modeling - Dr. Val Thomas: thom...@vt.edu

Biomass/Bioenergy:
Forest Economics - Dr. Jay Sullivan: jsul...@vt.edu
Forest Operations and Business - Dr. Chad Bolding: bold...@vt.edu

[ECOLOG-L] Postdoc: Effects of Land Use and Shoreline Modification on Estuarine Fish and Food Webs

[David Inouye]

Postdoctoral Fellowship - Effects of Land Use and Shoreline 
Modification on Estuarine Fish and Food Webs


Smithsonian Environmental Research Center Edgewater, MD

A postdoctoral position is available at the Smithsonian Environmental 
Research Center for a highly qualified individual to join a 
multidisciplinary team of scientists on a study that seeks to 
understand the effects of land use and shoreline modification on 
estuarine fish and food webs. Field work will focus on Chesapeake Bay 
and the Maryland coastal bays, but the goal is to address issues with 
broad geographic relevance. The successful candidate will lead field 
sampling designed to examine the abundances, species composition and 
distributions of fishes, and will design complementary research 
incorporating the candidates interests and expertise. The postdoc 
will have the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse group of 
scientists with expertise in spatial ecology, food webs, wetlands and 
biogeochemistry. We are seeking a candidate with expertise in fish 
ecology who can add a new dimension to the program to complement 
routine sampling. Possibilities include, but are not limi!
 ted to areas such as parasitology and/or fish health, spatial 
ecology, modeling and physiology. Candidates should hold a Ph.D. with 
specialization in fisheries, fish ecology, estuarine or marine 
ecology, or a closely related field.  The initial appointment is for 
one year with full benefits and stipend; continued funding is 
available for a second year provided satisfactory 
progress.  Candidates must be able to begin by April 2011. 
Application review will begin Dec 15 and the position will remain 
open until filled. Please send CV, brief statement of research 
interests, and contact information for 3 people who can provide 
references to breitbu...@si.edu.

[ECOLOG-L] Another Ph.D. Opportunity at Virginia Tech

[Hollandsworth, Kathryn]

Ph.D. Graduate Research Assistantship

Physiology and Drought Tolerance of Endophyte-Infected Switchgrass



A Ph.D. graduate research assistantship is available in the Department of 
Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation at Virginia Polytechnic 
Institute and State University at Blacksburg and the Institute for Sustainable 
and Renewable Resources in Danville, Virginia.  The study will investigate 
endophyte-infected switchgrass physiological processes related to plant 
performance by measuring plant photosynthesis rate, water use efficiency, 
drought tolerance, and carbon sequestration following bacterial inoculation of 
switchgrass plants in both greenhouse and field settings.  The work will be 
co-directed by Drs. John Seiler (Virginia Tech) and Chuansheng Mei (ISRR) and 
will provide a unique opportunity to work at both the whole- plant physiology 
and molecular levels and with an interdisciplinary team of scientists.

This project is supported by the Department of Energy/USDA-Plant Feedstock 
Genomics for Bioenergy program.  Switchgrass is one of the most promising 
feedstock crops in the overall sustainable bioenergy vision of the U.S.  It is 
stress-tolerant and can grow on marginal lands; however, its yields can vary 
from site to site and from year to year. The utilization of naturally-occurring 
beneficial bacterial endophytes with switchgrass represents a practical and 
feasible way to develop a low-input and sustainable feedstock production 
system. The ultimate goal of the larger research project  is to understand the 
molecular and physiological mechanisms by which the bacterial endophyte 
promotes switchgrass growth.  An M.S. degree in plant physiology, 
ecophysiology, or related field is required. Previous experience with 
whole-plant physiological measurements is desired.

The Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation ( 
http://www.cnre.vt.edu/forestry) at Virginia Tech has excellent ecophysiology 
laboratories and strong programs in all aspects of forestry, including forest 
soils, watersheds and wetlands, and remote sensing and geospatial analysis.  
The Institute  for Sustainable and Renewable Resources ( 
http://www.ialr.org/research/isrr ) is a state-of-the-art facility jointly 
affiliated with the Departments of Horticulture and Forest Resources and 
Environmental Conservation at Virginia Tech.  The Institute has brought 
together expertise in plant tissue culture, plant molecular biology, genomics, 
molecular breeding, and information technology to facilitate the development 
and propagation of novel ornamental, crop, and forestry plant varieties.  
Strong supporting programs in Crop and Soil Environmental Science, 
Horticulture, Botany, and Chemistry exist at Virginia Tech (http://www.vt.edu). 
 Ph.D. assistantships in the Department of Forest Resources and Environmental 
Conservation at Virginia Tech start at approximately $21,000 per year.  Tuition 
is waived for students on assistantship.  Graduate research assistants are 
actively involved in the departmental teaching program.

Interested students should contact:

Dr. John Seiler, jsei...@vt.edu

Professor of Forest Ecophysiology

Department of Forest Resources and

 Environmental Conservation (0324)

Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA   24061

(540) 231-5461



OR

Dr. Chuansheng Mei, chuansheng@ialr.org
Institute for Advanced Learning and Research
150 Slayton Ave.
Danville, VA  24540
(434) 766-6704

[ECOLOG-L] Graduate Opportunities at Virginia Tech

[Hollandsworth, Kathryn]

Two Ph.D. Graduate Research Assistantships:
Physiological decline and recovery of eastern hemlock and consequences to the 
causal agent, the hemlock woolly adelgid

Two Ph.D. graduate research assistantships are available at Virginia 
Polytechnic Institute and State University at Blacksburg.  A first project goal 
is to assess the physiological changes within eastern hemlock trees as they 
decline from colonization and attack by the non-native invasive hemlock woolly 
adelgid (HWA). A second goal will be to determine how the physiological status 
of the trees change upon remediation treatments and subsequent recovery.  A 
third goal is to assess how the declining health of the tree impacts the 
availability and quality of nutrients and water resources for HWA as reflected 
in the insect's fitness, fecundity, and physiology.  One assistantship is 
available for work focused on the physiology of the eastern hemlock and will be 
directed by Dr. John Seiler (Department of Forest Resources and Environmental 
Conservation).  A second assistantship will focus on the pest insect's 
physiology in relation to changing host conditions and will be directed by Drs. 
Scott Salom and Don Mullins (Department of Entomology).  Each will provide a 
unique opportunity to work with both forestry and entomology faculty. This 
project is supported by the USDA Forest Service.


Eastern hemlock,  Tsuga canadensis L. Carriere, are damaged by the feeding 
activities of the non-native HWA, Adelges tsugae (Hemiptera: Adelgidae).  HWA 
nymphs feed on the parenchyma cells in the xylem rays.  Tree health 
deteriorates due the depletion of photosynthates, which then inhibits shoot 
growth and causes bud mortality, twig dieback, foliage discoloration and 
premature defoliation.  The broad goal will be to characterize the 
physiological attributes of tree decline, so that managers may be able to 
consider site or stand amelioration actions that would prevent newly infested 
trees from declining so quickly. Findings could also contribute to a better 
understanding of factors critical in host resistance.  For assistantship one, 
An M.S. degree in forestry, plant physiology, ecophysiology, or related field 
is required. Previous experience with whole-plant physiological measurements is 
desired.  For Assistantship two, an M.S. degree in biology, plant sciences or 
related field is preferred.

The Dept. of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation (FREC) 
(http://www.cnre.vt.edu/forestry) at Virginia Tech has excellent ecophysiology 
laboratories and strong programs in all aspects of forestry.  Strong supporting 
programs in Entomology (http://web.ento.vt.edu/ento), Crop and Soil 
Environmental Science, Horticulture, Botany, and Chemistry exist at Virginia 
Tech (http://www.vt.edu).  Ph.D. assistantships in the Departments of FREC and 
Entomology at Virginia Tech provide a very competitive stipend.  Additionally, 
tuition is waived for students on assistantship.  Graduate research assistants 
are actively involved in the departmental teaching program.

Interested students should contact either:

Dr. John Seiler, jsei...@vt.edu

Professor of Forest Ecophysiology

Department of Forest Resources and

 Environmental Conservation (0324)

Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA   24061

(540) 231-5461



OR



Dr. Scott Salom, sa...@vt.edu

Professor of Forest Entomology (0319)

Dept. of Entomology (0319)

Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA  24061

(540) 231-2795

[ECOLOG-L] Assistant Professor - Plant Biodiversity

[JP McCarty]

PLANT BIODIVERSITY. The Department of Biology at the University of Nebraska
at Omaha seeks applications for a tenure-track ASSISTANT PROFESSOR position
to begin fall 2011. Ph.D. in biology or related field and postdoctoral
experience required. 

The successful candidate will be qualified to teach an upper-level course in
the Flora of the Great Plains for biology and environmental studies
students. The candidate will also be expected to contribute to teaching a
general biology course for majors and to teach additional upper-level and
graduate courses in the candidate’s areas of expertise. 

Development of an active, externally-funded research program related to the
ecological or evolutionary significance of biological diversity that
involves mentoring undergraduate and M.S. students is expected. The area of
research emphasis is open but we encourage applicants with interests related
to wetland or grassland plants of the Great Plains that would complement the
department’s existing strengths. 

The Department of Biology serves over 700 majors in the biological sciences,
providing B.A. and B.S. degrees in biology as well as B.S. degrees in
biotechnology, bioinformatics, neuroscience and environmental studies. At
the graduate level, we offer thesis and non-thesis M.S. degrees. A faculty
of over twenty tenured or tenure-track members represents a broad range of
teaching and research interests. Our facilities include recently renovated
classrooms and research laboratories, core equipment for the application of
molecular tools to research questions in plant biodiversity, an herbarium
focused on flora of the Great Plains with over 30,500 vascular plant
specimens, as well as two nature reserves (www.unomaha.edu/prairie/). 

For additional information, please see the departmental website at
www.unomaha.edu/biology. Apply for this position at www.unomaha.edu.  Attach
a cover letter, a curriculum vitae, a statement of teaching objectives, and
a statement of research objectives to the electronic application. Please
arrange for three letters of recommendation, either emailed to
jmcca...@mail.unomaha.edu or sent to Dr. John McCarty, Department of
Biology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, 6001 Dodge St., Omaha, NE 68182.
Review of materials will begin 14 January 2011 and continue until the
position is filled.

The university and department are strongly committed to achieving diversity
among faculty and staff.  We are particularly interested in receiving
applications from members of under-represented groups and strongly encourage
women and persons of color to apply for this position.  

[ECOLOG-L] Mediation/Collaboration Project Input

[Wendy McBride]

I'm writing about an idea I've been developing based on interest in
effective community based natural resource management and conflict resolution.

To elaborate... Last summer and this summer I worked as a seasonal for the
Forest Service as a biological technician conducting vegetation surveys.  I
worked for the Range Conservationist, and all of the monitoring occurred in
benchmark areas on the allotments throughout the district.  The results were
used to adapt livestock management to improve sustainability. 

The monitoring was completed last year & this year... all went well.

What I realized over time, though, was how dysfunctional the collaboration
between specialists is within the office.  There is a long standing distrust
between the range & timber specialists and the wildlife/fisheries/&
hydrology specialists.  To the extent that they detest the bi-annual ID team
meetings that they're required to hold to plan out the annual grazing
management plan & range projects.  They often avoid working together in the
field and when I presented my findings in the most recent team meeting, the
room was tense and little to no progress was made for the annual management
planning.

This is, of course, unfortunate since forest service lands are a huge and
valuable resource available to us.  It has great potential when managed
well, but when management is lacking or dis-jointed, this land can quickly
become degraded. 

But, I am very interested in the potential of this situation.  It seems like
a great opportunity for a 3rd party mediator to step in and work with the
team to better work together and assess the current issues that prevent them
from doing so effectively. 

Other benefits of involving a third party mediator include:

- development of a strong monitoring plan,
- provide funding (via grants?) to accomplish the monitoring so the FS
doesn't need to further exhaust their already over-stretched budget,
- involve external consultants to help realize management goals, 
- repairing (at least somewhat) the relationship between the specialists in
the office by helping them work effectively together

This idea is interesting to me and I'm currently trying to realize whether
its feasible to make it happen.  I know that without support in the office,
it'll never get off the ground. They have to want help and to want to
improve the present system. 

And from what I understand, they do have that desire.  I've already spoken
about my idea to the wildlife biologist, range conservationist, and the nrcs
specialist who works in the office.  They are all in support of the idea and
open to outside mediation.

I'm wondering if it would be possible to make a grad school project out of
this.  I think there is a lot to be learned from this experience.  It would
likely be a more credible venture if it were backed by a
university/professors with the support of previous experience and
accumulated knowledge.  And it would be great to work on this project while
also taking classes to build my ecological knowledge.  Are there professors
available who work in both human dimensions and natural resources?  

I'm interested in input regarding this project's feasibility to turn it into
a grad project (which is my preference).  If that's not a possibility, then
working  I'm interested in doing grant research to fund this project
independently. Are there non-profits out there that specialize in
environmental monitoring & conflict resolution?

Thanks for your time!

- Wendy McBride
Range Ecologist

wendmcbr...@gmail.com

[ECOLOG-L] URGENT - PLEASE SUPPORT Museo de Historia Natural in Lima, PERU

[Flor Salvador]

Now the petition to support the Natural Hist
Dear collegues,

Now the petition to support the Natural History Museum of Lima Peru is on line.

http://www.PetitionOnline.com/musm1710/
 
Thank you very much.
 
Flor Salvador
 
* 
Flor Salvador
Posdoctoral fellow
Département de phytologie
Université Laval
Québec
Canada
 


Dear Ecolog,

Please help support the retention of the  Natural History Museum in Lima,
Peru.

See message below. Thank you.

*From: *León, Blanca R

*Date: *November 18, 2010 9:29:03 AM CST

*Subject: **Museo de Historia Natural in Lima in danger*

Greetings to you. I am asking your help for the museum in Lima that houses
the USM herbarium.

The attached document describes the opposition of the community of the
Natural History Museum to the plan by the authorities of the University of
San Marcos to build a private funded building (including stores, parking,
and office space, but no plans for the scientific collections) in the area
where the Museum houses the largest scientific collections of the country.


Please write an e-mail message with the subject: “Apoyo al Museo de Historia
Natural” as soon as possible (a meeting will be held tomorrow Friday to
discuss this plan)
And a message mentioning your support opposing and rejecting the destruction
of the museum and instead requesting a larger help for this 82 year old
institution
Message should be directed to Dr. Betty Millan, Director of the Museum:
bmill...@gmail.com
Copy to the President of the University Luis Izquierdo Vásquez:
lizquie...@oftalmosalud.com.pe; rector...@unmsm.edu.pe

Thanks, Blanca


Blanca León, Ph.D.
l...@austin.utexas.edu
Plant Resources Center
University of Texas at Austin
1 University Station F0404
Austin, TX 78712-0530
U.S.A.
&
Department of Geography and the Environment
University of Texas at Austin
http://www.utexas.edu/cola/depts/geography/faculty/leonbr

Museo de Historia Natural, UNMSM
Av. Arenales 1256
Lima 14, Peru



Dear Colleagues:

This message is to inform you of a threat to the future of the largest
biological scientific collections in the oldest Peruvian institution, the
Natural History Museum (Museo de Historia Natural). The authorities of the
University of San Marcos in Lima, Peru have unilaterally decided to propose
the construction of a building in the area presently occupied by the Natural
History Museum. Their plan under the pompous name of “Academic, Cultural and
Research Complex” does not offer the needed housing for the largest
scientific collection in the country, nor for any improvement of research
facilities for the study of its biodiversity.

Despite that the role of the museum in the life of the University has been
widely recognized and praised by the same authorities, since their
affiliates contribute a large part of the scientific publications of the
institution (in peer reviewed journals like PNAS, Science, Nature); they
have ignored or diminished the role and needs of the scientific legacy
housed in the museum. There is almost a complete lack of financial support
of the authorities of the University to the Natural History Museum with a
budget of less than 108000 US dollars per year, only 35% of which is devoted
to the activities related to the scientific collections.

The Natural History Museum in Lima is an institution over 80 years old that
includes the largest collections of the flora and fauna of the country. The
herbarium includes over 50 plant specimens, the mammal collection near
37000, birds 28000, amphibians and reptiles 5, fish 45, insects and
arachnids 75, mollusks 3, geological samples and fossils 9000. It
also includes historical collections made by naturalists during the XIX and
part of the XX centuries such as Raimondi, Taczanowski, Jelski, Stolzman,
Weberbauer, Weyrauch, Eigenmann, and Koepcke.

Given that the museum plays a vital role in the scientific development and
education of Peru, we urge the University, the Peruvian government, and all
concerned citizens to support our institution and the only area available
for its future development.


De: Alexandra Ponette 
Para: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU
Enviado: jue,18 noviembre, 2010 12:42
Asunto: [ECOLOG-L] URGENT - PLEASE SUPPORT Museo de Historia Natural in Lima, 
PERU

[ECOLOG-L] USGS Mendenhall Postdoctoral Fellowship Opportunity in Hydroecology

[Jud Harvey]

Colleagues,

Please take note of the 2012 USGS Mendenhall postdoctoral fellowship 
program which has a due date for applications of December 30.  Our 
specific opportunity focuses on hydraulics, fine sediment dynamics, and 
ecological consequences of streamflow alteration.  Potential candidates 
can contact us directly for more information.

This opportunity: http://geology.usgs.gov/postdoc/2012/opps/opp30.html

Guidelines for the USGS Mendenhall Postdoctoral Program: 
http://geology.usgs.gov/postdoc/index.html

Best wishes,
Jud Harvey (jwhar...@usgs.gov) 
Laurel Larsen (lglar...@usgs.gov)

[ECOLOG-L] Post-doctoral Position in Plant or Soil Microbial Ecology

[Dan Brickley]

*Post-doctoral Position in Plant or Soil Microbial Ecology*



Applications are being accepted for a post-doctoral position associated with
an NSF-funded study on climate change in northern Mongolia (for details
about the project, see http://mongolia.bio.upenn.edu/).  Applicants must be
able to start no later than April 1, 2011.  The position is for at least one
and a half years (the 2011 and 2012 field seasons) with a possibility of
additional funding through July 2013.  The post-doc would be involved in the
planning and execution of experiments investigating the combined ecological
consequences of a warming climate and overgrazing by domestic herd animals.
  The field site is located near Lake Hovsgol in an area of discontinuous
permafrost, where steppe grassland joins taiga forest.  The primary focus is
on changes to the herbaceous plant community and associated soils. Passive
warming chambers are being employed to further elevate temperatures.
Opportunities
exist for collaborative research investigating the climate history of the
region and changes to the carbon cycle.


Summer residence in this remote but unique ecological setting is a
requirement.  Camp life consists of living in gers and a primarily
meat-based diet.  The post-doc would otherwise be located at the University
of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia and would work most closely with Brenda
Casper, a plant population/community ecologist, and Brent Helliker, a plant
physiological ecologist.  Inquiries and applications (CV, statement of
research interests, and names and email addresses of three references in pdf
format with the subject line “Mongolia post-doc”) should be sent to Daniel
Brickley, the project coordinator (brick...@sas.upenn.edu).  Review of
applications will begin on December 20, 2010 and continue until the position
is filled.

[ECOLOG-L] Ph.D. Graduate Research Assistantship--LSU

[Richard Stevens]

Ph.D. Graduate Research Assistantship

Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University

 

Position available for the Fall of 2011 in the laboratory of Dr. Jim
Cronin (http://www.biology.lsu.edu/webfac/jcronin/biograph/index.htm). 

 

Research is in the area of PREDATOR-PREY POPULATION DYNAMICS.
Specifically, the project focuses on age (stage) structure, differential
vulnerability of prey life stages, and variability in development times
of life stages on predator-prey stability. The focal organisms for this
project are the cowpea weevil Callosobruchus maculatus and its
parasitoid Anisopteromalus calandrae. Details regarding this project are
available at
http://www.biology.lsu.edu/webfac/jcronin/biograph/research/devtime.htm.


 

Graduate assistantship is funded by the National Science Foundation. In
addition to an annual stipend of $23,250, the assistantship includes a
tuition waiver and health benefits.

 

If you are interested in joining my laboratory, please send me an email
(jcro...@lsu.edu). Include with the message a CV containing a brief
summary of accomplishments (educational background, GPA, GRE scores, and
academic major if applicable) and a statement of potential research
interests.

 

 

***

Richard D. Stevens

Assistant Professor

Department of Biological Sciences

Louisiana State University

Baton Rouge, LA 70803

 

(225) 578-0224--Office

(225) 578-4284--Lab

(225) 578-2597--Fax

 

Check out my webpage at:
http://www.biology.lsu.edu/faculty_listings/fac_pages/rstevens.html

 

**

 

[ECOLOG-L] Interdisciplinary Climate Change Research Symposium for early-career researchers

[David Inouye]

DISCCRS VI
Interdisciplinary Climate Change Research Symposium
http://disccrs.org/disccrsposter.pdf
22-29 October, 2011
La Foret Conference and Retreat Center
Colorado Springs, CO

Application Deadline: March 1, 2011
Participation limited to 30 early-career Ph.D. scholars
Airfare and on-site expenses are supported through grants from NSF and NASA
http://disccrs.org

As our understanding of climate change and its far-reaching 
ramifications continues to grow, it is imperative for climate change 
researchers to form strong collaborative bonds that reach across 
disciplines and other boundaries. Every year the DISsertations 
initiative for the advancement of Climate Change ReSearch (DISCCRS, 
pronounced discourse) hosts a symposium for early-career climate 
change researchers, Our goal is to catalyze international, 
interdisciplinary collaboration, while laying the foundation for 
dynamic, communicative collegial networks that are better-equipped to 
understand and respond to the myriad challenges posed by climate change.


During the week-long symposium, the 30 invited DISCCRS Scholars will 
have the opportunity to present their research, hone 
interdisciplinary communication and teambuilding skills, and discuss 
emerging research and trends. Scholars will also have the chance to 
talk about the societal and professional challenges involved in 
climate change research, with each other and with established 
researchers invited to serve as mentors.


Eligibility: Ph.D. requirements completed between April 1, 2008 and 
February 28, 2011. Applications will be reviewed by an 
interdisciplinary committee of research scientists. The selection 
committee will favor applicants who plan to engage in 
interdisciplinary research careers in any subject relevant to the 
study of climate change, its impacts or its solutions. We encourage 
applicants from the natural and social sciences, mathematics, 
engineering, and other fields, so long as their research focus 
relates to climate change, its impacts or solutions. Although the 
emphasis is on the U.S. research system, we welcome applicants from 
all countries who are interested in learning about the U.S. research 
system or connecting with U.S. researchers. Airfare and on-site 
expenses are supported through grants from NSF and NASA


Symposium application instructions: 
http://disccrs.org/application_instructions


ELECTRONIC RESOURCES

In addition to our annual symposia, DISCCRS provides online tools for 
catalyzing interdisciplinary discussion and collaboration:

http://disccrs.org/disccrsposter.pdf
Please display and distribute the poster as widely as possible!

Online Ph.D. Dissertation Registry: Join over 2500 climate change 
researchers by registering your Ph.D. dissertation and adding your 
abstract to our fully searchable database. You can also browse the 
registry to see what other climate change researchers have been doing 
recently. http://disccrs.org/register


Electronic newsletter: With timely climate change job listings, news 
stories, funding opportunities and more, our weekly e-newsletter is 
automatically provided to anyone who registers their Ph.D. 
Subscriptions are available by request.


Career Resources: In addition to the registry, our website includes a 
wealth of valuable resources for finding a job, developing your 
professional skills, locating funding opportunities, crafting grant 
proposals and more. http://disccrs.org


DISCCRS Sponsors:
AAG, AERE, 
AGU, AMS, 
ASLO, ESA, 
ESS-ISA, 
STEP-APSA, 
TOS, USSEE


DISCCRS Funding:
U.S. National Science Foundation
Collaborative Grant Numbers: SES-0931402 to the University of Oregon
and SES-0932916 to Whitman College
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Grant number NNX10AJ53G to Whitman College

Contact: i...@disscrs.org
Organizers: Ronald B. Mitchell and C. Susan Weiler

[ECOLOG-L] Estimate abundance

[Lien Luong]

Hello,

Can someone recommend a method and/or refer me to a basic book on estimating
insect abundance using line transects? A set of transects of known length
were set across an area throughout a study area in the forest, each transect
consisted of small oatmeal piles laid approx. 1 meter apart. Insects,
specifically crickets were later collected and counted from each oatmeal
pile. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Lien

[ECOLOG-L] Seek articles for a special issue in EcoMod

[Li An]

Dear Colleagues,

The Elsevier Editorial System is ready for article submission (see my 
earlier announcement below). Here are the instructions for submission if 
you decide to submit a paper:


§   The submission website for this journal is located at: 
http://ees.elsevier.com/ecomod/


§   To ensure that all manuscripts are correctly identified for 
inclusion into the special issue, it is important that you select 
SPECIAL ISSUE: Modeling human decisions when you reach the "Article 
Type" step in the submission process. Failure to comply will cause the 
paper to go unrecognized as to belonging to this special issue.


Please let me know if you have questions.

All the best,

Li

Below please see the original announcement:

I have been guest-editing a special issue in the journal Ecological 
Modelling (EcoMod). The topic of this special issue is "Mapping and 
Disentangling Human Decisions in Complex Human-Nature Systems", which is 
based on an approved symposium (Feb 18, 2011) during the 2011 AAAS 
meeting. This is an open call for original research articles related to 
the topic, and the symposium description (attached below) may help you 
get a better idea of what we are seeking.


If you are interested in submitting a paper, please contact me 
(l...@mail.sdsu.edu) by email and send me your abstract (better if you 
have an extended abstract). All the papers are expected to be finished 
by February 1--you may send your paper to me through email initially, 
but the journal requests that you submit your paper through EcoMod's 
online submission system. All the papers will be subject to peer 
reviews, and decisions (acceptance /decline) will be made in Mid-March 2011.


If you have questions or concerns, please contact me. Thank you very much

[Symposium description]

Many coupled human-nature systems are characterized by complexities such 
as nonlinearities and heterogeneity (Liu et al. 2007 Science). Less is 
known about how human decisions are made to affect such systems. This 
symposium, incorporating case studies in three Asian National 
Reserves/parks, centers on generalizing characteristics, driving forces, 
and related methodologies for understanding human decision making and 
its consequences. Employing social surveys, fieldwork, and different 
modeling approaches (e.g., agent-based modeling, multi-level modeling), 
we will explore how social norms and the hierarchical structure of human 
organizations or decisions may feedback into each other and affect human 
resource utilization decisions, thus affecting habitat dynamics of these 
species. Following that, several well-established researchers will 
present general theoretical reflections on what theories and methods can 
be used to tackle human decisions, and how such decisions lead to system 
changes. Our purposeful intermix of researchers from different career
stages, study sites, and backgrounds aims to better fertilize the study 
of complex human-nature systems. This symposium has been endorsed by 
International Network of Research on Coupled Human and Natural Systems 
and consulted with the AAAS Geology and Geography Section.


All the best,

Li

--
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Li An (??), PhD
Associate Professor
Department of Geography
San Diego State University
http://www-rohan.sdsu.edu/~lian/  (Personal website)
http://complexity.sdsu.edu/  (Group Website)

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

[ECOLOG-L] Funding opportunity for research exchanges in ecological immunology

[Lynn B. Martin]

Graduate and undergraduate students, post-docs and faculty interested in
learning or modifying existing techniques in ecological immunology should
consider applying for research exchange funds through the NSF-sponsored
Research Collaborative Network in Ecological Immunology.  The next deadline
for submissions is December 1, 2010.  Details can be found here:
http://ccoon.myweb.usf.edu/ecoimmunology.org/Research_Exchanges.html. 

[ECOLOG-L] REU opportunity, Chesapeake Bay

[David Inouye]

Undergraduate Research Opportunity – Spread the Word

 Please invite your undergraduate students to 
apply for Maryland Sea Grant's Research 
Experiences for Undergraduates in Estuarine Science.


 http://www.mdsg.umd.edu/REU

It is a great opportunity. Spend a summer by the Chesapeake Bay.

 Please Distribute Broadly

DETAILS:

- 12 week program: May 22 to August 14, 2011.
- $4200 stipend plus housing and travel support to and from Maryland
- http://www.mdsg.umd.edu/REU
- Applications due: February 22, 2011
- Apply 
http://www.mdsg.umd.edu/programs/research/reu/apply/form/index.html 



We select undergraduates in diverse disciplines, 
including engineering, biology, chemistry, 
physics, mathematics, ecology and marine and environmental science.


Details and application guidance at our web site: 
http://www.mdsg.umd.edu/REU


We are particularly interested in supporting 
talented students from institutions where access 
to marine science and to research projects is 
limited and who are from underrepresented groups 
in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).


Since 1989, NSF has supported bringing students 
to conduct individual research projects with a 
scientist-mentor at either Chesapeake Biological 
Lab or Horn Point Lab of the University of 
Maryland Center for Environmental Science.


If you have any questions please feel free to 
email or call me (301-405-6373).  I apologize for 
any cross posting of this announcement.


Best Regards,

Fredrika Moser

[ECOLOG-L] Graduate opportunities at the University of South Florida

[Christina Richards]

The Department of Integrative Biology is accepting applications for students
to enter their integrative graduate education program in Organismal Biology,
Ecology and Evolution. Our department is committed to train the next
generation of graduate students to prepare them for professional success in
the fields of biological sciences that mirror our faculty’s expertise, which
emphasizes organismal interactions and adaptations to the environment at all
scales, from microorganisms to complex plants and animals. Our program of
graduate study is designed to foster the development of technical and
analytical skills used in existing and emerging fields of discovery.
Increasingly, students are given opportunities to include an international
experience in their research projects and also be involved in outreach
activities. The research and training ongoing in the Department of
Integrative Biology contributes to advancements in both basic science and
applications to real world problems.

Application files must be complete and received by the Biology Graduate
Office before January 1, 2011 to be considered for Fall 2011 Teaching
Positions or the University Graduate Fellowship (see
http://biology.usf.edu/ib/grad/prospective/domesticap/).

Students can pursue a M.S. or Ph.D degree in Biology. Each of the degrees
requires a student to identify an area of concentration. The program offers:
• M.S. in Biology, Concentration in Ecology and Evolution (EEV)
• M.S. in Biology, Concentration in Environmental and Ecological
Microbiology (EVM)
• M.S. in Biology, Concentration in Physiology and Morphology (PMY)
• Ph.D. in Biology, Concentration in Ecology and Evolution (EEV)
• Ph.D. in Biology, Concentration in Environmental and Ecological
Microbiology (EVM)
• Ph.D. in Biology, Concentration in Physiology and Morphology (PMY)

Faculty research interests include: biomechanics and functional morphology;
microbial physiology; ecophysiology; marine and freshwater ecology;
restoration, population, community and ecosystem ecology; conservation
biology; ecological genetics; ecotoxicology; environmental microbiology;
gene transfer; genomics; evolution; and response to climate change.

Faculty who are currently accepting students into their laboratories (more
information at http://biology.usf.edu/ib/faculty/):

* Bell, Susan- Marine Ecology
* Crisman, Thomas- Freshwater Ecology
* Deban, Stephen- Physiology, Biomechanics, and Evolution
* Fox, Gordon- Plant Ecology, Conservation Biology, and Population Biology
* Harwood, Valerie- Microbial Water Quality
* Lajeunesse, Marc- Ecology, Evolutionary Biology and Research Synthesis
* Lewis, David- Ecosystem & Landscape Ecology
* Martin, Lynn- Ecological Physiology and Immunology
* McCoy, Earl- Conservation Ecology
* Motta, Philip- Functional Morphology
* Pierce, Sidney- Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry
* Richards, Christina- Plant Ecological Genomics and Epigenetics
* Rohr, Jason- Ecology
* Scott, Kathleen- Microbial Physiology and Biogeochemistry
* Stiling, Peter- Ecology

[ECOLOG-L] 2 Ph.D. Graduate Assistantships in Fish Ecology and Restoration, Michigan Technological University

[Casey Huckins]

2 Ph.D. Graduate Assistantships in Fish Ecology, Michigan Technological 
University (MTU), Biological Sciences http://www.bio.mtu.edu/


We are seeking two Ph.D. students to join a collaborative team that will 
be studying the ecology and restoration of Arctic grayling.  These 
positions will be available January 2011.


Research Description:  This collaborative project will study historic 
and contemporary ecology and conditions of the Big Manistee River, MI 
Watershed to guide a feasibility study for the potential reintroduction 
of Arctic grayling (/Thymallus arcticus/).  Funding is from the U.S. 
Fish and Wildlife Service through a Tribal Wildlife Grant for 
development of native species restoration plans for the Little River 
Band of Ottawa Indians (LRBOI) Reservation and Big Manistee River.  
Students will attend MTU in spring and fall semesters, and conduct 
fieldwork in the Manistee watershed with the LRBOI in summers of 2011 
and 2012.


Qualifications: A very strong cooperative team approach is expected, as 
is an interest in the study of river ecology and native species 
restoration.  Students should have B.S. and M.S. degrees in ecology, 
biology, fisheries and wildlife or related field with competitive GPA 
and GRE scores. Have computational abilities and show ability to 
participate in team research activities, work safely, and be respectful 
of tribal culture and objectives.  Salary: Spring and fall full stipend 
and tuition, summer salary includes extra for reduced rate lodging at 
field site.


 The two funded positions are 1) Stream Ecology and 2) Fish Community 
and the students will be expected to work together to:  1) Determine 
historic conditions in the Manistee watershed when Arctic grayling 
existed naturally.  2) Conduct literature review on contemporary 
grayling habitat for all life stages (ie. Europe, Canada, US). 3) 
Determine contemporary conditions of physical habitat and abundance of 
potentially interacting species in the Big Manistee watershed. 4) Assess 
feasibility of and develop prescriptions for reestablishing an Arctic 
grayling population in the Big Manistee watershed that include all life 
stages.


For Stream Ecology Focus Contact: Send CV, unofficial transcripts and 
GRE scores to Dr. Casey J. Huckins   cjhuc...@mtu.edu.
For Fish Community Focus Contact:  Send CV, unofficial transcripts and 
GRE scores to Dr. Nancy Auer  naa...@mtu.edu

*
*

[ECOLOG-L] Research Ecologist position, Univ. Wisconsin-Madison

[Rick Lindroth]

Associate Scientist - Ecology

Trophic interactions, global change, chemical ecology, "genes to ecosystems"
ecology

An Associate Scientist position (PVL# 65957) is available with the Lindroth
Research Group at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The "Scientist" track
at UW-M is similar to "Research Faculty" tracks at other universities.
Research in the Lindroth group spans a diverse array of ecological
disciplines, including plant-herbivore interactions, global environmental
change, biofuels, and "genes to ecosystems" ecology, with chemical ecology
as the nexus. For more information about the group, see:
http://entomology.wisc.edu/~lindroth/

Principal responsibilities:
The Associate Scientist will provide intellectual leadership, supervision
and mentoring to a productive research group consisting of postdoctoral,
graduate and undergraduate students. The Scientist will coordinate and
direct a diverse portfolio of research activities, provide analytical
chemistry support, analyze data, and prepare manuscripts. Finally, the
Scientist will develop new research initiatives and collaborations, write
competitive grant proposals, and provide written annual reports for funded
research projects. 

Qualifications:
Ph.D.; postdoctoral experience strongly preferred. Knowledge of and
experience with chemically-mediated ecological processes; strong writing and
statistical skills. Must have exceptional organizational and
communication/interpersonal skills, and demonstrated record of publication.
Grantsmanship experience preferred. 

Salary and benefits: 
Salary commensurate with experience.  Excellent medical/dental health plans
and retirement savings plans available at minimal cost. Position start date
is March 1 - June 1, 2011.

University and Town:
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is a premier institution for research in
ecology and has ranked among the top five research universities in the
United States for each of the past 20 years. UW-Madison ranks first in
research expenditures among public universities. Madison is the capital city
of Wisconsin, and consistently ranks among the best cities in the U.S.A. for
work, education, family and leisure activities.

Application: 
To ensure consideration, application must be received by January 15, 2011.
Send a single pdf document, including a letter specifically detailing your
fit to the position (PVL# 65957), c.v., statement of research interests,
names/addresses of three references, and representative reprints to:

Ms. Sheila Timme
Academic Department Manager
smti...@wisc.edu

UW - Madison is an equal opportunity employer
___
Richard L. Lindroth, Ph.D.
Professor of Ecology and Associate Dean for Research

146 Agriculture Hall  Dean's office phone: 608-262-6792
1450 Linden Dr.   Faculty office phone: 608-263-6277
University of Wisconsin-Madison   Fax: 608-262-4556
Madison, WI 53706 E-mail: lindr...@wisc.edu
U.S.A.
http://entomology.wisc.edu/~lindroth/ 
___