[ECOLOG-L] International graduate course on functional traits, Colombia

[Alison Munson]

Species traits :  a functional approach to biodiversity, from organisms to 
ecosystems
Intensive international graduate course offered in Colombia, May 27th - June 
1st, 2018



- Presentation of concepts and theory related to plant functional traits

- Analysis of traits at organismal, community and ecosystem levels, 
relationship to  ecosystem function

- Examples of use for land use change, climate change, plant-microbe 
interactions

- Functional diversity indices: theory and application

- Presentation of available data banks and their correct use: intro to 
ecoinformatics

- In teams: practice of trait measurements in the field and lab, analysis of 
data and presentation of results (leaf traits, physiological traits, root 
traits)


Practical Information
The price of 300 US$ (370 CAN$, 240 euros) includes room, breakfast and lunch, 
as well as transportation to the field school from Bogota. The school is in the 
historic city of Villa de Leyva, with field work in the surrounding forest, and 
a hike to the páramo ecosystem at altitude. See the page here to apply to the 
course: http://www.urosario.edu.co/Programa-de 
Biologia/Documentos/Poster_Final_FTC_2018.pdf<http://www.urosario.edu.co/Programa-de%20Biologia/Documentos/Poster_Final_FTC_2018.pdf>

Who? Students from MSc, PhD programs, postdoctoral fellows, and professors are 
welcome.

The deadline for application is March 8th and accepted students will be 
informed by mid-March. For any questions, refer to Juan Posada : 
juan_pos...@me.com

The course is hosted by Juan 
Posada<http://www.cef-cfr.ca/index.php?n=Membres.JuanPosada>, Universidad el 
Rosario, Bogota. The professors are Bill 
Shipley<http://www.cef-cfr.ca/index.php?n=Membres.BillShipley> and Alison 
Munson (Canada), Eric 
Garnier<http://www.cefe.cnrs.fr/ecophysiologie-comparative-du-systeme-plante-sol/eric-garnier>
 (France) and Francesco de Bello (Czech Republic). The web page for the course 
in English and French, is available here:
http://www.cef-cfr.ca/index.php?n=Membres.AlisonMunsonPlantTraits?userlang=en

[ECOLOG-L] Graduate Summer school in Functional Traits, Colombia

[Alison Munson]

Species traits  :  a functional approach to biodiversity, from organisms to 
ecosystems
In 2018, we are presenting the 7th edition of the Functional Traits graduate 
summer school, sponsored principally by two research centers:  the Centre for 
Forest Research (http://www.cef-cfr.ca) and the Quebec Centre for Biodiversity 
Science (http://qcbs.ca), and this year, the University of Rosario in Bogota.
Objectives

- Presentation of concepts and theory related to functional plant traits

- Analysis of traits at organismal, community and ecosystem levels (including 
relationship to ecosystem function)

- Examples of use for land use change, climate change, plant-microbe 
interactions

- Presentation of available data banks and their correct use: introduction to 
ecoinformatics

- Practice of trait measurements in the field and lab, and analysis of data


Practical Information
The price of 300 US$ (370 CAN$, 240 euros) includes room, breakfast and lunch, 
as well as transportation to the field school from Bogota.
To apply please send a message to Juan Posada : 
juan.pos...@urosario.edu.co<mailto:juan.pos...@urosario.edu.co> for an 
application form; we require this form and a CV to evaluate applicants. The 
deadline for application is March 1st and accepted students will be informed by 
mid-March. For any questions refer to Juan or to Alison Munson: 
alison.mun...@sbf.ulaval.ca

Who? Students from MSc, PhD programs, postdoctoral fellows, and professors are 
welcome. We particularly encourage students from South and Central America to 
apply, but the course is open internationally. Normally we have a very diverse 
group from several continents.


Course content
A detailed program will be available for the end of March. The course includes 
lectures, measurement of traits in the field in teams (supervised by 
professors), followed by analyses, interpretation and presentation of collected 
data to the group at the end of the week. Doctoral students will present their 
research topic to the group for discussion. We will also hike to see the unique 
paramo ecosystem at altitude.

The course is hosted by Juan 
Posada<http://www.cef-cfr.ca/index.php?n=Membres.JuanPosada>, (Universidad el 
Rosario, Bogota) at the Hotel Santa Viviana, Villa de Leyva, Colombia. The 
professors for this version are from CEF (Bill 
Shipley<http://www.cef-cfr.ca/index.php?n=Membres.BillShipley> and Alison 
Munson<http://www.cef-cfr.ca/index.php?n=Membres.AlisonMunson>, Canada), CEFE 
(Eric 
Garnier<http://www.cefe.cnrs.fr/ecophysiologie-comparative-du-systeme-plante-sol/eric-garnier>,
 France), the University of South Bohemia (Francesco de Bello). The web page 
for the course in English and French, is available here:
http://www.cef-cfr.ca/index.php?n=Membres.AlisonMunsonPlantTraits?userlang=en

[ECOLOG-L] PhD forest ecology in France and Quebec

[Alison Munson]

PhD position in forest ecology (autumn 2018 - 2021) : France / Québec
Can increasing tree species diversity in plantations improve nutrient use under 
climate change?

Description:
Assessing the resistance and the resilience of forests to climatic disturbance 
is increasingly recognized as a key question to predict the production and 
stability of forests under different climatic scenarios. 
Conversely,understanding to what extent climate changes can alter nutrient 
cycling in forests and the positive effect of tree diversity on biogeochemical 
cycles remain unresolved questions.

This position will be focused on two field experiments.These large, ongoing, 
experimental platforms are forest ecosystems where biodiversity and climate are 
manipulated (TreeDivNet and IDENT international networks). One is an 
experimental plantation (Orphee) with Pinus pinaster, Betula pendula, Quercus 
robur and their mixtures in all possible combinations, located in a sandy plain 
in SW-France. An irrigation system enables manipulating water supply and 
consequently to assess the effects of summer droughts on nutrient cycling and 
tree nutrition. The second field experiment is in northern Ontario, Canada in 
boreal plantations with Betula papyrifera, Larix laricina, Picea glauca, Pinus 
strobus, Quercus rubra. In the latter, rainfall exclusion is in place to 
simulate severe summer drought. Nutrient cycling will be studied in these 
ecosystems using several methods: soil nutrients will be quantified through 
conventional analyses (e.g. total carbon and nutrient contents, nutrient 
availability), but also with incubation resins and incubation cores. Isotopes 
will be used to assess nutrient uptake by trees (root bioassay method). The 
natural abundance of nitrogen isotopes will be measured in trees to assess the 
functioning of nitrogen cycling. Finally, the way trees efficiently use and 
store nutrients will be studied through the monitoring of foliage composition 
and litterfall.

The project will be a co-directed between France (U Bordeaux) and Canada (U 
Laval, Quebec City) -which means that the student graduates from both 
universities. The candidate will be provided effective working environments at 
the INRA-Bordeaux and at Universite Laval: office and computer facilities, 
technical assistants and engineers for field and lab work, and lodging during 
field work at the two study sites. Field work will be supported by access to 
digital data resources on the experiments and detailed microclimate and climate 
records. In addition, he (she) will have access to a high-quality laboratory 
for the different analytical methods.

Hosting conditions:
The host teams (http://www6.bordeaux-aquitaine.inra.fr/ispa_eng/) have 
significant experience in forest ecology and biogeochemistry, including 
dedicated laboratories, field facilities, and experienced permanent staff. This 
PhD position is part of a project funded by the French national agency for 
research (ANR). The salary of the PhD position will be provided by the 
University of Bordeaux, provided that the applicant is selected by the 
committee of the local "Ecole Doctorale" (based on merit ranking). The hired 
person will receive the standard PhD student rate (net rate in early 2017 = 
approx. 1400 Euros monthly).

Supervisors:
Laurent Augusto ( laurent.augu...@inra.fr ; 
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Laurent_Augusto )
Nicolas Fanin ( nicolas.fa...@inra.fr ; 
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Nicolas_Fanin )
Alison Munson ( alison.mun...@sbf.ulaval.ca<mailto:alison.mun...@sbf.ulaval.ca> 
; 
www.researchgate.net/profile/Alison_Munson<http://www.researchgate.net/profile/Alison_Munson>
 )

Applicants:
We look for a motivated candidate with knowledge and/or experience in ecology, 
forest science, plant ecophysiology, or biogeochemistry. (S)he has good writing 
skills, a background in statistical analysis, and high capacity to work in a 
team. Because many days will be spent in forests, we expect that the hired 
person is tough enough to compete for a scientific pentathlon competition (i.e. 
orientation race, soil digging, sample carrying, tree cutting,and black fly 
swatting). To apply, it is not mandatory to meet all the requirements above. 
Applicants should send a detailed CV and a motivation letter explaining their 
interest and expectations. Please send documents for January 26th, 2018 to both 
Laurent Augusto and Alison Munson.

[ECOLOG-L] Postdoctoral position on functional genomics of the Dutch elm disease fungi

[Alison Munson]

Postdoc position on functional genomics of the Dutch elm disease fungi
Applications are invited for a postdoctoral position in Louis Bernier's group 
at Université Laval in Quebec City (QC, Canada) to work on the functional 
genomics of the Dutch elm disease fungus Ophiostoma novo-ulmi. The successful 
candidate will be part of the multidisciplinary Genome Canada-funded BioSAFE 
project on genomic biosurveillance of alien pathogens and pests.  The candidate 
will participate in the development of an efficient procedure for gene deletion 
in O. novo-ulmi and in the design and analysis of RNASeq assays of elm-pathogen 
interactions.
Successful applicants should have a PhD degree in biological sciences and 
extensive experience in molecular biology and functional genomics. Knowledge in 
phytopathology and plant-microbe interactions is desired. Candidates should 
have a record of publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals and be able 
to communicate and write in English. Fluency in French would be an asset as 
Quebec City is predominantly French speaking.

Salary: CDN$ 37 000 per year (including benefits)
Duration: 2 years (starting no later than 1 November 2017)

Université Laval is a premier Canadian research institution and its forestry 
research program is one of the top 10 in the world according to the Center for 
World University Rankings (CWUR). Quebec City is one of the oldest cities in 
North America and its historic district is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Applicants should forward their CV, a cover letter and the names and contact 
information of three references, no later than 21 August 2017, to:

Professor Louis Bernier
E-mail: louis.bern...@sbf.ulaval.ca
For info on L. Bernier's lab, see:  http://www.cef-cfr.ca

[ECOLOG-L] Pressures of a scientific career

[Alison Munson]

Judith is correct.  Ecologists spend much less time in the field than was the 
case a few decades ago; the screen is our main environment. Graduate students 
are the  in the field for many researchers, who spend more and more time 
on administration (which has been downloaded to individuals), on grant writing 
and publication, to maintain funding in an increasingly competitive 
environment. It is often difficult for young researchers to obtain first grants 
or for seniors to maintain funding (where funding is steady or decreasing, 
while the pool of researchers increases). I know several researchers who are 
looking for alternative careers or deciding to retire relatively early, for 
health reasons related to pressure.
So I think there are many circumstances that can contribute to depression among 
ecologists; I don't believe we are protected from the increasing pressures to 
find money, administer, publish in high impact journals. It is particularly 
difficult to see the phenomen of depression among graduate students, who are 
only starting their careers (many eventually opt out of research). As Emily 
notes, the reward system in academia is very narrowly focused (numbers in high 
impact journals), and since this has only become more exaggerated during my 
25-yr career, I don't see circumstances improving for young scientists, unless 
scientists themselves decide to start to dismantle or discredit this structure 
from within; is this very likely, since current hiring favors those who do well 
in this system. From observation, the  movement that started in 
Europe does not seem to be finding many members, unfortunately.
Alison Munson, U Laval, Quebec

[ECOLOG-L] Canada Research Chair (Tier 1) in Forest Soil Microbiology

[Alison Munson]

Please send enquiries or applications to Jean-Claude Ruel 
(direction-foreste...@sbf.ulaval.ca)



Position Description



The Wood and Forest Sciences Department of Université Laval is currently 
preparing an application for a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair 
(www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca) in soil microbiology. This chair is for five years, 
renewable, and will lead to a permanent position. The applicant must be an 
exceptional, established researcher, recognized by peers to have the potential 
to become a leader in the field.



Research Program



The research program should address one or more of the following themes related 
to microbiology of forest soils:



- Microbial community dynamics in ecotones, in the context of climate change, 
particularly northern transitions in the Quebec forest

- Factors influencing the assemblage of microbial communities;

- Response of microbial communities to natural and anthropogenic disturbances;

- Role and potential use of soil microbes in nutrient cycling and tree 
nutrition.



The proposed research program should be aligned to be complementary to research 
activities already ongoing in the department and aim to build a strong graduate 
training program in this domain. The integration with research programs already 
in place at Université Laval in the north is encouraged. The Chair will have a 
reduced teaching charge, and the expectation is for involvement in diverse 
internal and external academic activities (department, faculty and university 
level committees). The selected candidate will first participate in an internal 
competition at Université Laval, for which the deadline is July 4th. If the 
project is selected at this stage, it will be subsequently be improved and 
presented to the Canada Research Chair program. The provision of a post depends 
on the success of the candidate in obtaining a Research Chair.



Selection Criteria for Canada Research Chair, Tier 1

-  Have specific competencies in at least two of the domains cited above in the 
description of the research program

-  Applicants should be at a tenured professor level, or have the necessary 
qualifications to occupy a position at one of this level

-  Have demonstrated strong research and teaching capacities

-  Have demonstrated a capacity to integrate within multidisciplinary research 
teams

-  The publication record should be higher than average for a researchers at a 
similar level in their career (in a comparison at the national level)

-  Demonstrated abilities to supervise graduate students

-  Have a higher than average funding level for a comparable reference group

-  Have demonstrated collaborations at an international level

-  Be able to communicate in French, or be willing to upgrade language capacity 
within a year





Employment conditions are consistent with the collective agreement in place for 
professors at Université Laval. The estimated date of hiring is January 2017.

Université Laval favours diversity, and encourages all qualified persons to 
apply, in particular qualified women, members of visible minorities, indigenous 
persons and handicapped persons. The priority will be given to Canadian 
applicants or those with the status of permanent residents.



All interested persons should send their application by electronic mail, 
including a letter of motivation, a CV and the name of three references, by 
June 2nd to: Jean-Claude Ruel, Director, Department of Wood and Forest 
Sciences, Faculty of Forestry, Geography and Geomatics, Université Laval. 
Email: direction-foresterie@sbf.ulaval.

[ECOLOG-L] International summer school in functional traits

[Alison Munson]

--ANNOUNCEMENT:  International summer school in functional traits, University 
of South Bohemia, Czech Republic




--The course is targeted mostly to MSc and PhD students, however postdocs and 
researchers or professors wanting to explore this approach are welcome. The 
course is 5 intensive days; much of the time is in the form of lectures given 
by professors, covering general aspects of functional ecology, including 
definitions, measurements and different applications of functional traits. 
Lectures include (a) presentation of concepts and theory related to functional 
plant traits; (b) analysis of traits at organismal, community and ecosystem 
levels (including relationship to ecosystem function); (c) examples of use for 
land use change, climate change, multi-trophic interactions; (d) presentation 
of available data banks and their correct use, touching on ecoinformatics. 
Although most of the examples and work will be focused on plant traits, the 
course is not necessarily targeted only for plant ecologists. The detailed 
program will be available in March on the web page (see below). Recommended 
readings are included on the page, to prepare before the course.



--Students will have the opportunity to put in practice what they learn. The 
course includes measurement of traits in the field in teams (supervised by 
professors), followed by analyses, interpretation and presentation of collected 
data by students groups at the end of the week. Registered students, when 
interested, can also briefly present their research topic to the group for 
discussion (specific instructions will follow).





PROFESSORS:



--Francesco de Bello (host), University of South Bohemia

--Eric Garnier , Centre d'écologie fonctionnelle et évolutive, Montpellier

--Jitka Klimešová, University of South Bohemia

--Jan Lepš, University of South Bohemia

--Alison Munson, Université Laval, Canada (co-organizer)

--Juan Posada, Universidad del Rosario, Colombia

--Bill Shipley, Université de Sherbrooke, Canada



COURSE DATES:



-- May 29 (arrival) to June 3, 2016





REGISTRATION DEADLINE:



-- March 14, 2016





APPLICATION and CONDITIONS:





--Submit a letter of motivation and CV to Francesco de Bello:  
fradebe...@ctfc.es

--We have no citizenship requirements. Anyone is welcome to apply. You must 
obtain visas independently if necessary; we can provide letters to support your 
visa application.

-- Enrollment is limited to 25 participants. You will have a response to your 
application within two weeks of applying, in order to facilitate travel plans.

--You must have medical insurance

--Visit course webpage here: http://tinyurl.com/gm6drzf





COURSE FOR CREDIT:

-- For students in Canada, contact Alison Munson for information about 
crediting the course: alison.mun...@sbf.ulaval.ca





COST:



-- Roughly 300 US$, (440 Canadian$, 280 euros). The fee includes all lectures, 
field sampling, accommodations for up to 6 nights (from Sunday 29th May to 
Saturday 4th June), all breakfasts, coffee breaks and lunches during the 
course. Please bring a sleeping bag for the field trip (in dormitories).



--For questions and applications, please contact Francesco de Bello : 
fradebe...@ctfc.es<mailto:fradebe...@ctfc.es>

[ECOLOG-L] Postdoctoral position in functional ecology, U Laval

[Alison Munson]

POSTDOCTORAL POSITION IN FUNCTIONAL ECOLOGY: Co-VITAS project


Co-VITAS is a collaborative traits gathering project coordinated by Université 
Laval in Quebec (Alison Munson) and by the Canadian Forest Service (Isabelle 
Aubin, curator of TOPIC: Traits of plants in Canada). In summer 2014, the 
project undertook a Canada-wide sampling of traits of six ubiquitous understory 
boreal plants, with over 20 collaborators from the west to east coast. The 
project aims to investigate intra- and interspecific trait variability across a 
continental scale, to understand the potential response of this important 
compartment to global change. Both above and belowground traits were measured 
across this continental climatic gradient, but also on local gradients of 
disturbance (forest fire, harvest and insects, compared to the natural, 
undisturbed forest). The data bank is currently being completed by chemical 
analyses of tissues and will be ready for analysis in May, 2015. We will also 
have data on genetic variability for two species, and there may be an 
opportunity to work at this interface between genetics, ecophysiology and 
community ecology.


We are looking for a postdoctoral candidate who has a strong background in 
functional ecology (trait-based approach is favored), and the ability to 
undertake the quantitative analyses of this data set, and writeup, within a one 
year framework. It represents an interesting opportunity for someone possessing 
excellent programming skills in R, and experience in multivariate analyses, 
analyses of environmental gradients and potentially path analysis. We expect 
the candidate to produce one or two high quality manuscripts for publication, 
therefore strong writing and publishing experience in ecological journals is 
essential. Previous experience working in a large team, or coordinating a team 
would be welcome as well. The candidate will have opportunities to organize and 
lead team meetings, and to work on proposals to continue this work for longer 
than the year that is currently financed. The expected starting date would be 
sometime in May (preferred) or early in June, 2015.


Interested candidates should send a letter of motivation, their curriculum 
vitae, and names of two references to the following address:

alison.mun...@sbf.ulaval.camailto:alison.mun...@sbf.ulaval.ca



The postdoctoral position is offered for one year at $33 000 CAN (+social 
benefits and vacation pay). The candidate will be member of a dynamic research 
center, the Center for Forest Research (le CEF: 
www.cef-cfr.cahttp://www.cef-cfr.ca) that represents 60 researchers from 11 
universities in the domains of forest ecology and forest biology. The position 
is based in Quebec City, a 400 yr-old city which is a wonderful place to live 
and work, especially if you like outdoor activity and a francophone culture! 
The cost of living is very reasonable and the quality of life, high. The 
candidate will also spend some time with Isabelle Aubin, in Sault Ste Marie, 
Ontario.



The closing date is April 6, but we will continue to look at candidates if we 
have not found the right person before this date. Any questions regarding the 
position should be addressed to Alison Munson, address above.
For our labs:

http://www.cef-cfr.ca/index.php?n=Membres.AlisonMunson

http://www.cef-cfr.ca/index.php?n=Membres.IsabelleAubin


International summer school in plant functional traits:  There are still 
several places available in our school from May 10-16th in the Laurentian 
Mountains north of Montreal. Please visit our web page for more information: 
http://www.cef-cfr.ca/index.php?n=Membres.AlisonMunsonPlantTraits

[ECOLOG-L] Postdoctoral position in functional ecology, U Laval

[Alison Munson]

POSTDOCTORAL POSITION IN FUNCTIONAL ECOLOGY: Co-VITAS project

Co-VITAS is a collaborative traits gathering project coordinated by Université 
Laval in Quebec (Alison Munson) and by the Canadian Forest Service (Isabelle 
Aubin, curator of TOPIC: Traits of plants in Canada). In summer 2014, the 
project undertook a Canada-wide sampling of traits of six ubiquitous understory 
boreal plants, with over 20 collaborators from the west to east coast. The 
project aims to investigate intra- and interspecific trait variability across a 
continental scale, to understand the potential response of this important 
compartment to global change. Both above and belowground traits were measured 
across this continental climatic gradient, but also on local gradients of 
disturbance (forest fire, harvest and insects, compared to the natural, 
undisturbed forest). The data bank is currently being completed by chemical 
analyses of tissues and will be ready for analysis in May, 2015. We will also 
have data on genetic variability for two species, and there may be an 
opportunity to work at this interface between genetics, ecophysiology and 
community ecology.

We are looking for a postdoctoral candidate who has a strong background in 
functional ecology (trait-based approach is favored), and the ability to 
undertake the quantitative analyses of this data set, and writeup, within a one 
year framework. It represents an interesting opportunity for someone possessing 
excellent programming skills in R, and experience in multivariate analyses, 
analyses of environmental gradients and potentially path analysis. We expect 
the candidate to produce one or two high quality manuscripts for publication, 
therefore strong writing and publishing experience in ecological journals is 
essential. Previous experience working in a large team, or coordinating a team 
would be welcome as well. The candidate will have opportunities to organize and 
lead team meetings, and to work on proposals to continue this work for longer 
than the year that is currently financed. The expected starting date would be 
sometime in May (preferred) or early in June, 2015.
Interested candidates should send a letter of motivation, their curriculum 
vitae, and names of two references to the following address:
alison.mun...@sbf.ulaval.camailto:alison.mun...@sbf.ulaval.ca



The postdoctoral position is offered for one year at $33 000 CAN (+social 
benefits and vacation pay). The candidate will be member of a dynamic research 
center, the Center for Forest Research (le CEF: www.cef-cfr.ca) that represents 
60 researchers from 11 universities in the domains of forest ecology and forest 
biology. The position is based in Quebec City, a 400 yr-old city which is a 
wonderful place to live and work, especially if you like outdoor activity and 
interesting culture. The cost of living is very reasonable and the quality of 
life, high. The candidate will also spend some time with Isabelle Aubin, in 
Sault Ste Marie, Ontario.


The closing date is April 6, but we will continue to look at candidates if we 
have not found the right person before this date. Any questions regarding the 
position should be addressed to Alison Munson, above.
For our labs:
http://www.cefcfr.ca/index.php?n=Membres.AlisonMunson?userlang=en
http://www.cef-cfr.ca/index.php?n=Membres.IsabelleAubin


*International summer school in plant functional traits* There are still 
several places available in our school from May 10-16th in the Laurentian 
Mountains north of Montreal. Please visit our web page for more information: 
http://www.cef-cfr.ca/index.php?n=Membres.AlisonMunsonPlantTraits

[ECOLOG-L] Graduate course in Plant Functional Traits, May 2015

[Alison Munson]

Graduate students, postdocs and researchers are welcome to join us for a week 
in the Laurentian forest north of Montreal, for our (almost) annual course in 
Plant Functional Traits (with digressions to other trophic levels).  We have 
been doing this for a few years now (5th edition), and it is always very 
rewarding for students, allowing them to meet and work with peers from 
different parts of the world who are interested in this approach. The course is 
given in English.  Please circulate to any colleagues and students who might be 
interested.
International graduate summer school:  Species traits: a functional approach to 
biodiversity, from organisms to ecosystems
Where:  Laurentian field biology station, Universite de Montréal (in the 
sub-boreal forest, north of Montreal)
When:  May 10 - 16th, 2015
Objectives:
- Presentation of concepts and theory related to plant functional traits
- Analysis of traits at organismal, community and ecosystem levels (including  
relationship to ecosystem function and ecological services)
- Examples of application for  land use change, soil carbon stabilization, 
plant-microbe interactions etc.
- Presentation of available data banks and their correct use (ecoinformatics)
The program includes theory (lectures), field measurements of traits, data 
analyses and presentation in teams, discussion of students' projects.
Confirmed Professors to date:
Isabelle Aubin, Canadian Forest Service, Ontario
Francesco de Bello, U of South Bohemia, Czech Republic
Eric Garnier, CEFE / CNRS, Montpellier
Alison Munson, U Laval, Québec
Juan Posada, U del Rosario, Colombia
Bill Shipley, U Sherbrooke, Quebec
Cost :  250 US$,  including room, meals, and transport from the airport in 
Montreal
For information et registration : Short text of motivation et brief CV to 
Alison Munson  alison.mun...@sbf.ulaval.camailto:alison.mun...@sbf.ulaval.ca 
; deadline is March 20th
Web  page: 
http://www.cef-cfr.ca/index.php?n=Membres.AlisonMunsonPlantTraits?userlang=en   
(for English, just click on the English button)


Alison Munson
Professor, Forest Ecology
Centre d'etude de la foret (CEF) and
Centre de la science de la biodiversité du Québec (CSBQ)
Universite Laval, Quebec City

[ECOLOG-L] Forest biologist permanent position, Canadian Forest Service

[Alison Munson]

For enquires and application please refer to Isabelle Aubin (adress below)



We are currently looking for a forest biologist with strong data management 
skills for a permanent position at the Canadian Forest Service (Great Lakes 
Forestry Centre, Sault Ste-Marie, On). Working under my supervision, the 
successful candidate will assist research activities on the ecological impact 
of anthropogenic disturbances and contribute to the coordination of networks 
and collaborative science activities. More details at:

https://emploisfp-psjobs.cfp-psc.gc.ca/psrs-srfp/applicant/page1800?poster=259024toggleLanguage=enpsrsMode=1noBackBtn=true

Please distribute/forward to anyone that might be interested.

 
For information please contact: 

Isabelle Aubin Ph.D.
Chercheur scientifique / Research scientist
Service Canadien des Forêts, RNCan /
Canadian Forest Service, NRCan
Centre de foresterie des Grands lacs /
Great Lakes Forestry Centre
1219 Queen St. East, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario P6A 2E5
Email: isabelle.au...@nrcan.gc.ca

 

[ECOLOG-L] Loss of field-based courses

[Alison Munson]

I think these changes are symptomatic of both the rush to perceived new 
trends (and hence funding opportunities of course) and an increasing 
disinterest in natural history (which has been mentioned on the list numerous 
times).  It is hard to see how to oppose these trends. I have just been to a 
conference where in one session we discussed Big data versus/and  
Place-based research  and we did come to see how these could start to come 
together in some innovative forms, and how place-based could better feed the 
big picture and models, while being renewed by means of connection among 
individual place-based projects (networking among the places). This was an 
optimistic exchange, and I did see some fervent advocates for natural history 
defending this approach, with a twist. We also thought about some of the risks 
of a flight towards big data (only):  shifting decisions to higher scales, 
ignoring the diversity of landscapes, not attaching the right information to 
the right scale etc.
 An increasing mobility of researchers, lack of time..., obsessive connection 
to technology and many other factors tend to separate people from an interest 
in the natural world, and interest for the natural history of their place.  
An effort to counteract these trends will have to start  early in education 
systems and remain strong, and find a place in biology and other natural 
resource-based programs. In my own context, we are currently renewing and 
increasing field-based experiences in both our environment and forestry 
programs, although I don't observe this as a general trend. At the same time we 
need to increase students' ability to analyze large amounts of data using 
increasingly sophisticated means. These need not be opposing, as others have 
pointed out here (some nice examples). I think we can do both, and be creative 
about the means to bring these together.  Big data can take us new places, 
but natural history keeps us grounded. At least SOME of us still need to have 
context, know keenly our own places, use our intuition to make leaps (which 
happens more often in the field, I find).
An important discussion, I think,
Alison Munson, U Laval, Canada

[ECOLOG-L] Professor in Conservation of Biodiversity, Université La val, Canada

[Alison Munson]

*Please contact the department director, address below

Tenure-track professor position in Conservation of Biodiversity
Faculte de foresterie, de geographie et de geomatique
Dep. Sciences du bois et de la foret, Universite Laval, Quebec City, Canada

Located in the heart of Québec City, Universite Laval is a major research 
university of more than 45,000 students.  The university has an international 
orientation and is recognized for its excellence in teaching and research.  The 
Department of Wood and Forest Sciences is the only academic institution in 
Québec to offer programs in Wood Science, Forest Management, and Forest 
Engineering that lead to membership in established professional associations. 
The Department also shares responsibility for the multi-faculty Integrated 
Bachelor's degree in Natural and Managed Environments. The Department has 34 
full-time professors and instructors, 300 students, and hosts three research 
chairs, three major research consortia and two research centers. Interesting 
opportunities for multidisciplinary research are available with the Department 
of Geography and Department of Geomatics, as well as with other faculties of 
Universite Laval.

General description - As part of its strategic development plan, the Department 
of Wood and Forest Sciences is looking to fill a tenure-track academic position 
in conservation of biodiversity.
The teaching and research activities will focus on areas such as:
Ecological integrity;
Ecological planning and design of conservation strategies;
Ecological networks and systems of protected areas;
Restoration of ecosystems and degraded forest landscapes;
Impacts of the introduction of exotic species;
Patterns of species and functional diversity at different scales;
Ecological resilience of forest ecosystems.

Responsibilities include:
-Teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in conservation to students in the 
forestry, geography, and natural and managed environments programs;
- Conducting research and supervising graduate students on subjects related to 
conservation of forest biodiversity;
- Participating in continuing education and extension activities;
- Participating in departmental, university and private and/or public sector 
committees;
-The participation in long term research projects in conservation in our 
experimental forest (Forêt Montmorency) and internationally.

Selection criteria :
-Hold an undergraduate degree in environment, forestry, biology, geography or 
in a closely related field, and have, or be about to complete, a Ph.D. from a 
recognized university;
-Demonstrated  teaching and research capabilities;
-Have expertise in at least two of the research areas identified above;
-Show capacity and willingness to collaborate with multidisciplinary research 
groups;
-Be able to contribute to research activities of colleagues in forest 
management;
-Have the potential to obtain research funds from competitive governmental 
grant programs or from private organizations;
-Be able to communicate and write in French, or acquire this capacity within 
one year.

Salary: According to the collective agreement.
Expected starting date:  October 2014.

Valuing diversity, Universite Laval encourages all qualified individuals to 
apply - particularly women, visible and ethnic minorities, aboriginal persons, 
and persons with disabilities - but priority will be given to Canadians and 
Canadian permanent residents.  Applicants should send, by email or post, a 
letter of intention, curriculum vitae, and the names of three potential 
references, no later than 7 May 2014 to:
Jean-Claude Ruel, directeur
Département des sciences du bois et de la forêt Faculté de foresterie, de 
géographie et de géomatique
Université Laval
Québec (Québec) G1V 0A6
Courriel : jean-claude.r...@sbf.ulaval.camailto:jean-claude.r...@sbf.ulaval.ca
Teléphone: (418) 656-7128
FAX  : (418) 656-5262

[ECOLOG-L] Postdoctoral position in modelling ecosystem services, Quebec

[Alison Munson]

Postdoctoral position in modelling ecosystem services for regional landscapes

An interdisciplinary team from Université Laval, Université de Sherbrooke, 
Université du Québec à Rimouski, Quebec Institute of Statistics and the 
Ministry of Natural Resources, 
in partnership with regional collaborators, is evaluating the esthetic value of 
landscapes in two important tourist regions of Quebec, Charlevoix and Gaspé 
regions. 
This assessment is the first step in a broader study to quantify ecosystem 
services and to develop a decision support tool that will integrate these 
services at the landscape scale. 
The first pilot studies will be carried out at the watershed scale. 

We are looking for an enthusiastic team person to accomplish two key tasks for 
our team: 1) determine with local committees the important biophysical 
attributes that will serve as 
a basis for evaluation of esthetic value of the landscape; 2) develop the 
framework for dynamic modelling of ecosystem services in relation to changes in 
land use. 
These are quite challenging  tasks, requiring close collaboration both with 
regional partners and with the ten members of our team, including other 
graduate students. 
The postdoctoral position is offered for one year at $32000 Can, renewable for 
a second year after evaluation. 

The candidate will be member of a dynamic research centre, the Centre for 
Forest Research (le CEF:  www.cef-cfr.ca) that represents 55 researchers from 
11 universities 
in the domains of forest ecology and forest biology.  The post is based in 
Quebec City, a 400 yr-old city which is a wonderful place to live and work,
especially if you like outdoor activity and interesting culture (and food). The 
cost of living is very reasonable and the quality of life, high.
 
Requirements

- PhD for the end of September, able to start work with us in October
- Experience with application of spatial models, such as LANDIS, user of GIS, 
programming ability 
- Background in ecology, natural resources management, geography or economics
- Good writing skills and publication experience
- Capacity to function in French is preferred, or interest to learn will be 
considered

For more information and to apply, please send a motivation letter, detailing 
pertinent experiences, as well as a CV with contact information for references,
to Alison Munson:  alison.mun...@sbf.ulaval.ca 

For my lab: http://www.cefcfr.ca/index.php?n=Membres.AlisonMunson?userlang=en

[ECOLOG-L] Faculty position in Forest Soils, Laval University, Quebec City

[Alison Munson]

Located in the heart of Quebec City, Universite Laval is a major research 
university of more than 45,000 students.  The university has an international 
orientation and is recognized for its excellence in teaching and research.  The 
Department of Wood and Forest Sciences is the only academic institution in 
Quebec to offer programs in Wood Science, Forest Management, and Forest 
Engineering that lead to membership in established professional associations. 
The Department also shares responsibility for the Integrated Bachelor's degree 
in Natural and Managed Environments. The Department has 33 full-time professors 
and instructors, 300 students, and hosts three research chairs, three major 
research consortia and two research centers. Opportunities for 
multidisciplinary research are offered with the Department of Geography and 
Department of Geomatics, as well as with other faculties of Universite Laval.

General description
As part of its strategic development plan, the Department of Wood and Forest 
Sciences is looking to fill a tenure-track academic position in pedology. The 
teaching and research activities will focus on areas such as:
Pedogenic and ecosystem processes related to soil fertility;
Impacts of forest harvest methods, intensive silviculture, and biomass 
harvesting on the physical and chemical characteristics of soils;
Restoration of ecological functions of soils on degraded sites;
Modelling nutrient cycles and water and carbon budgets of forest and agroforest 
soils;
Classification, mapping, and assessment of land-use potential and constraints 
of soils.

Responsibilities include:
*Teach undergraduate and graduate courses on soils in general, with emphasis on 
forest soils to students in the forestry, geography, and natural and managed 
environments programs;
*Obtain external research funding, conduct research and supervise graduate 
students on subjects related to forest soils;
*Participate in continuing education and extension activities;
*Participate in departmental, university and private and/or public sector 
committees;
*The participation in long term research projects in pedology in our 
experimental forests and internationally, will be encouraged.

Selection criteria
The candidate should:
*Hold an undergraduate degree in forestry or in a closely related field, and 
have, or be about to complete, a Ph.D. from a recognised university;
*Demonstrate good teaching and research capabilities;
*Have expertise in at least two of the research areas identified above;
*Show capacity and willingness to collaborate with multidisciplinary research 
groups;
*Be able to contribute to research activities of colleagues in forest 
management, forest operations, agroforestry and geography;
*Be able to obtain research funds from competitive governmental grant programs 
as well as from private organisations;
*Be able to communicate and write in French, or acquire such ability within one 
year.

Salary: According to the collective agreement.
Expected starting date:  October 1, 2013.

Valuing diversity, Universite Laval encourages all qualified individuals to 
apply - particularly women, visible and ethnic minorities, aboriginal persons, 
and persons with disabilities - but priority will be given to Canadians and 
Canadian permanent residents.
Applicants should send, by email or post, a letter of intention, CV and the 
names of three potential references, no later than June 25, 2013 to:
Yves Fortin, directeur
Departement des sciences du bois et de la foret 
 Tel.: (418) 656-7128
Faculte de foresterie, de geographie et de geomatique   
 Fax : (418) 656-5262
Universite Laval
Quebec (Quebec)
Canada   G1V 0A6
   email: yves.for...@sbf.ulaval.ca

[ECOLOG-L] A short story about Bob Mitchell

[Alison Munson]

A short story about Bob Mitchell

I was an almost still young postdoc from Laval University in Canada, presenting 
for one of the first times in the States at the North American Forest Ecology 
Workshop (NAFEW). Someone with a strong southern accent asked me the most 
interesting questions at the end. He introduced himself at coffee break, and so 
began an informal exchange and conversation with Bob Mitchell that continued 
off and on at NAFEW meetings or ESA meetings, over many years. His 
presentations were always among my preferred, dense with deep knowledge of 
southern pine ecosystems, their fire regime, the root systems anchoring them in 
place; but with a twist. He was, as are fewer and fewer ecologists, rooted in a 
place that he continued to study throughout his career. He understood this 
place probably as few people can. At that first NAFEW meeting as a postdoc, he 
threw me an idea: you should try this, Alison And I did, and it developed 
into one of my underlying research themes, spatial ecology.

Bob was like that: informal, generous, thoughtful, genuine. There was no 
artifice, no agenda, just Bob, straight up, no ice. Despite his amazing breadth 
and depth of ecological knowledge, there was never a trace of arrogance to be 
found; in fact, he shirked any forum that hinted of scientific elitism or 
disrespect. He was always ready to discuss, to go a step further, to throw out 
ideas and challenges. When I invited him back to our local NAFEW in Canada, he 
was happy to come and talk about pine ecosystems once again. But we digressed 
into philosophy and ethics of science, and he (and I) seemed somewhat 
discouraged by the decreasing lack of connection of scientists to «place», and 
modeling as a substitute for presence in the field. As he took a pause in 
serious treatment for his final battle with cancer, he decided he could come to 
Quebec City as external for one of my PhD students. Are you sure, I kept 
checking; he was sure. Even more interesting conversations ensued, reaching 
further into philosophy. Bob was ever optimistic and determined, still brimming 
with ideas while adding a dimension to his vision that comes with this kind of 
battle. Cancer was another scientific study; the hypothesis was life. 
Afterwards, he even sent me the outline of a research proposal that he said he 
wouldn't use, saying I could perhaps use it to contribute to my work; how many 
scientists wouId do this? I am sorry we cannot continue our conversation, I 
will miss him. He must still be there, among the longleaf pines.

Robert J. Mitchell, Joseph W. Jones Ecological Research Center, Ichauway, GA.   
1955 - May 2013.

Alison Munson
Professeure, Université Laval

[ECOLOG-L] Allometric equations for trees in Senegal

[Alison Munson]

Greetings to Ecolog :

My colleague Diatta Marone and I are looking for allometric equations to 
predict biomass and carbon stocks of several native species in Senegal:
Neocarya macrophylla
Annona senegalensis
Acacia raddiana
Faidherbia albida
Balanites aegyptiaca
Euphorbia balsamifera

For the moment we have rather generic equations for the Sahel region for trees 
and shrubs. However, it would be interesting to have more precise equations if 
these exist. Often they are in the gray literature or buried in theses 
somewhere. If anyone on the list has knowledge of allometric equations for 
these species or even the Family, please send the reference to my email, and 
not to the list. Thanks in advance!

Best, Alison and Diatta

Alison Munson
Forest Ecology, Universite Laval, Quebec

[ECOLOG-L] PhD project - Nutrient cycling in boreal forests, Quebec

[Alison Munson]

PhD Project at Université Laval, Quebec City, Canada

Our group supported by FRQNT includes university professors (Université Laval: 
J. André Fortin, Alison Munson, Yves Piché and UQAC, Hubert Morin); scientists 
in governmental agencies Canadian Forest Service: Jean Bérubé, David Paré, 
Caroline Rochon; and Québec Ministry of Forests, Nelson Thiffault. The members 
of the team are working on the validation of a new paradigm on fertility and 
nutrition of trees in boreal forests. Recent observations, mainly in 
Scandinavia, suggest that we should modify our current fertility soil analyses 
for forest soils and this also opens a new perspective for novel forest 
fertilization practices.

Our research will consider alteration of minerals including ectomycorrhizal 
fungi as well as microorganisms of the mycorrhizosphere, at the scale of forest 
stands (sugar maple, spruce and pine), in greenhouses using microcosms, and in 
the laboratory (mineral alteration, fungal and microorganisms culture, 
enzymology, molecular biology). Several experiments will be conducted in 
natural forests where raw micronized minerals will be applied to maple forest 
affected by acid rain (apatite), white spruce suffering from potassium 
deficiency (feldspar, biotite) as well in jack pine invaded by ericaceous 
vegetation.

The student will be part of a dynamic research centre, the Centre for Forestry 
Research (http://www.cef-cfr.ca), which includes 55 researchers from 8 Quebec 
universities, and over 300 graduate students. Although Quebec is a 
French-speaking university, PhD students have a minimum of course work, and 
this can be accommodated depending on the level of French of the candidate. 
This is also a great opportunity to acquire a second or third language. Quebec 
City, which recently turned 400 years old, is a wonderful place to live and 
work, especially if you like outdoor activity and a lively local culture (and 
food).

Ph.D. fellowship at  27 000 CAN$/year for three years; project beginning in 
September 2012
Implications of mycorrhizae and associated soil microorganisms in nutrient 
cycling of trees of the boreal forests
Fellowship involving contact with industry (BMP innovation) supported by 
NSERC-FQRNT-Ressources d'Arianne.

Interested persons can send a CV (with coordinates of at least two references), 
and a copy of latest academic record to Yves Piché:
yves.pi...@sbf.ulaval.camailto:yves.pi...@sbf.ulaval.ca
The post will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.

[ECOLOG-L] Families in Science - Balancing your personal and professional life

[Alison Munson]

Silvia is correct ; science is a male system, created by males, for males. It 
won't change easily, and it has changed very little in the 25 years of my 
career, despite efforts to increase the participation of women in science. 
Women who choose to have a family (and men who invest equally) are usually 
perpetually 'behind' in this system. Some days this bothers me, but less and 
less with time. However, as Wayne wisely points out, there are innumerable 
approaches to finding some balance and enjoying a productive scientific career 
despite this situation. It is a great career; we are among the fortunate to 
spend working time on our own ideas, with stimulating  colleagues, in teams and 
networks, with grad students who continually astound and surprise, in diverse 
natural environments around the world. What could I have done that could be 
better than this - it is difficult for me to imagine; it is an amazing way to 
spend one's life. We don't have to be Nobel prize winners or senior chair 
holders, or anyone else's idea of what it is to be a great scientist. We just 
have to enjoy what we are doing, and pass this passion on to both our students, 
and our kids. And we need to inspire the next generation to do better at 
changing the structure (and not just science!) than we have done. It's great to 
hear from the younger women here who are intent on doing just this; I wish you 
the best,

Alison Munson
Université Laval

Re: [ECOLOG-L] Is there a referee crisis in ecology?

[Alison Munson]

I agree wholeheartedly with Andrew. Many researchers seem so rushed to get 
their manuscript out that it is sent with a poor quality of language, poor 
focus, and often many errors in presentation. This certainly does not aid their 
cause, and I have refused to review several manuscripts that were evidently not 
well-prepared, and not ready to be reviewed. And many times a senior author 
seems to have not reviewed the manuscript thoroughly before it was sent. I 
finally refused to renew an associate editor position because I spent so much 
time (and reviewers spent even more time) on low quality manuscripts. Of 
course, once through the review process, the manuscript is considerably 
improved, at the expense of the reviewers' time, rather than the author or 
co-authors. Perhaps associate editors and editors have to be much more strict 
about quality before submitting to reviewers. However, this means an extra load 
on the editor. But Andrew is right on, there needs to be much better mentoring 
before submission (onus on the student's research director). We are evaluating 
dossiers on quantity most often, so it's a difficult fix.

Alison Munson
Professeure, Forest Ecology
Center for Forest Studies
Faculte de foresterie, de geographie et de geomatique
Universite Laval
Quebec

[ECOLOG-L] EGU Symposium BG2.10 Biogeochemistry of boreal forest soils

[Alison Munson]

Call for abstracts : EGU symposium BG2.10 Biogeochemistry of boreal forest 
soils (April 22-27, Vienna)

Boreal forests play a significant role in the global biogeochemical cycles of 
water and nutrients. Carbon stocks in boreal forest soils alone are estimated 
at 470 Gigatons, more than half the current amount of carbon in the atmosphere. 
This session aims to bring together researchers working on biogeochemistry of 
boreal forest soils. Contributions addressing the role of boreal soils in 
carbon sequestration, mechanisms of carbon stabilization unique to these soils, 
including the role and contribution of black carbon to total soil carbon 
stocks, are welcome. We also would like to invite contributions focusing on 
soil ecology, mineralogy, hydrology, and pedological processes, with special 
welcome to cross-disciplinary studies of these ecosystems.
Convenor: Sylvie Quideau. Co-convenors : Alison Munson, Caroline Preston

The deadline for abstracts is January 17th 2012, via the EGU congress site:  
http://meetings.copernicus.org/egu2012/

Other interesting symposia in the Biogeosciences section:

BG1.6 Climate extremes, ecosystems and biogeochemical cycles
BG2.4 Non-CO2 influences of land cover changes on climate
BG2.14 Criteria and indicators for forest ecosystem management under changing 
climate and environmental conditions
CL4.8/BG2.22 Climate Change: carbon cycle, mortality, growth, and shift of 
forests
SSS3.4/BG2.26/OS3.5 Stabilization of organic matter in soils, sediments and 
marine dissolved organic matter


Alison Munson
Professeure, Écologie forestière
Centre d'étude de la forêt (CEF)
Faculté de foresterie, de géographie et de géomatique
Université Laval
Québec  G1V 0A6
Tél: (418) 656-7669
Fax: (418) 656-5262

[ECOLOG-L] Postdoc position in ecoinformatics

[Alison Munson]

Post-Doctoral position in ecoinformatics

Background


As part of the development of the Canadian network of traits databases (TOPIC), 
a post-doctoral position is open to work on the challenge of interdisciplinary 
data integration. Working at the interface of mathematics and biology, the 
candidate will develop crucial knowledge on data integration. He/She will 
coordinate the development of the TOPIC network ecoinformatic platform and 
manage communication between the different modules of the platform and with 
other national and international databases. Working in close collaboration with 
the TOPIC network members as well as with leaders of international research 
initiatives, the candidate will also be involved in research projects using the 
trait-based approach.

Qualifications


 *   Ph.D. in forest science, biology, environmental science or mathematics
 *   Good knowledge of the trait-based approach
 *   Experience in database development, ontology and/or data standardisation
 *   Basic knowledge and interest in botany
 *   Knowledge of R software and good statistics skills
 *   Good oral and written communication skills in English
 *   Proven ability to publish
 *   Good aptitude for working in a team and with collaborators

Position Details

Salary: 40 000$ CAN/year
Possibility of additional funding by applying for a post-doctoral fellowship 
within the Forest Complexity Modelling program (FCM), CREATE (NSERC) 
(http://www.mcf.uqam.ca/).

Duration:  12 months with a possibility of extension

Start date: January 2012

Location: Great Lakes Forestry Centre (Natural Resources Canada, Canadian 
Forest Service) Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Possibility to be based at Montréal, 
Sherbrooke or Québec City with frequent stays in Sault Ste-Marie. Flexibility 
will be given on the location but preference will be given to candidates 
willing to work full-time in Sault Ste-Marie.

Application Process
Please send your resume with a cover letter, list of published papers and the 
contact information of 3 references by email to Isabelle Aubin 
(isabelle.au...@nrcan.gc.ca).


Isabelle Aubin Ph.D.
Chercheur scientifique / Research scientist
Service Canadien des Forêts, RNCan / Canadian Forest Service, NRCan
Centre de foresterie des Grands lacs / Great Lakes Forestry Centre
1219 Queen St. East, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario P6A 2E5
Tel: 705-541-5516
Email: iau...@nrcan.gc.camailto:iau...@nrcan.gc.ca

[ECOLOG-L] Summary: Virtual web tools

[Alison Munson]

Thanks to all who responded with recommendations for web tools for project 
and/or course meetings. Here is a short list of answers:


- Google wave was suggested by several persons, since one can interface with 
several other google tools at the same time including gmail, google docs, 
youtube etc; other related tools apparently in development

- Dropbox 
(https://www.dropbox.comhttps://exchange.ulaval.ca/owa/redir.aspx?C=71d8af9fd7b3448e8ea33c897fdf36ffURL=https%3a%2f%2fwww.dropbox.com%2f)
 was suggested by several persons; this is most useful for exchange of documents

- Microsoft OneNote (and Microsoft Groove) associated with MSOffice (tho it 
seems all the students would have to have this too...)

- PBWorks 
(www.pbworks.comhttps://exchange.ulaval.ca/owa/redir.aspx?C=71d8af9fd7b3448e8ea33c897fdf36ffURL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.pbworks.com%2f)
 looks quite interesting for both uses (projects, courses), with free to 
different levels of use (and associated fees)

- 
www.wetpaint.comhttps://exchange.ulaval.ca/owa/redir.aspx?C=71d8af9fd7b3448e8ea33c897fdf36ffURL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.wetpaint.com
 also has potential, either for working on a common document, or creating a web 
site/blog, and discussion space

- 
http://www.ning.com/https://exchange.ulaval.ca/owa/redir.aspx?C=71d8af9fd7b3448e8ea33c897fdf36ffURL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.ning.com%2f
 is also free, with many of the same resources as wetpaint



All the best, thanks again,

Alison Munson
Prof Forest Biogeochemistry
Centre d'étude de la Forêt
Université Laval, Québec, QC
alison.mun...@sbf.ulaval.ca

[ECOLOG-L] Virtual meeting space

[Alison Munson]

Greetings :I am looking for suggestions of web tools for  project and/or 
distance course meetings, including exchange of information, and with some 
storage space as well.
And flexible enough for a fairly large group (ongoing distance education, 
however not via the university system - for followup after course). Those most 
interesting that I have explored seem to have a fairly high monthly fee. I am 
trying to avoid this if possible. Please send  your suggestions directly to me 
(address below) and I will summarize for the listserve if I have enough 
interesting feedback. Thanks in advance,

Alison Munson
Prof Forest Biogeochemistry
Centre d'étude de la forêt, Université Laval
Québec, QC

alison.mun...@sbf.ulaval.ca

[ECOLOG-L] PhD projects in Quebec and Alberta

[Alison Munson]

Three PhD projects in stand and soil carbon dynamics and soil chemistry in 
boreal forest under variable fire regime

 

Wildfire is the main agent of natural disturbance in the boreal black spruce 
forest of eastern Canada. We are looking for a candidate for a PhD project that 
is part of a larger multi-university effort to evaluate carbon stocks in 
vegetation and soils under variable fire intensity. This specific project will 
examine the interaction between fire severity and carbon accumulation in 
developing vegetation as well as soils, including impacts of salvage logging, 
which is frequent after fire in this region. The candidate must be ready for 
difficult conditions in the field and also considerable lab work. The student 
will be a member of a dynamic research centre, Center for Forest Research 
(http://www.cef-cfr.ca), which involves 51 researchers and over 300 graduate 
students in 8 universities of Quebec. For more information about the research 
team and my own laboratory see: 
http://www.cef-cfr.ca/index.php?n=Membres.AlisonMunson 
http://www.cef-cfr.ca/index.php?n=Membres.AlisonMunson 

Although Quebec is a French-speaking university, PhD students have a minimum of 
course work, and this can be accommodated depending on the level of French of 
the candidate. This is a great opportunity to acquire a second or third 
language. Quebec City, which turned 400 years old this year, is a wonderful 
place to live and work, especially if you like outdoor activity AND interesting 
culture. Interested persons can send a CV (with coordinates of at least two 
references), and a copy of latest academic record to: [EMAIL PROTECTED]  The 
post will remain open until a suitable candidate is found. 

 

A second PhD project associated with this effort is under supervision of Sylvie 
Quideau and Rod Wasylishen, in the Departments of Renewable 
Resources(http://www.ales.ualberta.ca/rr/) and Chemistry 
(http://www.chem.ualberta.ca/), University of Alberta, Edmonton. This specific 
project uses a variety of methods, including NMR and stable isotopes, to 
evaluate the quantity and fate of charcoal in the soil profile under different 
environmental conditions. Edmonton is a fast-growing city of over 1 million 
people, and is home to a vibrant arts community, various festivals and many 
outdoor recreational activities along its vast river valley and in the nearby 
Canadian Rocky Mountains.  Established in 1908, the University of Alberta is 
one of Canada's largest research-intensive universities. Interested persons can 
send a CV (with coordinates of at least two references), and a copy of latest 
academic record to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] file:///C:[EMAIL PROTECTED]   The post 
will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.

 

The third position is in landscape modelling, supervised by Steve Cumming and 
Sylvie Gauthier. The student will work on coupled dynamic models of forest 
landscapes, forest stands and subsurface carbon and nitrogen pools. The stand 
dynamics model will be size-class-structured demographic model of the tree 
population on the patch scale (e.g. 1ha), to be calibrated from forest 
mensuration data. Patches will interact on the landscape through spatial 
processes of fire, seed dispersal and, possibly, forest harvesting. The 
above-ground models will drive the subsurface models which will be specified 
and parameterised using the empirical findings of, and in collaboration with, 
other project members. A good grounding in quantitative ecology and statistics 
and some familiarity with computer programming would be a definite asset. The 
student will be part of an active and growing meta-lab on spatial simulation, 
statistical ecology and conservation biology of boreal forest. For more 
information, contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] 

 

 

Alison Munson

Professor, Forest Ecology

Center for Forest Studies

Pavillon Abitibi-Price

Université Laval

Québec QC, CANADA, 

G1K 7P4

Tél: +001 418 656-7669

Fax: +001 418 656-5262

 

[ECOLOG-L] Obama - good news for ecologists?

[Alison Munson]

From a cooler northern perspective: 

 

Many of us were as glued to the screen as Americans last evening. 

I am just RELIEVED that the Bush years are almost behind (can you
minimize the rest of the damage he is trying to do before leaving?)

I believe it will be easier to advance real response to climate change
in the next years, world-wide. I don't underestimate the importance of
the US agenda to Canadian policies; we will have to keep up to any
progress to the south, even though our conservative government has been
trying to block progress on an international level. I am not sure this
will be possible without the moral support that was present from the
Bush administration.

 

I am elated. Maybe this was driven by personal economic reasons in some
large part (among other good reasons), but honestly, today I don't care.


All the best for the next years with Barak. We are watching with
fascination. 

 

Alison 

Skipping meetings

[Alison Munson]

Let's not ignore Andrew's comments about our time commitments.
Most of us have too little time to reflect, let alone reflect seriously about
our transport options. I am sure we could all choose fewer meetings, spend
more time reading, less time presenting the same talks at numerous meetings,
take the slow transport option with our kids, and combine holiday and academia
(many of us do). But we could also all benefit from serious
reflection about how academia is structured and why; why we are all 
overcommitted;
why quantity is prioritized; how this affects our lives.

I have chosen the route underlined by another person earlier - choosing one
small focused international meeting every year or two, and ESA every 
2-3 years.
This allows me to be genuinely excited about every ESA meeting, see 
the overall picture
(and sit in on subjects out of my domain, as well as education), as 
well as be at the
forefront meeting of one subject area.

Everyone can find a different recipe to reduce travel; we can do it 
now, later we may
not have options. But face to face meetings are still invaluable.

Alison
**
Alison Munson
Professeure titulaire en écologie forestière
Centre d'étude de la forêt
Faculté de foresterie et de géomatique
Université Laval
Sainte-Foy QC  G1K 7P4
Tel: (418) 656-7669
Fax: (418) 656-3551
http://www.cef-cfr.ca/

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Equality?

[Alison Munson]

Late night thoughts while listening tothis discussion. 

I'll make it short and sweet. To my female colleagues and especially those 
trying to 
make the choice between a shorter tenure track and having kids. This is my view 
from the advantage of hindsight as a tenured prof with one child. If you want 
kids, 
do it when you want to, not when your department wants you to.if this is 
important to you, don't put it off. I doubt if you will ever regret the time 
taken off, or 
all the ups and downs that children bring to your life. However, you might 
regret to 
find yourself at 45 without chillren. Maybe. Life is not the number of papers 
you 
publish per year, even if many people may try seem to live by these standards. 
Its 
many other things.  Do what YOU want to do, whether it is the choice of the 
kind of 
place you want to work, the setting (a small town instead of a big city), the 
kind of 
research that excites you, work with the people that you like working with. 
do it 
for you, and not for a system that rewards in strange kinds of ways. Have fun. 

By the way, a partner who shares 50% of the load in all things, including the 
kids, 
makes ALL the difference as well.  I'm lucky to be living with one  : )

Alison Munson
Professeure, Écologie forestière
Université Laval, Québec

PhD position in Forest Ecology, Canada

[Alison Munson]

PhD Fellowship Available

Restoration of white pine and red spruce via alternative 
silvicultural practices in a TRIAD zoning experiment

Position:  PhD project financed for four years, through an 
NSERC-Industry grant, in collaboration with Abitibi-Consolidated, 
Mauricie region, Quebec, Canada. The project is part of a group of 
projects involving the application of a zoning approach to a large 
industrially-managed forest area. As part of this exercise we are 
developing silvicultural strategies adapted to each of the different 
intensities of management. The specific objectives involve the 
evaluation of alternative silvicultural practices for restoration of 
white pine and red spruce, using an ecophysiological approach.

The student will be part of the new Centre d'Etudes sur la Foret 
(CEF), which accommodates 45 Quebec researchers involved in forest 
biology, ecology and wildlife management. The candidate will be based 
at Universite Laval, and will be co-directed by Christian Messier 
(UQAM) and Frederik Doyon (Institut Québecois d'Amenagement de la 
Foret Feuillue). The research centre trains over 300 graduate 
students (M.Sc. and PhD) and postdoctoral scientists at a given time. 
The Universite Laval component is in close proximity to the federal 
forestry research centre (Laurentian Forestry Centre) and the Quebec 
provincial forestry research organization (Complexe Scientifique). 
Universite Laval is a French-language university of over 30,000 
undergraduate students and 5,000 graduate students. The university is 
located in Quebec City, population of 650,000, situated along the 
Saint Lawrence River, and site of the only walled city in North 
America, designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Starting date: As soon as possible
Salary: Minimum of $15k per year. There is a possibility to apply for 
an NSERC Industrial Fellowship ($21k per year).

Qualifications:
- Bachelors degree in forestry, biology, environmental sciences, agriculture
- Excellent academic record
- Field work experience
- Valid driver's license
- Some base in French is preferable, but not obligatory; interest in 
learning is more
important! Quebec City is a wonderful place to live and work.
Interested candidates should send: a CV, copy of academic record, 
names and contact information for references, to the following address:

Alison Munson
Dép. Science du bois et de la forêt
Université Laval
Quebec, QC
G1K 7P4
Telephone : (418) 656-7669
[EMAIL PROTECTED]


**
Alison Munson
Professeure titulaire en écologie forestière
Centre de recherche en biologie forestière
Faculté de foresterie et de géomatique
Université Laval
Sainte-Foy QC  G1K 7P4
Tel: (418) 656-7669
Fax: (418) 656-3551
http://www.crbf.ulaval.ca
http://www.sbf.ulaval.ca/amunson/amunson.html
http://www.sbf.ulaval.ca/ericads/

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