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.

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.

Faculty Position (open-rank), Brown University - Conservation Biology (with expertise in Ecology or Evolutionary Biology)

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The Institute at Brown for Environment and Society (IBES) and the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EEB) seek to fill an open-rank faculty position in Conservation Biology. The successful applicant will be appointed at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor (with tenure) or Assistant Professor (tenure-track). We will consider outstanding candidates whose research addresses problems in conservation biology from a strong disciplinary foundation in ecology or evolutionary biology. The successful candidate will develop a vigorous externally funded research program that significantly advances disciplinary knowledge, and will actively engage in interdisciplinary collaborations with faculty and students. They will be expected to share a strong commitment to excellence in teaching and mentoring graduate and undergraduate students. 

A successful senior candidate must have an outstanding record of national and international scholarly achievement, a proven record of successful research funding, and demonstrated excellence in undergraduate and graduate teaching and advising. A successful junior candidate must be engaged in a research program with the potential to influence his or her field, demonstrate the intention to obtain external funding, and demonstrate the potential for excellence in undergraduate and graduate teaching and advising. Candidates are encouraged to contact Professor Dov Sax, chair of the search committee, with questions about the nature of the position.

All candidates should submit: (1) a cover letter describing their interest in the position, (2) a curriculum vitae, (3) a research statement, and (4) a teaching statement. Senior candidates (full and associate) should include the names of five references who would be contacted at the appropriate time by the search committee. Junior candidates should have three letters of reference sent at the time of the application. To receive full consideration applications must be received by October 1, 2015. The search will remain open until the position is filled or the search is closed. Brown is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, and women and minorities are encouraged to apply.  Send materials to: http://www.interfolio.com/apply/30352

Two Open Positions in Evolutionary Ecology and Ecosystem Modeling

The Appalachian Laboratory (AL) of the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) invites applications for two tenure-track/tenured faculty positions at the Assistant or Associate Professor level.  We are searching for highly collaborative individuals who will complement our institutional expertise in landscape and watershed ecology. 

We seek an evolutionary ecologist who applies modern genomic and traditional genetic techniques to the study of terrestrial or aquatic ecosystems at broad spatiotemporal scales, consistent with UMCES’ perspective of “genes-to-ecosystems” and “mountain-to-the-sea” research domains.  Preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate experience and vision for research that integrates across levels, from the molecule to the landscape, with the objective of improving understanding of how genetic diversity within ecosystems affects and is affected by current and emerging global change processes.  Potential study organisms include soil and sediment microbes, higher plants, or terrestrial and aquatic vertebrates.

We seek an ecosystem modeler who employs state-of-the-art data-model fusion techniques to address ecological questions and to integrate ecosystem processes across time and space.  Preference will be given to those candidates who demonstrate experience in using multiple datasets to constrain landscape, ecosystem, or earth system models, with the objective of utilizing systems modeling to improve our understanding of ecosystem responses to global change processes.  Scientists at AL and other UMCES laboratories are at the cutting edge of producing increasingly large and diverse datasets in hydrology, air and water quality, land use/land cover change, wildlife habitat, species distributions and genomic variation, biogeochemistry, and terrestrial and aquatic ecology, thus providing numerous opportunities for improved scientific understanding of ecosystems through interdisciplinary collaborations and systems modeling. 

The UMCES mission includes advancing world-class basic research, promoting graduate-level education, conducting community outreach and science application, and providing scientific expertise for regional environmental policies on topics such as air, land, and water management in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.  We seek to build faculty at AL and across our three sibling UMCES laboratories with complementary areas of expertise in the environmental sciences.  These faculty positions provide 75% of salary support, with the expectation of raising 25% salary from grants.  The successful candidates will be expected to mentor graduate students and carry a modest graduate-level teaching load.  The AL is located in the headwaters of the Chesapeake Bay watershed, with a diverse range of forested and agricultural ecosystems found nearby.  While research relevant to the Chesapeake Bay watershed should become part of the successful candidates’ project portfolios, other regional, national, and global research domains are strongly encouraged.  

These two positions are the first of several coordinated new hires expected over the next few years.  Faculty positions at AL provide a unique opportunity to focus broadly on research, while also mentoring graduate students and participating in collaborative regional and global application and outreach of environmental science.  The AL offers strong administrative support and excellent research, computing, and teaching facilities, including isotopic, molecular, plant, soil, and water analysis laboratories, growth chambers, and a greenhouse.  The AL is located in Frostburg, MD, a small college town (Frostburg State University) in the heart of the central Appalachian Mountains, with excellent recreational and cultural activities nearby. 

Applicants should send the following electronically: (1) a curriculum vitae; (2) statement of research interests and a brief discussion of how their research aligns with one of the two job descriptions and would complement ongoing research at AL and UMCES; (3) statement on experience with and approach to graduate-level teaching and mentoring of graduate students; (4) up to five selected reprints and preprints; and (5) names of four references (including title, mailing address, telephone, FAX, and e-mail address) to PIsearch@al.umces.edu.  Review of applications will begin on January 20, 2015, and will continue until the positions are filled.  Information about the AL and UMCES and this search can be found at: http://www.umces.edu/al   Inquiries may be addressed to the AL Director, Dr. Eric A. Davidson: edavidson@al.umces.edu.

UMCES is an Affirmative Action/EOE.  Individuals with disabilities, veterans, women and minorities are strongly encouraged to apply.  

PhD Funding, Sax Research Group, Brown University

The Sax Research Group is broadly interested in the field of conservation biogeography. We have funding for a PhD student interested in studying species’ responses to climate change, with a special emphasis in understanding the relationship between species geographical distributions and climate. We will soon begin to pursue the research agenda described in a recent publication in Trends in Ecology and Evolution – Sax et al. 2013 (download PDF here). This work will characterize and map the realized, fundamental and tolerance niches of hundreds of plant species by taking advantage of species’ native, naturalized and horticultural distributions. Other active areas of work in the lab include species invasions and species extinction dynamics. Students interested in this opportunity should contact dov.sax@gmail.com

Job - Assistant/Associate Curator of Arachnology

California Academy of Sciences seeks an inspirational scientist who exemplifies the Academy’s mission to “explore, explain, and sustain life on Earth.”  The candidate is expected to develop an internationally recognized research program on arachnids, communicate effectively with diverse audiences and address local or global sustainability issues.  We value innovation and creativity in both funding and engaging public audiences. The endowed position includes an appropriate start-up package, modest annual funds for research and a full-time postdoctoral position.

Application Instructions:
Applicants should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, a statement of their research interests (not more than 3 pages), a statement of their sustainability and outreach goals (not more than 3 pages), and contact information for three references.  Inquiries may also be directed to Dr. Brian Fisher (bfisher@calacademy.org), Chair of the search committee.  Review of applications will begin January 2015. We encourage submission before that date, but applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled.

Please apply online through http://calacademy.snaphire.com/jobdetails?ajid=9LVs8

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.

Three tenure-track positions in Global Change Sciences

The University of California, Merced invites qualified applications for three tenure-track positions as part of a Global Change Sciences Cluster in the Environmental Systems Graduate Group. The ES Graduate Group brings together a diverse group of faculty, graduate students, and research scholars with a shared interest in interdisciplinary research of natural and human-impacted environmental systems. The ES faculty belong to all three schools of the campus, with representation from the faculty in Engineering (Environmental Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Material Science and Engineering), Natural Sciences (Life and Environmental Sciences), and Social Sciences, Humanities and the Arts (Geography/Cognitive and Information Sciences).

Positions include an Assistant Professor in Evolutionary Biology (School of Natural Sciences), an Assistant Professor in Ecological Theory/Modeling (School of Natural Sciences), and an Open Rank Professor in Environmental/Ecological Engineering (School of Engineering). Please consult the job ads for more information and contact information specific to each position.

Ecological Theory/Modeling: http://jobs.ucmerced.edu/n/academic/position.jsf?positionId=4975
Evolutionary Biology: http://jobs.ucmerced.edu/n/academic/position.jsf?positionId=4977
Environmental Engineering: http://jobs.ucmerced.edu/n/academic/position.jsf?positionId=4971

The application deadline is January 10, 2014. AA/EOE

Associate/Full Professor in Natural Resource Management of Public Lands and Protected Areas

The University of California, Merced invites applications for an Associate or Full Professor in Natural Resource Management of Public Lands and Protected Areas. We seek a distinguished scholar who will provide leadership in establishing a program of international stature within the interdisciplinary area of adaptive management of complex coupled human (legal, administrative, economic, cultural) and natural (ecological, climatic, geologic, hydrologic) systems to sustain native species, ecosystems, and landscapes, and to preserve cultural heritage. Appropriate candidates will have distinguished research, educational, and leadership experience that emphasizes science, conservation, social science, and/or management.  The ideal candidate will bridge science and management, and will lead efforts to develop interdisciplinary research and education programs at UC Merced associated with science, management, and sustainability of public lands and protected areas. For more information or to apply, visit http://jobs.ucmerced.edu/n/academic/position.jsf?positionId=4942 AA/EOE.

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)

PhD position in Biogeography/Macroecology/Spatial Ecology

The Department of Ecologie and Evolution (DEE; www.unil.ch/dee) at the University of Lausanne (UNIL), Faculty of Biology and Medicine, Lausanne, Switzerland, is opening a position as

Graduate Assistant (PhD student)
in Biogeography/Macroecology/Spatial Ecology

Starting date       : 01.08.2013 or to be arranged
Contrat duration    : 1 year. Renewable twice for two years, but PhD in 4 years strongly encouraged.
Activity rate       : 80%
Work place          : Lausanne Dorigny, Biophore

Expected profile :
Master in Biogeography/Macroecology/Spatial Ecology or equivalent
Good computer skills, programming ability, GIS, basic knowledge in ecological (macro- and spatial) and biogeographical theory
Willingness to conduct research in spatial ecology, biogeography and eco-informatic modelling and simulations

Description of tasks:
50% of the activity will be dedicated to the PhD thesis 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 teaching activities (exercises, practicals, tutorials) within DEE.

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

Application deadline:  4 July 2013  (inquiry still possible after this date)

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.

Assistant Professor (Tenure Track) in Population Genetics

The University of California, Merced, invites applicants for a faculty position in Population Genetics/Genomics at the Assistant Professor rank (tenure-track). We particularly invite applications from active researchers who work on non-model organisms with, or interested in developing, a field research component that complements and advances theoretical and/or applied aspects of conservation biology. Applicants must have a Ph.D. in the biological sciences or other relevant field, a strong publication record, and demonstrated potential to develop an independent, innovative, externally funded research program. Applicants must be able to teach effectively at both undergraduate and graduate levels, and teach and mentor students of a diverse student population. For more information and to apply, visit: http://jobs.ucmerced.edu/n/academic/position.jsf?positionId=4294

The application deadline is January 18, 2013. AA/EOE

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

University of California, Merced

Associate or Full Professor

Natural Resource Management

Position Code: ASENG4231A

UC Merced invites applications for a ladder-rank faculty position at the Associate or Full Professor level in Natural Resource Management of Public Lands and Protected Areas. We seek a distinguished scholar who will provide leadership in establishing a program of international stature within the interdisciplinary area of adaptive management of complex coupled human (legal, administrative, economic, cultural) and natural (ecological, climatic, geologic, hydrologic) systems to sustain native species, ecosystems, and landscapes, and to preserve cultural heritage. We seek a leader in scholarship and practice that addresses lands and resource management broadly in the context of changing global earth systems and governance, including ecosystem services and climate adaptation.

Appropriate candidates will have distinguished research, educational, and leadership experience that emphasizes science, conservation, social science, and/or management. The ideal candidate will bridge science and management, and will lead efforts to develop interdisciplinary research and education programs at UC Merced associated with science, management, and sustainability of public lands and protected areas, such as national parks. The Sierra Nevada Research Institute and other campus units provide excellent opportunities for interdisciplinary research collaboration as well as established collaborations with external stakeholders.

The primary appointment may be in Natural Science, Social Sciences, or Engineering, or may be a joint appointment between schools. The successful candidate is expected to participate actively in the development of innovative, interdisciplinary graduate and undergraduate programs in the future School of Management, and to contribute to the teaching and mentoring of a diverse student population.

The University of California at Merced is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer with a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of diversity among its faculty, staff, and students. The University is supportive of dual career couples.

Qualifications: Ph.D in a relevant field and exemplary research, publication, and teaching commensurate with a faculty appointment at the University of California at the appropriate level.

Salary: Negotiable, based on the University of California academic pay scale.

Closing Date: 12/01/2012

To Apply: Interested applicants are required to submit 1) a cover letter 2) curriculum vitae 3) statement of research 4) statement of teaching and 5) a list of five references with contact information including mailing address, phone number and e-mail address.

Please do not submit individual letters of recommendation.

Applications must be submitted via this website:

http://jobs.ucmerced.edu/n/academic/position.jsf?positionId=4231

For more information: Contact Professor Paul Maglio at: pmaglio@ucmerced.edu

The University of California, Merced is a dynamic new university campus in Merced, California, which opened in September 2005 as the tenth campus of the University of California and the first American research university in the 21st century. In keeping with the mission of the University to provide teaching, research and public service of the highest quality, UC Merced offers research-centered and student-oriented educational opportunities at the undergraduate, master’s and doctoral levels through three academic schools: Engineering, Natural Sciences and Social Sciences/Humanities/Arts.