Postdoctoral Position in Experimental Landscape Ecology

Postdoctoral Position in Experimental Landscape Ecology
A postdoctoral position is available to examine the role of matrix
permeability during large-scale restoration as part of a new
landscape-scale
experiment in collaboration with John Orrock (Washington University),
Ellen
Damschen (Washington University), Lars Brudvig (Washington University),
and
the USDA Forest Service-Savannah River. The successful candidate will
be an
integral member of this team and conduct research aimed at the explicit
restoration of longleaf pine forest understory plant communities,
followed
by experimental manipulations of matrix characteristics (e.g., tree
density,
fire frequency, etc.) to understand how management affects the spread of
restored communities at large spatial scales. Project foci will also
include
experiments to evaluate the spatial dynamics of plant-animal
interactions
(e.g. seed predation, seed dispersal) within the experimental
landscapes.
The successful applicant will be involved in all aspects of this
project,
including planning of experimental manipulations and devising studies of
plant-consumer interactions. The project will be conducted at the
Savannah
River Site, near Aiken, SC. The successful candidate must be adept at
working with local land managers and managing field assistants to
assure the
execution of the project, including oversight of experimental
treatments.
In addition to facilitating the goals of the larger project, the
successful
candidate will also be encouraged to develop their own independent
research
within the context of this study and/or in collaboration with members
of the
Corridor Research Group (www.conservationcorridor.org), which is also
located at the Savannah River Site. Funding for salary, benefits, and
research expenses is available for two years. The preferred start date
is
November 15, 2009. The primary location for the postdoc will be
determined
together with the research group, but substantial time will need to be
spent
at the field sites at the Savannah River Site.

Applicants must have relevant Ph.D. experience in ecology, conservation
biology, or restoration ecology and be eager to work as a collaborative
team
with the other scientists and land managers on the project. Prior
experience with large-scale field experiments, community ecology, seed
dispersal, managing field crews, or collaboration with management
agencies
is desirable. Candidates with expertise in consumer or seed
manipulation
studies, especially small-mammal consumers, are encouraged to apply.

Review of applicants will begin October 5, 2009, and continue until the
position is filled. Applications should consist of a 1-2 page statement
of
research interests focusing on projects that could be conducted related
to
the themes of this research project, a curriculum vitae, relevant
publications, and names of three references. The application should also
contain a cover page that highlights the applicant's skills and
abilities in
areas relevant to this project. Women and Minorities are strongly
encouraged
to apply. Washington University is an Equal Employment Opportunity
employer.
Applications should be sent (e-mail preferred) to:

John Orrock
E-mail: orrock@wustl.edu
Department of Biology
Washington University
1 Brookings Drive
Campus Box 1137
St. Louis, MO 63130