Re: [ECOLOG-L] Call for Postdoctoral Fellowship Applications/NIMBioS

[Catherine Crawley]

Aaron,
 NIMBioS is an NSF Synthesis Center and there is indeed a
difference of postdoc expectations from that of NH. NIH
does focus on a postdoc as mostly a training opportunity. This is
neither my personal view of an outstanding postdoc experience
nor that of NSF as, for example, expressed in the summary of
the description for the NSF Math Sciences Postdoc program:

"The purpose of the Mathematical Sciences Postdoctoral Research Fellowships 
(MSPRF) is to
support future leaders in the mathematical sciences by facilitating their 
participation in
postdoctoral research environments that will have maximal impact on their future
scientific development."

 The information page for postdoc applications here provides
details of our mentoring program. There are two mentors for
each NIMBioS postdoc (one from a more biological background
and one from a mathematical one), and these do not act in any
way as a "faculty boss" - there is no expectation whatsoever on
anyone's part that the mentors will be automatically be coauthors
on research papers. The data on publications by NIMBioS postdocs
indicates that less than 20% of the papers authored by NIMBioS
postdocs include one of their mentors as a coauthor.

I completely dispute any argument that NIMBioS postdocs
are "postechs", though certainly the positions are for
two years and thus temporary. Regarding whether these
positions are "appropriate", you are welcome to your opinion.
I have had the pleasure of mentoring about 20 postdocs, all
of whom I treated as colleagues rather than "trainees".

Cheers,
 Lou



Aaron T. Dossey wrote:
>
> A postdoc position (by NIH and NSF's definition) is a temporary
> TRAINING position.  However, I don't see anything in this ad about
> what training/mentorship the applicants can look forward to if selected.
>
> Is it required that these postdocs will have a faculty boss to report
> to and whose name will go on all of their research productivity
> (publications, patents, grants, etc.)?
>
> It says that the postdocs must have their own research plans coming
> in.  This sounds more like a faculty or independent researcher job ad,
> at least in the requirements listed.  Why not hire stable independent
> researchers rather than postechs/postemps?
>
> I realize that this (sadly) reads like all the other postech/postemp
> "job" ads, but it should be pointed out that none of them are
> appropriate.
>
> Aaron T. Dossey, Ph.D.
> Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
>
>
>
>
> On 6/22/2011 2:07 PM, Catherine Crawley wrote:
>> *Call for Postdoctoral Fellowship Applications at NIMBioS*
>>
>> The National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis
>> (NIMBioS), located at the Univ. of Tennessee, Knoxville, is currently
>> accepting applications for postdoctoral scholarship at the interface
>> between mathematics and biology. Highest priority will be given to those
>> with explicit plans to develop their ability to effectively carry on
>> research across these fields. We are particularly interested in requests
>> to support research that integrates diverse fields, requires synthesis
>> at multiple scales, and/or makes use of or requires development of new
>> mathematical/computational approaches. NIMBioS Postdoctoral Fellows are
>> chosen based upon indications that the applicant's research plans are
>> consistent with the mission of NIMBioS, the applicant has the
>> demonstrated ability to carry out the proposed research, and the
>> opportunities provided through NIMBioS will enhance the capacity for the
>> research to be completed in an efficient and timely manner. For
>> additional information on NIMBioS, visit www.nimbios.org.  Support:
>> annual stipend of $51,000, full University of Tennessee employee fringe
>> benefits, and an annual travel allowance of $2,000.  Requests for
>> Support: Submit a brief project description, references, and CV
>> following the guidelines available at http://www.nimbios.org/postdocs/
>> to Dr. Chris Welsh at
>> cwe...@utk.edu.  *Deadline:*  NIMBioS postdoctoral requests for support
>> are reviewed three times per year, and the selected researchers are
>> offered positions at NIMBioS where they conduct research that is mostly
>> self-directed. The deadline for activities beginning in early 2012 is
>> *Sept. 1, 2011.*  All letters of recommendation should be submitted
>> *before the request deadline*.
>>
>> *
>> Catherine Crawley, Ph.D.
>> Communications Coordinator
>> National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS)
>> University of Tennessee
>> 1534 White Avenue, Suite 400
>> Knoxville, TN 37996-1527
>> e ccraw...@nimbios.org
>> t +1 865 974 9350
>> f +1 865 974 9461
>> http://www.nimbios.org
>> http://www.facebook.com/nimbios
>> http://twitter.com/nimbios
>> To receive email notifications of blog updates, click here
>> 

[ECOLOG-L] Postdoctoral Research Fellowships in Biology (PRFB)

[David Inouye]

Postdoctoral 
Research Fellowships in Biology (PRFB)


Available Formats:
HTML: 
http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2011/nsf11499/nsf11499.htm?WT.mc_id=USNSF_25&WT.mc_ev=click 

PDF: 
http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2011/nsf11499/nsf11499.pdf?WT.mc_id=USNSF_25&WT.mc_ev=click 

TXT: 
http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2011/nsf11499/nsf11499.txt?WT.mc_id=USNSF_25&WT.mc_ev=click 



Document Number: nsf11499

[ECOLOG-L] GPS Unit for Remote Estaurine Monitoring Site

[Scott Loranger]

Can anyone suggest a make/model/brand for a GPS unit for a remote monitoring 
site? I would like to 
install a unit that I can use to remotely check that the buoy is on site. The 
site is a buoy on an 
estaurine river so it needs to be water proof and corrosion resistant. It won't 
be under water but will 
get wet. Thanks.

[ECOLOG-L] M.S./Ph.D. Assistanship - Black Bears in Alabama

[Todd Steury]

I'm looking to take on a graduate student (master's or Ph.D.) starting fall
2011 (possibly spring 2012) in wildlife sciences at Auburn University to
study black bears in Alabama. The graduate student will be supported via a
research assistantship (M.S. - $15,540, Ph.D. $18,140) with full tuition
waiver. The student will use a variety of non-invasive methods, including
game cameras, hair snares, and scat-detection dogs, to sample for black
bears in two areas of Alabama: southwest Alabama, where a resident
population of the Florida subspecies of black bear is known to occur, and
northeast Alabama, where a population of the eastern subspecies is thought
to have recently become established. Collected samples will be used to
estimate population size and habitat use, but opportunities exist for
student to develop other research questions (expected for Ph.D. students).

Applicants for M.S. should possess a B.S./B.A. in Ecology, Wildlife
Sciences, or related fields. Applicants for Ph.D. must possess an M.S. A
minimum GPA of 3.0 and GRE (verbal + quantitative) of 1000 is required.
Preference will be given to applicants with field experience, GIS
experience, experience with DNA extraction and PCR amplification, and strong
quantitative skills. Applicants should be in good physical condition as
field work will be physically demanding. 

Interested applicants should send a cover letter outlining their interests,
career goals, and qualifications for the project, CV or resume, copies of
transcripts and GRE scores (unofficial copies are OK for application
review), and contact information for references to Dr. Todd Steury
(ste...@auburn.edu). Applicant review will begin June 30, 2011, but
applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Todd D. Steury
Assistant Professor, Wildlife Ecology
School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences
Auburn University
http://www.auburn.edu/~tds0009

[ECOLOG-L] Survey for ecologists working at primarily undergraduate institutions, and other PUI events

[Laurel Anderson]

Dear Colleagues,

The Researchers at Undergraduate Institutions Section of ESA has
organized the following
workshop at the upcoming ESA meetings in Austin: WK 33 - Funding
Challenges and Opportunities for Ecological Research at Undergraduate
Institutions - FREE - 11:30AM - 1:15PM, Tuesday, August 9th, Austin
Convention Center.

This workshop is meant to be a discussion-based event, drawing on our
collective wisdom and experience on seeking funding.  Our goal is to
come up with a list of funding sources, both traditional and unusual,
that we can post on RUI web page as a resource, and a list of best
practices for addressing funding challenges at primarily undergraduate
institutions.

As a foundation to this event, we would like to ask ecologists working
at PUIs to fill out a short survey to communicate funding sources you
have used and funding challenges you have encountered.  We will use
these results to help shape our discussions and start our lists.
Please fill out the survey even if you will not be attending the ESA
workshop - we need your experiences and knowledge!  Click on the link
below.  Your participation is greatly
appreciated.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/S9KVGH9

Other events of interest to PUI ecologists at ESA this year:

WK 12 - Developing Collaborative Research Projects in the Ecological
Research as Education Network (EREN)- $5 for EREN members (join for
free online at www.erenweb.org) Sunday, August 7, 10-3, Room 13 at the
Convention Center.

SS 1 - Resources for Ecology Education: Fair and Share (REEFS) -
Monday, August 8, Sharing- 10-11:30; FREE, Room 13A at the Convention
Center.

RUI Section Business Meeting - Wednesday, August 10, 11:30 - 1:15 -
Austin Convention Center

Special Session - Thursday August 11, 1:30 - 5:00 pm in Room 16B
This session will feature PUI ecologists and their students presenting
their latest research.
OOS 39 - Pair Power: Collaboration with ESA’s Next Generation of
Ecologists (i.e. undergraduates) as Evidence of Earth Stewardship

Hope to see you at one of these events!

Laurie
Past Chair, RUI Section of ESA
Network Coordinator for EREN
Faculty member at Ohio Wesleyan University

-- 
Laurie Anderson (Laurel J. Anderson)
Associate Professor
Network Coordinator of the Ecological Research as Education Network (EREN)
Department of Botany/Microbiology
Ohio Wesleyan University
Delaware, OH 43015
740-368-3501
ljand...@owu.edu

[ECOLOG-L] Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program job openings

[Christopher Tracey]

Six position openings with the Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program.
 Application deadline is 7/24/2011.

---

BOTANIST

Western Pennsylvania Conservancy (WPC) has a full-time opening for a
Botanist. This position will be based in Middletown, PA. Primary duties will
include collecting, assessing and monitoring botanical resources, with
emphasis on rare species, for the Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program.
This person will design, schedule and manage inventory projects as well as a
variety of other projects oriented toward the conservation of biologically
significant plant populations and natural communities. A Master of Science
degree in Botany or a closely related field required. Broad familiarity with
Pennsylvania and/or mid-Atlantic/Midwest regions’ flora and ecosystems is
required. Expertise in a few taxonomic groups (e.g., grasses, ferns, etc.)
is desired, with some experience with aquatic flora necessary. Must be able
to work a flexible schedule, which will include some evenings and weekends.
Must be able to traverse rugged terrain, work on extended field excursions,
and be able to travel within Pennsylvania. Must be able to work well
independently and with others. We offer a competitive salary and excellent
benefits package. If you are interested in this position, please send a
letter, resume, and salary requirements to wpcj...@paconserve.org and list
Botanist in the subject line of the email. Deadline is 7/24/11.

---

VEGETATION ECOLOGIST

Western Pennsylvania Conservancy (WPC) has a full-time opening a Vegetation
Ecologist. This position will be based in Middletown, PA. Primary duties
will include research and analysis related to plant communities and
ecological systems in Pennsylvania for the Pennsylvania Natural Heritage
Program (PNHP) and WPC. Using PNHP methodology assesses the classification.
Develops/reviews element occurrence records and provides information to
update PHNP Biotics database. A minimum of a Master of Science degree or
equivalent work experience in ecology, field biology, conservation, botany
or related field; with knowledge of conservation biology, natural resource
preservation, restoration ecology, and ecological aspects of resource
management. Familiarity with Pennsylvania and/or mid-Atlantic/Midwest
regions’ flora and ecosystems and experience in natural community
classification, along with intensive field studies, and ecological research
techniques is required. Position requires the ability to traverse rugged
terrain, spend long hours out-of-doors on extended field excursions, and
travel within Pennsylvania. Must be able to work well independently and with
others. We offer a competitive salary and excellent benefits package. If you
are interested in this position, please send a letter, resume, and salary
requirements to wpcj...@paconserve.org and list VegEcol in the subject line
of the email. Deadline is 7/24/11.

---

CONSERVATION PLANNING SPECIALIST

Western Pennsylvania Conservancy (WPC) has a full-time opening for a
Conservation Planning Specialist, based in Pittsburgh, PA. This position
provides capacity for numerous conservation planning projects, GIS oriented
projects, and conservation information management projects/tasks. The work
focuses on the interpretation and provision of ecological information, with
heavy reliance on GIS mapping and analysis, for use in planning at regional,
county, and municipal levels, conservation organizations and state agencies.
Additional work will involve processing and entry of records into Biotics
and other databases, mapping, and providing assistance in developing plans.
Qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree (Master’s degree preferred) with
emphasis in natural resources planning, landscape architecture, ecology,
geography, or related fields. Knowledge of county and municipal planning
tools, land use regulations and planning products such as comprehensive
plans, greenway plans and/or river plans required. Must be willing to work a
flexible schedule, which may include some evenings and weekends and frequent
travel within Pennsylvania. We offer a competitive salary and excellent
benefits package. If you are interested in this position, please email a
letter, resume, and salary expectations to wpcj...@paconserve.org and list
ConPlan in the subject line of the email. Deadline is 7/24/11.

---

HERITAGE GIS TECHNICIAN

Western Pennsylvania Conservancy has two full-time openings for Heritage GIS
Technicians. One position will be based in Middletown, PA and one will be
based in Pittsburgh, PA. The Heritage GIS Technician is responsible for
carrying out a variety of tasks related to processing and providing
information for the Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program (PNHP). With an
emphasis on creating and maintaining GIS-based information, carries out
individual GIS and database related tasks as needed, such as data
processing, map-making, and reporting. The positions also assist information
management functions in processing infor

[ECOLOG-L] Staff Scientist - job opportunity NEON - Boulder, CO

[Laura Reynolds]

The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) is a $430 million 
dollar observatory project dedicated to understanding how changes in 
climate, land use and invasive species impact ecology.  For the next three 
decades NEON will collect a comprehensive range of ecological data on a 
continental scale across 20 eco-climatic domains representing US 
ecosystems.  NEON will use cutting edge technology including an airborne 
observation platform that will capture images of regional landscapes and 
vegetation; mobile, relocatable, and fixed data collection sites with 
automated ground sensors to monitor soil and atmosphere; and trained field 
crews who will observe and sample populations of diverse organisms and 
collect soil and water data.  A leading edge cyberinfrastructure will 
calibrate, store and publish this information.  The Observatory will grow 
to 300+ personnel and will be the first of its kind designed to detect and 
enable forecasting of ecological change at continental scales.

Position Summary
Reporting to the Manager of Data Products, the Ecoinformatics Staff 
Scientist will be responsible for contributing to the development and 
generation of all data products of the NEON Observatory, working with the 
NEON’s science, cyberinfrastructure, and education teams, as well as the 
external community, to define and create data products and manage their 
lifecycle. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
•   Apply ecoinformatics and statistics expertise to a wide variety of 
problems related to data product development for the NEON Observatory
•   Apply Bayesian statistical techniques to model-data assimilation, 
inference of continental-scale drivers of ecophysical processes, and 
analysis of metagenomic data derived from NEON biotic samples
•   Contribute to the development of the science rationale for data 
products, developing and prototyping algorithms for their generation
•   Engage stakeholders in vetting data product produced materials
•   Ensure the utility and veracity of NEON data products by engaging 
the user community in meetings, workshops, and working groups
 
Required Experience:
•   Broadly-trained scientist well-versed in or eager to learn the 
breadth of NEON scientific efforts 
•   Expertise in the application of statistical theory to biological 
and/or physical systems
•   Expertise with common statistical software packages (e.g., R)
•   Familiarity with data processing workflows in a production 
environment
•   Experience working in a collaborative scientific enterprise

Preferred Experience:
•   Postdoctoral experience in a scientific research environment
•   Teaching experience



Education:
•   PhD, ScD, or equivalent degree in ecology, ecoinformatics, 
biogeochemistry, statistics, applied mathematics, or related fields


Skills and Abilities: 
•   Skilled at scientific writing and review
•   Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Apply to:  www.neoninc.org 

NEON Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, Minorities, Veterans 
and Disabled Persons are encouraged to apply. 

[ECOLOG-L] graduate student opportunity

[Stephanie Bohlman]

Graduate Research Assistantship in Tropical Forest Ecology in the School 
of Forest Resources and Conservation at the University of Florida.   The 
M.S. or  Ph.D. research assistantship begins preferably in the fall 2011 
or winter 2012, but possibly summer or fall 2012.  

I study forest structure/dynamics, carbon cycling and tree species 
distributions from local to regional scales using a combination of field 
data, remote sensing and modeling.  I am looking for a graduate student 
who is interested in one or more of these areas.  My website 
http://www.sfrc.ufl.edu/faculty/Bohlman/index.html   provides more details 
on the types of projects in which I am involved.The ideal candidate is 
highly motivated and self-directed; has a background and/or interest in 
ecology or forestry; has quantitative skills in math, statistics, GIS 
and/or remote sensing; demonstrated writing skills; has worked on and 
completed independent research project(s); can provide at least 2 
excellent references if requested.

Qualifications:  A bachelor’s or master’s degree in biology, ecology, 
environmental science and/or demonstrated interest and 
competence/experience in ecology, modeling or GIS/remote sensing .  Please 
email (1) a resume/CV, with GRE scores listed if available and (2) a 
letter stating your interests, background, qualifications and long-term 
goals to Dr. Stephanie Bohlman (sbohl...@ufl.edu). 

The assistantship will include (1) a tuition waiver, (2) an annual stipend 
of $16,000 and (3) health insurance.  UF offers an excellent across 
discipline support and intellectual community for students involved in 
ecology and conservation, especially focused in tropical regions.