[ECOLOG-L] Washington College: Tenure-track Assistant Professor of Environmental Science
Respond to lsherm...@washcoll.edu (not me) for inquiries about this position. Washington College, a selective liberal arts college in the Chesapeake Bay watershed on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, invites applications for a tenure-track position in environmental science, to begin in August of 2017. We seek a broadly trained environmental scientist with expertise in the study of coastal systems. The ideal candidate will develop course offerings, pedagogical approaches, and student-faculty research that engages students both within and beyond the classroom. We are particularly interested in candidates whose teaching and scholarship can explore the coastal environment local to the College, but who can also engage students in a study of international coastal issues. Candidates must have a Ph.D. in environmental science or related discipline and the capacity to contribute to an innovative interdisciplinary environmental curriculum. The successful candidate will have a demonstrated commitment to teaching excellence, a strong interest in developing a career as a teacher-scholar in a liberal arts institution, and show significant promise as a scholar. The candidate will develop upper-level classes in their area of expertise, as well as contribute to the foundational introductory environmental course and the college-wide first-year seminar program. This hiring effort is part of the expansion of the recently created Department of Environmental Science and Studies at Washington College and will contribute to achieving the College’s goal of becoming a leader in the interdisciplinary study of the environment, as articulated in its strategic plan. Candidates should submit a cover letter, CV, statements of teaching philosophy and research interests, and the names of four professional references through our on-line portal Consensus at https://highereddecisions.com/wcm/current_vacancies.asp. Inquiries should be directed to Professor Leslie Sherman, co-chair of the Department of Environmental Science and Studies (lsherm...@washcoll.edu). Review of applications will begin on November 15th, pending final budgetary approval, and will continue until the position is filled.
[ECOLOG-L] EPA/ORAU Watershed modeling position in Athens, GA
Post-bachelor position in Athens, GA. https://www.zintellect.com/Posting/Details/2559 The Watershed Exposure Branch (WEB) in Computational Exposure Division (CED) of the National Environmental Research Laboratory (NERL) supports the mission of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) by conducting process, modeling, and field research to assess the exposure risks of humans and ecosystems to natural and man-made stressors. WEB is also responsible for developing innovative software tools for evaluating water quantity and quality. As part of this effort, the WEB is conducting a research project focusing on the development of a state-of-the-art component-based watershed modeling system which can be used to compose workflows to assess water quantity and quality as they relate to exposure. The candidate shall work with a mentor as part of a multi-disciplinary research team and provide technical support for WEB’s watershed modeling components. The work shall include literature search, algorithm and software component development in watershed hydrology domain within the context of water quantity and water quality. Modeling activities shall include assisting with the following: - Conducting literature searches for the latest scientific studies in hydrology, water quality and watershed modeling. - Writing algorithms representing science in the domain of hydrology and watershed modeling. - Writing computer software coding hydrology and watershed modeling algorithms. - Designing watershed modeling workflows using available web services. Location: This job will be located at EPA’s facility in Athens, GA. Salary: The selected applicant will become a full time temporary employee of ORAU and will receive an hourly wage of $20.04 for hours worked. Travel: Occasional overnight travel may be required.
[ECOLOG-L] USEPA post-doc research fellowship in Athens, Georgia
Hi All- We have a post-doc opportunity in Athens, Georgia for an environmental modeling research fellowship with the USEPA: https://www.zintellect.com/Posting/Details/2382 Best, Tom Purucker Description: A postdoctoral research training opportunities is currently available at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA), Office of Research and Development (ORD)/National Exposure Research Laboratory (NERL). This appointment will be served with the Computational Exposure Division (CED) in Athens, Georgia. This project applies quantitative analytical skills to evaluate the ability of EPA environmental models to accurately predict aquatic exposure and effects from chemicals at large spatial scales. The EPA uses submitted data and computer models to integrate core science exposure processes in multiple exposure media (e.g., air, surface water, ground water, soil, sediment, biota). Collected data and models are used to estimate exposure and effects at relevant biological (e.g., organism, population, community, ecosystem) and spatial scales (e.g., field, site, watershed, regional, national, global). The research participant may develop and apply watershed models used by the EPA over a large geographical area at a relatively small contiguous watershed resolution with an emphasis on interoperability with other fate, transport, exposure and effect models. The project could contribute to model development, application, documentation and utilization of models used by EPA for assessing risks from chemicals. Research activities may include computer programming (Python, web scripting languages, and/or R), numerical verification of model output, cloud-based database management, creating modules for simulating population dynamics, model execution, model Application Programming Interface (API) development and documentation, spatio-temporal likelihood estimation and model selection based on level of interest and skill set. The research participant will be exposed to team programming skills in the context of modern scientific functional programming approaches and leveraging a web programming technology stack with a cloud computing implementation. Additional professional development activities may include exposure to basic scientific hypothesis testing and inferential processes in a computational context. This includes implementing numerical experiments designed to evaluate the ability of EPA models to effectively estimate chemical exposures and effects. These algorithms are made available in modeling systems that provide predictive capabilities for complex environmental exposures. The participant may also participate in making them publicly available as web applications and evaluating the ability of these models to effectively assess environmental exposures and effects. Eligibility: Applicants must have received a doctoral degree in a science, technology, engineering or mathematics field within five years of the desired starting date, or completion of all requirements for the degree should be expected prior to the starting date. The appointment is full-time for one year and may be renewed upon recommendation of EPA and contingent on the availability of funds. The participant will receive a monthly stipend. Funding may be made available to reimburse the participant’s travel expenses to present the results of his/her research at scientific conferences. No funding will be made available to cover travel costs for pre-appointment visits, relocation costs, tuition and fees, or participant’s health insurance. The participant must show proof of health and medical insurance. The participant does not become an EPA employee. The mentor for this project is Tom Purucker (purucker@epa.gov), applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.
[ECOLOG-L] EPA computational ecology fellowship in Athens, GA
A full-time postgraduate fellowship is available via the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education with the Ecosystems Research Division of the USEPA in Athens, GA. This research training opportunity is for someone with a Masters or PhD in a relevant field and involves the integration and application of existing ecological models to assess pesticide risks to a range of species. The objective of this project is to integrate, improve, and further develop EPA models (or candidate models) to estimate chemical exposures in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems while incorporating important fate and transport processes. Relevant programming skills include R, Python, and scripting languages for web applications. Statistical likelihood approaches will also be used to evaluate model performance versus available data. The models are made available as scientific web applications at http://qed.epa.gov Details on the fellowship and how to apply are here: http://orise.orau.gov/science-education/internships-scholarships-fellowships/description.aspx?JobId=17443 and the application form is here: http://orise.orau.gov/epa/applicants/application.htm Review of applicants will begin on May 1, submitted reference letters are required for ORISE to forward applications to the EPA.
[ECOLOG-L] Computational ecology fellowship with the USEPA in Athens, GA
*A postgraduate fellowship is available (via the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education) with the Ecosystems Research Division of the USEPA in Athens, GA. This research training opportunity involves the integration and application of existing ecological models to assess pesticide risks to threatened and endangered species. Research under this project directly supports the EPA's Endangered Species Protection Program to help promote the recovery of listed species and the registration of pesticides under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). The objective of this project is to integrate, improve, and further develop available EPA models for estimating chemical exposures in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems while incorporating important fate and transport processes. Relevant programming skills include R, Python, and scripting languages for web applications. Details on the fellowship and how to apply are here: http://orise.orau.gov/epa/description.aspx?JobId=10572 and the application form is here: http://www.orau.gov/partform/EPA/EPA_Application.pdf Review of applicants will commence on January 12.*
[ECOLOG-L] EPA-ORISE positions in Athens, GA
Funding is available for 2 post-masters or post-bachelors via the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE). Details on how to apply are here: http://orise.orau.gov/epa/description.aspx?JobId=10572 and and the application form is here: http://www.orau.gov/partform/EPA/EPA_Application.pdf *Research Participation Program Office of Research and Development National Exposure Research Laboratory U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Athens, GA* *EPA-ORD/NERL-ERD-2012-01* *Project Description*: Postgraduate research project training opportunities are currently available at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) National Exposure Research Laboratory (NERL). This appointment will be served in the Ecosystems Assessment Branch (EAB) within the Ecosystems Research Division (ERD), located in Athens, Georgia. This project involves the integration and application of existing ecological exposure models to assess pesticide risks to threatened and endangered species via the creation of web applications for a decision support dashboard. Research under this project directly supports the EPA's Endangered Species Protection Program (ESPP) to help promote the recovery of listed species and the registration of pesticides under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). The objective of this project is to integrate, improve, and further develop available EPA models for estimating chemical exposures in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems while incorporating important fate and transport processes. This training program will provide selected participants with the knowledge and skills needed to link physical fate/transport processes to individual/population chemical exposures on a variety of aquatic and terrestrial landscapes for a wide range of listed species. This research is closely aligned with the ongoing application of ecological models in response to EPA regulatory needs under the Endangered Species Act and the FIFRA. An important part of this training will involve the interaction with other researchers at the Ecosystems Research Division (ERD) in Athens and other offices within EPA to identify and help articulate important exposure processes that warrant improvement in exposure models and to develop algorithms for incorporation of these processes at various scales. As a member of a team of scientists at ERD that quantitatively articulates physical fate and transport processes and links them to ecological exposure model algorithms, the participant may be involved in the following activities: Linking existing EPA models into a robust decision-making framework that allows scientists to assess the impacts of regulated chemicals on listed species impacts, as well as account for localized use modifications for specific areas. Creating web applications that make use of scientific computing programming languages such as Python, Fortran, and C++ and integrate them using Web 2.0 technologies such as jQuery, Django, and JavaScript. Implementing cloud-based databases that serve data to ecological exposure and effects models using MySQL and/or PostgreSQL. Modifying existing deterministic and stochastic ecological exposure models to link with other models and to incorporate spatially and temporally distributed processes as appropriate. Developing new modules that describe and estimate exposure processes not currently addressed by EPA models. Assessing the performance of existing models with field-collected or literature-derived data on chemical exposures and effects at the individual and/or population level. Implementing scientific approaches and guidance for addressing model uncertainty and model selection in the linkage of environmental process models. The participant will be a part of a multi-disciplinary research team and will be mentored by Dr. Tom Purucker, research ecologist. Participants will have latitude in exercising independent initiative and judgment in the research commensurate with the level of training. EPA will review completed papers for adherence to NERL principles and policies, quality, and soundness of scientific conclusions. *Qualifications:* Applicants must have received a bachelor’s or master’s degree in environmental science or computer science, or a related physical sciences field (e.g. biology, ecology, engineering, geosciences, or physical geography) within five years of the desired starting date, or completion of all requirements for the degree should be expected prior to the starting date. Knowledge of ecological processes and food chain modeling and computer programming is desired. The program is open to all qualified individuals without regard to race, sex, religion, color, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, or status as a Vietnam era or disabled veteran. U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status is preferred (but can also hold an appropriate visa status, however, an H1B visa is not appropriate). The appointment is full
[ECOLOG-L] EPA ecomodeling contract positions in Athens, GA
The Ecosystems Research Division (ERD) of the Office of Research and Development at the US Environmental Protection Agency in Athens, Georgia is seeking individuals who have completed their Master’s degree to provide services under a contractual agreement as part of a research team providing technical support for ERD’s aquatic and terrestrial ecosystem exposure modeling. These models estimate exposure and effects of chemicals on listed species under the Endangered Species Act and the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act. (RFQ-RT-11-00171a) proposals due 3/21/12 -Student/recent graduate with at least a Master’s degree in biology, ecology, environmental science, statistics, engineering, computer science, or a related field -The preferred student contractor shall possess knowledge, skills, and experience concerning the application of mathematical models to ecological problems; have demonstrated proficiency in scripted languages such as R and Matlab and/or in high level programming languages such as Fortran, Python, and C++; be familiar with the application of statistical models, including general linear models, spatial/time series analyses and/or Bayesian approaches; and possess excellent written and oral communication skills. -The student contractor may also aid in statistical applications, programming, and software testing, including utilization of specific model evaluation tools. Tasks to be performed include, but are not limited to: 1) the application of existing deterministic and stochastic models to simulate fate and exposure of pesticides and other chemicals; 2) the integration of these models through a software program with a common user interface; 3) development of reusable risk assessment software libraries; and 4) parameter estimation applications for chemical and biological exposures in agricultural and urban ecosystems. The student contractor may be expected to participate in conferences and seminars and to publish in the peer-reviewed literature in support of this Statement of Work. -Full-time, one year (1928 hours), $28.48/hour, multiple awards to be made -Here is a link to the opportunity: http://www.epa.gov/oamrtpnc/q1100171a/index.htm
Re: [ECOLOG-L] Treatment of Ecology in AP classes
Hello- Course coverage from the AP Biology web page: -Molecules and Cells, 25% -Heredity and Evolution, 25% -Organisms and Populations, 50% Generally, high school AP classes have more contact hours than the corresponding college-level course so I do not think that they would drop content, but that of course would be teacher/school-dependent. http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/sub_bio.html Best, Tom On Sun, Nov 20, 2011 at 9:33 PM, Corbin, Jeffrey D. wrote: > Hello Ecologgers - My department is trying to figure out how to best > assign credit to incoming students who get 4's and 5's on the AP Biology > exam. One proposal is to give them credit for the first class in our Intro > Bio sequence, which happens to be the one that presents ecology (along with > evolution and genetics). > > I suggested that this would be a mistake, as ecology is likely given short > shrift in many high school classes because it is at the end of all of the > textbooks. Quite reasonably, I've been challenged as to whether that is > really the case. > > Does anyone know of any comparison of the weight given to various biology > subjects (e.g. ecology, physiology, cell, etc.) in high school classes and > the AP exam? I still have a suspicion that ecology is the most likely to be > rushed or dropped, but maybe that's just because it is what happened when I > took it. In any case, I'd be on firmer ground if I had even one piece of > evidence to back it up! > > Thanks! > > -Jeff > > *** > Jeffrey D. Corbin > Department of Biological Sciences > Union College > Schenectady, NY 12308 > (518) 388-6097 > *** >
[ECOLOG-L] USEPA, Athens, GA: eco modeling graduate student contract positions
The Ecosystems Research Division (ERD) of the Office of Research and Development at the US Environmental Protection Agency in Athens, Georgia is seeking individuals who have completed their Master’s degree in biology, ecology, environmental science, statistics, engineering, computer science, or a related field to provide services under a contractual agreement as part of a research team providing technical support for ERD’s aquatic and terrestrial ecosystem exposure modeling. These models estimate exposure and effects of chemicals on listed species under the Endangered Species Act and the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act. Selected individuals shall possess knowledge, skills, and experience concerning the application of mathematical models to ecological problems; have demonstrated proficiency in scripted languages such as R and Matlab and/or in high level programming languages such as Fortran, Python, and C++; be familiar with the application of statistical models; and possess excellent written and oral communication skills. The student contractor may also aid in statistical applications, programming, and software testing, including utilization of specific model evaluation tools. Tasks to be performed include, but are not limited to: 1) the application of existing deterministic and stochastic models to simulate fate and exposure of pesticides and other chemicals; 2) the integration of these models through a software program with a common user interface; 3) development of reusable risk assessment software libraries; and 4) parameter estimation applications for chemical and biological exposures in agricultural and urban ecosystems. The student contractor may be expected to participate in conferences and seminars and to publish in the peer-reviewed literature in support of this Statement of Work. Announcement, statement of work, and evaluation criteria can be found here: http://www.epa.gov/oamrtpnc/q1100171/index.htm This application window closes on November 9. The position pays $28.48 per hour but is otherwise without benefits. In addition, we have begun evaluations on 2 post-doc positions via the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) previously advertised, but are still accepting applications. Details on how to apply are here: http://orise.orau.gov/epa/description.aspx?JobId=2346 and the application form is here: http://www.orau.gov/partform/EPA/EPA_Application.pdf
[ECOLOG-L] ORISE ecological modeling post-docs -- USEPA in Athens, GA
Funding is available for 2 post-docs via the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE). Details on how to apply are here: http://orise.orau.gov/epa/description.aspx?JobId=2346 and and the application form is here: http://www.orau.gov/partform/EPA/EPA_Application.pdf Research Participation Program Office of Research and Development National Exposure Research Laboratory U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Athens, GA EPA-ORD/NERL-ERD-2011-05 Project Description: Postdoctoral research training opportunities in ecological modeling for chemical exposures are currently available at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) National Environmental Exposure Laboratory in Athens, Georgia. This project involves the integration and application of existing ecological exposure models to assess pesticide risks to threatened and endangered species. Research under this project directly supports the EPA's Endangered Species Protection Program (ESPP) to help promote the recovery of listed species. Our objective is to integrate, improve, and further develop available EPA models for estimating chemical exposures in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems while incorporating important fate and transport processes. This training program will provide selected individuals with the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to link physical fate/transport processes to individual/population chemical exposures on a variety of aquatic and terrestrial landscapes for a wide range of listed species. This research is closely aligned with the ongoing application of ecological models in response to EPA regulatory needs under the Endangered Species Act and the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act. An important part of this training will involve the interaction with other researchers at the Ecosystems Research Division (ERD) in Athens and other offices within the EPA to identify and help articulate important exposure processes that warrant improvement in exposure models and to develop algorithms for incorporation of these processes at various scales. As a member of a team of scientists at ERD that quantitatively articulates physical fate and transport processes and links them to ecological exposure model algorithms, the participant could be involved in the following activities: -- Link existing EPA models into a robust decision-making framework that allows scientists to assess the impacts of regulated chemicals on listed species impacts, as well as account for localized use modifications for specific areas -- Modify existing deterministic and stochastic ecological exposure models to link with other models and to incorporate spatially and temporally distributed processes as appropriate, -- Develop new modules that describe and estimate exposure processes not currently addressed by Agency models, -- Assess the performance of existing models with field-collected or literature-derived data on chemical exposures and effects at the individual and/or population level, and -- Implement scientific approaches and guidance for addressing model uncertainty and model selection in the linkage of environmental process models. The participant will be a part of a multi-disciplinary research team and will be directly mentored by Dr. Tom Purucker, research ecologist. The participant will have latitude in exercising independent initiative and judgment in the research commensurate with the level of training. EPA will review completed papers for adherence to NERL principles and policies, quality, and soundness of scientific conclusions. Qualifications: Applicants must have received a doctoral degree in a related field within five years of the desired starting date, or completion of all requirements for the degree should be expected prior to the starting date. Appropriate academic backgrounds may include biology, computer science, ecology, engineering, environmental science, geosciences, and physical geography. Knowledge of ecological processes and food chain modeling is desired. The program is open to all qualified individuals without regard to race, sex, religion, color, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, or status as a Vietnam era or disabled veteran. U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status is preferred (but can also hold an appropriate visa status, however, an H1B visa is not appropriate). The participant must show proof of health and medical insurance. The participant does not become an EPA employee. The appointment is full-time for one year and may be renewed for up to two additional years upon recommendation of EPA and subject to availability of funds. The participant will receive a monthly stipend ranging from $5,000 up to $6,000. No funding will be made available to cover travel costs for interviews, relocation costs, costs of tuition/school fees, or a participant's health insurance.
[ECOLOG-L] USEPA Postdoc in Athens, GA
Terrestrial Ecosystems Exposure Analyst http://www.epa.gov/nerl/postdoc/postdoc_positions.html#io5 Location: Athens, Georgia, in collaboration with EPA Office of Research and Development Labs in Cincinnati, OH and Las Vegas, NV The researcher will develop, analyze, and apply terrestrial ecological exposure models for chemicals, primarily pesticides, and a framework for integrating exposures with ecological effects. Integrated modeling is needed to address ecological problem statements for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention and the Ecosystem Services Research Program. The application of parameter estimation, sensitivity/uncertainty analysis, model selection, and spatial techniques to support comprehensive ecosystem assessment and chemical regulation is emphasized. FULL FEDERAL EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS -Salary range of $68,809 - $92,890 -Full three-year appointments -Paid relocation to EPA duty location -Vacation and sick leave -Federal health benefits, life insurance, and retirement program -Travel to professional and scientific meetings -Flexible start date beginning in March and preferred by September 2011 How to apply (current application window closes December 3, 2010): http://www.epa.gov/nerl/postdoc/postdoc.html Other post-doc opportunities of interest within the EPA National Exposure Research Laboratory: http://www.epa.gov/nerl/postdoc/postdoc_positions.html
