Ecology jobs, PhD, Postdoctoral and volunteer positions

 

M.Sc. position: Mathematical modelling – aquatic parasite dynamics, Memorial University of Newfoundland

Applicants are invitied to apply for an M.Sc. studentship involving the mathematical modelling of an aquatic parasite. The research will involve describing the effect of temperature and salinity on developmental rates, determining how temporal trends in temperature and salinity affect population dynamics, and validating the mathematical model with data. A competitive salary will be offered and funding will be available for conference travel and to pursue collaborations. Applicants should email Dr. Amy Hurford (ahurford@mun.ca). This email should include: (i) a description of your research interests and any relevant past experience, (ii) your CV, and (iii) transcripts pertaining to your previous or ongoing studies (if possible). I will consider applications as they are received. For full consideration applicants should indicate their interest before July 1, 2013. Applicants should be able to begin their studies between August 1, 2013 and January 1, 2014. 

Interdisciplinary training in biology, mathematics and/or experience in computer programming is ideal, but only proficiency in one of these areas is necessary where there is an interest to develop further skills in other areas.

Memorial University is located in St John’s, Newfoundland, Canada. The city offers many unique experiences with a vibrant arts community, stunning coastline, and proximity to a variety of outdoor activities (hiking, fishing, cross-country skiing, etc: http://www.newfoundlandlabrador.com).

 

PhD in Invasive Species Ecology

Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra and Australian Alps National Parks Cooperative Management Programme.

The impact of European wasps in Australia’s upland ecosystems

An exciting opportunity exists to undertake a PhD aimed at understanding the impacts of European wasp (Vespula germanica) invasion in upland ecosystems in the Australian Alps. Since introduction to mainland Australia in the late 1970s European wasps have increased in distribution and abundance and are now present throughout much of south-eastern Australia. Their abundance appears to be increasing across the Australian Alps and there is growing concern that wasps are having significant negative impacts on native biota in these systems through processes such as predation on native invertebrates, competition for food with native wildlife, and disruption of plant pollination.

We are seeking a motivated candidate to undertake a PhD that will focus on quantifying the direct and indirect impacts of European wasps in these ecosystems. The research will involve a combination of field observations and field experiments designed to measure wasp impacts. Because wasp populations can be manipulated in the field through nest removal this system lends itself to rigorous experimental tests of ecological ideas and the research has the dual aim of: a) testing general ecological theory about the ways in which invasive species disrupt ecosystem processes through direct and indirect interactions and thereby impact other species, and b) providing the basis for management decisions about how to target wasp control in order to minimise these impacts. It would therefore suit a PhD candidate with strong interests in both basic and applied ecological research.

The PhD is a collaborative project between the Institute for Applied Ecology (University of Canberra) and the Australian Alps National Parks Cooperative Management Programme (and its partner organisations), and the candidate will be expected to work closely with staff from both groups. The position is based at the Institute for Applied Ecology but fieldwork will be carried out in National Parks across the Australian Alps in close collaboration with Park’s staff. At the Institute the candidate will be joining an active and dynamic group of researchers with excellent research support. You can find out more about the Institute here: http://www.canberra.edu.au/centres/iae/index.php

The successful candidate will need a first-class honours or Masters degree from an Australian or New Zealand University (obtained within the last 10 years) to receive a PhD scholarship ($24,653/year plus fee waiver for 3 years) along with the opportunity to apply for a scholarship top-up of $10,000/year through the Institute for Applied Ecology. International candidates will be considered but would need to provide or apply for their own funding (see www.innovation.gov.au/Research/). In addition the project comes with $10,000/year to fund operational expenses associated with fieldwork and other project costs. Additional support for students to attend national and international conferences is available through The Institute for Applied Ecology.

To apply send a cover letter outlining your suitability for the position, a CV with the names and details of two academic referees and a document addressing the following selection criteria to Prof. Richard Duncan: richard.duncan@canberra.edu.au. Enquires about the position can be addressed to Richard Duncan or to Brett McNamara (National Parks and Catchments Operations Manager, ACT Government: brett.mcnamara@act.gov.au).

Selection Criteria:

  • Completion of 1st-class honours or Masters degree in biology, ecology, environmental science or related discipline from an Australian University within the last 10 years
  • Interest and experience in invasive species ecology
  • Interest and experience in quantitative research design, methodology and analysis
  • Interest and experience in field-based ecological research
  • Experience in insect ecology / entomology
  • Ability to work in remote field locations
  • Willingness to work closely with Park’s field staff and managers, and as part of research team
  • Excellent interpersonal and oral communication skills
  • A current driver’s license

 

Lecturer in Botany (Terrestrial)
Department of Botany, Otago University


The University of Otago is looking to appoint a Lecturer to join the Department of Botany who clearly demonstrates energy, drive and enthusiasm for botany. We seek a botanist with a research focus on the evolution of vascular plant diversity. Areas of specialisation could include, but are not limited to, micro-evolutionary processes, niche and trait evolution and adaptive radiations. Candidates specialising in vascular plant systematics and taxonomy and who draw inspiration from ecological, evolutionary and applied questions are encouraged to apply. Candidates should have relevant expertise in current methodological tools such as modern comparative plant morphology, molecular phylogenetics and quantitative methods.

The successful candidate will be able to contribute to the Department of Botany’s strategic research themes: NZ Flora and Evolution; Ecosystem Processes and Services; Environmental Change and Resilience; and Physiological Processes. We particularly encourage applications from candidates who show an aptitude and enthusiasm for multi-disciplinary collaborative research, and who are practically experienced in terrestrial field botany. Collaboration with researchers in other University Departments (e.g. Department of Geology; Department of Mathematics and Statistics; Department of Zoology) and utilisation of the Department’s Herbarium will be encouraged.

The Department of Botany has a long record of excellence in research-informed teaching. We are looking for a botanist who will be able to communicate their enthusiasm for plants to a wide science student audience as well as those students who choose to focus on Botany as a degree subject major. The major responsibilities of the position will include (1) teaching into some of the courses within the Degree Programmes in Botany, Ecology and/or Genetics (2) attracting and supervising post-graduate (Masters and PhD) students (3) establishing an externally funded research programme and (4) building an excellent publication profile.

The position will be offered as a confirmation-path (tenure track) position at the level of Lecturer. The minimum qualification is a PhD degree. In exceptional circumstances, a favoured candidate may be appointed to a higher level if their track record, academic experience and qualifications justify.

The Department is committed to diversity in staffing and would consider job sharing arrangements.

The successful candidate is expected to take up duties in February 2014. If justified, a favoured candidate may be able to negotiate an earlier or later starting date with the Head of Department.

Specific enquiries may be directed to Professor Katharine Dickinson, Head of Department, contact details below.

Applications close on Monday 15 July 2013

Contact Katharine Dickinson Tel: +64 3 479 3943

Further Information: https://otago.taleo.net/careersection/2/jobdetail.ftl?lang=en&job=1300950

Salary Level and Range Lecturer / Research Fellow ($73,493 to $88,642)

 

 

Lecturer in Botany (Marine)
Department of Botany, Otago University


The University of Otago is looking to appoint a Lecturer to join the Department of Botany who clearly demonstrates energy, drive and enthusiasm for botany. We seek a botanist with a research focus on the marine environment. Areas of specialisation could include, but are not limited to, seaweed ecology, seaweed eco-physiology, the responses of seaweeds as individuals and communities to environmental change and local (e.g. eutrophication) and global (e.g. ocean acidification) stressors. Candidates who draw inspiration from physiological, ecological and applied questions are encouraged to apply. Candidates should have relevant expertise in current methodological tools including quantitative methods.

The successful candidate will be able to contribute to the Department of Botany’s strategic research themes: NZ Flora and Evolution; Ecosystem Processes and Services; Environmental Change and Resilience; and Physiological Processes. We particularly encourage applications from candidates who show an aptitude for multi-disciplinary collaborative research and who are practically experienced in the marine environment. Collaboration with researchers in other University of Otago Departments (e.g. Department of Chemistry; Department of Marine Science; Department of Zoology) will be encouraged.

The Department of Botany has a long record of excellence in research-informed teaching. We are looking for a person who will be able to communicate their enthusiasm for marine botany to a wide science student audience as well as those students who choose to focus on Botany as a degree subject major. The major responsibilities of the position will include (1) teaching into some of the courses within the Degree Programmes in Botany, Ecology and/or Genetics (2) attracting and supervising post-graduate (Masters and PhD) students (3) establishing an externally funded research programme and (4) building an excellent publication profile.

The position will be offered as a confirmation-path (tenure track) position at the level of Lecturer. The minimum qualification is a PhD degree. In exceptional circumstances, a favoured candidate may be appointed to a higher level if their track record, academic experience and qualifications justify.

The Department is committed to diversity in staffing and would consider job sharing arrangements.

The successful candidate is expected to take up duties in February 2014. If justified, a favoured candidate may be able to negotiate an earlier or later starting date with the Head of Department.

Specific enquiries may be directed to Professor Katharine Dickinson, Head of Department, contact details below.

Applications close on Monday, 15 July 2013.

Contact Katharine Dickinson Tel: +64 3 479 3943

Employment Status Permanent Full-time
Salary Level and Range Lecturer / Research Fellow ($73,493 to $88,642)