Post doc Florida

A post-doctoral position is available at the University of Florida for research on landscape-scale dynamics of beach mice populations and structure and dynamics of hurricane-fragmented dune systems on barrier islands. The successful applicant will play a major role in designing the study, as well as lead field research, data analysis, and manuscript preparation. This individual also will have opportunities to participate in development of additional grant proposals. The project will address issues such as metapopulation and source-sink dynamics, landscape connectivity, and spatial and temporal dynamics of dune habitat and will incorporate modeling of beach mouse use of successional dune habitat. This dune ecosystem is ideal for addressing questions in landscape ecology because the dune systems are relatively simple, they can be manipulated in experiments, and structural elements are replicated at the landscape scale. Research will be linked to studies of dune restoration that aim to restore functional habitat for beach mice. The research will take place primarily on Santa Rosa Island in northwestern Florida, which contains some of the most beautiful beaches and dune systems remaining along the Florida coast.

Applicants should have a Ph.D. in an ecological field, excellent quantitative
and writing skills, extensive field research experience, and ability to work
both independently and collaboratively. Candidates with a strong background in landscape ecology and interest in linking landscape and population processes are preferred. Experience with landscape modeling, population modeling, GIS, and mammalian ecology, and an interest in experimental approaches in landscape ecology are highly desirable.

The successful applicant will work with Lyn Branch and Deborah Miller (who
directs the dune restoration study). Funding is available for 2.5 years.
Starting date is flexible between May and September 2007. Minimum salary will
be $37,000 plus health benefits.

Applicants should send a cover letter with a statement of research interests and professional goals, CV, transcripts and GRE scores (photocopies are ok), and three letters of reference to Lyn Branch, Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, Rm. 110 Newins-Ziegler Hall, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611. Contact Lyn Branch at BRANCHL@UFL.EDU or see website
http://www.wec.ufl.edu for additional information.

Review of applications will begin 25 January and continue until the position is filled.