[ECOLOG-L] Postdoc positions at SESYNC in Maryland

[Emily Cassidy]

Three New Postdoctoral Fellowship Opportunities at SESYNC     

The National Socio-Environmental Synthesis Center (SESYNC) invites applications 
for three new Postdoctoral Fellowship opportunities: One Postdoc will 
co-develop a research project to address research gaps on the link between 
climate change and children's health, another will study how societies cope 
with natural disasters, and the third will focus on modeling the environmental 
impacts of food waste in the U.S. The three opportunities will be for August 
2018 through August 2020, and are open to applicants who have completed their 
PhD in a relevant field within the last four years. 

To apply, submit CVs and a research statement on SESYNC's website by December 
1. 

Details and application instructions can be found on our website: 
http://sesync.us/postdocs

Please share this announcement with colleagues!

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

[ECOLOG-L] Food Waste Postdoctoral Fellowship with SESYNC and RTI

[Emily Cassidy]

The National Socio-Environmental Synthesis Center (SESYNC) and Research 
Triangle Institute (RTI) invite applications for a two-year postdoctoral 
fellowship opportunity, focused on modeling the environmental and ecological 
impacts of food waste in the United States. The Fellow will work in residence 
at SESYNC in Annapolis, Maryland as a full participant in SESYNC’s 
Post-doctoral Immersion Program, and will work with Dr. Mary Muth of RTI as 
their primary Collaborating Research Mentor. This opportunity is open to 
applicants who have completed their PhD in a relevant field (e.g., 
environmental economics, agricultural economics, ecology, environmental 
engineering, environmental sciences, agricultural sciences) within the last 
four years (no later than July 31, 2018 and no earlier than June 30, 2014).

Applicants are expected to propose ideas for a data synthesis or modeling 
project that contributes to our understanding of the environmental, ecological, 
and economic impacts of food loss and waste across the U.S. food system, taking 
into consideration all sources of impacts from input sourcing in agricultural 
production through landfill disposal of waste. The intent is to incorporate 
food system, environmental, and economic datasets into a modeling effort that 
will provide information for prioritizing public and private food waste 
reduction initiatives.

CVs and research statements for pre-screening approval are due December 1.

More details can be found on SESYNC's website: 
https://www.sesync.org/opportunities/postdoctoral-fellowships/sesync-rti-postdoctoral-fellowship-modeling-the-impacts-of

Please consider applying or share with colleagues!

Emily Cassidy
ecass...@sesync.org

[ECOLOG-L] Deadline Oct 27 for Postdoc Fellowship Applications

[Emily Cassidy]

The National Socio-Environmental Synthesis Center (SESYNC) invites applications 
from early career scholars for two-year postdoctoral fellowships that begin 
August 2018. Apply by October 27!

The National Socio-Environmental Synthesis Center (SESYNC) brings together the 
science of the natural world with the science of human behavior and decision 
making to find solutions to complex environmental problems. Successful 
candidates will use synthesis methods to address a problem arising from, or 
associated with, the relationship between humans and the environment. Each 
fellow works with a Collaborating Mentor (scholar) of their choosing to 
co-develop a synthesis research project.

Priority will be given to projects that have the potential to advance 
understanding of socio-environmental systems, but the synthesis may be 
primarily social or environmental in nature, or some mix. Prospective fellows 
who propose the use of advanced theoretical, computational, or mathematical 
approaches or the use of Long-term Ecological Research (LTER) and other 
long-term datasets to study the structure and dynamics of socio-environmental 
systems are particularly encouraged to apply.

Appointments will be through the University of Maryland and fellowship awardees 
must be based at SESYNC in Annapolis, Maryland. The SESYNC postdoctoral 
fellowship provides an annual stipend, full University of Maryland employee 
benefits, and a small annual travel allowance to attend meetings or to meet 
with collaborators. Postdoctoral fellowships are awarded for a maximum of two 
years and include structured mentoring programs and opportunities to 
participate in ongoing Center activities.

The pre-screening application due date is October 27, 2017, 5 p.m. ET!

For more information, visit http://sesync.us/postdoc2018


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

[ECOLOG-L] POSTDOC Fellowships at SESYNC

[Emily Cassidy]

The National Socio-Environmental Synthesis Center (SESYNC) invites applications 
from early career scholars for two-year postdoctoral fellowships that begin 
August 2018. Apply by October 27!

The National Socio-Environmental Synthesis Center (SESYNC) brings together the 
science of the natural world with the science of human behavior and decision 
making to find solutions to complex environmental problems. Successful 
candidates will use synthesis methods to address a problem arising from, or 
associated with, the relationship between humans and the environment. Each 
fellow works with a Collaborating Mentor (scholar) of their choosing to 
co-develop a synthesis research project.

Priority will be given to projects that have the potential to advance 
understanding of socio-environmental systems, but the synthesis may be 
primarily social or environmental in nature, or some mix. Prospective fellows 
who propose the use of advanced theoretical, computational, or mathematical 
approaches or the use of Long-term Ecological Research (LTER) and other 
long-term datasets to study the structure and dynamics of socio-environmental 
systems are particularly encouraged to apply.

Appointments will be through the University of Maryland and fellowship awardees 
must be based at SESYNC in Annapolis, Maryland. The SESYNC postdoctoral 
fellowship provides an annual stipend, full University of Maryland employee 
benefits, and a small annual travel allowance to attend meetings or to meet 
with collaborators. Postdoctoral fellowships are awarded for a maximum of two 
years and include structured mentoring programs and opportunities to 
participate in ongoing Center activities.

The pre-screening application due date is October 27, 2017, 5 p.m. ET!

For more information, visit http://sesync.us/postdoc2018


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

[ECOLOG-L] Research support: SESYNC requests proposals for ecological & socio-environmental research

[Emily Cassidy]

SESYNC Invites Proposals for Collaborative & Interdisciplinary Team-Based 
Research Projects

The National Socio-Environmental Synthesis Center (SESYNC) requests proposals 
for collaborative and interdisciplinary team-based research projects under two 
programs: Pursuits and Workshops.
SESYNC is a synthesis research center that brings together diverse groups in 
new, interdisciplinary collaborations to identify solutions to society's most 
challenging and complex environmental problems. Proposals are invited for 
synthesis projects focused on tools, methods, and other practices applicable to 
actionable team research on socio-environmental problems.

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

Pursuits
Teams applying as a Pursuit are invited to apply under the following three 
Themes:

  *   Water, People, and Ecosystems
  *   Environmental Dynamics and Food 
Systems
  *   Sudden or Unexpected Events: Environmental Recovery, Reorganization or 
Restoration
We recognize that there are many potential projects with great applicability to 
socio-environmental problems that fall outside of these three Themes. 
Accordingly, SESYNC offers a limited number of opportunities for exciting and 
creative Pursuits that are not explicitly tied to a Theme (socio-environmental 
problem-focused). We are particularly interested in projects that address the 
following topics: S-E systems modeling; environmental and social implications 
of emerging gene editing technologies; and national ecosystem accounts. Pursuit 
applicants are encouraged to develop research questions and methods for results 
that will be applicable across multiple places and scales, and can inform 
decision makers. Projects that can bring together quantitative and qualitative 
data and knowledge are of special interest. Pursuit teams should be comprised 
of no more than 15 members who will meet at our Center in Annapolis for 3-4 
meetings of approximately 3-5 days over a period of 2 years.
Proposals must be uploaded to SESYNC's online submission system by October 13, 
2017 at 5:00pm Eastern Time. More details on the Pursuits RFP can be found 
online at sesync.us/pursuit.

Workshops
Teams interested in applying for a Workshop, a single meeting of up to ~25 
participants, may focus on a broad topic or a set of related topics relevant to 
socio-environmental synthesis. Workshops may summarize and/or synthesize the 
state of the topic and/or identify future directions that have the potential to 
lead to a larger synthesis effort. Workshop applications are not required to 
fall under a Theme.
Proposals must be uploaded to SESYNC's online submission system by October 13, 
2017 at 5:00pm ET. More details on the Workshop RFP can be found online at 
sesync.us/workshop.

Please consider applying or share with colleagues!

Thank you!

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

[ECOLOG-L] SESYNC Invites Postdoctoral Fellowship Proposals!

[Emily Cassidy]

The National Socio-Environmental Synthesis Center (SESYNC) invites applications 
from early
career scholars for two-year postdoctoral fellowships that begin August 2018.

Synthesis is a research approach that accelerates knowledge production by 
distilling or integrating existing data, ideas, or methods to draw more 
reliable or generalizable conclusions and to reveal novel areas of study. 
Regardless of approach, fellows' projects take advantage of existing data. 
SESYNC does not fund fellows to collect new field or survey data. Successful 
candidates will use synthesis methods to address a problem arising from, or 
associated with, the relationship between humans and the environment. Each 
fellow works with a Collaborating Mentor (scholar) of their choosing to 
co-develop a synthesis research project.

Priority will be given to projects that have the potential to advance 
understanding of socio-environmental systems, but the synthesis may be 
primarily social or environmental in nature, or some mix. Prospective fellows 
who propose the use of advanced theoretical, computational, or mathematical 
approaches or the use of Long-term Ecological Research (LTER) and other 
long-term datasets to study the structure and dynamics of socio-environmental 
systems are particularly encouraged to apply.

Appointments will be through the University of Maryland and fellowship awardees 
must be based at SESYNC in Annapolis, Maryland. The SESYNC postdoctoral 
fellowship provides an annual stipend, full University of Maryland employee 
benefits, and a small annual travel allowance to attend meetings or to meet 
with collaborators. Postdoctoral fellowships are awarded for a maximum of two 
years and include structured mentoring programs and opportunities to 
participate in ongoing Center activities.

The pre-screening application due date is October 27, 2017, 5 p.m. ET!

For more information, visit http://sesync.us/postdoc2018

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

[ECOLOG-L] SESYNC request for proposals for multidisciplinary science teams

[Emily Cassidy]

The National Socio-Environmental Synthesis Center (SESYNC) invites proposals 
for collaborative team-based research that synthesizes existing data and 
methods to address a pressing socio-environmental problem. Socio-Environ­mental 
Synthesis brings together the science of the natural world with the science of 
human behavior and decision making to find solutions to complex environmental 
problems.

SESYNC is requesting proposals for both research Pursuits and Workshops.
Pursuits are projects conducted by interdisciplinary teams of up to 15 
participants who meet at the center three to four times over a period of two 
years to work on a socio-environmental research question. For this RFP, we 
invite proposals under the following three Themes:

·   Water, People, and Ecosystems
·   Environmental Dynamics and Food Systems
·   Sudden or Unexpected Events: Environmental Recovery, Reorganization, or 
Restoration

We recognize that there are many potential projects with great applicability to 
socio-environmental problems that fall outside of these three Themes. 
Accordingly, SESYNC offers a limited number of opportunities for exciting and 
creative Pursuits that are not explicitly tied to a Theme.

Researchers are encouraged to develop research questions and methods that can 
be applicable across multiple places and scales and have the potential to 
inform decision makers. We are particularly interested in novel, actionable 
synthesis efforts that employ synthesis methodologies in new ways. Projects 
that bring together quantitative and qualitative data and knowledge are of 
special interest.

Workshops are single meetings of up to 25 participants that focus on a broad 
topic or a set of topics related to socio-environmental science. Workshops may 
summarize or synthesize the state of the topic or identify future directions 
that may have the potential to lead to a larger synthesis effort. Please note 
that proposals do not need to fall within one of SESYNC’s Themes.

Proposals for both Pursuits and Workshops are due October 13. Please contact 
resea...@sesync.org with any questions. (Proposals 
are invited twice a year. The next application deadline will be May 15, 2018.)

Information on each program can be found on our website: http://sesync.us/rfp

[ECOLOG-L] JOBS: Two Faculty Research positions at SESYNC

[Emily Cassidy]

The National Socio-Environmental Synthesis Center (SESYNC) is hiring two 
faculty research positions!



One position will have expertise in Agent Based modeling, and the other will 
have expertise in system dynamical modeling. The incumbents will have freedom 
and responsibility to design and conduct their own independent research 
program, applying ABM or system dynamics approaches to understand aspects of 
sustainability and address pressing problems in socio-environmental systems.



These are two-year research faculty positions through the University of 
Maryland.  See sesync.us/ressci for more details.



Please consider applying or share with colleagues!



The University of Maryland, College Park, actively subscribes to a policy of 
equal employment opportunity, and will not discriminate against any employee or 
applicant because of race, age, gender, color, sexual orientation, physical or 
mental disability, religion, national origin, or political affiliation.



Minorities and women are strongly encouraged to apply.



Emily S. Cassidy

Science Communications Coordinator

National Socio-Environmental Synthesis Center (SESYNC) University of Maryland

Email: ecass...@sesync.org

Phone: 410-919-4990

[ECOLOG-L] Zero-Deforestation Supply Chain Postdoc at SESYNC (Aug 21 deadline)

[Emily Cassidy]

Zero-Deforestation Supply Chain Postdoc  (CVs and cover letters due August 21)

SESYNC invites applications from early career scholars for a two-year 
postdoctoral fellowship that begins in January 2018. The fellow will be in 
residence at SESYNC in Annapolis, Maryland as a full participant in SESYNC's 
Postdoctoral Immersion Program. The selected individual will collaborate on a 
SESYNC Pursuit focused on zero-deforestation commitments, commodity flows, and 
land use change in South America. Check out sesync.us/supplychain for more 
information.

Please consider applying or share with your colleagues!

Thanks,
Emily

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

[ECOLOG-L] Jobs: Two Faculty Research positions at SESYNC

[Emily Cassidy]

The National Socio-Environmental Synthesis Center (SESYNC) is hiring two 
faculty research positions! 

One position will have expertise in agent based modeling, and the other will 
have expertise in system dynamical modeling. The incumbents will have freedom 
and responsibility to design and conduct their own independent research 
program, applying ABM or system dynamics approaches to understand aspects of 
sustainability and address pressing problems in socio-environmental systems.

These are two-year research faculty positions through the University of 
Maryland.  See sesync.us/ressci for more details.

Please consider applying or share with colleagues!

The University of Maryland, College Park, actively subscribes to a policy of 
equal employment opportunity, and will not discriminate against any employee or 
applicant because of race, age, gender, color, sexual orientation, physical or 
mental disability, religion, national origin, or political affiliation.  

Minorities and women are strongly encouraged to apply.

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

[ECOLOG-L] New postdoc opportunities at SESYNC

[Emily Cassidy]

Postdoc Fellowship Opportunities at SESYNC

The National Socio-Environmental Synthesis Center (SESYNC) invites applications 
from early career scholars (≤ 4 years post PhD) for two-year postdoctoral 
fellowships that begin August 2018. Each fellow works with a Collaborating 
Mentor (scholar) of their choosing to co-develop a synthesis research project. 

Successful candidates will use synthesis methods to address a problem arising 
from, or associated with, the relationship between humans and the environment. 
Synthesis is a research approach that accelerates knowledge production by 
distilling or integrating existing data, ideas, theories, and/or methods to 
draw more reliable or generalizable conclusions and to reveal novel areas of 
study. Regardless of approach, fellows' projects take advantage of existing 
data/information; SESYNC does not fund fellows to collect new field or survey 
data. Priority will be given to projects that have the potential to advance 
understanding of socio-environmental systems, but the synthesis may be 
primarily social or environmental in nature, or some mix. 

Prospective fellows who propose the use of advanced theoretical, computational, 
and/or mathematical approaches or the use of Long-term Ecological Research 
(LTER) and other long-term datasets to study the structure and dynamics of 
socio-environmental systems are particularly encouraged to apply.

Check out sesync.us/postdoc2018 for more details and to apply.


Zero-Deforestation Supply Chain Postdoc 

SESYNC also invites applications from early career scholars for a two-year 
postdoctoral fellowship that begins in January 2018. The fellow will be in 
residence at SESYNC in Annapolis, Maryland as a full participant in SESYNC's 
Postdoctoral Immersion Program. The selected individual will collaborate on a 
SESYNC Pursuit focused on zero-deforestation commitments, commodity flows, and 
land use change in South America. Check out sesync.us/supplychain for more 
information.

Please consider applying or share with your colleagues!

Thanks,
Emily

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

[ECOLOG-L] Postdoc Opportunity in MD/DC

[Emily Cassidy]

SESYNC Postdoctoral Fellowship - Supply Chain Commitments

The National Socio-Environmental Synthesis Center (SESYNC) invites applications 
from early career scholars for a two-year postdoctoral fellowship that begins 
in January 2018. The fellow will be in residence at SESYNC in Annapolis, 
Maryland as a full participant in SESYNC's Postdoctoral Immersion Program.
The selected individual will collaborate on a SESYNC Pursuit focused on 
zero-deforestation commitments, commodity flows, and land use change in South 
America.

About the Pursuit: Expansion of globally traded commodities is the leading 
cause of tropical forest loss. Recent campaigns by NGOs have incentivized major 
corporations to make commitments to exclude products associated with 
deforestation from their supply chains. Applicants will propose ideas for a 
data synthesis or modeling project to assess effectiveness of 
zero-deforestation commitments in in South America. The selected individual 
will work with the Pursuit PIs, Dr. Rachael Garrett, Boston University and Dr. 
Kimberly Carlson, University of Hawaii. Travel funds are available for the 
fellow to visit with the PIs and to attend scientific conferences.

Successful applicants will have a background in natural resource management, 
agricultural economics, ecology, or similar field with strong geo-spatial, 
statistical, and/or programming abilities. Those with experience in spatial 
simulation or computable general equilibrium software are especially welcome. 
This opportunity is open to applicants who have completed their PhD in a 
relevant field within the last two years (no later than December 15, 2017 and 
no earlier than January 15, 2015).

Applying is a two-stage process: a qualification step and a proposal submission 
step.
To qualify, applicants should submit their CV and a detailed cover letter by 
August 21, 5PM ET. A follow-up proposal will be requested of qualifying 
applicants at the end of August.
More information can be found at 
sesync.us/supplychain.




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

[ECOLOG-L] Join us at SESYNC's ESA Mixer Tuesday evening!

[Emily Cassidy]

On Tuesday August 8th, SESYNC will host a mixer at the Ecological Society of 
America's 2017 meeting in Portland. The mixer will be at Portland City 
Grill,
 one mile from the conference center, from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. All ESA attendees 
are welcome to join us for heavy appetizers, drinks, and some of the best views 
of Portland and the Cascade Mountains.

Hear from SESYNC's Director and current postdocs about our Immersion and LTER 
postdoctoral fellowships, as well as opportunities for research support.

Also, visit SESYNC's booth #414 in the exhibitor hall to get some swag, meet 
SESYNC staff, and learn more about our opportunities.

More details can be found at sesync.us/esa2017

Looking forward to seeing you there!


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

[ECOLOG-L] Research Assistant Job at SESYNC in MD/DC

[Emily Cassidy]

SESYNC seeks a Research Assistant to help with computational research and 
publication tracking. Job duties include: research computing support on 
statistical software; data management assistance for resident scientists; 
literature reviews; maintain catalogs of research findings and opportunities on 
our website.

Qualifying candidates will have a bachelor's in a science-related field 
(natural, social, or computer science); demonstrated excellence in 
interpersonal and written communications; coursework or hands-on experience 
with statistical software (e.g., Stata, SAS), programming language (e.g., R, 
python), or advanced spreadsheet use.

Please consider applying or share with colleagues! Applications are due July 
14. Learn more about employment opportunities on our website: 
sesync.us/careers.

Thanks,
Emily

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

[ECOLOG-L] Research Assistant job at SESYNC

[Emily Cassidy]

SESYNC seeks a Research Assistant who will contribute to multiple aspects of 
the Center's mission. Job duties include: research computing support on 
statistical software; data management assistance for resident scientists; 
literature reviews; maintain catalogs of research findings and opportunities on 
our website.

Qualifying candidates will have a bachelor's in a science-related field 
(natural, social, or computer science); demonstrated excellence in 
interpersonal and written communications; coursework or hands-on experience 
with statistical software (e.g., Stata, SAS), programming language (e.g., R, 
python), or advanced spreadsheet use.

Please consider applying or share with colleagues! Applications are due July 
14. Learn more about employment opportunities on our website: 
sesync.us/careers.

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

[ECOLOG-L] Deadline May 31 for three Postdoc Fellowships

[Emily Cassidy]

Deadline May 31 for three Postdoc Fellowships at SESYNC on Big Data, Supply 
Chains, and Crops & Climate

Please consider applying or share with your colleagues!

The National Socio-Environmental Synthesis Center (SESYNC) invites applications 
for three exciting new Postdoctoral Fellowship opportunities scheduled to start 
in August 2017. Applicants should submit their CV and a detailed cover letter 
by May 31. A follow-up proposal will be requested of qualifying applicants, due 
by the end of June.


  *   SESYNC Postdoctoral Fellowship - Supply Chain Commitments
Applicants will propose ideas for a data synthesis or modeling project to 
assess effectiveness of zero-deforestation commitments in in South America. 
More information can be found at sesync.us/supplychain.

  *   SESYNC-Microsoft Postdoctoral Fellowship - Big Data and 
Socio-Environmental Sustainability
Applicants are expected to use one or more assets developed by Microsoft which 
include a high-resolution land-cover dataset of the Chesapeake Bay and Puget 
Sound Watersheds, and a variety of data collected on the presence, genetics, 
and environmental conditions for mosquitos and their hosts. More information is 
posted online at sesync.us/bigdata.

  *   SESYNC-RTI Postdoctoral Fellowship - Modeling the Impacts of Climate 
Variability on the Nutritional Value of Crops and Potential Effects on Human 
Health and Well-being
Applicants will propose a project that characterizes and models the complex 
dynamics between climate variability, nutrition, and human health. Dr. Robert 
Beach of the Research Triangle Institute will be their primary Collaborating 
Mentor. More information is online at sesync.us/crops.

Thank you!


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

[ECOLOG-L] Last chance to Apply for SESYNC's Bayesian Modeling Course

[Emily Cassidy]

Bayesian Modeling for Socio-Environmental Data

The National Socio-Environmental Synthesis Center (SESYNC) will host a nine-day 
short course August 15 - 25, 2017 covering basic principles of using Bayesian 
models to gain insight from data. The goals of the course are to:

  *   Provide a principles-based understanding of Bayesian methods needed to 
train students, evaluate papers and proposals, and solve research problems.
  *   Communicate the statistical concepts and vocabulary needed to foster 
collaboration between ecologists, social scientists, and statisticians.
  *   Provide the conceptual foundations and quantitative confidence needed for 
self-teaching modern analytical methods.
All participants must be proficient users of R and be able to bring a laptop to 
each class meeting.

Apply for this short course by May 26 (FRIDAY!) on SESYNC's webpage: 
sesync.us/bayes

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

[ECOLOG-L] Summer Short Course on Bayesian Modeling for Socio-Environmental Data

[Emily Cassidy]

Bayesian Modeling for Socio-Environmental Data

Solutions to pressing environmental problems require understanding connections 
between human and natural systems. Analysis of these systems requires models 
that can deal with complexity, are able to exploit data from multiple sources, 
and are honest about uncertainty that arises in different ways. Synthesis of 
results from multiple studies is often required. Bayesian hierarchal models 
provide a powerful approach to analysis of socio-environmental problems that 
are complex and that require synthesis of knowledge.

Past participants of this short course have worked on research questions 
including, but not limited to, the use of network analyses to understand 
measurement uncertainly in the context of extreme weather events, the study of 
governance effectiveness and fisheries biomass, and the relationship between 
advocacy group compositions and estuarine quality.

The National Socio-Environmental Synthesis Center (SESYNC) will host a nine-day 
short course August 15 - 25, 2017 covering basic principles of using Bayesian 
models to gain insight from data. The goals of the course are to:

  *   Provide a principles-based understanding of Bayesian methods needed to 
train students, evaluate papers and proposals, and solve research problems.
  *   Communicate the statistical concepts and vocabulary needed to foster 
collaboration between ecologists, social scientists, and statisticians.
  *   Provide the conceptual foundations and quantitative confidence needed for 
self-teaching modern analytical methods.

All participants must be proficient users of R and be able to bring a laptop to 
each class meeting.

Apply for this short course by May 26 on SESYNC's webpage: 
sesync.us/bayes


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

[ECOLOG-L] DEADLINE EXTENDED for three Postdoc Opportunities

[Emily Cassidy]

The deadline for three Postdoc Opportunities at SESYNC has been extended to May 
31
The National Socio-Environmental Synthesis Center (SESYNC) invites applications 
for three exciting new Postdoctoral Fellowship opportunities scheduled to start 
in August 2017. Applicants should submit their CV and a detailed cover letter 
by May 31. A follow-up proposal will be requested of qualifying applicants, due 
by June 22.


  *   SESYNC Postdoctoral Fellowship - Supply Chain Commitments
Applicants will propose ideas for a data synthesis or modeling project to 
assess effectiveness of zero-deforestation commitments in in South America. 
More information can be found at sesync.us/supplychain.

  *   SESYNC-Microsoft Postdoctoral Fellowship - Big Data and 
Socio-Environmental Sustainability
Applicants are expected to use one or more assets developed by Microsoft which 
include a high-resolution land-cover dataset of the Chesapeake Bay and Puget 
Sound Watersheds, and a variety of data collected on the presence, genetics, 
and environmental conditions for mosquitos and their hosts. More information is 
posted online at sesync.us/bigdata.

  *   SESYNC-RTI Postdoctoral Fellowship - Modeling the Impacts of Climate 
Variability on the Nutritional Value of Crops and Potential Effects on Human 
Health and Well-being
Applicants will propose a project that characterizes and models the complex 
dynamics between climate variability, nutrition, and human health. Dr. Robert 
Beach of the Research Triangle Institute will be their primary Collaborating 
Mentor. More information is online at sesync.us/crops.

Please consider applying or share with others! Thank you!

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

[ECOLOG-L] SESYNC - Microsoft Postdoc Opportunity

[Emily Cassidy]

The National Socio-Environmental Synthesis Center (SESYNC) invites applications 
for an exciting new Postdoctoral Fellowship that is scheduled to start in 
August 2017. The opportunity is open to applicants who have completed their PhD 
in a relevant field within the last two years.

SESYNC-Microsoft Postdoctoral Fellowship: Big Data and Socio-Environmental 
Sustainability
Microsoft has developed two novel environmental datasets and applicants are 
expected to propose ideas for a data synthesis or modeling project that 
addresses an important environmental question that makes use of one or more of 
these assets:

Geospatial Socio-Environmental Research
New land cover data at high spatial and temporal resolution offers the 
potential to improve understanding of landscape processes and to empower local 
planners and managers in identifying risks and prioritizing responses. In 
collaboration with Microsoft, the Chesapeake Conservancy and the Washington 
State Department of Fish and Wildlife have pioneered the production of high 
accuracy, high-resolution (1 meter) land cover datasets for the Chesapeake Bay 
and Puget Sound watersheds.
Applications are invited for a project that leverages these high-resolution 
land cover data to address one or more important socio-environmental research 
questions.

Project Premonition and Socio-Environmental Systems
Working with academic partners, Microsoft's Project Premonition designed 
mosquito traps with smart cells that can identify mosquito species based on 
wing movements and then capture those of interest along with key environmental 
data including time, temperature and light levels 
(www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/project/project-premonition).

Applications are invited for a project that leverages these data.  Particular 
areas of interest include: exploration of host diversity or population dynamics 
as they relate to land cover and microclimates, human disturbance gradients, 
and other factors.

Please submit a CV and detailed cover letter by May 18. Application 
instructions can be found at sesync.us/bigdata.

Please consider applying, and share with folks who may be interested!


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

[ECOLOG-L] New Postdoc Opportunities at SESYNC

[Emily Cassidy]

The National Socio-Environmental Synthesis Center (SESYNC) invites applications 
for three exciting new Postdoctoral Fellowship opportunities scheduled to start 
in August 2017. Applicants should submit their CV and a detailed cover letter 
by May 18. A follow-up proposal will be requested of qualifying applicants at 
the end of May.


*   SESYNC Postdoctoral Fellowship - Supply Chain Commitments

Applicants will propose ideas for a data synthesis or modeling project to 
assess effectiveness of zero-deforestation commitments in in South America. 
More information can be found at 
sesync.us/supplychain.


*   SESYNC-Microsoft Postdoctoral Fellowship - Big Data and 
Socio-Environmental Sustainability

Applicants are expected to use one or more assets developed by Microsoft which 
include a high-resolution land-cover dataset of the Chesapeake Bay and Puget 
Sound Watersheds, and a variety of data collected on the presence, genetics, 
and environmental conditions for mosquitos and their hosts. More information is 
posted online at sesync.us/bigdata.



*   SESYNC-RTI Postdoctoral Fellowship - Modeling the Impacts of Climate 
Variability on the Nutritional Value of Crops and Potential Effects on Human 
Health and Well-being

Applicants will propose a project that characterizes and models the complex 
dynamics between climate variability, nutrition, and human health. Dr. Robert 
Beach of the Research Triangle Institute will be their primary Collaborating 
Mentor. More information is online at sesync.us/crops.


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

[ECOLOG-L] Two weeks left to apply for SESYNC research funding!

[Emily Cassidy]

Two weeks left to apply for SESYNC Research funding!

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

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

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

Pursuits
Teams interested in applying for a Pursuit should address a pressing 
socio-environmental problem. Proposals do not need to fall within one of 
SESYNC's previous themes or one of the new Themes listed below. Researchers are 
encouraged to develop research questions and methods that can be applicable 
across multiple places and scales, and have the potential to inform decision 
makers. Projects that can bring together quantitative and qualitative data and 
knowledge are of special interest. Pursuit teams should be comprised of no more 
than 15 members who will meet at our Center in Annapolis for two to four 
meetings of approximately three to five days over a period of one to two years.
In this Request for Proposals we are introducing two NEW Themes, and have a 
particular interest in developing portfolios of projects to address aspects of 
each.
New Themes:

  *   Environmental Dynamics and Food 
Systems
  *   Sudden or Unexpected Events: Environmental Recovery, Reorganization, or 
Restoration
Teams applying for one of these two Themes should be comprised of no more than 
10 participants, including team leads. All members of synthesis teams funded 
under these two Themes must be available to participate in their first and 
final meetings together at SESYNC.

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

Workshops
Teams interested in applying for a Workshop, a single meeting of up to 25 
participants, may focus on a broad topic or a set of related topics relevant to 
socio-environmental synthesis. Workshops may summarize and/or synthesize the 
state of the topic and/or identify future directions that have the potential to 
lead to a larger synthesis effort. Workshop proposals are not required to fall 
under a Theme.

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

Let me know if you have any questions. Please share with folks who may be 
interested.


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

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

[Emily Cassidy]

SESYNC Invites Proposals for Collaborative, Interdisciplinary Research

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Please share with potentially-interested colleagues!
Thank you,

Emily


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

[ECOLOG-L] Need Help with Data Wrangling? SESYNC’s Summer Insti tute Can Help!

[Emily Cassidy]

Need Help with Data Wrangling? SESYNC’s Summer Institute Can Help!

Socio-Environmental Synthesis involves bringing together existing data, 
methods, and tools from different disciplines, which can sometimes present 
challenges. The National Socio-Environmental Synthesis Center's (SESYNC's) 
cyberinfrastructure program 
provides the human and computing resources needed to overcome these challenges.

SESYNC invites applications for a four-day short course on data and software 
skills for socio-environmental synthesis. The fourth annual Summer Institute 
will be held July 18-21 at SESYNC in Annapolis, Maryland. The short course will 
combine lectures, hands-on computer labs, and project consultation designed to 
accelerate the adoption of cyber resources for all phases of data-driven 
research and dissemination.
Over the four-day course, participants will receive instruction on scripting 
complete data pipelines and implementing distributed workflows within the 
RStudio development environment. Individual lessons will focus on widely 
applicable data skills (i.e. data wrangling, relational databases, GIS and data 
visualization) and programming languages such as R, Python, and JavaScript.

 Through this short course, participants should expect to:

  *   learn new scientific computing skills
  *   overcome project hurdles
  *   gain coding confidence
  *   have fun

Programming Basics (Optional Fifth-Day)
Participants with no scientific computing experience will be encouraged to 
arrive on Monday, July 17 for beginner lessons introducing the R programming 
language.
Click Here to Learn 
More
Apply by April 25!


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

[ECOLOG-L] Postdoc Opportunity in Network Modeling for Wildlife Conservation

[Emily Cassidy]

The National Socio-Environmental Synthesis Center and Georgetown University 
announce a 2-year postdoctoral fellowship opportunity: Network Modeling for 
Wildlife Conservation

The National Socio-Environmental Synthesis Center and Georgetown University 
invite applications for a 2-year postdoctoral fellowship opportunity, focused 
on Network Modeling for Wildlife Conservation. The postdoc opportunity is for 
August 2017 through August 2019, and is open to applicants who have completed 
their PhD in a relevant field no later than July 1, 2017 and no earlier than 
July 1, 2014.

Given the dramatic decline in many wildlife species, research focused on the 
maintenance and protection of certain species is critical. Network science has 
been applied to many problems in the biological sciences, transportation, 
communications and media systems but not to problems directly applicable to 
wildlife conservation. This is a missed opportunity, as tools are desperately 
needed to assist in the development of plans that are both realistic and 
effective for conservation and management. The Postdoctoral Fellow will take 
advantage of the data science and synthesis expertise of SESYNC and the network 
disease modeling expertise at Georgetown.

The successful candidate will co-develop the project with collaborating 
mentors, Dr. Shweta Bansal, a network scientist and disease ecologist, and Dr. 
Janet Mann of Georgetown University, a behavioral ecologist.

The Postdoctoral Fellow will be based 3 days a week at SESYNC in Annapolis, MD 
and 2 days a week at Georgetown University, in Washington, D.C.  For questions 
about the postdoctoral project, contact Dr. Bansal 
(shweta.ban...@georgetown.edu) or Dr. Mann 
(man...@georgetown.edu) directly; for questions 
about the SESYNC program, contact Dr. Nick Magliocca 
(nmaglio...@sesync.org).

Deadline to Apply:  May 8, 2017 at 5 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time
For more information, and to apply for the opportunity, please visit 
sesync.org/opportunities.

The University of Maryland (SESYNC) and Georgetown University are Equal 
Opportunity Employers. Minorities and Women are encouraged to Apply.


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

[ECOLOG-L] Jobs: Two Associate Director positions at SESYNC

[Emily Cassidy]

Jobs: Associate Director for Actionable Science & Associate Director for 
Research

The National Socio-Environmental Synthesis Center (SESYNC) is dedicated to 
accelerating scientific discovery at the interface of ecological and human 
systems. We support new interdisciplinary collaborations that pursue 
data-driven solutions to pressing socio-environmental problems. SESYNC seeks an 
Associate Director for Actionable Science and an Associate Director for 
Research to help implement programs designed to support synthesis research 
conducted by teams and individuals working on complex socio-environmental 
problems at the Center in Annapolis. MD.

The Associate Director for Actionable Science will provide support for 
interdisciplinary synthesis research teams: with emphasis on the scientific 
aspects of their research and the identification of potential decision contexts 
for the socio-environmental problems being addressed.
Minimum Qualifications: MS or MA with a background in environmental 
decision-making and policy and a minimum of 2 years' experience in a position 
focused on bridging scientific knowledge to audiences outside the research 
community.

The Associate Director for Research will provide scientific support to 
interdisciplinary synthesis research teams during the development and 
implementation of SESYNC projects. The incumbent will learn about the 
scientific basis of projects with an emphasis on helping teams with the 
integration of natural, social, and computational science.
Minimum Qualifications: Ph.D. and a minimum of two years of experience working 
on natural, social, or computational environmental science problems relevant to 
the link between humans and the environment.

Review of applications will begin on March 30, 2017. To learn more and apply, 
please visit www.sesync.org/about/careers


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

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

[Emily Cassidy]

SESYNC Invites Proposals for Collaborative, Interdisciplinary Research

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

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

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

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

Workshops
Teams interested in applying for a Workshop, a single meeting of up to ~25 
participants, may focus on a broad topic or a set of related topics relevant to 
socio-environmental synthesis. Workshops may summarize and/or synthesize the 
state of the topic and/or identify future directions that have the potential to 
lead to a larger synthesis effort. Workshop proposals are not required to fall 
under a Theme.
Click here for complete details. Proposals 
must be uploaded to SESYNC's online submission system by May 15, 2017, at 5 
p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).

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

Please share with potentially-interested colleagues!
Thank you,


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

[ECOLOG-L] Apply for SESYNC's Short Course on Teaching Socio-Environmental Synthesis

[Emily Cassidy]

SESYNC invites applications for the short course, Teaching about 
Socio-Environmental Synthesis with Case 
Studies
 to be held at SESYNC in Annapolis, MD on July 25-28, 2017. The deadline to 
apply is April 18, 2017.



Through the short course, participants will engage in discussions about 
teaching the concepts and competencies students need to understand and address 
complex, socio-environmental problems. Participants will also design and create 
a case study for teaching; each individual or team will commit to producing one 
case that will be shared via the SESYNC 
website. All 
cases must focus on a socio-environmental issue.



The short course is open to faculty, postdocs, graduate students, and other 
professionals. For more information, please visit our 
website.

Please share with colleagues.

Thank you!


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

[ECOLOG-L] Jobs: Two Associate Director positions

[Emily Cassidy]

Associate Director for Actionable Science & Associate Director for 
Research

The National Socio-Environmental Synthesis Center (SESYNC) is dedicated 
to accelerating scientific discovery at the interface of ecological and 
human systems. We support new interdisciplinary collaborations that 
pursue data-driven solutions to pressing socio-environmental problems.

SESYNC seeks an Associate Director for Actionable Science and an 
Associate Director for Research to help implement programs designed to 
support synthesis research conducted by teams and individuals working on 
complex socio-environmental problems at the Center in Annapolis. MD.

The Associate Director for Actionable Science will provide support for 
interdisciplinary synthesis research teams: with emphasis on the 
scientific aspects of their research and the identification of potential 
decision contexts for the socio-environmental problems being addressed.

Minimum Qualifications: MS or MA with a background in environmental 
decision-making and policy and a minimum of 2 years’ experience in a 
position focused on bridging scientific knowledge to audiences outside 
the research community.

The Associate Director for Research will provide scientific support to 
interdisciplinary synthesis research teams during the development and 
implementation of SESYNC projects. The incumbent will learn about the 
scientific basis of projects with an emphasis on helping teams with the 
integration of natural, social, and computational science. 

Minimum Qualifications: Ph.D. and a minimum of two years of experience 
working on natural, social, or computational environmental science 
problems relevant to the link between humans and the environment.

  
Review of applications will begin on March 30, 2017. To learn more and 
apply, please visit http://www.sesync.org/careers/