Ecology jobs, PhD, Postdoctoral and volunteer positions
Post-Doctoral Fellow in Freshwater Restoration Ecology
School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, New Zealand
Added 17 April 2013
We seek a top-class ecologist who is capable of blending theory and application in a restoration ecology context. This Postdoctoral Fellowship will involve trialling methods designed to offset and mitigate the effects of intensive agriculture on stream ecosystems. The position is funded for five years by the Mackenzie Charitable Foundation and works as part of University of Canterbury's Freshwater Ecology Research Group within the School of Biological Sciences. The position requires a person with an excellent research record in ecology, but will particularly suit somebody with a blend of skills and experience in freshwater ecology and restoration ecology.
For information about the position and how to apply, please see: http://www.seek.co.nz/Job/post-doctoral-fellow/in/canterbury-christchurch/24308913.
For more information about the Freshwater Ecology Research Group, please see: http://www.biol.canterbury.ac.nz/ferg/
Closing date for the position is 10 May, 2013
Postdoctoral Fellow - Priority effects and contrasting lineage diversification in New Zealand plants
Added 17 April 2013
We are seeking a post-doctoral researcher with interests in eco-evolutionary processes, including macro-ecology, competition, community assembly, evolution and phylogenetics to conduct research into the role of priority effects in plant lineage diversification in New Zealand.
The three-year project is part of a new Royal Society of New Zealand Marsden Fund grant led by Prof. Bill Lee at Landcare Research/University of Auckland/ University of Otago, based in Dunedin, New Zealand, in collaboration with Dr Peter Heenan (Landcare Research, Lincoln), Dr Tad Fukami (Stanford University, USA) and Dr Andrew Tanentzap (Queen Mary, University of London).
The postdoctoral (0.8 FTE) researcher will engage with the priority-effects analyses investigating colonisation history and community assembly using national plot-level vegetation datasets. The researcher will also investigate trait appearance patterns across multiple lineages, develop niche-breadth datasets and complete the appropriate analyses. The successful candidate will have previous experience in comparative phylogenetic analysis, particularly the integration of ecological and molecular data into phylogenetic frameworks.
To improve collaborative and career opportunities, the Postdoctoral Fellow will be included in other research projects within Landcare Research with independent funding (0.2 FTE).
Landcare Research is New Zealand's foremost environmental research organisation specialising in sustainable management of terrestrial ecosystems and enhancing biodiversity. This position will be based at one of our New Zealand locations and is fixed term for three years.
To apply please go to www.landcareresearch.co.nz/jobs. You will need to include your Curriculum Vitae, a cover letter and three referees for the attention of Dr Bill Lee.
Applications will close on 1st May 2013.
2 PhD positions in Behavioural Ecology, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.
Added 17 April 2013
Project 1: Climate-related reproductive plasticity in male birds
Project Aims:
Some Australian bird species have extended reproductive seasons, and breed across a wide range of social and environmental conditions. In such species males may have to maintain the production of viable sperm for prolonged periods (relative to well-studied species from the northern hemisphere). This project will examine individual strategies in sperm production against both climatic and social variation in two species of arid zone bird on which we have been conducting long-term behavioural and ecological research (the zebra finch and the chestnut-crowned babbler). This project develops on our recent work into both these species that has illuminated complex social and environmental sources of variation into reproductive investment. The project addresses questions relating to sperm competition, cooperative breeding, sexual conflict and climate change.
This project will involve long periods of field-work at a remote field station along with microscopy and molecular work to be conducted in the laboratory of Simon Griffith (Biological Sciences) at Macquarie University (Sydney). The project will also involve collaboration with Kate Buchanan (Deakin University), Andy Russell (Exeter University, UK), and Melissah Rowe (University of Oslo, Norway).
Project 2: The genetics of domestication in two model finches
Project Aims:
The zebra finch and Gouldian finch are important captive model systems for the study of a broad range of questions in biology and most of this research is focused on highly domesticated populations that are sourced from populations of birds sourced from amateur aviculturists. This project will use a range of molecular approaches to investigate the effect of domestication on population genetics and genomic variation in these two species. In broad terms the project will use approaches from classical population genetics and emerging genomic techniques to investigate the genetic variation in domestic populations across the world and the selection that has resulted from many generations of artificial selection over the past century. This project develops on our recent work into both these species that has illuminated consistent differences between wild and domesticated populations in the nature of selection on a variety of life history and behavioural traits.
The project is based in the laboratory of Simon Griffith (Biological Sciences) and would involve collaboration with Lee Ann Rollins (Deakin University) and Terry Burke & (Sheffield University, UK).
Application
Both of these projects are supported by ongoing ARC funding. Scholarships are available for residents from Australia or New Zealand but there will also be possibilities for international students to get scholarship funding.
The 2013 MQRES full-time stipend rate is $24,653 pa tax exempt for 3.5 years (indexed annually). In addition to external grant support for the project, up to $20,000 is available to cover direct research expenses and domestic conference travel. Additional internal funding opportunities of up to $10,000 are available to support travel to overseas laboratories or to attend international conferences.
Prospective applicants should have a first class Honours degree or equivalent, and additional relevant research experience and/or qualifications. A demonstrated ability to work in remote and harsh conditions as well as extensive experience with capturing and handling birds is desirable. A full driving licence is necessary.
Applications should include 1) your CV, 2) a brief statement of your reasons for applying (max. 500 words) and the project you are applying to work on, and 3) contact details of two academic referees. Applications should be submitted electronically as a single PDF file.
Applications for this position are required by May 10th 2013 and should be sent electronically to: simon.griffith@mq.edu
Further information from Dr Simon Griffith, Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
RENECO - Permanent position
Added 16 April 2013
Job locations: The headquarters are based in the United Arab Emirates providing oversight of the recruitment for all projects. Projects are currently established in Central Asia (Emirates Centre for the Conservation of the Houbara in Uzbekistan, Sheikh Khalifa Houbara Breeding Centre in Kazakhstan), North Africa (Emirates Centre for Wildlife Propagation in Morocco), and the Gulf (Sheikh Khalifa Houbara Breeding Centre and National Avian Research Centre in the UAE).
Job context: RENECO’s mission is to implement an overall conservation strategy aiming to restore and preserve the endangered North African and Asian native houbara bustard populations (Chlamydotis undulata and Chlamydotis macqueenii). To achieve these goals, RENECO has developed a multidisciplinary approach in different centres and countries combining fundamental and applied research in such varied areas as ecology, biology, physiology, captive breeding, veterinary medicine, the reinforcement of wild populations and public awareness. To face the quick expansion of its activities due to the development of new conservation projects, Reneco is opening new executive positions giving a unique opportunity to be part of one of the most ambitious existing conservation programmes. More particularly, research efforts have to be implemented to increase general knowledge on the species and provide useful tools for conservation planning at a large scale and in various environments. In addition, the success of the program and its impact on the environment has to be carefully assessed.
Job description: The holder of this job will be an associate researcher of the Ecology team and will report to the Ecology Manager. He (she) will have the following responsibilities: data analysis / editing of reports / editing of scientific papers / contribution to the annual fieldwork and research program / development and application of the fieldwork protocol / participation in international communication (congress) / conduct regular research meetings (students, fieldworkers) / supervise a team of field ecologists and students. Mobility across all projects in North Africa, the Gulf states, and Central Asia.
Skills required: The successful candidate must:
• hold a PhD degree with experience and education well rounded in animal ecology, behaviour and/or conservation biology.
• have a proven record of achievements relevant to wildlife ecology and research (already published scientific papers).
• have thorough knowledge in at least three of the following research topics: movements / migration / dispersal / habitat use and selection / breeding biology / population dynamics / population viability analysis / biodiversity / animal community / conservation / population management.
• have good experience of fieldwork (especially in animal trapping, banding and tracking) and team management..
Language requirements: Fluency in English. French, Arabic or Russian will be an asset.
Additional valuable abilities: Ability to work in a multicultural and multinational environment.Mobility across all RENECO projects in North Africa, Middle East and Asia.
Start date: As soon as possible
Salary: Commensurate with experience
Additional benefits: Full medical insurance, travel allowance, length of service gratuity, accommodation
To submit an application: Email careers@reneco-hq.org
The following 8 positions are currently offered at the University of Adelaide
Added 25th March 2013
Visit: http://www.adelaide.edu.au/environment/gel/jobs/ for more information on all positions below
Programmer (Contract): C#/Python Script Programmer
Expressions of interest from consultants are sought to undertake a 2 year contract to develop code for fast model execution, assist the other researchers in interlinking different software modules, write user-friendly front-end interfaces, and translate and optimize the new demographic-genetic climate algorithms developed by the other project researchers into high-performance code in C#, Delphi, Python or a related language.
Salary: Ongoing project-based contract services, rate by negotiation
Postdoctoral Research Associate (Level A) #17986: Palaeo-ecological Modelling
This fixed term position is available immediately for a period of 3 years and will focus primarily on mathematical model development.
Salary: (Level A, Step 6-8): $74,001 - $79,435 per annum
Research Associate (Level A) #17987: Palaeo-ecological Data Management
This fixed term position is available immediately for a period of 2 years and will collate the datasets and develop the models applied to modern abundance time series.
Salary: (Level A, Step 1-3): $58,534 - $65,221 per annum
Postdoctoral Fellow (Level A) #17988: Wildlife Population Modelling
This fixed term position is available immediately for a period of 3 years and will lead the statistical analysis of existing rabbit demographic and range dynamics data sets and build spatial models to assess the suitability of various rabbit control options (in their exotic range) and conservation measures (across their endemic range) in the near and long-term future at local and regional scales.
Salary: (Level A, Step 6-8) $74 001 - $79 435 per annum
Postdoctoral Fellow (Level A) #17989: Disease Modelling
This fixed term position is available immediately for a period of 2 years and will lead the statistical analysis of existing rabbit disease data sets and build epidemiological models that account for environmental variation and how disease dynamics may respond to climate change.
Salary: (Level A, Step 6-8) $74 001 - $79 435 per annum
Research Associate (Level A) #17990: Data Management and Analysis
This fixed term position is available immediately for a period of 18 months and will carry out extensive literature reviews to establish key drivers of rabbit disease and demographic rates, prepare spatial data for models and ensure effective knowledge transfer between research staff.
Salary: (Level A, Step 1-3) $58,534 - $65,221 per annum
Postdoctoral Fellow (Level A) #17992: Climate Change and Range Dynamics
This fixed term position is available immediately for a period of 2 years and will lead the development of models that integrate bioclimatic envelopes, ecological dynamics and genetic traits, to better inform habitat restoration under global change.
Salary: (Level A, Step 6-8) $74 001 - $79 435 per annum
Research Associate (Level A) #17991: Ecological Data Analysis
This fixed term position is available immediately for a period of 2 years and will lay the groundwork for the case studies, organising data sharing with collaborating researchers and Government/NGO agencies, undertaking quality controlled data entry, GIS and species database management, querying and archiving, assisting with model parameterisations, and preparation of publications.
Salary: (Level A, Step 1-3): $58,534 - $65,221 per annum