[ECOLOG-L] Ecology of Bird Loss Project Forest Ecology Interns (2), Mariana Islands
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The Ecology of Bird Loss Project aims to understand the impact of bird loss on Guam’s forests as a result of the invasive brown treesnake, and in doing so, add to our knowledge about the importance of vertebrates for forest composition and structure. Currently, we are using comparisons and experiments on Guam and nearby islands where birds are still present to understand how birds shape the forest composition and structure through seed dispersal. For more information, see our website at http://bit.ly/eblintern. DUTIES: Interns will be responsible primarily for resurveying tagged forest plots, along with other tasks such as monitoring phenology, surveying tagged seedlings, and entering data. Interns will rotate between Saipan, Guam, and Rota, as needed for research. Each intern will have an opportunity to develop an independent side project. Note that this position does not involve research with birds; rather, it is a plant-focused position. REQUIREMENTS: The successful applicants must be responsible, pay attention to detail, work well individually and as part of a group, and be flexible. They must have experience in plant identification. Applicants must be able to work in high heat and humidity, walk over rough terrain, and tolerate the tedious, and at times monotonous, work necessary for all scientific endeavors. They must have some experience working with people that have different backgrounds than their own. A good sense of humor is always appreciated. They must be available for 9 months, starting in April or May 2018. POSITION DETAILS: Each intern will receive a round-trip ticket from any major airport in the US to the Mariana Islands, housing on all islands, transportation, and a monthly stipend of $700. In addition, interns will receive valuable research experience in the fields of conservation biology and field ecology, and training that will help them to pursue a career in ecology (e.g. feedback on cover letters, CV's, and graduate fellowships; advice on applying to graduate school; experience reading scientific papers, etc.). TO APPLY: Email a single pdf document including a cover letter, resume, and contact information for 3 references to McKayla Spencer (ecologyofbirdl...@gmail.com). The subject line should read “EBL Intern Position”. The cover letter should describe your previous research experience, career goals, and why you are interested in this position. Applications must be submitted by Sunday, March 18, 2018.
[ECOLOG-L] Postdoc - vertebrate ecology
Postdoctoral Research Associate: Vertebrate field ecologist We seek applications for a postdoctoral research associate for a SERDP-funded project focused on understanding the role of the Mariana fruit bat in seed dispersal. This is part of a larger project that aims to determine the importance of vertebrate seed dispersal for tropical forest composition and structure and develop strategies for restoring seed dispersal to human-dominated landscapes. See the project website at www.ecologyofbirdloss.org for more details about ongoing and previous research in this system. The postdoc will join the lab of Dr. Haldre Rogers at Iowa State University and will be co-advised by Dr. Tammy Mildenstein of Cornell College. The postdoc will work closely with the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Division of Fish and Wildlife fruit bat biologist and other wildlife staff. In addition, they will collaborate with postdocs and grad students from Iowa State University (Rogers lab) and Colorado State University (in the lab of Dr. Julie Savidge) who have led the collection of field data focused on native avian and non-native mammalian frugivores. The target start date is late 2017 or early 2018 (negotiable) and the appointment will be through September 2019. The position will require an extended field season on the island of Rota, in the Northern Mariana Islands, although the duration is negotiable. Minimum qualifications: *Ph.D. in ecology or related field, with extensive experience in animal movement *Significant vertebrate handling experience *Experience with the R programming language and strong quantitative skills *Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated ability to write and publish research results *Experience working on a team, and working with people from different disciplines and backgrounds Desired qualifications: *Experience with fruit bat capture and handling *Experience with tracking via radio or GPS telemetry Position details: Salary is $46-48K/year (depending on experience), plus health benefits. Costs of trip to at least one conference will be covered. How to Apply: Please email a cover letter, CV, and contact details for three references in a single pdf file to Dr. Haldre Rogers at hal...@iastate.edu. For questions, contact Haldre Rogers (hal...@iastate.edu). Review of applications will begin November 15, 2017, and will continue until the position is filled.
[ECOLOG-L] Postdoc in Quantitative Ecology - effect of vertebrates on tropical forests
Postdoctoral Research Associate: Quantitative Ecologist We seek applications for a postdoctoral research associate for a SERDP-funded project focused on understanding how vertebrate frugivores affect tropical forest composition and structure, and developing strategies for restoring seed dispersal to human- dominated landscapes. See the project website at www.ecologyofbirdloss.org for more details about previous research in this system. The postdoc will join the lab of Dr. Haldre Rogers at Iowa State University, and will collaborate with Dr. Julie Savidge at Colorado State University, a co-PI on the project. They will work closely with two current and one former postdoc on this project, who have led the collection of field data. This postdoc will be responsible primarily for synthesizing and analyzing existing data. Experience in hierarchical Bayesian modeling and spatially-explicit individual-based modeling, as well as experience using common conservation planning tools, is desired. Quantitative approaches that may be useful include: demographic integral projection models, state space animal movement models, and ArcGIS. Opportunities will be available for independent projects on related topics. The target start date is October or November 2017 (negotiable) and the appointment will be through September 2019. The position will be based in Ames, Iowa, with one trip to the Mariana Islands. Minimum qualifications: *Ph.D. in quantitative ecology, community ecology, or a related field *Experience with the R programming language *Experience with hierarchical Bayesian modeling, spatially-explicit modeling, individual- based modeling, or the application of conservation planning software *Excellent written and verbal communication skills *Experience working on a team, and working with people from different disciplines and backgrounds Desired qualifications: *Knowledge of forest ecology and animal movement *Experience with demographic integral projection models, state space animal movement models, and ArcGIS Position details: Salary is $46-48K/year (depending on experience), plus health benefits. Costs of trip to Marianas and to at least one conference will be covered. How to Apply: Please email a cover letter, CV, and contact details for three references in a single pdf file to Dr. Haldre Rogers at hal...@iastate.edu. For questions, contact Haldre Rogers (hal...@iastate.edu). Review of applications will begin 15 September 2017, and will continue until the position is filled.
[ECOLOG-L] Job: Lab manager - forest ecology lab, Iowa State University
Position: Lab Manager for a forest ecology research lab Location: Ames, Iowa with travel to the Mariana Islands Overview: We are seeking a lab manager to support and coordinate research in the lab of Dr. Haldre Rogers in the Department of Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology at Iowa State University. Our research combines comparative studies with manipulative experiments to understand the role of vertebrates in terrestrial systems and to develop effective conservation strategies in today's changing world. Much of our research is conducted on the Mariana Islands, where due to the introduction of the brown tree snake, Guam's forests are now functionally without birds. See http://haldre.com and http://www.ecologyofbirdloss.org for more details on the research projects conducted in the Rogers lab. Job description: The lab manager will assist and support ecological field research efforts in a variety of ways. This will include managing field data; managing the activities of undergraduate researchers in Iowa; keeping track of field equipment; identifying and ordering items for the research lab; and general lab maintenance. This position will also manage the logistical needs associated with maintaining a field crew in the Mariana Islands. This will include paying bills, coordinating permits, facilitating repairs to field houses and cars, making travel arrangements, assisting with hiring new staff, and compiling information for and completing the monthly, quarterly, and annual reports to the funding agency. This position may require travel to the Mariana Islands to provide logistical support for field research, which would be a max of two trips per year, potentially including one 4-6 week long trip. Exact dates and durations to be determined. The position will involve a small amount of field research and maintenance of existing experiments in Iowa and potentially in the Marianas, but please note that research will be a very minor component of the position. Qualifications: We are seeking an exceptionally motivated individual with demonstrated project management, people management, and data management experience (Excel and R), a background in field ecology (specifically plant or community ecology), and excellent organizational skills. The research project in the Mariana Islands is logistically complicated, and thus ideal candidates must be able to creatively solve problems, deal with unforeseen challenges, and possess an almost obsessive drive to organize things (if you love categorizing, labeling, and making spreadsheets and lists, this job is for you!). Additional requirements include excellent communication skills and cultural sensitivity. Experience working outside of the continental US is desired. A bachelor’s degree in ecology or a related field is required. A sense of humor is appreciated. All applicants must be eligible to work in the US without requiring an employee-sponsored visa. Payment and benefits: The salary may range from $30,000 to 34,000 per year, depending on experience. This is a 12-month position, with potential for extension. The position is eligible for health and welfare benefit plans (medical and dental insurance, life insurance, etc.) and retirement plans. Application procedure: To apply for this position, go to https://www.iastatejobs.com/postings/28571 click on “Apply to this job” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following: • Resume/Curriculum Vitae • Letter of Application/Cover Letter • Contact Information for Three References The cover letter should describe your previous research experience with a focus on your experience in plant ecology, your previous project management experience, and your career goals and how this position fits into those goals. Applications should be submitted by September 14, 2017 for full consideration, although applications may be considered after the deadline. For more information: Contact Dr. Haldre Rogers at hal...@iastate.edu.
[ECOLOG-L] Tropical Forest Ecology Internship - Mariana Islands
Position: Forest ecology interns with the Ecology of Bird Loss Project (3 positions) Location: Mariana Islands (Guam, Saipan, Tinian, Rota) Appointment: 9 months, starting date flexible, between March 1 and June 1, 2017 Project Description: Nearly all native seed dispersers have been extirpated from the island of Guam, largely due to predation by the invasive Brown Treesnake. The Ecology of Bird Loss Project (www.ecologyofbirdloss.org) aims to determine the full impact of seed disperser loss on Guam’s forests – including impacts on individual species and to forest structure – and the potential for different dispersers, both native and non-native, to restore function. Our research examines the ecological role of seed dispersers through comparisons of dynamics on Guam to those on nearby islands (Rota, Tinian, and Saipan) where birds are present. Duties of the interns: Interns will participate in a variety of field research endeavors including long-term seedling experiments, forest inventories in intact and degraded forest plots, and nursery experiments. Interns will be based on Saipan and Guam with travel to other islands. Specific duties may include: mapping and identifying trees (including seedlings), collecting seeds, propagating plants in a nursery, planting and monitoring seedlings, collecting tree phenology data, and entering data. Field crews work 8-10 hours a day, 5-6 days a week. Interns must be able to commit to working on the project for 9 months with a start date between March 1 and June 1, 2017. Requirements: The successful applicant must be able to pay attention to detail, work well individually and as part of a group, and be flexible. Research in the Mariana Islands involves working in high heat and humidity, walking over rough terrain sometimes carrying heavy and awkward loads (i.e. rolls of chicken wire, flats of seedlings, water), and tolerating the tedious, and at times monotonous, work necessary for all scientific endeavors. Successful applicants must learn how to identify trees (including seedlings) quickly and accurately. If a candidate is allergic to bees, he/she must carry a bee sting kit and be trained in its use, as the chances of getting stung are high. Relevant field experience and prior independent research experience is desired. The intern must be a US citizen with a valid US driver's license. Payment and benefits: Interns will receive valuable training and experience in the field of conservation biology and field ecology research – a great way to both determine whether graduate school in the life sciences is for you and to gain the necessary experience for a competitive application to graduate school. Successful applicants will also receive a round-trip ticket from any major airport in the US to Saipan or Guam, housing on all islands, transportation to and from field sites, and a monthly stipend of $650. To apply: Email a single pdf document including a cover letter, resume, and contact information for 3 references to ecologyofbirdl...@gmail.com. The subject line should read “EBL Intern Position”. The cover letter should describe your previous research experience, career goals, and why you are interested in this position. In addition, please specify your desired and potential start dates. Applications must be submitted by midnight EST on Saturday, January 28, 2017. For more information, contact Courtenay Ray and Morgan Franke at ecologyofbirdl...@gmail.com.
[ECOLOG-L] Lab Manager Position - Community Ecology and Global Change
Position: Research Coordinator/Lab Manager for lab of Dr. Haldre Rogers Location: Ames, Iowa with travel to the Mariana Islands Overview: We are seeking a lab manager to support and coordinate research in the lab of Dr. Haldre Rogers in the Department of Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology at Iowa State University. See http://haldre.weebly.com and http://www.ecologyofbirdloss.org for more details on the research projects conducted in the Rogers lab. Job description: The lab manager will assist and support ecological field research efforts in a variety of ways. This will include managing field data; managing the activities of department undergraduate researchers in Iowa; keeping track of field equipment; identifying and ordering items for the research lab; and assisting with lab renovation decisions and needs. This position will also manage the logistical needs associated with maintaining a field crew in the Mariana Islands. This will include paying bills, coordinating permits, facilitating repairs to field houses and cars, making travel arrangements, assisting with hiring new staff, and compiling information for and completing the monthly, quarterly, and annual reports to the funding agency. This position will be expected to travel to the Mariana Islands to assist with field research and provide logistical support. This will include up to three trips per year, potentially including one 4-6 week long trip. Exact dates and durations to be determined. Qualifications: We are seeking an exceptionally motivated individual with a background in field ecology (specifically plant or community ecology), demonstrated project management, people management, and data management experience (Excel and R), and excellent organizational skills. The research project in the Mariana Islands is logistically complicated, and thus ideal candidates must be able to creatively solve problems, deal with unforeseen challenges, and possess an almost obsessive drive to organize things. Additional requirements include excellent communication skills and cultural sensitivity. Experience working outside of the continental US is desired. A bachelor’s degree in ecology or a related field is required. A sense of humor is appreciated. All applicants must be eligible to work in the US without requiring an employee-sponsored visa. Payment and benefits: The salary may range from $29,000 to 33,000 per year, depending on experience. This is a 12-month position, with potential for extension. The position is eligible for health and welfare benefit plans (medical and dental insurance, life insurance, etc.) and retirement plans. Application procedure: To apply for this position, go to https://www.iastatejobs.com/postings/18927, click on “Apply to this job” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following: • Resume/Curriculum Vitae • Letter of Application/Cover Letter • Contact Information for Three References The cover letter should describe your previous research experience with a focus on your experience in plant ecology, your previous project management experience, and your career goals and how this position fits into those goals. Applications should be submitted by June 1, 2016 for full consideration. For more information: Contact Haldre at hal...@iastate.edu.
[ECOLOG-L] Seeking early career scientists for seed dispersal workshop
We are conducting a workshop to identify gaps in our understanding of the role of seed dispersal in plant populations, and determine how to address these gaps in order to move towards a predictive understanding of plant population dynamics under global change. The meeting will bring together a diverse group of ecologists and mathematical biologists who study dispersal across scales, methodologies, and systems and who bring knowledge of existing empirical studies, theoretical concepts, and mathematical approaches. The workshop will be led by Noelle Beckmann (SESYNC), Clare Aslan (Northern Arizona University) and Haldre Rogers (Iowa State University). We have selected a core group of 25 participants representing field ecologists, theoretical ecologists, and mathematical biologists, and are accepting applications to fill the rest of the slots for this workshop. Who can apply? You must be an early career scientist (e.g. grad students, postdocs, pre-tenure faculty) who studies the role of seed dispersal in plant populations from an empirical, theoretical or mathematical approach. You must be able to commit to the entire week, and unfortunately, we cannot support anyone currently employed outside the US. When and where is the workshop? May 9-13, 2016 at SESYNC in Annapolis, MD. What does it cost? All workshop costs (flight from anywhere in the US to Maryland, housing, and food) will be covered for the selected participants. How do I apply? Send your CV and a cover letter in a single pdf to codispe...@gmail.com. In your cover letter, briefly describe the following: 1) your mathematical, theoretical, or empirical approach to studying seed dispersal, 2) why you want to participate in this workshop, and 3) (if applicable) any relevant datasets you are willing to contribute to meta-analyses or review papers. When are applications due? Applications are due on January 25, 2016. More information here: http://www.sesync.org/project/workshop/seed-dispersal
[ECOLOG-L] Field Research Leader - tropical forest ecology in the Mariana Islands
Position: Field Research Leader Location: Guam and Northern Mariana Islands Appointment: 10-12 months, starting early February 2015, with potential for annual renewal Project Description: Nearly all native seed dispersers have been extirpated from the island of Guam, largely due to predation by the invasive Brown Treesnake. The Ecology of Bird Loss Project (www.ecologyofbirdloss.org) aims to determine the full impact of seed disperser loss on Guam’s forests – including impacts on individual species and to forest structure – and the potential for different dispersers, both native and non-native, to restore function. Our research examines the ecological role of seed dispersers through comparisons of dynamics on Guam to those on nearby islands (Rota and Saipan) where birds are present. Job description: The Field Research Leader will lead the Ecology of Bird Loss Project research efforts in the Mariana Islands. He/she will manage a crew of ~7 field technicians and interns located across the three islands. Fieldwork will involve long-term plant survival experiments, forest inventories in intact and degraded plots, plant propagation, and observation of fruit-frugivore interactions. The position will likely be based on Saipan (Guam is a possibility) but will involve travel to other islands. The field research leader will be responsible for implementing research protocols, training new employees, scheduling day-to-day field tasks, assisting in the development of field methods, managing data, and communicating frequently with project leadership based in the mainland US. Qualifications: We are seeking an exceptionally motivated individual with demonstrated skills in managing a field crew and executing a complex research project. This includes hiring, delegating responsibility, training employees in research techniques, providing feedback to employees, as well as developing protocols and ensuring protocols are being followed in the field, and identifying and resolving methodological issues in the field. The field research leader must possess a strong background in plant ecology, independent decision-making abilities, excellent communication and organizational skills, and cultural sensitivity. Applicants must have completed an undergraduate or Masters degree (preferred) in a relevant discipline. Research in the Mariana Islands involves working in high heat and humidity, and walking over rough terrain sometimes carrying heavy and awkward loads (i.e. rolls of chicken wire, flats of seedlings, water). Successful applicants must learn to identify trees (including seedlings) quickly and accurately. Experience identifying birds by sight and sounds is preferred but not required. If a candidate is allergic to bees, he/she must carry a bee sting kit and be trained in its use, as the chances of getting stung are high. A sense of humor is always appreciated. Payment and benefits: The salary is $2600-$3200 per month, depending on experience and housing preferences. We will provide a round-trip ticket from the candidate’s current place of residence to Saipan and housing during travel away from Saipan. The position is eligible for health and welfare benefit plans (medical and dental insurance, life insurance, etc.) and retirement plans. Details are available at http://www.hrs.iastate.edu/hrs/benefits. Application procedure: To apply, email a single pdf document containing a cover letter, CV, and contact information for 3 references to Dr. Haldre Rogers (hal...@iastate.edu). The subject line should read “EBL Field Research Leader Application”. The cover letter should describe your previous research experience, career goals, and why you are interested in this position. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, but to ensure full consideration, applications should be submitted by December 4, 2015. For more information, contact Dr. Haldre Rogers (hal...@iastate.edu).
[ECOLOG-L] PhD and MS positions in community ecology and global change
Graduate assistantships are available for two MS or Ph.D. positions in the research group of Haldre Rogers in the Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology at Iowa State University (http://www.eeob.iastate.edu/). Our lab focuses on community ecology, evolution, and conservation in altered ecosystems. We tend to address questions that can both advance basic ecological or evolutionary knowledge and contribute to conservation goals. Our current research projects focus on seed dispersal, bird-arthropod food web dynamics, novel ecosystems, impacts of species extinctions, and invasive species (see http://haldre.weebly.com/research.html for more information). I am looking for one student interested in developing their own project, and one student interested in working on a grant-funded project assessing whether non-native species can confer resilience to disrupted ecosystems through mutualistic interactions (see below). While much of the lab’s work takes place in the Mariana Islands through the Ecology of Bird Loss project (www.ecologyofbirdloss.org), I expect students to develop their own research questions, and find the most appropriate place to test their questions- this may be in the Mariana Islands, but it could be anywhere else in the world. I will be accepting students through the inter-departmental Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EEB) graduate program (https://eeb.iastate.edu/). Grant-funded position for Fall 2016 start: I am looking for one MS or PhD student interested in studying the role of non-native seed dispersers in the Mariana Islands. These species, including feral pigs and rats, are typically thought of as highly detrimental invasives in island ecosystems, but in the bird-less forests of Guam, they may be performing a unique role as seed dispersers. This student would develop a project assessing the contribution of non-native pigs and rats to seed dispersal of native tree species. The student will be funded through a research assistantship for four semesters, and will be expected to TA for the remainder of their degree. Applicants must have prior independent research experience in ecology and/or evolutionary biology, and some exposure to statistics. Prior computer programming (e.g. R) experience is beneficial. Interested students should check out my website (http://haldre.weebly.com) for more information. If you’re still interested, please contact me via email (hal...@iastate.edu). In your email, briefly describe your research interests, career goals, why my lab would be a good fit for you, and the names of three references. Indicate whether you are interested in a MS or PhD, and which of the two positions you are most interested. Please include an updated CV.
[ECOLOG-L] Avian Biologist Job on Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands
Position: Avian Biologist Location: Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands Appointment: 14 months, starting early 2015 Project Description: This research position on the Ecology of Bird Loss project (www.ecologyofbirdloss.org) is part of a collaborative project between H. Rogers (Rice University), J. Savidge (Colorado State University), and J. Tewksbury (WWF International, University of Washington) aimed at restoring ecosystem function (specifically seed dispersal) to Guam’s forests. Virtually all native seed dispersers have been extirpated from Guam, largely due to predation by the invasive Brown Treesnake. We aim to determine the full impact of seed disperser loss and the potential for different dispersers, both native and non-native, to restore function to Guam’s forests. Our research examines the ecological role of seed dispersers in an intact system- the island of Saipan, 120 miles north of Guam - and then uses those results to understand the impact of disperser loss on Guam. Job description: The avian biologist will be responsible for a research project focused on determining the effect of gut passage on seed germination. This person will: i) assist with protocol development; ii) manage the construction of aviaries; iii) maintain birds in captivity, which includes daily diet preparation and provision; iv) collect fruit from the wild, expose fruits to experimental treatments, plant seeds in the nursery, record germination; v) train other crew members in the care of captive birds, vi) communicate regularly with project leaders based in Houston, TX, Fort Collins, CO, and Switzerland; and vii) manage and analyze data and write up results in a scientific paper. Qualifications: We are seeking an exceptionally motivated individual with a strong background in avian ecology, and demonstrated organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to work independently. Applicants must have prior experience with captive bird care, as well as extensive experience in bird handling, mistnetting, and/or banding. Applicants must have completed an undergraduate or Masters degree in a relevant discipline, and have excellent communication skills and cultural sensitivity. If a candidate is allergic to bees, he/she must carry a bee sting kit and be trained in its use, as the chances of getting stung are high. A sense of humor is always appreciated. Payment and benefits: The monthly salary for this 14-month position is $2300. We will provide a round-trip ticket from the candidate’s current place of residence to Saipan. The position is eligible for health and welfare benefit plans (medical and dental insurance, life insurance, etc.) and retirement plans. Details are available at http://people.rice.edu/benefits.aspx. Application procedure: To apply, email a cover letter, resume, and contact information for 3 references to Dr. Haldre Rogers (hal...@rice.edu). The cover letter should describe your previous research experience, career goals, and why you are interested in this position. These materials should be in a single pdf. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, but to ensure full consideration, applications should be submitted by December 15, 2014. For more information, contact Dr. Haldre Rogers (hal...@rice.edu).
[ECOLOG-L] Forest Ecology Jobs in the Mariana Islands
We are hiring two positions for a research project focused on understanding and restoring the functional role of frugivorous birds on the island of Guam. The invasive brown treesnake is responsible for the loss of virtually all native frugivores on Guam. Many of the native frugivores are still present on the island of Saipan (120 miles north of Guam), so this project will be located solely on Saipan for the year 2015. For more information on the project and these positions, see: www.ecologyofbirdloss.org. Position 1: Project Coordinator-The duties of the research coordinator will be to manage the logistical and administrative needs of the project. This includes tasks like a) purchasing, b) organizing housing, utilities, and vehicle needs, c) handling receipts, reimbursements, and bills, and managing the budget; d) compiling information for and completing the monthly, quarterly, and annual reports to the funding agency, e) assisting with hiring field crew, and f) communicating regularly with project leaders based in Houston, TX. The position may also include a limited amount of field work and data management. This position starts in January or February 2015, lasts a minimum of 1 year, and includes competitive pay and benefits. Position 2: Field Crew Leader- The field crew leader will direct the activities of a 4-8 person field crew. Duties includes the following tasks: i) scheduling tasks for crew members to meet monthly goals; ii) training and orienting new crew members, iii): regularly providing feedback to crew members; and iv) communicating regularly with project leaders based in Houston, TX and Seattle, WA, v) managing project data; vi) assisting with the development of scientific protocols, and vii) conducting field research. This position starts in January or February 2015, lasts 9 months, and includes competitive pay and benefits. To apply: Email a cover letter, resume, and contact information for 3 references to Haldre Rogers (hal...@rice.edu). The cover letter should describe your previous research experience, career goals, and why you are interested in this position. Application materials should be in a single pdf. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, but submit by December 9, 2014 to ensure full consideration. For more information, see www.ecologyofbirdloss.org or contact Haldre Rogers (hal...@rice.edu).
[ECOLOG-L] Forest Ecology internship in the Mariana Islands
*Tropical Forest Ecology Internship -- **Guam ** the Northern Mariana Islands*** *Description of project:*The Ecology of Bird Loss project examines the effect of bird loss on forest systems by comparing forests on Guam, where forest birds are functionally extinct due to predation by the invasive brown treesnake, to forests on two Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan and Rota) where native bird populations are still present. The intern will assist with research on the effect of seed disperser loss on forest community structure and regeneration in treefall gaps. Our general approach integrates landscape scale observations with manipulative experiments. See the project website at www.ecologyofbirdloss.org http://www.ecologyofbirdloss.orgfor more details about research in this system. *Duties of the interns:*The intern will travel betweenthree islandsto set up and maintain experiments. The intern will work independently and as part of a small team.Specific duties may include: mapping and identifying trees (including seedlings), collecting seeds, propagating plants in a nursery, planting and monitoring seedlings, and entering data. While the premise of this project is based on birds, the research is focused on plants- there will be little to no work with birds. Field crews work 8-10 hours a day, 5-6 days a week. Interns must be able to commit to working on the project from late March to late December. *Requirements:*The successful applicant must be able to pay attention to detail, work well individually and as part of a group, and be flexible (i.e. willing to move to another island at a moment's notice and stay for multiple months). Research in the Mariana Islands involves working in high heat and humidity, walking over rough terrain sometimes carrying heavy and awkward loads (i.e. rolls of chicken wire, flats of seedlings, water), and tolerating the tedious, and at times monotonous, work necessary for all scientific endeavors. Successful applicants must learn how to identify trees (including seedlings) quickly and accurately. If a candidate is allergic to bees, he/she must carry a bee sting kit and be trained in its use, as the chances of getting stung are high. Relevant field experience and independent research experience is desired, but not required. The intern must be a US citizen with a valid US driver's license. *Payment and benefits: *Interns will receive valuable research experience in the field of conservation biology and field ecology -- a great way to both determine whether graduate school in the life sciences is for you and to gain the necessary experience for a competitive application to graduate school. Successful applicants will also receive a round-trip ticket from any major airport in the US toGuam, housing on all islands, transportation to and from field sites, and a monthly stipend of $550. *To apply:*Candidates should email a /single pdf/ containing a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references to Elizabeth Wandrag (ewand...@rice.edu). Applications must be received by midnight EST on January 16th, 2014. Please contact Elizabeth via email if you have any questions related to the internship.
[ECOLOG-L] Tropical Forest Ecology Internship – Guam the Northern Mariana Islands
Description of project: The Ecology of Bird Loss project examines the effect of bird loss on forest systems by comparing forests on Guam, where forest birds are functionally extinct due to predation by the invasive brown treesnake, to forests on two Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan and Rota) where native bird populations are still present. The intern will help to conduct research exploring the effect of disperser loss on forest community structure and regeneration in treefall gaps by integrating landscape scale observations with manipulative experiments. See the project website at www.ecologyofbirdloss.org for more details about research in this system. Duties of the interns: The intern will travel between three islands to set up and maintain experiments. The intern will work independently and as part of a small team. Specific duties may include: mapping and identifying trees (including seedlings), putting up fences to exclude ungulates, collecting seeds, caring for plants in a nursery, planting and monitoring seedlings, and entering data. While this project is based on the presence or absence of birds, the research is focused on plants- there will be little to no work with birds. Field crews work 8-10 hours a day, 5-6 days a week. Interns must be able to commit to 9 months with no exceptions, starting in June or July 2013. Requirements: The successful applicant must be able to pay attention to detail, work well individually and as part of a group, and be flexible (i.e. willing to move to another island at a moment's notice). Research in the Mariana Islands involves working in high heat and humidity, walking over rough terrain sometimes carrying heavy and awkward loads (i.e. rolls of chicken wire, flats of seedlings, water), and tolerating the tedious, and at times monotonous, work necessary for all scientific endeavors. Successful applicants must learn how to identify trees (including seedlings) quickly and accurately. If a candidate is allergic to bees, he/she must carry a bee sting kit and be trained in its use, as the chances of getting stung are high. Relevant field experience is desired, but not required. The intern must be a US citizen with a valid US driver's license. Payment and benefits: Interns will receive valuable research experience in the field of conservation biology and field ecology – a great way to both determine whether graduate school in the life sciences is for you and to gain the necessary experience for a competitive application to graduate school. Successful applicants will also receive a round-trip ticket from any major airport in the US to Guam, housing on all islands, transportation to and from field sites, and a monthly stipend of $550. To apply: Candidates should email a single pdf containing a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references to Haldre Rogers (hal...@rice.edu). Applications must be received by midnight on April 23rd, 2013 EST. Please contact Haldre via email if you have any questions related to the internship.
[ECOLOG-L] Postdoctoral position - impacts of vertebrate frugivore loss on forests of Guam
Postdoctoral Research Associate: The impact of vertebrate frugivore loss on treefall gap dynamics Dr. Haldre Rogers and Dr. Amy Dunham at Rice University seek applications for a postdoctoral fellow for an NSF-funded project focused on the impact of vertebrate frugivore loss on treefall gap dynamics. Research will explore the effect of disperser loss on forest community structure and regeneration in treefall gaps by integrating landscape scale observations, manipulative experiments and modeling approaches. See the project website at www.ecologyofbirdloss.org for more details about previous research in this system. The postdoc will work closely with Rogers and Dunham, along with Dr. Ross Miller at the University of Guam. The postdoc will be integrally involved in the design and implementation of field experiments, and analysis and writing of papers and proposals, and will be solely responsible for managing a 4-8 person field crew. Opportunities will be available for independent research projects on related topics. The appointment will be for 30 months. The target start date is May or June 2013 (negotiable). The position will involve fieldwork on the island of Guam with frequent travel to nearby islands of Saipan and Rota for the first 18 months (May 2013-Nov 2014) and from June-Aug 2015. When not doing fieldwork (i.e. from Dec 2014-May 2015, and Sept-Nov 2015), the postdoc will be based at Rice University in Houston, TX. Minimum qualifications: *Ph.D. in plant community ecology or a related field *Broad field ecology experience, preferably in tropical forests *Experience managing large field projects *Strong statistical analysis skills *Excellent written and verbal communication skills *Experience working with people from different disciplines and backgrounds, and an interest in continuing to do so Additional desired qualifications: *Experience with demographic modeling and/or spatially-explicit, individual-based modeling Position details: Salary is $39,000 $41,000 commensurate with experience, plus health benefits, and housing when in the Mariana Islands. Costs of travel to Marianas will be covered. How to Apply: Please email a cover letter, CV, and contact details for three references in a single pdf file to Dr. Haldre Rogers at hal...@rice.edu. For questions contact Haldre Rogers (hal...@rice.edu) or Amy Dunham (a...@rice.edu). Review of applications will begin 31March, 2013, and will continue until the position is filled.
