Postdoc position: Macroecology and diversity of species interactions - University of Oulu

Position 1: Macroecology and diversity of species interactions

Coevolution among species via species interactions is the major driving force of biodiversity. Yet, the concept of and metrics to estimate species interactions is largely missing from biodiversity studies. The project has two major aims. First, our goal is to create a novel community diversity index, which quantitatively grade communities in terms of the sign, strength and variation of interactions. We will then examine how interaction index varies relative to taxonomic, phylogenetic and functional diversity, stability of the communities and the level of disturbance. Second, we aim to estimate a novel species-specific characteristic, which describes species competitive – facilitative interaction abilities. The association of this new metric with species capability to adapt to global changes is then examined. The project uses comprehensive and long-term bird survey data from Europe and moth data from Finland. We will use a state-of-the-art statistical modelling technique, Joint Dynamic Species Distribution Modelling, developed by one of the PIs of the project, Dr. James Thorson, in extracting species associations from the survey data.

The position is approximately for 2.5 – 3 years, depending on the starting salary of the recruited person. The start date of the position is flexible but should preferably take place in autumn 2017, and definitely by the end of 2017. Position may involve occasional teaching. The location of the position is at the Research Unit of Ecology, Faculty of Sciences.

Research Group. Principal Investigators of the project are Dr. Jukka Forsman (University of Oulu, Finland) and Dr. James Thorson (National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA, Seattle, USA). The recruited post-doc is expected to visit Dr. Thorson and learn modelling techniques. Other collaborators of the project are Vincent Devictor (University of Montpellier, France), Mikko Mönkkönen (University of Jyväskylä) and Panu Välimäki (University of Oulu, Finland).

Qualification requirements. Applicants must have a PhD in ecology, evolutionary biology, statistical modeling or related areas. The recruited post-doc is expected to be enterprising and have excellent English communication skills, as well as experience programming in the R statistical environment. Following qualifications and experience is considered as an advantage: managing and analyzing large data sets, species distribution modeling, experience in estimating diversity indexes (taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic), statistical modelling, experience in applying GIS-data on biological systems, and global change studies.

Contact persons for further information. Project leaders Jukka Forsman, email: jukka.forsman (at)oulu.fi, tel.: +358 2494 481951 and Dr. James Thorson, email: James.T.Thorson(at)gmail.com


The University of Oulu in Northern Finland, with approximately 16,000 students and 3,000 employees, is an international, multidisciplinary research university with a rich pool of creative and intellectual talent. The strengths of the University include broad, multidisciplinary research interests, a modern research and study environment, and wide cooperation with international research and educational institutes (http://www.oulu.fi/university/).

Salary
The salary will be based on the levels 5 – 6 of the demand level chart for university-level teaching and research staff of Finnish universities. In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance will be paid (maximum of 46.3 % of the job-specific component). The salary is thus in practice roughly 3,500 – 4,000 € per month, depending on the appointee’s qualifications and experience.

Application Procedure
The following documents must be attached to the application:
1) Brief curriculum vitae in English
2) List of publications in international peer-reviewed journals
3) Brief description of research merits
4) Brief (1 – 2 pages) research and action plan in English
5) Contact information of two or three (2-3) persons whom may be asked to give a statement of the candidate

Applications, together with all relevant enclosures, should be submitted using electronic application form by 30.6.2017. NOTE: Mark the number of the position you are applying.


A link to recruiting system: https://rekry.saima.fi/certiahome/open_job_view.html?did=5600&jc=1&id=00003892&lang=en

Post-Doc position - PALEOECOLOGY - U. New Mexico

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research associate in PALEOECOLOGY at the University of New Mexico.  Support exists for a 1-2 year appointment with extension subject to successful progress. The candidate will work with Drs. Felisa Smith and Seth Newsome at UNM on a new project investigating the ecological consequences of the terminal Pleistocene megafauna extinction on surviving mammals in North America (see Smith et al. 2016. Ecography 39:223-239; Smith et al. 2016. Ecography 39:99-108). Active involvement in planned or ongoing projects is expected; these might include 2 or 3D morphological analyses, stable isotope studies, species distribution modeling or other activities. The successful applicant will conduct original research, write manuscripts for publication, and assist with writing grant proposals.  A Ph.D. in ecology, paleontology, biology, or a related discipline is required, along with quantitative skills and a strong publication record. Experience with statistical analysis and R programming, phylogenetic methodologies, or paleontology is highly desirable. NOTE: we are also looking for some talented graduate students who are interested in employing a historical or paleo-perspective to study issues in conservation.

Please email a CV and a letter of interest, including contact telephone numbers and email addresses for three references to fasmith@unm.edu by October 15, 2016. The University of New Mexico is an equal access/equal opportunity/affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce.

Felisa A. Smith, Ph.D.

Professor of Biology

Director, Program in Interdisciplinary Biology & Biomedical Science (PiBBs)

Department of Biology 

University of New Mexico

MSC03 2020

1 University of New Mexico

Albuquerque, NM   87131-0001

505.277.6725 office

505.277.3859 lab

505.277.0304 fax

505.277.3411 Biology department

http://biology.unm.edu/fasmith

Postdoc Position - Massy University, Auckland, NZ

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Institute of Natural & Mathematical Sciences, College of Sciences, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand

 

Apply here: http://massey-careers.massey.ac.nz/9100/post-doctoral-research-fellow

 

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to contribute to the project ‘Synergising ecology and evolution: discovering patterns of functional and phylogenetic diversity of New Zealand's marine fishes versus depth’. Applications close: 19 January (11:45pm, New Zealand Standard time).

 

Project Overview

Biologists know least about the largest habitat on earth - the deep sea. Fundamental patterns of functional and phylogenetic biodiversity, from coastal waters to the abyss, have never been quantified. Do biodiversity trends in the ocean follow the patterns in alpha and beta diversity seen in the terrestrial environment? New Zealand’s latitudinal range and nearshore continental shelf offers a unique opportunity to address trends in biodiversity and community structure and to disentangle the evolutionary and ecological drivers of these patterns. This project will complement an existing stratified and replicated depth by latitude dataset describing fish community composition. Specifically, this project aims to combine phylogenetic and functional information with knowledge of community composition for the fishes of New Zealand and to understand the ecological and evolutionary drivers of community composition from the sub-tropics to the sub-antarctic, and from the shallows to the abyss. The results of these analyses will have a major impact on the interpretation of the ecology and evolutionary history of New Zealand’s fish communities and biodiversity patterns in the ocean, and will contribute novel methods of analyses for biodiversity research.

 

Position Overview

We are seeking a motivated and innovative researcher, keen to make their mark in the field of quantitative biodiversity research. The ideal candidate will have a PhD in biology and will have experience in phylogenetics, diversification analyses, biogeographic analysis, comparative methods, trait-based analyses, ecological modeling, multivariate statistics, macroecology, and community ecology. Applicants with only a subset of these skills are encouraged to apply. A track record of publication in international journals and relevant statistical, computational and programming skills are expected. The appointed Fellow will conduct phylogenetic analyses of new and data-mined sequence data, and will combine these data with existing community data, and functional trait data to describe biodiversity patterns. The Fellow will contribute to the development of statistical methods to help test explicit hypotheses that will disentangle evolutionary and ecological drivers of diversity and turnover. The Fellow is not expected to have any prior experience in marine fieldwork, molecular genetic benchwork, or ichthyology. The appointee will be encouraged to supplement the primary research goals of the project with their own research objectives, in consultation with the wider research team that includes Prof. Marti J. Anderson (co-Primary Investigator, Chair in Statistics, Massey University), Dr. Clive Roberts (co-Primary Investigator, Head Curator of Fishes, Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa), Dr. Libby Liggins (mentor/supervisory role, Lecturer in Marine Ecology, Massey University) and a recruited PhD candidate (responsible for functional trait analysis, Massey University). The Fellow will be expected and supported to publish and present their findings to international peers. Proficiency in written and spoken English is required.

 

Position specifics

The position is three years, starting March 2016 (a later start date may be negotiated for an exceptional candidate). The Fellow will be based in the Institute of Natural and Mathematical Sciences (INMS) at Massey University’s campus in Auckland, New Zealand. INMS is a recently formed multi-disciplinary research and teaching Institute incorporating Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics. In conjunction with world-class researchers in the closely-linked Institute for Advanced Study (IAS), INMS has special strengths in quantitative biology and ecology, evolution, genetics, mathematical biology, computational science and modelling of complex systems. Massey University is in the north of Auckland, with easy access to the city of Auckland (New Zealand’s largest and most culturally diverse city) and recreational areas such as the harbour, islands, beaches, and forest parks. The Fellow will be joining a dynamic team of researchers working on the frontier of statistics, ecology, and evolution. The Fellow will also work closely with scientists of Te Papa Tongarewa, Museum of New Zealand, in Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city. Te Papa holds New Zealand’s National Fish Collection and supports an active ichthyology research team.

 

Enquiries regarding the funded project and specific role of the Fellow should be directed to Dr. Libby Liggins (Email: l.liggins@massey.ac.nz) or Prof. Marti J. Anderson (Email: m.j.anderson@massey.ac.nz).

Information about the Institute of Natural and Mathematical Sciences can be found at http://inms.massey.ac.nz; information about Te Papa Tongarewa can be found at http://www.tepapa.govt.nz/pages/home.aspx.

Postdoc Fellowship Available - Biosystematics - University of KwaZulu-Natal

Biosystematics Research: Postdoctoral Fellowship
KZN Herbarium, Durban

SANBI has been mandated to collect, generate, process, coordinate and disseminate information about biodiversity and the sustainable use of indigenous biological resources, and establish and maintain databases. A postdoctoral position, based at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, is available to conduct and publish taxonomic research on problematic plant taxa of KwaZulu-Natal.

Requirements:
Candidates must have a recent PhD (awarded in the last 5 years) in plant taxonomy and experience in taxonomic research. Candidates must be pro-active, enthusiastic, keen to work as part of a team and interested in doing excellent research that can make a difference. Candidates must be in possession of a valid driver’s licence.

Value:
The fellowship of R240 000 per year is offered for a period of two years. Running costs to the amount of R15 000 per year are attached to the position.

 Application procedure:
Application to be accompanied by a standard application cover sheet (contact j.victor@sanbi.org.za for copy). Applicants are required to highlight in their applications how they see their skills being applied to the above-mentioned research area and the types of questions they are interested in addressing. Applications are to include a full CV; certified copies of ID, academic record and highest qualification; two letters of reference (academic); and an example publication.

Send all documents to students@sanbi.org.za with ‘SANBI Biosystematics Research Postdoc’ in the subject line.

To discuss details of the project please contact:
Ms Janine Victor, SANBI Deputy Director: Biosystematics Research e-mail: j.victor@sanbi.org.za telephone 012.843 5132

SANBI reserves the right not to fill this fellowship.
If no response has been received within 21 days of the closing date, candidates may assume that their applications were unsuccessful.

Job: Postdoctoral position in community ecology

The Belmaker (Tel Aviv University; www.belmaker.weebly.com) and Chase Labs (German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research, Leipzig; www.idiv.de/research/idiv_centre_groups/synthesis.html) are looking for a postdoctoral fellow to work on a collaborative biodiversity synthesis project. The research will focus on exploring novel methods to decompose and compare changes in biodiversity in space and time. The project will make use of existing global datasets, primarily of marine fishes. The successful applicant is expected to spend significant amounts of times in both Israel and Germany, but specific details are negotiable. This is a one-year fellowship renewable for a second year upon performance.  Start date is flexible but can be as soon as October, 2015.

Skills: The ideal candidate will possess a background in community ecology, a strong publication record and good programming skills in standard statistical platforms (e.g., R).
Contact: Interested candidates should send a C.V. (including references) to jbelmaker@post.tau.ac.il. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Postdoctoral stipend: Biogeographical regions as a conservation tool - SLU Uppsala

Postdoctoral stipend: Biogeographical regions as a conservation tool

A 12 month postdoctoral stipend is available at SLU Uppsala. The stipend corresponds to an average of about 25.000 SEK per month.

Project description:
The objective of this research project is to identify biogeographical regions within Sweden, which can aid conservation decisions. The overall applied aim is to increase adaptation of forest conservation measures to regional conditions. The result will have a large potential use as decision support when formulating recommendations about e.g. setting aside reserves, designing retention approaches at logging or planning of restoration measures. The main data source will be the extensive species data-bases within the Species Observations System at Swedish Species Information Centre, available through Swedish LifeWatch http://www.svenskalifewatch.se/en/. Other biophysical data-bases may also be used. The research implies handling of large datasets and statistical analyses mainly using multivariate methods. The postdoc will be part of a group who conducts policy-relevant research on forestry and biodiversity (http://www.slu.se/en/departments/ecology/research/conservation-biology/).

Lena Gustafsson (http://www.slu.se/en/departments/ecology/hemsidor/omdirigerat/gustafsson-
lena/) will be the host for the postdoc but several other people will also be involved. More information can be obtained from Lena Gustafsson via email lena.gustafsson@slu.se.

Qualifications: The successful candidate should hold a PhD in ecology (or equivalent) and have a track-record in scientific publication. Strong skills in multivariate statistics and handling of large dataset are necessary. Good knowledge about nature conservation in forests is an advantage, but not a prerequisite. We are not allowed to give the stipend to anyone previously employed by SLU.

The application should include:
(1) a summary of previous research experience (max. a half page),
(2) a description of what you want to learn and deliver through the project (max. a half page),
(3) curriculum vitae and
(4) two reference persons.

Your complete application should be sent to Professor Lena Gustafsson, Box 7044, SE-750 07 UPPSALA, or e-mail:lena.gustafsson@slu.se, to arrive at the latest March 2 , 2015.

Presidential Postdoctoral Fellowship Program 2014-15, University of California

We invite biogeographers eligible for the University of California's Presidential Postdoctoral Fellowship Program (PPFP; http://ppfp.ucop.edu/info/) to contact us about projects at the intersection of paleoecology (Blois Lab) and evolution (Dawson Lab). We are looking for a colleague and collaborator who will enrich an ongoing study of community responses to environmental change using tropical marine lakes as a model system (http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2013/nsf13042/nsf13042.pdf). For more information, see our labs' websites (http://jessicablois.com; http://mnd.ucmerced.edu), the project abstract (www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=1241255), then write to us (jblois@ucmerced.edu; mdawson@ucmerced.edu). Successful PPFP applicants receive salary support and research funds for 2 years and subsequently are eligible for the University of California President's hiring incentive (http://ppfp.ucop.edu/info/fellowship-recipients/hiring-incentive.html) to encourage transition of fellows into tenure track faculty positions at any of the UC campuses. The deadline for submitting applications to the University of California is 01 November 2014.

Post Doc: Freshwater Macroecology

Post Doctoral Research Associate in Freshwater Macroecology
School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences
University of Washington
Overview:  The Freshwater Ecology and Conservation Lab at the University of Washington seeks a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher. Applicants will develop a collaborative research project with the Principal Investigator that falls broadly within in the area freshwater macroecology or conservation biogeography, and can be tailored to the interests of the successful applicant. Examples of potential research areas include traits-based ecology, trophic organization and food webs, modeling species distributions, forecasting the effects of environmental changes on invasive species and biodiversity, species rarity, conservation planning and (dis)assembly rules. The applicant will have excellent opportunities to work with existing species, trait and environmental databases that span a hierarchy of spatial scales from streams to watersheds to continents to the world.

The successful applicant will be advised by Dr. Julian Olden at the University of Washington, and may work closely with collaborators in other countries. The position will be funded initially for one year, with one or more years of additional funding available, contingent upon performance. Additional funds will be available to support collaborative research endeavors. The Freshwater Ecology and Conservation Lab contains an extremely cohesive mix of graduate students, post-docs and staff.  Quite simply: we play hard and work even harder … and are looking for the same in the applicant.  More information see: http://depts.washington.edu/oldenlab/.

Qualifications: PhD in ecology, zoology, biogeography or related field. Priority will be given to applicants that exhibit strong quantitative modeling and communication skills, proven expertise with GIS and database management, demonstrated excellence in the publication of peer-reviewed papers, and a proven record of working both independently and in a team.

Location:  The position will be located within the School of Aquatic and Fishery Science (SAFS) (http://fish.washington.edu/). SAFS is the leading aquatic and fisheries department globally, and includes 40 faculty and 125 graduate students, and about 90 administrative and research staff. Faculty, staff and students have access to myriad aquatic habitats and rich biological resources, and are involved in interdisciplinary partnerships with other academic programs, as well as public and private organizations and environmental and regulatory agencies.  Seattle is a vibrant and progressive city with ample opportunities for recreation and city-living

Start date: Spring or Summer 2014

Contact: Interested candidates should submit (1) a brief 2-page description of research interests, research project idea, and future career goals, (2) curriculum vitae, (3) most influential publications (PDF), and contact information for at least three references to: Dr. Julian Olden, School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington at olden@uw.edu. Screening of applicants will occur in Fall 2014 and will continue until a suitable candidate is found. UW is an equal opportunity  employer and actively seeks diversity among its employees.

PaleoSDM postdoctoral position

A postdoctoral position is available to work in the lab of Jessica Blois at UC Merced. Funding will be to develop paleo-species distribution models of fossil pollen and mammals across eastern North America, as part of a broader project focused on developing and testing new methods for incorporating both biotic interactions and climate change into macroecological models. Ongoing projects in the lab use species and community level modeling, genetic and paleoecological tools to understand the ecological and evolutionary forces shaping mammal and pollen communities during the late Quaternary.

Candidates must have a Ph.D. in paleoecology, biogeography, macro ecology, ecological modeling or related fields. Expertise in species distribution modeling, R programming and paleoecology is strongly preferred. The successful candidate will have excellent quantitative skills and evidence of strong scholarship including peer reviewed publications in high-ranked journals.

To apply, submit 1) a cover letter 2) curriculum vitae 3) a list of three references with contact information including mailing address, phone number and e-mail address.  The cover letter should include a very brief description of research interests, experience and emphasize the candidate’s ability to finish projects and the unique skills the candidate might bring to the lab. Position will remain open until filled, though review of applications will begin on 8/12/2013. Anticipated start date is no later than January 2014.

To apply online: http://jobs.ucmerced.edu/n/academic/position.jsf?positionId=4767

For additional information, please contact Jessica Blois (jblois@ucmerced.edu)

Postdoctoral position in Biogeography/Macroecology/Spatial Ecology

The Department of Ecologie and Evolution (DEE; www.unil.ch/dee, Faculty of biology and medicine) is opening a position as First Assistant (Postdoc) in
Biogeography/Macroecology/Spatial Ecology.



Starting date          : 01.08.2013 or to be arranged
Contract duration      : 1 year. Renewable for two years
Activity rate          : 80%
Work place             : Lausanne Dorigny, Biophore

Expected profile :
PhD in Biogeography/Macroecology/Spatial Ecology or equivalent
Good skills in computer, programming, GIS, statistics
Good knowledge in macroecological, spatial ecology and biogeographical theory
Willingness to conduct research in spatial ecology, biogeography and eco-informatic modelling and simulations

Description of tasks:
50% at least of the activity will be dedicated to research on modelling and simulating species and community distributions within the Spatial Ecology group (ECOSPAT, www.unil.ch/ecospat).
30% of the activity will be dedicated to supporting the Ecospat lab and teaching activities (exercises, practicals, tutorials) within DEE.

Application and contact:
Motivation letter, CV, pdf of PhD thesis, name and coordinates of 3 reference persons
The application is to be submited to Prof. Antoine Guisan, DEE, Biophore, UNIL, 1015 Lausanne, e-mail: antoine.guisan@unil.ch

For any information regarding this position, contac: Prof. Antoine Guisan at : antoine.guisan@unil.ch
Application deadline:  4 July 2013

Postdoc: Climate and Biological Response of Hummingbird Diversity

Post Doctoral Associate Position available on a grant titled "Climate and Biological Response: Combining Remote-Sensing and Biological Data to Predict the Consequences of Climate Change on Hummingbird Diversity” under the direction of Catherine Graham (coPI’s include Scott Goetz, Don Powers and Susan Wethington).  The post-doc will live in Stony Brook, New York but field work will be conducted in Arizona and Ecuador.  The incumbent will be responsible for data collection (both from literature and in the field), data analyses, and manuscript writing.  Preferred qualifications include a doctoral degree or the foreign equivalent degree (preferable in Ecology and Evolution), field experience with birds or plants, and statistical modeling in R, GIS and remote-sensing skills, and demographic modeling.  Adequate Spanish speaking skills are also desirable. The salary range is 38,000 – 45,000.  The ideal start date is April 1, 2013 and the position will be filled as soon as possible.

Please send the CV, letter of interest and 3 references to Catherine Graham (catherine.graham@stonybrook.edu). The research foundation of SUNY is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer

Research Fellow in spatial ecological analysis and modelling

46 month postdoctoral position (or may be split into 2 shorter posts if desired)

We are looking to recruit a dynamic Early Career Researcher with a proven track record in ecological theory, spatial mathematical or statistical modelling and/or software development to address a number of exciting projects funded by 3 EU projects (EU-BON, SCALES and ExpeER):

Developing spatial niche models (EU-BON, SCALES).  Niche models are widely used to predict species distributions and to forecast responses to future environmental change.  However, classical bioclimatic niche models have been criticised for ignoring the spatial structure of populations, greatly reducing their predictive power.  Conversely, spatial downscaling approaches rely exclusively on spatial patterning to infer fine scale occupancy, but are insensitive to environmental predictors of where such populations should be found.  The goal here is to develop a hybrid approach, one that takes advantage of both spatial and environmental pattern information.  These approaches will be tested and applied to high-quality biodiversity datasets.

Developing up-scaling and down-scaling analytical tools (EU-BON, SCALES, ExpeER). Biodiversity, abundance and function are spatially complex, multi-scaled and often non-additive.  Various techniques have been developed for inferring coarse scale biodiversity from sets of local samples (biodiversity up-scaling) and conversely to infer fine scale occupancy from coarser scale distributional data (population down-scaling).  We hope to further develop these tools, e.g. to allow up-scaling in the absence of count data, using information on spatial turnover patterns.  We also need to develop software tools or analytic libraries and appropriate documentation, to make these approaches more widely available to non-specialist researchers and conservation analysts.  We will also test for efficient sampling designs to be used in applications of these approaches to population and biodiversity monitoring.  

Implementing improved remote sensing vegetation models (EU-BON).  Remotely sensed images are typically classified on the basis of spectral reflectance data.  The spatial scales of ancillary variables typically receive little attention in the classifications of vegetation from remotely sensed images; however recent research in our group has shown that incorporating widely available environmental datasets (e.g. DEM, soils) at local and neighbourhood scales has the potential to inform and greatly improve such classifications, allowing much finer vegetation differentiation and higher accuracy than would otherwise be possible.  We will further develop these methods to incorporate information about temporal variation in reflectance and in vegetation, and develop application software to make them more widely available.

These three goals are linked; the vegetation modelling involves a form of the spatial niche modelling, and the resulting vegetation maps could serve as habitat variables for modelling animal distributions.  Moreover, both involve explicit scaling approaches, tied to the downscaling methods. 

The Research Fellow will join a large and varied team of academics, postdoctoral researchers and postgraduate students from both the Kunin and Benton labs, and the wider Leeds ecology and evolution research group.  They will also have the opportunity to form collaborations with a wide circle of researchers across Europe and beyond, and to participate in the three project teams.

Application deadline: 14 March 2013.  For information contact Bill Kunin: w.e.kunin@leeds.ac.uk For further details and application materials: http://jobs.leeds.ac.uk,  Reference: FBSBY0002

PhD position: modeling of invasive algal species

The Phycology Research Group (UGent) is looking for a highly motivated PhD student who is keen to work on invasive seaweeds and distribution modeling in the framework of a EU FP7 ERA-NET funded project.

Background:
European coasts regrettably form a global hotspot for marine introductions with over 500 alien species recorded at present. Seaweeds represent one of the largest groups of marine aliens in Europe and several invasive seaweeds qualify among the most notorious pest species in the marine environment.

Study/Research project:
The main objective of this research opportunity is to predict the potential range of invasive alien seaweeds by developing species distribution models (SDM) under present and future climatic conditions. SDM links species occurrences with the environmental characteristics and have the potential to predict distributions in a geographically explicit framework, including extrapolation in space and time. The predictive power of SDM, however, is very much dependent on the assumption that species are at equilibrium with their environment. The very nature of invasive species makes that this is assumption is not met for these organisms. Therefore SDM of invasive or range-shifting species is particularly challenging, and requires development of advanced modeling techniques:

Detailed objectives include:
1. updating information about distribution of alien seaweeds in Europe
2. developing methodologies aimed at predicting the spread and eventual range of marine IAS under current and future climatic scenarios
3. testing for niche shifts in introduced and invasive seaweeds by comparing the ecological niche in invaded and native ranges
4. identifying geographic areas most likely to be disproportionally impacted by the future spread of invasive species.

What is expected from candidates:
1. EU citizenship
2. A Master of Science degree relevant to the subject (e.g. Biology, Bioscience Engineering, Marine Biodiversity and Conservation, Geography, ...)
3. Excellent study results and a scientific, critical attitude
4. English language proficiency
5. Computer literacy. Experience with geographical information systems (GIS), modeling software and/or scripting is regarded an important advantage

We initially offer of a fellowship of 1 year, which is possibly extendable after positive evaluation. Candidates should be willing to apply for additional external grants (e.g. IWT, FWO). Interested candidates email Olivier De Clerck (Olivier.declerck@ugent.be) with a motivation letter and CV before 7 February 2013. Preferred starting date: March 1st, 2013.

Jobs: Center for Macroecology, Evolution and Climate

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Center for Macroecology, Evolution and Climate

 Natural History Museum of Denmark and Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen

Pre-announcement of seven positions

The Center for Macroecology, Evolution and Climate will soon offer three faculty positions:

 Full Professor in Macroecology, Macroevolution or Community Ecology

 Associate Professor in Macroecology, Macroevolution or Community Ecology

 Associate Professor in Historical Biogeography and four fixed-term postdoc or Assistant Professor

positions (2-4 years):

 Assistant Professor in Phylogeography

 Assistant Professor or postdocs in Biogeography

 Assistant Professor or postdocs in Macroecology

 Assistant Professor or postdocs in Macroevolution

Positions will be announced start of the new year with a fairly short application deadline especially for the fixed term positions.

We seek international competitive candidates with a very strong publication record at the level of position interested in. We expect documented strong analytical and data handling skills and the ability to communicate within a crossdisciplinary research center. Competitive salaries are offered.

For more information contact Professor and Center Director Carsten Rahbek at crahbek@bio.ku.dk – or catch him at the forthcoming IBS conference in Florida.

The center (http://macroecology.ku.dk/) is a longterm funded center of excellence with a crossdisciplinary research program addressing fundamental questions on the origin, maintenance, conservation and future of life and biological diversity on Earth. Researchers at the center currently represent 14 different nationalities and the working language is English.

2 POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER POSITIONS in GLOBAL CHANGE and CONSERVATION

Two positions available at the Global Change and Conservation group, part of the Centre of Excellence in Metapopulation Research, at the University of Helsinki, Finland. The appointments will be for a fixed term for two years and there will be a trial period of four months in the beginning. Starting independent university researchers can be considered in special cases.

We are looking for ambitious advanced postdocs willing to join a stimulating environment and collaborate with an active team. We would especially welcome candidates with background and expertise that could complement the team most. We work with a broad range of topics related to conservation effectiveness and conservation planning. Climate change research has a strong focus, but we also deal with other important aspects of conservation: conserving evolutionary history; ecosystem functioning and conservation planning; deforestation, causes and consequences; governance and other sociopolitical constraints to conservation (read more about us at http://gcc.it.helsinki.fi). The team hosts a broad range of research activities from methodological and theoretical research to teaching a very applied field course in the tropics. A qualified candidate will have interests in developing conservation theory, developing measures of effectiveness of conservation actions, and/or developing quantitative and spatial conservation planning approaches.

We would welcome candidates with very different profiles, from social scientists to spatial ecologists or biostatisticians. We especially welcome applications from candidates specialized in community ecology (in particular, modelers of metacommunities in space), macroecology, paleontology, and physiology. For one of the posts, we would favor a candidate with a strong spatial statistics background and extensive GIS skills.

For the second post we would have preference for a candidate with a social science

background and with expertise in studying the social aspects of conservation science.

The topic for the research project is open for specification depending on the expertise and interest of the candidate. Nonetheless, the successful candidate will be expected to conduct original research on core problems in biodiversity conservation. The candidate should be willing to integrate his/her own research project to those of the team, and be able to propose and foster common lines of research.

Qualified applicants should possess a minimum of a doctoral degree (Ph.D) and have the background and ability to address or discuss a wide range of disciplines and issues

related to conservation. Selected candidates will not have the obligation, but will have the opportunity to participate in PhD student supervision.

The salary will be based on level 5–6 (3 105–4 221 €/month, Postdoctoral Researcher /

University Researcher) of the demands level chart for teaching and research personnel in the salary system of Finnish universities. In addition, the appointee will be paid a salary component based on personal performance. All standard pension benefits and

occupational health care are provided for university employees.

Applications

Candidates should submit by email (biotiede-mrg@helsinki.fi) the following documentation by December 30th:

- Curriculum vitae

- Brief description of previous work, with 3 selected publications

- Letter of interest, expressing how the candidate thinks his/her background would

fit the team’s research interests

- Names and email addresses of up to three referees

Position Extent: 2 years

Starting date: preferably 1.2.2013

Contact person: Mar Cabeza (cabeza@cc.helsinki.fi)

Information about us:

The team: http://gcc.it.helsinki.fi

The larger research group: www.helsinki.fi/science/metapop

The department: http://www.helsinki.fi/biosciences/

Helsinki, 12th December 2012

University of Helsinki Central Administration

www.helsinki.fi/university

1 Post-Doctoral and 2 PhD positions in Ecology (University of Bayreuth)

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Rationale: SIGNAL is a joint experimental research activity across eight European countries combining biodiversity experiments, climate change research, and invasion research. Extreme weather events and the presence of invasive species can act as pressures threatening biodiversity, resilience and ecosystem services of semi-natural grasslands and can suddenly drive them beyond thresholds of system integrity. Yet, biodiversity may buffer against change. Potential stabilising mechanisms include species richness, presence of key species such as legumes and within species diversity. These potential buffers can be promoted by conservation management and political decisions.  

1 Experienced ecologist (postdoc, equivalent to assistant professor)

Requirements: Applicants should have a PhD in Ecology or related fields and combine strong expertise in experimental field research, statistical data analysis in R and scientific writing in fluent English with team spirit and personal scientific visions. Interest in disturbance and vegetation ecology, in meta-analysis and biogeographical gradients as well as in ecological services is wanted. Duties in SIGNAL coordination and in the science-policy-conservation interface as well as in university teaching will be negotiated according to personal preference. Place of work is Bayreuth, though the applicant will collaborate with international scientists. The position is full or part-time for three years beginning in January 2013. We encourage women to apply and favour applicants with disabilities and equal qualifications. Our research team is family-friendly, enthusiastic, ambitious, young and international. 

2 PhD-Position in Experimental Ecology

Requirements: Applicants should have a Diploma or Masters degree in Ecology or related fields and combine expertise in experimental field research, statistical data analysis in R and team spirit. The thesis will be a series of manuscripts in international scientific journals. Place of work is Bayreuth, though the applicant will collaborate with international scientists. The PhD-position is part-time for three years beginning in January or July 2013. We encourage women to apply and favour applicants with disabilities and equal qualifications. Our research team is family-friendly, enthusiastic, ambitious, young and international. 

1 PhD-Position in Science-Policy-Conservation-Interface

Requirements: Applicants should have a Diploma or Masters degree in Ecology or related fields and combine expertise / interest in field research, nature conservation, policy briefings, communication with stakeholders and team spirit. The thesis will be a series of manuscripts in international scientific journals. Place of work is Bayreuth, though the applicant will collaborate with international scientists. The PhD-position is part-time for three years beginning in January or July 2013. We encourage women to apply and favour applicants with disabilities and equal qualifications. Our research team is family-friendly, enthusiastic, ambitious, young and international.

Applications: A single pdf-file including letter of motivation, research experience, Curriculum Vitae, publication list and names of three referees should be sent by email to Prof. Dr. Anke Jentsch, Disturbance Ecology, University of Bayreuth, Email: anke.jentsch@uni-bayreuth.de until November 5^th 2012.

Application deadline: November 05^th, 2012