[ECOLOG-L] PhD Student Position Available Biodiversity and disturbance effects on the functioning of intertidal community

[Mathieu Cusson]

Context:
The combined effect of natural and human stressors shape the community
structures on marine coasts. Changes in dominant foundation species
(macroalgae and grazers) abundance are forecasted. If the role of the latter
species are known, their response to cumulative impact and its effects on
ecosystem functioning remain to be better understood. The cumulated effect
of stressors should be better described and their additivity not only be
just assumed.   

Objectives
The general aim of the project are to evaluate the role of foundation
species on the ecosystems functioning when cumulated stressors are presents.
This work will generate important knowledge in functional ecology and add
precious links between stability and ecosystem biodiversity. This work will
involve field sampling (observations and manipulation) as well as laboratory
essays. 

The candidate must have a MSc in biology, marine science, environmental
science or another closely related field. The candidate’s past achievements
and experience must demonstrate that they have a strong aptitude for
research by academic excellence and realisations. They must also possess
strong skills in organization, communication, and scientific writing. The
successful candidate will be located at Université du Québec à Chicoutimi,
Canada. Knowledge of French is advantageous but not obligatory. 

Interested persons are kindly requested to submit their candidacy (by email
only) to: mathieu.cus...@uqac.ca. The email must include:
•   A cover letter (maximum of two pages) signed by the applicant and
explaining the reasons that motivate their application to this position;
•   A curriculum vitae containing all relevant information for this
application (including the contact information of two persons who can act as
references).

The review of candidates will begin in April 2018.
We will communicate only with those candidates selected for an interview.
The selection process will continue until a suitable candidate has been found.

Mathieu Cusson, Ph. D.
Associate Professor
Département des sciences fondamentales
Université du Québec à Chicoutimi
555, boulevard de l'Université
Chicoutimi (Québec)
G7H 2B1 Canada
mathieu.cus...@uqac.ca Web :
http://www.uqac.ca/lasa/en/research-2/marine-biology/ 

[ECOLOG-L] Available position: Master’s thesis project on marine coastal ecosystems

[Mathieu Cusson]

Available position: Master’s thesis project:
Spatial variability of intertidal community characteristics across various
St. Lawrence coastal ecosystems
Context: Coastal zones—due to their economic, cultural, and recreational
importance—are some of the most inhabited and human-influenced regions on
the planet. Nonetheless, they contain habitats that fulfill multiple
critical roles for the functioning of marine ecosystems and offer diverse
ecosystem services to humans. Despite this importance, along the St.
Lawrence Estuary and Gulf the mapping of coastal ecosystems is incomplete,
and the provided coastal ecosystem services remain unknown.

Objectives: This project has the aim of: i) estimating the biomass,
productivity, diversity, and carbon storage of diverse coastal ecosystems
along the St. Lawrence Estuary and Gulf, ii) comparing these studied
ecosystems to degraded coastal sites, and iii) establishing genetic links
between the populations of the targeted sites. This work, to be undertaken
in collaboration with four universities, will produce relevant and important
results for coastal ecology and will shed light on the links between
biodiversity and coastal ecosystem functioning and services.

Candidates must have a BSc in biology, marine sciences, environmental
sciences, or another closely related field. Their background must include a
solid academic record with relevant achievements and experience. Candidates
must also demonstrate strong organizational, communication, and scientific
writing skills. The successful candidate will be located at Université du
Québec à Chicoutimi, Canada. Knowledge of French is advantageous but not
obligatory. 

The review of candidates will begin in April 2018.
Interested persons are kindly asked to submit their candidacy (by email
only) to: mathieu.cus...@uqac.ca. The submitted email must include:
•   A cover letter explaining the candidate’s interest for this MSc project;
•   A curriculum vitae containing all relevant information for the proper
evaluation of the candidate (including the contact information of two (2)
references).

We will communicate only with those candidates retained for an interview.
This selection process will continue until a suitable candidate has been found.

Mathieu Cusson, Ph. D.
Associate Professor
Département des sciences fondamentales
Université du Québec à Chicoutimi
555, boulevard de l'Université
Chicoutimi (Québec)
G7H 2B1 Canada
mathieu.cus...@uqac.ca Web :
http://www.uqac.ca/lasa/en/research-2/marine-biology/

[ECOLOG-L] Post Doc and Masters Positions in Grassland Ecology

[Lauch Fraser]

Post Doc and Masters Positions in Grassland Ecology 

Funding is available for a Post Doctoral researcher and an M.Sc. student 
to participate in restoration ecology, grassland ecology, and climate 
change at the Fraser Lab at Thompson Rivers University, British 
Columbia, Canada (https://lfraserlab.wordpress.com/).

Post-Doc:
The position offered for a period of two years will provide 
opportunities for the researcher to develop research projects using 
unique datasets on plant ecology, climate change, plant-soil dynamics, 
plant-invertebrate interactions, and genomics. A Ph.D. in ecology, 
strong quantitative skills and demonstrated publication record are 
required. Further, the ability to take a leadership role within a multi-
faceted research team, student mentorship experience and strong 
interpersonal and communication skills. This position is conditional on 
approved funding. If approved, the position will be funded through an 
NSERC Industrial Research Chair, with a salary of $50,000 per year plus 
full university benefits: Medical Services Plan, Extended Medical 
Services Plan, Dental Plan Insurance, Grouplife Insurance, Accident 
Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Short Term and Long Term Disability 
Benefits, and Pension Plan Enrolment. This is a one-year position that 
may be renewed for a second year according to the availability of funds 
and performance of the candidate. Anticipated start date: As soon as 
possible. Send your CV to Dr. Lauch Fraser (lfra...@tru.ca). 

M.Sc.:
A full stipend of $18,000 per year for at least two years is available 
to study the effects of cattle grazing on grassland ecosystems, with a 
focus on non-native invasive plants and soil carbon sequestration.  
Anticipated start date: September, 2018. Send a cover letter, resume, 
and unofficial transcripts to Dr. Lauch Fraser (lfra...@tru.ca).

To learn more about living in Kamloops and about Thompson Rivers 
University please visit our
Web Site, “Living in Kamloops”: https://www.tru.ca/hr/careers/living-
kamloops.html.
Additional questions can be sent to Dr. Lauch Fraser (lfra...@tru.ca)

[ECOLOG-L] WWF satellite remote sensing best practice guidelines

[Paul Glover-Kapfer]

Dear All,

We are proud to announce the next issue in our conservation technology
series: Satellite remote sensing for conservation. PDF available
here:https://www.researchgate.net/publication/324537528_Conservation_Technology_Series_Issue_4_SATELLITE_REMOTE_SENSING_FOR_CONSERVATION.

Please share as appropriate!

Best wishes, Paul

[ECOLOG-L] Application for ComSciCon-Chicago 2018

[Brittany Maule]

We are excited to invite Midwest-area graduate students to apply for the
Chicago Communicating Science Conference (ComSciCon-Chicago), to be held at
the British International School of Chicago -- Lincoln Park on the weekend
of August 25-26, 2018. The ComSciCon workshop series is designed to empower
graduate students to communicate the complex concepts arising in science,
engineering and other technical fields to diverse audiences.

We have a stellar program of events planned for the two full days of the
workshop. Attendees will interact with fellow graduate student leaders in
science communication, learn from expert writers and communicators including
journalists, communication researchers, and scientists, and will produce
original writing for publication.

The application for the workshop is now open and will close at 11:59pm on
May 16 (application link: https://goo.gl/forms/cm0QmOfYR5qCJo0c2). There
will be no cost or fee to attend this conference, but only a limited number
of spots are available. Attendees will be selected through a competitive
application process.

ComSciCon-Chicago is organized by graduate students from Northwestern
University, the University of Illinois at Chicago, University of Chicago,
Northern Illinois University, and University of Notre Dame.

This workshop is generously supported by The Story Collider; The Field
Museum; the Graduate College, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences,
Department of Psychology, and Department of Biological Sciences at the
University of Illinois at Chicago; the Graduate School and Department of
Biology at Northern Illinois University; and the Graduate Leadership and
Advisory Council at Northwestern University.

For more information, please contact ComSciCon organizing committee at
chic...@comscicon.org.

[ECOLOG-L] Rangeland Monitoring Field Crew - Elko, Nevada

[Augustine Sughrua]

 Rangeland Monitoring Field Crew
Great Basin Institute / BLM, Elko District Office

*Description:*

The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the Bureau of Land
Management Elko District Office, is recruiting a Rangeland Monitoring Field
Leader and two Rangeland Monitoring Field Technicians to collect ecological
data on upland and riparian systems to inform management of public lands.



Activities include:

   - Identifying common plant species of the Great Basin and Range under
   field conditions;
   - Collecting ecological data on upland and riparian systems including
   use of basic rangeland monitoring techniques such as line point Intercept,
   basal gap, plant production, soil stability, stubble height, and
   height-weight;

· Recording data electronically and on paper data forms, and
entering and editing data collected in the field;

   - Maintaining accurate records of field monitoring activities;

· Reporting accomplishments and providing recommendations for
monitoring strategies, priorities, and future sites;

· Conducting quality control checks of data collected, and ensuring
established field collection and safety protocols are adhered to;

· Ensuring GBI and BLM equipment are used and maintained properly.



Training will be provided in monitoring techniques and related approaches
to field work and data management. Camping in remote locations for
consecutive days will be required to meet project objectives. This
opportunity will provide experience in standard approaches to data-based
rangeland management, and exposure to federal policies and approaches to
managing public lands with a multi-use designation.



*Compensation and Timeline:  *

· Rate of Pay – Field Leader: $17.50/hour; Field Technicians:
$16.00/hour

· Additional $75.00/week housing stipend

· Paid holidays and personal leave

· Paid health insurance (medical, dental and vision benefits)

· Duration: April 30, 2018 – September 28, 2018

· Timeframe: Full time, 40 hours per week (overtime may be required
occasionally)



*Location:* This work is based at the BLM Elko District Office in Elko, NV.
The district encompasses 12.3 million acres in northeastern Nevada within
the Basin and Range Province. Positioned near the base of the Ruby
Mountains and scenic Lamoille Canyon, Elko is located along I-80 with
direct access to Reno/Tahoe (300 miles west) and Salt Lake City, UT (250
miles east). Recreation opportunities, including hiking, camping, visiting
cultural resource sites, and wildlife viewing, abound in this region.







*Qualifications:*

· Bachelor’s degree with coursework and field experience related to
biology, botany, plant science, or related field;

· Experience identifying plants using taxonomic keys or familiarity
with Great Basin plants;

· Experience using hand-held GPS equipment for data collection and
navigation;

· Ability to read and navigate using topographic maps and a compass;

· Understanding and/or experience using ArcView GIS software,
helpful;

· Willingness and ability to work in harsh, ever-changing desert
conditions, including extreme temperatures, independently and as part of a
team;

· Ability to repeatedly bend and stoop, and to carry sampling
equipment and personal gear over uneven terrain;

· Ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally, with
a diverse audience;

· Willingness to camp in remote, undeveloped sites for multiple
days;

· Valid, state-issued driver’s license and familiarity driving 4WD
vehicles on- and off-road;

· Experience operating All Terrain Vehicles (ATV) on difficult
terrain helpful;

· Willingness and ability to consistently enact high performance
standards and a strong work and team ethic in support of the goals and
objectives of the AIM program and the mission of GBI; and

· Successful applicants must complete a Department of Interior
(DOI) Background Investigation (BI) or submit paperwork to BLM human
resources indicating an active and fully adjudicated BI has already been
completed prior to beginning position.



*How to Apply:*

Please follow this link to apply directly through our online portal:
http://crcareers.thegreatbasininstitute.org/careers/Careers.aspx?rf=ECOLOG=2018-RAP-026





We conform to all the laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal
employment opportunities and affirmative action. We strongly encourage
women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply to
all of our job openings. We are an equal opportunity employer and all
qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without
regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender
identity, or national origin, age, disability status, Genetic Information &
Testing, Family & Medical Leave, protected veteran status, or any other
characteristic 

[ECOLOG-L] Seeking Forest Wildlife Ecologist - NCASI

[Jake Verschuyl]

FOREST WILDLIFE ECOLOGIST

National Council for Air & Stream Improvement, Inc.


The National Council for Air and Stream Improvement, Inc. (NCASI) is 
seeking an individual of high integrity to contribute to NCASI’s 
technical activities addressing wildlife management issues in the western 
U.S. and British Columbia. The successful applicant will work 
collaboratively with NCASI staff and member companies to address 
technical information needs related to regulatory and policy issues 
affecting management and harvesting of commercial timberlands. Duties 
will include design and implementation of scientific investigations in 
the fields of wildlife biology, forest ecology, landscape ecology, and 
population biology; communication with leading researchers and regulatory 
personnel involved in these fields; publication of study results in 
scientific journals; monitoring and providing technical review and 
guidance to industry on proposed agency activities; participation in 
professional meetings and conferences; and presentation of findings to 
diverse stakeholder groups. Investigations will be designed and 
implemented in collaboration with scientists working in disciplines such 
as wildlife biology, forest ecology, population biology, entomology, fire 
ecology, landscape ecology and forest engineering.


Applicants should have an earned Ph.D. in wildlife biology, ecology, or a 
related field. Qualifications include excellent oral and written 
communication skills; expertise in the theory and principles of wildlife 
biology, forest ecology, population biology, landscape ecology, and 
silviculture; demonstrated knowledge of models and software commonly used 
in wildlife research; strong analytical and statistical skills; 
experience collecting and managing data in field studies; and a record of 
scientific achievement as demonstrated by publications and professional 
service. Applicants should have demonstrated ability to: (i) work 
collaboratively as part of a team-based organizational structure; (ii) 
articulate research needs in the fields of wildlife biology, forest 
ecology, landscape ecology and population biology; (iii) develop and lead 
collaborative projects to meet those needs; (iv) obtain and manage 
external financial support; (v) develop a budget and operate successfully 
within that budget; and (vi) prepare reports and publications. Applicants 
must be able to travel and participate in field research in remote areas 
with rough terrain. 


The successful candidate will be based at the NCASI West Coast Regional 
Center in Corvallis, OR and will report to the Director of Forestry 
Research – Western U.S. and B.C. Salary will be commensurate with 
qualifications. NCASI offers competitive benefit and retirement programs. 
Applicants should send a letter of interest, a complete resume, and 
contact information for three references to Dr. Jake Verschuyl at 
jversch...@ncasi.org. Application review will begin May 15, 2018 and will 
continue until the position is filled. 


NCASI is an independent, non-profit research institute whose mission is 
to help its Members cost-effectively meet their environmental and 
sustainability goals through basic and applied research, technical 
support, and education. Established in 1943, NCASI is recognized as the 
leading source of reliable data on environmental issues affecting this 
industry and has nearly 100 member companies throughout Canada and the 
United States. With a staff of 60 technical professionals, NCASI conducts 
primary research, undertakes surveys, performs field measurements, 
undertakes scientific research, and sponsors research by universities and 
others to document the environmental performance of industry facility 
operations and forest management, and to gain insight into opportunities 
for further improvement in meeting sustainability goals. NCASI is an 
equal opportunity employer. Applicants can learn more about NCASI and the 
requirements of this position at www.ncasi.org

[ECOLOG-L] New paper: How fisheries scientists can use social media for public outreach, and why you should (principles apply to any discipline of science)

[David Shiffman]

Hello, everyone!

I have a new paper out today in Fisheries. It's all about the benefits of
social media tools for experts who want to engage in public education and
outreach. While the focus on fisheries science and management, the
principles described apply to any discipline in science.

The paper also includes a for-true-beginners guide to getting started using
twitter, Facebook (groups and pages,) and blogs. It highlights examples of
scientists, journals, agencies, non-profits, and universities that do a
good job using these tools.

The paper can be found here
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/fsh.10031

If anyone is already *on* twitter, I have a thread highlighting examples
from the paper starting here:
https://twitter.com/WhySharksMatter/status/986271587203670016

Please share with interested colleagues. .PDF available upon request if you
do not have access to Fisheries.

I'm always happy to answer any questions.

Sincerely,


-- 

*David Shiffman, Ph.D. *
Marine Conservation Biologist and Science Writer
Liber Ero Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver,
B.C.

*e: *david.shiff...@gmail.com | *t: *@WhySharksMatter
 |
*b: *Southern Fried Science Blog  |
*cv:*
*Online CV *

[ECOLOG-L] Post-Doctoral Research Fellow, Quantitative Biology / Bioinformatics

[Berry Brosi]

Post-Doctoral Research Fellow, Quantitative Biology / Bioinformatics

POSITION DESCRIPTION:
The Brosi and Read Labs at Emory University are seeking a post-doctoral 
research fellow to work on 
bioinformatic topics related to DNA metabarcoding / amplicon-based 
metagenomics. The post-doc will 
specifically work on a project aiming to improve the quantitative reliability 
of DNA metabarcoding of 
pollen. The project has strong potential for application to other systems (e.g. 
microbial systems).

We will consider candidates from a wide range of backgrounds, including 
bioinformatics, biologists with 
strong quantitative / computational training, as well as applicants from 
quantitative / computational 
fields (statistics, applied math, physics, computer science) with strong 
grounding in biology.

The post-doc will be housed in Berry Brosi’s lab at Emory but will be 
co-advised by Tim Read and will 
have extensive opportunities to interact with the Read lab, as well as other 
groups at Emory and other 
institutions.

The position is available immediately, and we will give preference to 
applications received before 1-May-
2018. While we prefer candidates who are able to begin the position as soon as 
possible, we have some 
potential flexibility in start date. The position has an initial duration of 
one year with the possibility of 
extending up to three years. The minimum salary for the position is $48,000 and 
includes full benefits.

QUALIFICATIONS:
REQUIREMENTS:
- Ph.D. in a field including bioinformatics; biology with a quantitative or 
computational focus; or 
statistics or another quantitative or computational discipline (e.g. physics, 
applied mathematics, or 
computer science) with a biological focus
- strong quantitative and programming skills
- strong publication track record
- excellent writing skills
- able to work collaboratively in a positive and productive team setting 

PREFERRED SKILLS (not required):
- experience with using, modifying, and/or developing bioinformatics pipelines 
for high-throughput 
sequencing data, particularly amplicon-based
- experience with statistical techniques for phylogenetic imputation
- experience with matching / assignment optimization algorithms
- some basic wet-lab molecular biology skills
- interest in and experience with grant writing

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Please apply on Interfolio: https://apply.interfolio.com/49652. To apply, 
please submit a cover letter, CV, 
and 1-3 representative publications on Interfolio (please do not email these 
materials). Get in touch with 
PI Berry Brosi, bbrosi [at] emory (dot) edu if you have any questions regarding 
the position. While the 
deadline of the position is set to 22 May, please apply by 1 May 2018 for 
fullest consideration.

[ECOLOG-L] NSF announces the continuation of the Graduate Research Internship Program (GRIP).

[Alison Mize]

Dear Colleague Letter - NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) - 
Graduate Research Internship Program (GRIP)
April 16, 2018
Dear Colleagues:
The Division of Graduate Education announces the continuation of the Graduate 
Research Internship Program (GRIP). GRIP provides professional development to 
NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) Fellows (referred to as 
"Fellows") through internships developed in partnership with federal agencies 
(see https://www.nsf.gov/grip for a current list of partner agencies). Through 
GRIP, Fellows participate in mission-related, collaborative research under the 
guidance of host research mentors at federal facilities and national 
laboratories. GRIP enhances the Fellows' professional skills, professional 
networks, and preparation for a wide array of career options. The sponsor 
agencies benefit by engaging Fellows in applied projects, helping to develop a 
highly skilled U.S. workforce in areas of national need.
Through GRIP, Fellows benefit from partnerships developed by NSF and other 
federal agencies to provide internship opportunities. Internship details for 
each partner agency differ and are available through links to agency websites. 
As additional agencies develop internship partnerships with NSF, updates will 
be made to the GRIP website (https://www.nsf.gov/grip).
Eligibility
GRIP is open to active Fellows (both "on tenure" and "on 
reserve")[1]
 who have completed at least one year of their graduate program at the time of 
application and will retain their active status for at least 12 months 
following the application submission deadline. They must be certified by the 
GRFP Institution to be making satisfactory progress towards their degrees, and 
have fulfilled all GRFP reporting requirements. For some agencies, Fellows must 
be U.S. citizens.
Fellows are encouraged to consult the GRFP Administrative Guide for questions 
related to their fellowship. This is accessed through the following link: 
https://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf16104
GRIP internship allowances are awarded to Fellows based on a twice-yearly 
competition. The maximum number of Fellows to be supported by GRIP in each 
fiscal year is 75. All GRIP awards are subject to the availability of funds, 
merit review, and acceptance by both the National Science Foundation and NSF's 
partner agencies.
A Fellow may submit one (1) application per partner agency and may apply to a 
maximum of two (2) partner agencies for each submission deadline. A Fellow may 
receive only one (1) GRIP internship per fellowship year. Previous GRIP 
recipients may reapply to conduct internships with the same partner agency as 
their original award, or propose a new internship project, as long as they meet 
the general eligibility requirements.
All internship applications are subject to: 1) confirmation by the Fellow's 
advisor that the Fellow is making satisfactory progress in her or his graduate 
degree program and that participation in GRIP will enhance the Fellow's 
graduate education; 2) the availability of funds from NSF and appropriate 
resources from partner agencies; and 3) review of the applications and 
acceptance by the National Science Foundation and the partner agency. In some 
cases, Fellows will be required to pass a background and/or security clearance 
check before they may begin an internship position. Background and/or security 
clearance checks will be conducted by the individual agencies. Interested 
Fellows should check with the partner agency contact to see if they meet the 
clearance criteria for the agency to which they are applying.
Fellows will not be employees and will not conduct inherently governmental 
functions. Fellows must not act in a manner that would lead anyone to believe 
s/he is an employee of, or a representative of, NSF or the partner agencies. 
Please see the Guiding 
Principles for 
Fellows and partner agencies.
GRIP Internship Funding and Allowable Costs
Fellows will receive an internship allowance of $5,000 through their GRFP 
institution to cover travel and research costs associated with the GRIP 
internship project (see the Budget and Budget Justification section below for 
restrictions on use of NSF funds). Additional support to cover expenses while 
the Fellow is conducting the GRIP internship differs among partner agencies. 
Further information, including links to the partner agencies' GRIP websites, is 
available on the NSF GRIP website (https://www.nsf.gov/grip). The internship 
allowance provided by NSF may be used to fund multiple trips to the partner 
agency within the award period, subject to the approval of the partner agency 
and the Fellow's research advisor and GRFP institution.
Fellows "on tenure" selected for GRIP will receive a GRIP internship allowance 
in addition to their NSF GRFP 

[ECOLOG-L] WEBINAR RECORDING NOW AVAILABLE: An Introduction to eDNA Monitoring for Amphibians and Reptiles

[Williams, Jennifer]

 PLEASE EXCUSE ANY DUPLICATE POSTINGS

The webinar recording for An Introduction to Environmental DNA (eDNA)
Monitoring for Amphibians and Reptiles is now available on the PARC site at
the Resources link: http://parcplace.org/resources/environmental-dna-
edna-monitoring/  Dr. Steve Spear did a phenomenal job delivering the
content for this webinar!! He is very knowledgeable and also an excellent
speaker. We are very grateful for his time and talent!!

And here is a website from Washington State University that has eDNA
sources, including labs that process eDNA samples: https://labs.wsu.edu/
edna/

JJ Apodaca, who just finished 2 back-to-back terms as PARC's Joint National
Steering Committee Co-chair (4 years total national service on PARC), has a
lab that also processes eDNA samples. Here is his website:
tbconservation.org and his email address: j...@tbconservation.org. He is the
Lead Scientist and Founder of Tangled Bank Conservation™; feel free to
reach out to JJ.