[ECOLOG-L] Postdoctoral position in plant Ecology - Australia
I am not positive if anyone reads these postings in advance but yesterday I sent through an ad for a postdoc position and it came out as gobbledegook on ecolog so I was hoping to try again. This is all simple text, so not sure what happened. Sorry for repeat postings but I doubt anyone could read it at all. Thank you, Margie Mayfield Posting begins here: Plant Community Ecology Postdoctoral Fellow: We invite applications for a postdoctoral position at The University of Queensland, Australia to work with Dr. Margie Mayfield on the ARC (Australian Research Council) funded project: “Testing the importance of large-scale climate factors for plant community assembly following land-use change.” The successful applicant will be under the direct supervision of Dr. Margaret Mayfield at UQ, but will also work closely with project collaborators: Dr. John Morgan (La Trobe Univ.) and Dr. Stephen Bonser (UNSW), Dr. Peter Vesk (Univ. of Melbourne) and Dr. Dan Metcalfe (CSIRO). The central aim of this project is to empirically test whether plant species and functional trait diversity patterns follow specific response trajectories when reassembling after land use change across large productivity and climate gradients. The successful candidate will be in charge of data collection and analysis for this project, which will involve plant s! pecies and functional trait measures in rainforest communities across Australia’s east coast. The successful candidate will also be expected to develop and publish scholarly papers from this project. The opportunity for the successful candidate to expand beyond this specific project will be welcomed and encouraged. Start date is flexible but we hope to have someone start by the end of June 2012. Position duties: Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to: ● Collaborate with Drs, Mayfield, Bonser, Morgan, Vesk and Metcalfe on project development ● Identify and select appropriate field sites for data collection ● Conduct extensive plant species and functional trait data collection in North Queensland, SE Queensland and NSW, Australia ● Analyse field collected plant diversity and functional trait data ● Publish scholarly papers ● Work with colleagues and postgraduates in the development of joint research projects. ● Contribute to Mayfield lab meetings ● Contribute to the Mayfield lab social and academic environment Essential Qualifications: ● PhD in plant community ecology or related field. ● Ability to travel extensively and conduct strenuous fieldwork, including plant surveys, soil core extraction and conduct in situ and lab-based physiological plant trait measurements. ● Demonstrated expert knowledge in the area of theoretical community ecology, plant ecology and ecological statistics ● Working knowledge of Australia’s rainforest flora OR sufficient botanical training and experience to rapidly acquire these identification skills. ● Expert knowledge of, or clear ability to rapidly learn techniques for measuring plant physiological traits. ● Excellent statistical skills and preferably familiarity with R. ● A proven ability to produce peer-reviewed publications resulting from your research To apply: See the full ad for this position at the UQ jobs website, posting 493150 (http://uqjobs.uq.edu.au/jobDetails.asp?sJobIDs=493150&lWorkTypeID=1471&lLocationID=&sJobNo=ecology&sKeywords=ecology&lCategoryID=&lBrandID=&stp=AW&sLanguage=en) Please apply through the UQ jobs website and send a professional CV, a sample of your scientific writing abilities (a published paper or “In review” manuscript) and a cover letter indicating how you meet the selection criteria detailed in the full job ad to m.mayfi...@uq.edu.au
Re: [ECOLOG-L] Digital/electronic set-ups for organizing research?
Hi Kevin, I was just shown a new software, Docear, on the CeBIT fair. It integrates mindmapping and a literature database. So as you go through the literature and make notes on PDFs, this will be integrated in the mindmap. I haven't tried it yet but it looked very flexible. It runs via Java on Linux, Windows and OS X etc and it's free.: http://www.docear.org/ Martin --| http://sci.martinkoechy.de | Dr. Martin Köchy (Koechy) Johann Heinrich von Thünen-Institut -Bundesforschungsinstitut für Ländliche Räume, Wald und Fischerei- Institut für Agrarrelevante Klimaforschung Johann Heinrich von Thuenen Institute -Federal Research Institute for Rural Areas, Forestry and Fisheries- Institute of Agricultural Climate Research vTI-AK * Bundesallee 50 * 38116 Braunschweig * GERMANY Telefon: +49-531-596-2640 * Telefax: +49-531-596-2699 http://www.vti.bund.de/de/startseite/institute/ak.html skype: martinkoechy --- & --- AG Vegetationsökologie & Naturschutz|RG Veg. Ecology & Nature Conserv. Universität Potsdam| University of Potsdam Am Neuen Palais 10 * 14469 Potsdam * GERMANY www.bio.uni-potsdam.de/professuren/vegetationsoekologie-naturschutz
[ECOLOG-L] Job Announcement: Leibniz Center for Tropical Marine Ecology
The Leibniz-ZMT GmbH currently offers several positions within the frame of the BMBF funded German-Indonesian SPICE III Program (Science for the Protection of Indonesian Coastal Ecosystems).The overarching goal of the bilateral SPICE Program is to address the scientific, social and economic issues related to the management of the Indonesian coastal ecosystems and their resources. In addition to strengthening the existing scientific data base on coastal ecosystems, the program promotes capacity and infrastructure building in the maritime sector in Indonesia and Germany and contributes to education and public awareness. The program is being carried out in cooperation among partners from several Indonesian and German universities and government research institutions. Positions: 1) Research Assistant (PhD-Position) in Ecological Modelling: Modelling Coral reef dynamics in a resource use context Contact: Hauke Reuter, email: hauke.reu...@zmt-bremen.de 2) Research Associate (Post-doc): Reconstruction and modelling of environmental settings and biogeochemical cycles in the mangrove-fringed Segara Anaka Lagoon, Java, Indonesia Contact: Tim Jennerjahn, email: tim.jennerj...@zmt-bremen.de For more details of both positions see: http://www.zmt-bremen.de/Binaries/Binary3532/SPICE_Ausschreibung.pdf or http://www.zmt-bremen.de/en/Vacancies.html -- PD Dr. Hauke Reuter Dept. Ecological Modelling Leibniz Center for Tropical Marine Ecology (ZMT) www.zmt-bremen.de Fahrenheitstrasse 6, 28359 Bremen, Germany Tel: XX49 421-23800-58, Fax: -30 --- Leibniz-Zentrum für Marine Tropenökologie (ZMT) GmbH Sitz der Gesellschaft: Bremen, Registergericht: Amtsgericht Bremen Handelsreg. Nr. HRB 25746 HB, St-Nr 71/607/12036, USt-IdNr DE 266278207 Vorsitzender des Aufsichtsrates: Dr. Walter Dörhage Geschäftsführerin: Prof. Dr. Hildegard Westphal
[ECOLOG-L] Texas A&M Ecological Integration Symposium- March 23-24
Dear All, This message is especially relevant to anybody in Texas, within a few hour drive of Texas A&M, though others may wish to join too. Texas A&M's 13th Annual Ecological Integration Symposium is coming up on March 23-24, 2012. At this symposium, we have a day of plenary talks given by renowned ecologists, evolutionary biologists, and environmental scientists, and a day for a student symposium, where undergraduate and graduate students can present their research and compete for awards. Registration is FREE and is only required for students wanting to present (deadline- March 9). If you are interested in the plenary talks, just show up! The plenary talks will be given on Friday, March 23, at the Annenberg Presidential Conference Center, on the Texas A&M Campus. The general theme is "Ecology in a Changing World" and our invited speakers are: J. Baird Callicott (U. North Texas, Environmental Philosopher) Sam Cushman (USDA Rocky Mountain Research Station, Landscape Ecologist and Geneticist) Scott Edwards (Harvard, Phylogeneticist focused on birds) Naomi Pierce (Harvard, Behavioral Ecologist focusing on plant-insect interactions and evolution of these interactions) John A. Wiens (PRBO, Landscape Ecologist/Conservation Biologist focused on birds) The Student Symposium will take place on March 24, at the Agriculture and Life Sciences Complex on the Texas A&M Campus, and students (graduate and undergraduate) from any school can compete for awards of up to $100, in both poster and oral presentation categories. Please check out our website for more details, and to register to give a presentation: http://theeis.tamu.edu/ Also, check us out on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TAMUEIS Cheers, Mike Treglia -- Michael L. Treglia Applied Biodiversity Sciences NSF-IGERT Program Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences Texas A&M University Lab: (979)862-7245 mlt35[at]tamu.edu http://people.tamu.edu/~mlt35
[ECOLOG-L] Postdoctoral position: eagles and wind development
Postdoctoral Position U.S. Geological Survey, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center Eagle Population Models and the Influence of Wind Energy Development The U.S. Geological Survey, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center (Laurel, Maryland) is seeking candidates for a postdoctoral position to develop an adaptive management framework for wind energy permitting with regard to incidental take of bald and golden eagles. In partnership with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which has regulatory authority under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, the post-doc will focus on modeling the interaction of eagles and wind facilities at two scales: (1) at the site-level, models are needed to predict lethal take of eagles as a function of exposure rate and collision risk; and (2) at the regional level, models are need to predict the population-level impact of lethal and non-lethal take. In both cases, these predictive models will be coupled with appropriate monitoring and adaptive feedback mechanisms to reduce uncertainty and adjust management actions, to support the simultaneous objectives of expansion of renewable energy resources and conservation of eagle populations. The ideal candidate will have a background in population modeling, migratory bird ecology, expert elicitation, decision analysis, and adaptive management. Proficient programming skills are required, particularly in MATLAB, Program R, or an equivalent computational language. The successful candidate will also have excellent writing and personal communication skills. Applicants are expected to have earned a Ph.D. degree in a relevant discipline. Preference will be given to U.S. citizens who have received a Ph.D. within the last 5 years. The position will be located in Laurel, Maryland. The desired start date is July 2012 or sooner, and the position is funded for 24 months. The salary level is very competitive. Review of application materials will begin March 30, 2012 and continue until a suitable candidate is found. If you are interested, send a curriculum vitae, a letter describing your background and interests, and the names of three references to Michael Runge (mru...@usgs.gov). For further information, contact: Michael Runge (mru...@usgs.gov), USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center 12100 Beech Forest Road, Laurel, MD 20708-4017 (301) 497-5748
[ECOLOG-L] GRA available for studying climate, land use and cover change impact on river flow and ecosystem responses in the south-central Great Plains
A downward trend in total streamflow for many rivers in north-central and northwest Oklahoma has been identified despite an overall upward trend in precipitation over the last several decades. This downward trend mirrored notable declines of fisheries. Streamflow trends are primarily driven by precipitation trends and the divergence between the two suggests an increasing role of land surface change, which includes woody plant encroachment, land use change and alluvial aquifer withdrawal affecting streamflows. The relative contribution of these components for long-term streamflow trends for many of the river basins in Oklahoma remains largely unknown. We are looking for a highly motivated MS student to work on a collaborative research project between Oklahoma State University and the USGS Oklahoma Water Science Center. The project aims to assess the effects of climate, land surface change and human activities on long-term streamflow characteristics and aquatic ecosystem of the upper Cimarron River. Coursework or work experience involving GIS, watershed or stream hydrology, fish and wildlife or ecosystem science is highly desirable. Experience in the assessment of historic land use and land cover change using GIS tools and historic aerial photos is a plus. A graduate assistantship is available at $15,500 annually. Benefits include tuition waiver and health insurance. Additional supplements may be available for the first year. The expected starting date is August 2012. For more information about this position, please contact Dr. Chris Zou (chris@okstate.edu) at Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management at Oklahoma State University.
[ECOLOG-L] Research Opportunities for Social Science and Humanities Scholars
The Social Dimensions of Environmental Sustainability Postdoctoral Positions Early or Mid-career Visiting Fellows Research Team Support The National Socio-Environmental Synthesis Center (SESYNC, pronounced sặ-sink) is the newest national synthesis center funded by the National Science Foundation. Its main goal is to foster synthetic, actionable science related to the structure, functioning, and sustainability of socio-environmental systems. The center supports research from diverse perspectives on linkages between humans, societies, and the environment. Funding Opportunities Postdoctoral scholars SESYNC will provide an annual stipend for up to 2 years, full University of Maryland employee fringe benefits, and an annual allowance to attend meetings or collaborate. Postdoctoral scholars will be in residence at the center in Annapolis. Application deadline is April 20, 2012. Follow this link for more information: http://www.sesync.org/postdocs/social-science-postdoctoral-fellows Visiting Fellows SESYNC provides a stipend and travel support for fellows (early or mid-career) to spend at least 2 months over a year in residence at the center working on a research project; how that time is spread over the year is negotiable. Applications accepted any time. Follow this link for more information: http://www.sesync.org/research-fellows/social-science-research-fellowships Research Team Support (Ventures) to lead projects that address how individuals and/or social systems influence or are influenced by the natural world. These ventures can draw from any social science or humanities discipline to synthesize existing knowledge and identify research priorities relevant to this broad topic. SESYNC particularly encourages scholars (including those from the international community) who can help define research frontiers at the interface of social and natural sciences, thereby laying the foundation for future interdisciplinary work. All ventures will be conducted at the SESYNC center in Annapolis, Maryland. Examples of potential venture topics include, but are not limited to: scholarship that focuses on the link between environmental sustainability and formal or informal institutional structures; human behaviors/decisions that influence or are influenced by how humans experience or perceive the natural world; critical reflections on the language, models, and practices of past and current efforts at synthesis. SESYNC provides all travel and accommodations for groups of scholars to come to the center to work on a joint project that can generate knowledge in response to a pressing need or unexpected opportunity, develop tools or approaches that could provide a new catalyst for the synthesis process, synthesize the state of knowledge in a particular area or identify research priorities. Applicants may request support for a single workshop engaging up to 40 people or could request multiple visits by a study group (typically 6-12 people) over the course of a year or more. Applications are accepted any time. Follow this link for more information: http://www.sesync.org/programs/ventures-0
[ECOLOG-L] post-doctoral position
One post-doctoral fellow is sought to conduct research within a funded research project entitled "Temporal and Spatial Patterns of Pine Mortality in the Southeastern United States". The project will address two questions: (1) is there a decline in southern pine forests that are different from historical (healthy) patterns of growth and mortality? (2) what are the patterns of decline in time and space? These questions will be addressed at stand, landscape, and regional scales using data obtained from remote sensing, forest inventory, and field sampling. Aerial photos and various satellite images will be used to reconstruct the historic forest dynamics to explore possible pine decline. Tree ring analysis (dendrochronology) will be used to study historical growth pattern and investigate possible role of global/climatic change on pine decline. Working closely with the Pis (Dr. Geoff Wang of Clemson University and Dr. Joan Walker of U5FS Southern Research Station) and other collaborators, the post-doc will oversee the project with assistance from other project personnel (including graduate students, technicians and summer research assistants). We are seeking an outstanding candidate with a PhD in Forestry, Biology, Ecology, Geography, or Environmental Sciences. The person should be experienced in dendrochronology or in remote sensing techniques (e.g., forest classification, land use change, and ground truth data sampling). A past record of scientific publication and presentation is essential. Good skills in statistical data analysis, literature synthesis, and scientific writing are required. Good people skills are important since this person must interact with land managers on many National Forests and Department of Defense installations. The position is for 1.5 years starting as soon as possible after 05/1/2012. The salary of the position is $40,000/year plus benefits. Electronically submit a letter of interest, vita/resume, graduate school transcripts (unofficial), and contact information for three references to Dr. Geoff Wang at gw...@clemson.edu. Closing date for applications is 03/31/2012. Review begins April 1, 2012. The Jeanne Clery Disclosure Act requires institutions of higher education to disclose campus security information including crime statistics for the campus and surrounding areas. As a current or prospective Clemson University employee, you have a right to obtain a copy of this information for this institution. For more information regarding our Employment, Campus Safety and Benefits, please visit the Human Resources - Prospective Employees web page shown below: http://www.clemson.edu/cao/humanresources/prospective/ Closing Statement: Clemson University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any individual or group of individuals on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status or genetic information.
[ECOLOG-L] FroSpects travel grants for speciation research (next deadline March 15)
Dear colleagues, The European Research Networking Programme "Frontiers of Speciation Research", supported by 18 National Funding Organizations in member countries of the European Science Foundation, is inviting applications for travel grants intended to foster collaborations between European researchers working on topics related to the Programme. Support is available for short visits (up to 2 weeks) and exchange grants (up to 3 months), with preference given to junior researchers at a graduate or postdoctoral level. Applicants will want to keep in mind that, owing to the difference in costs, applications for short visits are more likely to be successful than applications for exchange grants. Applications are reviewed quarterly after a submission deadline of 24:00 CET on 15 March, 15 June, 15 September, and 15 December. About 4-6 weeks after each deadline, the ESF will inform applicants about the outcome of evaluations. Further information and instructions on how to apply are available at www.iiasa.ac.at/Research/EEP/FroSpects/Travel_Grants.html. For general information about the FroSpects Research Networking Programme, please see www.iiasa.ac.at/Research/EEP/FroSpects. With best wishes, Åke Brännström & Ulf Dieckmann, on behalf of the FroSpects Steering Committee
[ECOLOG-L] Graduate Assistantships: Local Government Planning for Climate Change
The Earth System Science and Policy Department (ESSP) at the University of North Dakota has assistantship positions for students seeking a Masters of Environmental Management (MEM), Master of Science (MS) or Ph.D. Tuition waiver is available for all announcements listed below. Some positions include Research Assistantship funding for 9 months; subsequent funding is dependent on student performance and availability of additional funding. Application deadline is May 1, 2012; early applications will receive top priority for admission. For more information about ESSP, please see the department website: http://essp.und.edu/. For application instructions, please see the UND Graduate School website www.und.edu/dept/grad/. Position Description: Are local governments across the United States planning for climate change impacts? If yes, how? If no, why not? Students are sought to assist implementation of a survey of local government officials to examine these and other questions. This study will examine attitudes and behavior change, public participation, and environmental policies involved in planning for future climate change. The study will involve telephone interviews, statistical analysis, and some content analysis. Topics within this study may be tailored to fit a Master of Science thesis research project. Students from a wide range of backgrounds are encouraged to apply, including sociology, psychology, ecology, political science, environmental studies, geography, and others with experience in environmental fields. Familiarity with the computer programs SPSS for statistics and/or ARC GIS for spatial-data analysis will be a benefit. A graduate assistantship position and/or tuition waiver will be available dependent on funding. For more information, please contact Dr. Rebecca Romsdahl: rebecca.romsd...@und.edu.
[ECOLOG-L] Graduate Assistantships: Environmental Change and Impacts Related to Climate Change Using Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques
The Earth System Science and Policy Department (ESSP) at the University of North Dakota has assistantship positions for students seeking a Masters of Environmental Management (MEM), Master of Science (MS) or Ph.D. Tuition waiver is available for all announcements listed below. Some positions include Research Assistantship funding for 9 months; subsequent funding is dependent on student performance and availability of additional funding. Application deadline is May 1, 2012; early applications will receive top priority for admission. For more information about ESSP, please see the department website: http://essp.und.edu/. For application instructions, please see the UND Graduate School website www.und.edu/dept/grad/. Environmental Change and Impacts Related to Climate Change Using Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques: Positions are open for graduate students seeking a Master of Science Degree. The primary area of research involves studying changes in North American glaciers and how these changes relate to climate fluctuations, as well as the impacts on downstream water use. This study involves the use of remote sensing and GIS techniques in which ENVI remote sensing and ESRI GIS software will be utilized in analyzing ASTER and Landsat images, Aerial Photography, and Digital Elevation Models. Knowledge of either software and/or the above data types is desirable, but not necessary. Field work is likely to occur during the late summer months and some experience in wilderness travel is desired but also not necessary. These topics can be tailored to fit a M.S. degree and the possibility of tuition waiver and funding in the form of Research Assistantships may be available. Students from a wide range of fields are encouraged to apply, such as Geography, Geology, Environmental Science, Climatology, Hydrology as well as many others in environmental majors. Information about past preliminary glacial field work can be found at: http://essp.und.edu/About/VanLooyBio.aspx. If the above research topics are of interest, please see the UND Graduate School website (www.und.edu/dept/grad/) for application instructions, or contact Dr. Jeff VanLooy of the Department of Earth System Science and Policy at the University of North Dakota at (701) 777-4755, or by e-mail: jvanl...@aero.und.edu.
[ECOLOG-L] Graduate Assistantships: Environmental Change and Impacts Related to Climate Change Using Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques
The Earth System Science and Policy Department (ESSP) at the University of North Dakota has assistantship positions for students seeking a Masters of Environmental Management (MEM), Master of Science (MS) or Ph.D. Tuition waiver is available for all announcements listed below. Some positions include Research Assistantship funding for 9 months; subsequent funding is dependent on student performance and availability of additional funding. Application deadline is May 1, 2012; early applications will receive top priority for admission. For more information about ESSP, please see the department website: http://essp.und.edu/. For application instructions, please see the UND Graduate School website www.und.edu/dept/grad/. Environmental Change and Impacts Related to Climate Change Using Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques: Students are being sought to assist in classifying land cover/land use change between 1930 and 2010 within the Sheyenne National Grassland in Southeast North Dakota. Preliminary analysis of this study area over the last decade indicate increases in wetlands within the National Grassland which is having an impact on various biological, economic, and cultural features, including grassland species and tourism. This study involves the use of remote sensing and GIS techniques in which ENVI and ERDAS Imagine remote sensing, and ESRI GIS software will be utilized in analyzing ASTER and Landsat images, Aerial Photography, and Digital Elevation Models. As well, visits to the study site and field work will be necessary. Knowledge of either software and/or the above data types is desirable, but not necessary. These topics can be tailored to fit a M.S. degree and the possibility of tuition waiver and funding in the form of Research Assistantships are available through a NASA grant which allows students to gain experience working on a variety of research projects. Students from a wide range of fields are encouraged to apply, such as Geography, Geology, Biology, Environmental Science, Climatology, Hydrology as well as many others in environmental majors. If the above research topics are of interest, please see the UND Graduate School website (www.und.edu/dept/grad/) for application instructions, or contact Dr. Jeff VanLooy of the Department of Earth System Science and Policy at the University of North Dakota at (701) 777-4755, or by e-mail: jvanl...@aero.und.edu. ESSP Graduate Program Information The Earth System Science and Policy Department (ESSP) at the University of North Dakota is an interdisciplinary department which focuses on environmental sustainability. All students entering the ESSP graduate program are required to take ESSP 501 and ESSP 502 courses (10 credits each) in the first academic year. These courses cover the basics of broad earth system science and the socio-economic-political interactions, including Biosphere and biodiversity, Energy and economics, Policy and society, the Geosphere and Earth observation, the Water cycle and Hydrology, and Biogeochemical cycles. Information on the Earth System Science and Policy Department is available at: http://essp.und.edu/. Applicants must meet the requirements for GPA, GRE, TOEFL standards (appropriate to MS or PhD) and meet all the requirements of the Graduate School of the University of North Dakota. PhD students are expected to write a grant to support their work as part of the process of proposing their dissertation topic. Interested students should contact the appropriate individual faculty members directly at the emails provided above to discuss the projects. Applications for the ESSP graduate program must be made directly to the UND Graduate School http://graduateschool.und.edu/my-gradspace.cfm. Application deadline is May 1, 2012; however, early applications will receive top priority for admission. For more information about the UND community, see the following websites: The University of North Dakota: www.und.edu Grand Forks Visitors Bureau: http://www.visitgrandforks.com/main.php
[ECOLOG-L] Graduate Assistantships: Switchgrass as Energy Crop in the Northern Great Plains
The Earth System Science and Policy Department (ESSP) at the University of North Dakota has assistantship positions for students seeking a Masters of Environmental Management (MEM), Master of Science (MS) or Ph.D. Tuition waiver is available for all announcements listed below. Some positions include Research Assistantship funding for 9 months; subsequent funding is dependent on student performance and availability of additional funding. Application deadline is May 1, 2012; early applications will receive top priority for admission. For more information about ESSP, please see the department website: http://essp.und.edu/. For application instructions, please see the UND Graduate School website www.und.edu/dept/grad/. These two projects can be tailored to MS or PhD program requirements. 5. Identifying and Mapping Potential Land for Switchgrass Production in North Dakota. Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) is a potential bioenergy crop for the Northern Great Plains regions. The adoption of switchgrass into the traditional cropping system depends on its productivity and economic returns for producers. Economic benefits depend, in part, on the sustained break-even yield of switchgrass, i.e., sustained yield threshold below which switchgrass is not economically competitive with other crop species in much of the Northern Great Plains. This research seek to assess the potential for Switchgrass Biofuel Pellets in North Dakota taking into account the potential productivity, tradeoff with crops and environmental limitations, the technology feasibility, and regional economic and social scenarios. The project would use a new software tool MCAS-S (Multi-Criteria Analysis Shell Spatial). This project requires an interest in the interface between humans and the environment. Good spatial data skills or a keen interest in their development is desirable. Some knowledge of crop/grass physiology will be an advantage. For more information, contact Soizik Laguette, lague...@aero.und.edu. Tuition waiver may be available. 6. Remote sensing to assess switchgrass yield and energy characterization in North Dakota. Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) is as one of herbaceous crops that could be grown specifically for bioenergy supply. When grown for energy purposes switchgrass management practices must take into account both, biomass production and biofuel quality. Monitoring switchgrass and acquiring information about its growth throughout the growing season is important to optimize crop management or get information on energy quality. Crop growth models may be good tools to diagnose switchgrass growing conditions, support management decisions, or predict yield over large areas. This project seeks to investigate remote sensing of switchgrass physiology and biochemistry for assessment of plant development and production, and energy content characterization in order to be used as crop growth model input. Familiarity with remote sensing principle or a very keen interest in learning is desirable. Knowledge of crop/grass physiology and/or crop modeling principle will be an advantage. For more information, contact Soizik Laguette, lague...@aero.und.edu. Tuition waiver may be available. ESSP Graduate Program Information The Earth System Science and Policy Department (ESSP) at the University of North Dakota is an interdisciplinary department which focuses on environmental sustainability. All students entering the ESSP graduate program are required to take ESSP 501 and ESSP 502 courses (10 credits each) in the first academic year. These courses cover the basics of broad earth system science and the socio-economic-political interactions, including Biosphere and biodiversity, Energy and economics, Policy and society, the Geosphere and Earth observation, the Water cycle and Hydrology, and Biogeochemical cycles. Information on the Earth System Science and Policy Department is available at: http://essp.und.edu/. Applicants must meet the requirements for GPA, GRE, TOEFL standards (appropriate to MS or PhD) and meet all the requirements of the Graduate School of the University of North Dakota. PhD students are expected to write a grant to support their work as part of the process of proposing their dissertation topic. Interested students should contact the appropriate individual faculty members directly at the emails provided above to discuss the projects. Applications for the ESSP graduate program must be made directly to the UND Graduate School http://graduateschool.und.edu/my-gradspace.cfm. Application deadline is May 1, 2012; however, early applications will receive top priority for admission. For more information about the UND community, see the following websites: The University of North Dakota: www.und.edu Grand Forks Visitors Bureau: http://www.visitgrandforks.com/main.php
[ECOLOG-L] Graduate Internship: Remote Sensing and Hydrological Cycle
The Earth System Science and Policy Department (ESSP) at the University of North Dakota has assistantship positions for students seeking a Masters of Environmental Management (MEM), Master of Science (MS) or Ph.D. Tuition waiver is available for all announcements listed below. Some positions include Research Assistantship funding for 9 months; subsequent funding is dependent on student performance and availability of additional funding. Application deadline is May 1, 2012; early applications will receive top priority for admission. For more information about ESSP, please see the department website: http://essp.und.edu/. For application instructions, please see the UND Graduate School website www.und.edu/dept/grad/. Remote Sensing and Hydrological Cycle Students pursuing master or doctoral degrees are sought to conduct research in the general areas of applying remote sensing technology in modeling hydrological cycle. The current research topics include development of remote sensing based algorithm, modeling of evapotranspiration, hydrological modeling of watershed, impact of climate change on water cycle and quality, and validation using cutting-edge field instruments measuring water and energy fluxes. Students with undergraduate training in physical sciences are encouraged to apply. Skills in programming will be a benefit. Tuition waiver and/or graduate assistantship will be available dependent on funding. For information, please contact Dr. Xiaodong Zhang: zh...@aero.und.edu.
[ECOLOG-L] MS/PhD Positions Available
I am seeking one or two highly motivated graduate students (MS or PhD) to join my lab in the Cooperative Wildlife Research Laboratory and Department of Zoology at Southern Illinois University. The start date is flexible, but August 2012 is preferred. The available funding is not tied to a specific project so there is some flexibility in projects. However, the focus will be on one of the following: 1) the physiological effects of white-nose syndrome on bats, 2) thermoregulation in endotherms, or 3) the economic importance of bats in agriculture. My webpage details my research interests in more depth (http://web.utk.edu/~jboyles2/). To express interest, please send me a single pdf file with your CV, your college transcripts (unofficial transcripts are fine), contact information for at least three academic references, GRE scores, and a brief statement of your general research interests and experience. If you have specific research ideas for projects in any of the areas listed above, please feel free to include those as well. Qualifications: A BS in zoology, ecology, wildlife biology, or other related field is required and a MS is necessary if you are applying to the PhD program. Prior research experience will be viewed favorably and experience with both lab and field research is highly preferred. I consider strong verbal and written communication skills essential, so feel free to provide additional evidence of your abilities in these areas. Dr. Justin Boyles jgboy...@gmail.com (preferred) 865-974-2773
[ECOLOG-L] Postdoctoral position - Smithsonian Environmental Research Center
We invite applications for a postdoctoral fellow to study ecosystem level interactions between elevated CO2, nitrogen pollution, and plant invasion. The successful applicant will be part of an interdisciplinary team that is investigating the effects of multiple interacting global change factors on plant invasion, intraspecific genetic diversity, plant ecophysiology, and ecosystem ecology. Ideally the postdoctoral fellow will quantify changes in nutrient biogeochemistry and/or plant ecophysiology in a tidal wetland ecosystem. The research will be conducted at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center in the newest global change experiment within the Smithsonian Global Change Research Wetland (GCReW). The GCReW is home to the world's longest continuously running elevated CO2 experiment and several other global change experiments. The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center is a 2,650 hectare complex of upland forest, farmland and wetlands (www.serc.si.edu). Many of the Center's 100+ full-time employees commute from nearby Annapolis, MD and Washington, DC. This is a one year, grant-funded position, and continuation for another year is possible given satisfactory performance. The post doctoral fellow will be based in Dr. J. Patrick Megonigal's Biogeochemistry lab. Candidates with research interests in terrestrial ecosystem ecology, biogeochemistry, or physiological plant ecology are preferred. The position comes with a stipend of $45,000 per year plus a health allowance. To apply, please e-mail a short letter of interest describing experience and qualifications (1-2 pages), CV, and list of references by March 23, 2012 to Dr. Thomas J. Mozdzer. Review of applications will begin immediately, and the search will continue until a suitable applicant is found. Preferred start date would be in May or early June 2012.
Re: [ECOLOG-L] Digital/electronic set-ups for organizing research?
Hi Kevin, I have used a concept mapping tool (free, by the way): http://cmap.ihmc.us/. It is very useful to me. I find it especially helpful to visualize the connections between my ideas. Outlining in MS-Word is also quite useful, but sometimes a subcategory might fit into more than one area. Concept mapping helps me see these connections more clearly. Good luck in your studies! Cheers, Linda PS: Martin, thank you for sharing about Docear. I am going to check that out. Linda A. Auker, Ph.D. Visiting Assistant Professor in Biology Siena College 515 Loudon Rd. Loudonville, NY 12211 On Thu, Mar 8, 2012 at 3:50 AM, Martin Koechy wrote: > Hi Kevin, > > I was just shown a new software, Docear, on the CeBIT fair. It integrates > mindmapping and a literature database. So as you go through the literature > and make notes on PDFs, this will be integrated in the mindmap. I haven't > tried it yet but it looked very flexible. It runs via Java on Linux, > Windows and OS X etc and it's free.: http://www.docear.org/ > > Martin > > --| http://sci.martinkoechy.de | > Dr. Martin Köchy (Koechy) > > Johann Heinrich von Thünen-Institut > -Bundesforschungsinstitut für Ländliche Räume, Wald und Fischerei- > Institut für Agrarrelevante Klimaforschung > > Johann Heinrich von Thuenen Institute > -Federal Research Institute for Rural Areas, Forestry and Fisheries- > Institute of Agricultural Climate Research > > vTI-AK * Bundesallee 50 * 38116 Braunschweig * GERMANY > Telefon: +49-531-596-2640 * Telefax: +49-531-596-2699 > http://www.vti.bund.de/de/startseite/institute/ak.html > skype: martinkoechy > --- & --- > AG Vegetationsökologie & Naturschutz|RG Veg. Ecology & Nature Conserv. > Universität Potsdam| University of Potsdam > Am Neuen Palais 10 * 14469 Potsdam * GERMANY > > www.bio.uni-potsdam.de/professuren/vegetationsoekologie-naturschutz >
[ECOLOG-L] Post doc - Healthy Forests
Position Description – Research Associate (9702) Department of Forest Resources Researcher sought with expertise and interest in impacts of global change on plant communities and ecosystem processes. Availability: Immediately or no later than May 1, 2012 – through August 2013, with the possibility of an additional year. The position is located in St. Paul, MN. Requirements: Ph.D. in forest ecology, forestry, ecosystem ecology, ecophysiology or a closely related field, experience with plant identification, as well as a strong work ethic, demonstrated quantitative capabilities, and a proven ability to work independently. Expertise and experience: Global change biology, invasion biology, ecophysiology, community ecology, ecosystem ecology, or other relevant area. Main responsibilities will be assisting an ongoing project funded by the Legislative Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) which is assessing the links between forest attributes and plant invasion. The goal of the research is to better understand whether forest characteristics, especially those amenable to management, can be effective deterrents to plant invasion. A large number of forest study sites have been established in Minnesota to assess invasive plant species and a set of key indicators relevant to invasion, including disturbance history; tree canopy cover; native plant diversity; light and soil resources; native and nonnative biotic agents; and other factors that may be important. We will determine the links between these attributes and plant invasion, and attempt to discern cause and effect. Results will be presented in the peer reviewed scientific literature, and the project will develop guidelines for forest management to resist invasion. The secondary responsibilities of the post‐doc will involve engagement in existing research. As part of the activities in the Reich laboratory there are ongoing studies and associated data sets reflecting plant and ecosystem responses to experimental manipulations of atmospheric CO2 levels, N deposition, biodiversity, water, temperature, and fire, as well as to natural disturbances involving windstorms and wildfires. The studies include BioCON (a 13‐year experiment in perennial grasslands of CO2, N, and biodiversity, as well as a 4‐year study of CO2, N, and water availability; http://www.biocon.umn.edu/), the Cedar Creek fire frequency project (a 55‐year experiment with fire frequency in oak woodland; http://forestecology.cfans.umn.edu/oak%20savanna.html), B4WarmED (a 2‐year study in boreal forest of open air warming; http://forestecology.cfans.umn.edu/B4WARMED.html), and several linked observational studies of wildfire and windstorm disturbances in southern boreal forest. The postdoc will analyze data from one or more of these projects to address important questions not previously examined. The combination of the two assignments is geared towards advancing the scientific training and career potential of the successful applicant. The field study will require at least one field season, generating data suitable to craft scientific publications. Data from the existing projects are available now for analyses and publication preparation. During the postdoc position, he/she will be able to engage in both initial and latter stages of research, and be able to further develop their scientific publication record without the long delay that field ecology often entails. Application Instructions: Applications and required documents must be submitted online at the University of Minnesota Employment website: https://employment.umn.edu/applicants/jsp/shared/position/JobDetails_css.jsp?postingId=176958 Application should include a cover letter, statement of interest and goals, resume/CV, and names and contact information for three references. Questions can be directed to Dr. Peter Reich (pre...@umn.edu). * * *As an institution committed to demonstrating excellence through diversity, the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences is committed to hiring a diverse faculty and staff, and actively encourages candidates from historically underrepresented groups to apply.*
[ECOLOG-L] Animal Health and Ecology Internship in South Africa
ANIMAL HEALTH AND ECOLOGY INTERNSHIPS! WORK WITH US IN AFRICA! DONT MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY TO GET GREAT WORKING EXPERIENCE! ENDIP WILDLIFE LABORATORY is endorsed by the National Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of SOUTH AFRICA. We provide analytical, diagnostic and health support to land owners, farmers and wildlife reserves across the Northern parts of South Africa. Our base camp is situated in the Greater Kruger National Park, the greatest wildlife sanctuary in the world! Our core business components are: Bacterial diseases Parasite infestations in wildlife and domestic stock Serology / Bloodwork on African Buffalo River health ecology & Water quality analyses Animal management Cost: ZAR 1000.00 for 1 week. (USD: $130) ZAR 2500.00 for 2 weeks. (USD: $327) ZAR 3000.00 for a month, or per month for longer periods. ($392) The costs include the following: Accommodation in thatched huts with toilet & basin, shower with hot & cold water & electricity. Full dinner every day. All-day coffee, tea, soft drinks and snacks. Please buy your own breakfasts and lunches. We have a nice kitchen and BBQ facilities. Month- or more workers: Price includes as above, and also 1 set of uniform clothing (excl shoes), weekends off duty, and free day visitor trip in Kruger National Park. With all above you must also pay you own flight tickets. We will collect you from Phalaborwa airport. Summary of your typical work experience: Daily activities can not be limited or defined, as we can get called out to a reserve or farm at any time for an emergency. If an animal died or is ill, we will investigate and visit the reserve or farm, collect samples and complete the tests in the laboratory. In the event of a mortality, we usually perform a post-mortem to determine cause of death. Routine existing duties that you will assist with, will include visiting wildlife reserves to collect fecal samples for parasite tests, culling certain animals to perform animal health assessments on and investigate water- and nutrition quality and also to perform field surveys on ecological components. Trapping and data collection on certain animal species is done regularly. In the laboratory at camp you will also be requested to assist in procedures necessary to run and maintain a wildlife veterinary laboratory. We are also in the process of applying for a wildlife rehabilitation facility permit, as we often receive orphaned or injured wildlife from other people or places, wanting us to help giving those animals a second chance. If there are any of these animals in camp, you would be asked to assist in taking care of these with regard to feedings, feed preparations, health inspections and typical mom & dad stuff. Clients often call us out for ecological assessments of either terrestrial or aquatic environments. You are thus welcome to assist us in these field excursions too. We often conduct fish surveys in crocodile infested rivers, using electricity skillfully to stun the fish unconscious for a while, allowing us to collect, identify and check for diseases before returning them to the river. Vegetation surveys form the basis of sustainable wildlife management, and we have to determine if a specific reserve has enough food for the animals it wants to accommodate. We always need extra hands to measure, collect data and process it in order to calculate carrying capacities and the resulting stocking rate recommendations. If you are looking for a diverse, interesting field to gain experience in while seeing a large portion of the Northern reaches of South Africa, then this internship is something for you to consider. Contact: Cornell.Vermaak +27 84 8401584 (SMS for rapid reply & info) endip...@gmail.com African Lowveld Research/ Endip Consulting. Endip Wildlife Laboratory Balule Scientific Services Camp Xikukutzu 38 Parsons, Balule, Greater Kruger National Park P.O.Box 62 Kampersrus 1371 South Africa Extra activities for your own account can be arranged when in camp. A short list of examples is: Blyde canyon, Kruger National Park, Kapama cheetah rehab, Moholoholo rehab, Treetop canopy tours, Olifants river boat trip, Shangaan tribal village and much more. WE CAN ONLY ACCOMMODATE 3 INTERNS AT A TIME, BECAUSE WE DONT WANT TO MAKE IT COMMERCIAL. I ALSO NEED SPACE IN THE VEHICLE TO PACK MEDICATION, SAMPLING EQUIPMENT AND FUEL. SO CONTACT US AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!
[ECOLOG-L] MSc/PhD Opportunity in Paleoecology
MSc/PhD Opportunity in Paleoecology I am seeking a graduate student (MSc or PhD) to join my paleoecology lab in the Dept of Biology at the University of Victoria (http://web.uvic.ca/biology/) in British Columbia, Canada, starting September 2012 or January 2013. Research expenses are fully covered and funding for salary is guaranteed through a combination of fellowships, research assistantships, and teaching assistantships. Funding is not tied to a specific research project, so students are encouraged to develop their own projects. Research in my lab usually focuses on the development and dynamics of forest communities since the last glaciation and the climatic and non-climatic factors that drive vegetation dynamics. We are also beginning to combine paleoecological techniques such as fossil pollen analysis with molecular approaches i.e., paleogenetics. The main geographical focus of the lab is the Pacific coast of Canada, a region characterized today by temperate coniferous rainforest. Applicants should be highly-motivated, with a solid background in plant ecology and/or Quaternary science and excellent academic standing. Interested students are encouraged to contact me as soon as possible via email (tlaco...@uvic.ca) and to send a CV, unofficial university transcripts, a brief statement of general scientific interests, and the names and contact information for two references. Further information about graduate studies at the University of Victoria can be found at http://web.uvic.ca/gradstudies/ . ~~~ Terri Lacourse, Ph.D. Department of Biology University of Victoria Victoria, British Columbia V8W 3N5 Canada tlaco...@uvic.ca ~~~
