[ECOLOG-L] Plant Population Ecology – Postdoctoral Excellence Aw ard & ESA Student Travel Awards

[Nicholas Barber]

The Plant Population Ecology Section of the Ecological Society of America is 
still accepting applications for two award programs:

* Postdoctoral Excellence Award in Plant Population Ecology*
Application deadline April 15, 2017

The Plant Population Ecology (PPE) section of the Ecological Society of America 
(ESA) is pleased to announce the Postdoctoral Excellence Award in Plant 
Population Ecology, sponsored by the journal AoB PLANTS. This honor is 
presented at ESA’s annual meeting each August and recognizes a distinguished 
journal contribution to plant population ecology within the past three years by 
a postdoctoral member of the PPE section. The winner will receive an award of 
$500 from AoB PLANTS. Established in 2010 and published by Oxford University 
Press, AoB PLANTS is a non-profit, open-access journal specializing in 
environmental and evolutionary plant biology. The journal has distinguished 
Advisory and Editorial Boards, renders first decisions on manuscripts in an 
average of 35 days, and has a 2014 Impact Factor score of 2.273.

Eligibility – Applicants must have received their Ph.D. degrees between January 
1, 2014 and Dec 31, 2016 and be a current member of the PPE section (if 
applicants are not a member of ESA or the PPE section, they can join prior to 
applying). Applicants must be first author on the publication, which may result 
from either dissertation or postdoctoral research. Publications in any journal 
are eligible, provided they were published within the past calendar year 
(January – December 2016). Manuscripts that were accepted for publication by 
December 2016 may also be submitted for consideration. Only one publication 
will be considered per applicant.

Application – To apply, submit as a single, merged pdf file with both a 
qualifying manuscript and a 200-word statement describing how the paper 
advances the field of plant population ecology. Applications should be emailed 
to the PPE Secretary Nick Barber (nbar...@niu.edu) by 5 
pm EST on April 15, 2017, using “ESA PPE – AoBP Postdoc Award” as the subject 
line.

Applications will be assessed by the PPE Executive Board. The award will be 
announced at the annual meeting of the ESA in Portland, Oregon during the PPE 
section mixer on Wednesday, August 9, 2017. The recipient is strongly 
encouraged to attend the PPE mixer to be recognized and to accept the award.


* Plant Population Ecology Student Travel Awards *
Application deadline May 1, 2017

The ESA-PPE provides funds each year for students to travel to the national 
meeting. The student must:
1. be the presenter/first author of a talk or poster at the meeting, and
2. be a member of the section (if you are not sure whether you are up to date 
with the section dues, please contact 
members...@esa.org).

If you would like to be considered, please send a *SINGLE PDF FILE* containing 
your CV and a budget detailing your expected expenses for the meeting to Nick 
Barber (nbar...@niu.edu) by May 1, 2017. We plan to 
inform the selected students by the end of June. If we receive more requests 
than we have funds available, we will chose recipients based primarily on 
economic need and geographical distance from their home institution to 
Portland, Oregon, and secondarily on scientific accomplishments (normalized by 
academic stage).

Travel support will range between $200-300 and will be given to the winners 
during the PPE mixer in Portland. Recipients are highly encouraged to attend 
the PPE mixer to be recognized and to receive the check. Awardees are also 
expected to serve at the PPE silent auction in Portland, which will help fund 
future student travel awards.


--
Nicholas A. Barber
Assistant Professor
Dept. of Biological Sciences
Northern Illinois University
815-753-4215
nbar...@niu.edu

[ECOLOG-L] SESYNC Invites Proposals for Collaborative, Interdisciplinary Research

[Emily Cassidy]

SESYNC Invites Proposals for Collaborative, Interdisciplinary Research

The National Socio-Environmental Synthesis Center (SESYNC) requests 
proposals for collaborative and interdisciplinary team-based research projects 
under two programs: Pursuits and Workshops.

SESYNC is a synthesis research center that brings together diverse groups in 
new, interdisciplinary collaborations to identify solutions to society's most 
challenging and complex environmental problems. Proposals are invited for 
synthesis projects focused on tools, methods, and other practices applicable to 
actionable team research on socio-environmental problems.

We encourage those interested in these opportunities to discuss their ideas 
with SESYNC prior to developing their proposal. Discussions with team leaders 
can often help determine if an idea is appropriate for SESYNC, as well as how 
syntheses might be structured to achieve strong 
interdisciplinary/transdisciplinary outcomes. Please contact 
resea...@sesync.org with any questions.

Pursuits
Teams interested in applying for a Pursuit should address a pressing 
socio-environmental problem. Researchers are encouraged to develop research 
questions and methods that can be applicable across multiple places and scales, 
and have the potential to inform decision makers. Projects that can bring 
together quantitative and qualitative data and knowledge are of special 
interest. Pursuit teams should be comprised of no more than 15 members who will 
meet at our Center in Annapolis for 2-4 meetings of approximately 3-5 days over 
a period of 1-2 years.
Click here for complete 
details. 
Proposals must be uploaded to SESYNC's online submission system by May 15, 
2017, at 5 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).

Workshops
Teams interested in applying for a Workshop, a single meeting of up to ~25 
participants, may focus on a broad topic or a set of related topics relevant to 
socio-environmental synthesis. Workshops may summarize and/or synthesize the 
state of the topic and/or identify future directions that have the potential to 
lead to a larger synthesis effort.

Click here for complete details. Proposals 
must be uploaded to SESYNC's online submission system by May 15, 2017, at 5 
p.m. EDT.

Other Opportunities
SESYNC also invites proposals for its Sabbatical, Policy & Practice, and 
Maryland Fellowships, in addition to its Short-Term Visitor and Short Course 
programs. Application instructions for each program can be found on our 
website.

Please share with potentially-interested colleagues!
Thank you,

Emily


Emily S. Cassidy
Science Communications Coordinator
National Socio-Environmental Synthesis Center (SESYNC)
Email: ecass...@sesync.org
Phone: 410-919-4990

[ECOLOG-L] Enter the 2017 Faces of Biology Photo Contest

[Julie Palakovich Carr]

Enter the Faces of Biology Photo Contest for your chance to win $250 and to
have your photo appear on the cover of the journal *BioScience*.

The competition, sponsored by the American Institute of Biological Sciences
(AIBS), recognizes scientists who use imagery to communicate aspects of
biological research to the public and policymakers.

“This AIBS initiative is one of the ways scientists can show the public and
policymakers what it looks like to do science,” said Dr. Robert Gropp,
Co-Executive Director of AIBS. “AIBS is committed to promoting informed
decision-making, which requires an engaged public and policymakers. The
photo competition is just one of the ways we endeavor to help the public
gain a better understanding of biological research.”

The theme of the contest is “Faces of Biology.” Photographs entered into
the competition must depict a person, such as a scientist, technician, or
student, engaging in biological research. The research may occur outside,
in a lab, at a natural history collection, at a field station, on a
computer, in a classroom, or anywhere else research is done.

The First Place Winner will have his/her winning photo featured on the
cover of *BioScience*, and will receive $250 and a one year membership in
AIBS, including a subscription to *BioScience*. The Second and Third Place
Winners will have his/her winning photo printed inside the journal, and
will receive a one year membership in AIBS, including a subscription to
*BioScience*.

The winning photo from the 2016 contest is featured on the cover of the
April 2017 issue of *BioScience*.

Submissions must be received by 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Time on 1 October
2017.

For more information or to enter the contest, visit
http://www.aibs.org/public-programs/photocontest.html

Julie Palakovich Carr
Public Policy Manager
American Institute of Biological Sciences
1201 New York Avenue, NW
Suite 420
Washington, DC 20005
202-568-8117
www.aibs.org

-- 
This message is confidential and should only be read by its intended 
recipients. 
If you have received it in error, please notify the sender and delete all 
copies.

[ECOLOG-L] Middle schoolers seeking reviewers for endangered species projects: red pandas, hawksbill sea turtles, pangolins and orcas

[Nathan Brouwer]

Middle Schoolers at the JGEMS charter school in Salem, OR are seeking
feedback from conservation biologists and managers on management plans they
are writing on threatened and endangered species.  They are looking for
people who can comment on 4 species: red pandas, hawksbill sea turtles,
pangolins and orcas.  If you have expertise with any of these species, their
ecosystems, or similar species and would be willing to donate a couple hours
of your time reviewing these students' work, please contact me at
brouw...@gmail.com  

Below is additional information on the project and school.

 

JGEMS (https://sites.google.com/a/salkeiz.k12.or.us/jgems/about; The Jane
Goodall Environmental Middle School) is an environment- and
conservation-focused charter Middle School in Salem Oregon.  In 8th grade
the students' capstone project is to research and write a conservation
management plan for a threatened or endangered species.  As part of the
process students submit their work for review by conservation scientists and
managers.  

 

The time commitment should be relatively small.  My niece went to this
school and my brother served on their board.  Last year I read my niece's
report, which was about 10 pages, provided comments on the document, and
sent an email with feedback.

 

I'd be happy to provide more information and send an example of what the
students produce.

 

 

Nathan L. Brouwer, PhD

Research Associate | National Aviary, Dept. of
Conservation & Field Research

Adjunct Assistant Professor| Department of Biology, California
University of Pennsylvania

  brouw...@gmail.com  |

https://brouwern.wordpress.com/main-page/

 

[ECOLOG-L] Position Opening, NIMBioS Business Manager

[Catherine Crawley]

*Staff Position - Business Manager - National Institute for Mathematical 
and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS)


*The National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis 
(NIMBioS) seeks a business manager for an interdisciplinary science 
center with a budget of $3 to 4 million annually. Responsibilities 
include: financial reporting and reconciliation, budget development, 
grant and contract accounting, accounts receivable, inventory, 
contracting, purchasing, payroll and HR procedures, supervising business 
functions performed by others and working collaboratively with business 
staff and faculty in other departments and campuses. Position is funded 
through August 2018 with continuation contingent on funding. A 
bachelor's degree and five years of experience or ten years equivalent 
experience is required. Applicants should have five or more years of 
experience with business management, including externally funded 
projects; supervisory experience; use of spreadsheets for financial 
analysis, planning and tracking; outstanding problem solving and 
analytical skills, verbal and written communication skills and ability 
to assist individuals from diverse backgrounds in fiscal matters.


The National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis 
(NIMBioS) (http://www.nimbios.org) brings together researchers from 
around the world to collaborate across disciplinary boundaries to 
investigate solutions to basic and applied problems in the life 
sciences. NIMBioS is sponsored by the National Science Foundation, with 
additional support from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville.


*To apply, visit UT's Job Search Page at 
https://ut.taleo.net/careersection/ut_system/jobdetail.ftl?job=1700hl


* /The University of Tennessee is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 
504/ADA/ADEA institution in the provision of its education and 
employment programs and services. All qualified applicants will receive 
equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, 
national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual 
orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or 
covered veteran status.



/

[ECOLOG-L] Postdocs and students : "Rate Your Mentor" web site is BACK!

[Aaron T. Dossey]

One of the creators emailed me to tell me this potentially very 
important web site is back after a year hiatus:


http://rateyourmentor.net/


ATD of ATB and ISI
--
Aaron T. Dossey, Ph.D.
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
http://cricketpowder.com/curriculum-vitae/
NEW BOOK OUT!: Insects as Sustainable Food Ingredients
https://cricketpowder.com/insects-as-sustainable-food-ingredients/
Founder/Owner: All Things Bugs LLC
Capitalizing on Low-Crawling Fruit from Insect-Based Innovation
ABOUT: http://cricketpowder.com/about-us/
LinkedIn: 
https://www.linkedin.com/pub/all-things-bugs-dr-aaron-t-dossey/53/775/104
FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/Allthingsbugs
ISI:  https://www.facebook.com/InvertebrateStudiesInstitute
PHONE:  1-352-281-3643

[ECOLOG-L] Job: Assistant Prof in Benthic Ecology (Amsterdam)

[Bryan Lougheed]

http://www.uva.nl/shared-content/uva/en/vacancies/2017/02/17-116-assistant-professor-in-benthic-ecology.html

[ECOLOG-L] NYC Ecologists! Take the iNaturalist City Nature Challenge - April 14-18

[Macaulay BioBlitz]

Start spreading the news! New York City needs YOU to help find all of the
creatures that call our city home. Will you join us in this citizen science
quest to catalog our city's great biodiversity?

Participation is free and easy! Just (1) Download the iNaturalist app, (2)
go outside, (3) use the app to make a nature observation, and (4) share it
to the iNaturalist community. Sixteen cities are competing, but we're all
celebrating biodiversity together!

For more information, visit our iNaturalist project page
(http://www.inaturalist.org/projects/city-nature-challenge-2017-new-york-city),
our host page
(https://macaulay.cuny.edu/join-the-new-york-city-nature-challenge/) or
follow the #citynaturechallenge hashtag on Twitter.

All are welcome to join! I can't wait to see what we find!

Kelly O'Donnell
Director of Science Forward, Macaulay Honors College

[ECOLOG-L] Introduction to R course

[Amy Arnett]

Dear colleagues,

Unity College is running an 8 week online Introduction to R course. This course 
is open to anyone interested in getting a jump start on learning to analyze 
their data in R.

The course runs from June 5 to July 30.
The course has 8 weekly modules that cover practical issues in statistical 
computing including:
- programming in R
- reading data into R
- accessing R packages
- writing R functions, debugging, profiling R code
- organizing and commenting R code
- applying R analysis to real datasets

The cost of the course is $1710.

For more information please go to the website: 
http://online.unity.edu/advanced-topics-ecology/
Or email me for more information: aarn...@unity.edu

Please pass on to your undergraduate or graduate students or interested 
colleagues!

Thanks.


Amy Arnett, Ph.D.
Professor of Ecology
Unity College - America's Environmental College
90 Quaker Hill Road
Unity, ME 04988
207-509-7204

[ECOLOG-L] nice job in Australia

[Matheus Carvalho de Carvalho]

Hi, see below this interesting offer in Australia (after my signature):

Matheus C. Carvalho
Senior Research Associate - IRMS
Centre for Coastal Biogeochemistry Research
School of Environment, Science and Engineering
Southern Cross University
04-8899-0092
02-6626-9565
Editor of HardwareX (Elsevier) - 
http://www.journals.elsevier.com/hardwarex/editorial-board
Author: Practical Laboratory Automation made easy with AutoIt - 
www.wiley-vch.de/publish/en/books/ISBN978-3-527-34158-0/
YouTube channel: http://is.gd/lab_automation
__

Senior Research Scientist - Ecology
Posted on 07 Apr 2017
Victoria State Government - Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning
Australia, Melbourne
Go to application page
27 days left to apply
2 of your skills match this job. Update skills
Location: Heidelberg

Salary: $111,484 to $149,188 + super.

Position No: 921217

Ecology
Environmental Research
Location: Heidelberg
Lead the delivery of high quality research undertaken at the Arthur Rylah 
Institute (ARI) for Environmental Research.

We are building an inclusive workplace to help realise the potential of our 
employees, embrace our differences, and apply our diverse thinking to 
innovation and delivering services to Victorian communities. All jobs can be 
worked flexibly and we encourage job applications from Aboriginal people, 
people with disabilities, young people and people from culturally diverse 
backgrounds.

The Senior Research Scientist, Ecology will lead the Riparian and Wetland 
Ecology Program within the Applied Aquatic Section at ARI. The position will 
provide high level scientific skills, research leadership and support across 
ARI via direct involvement in strategically important projects and oversight of 
science quality standards and processes at the Institute.

If you have a research portfolio with high level science record and skills 
applicable to the Riparian and Wetland Ecology program, along with demonstrated 
advanced skills in the identification of threats to ecological systems, their 
assessment, monitoring, synthesis and analysis, you are strongly encouraged to 
apply. A science degree, preferably PhD, with a major in ecology is mandatory.

This is a fixed term position for a period of 3 years.

To be considered for this position, your application should include a 
supporting statement demonstrating that you meet the key selection criteria and 
any job requirements specified in the position description.

Applications close at midnight 7 May 2017.

APPLY: https://jobs.careers.vic.gov.au/jobs/VG-921217A

[ECOLOG-L] JOB OPENING: Research Associate (Biogeochemistry), Phillips Lab at Indiana University

[Rich Phillips]

JOB OPENING: Research Associate, Ecosystem ecology & Biogeochemistry Lab

The Phillips lab at Indiana University is seeking a highly-motivated 
individual to join our team as a Research Associate. Research in the 
Phillips lab focuses on quantifying how plant-microbe interactions 
influence biogeochemical cycling and ecosystem processes in forests 
(/please visit: phillipslab.bio.indiana.edu 
/). The successful applicant will 
be responsible for leading and conducting fieldwork from April to 
October (at multiple forest sites across the eastern and Midwestern US), 
and coordinating lab work during the non-growing season. Field duties 
include collecting soil and plant tissue samples, deploying ingrowth 
cores, capturing minirhizotron images, maintaining field plots, setting 
and re-measuring dendrometer bands, downloading data from data loggers, 
and supervising field campaigns. Lab duties include: maintaining a clean 
and safe work environment, ordering supplies, overseeing lab finances, 
supervising lab personnel, training and mentoring undergraduate 
researchers and technicians, operating and maintaining scientific 
instruments, analyzing and organizing data, and helping to write and 
edit manuscripts.


*Qualifications:*A B.S. in the biological sciences is required (focus in 
ecology, biogeochemistry, environmental science, or soil science) and a 
M.S. is strongly preferred. Overall, the successful applicant must be 
well-organized, detail-oriented, posses strong analytical and 
interpersonal skills, and able to work effectively with minimal 
supervision as part of a research team. The successful applicant should 
have experience with flow injection and combustion/gas analyzers, soil 
analyses, and data organization/analysis, and a willingness to travel to 
remote field sites to conduct physically-strenuous field work, often 
under adverse conditions. An ability to carry heavy samples and supplies 
(up to 30 lbs.) in a backpack across rugged terrain is vital. The 
successful applicant will need to have access to a reliable vehicle for 
fieldwork (mileage will be reimbursed).


*Salary:*$37,000. Full benefits included (see 
/http://www.indiana.edu/~uhrs/benefits/index.html 
 /for details). The 
initial appointment is for one year, starting as soon as possible 
(preferably by early July), with the strong possibility of an extension 
depending on funds and satisfactory performance.


*To apply: *Please submit 1) a brief cover letter describing your 
research/educational background, why you're interested in the position, 
and the date you are available to start, 2) a CV that lists pertinent 
courses (with GPA) and previous research experience, and the names and 
contact info (includingemail addresses) of */three/* references. All 
materials should be submitted via the link: 
http://indiana.peopleadmin.com/postings/3798. For full consideration, 
all materials must be submitted by May 12, 2017. For additional 
questions, email Dr. Rich Phillips (r...@indiana.edu 
).


Indiana University is an equal employment and affirmative action 
employer and a provider of ADA services. All qualified applicants will 
receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ethnicity, 
color, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or identity, national 
origin, disability status or protected veteran status.


//

[ECOLOG-L] Reminder - NCEP Studio Applications due next week!

[Kristin Douglas]

REMINDER - applications for the 2017 NCEP Conservation Teaching and Learning 
Studio are due NEXT WEEK!


Conservation Teaching and Learning Studio: "Evidence, evidence, evidence! 
Developing and assessing critical thinking in your students”

Studio dates: June 21-23, 2017

Studio location: American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY

Application deadline: April 19, 2017 at 12pm EDT

The Network of Conservation Educators and Practitioners (NCEP)  convene small 
teams of post-secondary or adult educators in intensive workshops—Conservation 
Teaching and Learning Studios—to exchange teaching strategies, train in 
evidence-based pedagogical approaches, and develop teaching resources to be 
featured in the NCEP module collection. Our next Studio will take place on June 
21-23  at the American Museum of Natural History in New York, and will focus on 
strategies for developing and assessing professional skills, specifically 
critical thinking and evaluating evidence, in conservation students.

In today's world, scientific literacy and the ability to evaluate competing 
claims based on the available evidence is a critical skill in all students, 
regardless of major. In this Studio,  faculty training will be focused on 
scientific and evidence-based teaching practices that promote the development 
of critical thinking skills, as well as aligning assessment techniques to your 
desired student learning outcomes. Over two and a half days, you will have a 
chance to learn about effective tools and approaches from peers and 
investigators leading NSF-funded research on education. You will have a chance 
to practice and apply these techniques as you work in a team and on topics 
relevant to your own teaching.

To Apply:

Educators of undergraduate students are encouraged to apply online: 
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc61l9ihpYnMQvuOrTzwZvGu8TEH-m5qCq29eGsRc0V9-fqhw/viewform?usp=sf_link#responses

The application is a brief form including questions about your teaching 
experience, interest in our studio, and a resume or CV.

The deadline for applications is April 19, 2017, at 12pm EDT. Applicants will 
be notified in early May.

Participants will be selected based on their teaching or research focus and 
possibly their career stage to ensure a balanced studio event.

Learn more about previous NCEP Studios here: 
http://www.amnh.org/our-research/center-for-biodiversity-conservation/convening-and-connecting/workshops-and-studios/conservation-teaching-and-learning-studios

Additional Considerations:

Registration fee is set at $125, and includes breakfast, lunch, and access to 
all Museum exhibits.

A limited number of travel grants will be available and will be awarded on a 
competitive basis.

Participants are expected to attend for the entire duration of the studio.

Questions?

Please contact NCEP at n...@amnh.org


NCEP - Network of Conservation Educators & Practitioners
Center for Biodiversity and Conservation
American Museum of Natural History
Central Park West at 79th Street
New York, NY 10024

[ECOLOG-L] Funded field technician position: Deer camera trapping

[Ferguson, Paige]

Dr. Paige Ferguson, Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological 
Sciences at the University of Alabama, is seeking a research technician to 
collect field data during the Summer of 2017. The technician will work in 
conjunction with a MS student to conduct camera trapping of deer in the Black 
Belt region of Alabama.  Pay is $4,000 for work from approximately early June 
until August.  Start and end dates are negotiable.  Housing will be a sublet 
apartment in Tuscaloosa.

Applicants who have or are currently pursuing a B.S. degree in wildlife 
sciences or a related major are preferred. Applicants should have experience in 
sampling design, camera trapping, GPS, and database management. Applicants must 
have strong communication skills and work ethic.

To apply, please email Dr. Ferguson 
(pffergu...@ua.edu) the following:
1. a cover letter describing your interest in the project and prior experiences 
that have prepared you for the project,
2. CV, and
3. contact information for 3 references.

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the 
position is filled.

Additional information is available from the following links:
Dr. Ferguson’s Research: http://bsc.ua.edu/paige-ferguson/
Department of Biological Sciences: http://bsc.ua.edu/
Graduate School: http://graduate.ua.edu
University of Alabama: http://www.ua.edu
Outdoor opportunities in Alabama: http://www.outdooralabama.com
Tuscaloosa: http://www.tuscaloosa.com/visitor-services

[ECOLOG-L] HHMI BioInteractive teaching network on quantitative skills (INFO WEBINAR 4/12, APPLY BY 4/23)

[Kristine Grayson]

HHMI BioInteractive and the Quantitative Undergraduate Biology Education and 
Synthesis project (QUBES; https://qubeshub.org) are pleased to offer a 
unique networking and professional development opportunity from June 2017 –  
January 2018 for faculty interested in improving student quantitative skills 
in biology. Faculty participants focus on providing students with a more 
comprehensive quantitative skillset by implementing selected HHMI 
BioInteractive materials in their introductory biology courses.

Accepted participants will have their registration and housing covered to 
attend the BioQUEST Summer Workshop in East Lansing, MI from July 23-28, 
2017. Participants will meet online to support the customization and 
implementation of activities in your course during the Fall 2017 semester. 

For more information, attend our informational webinar on April 12, 2017 at 
4:00pm EST: https://qubeshub.org/groups/hhmibiointeractive2017/webinar

Full details and link to the application (due April 23rd):
https://qubeshub.org/groups/hhmibiointeractive2017

If you have questions, please feel free to contact Melissa Csikari 
(csika...@hhmi.org) or Kristine Grayson (kgray...@richmond.edu)

[ECOLOG-L] PhD opportunity at Monash University, Australia

[David Inouye]

*PhD opportunity at Monash University, Australia*

*/Developing decision triggers for threatened species management./*

We are offering a PhD scholarship to work with a team of researchers led 
by Dr Carly Cook at Monash University (School of Biological Sciences) in 
Australia, in conjunction with researchers at The Department of 
Conservation in New Zealand, Oxford University and the University of 
Melbourne. We are looking for a highly motivated candidate to undertake 
an innovative project investigating the development of decision 
triggers, to guide decisions about when to intervene in the management 
of threatened species. The successful applicant will need to have 
research interests in ecology and conservation, along with strong 
quantitative skills, and be able to travel to New Zealand to undertake 
data collection.


*The project:*

Conservation managers face complex decisions about if, when and how to 
intervene in managed systems. To support these decisions, approaches are 
needed that utilise the best available evidence to guide actions when a 
system is moving into an undesirable state. Assigning some form of 
critical threshold that if crossed would trigger action (a decision 
trigger) is growing in favour as a means to link monitoring data to 
management action, as part of evidence-based management. This project 
will focus on the development of decision triggers for the management of 
threatened species in New Zealand, developing and testing methods to set 
robust decision triggers that utilise rigorous biological monitoring 
data, and when monitoring data are not readily available, using 
participatory modelling approaches. The candidate will work closely with 
researchers and managers from the New Zealand Department of 
Conservation, including travelling to New Zealand to develop specific 
case studies.


*The supervisors:*

Dr Carly Cook is a conservation biologist interested in evidence-based 
conservation and the development of decision support tools for 
conservation management. Her research group is interested in a range of 
topics related to integrating science into conservation management. To 
find out more please visit: www.carlycookresearch.wordpress.com 



Dr Richard Maloney is a lead scientist at the Department of Conservation 
in New Zealand. He has extensive experience in ecological and 
conservation research, and in the development of systems to support 
evidence-based decision making.


Dr Prue Addison is a senior post-doctoral research fellow at Oxford 
University, whose research focused on knowledge exchange to facilitate 
the transfer of biodiversity research to end users. She also has 
experience in both statistical and participatory modelling techniques.


Dr Kelly Hunt de Bie is a post-doctoral research fellow at the 
University of Melbourne and at Parks Victoria. She has extensive 
experience in park management, structured decision making to support 
management decisions, and participatory modelling.


*Administrative details*

The starting date for this project can be any time during 2017 (or as 
negotiated).


_Scholarship details_:

The PhD stipend is fully-funded for a period of 3.5 years and is open to 
both Australian/NZ domestic and international students. The stipends 
include all course fees plus approximately $26,682 AUD per annum 
tax-free (~$1,026 per fortnight). Domestic students will be encouraged 
to apply for an Australian Postgraduate Award. International students 
will be encouraged to apply for an International Postgraduate Research 
Scholarship.


_Monash and the School of Biological Sciences_:

Monash is a member of the Group of Eight, a coalition of top Australian 
universities recognized for their excellence in teaching and research. 
The School of Biological Sciences is a dynamic unit with strengths in 
both ecology and genetics and the nexus between these disciplines 
(www.monash.edu/science/schools/biological-sciences/postgrad 
). 
The University is located in Melbourne, one of the most liveable cities 
in the world and a cultural and recreational hub.


_Application process_:

Interested candidates should send their CV and academic transcript, 
along with a cover letter outlining their research interests and 
motivation to undertake this project to carly.c...@monash.edu 
. Applicants must possess a Bachelor's or 
equivalent degree with first-class Honours, Master of Science or MPhil 
and meet minimum English requirements. The applicant must be able to 
demonstrate that their degree included a research component equivalent 
to 6 months of full time research experience. Short-listed candidates 
will be asked for further information and will be interviewed. Your 
initial applications need to be received before *Monday 8th May 2017*.



--
*Dr Carly Cook*
Lecturer in Ecology
School of Biological Scienc