Postdoc in plant population ecology

Friend of Oikos Blog* Peter Adler and colleagues are seeking applicants for a postdoc in plant population ecology. The ad is below. Peter's a terrific plant population ecologist and this sounds like a neat project.

In the past I've only posted job ads for myself and other Oikos editors, so I'm stretching a bit here. But I decided I'm ok with posting the occasional job ad as a favor to a close colleague, as long as the ad is likely to be of interest to a sufficient number of blog readers, and as long as I don't feel like the ads are "diluting" the other content of the blog. But I'd welcome feedback in the comments as to whether Oikos Blog ought to be posting job ads, and if so, under what circumstances.

*FOOB

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Plant ecologist/population biologist

We anticipate hiring a post-doctoral researcher for a two-year position with possibility of extension working primarily with Drs. Jeremy James (Oregon State University), Elizabeth Leger (University of Nevada Reno), and Peter Adler, (Utah State University) on a USDA-NIFA funded project. The broad goal of the project is to quantify variation in the demographic processes and ecological conditions that limit native plant establishment along major environmental gradients in the Great Basin. Major duties of the position include: 1) Supervise collection of demographic data by field crews in Oregon, Idaho and Nevada 2) Compile and analyze data, and work with project scientists to build and interpret population models 3) Design and implement additional studies and analyses that complement project objectives 4) Prepare and submit papers for publication.

This project provides an exciting opportunity to ask important questions about native plant recruitment and population dynamics in relation to environmental variation and environmental change. The post-doctoral researcher will have substantial creative latitude to develop complimentary lines of inquiry and also will have numerous opportunities to collaborate with a diverse project team including ecologists, sociologists, economists, and education specialists.

The ideal candidate will have a PhD in ecology or a related field, excellent field skills in plant demography, and experience or interest in population modeling, as well as a demonstrated ability to lead project teams. The permanent work site is negotiable (the position could be based out of Burns, OR, Reno, NV or Logan UT) but the post-doctoral researcher will spend a substantial amount of time overseeing and participating in data collection during the growing season at field sites in Oregon, Idaho and Nevada. The proposed starting date is June 2012, lasting through June 2014, though the start date is flexible. Salary is competitive, and includes benefits. Consideration of interested applicants will begin April 15, 2012, and continue until the position is filled. To be considered, please email a CV, a description of your research interests and background, as well as the names and emails of three references as one pdf to:jeremy [dot] james [at] oregonstate [dot] edu.

Please feel free to contact Dr. James (Jeremy [dot] james [at] oregonstate [dot] edu) Dr. Adler (peter [dot] adler [at] usu [dot] ed) or Dr. Leger (eleger [at] cabnr [dot] unr [dot] edu) with any questions.