[ECOLOG-L] Graduate Opportunity for Research on Missouri River Floodplain Forests
Note: This is slightly modified from an ECOLOG post from earlier this year: Graduate Student Position for Research on Effects of the 2011 Flood on Missouri River Floodplain Vegetation I'm looking for a graduate student (PhD or MS) for a 3-year project characterizing the effects of the 2011 flood on floodplain forest vegetation along the Missouri River. Field work will commence in June 2012 and will concentrate on segments of the Missouri River in South Dakota and Nebraska, although opportunities may also exist to work on segments in North Dakota, Montana, and Iowa. The graduate student will lead a vegetation sampling crew during the summer and will be responsible for data analysis and vegetation mapping using GIS for his/her Research Assistantship during the academic year. Precise thesis/dissertation topic is somewhat flexible, but should fit within the broad objectives of the project. Funding is available for 3 years, beginning in May/June 2012 and will include a stipend for the graduate student and funds for several field assistants, travel expenses, and field supplies. The ideal candidate will have strong skills in plant identification, experience in sampling in riparian plant communities, experience mapping land cover using ArcGIS, solid analytical and writing skills, and strong organizational and supervisory skills. The ability to supervise a field crew and to plan and implement field sampling logistics will be an important component of the position(s). Experience operating a motor boat on large rivers would also be a plus. Field work will require work for extended periods of time under sometimes arduous field conditions and in remote locations away from campus. The student(s) will enroll in the graduate program of the Department of Biology at the University of South Dakota, in Vermillion, SD (http://www.usd.edu/arts-and-sciences/biology/index.cfm), in the lab of Dr. Mark Dixon (http://www.usd.edu/arts-and-sciences/biology/mark-dixon.cfm). Student must be able to begin work by May of 2012, and enroll in the university for the Fall 2012 semester. Interested students should first contact me directly (mark.di...@usd.edu) and then apply to the graduate program in Biology at the University of South Dakota (http://www.usd.edu/arts-and-sciences/biology/graduate.cfm). Applicants will need to provide recent GRE scores and should have an undergraduate GPA over 3.0 for admission to the program. Mark D. Dixon Assistant Professor Department of Biology University of South Dakota Vermillion, SD 57069 Phone: (605) 677-6567 Fax: (605) 677-6557 Email: mark.di...@usd.edumailto:mark.di...@usd.edu
[ECOLOG-L] Postdoctoral Teaching Fellowship, Tulane University
KOCH POSTDOCTORAL TEACHING FELLOW The Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EEB) at Tulane University seeks to fill the inaugural Koch Postdoctoral Teaching Fellowship in Plant Ecology And Evolution, pending budgetary approval (website:http://tulane.edu/sse/eebio/about/kochfellow.cfm). The position is a two-year appointment, with faculty status and a start date of July 1. The department aims to recruit outstanding researchers with a Ph.D. and prior postdoctoral research experience who will merge excellence in teaching (30%), research (60%), and service (10%). Applicants are encouraged to identify a potential faculty collaborator in EEB, although those interested in independent research will be given consideration. Applicants should describe botanical courses they would be able to teach, including courses that are not in the existing curriculum and could be taught as special topics. An application (curriculum vitae, statement of research interests, and statement of teaching philosophy and interests) and three letters of recommendation focusing on both research excellence and teaching potential should be submitted electronically to the Search Committee (e-mail: ecole...@tulane.edu). Please write Koch Fellow in the subject line. Application review will begin immediately, and the position will remain open until filled. Tulane University is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action/ADA employer committed to excellence through diversity. All eligible candidates are invited to apply.
[ECOLOG-L] SEASONAL FIELD ASSISTANT POSITION - INVASIVE SPECIES AND MYRMECOCHORY
We seek a field assistant from early May to late August (dates negotiable) to work on a project studying the consequences of invasions on seed dispersal by ants (i.e., myrmecochory). The assistant will be part of a research team that is investigating the effects of an invasive seed-dispersing ant, the European fire ant, Myrmica rubra, on native ant and plant communities, and the potential for co-introduced mutualists to facilitate species invasions. This position is affiliated with Dr. Megan Fredericksons lab at the University of Toronto (http://mutualism.ca), and the assistant will be working closely with Dr. Kirsten Prior, a postdoctoral associate in the lab (https://sites.google.com/site/kirstenmprior). Major responsibilities include: locating and collecting ant colonies, maintaining ant colonies, conducting surveys of myrmecochorous (ant-dispersed) plants and ants in the field, collecting seeds, conducting seed preference and dispersal trials in the field, setting up and monitoring a mesocosm experiment, and data input and management. The assistant may also assist with other related projects. The majority of time will be spent in the field. Desired qualifications include: 1) completion of or working towards a degree in ecology and evolution, biology, entomology or a related field, 2) strong interest in ecology, entomology, ant ecology, and/or field ecology, 3) hard-working, highly motivated, with attention to detail, 4) ability to work independently and as a part of a research team, 5) willingness to work outside for long periods sometimes in uncomfortable conditions (hot and buggy), 6) ability to deal with a flexible work schedule (i.e., work around weather conditions). 7) Previous experience working in the field or with plants and insects is preferred, but not required. Location/housing: work will largely be conducted at University of Torontos research station, the Koffler Scientific Reserve (http://ksr.utoronto.ca/) (~20 km from Newmarket and 60 km from Toronto, Ontario), but will also include some trips to sites in and around the greater Toronto area. Shared accommodations at KSR will be provided along with a modest stipend (~$1400/month) depending on qualifications and experience. Application requirements: please submit a cover letter briefly detailing relevant interest and experience, a CV, and a list of three references. Review of applications will begin on March 19th. Applications and inquires should be sent to Kirsten Prior at k.pr...@utoronto.ca.
[ECOLOG-L] Training for canopy research tree climbing
Training for canopy research tree climbing Researchers wishing to do hands on research in the forest canopy need to receive adequate training in techniques and safety protocols before going aloft. The Institute for Tropical Ecology and Conservation (ITEC) offers such courses. While there are many venues for learning to climb, ITEC offers this training in a field/research environment that goes beyond the training offered elsewhere. Most climbing courses do not take place in the same environment where tropical research will take place and students who have not been familiarized with climbing under tropical forest conditions will be at a disadvantage when the time comes to go aloft. Our course runs from mid-June through early July, but for those with scheduling issues, the course can be arranged for other dates. This course is also offered during ITEC's winter session. The course will take place in the rainforest environment and students will learn to climb while experiencing conditions relative to what they will actually encounter while performing research. To learn more go the i...@itec-edu.org website or contact Joe Maher jma...@treeclimbercoalition.org It's the chance to learn a new way to study the forest while engaging in real adventure. ** Thanks!---Joe Maher---
