PhD position - University of Oulu, Finland.

PhD position in the project “Macroecology and diversity of species interactions” at the University of Oulu, Finland.

Coevolution among species via species interactions is the major driving force of biodiversity. Yet, the concept of and metrics to estimate species interactions is largely missing from biodiversity studies. The project has two major aims. First, our goal is to create a novel community diversity index, which quantitatively grade communities in terms of the sign, strength and variation of interactions. We will then examine how interaction index varies relative to taxonomic, phylogenetic and functional diversity, stability of the communities and the level of disturbance. Second, we aim to estimate a novel species-specific characteristic, which describes species competitive – facilitative interaction abilities. The association of this new metric with species capability to adapt to global changes is then examined. The data to be used in the project is negotiable; comprehensive and long-term bird survey data from Europe and moth data from Finland are available. We will use a state-of-the-art statistical modelling technique, Joint Dynamic Species Distribution Modelling, developed by one of the PIs of the project, Dr. James Thorson, in extracting species associations from the survey data.

The position is for 4 years. The start date of the position is January 2018, with some flexibility. We aim that the chosen candidate will spend 6-12 months at the University of Washington (Seattle, USA) and learn modeling techniques with Dr. Thorson. Funding for the visit will be applied from various sources, such as Fulbright Center. Position involves occasional teaching. The location of the position is at the Research Unit of Ecology and Evolution, University of Oulu, Finland. Salary is based on the University salary system. Starting salary is about 2100-2300€​ and increases with experience. Health care is provided by the employer.

Research Group. Principal Investigators of the project are Dr. Jukka Forsman (University of Oulu, Finland) and Dr. James Thorson (National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA, Seattle, USA). Other collaborators of the project are Vincent Devictor (University of Montpellier, France), Mikko Mönkkönen (University of Jyväskylä) and Panu Välimäki (University of Oulu, Finland).

Qualification requirements. Applicants must have a Master of Science degree in ecology, evolutionary biology, statistical modeling or related areas. The recruited person is expected to be enterprising and have excellent English communication skills, as well as experience programming in the R statistical environment. Following qualifications and experience is considered as an advantage: managing and analyzing large data sets, species distribution modeling, experience in estimating diversity indexes (taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic), statistical modelling, experience in applying GIS-data on biological systems, and global change studies.

Contact persons for further information. Project leaders Jukka Forsman, email: jukka.forsman (at)oulu.fi, tel.: +358 2494 481951 and Dr. James Thorson, email: James.T.Thorson(at)gmail.com

Please send applications through university recruitment system:

https://rekry.saima.fi/certiahome/open_job_view.html?did=5600&jc=1&id=00004414&lang=fi

Call for Symposia Proposals - 2019 IBS Biennial Conference (Malaga, Spain)

Call for Plenary symposia

The International Biogeography Society is seeking for three plenary symposia to be held at the 2018 special International Biogeography Society meeting on Climate Change Biogeography, 21-25 March, 2018 in Évora, Portugal.

The symposia are an integral part of our meeting as they are in the form of plenary sessions in which all attendees participate. In this Climate Change Biogeography meeting we are seeking proposals for three symposia, each targeting the following topics:

·      “The past”: This symposium should showcase the state-of-art research in using reconstructions of ancient distributions and climates to better understand current and future changes.

·      “Present: From patterns to processes”. This theme will showcase a range of biogeographical studies including macroecological approaches to unravel classical biogeographical to state-of-art mechanistic modelling to large-scale experimental studies across major biogeographical gradients.

·      “Looking into the future”. The final theme will highlight studies that integrate biogeographical approaches to forecast changes in species distributions as a function of future climate change. This theme should showcase the development and application of state-of-the-art modelling approaches that combine ecology, physical geography and phylogenetics.

For more details on the themes, please check our website: http://www.ibs2018.uevora.pt/themes/

These plenary symposia will provide opportunity for several speakers (typically 5-6) to present cutting-edge work that will appeal to a broad cross-section of Biogeographers. Ideally, the talks should address current debates or provide a synthesis and integration for a selected theme or topic.

Symposium proposals should include the following information:

-       Name, institution and email of organizers.  Please delegate a single organizer as the point of contact between the organizers and the IBS.

-       Names (institution, email and tentative title) of 4-6 speakers.  Please only list speakers that you have contacted and indicate their current level of commitment (tentative or confirmed).

-       Title of symposium

-       Session description (focus on the theme and strong justification): < 600 words.

Check symposia from previous meetings at the IBS website: http://www.biogeography.org/html/Meetings/index.html. 

Review process.  All proposals will be peer reviewed by external reviewers selected by the IBS board using a score system. Note that only three proposals will be selected from the pool of submissions for plenary symposia. IBS will provide partial financial support for travel of symposia speakers, but we expect that symposium speakers and organizers will cover the remainder of expenses. We strongly encourage organizers to convey this information to potential speakers and try to use the partial financial support in an optimal manner. Non-selected submissions may still be considered as a parallel session, though in this case the meeting will not be able to cover travelling expenses for speakers.

  

Submission and questions: Please send proposals for symposia by email to Miguel Matias ([email protected]) by July 30, 2017.

Doctoral Fellowship - Leipzig University

Leipzig University offers the following position:
Doctoral fellowship

(initially limited to 3 years, 65 percent of a full-time employment)
Salary: Entgeltgruppe 13 TV-L
on “Improving Alien species Distribution knowledge by Integrating Data Across Scales (iADIDAS)”
Background:
Biological invasions have become a key driver of global environmental change, but research and management remain hampered by a lack of spatially detailed distribution information. Recent progress in mobilizing heterogeneous distribution data (e.g. point locations, regional checklists, etc.) and new statistical modeling approaches for their integration offer exciting opportunities. However, limitations in available data and the applicability of different modeling tools for alien species remain largely unknown. This project will integrate millions of occurrence records from GBIF (ww.gbif.org) with global alien species inventories (e.g. GloNAF, www.glonaf.org) for several taxonomic groups to address three central challenges in invasion biology: i) to assess various data limitations in alien species occurrence records, ii) to extend and test models for integrating disparate data types to improve fine-scale predictions of alien occurrences, and iii) to analyze how integrating available data changes perceptions of alien species richness patterns and drivers.
Topic/job description:

• -  Programming of workflows for validating, integrating, and analyzing global datasets of alien species distributions
  
• -  Quantitative analyses of limitations in information on alien species distributions, as well as of global alien diversity
  patterns and drivers
  
• -  Testing and further development of cutting-edge statistical modeling tools for integrating disparate information
  across spatial scales
  
• -  Writing and publishing of scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals
  
• -  Presentation of results at international conferences
  
• -  Participation in iDiv’s PhD training program yDiv.
  Requirements / expected profile:
  

Leipzig, April 10, 2017

- -
- -
- -

Applicants should hold a Master’s or equivalent degree in a related field of research (e.g. biology, geography, environmental sciences, geoinformatics)
The successful candidate should be willing to acquire the necessary technical skills (e.g. programming, database development) for handling and statistically analyzing large datasets; prior experience will be advantageous Prior knowledge of invasion biology or experience in ecological modeling will be advantageous
Candidates should be team-oriented and have strong organizational skills, in order to manage this highly collaborative research project within an international consortium
Excellent English communication skills (speaking and writing) are required
We seek candidates with an independent mind, an interest in cutting-edge macroecological research, and the ambition to publish in internationally leading journals.

We offer
University of Leipzig. The project is supervised by Dr. Carsten Meyer (iDiv’s Macroecology & Society group), and co- supervised by an international consortium: Dr. Marten Winter (iDiv’s Synthesis Centre) & Prof. Tiffany Knight (iDiv’s Spatial Interaction Ecology group), Dr. Franz Essl (Division of Conservation, Vegetation, and Landscape Ecology, University of Vienna), and Prof. Prof. Melodie McGeoch (School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Australia). Additional opportunities for collaboration exist with scientists within and outside of iDiv.

you a three-year PhD position at the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv), affiliated with the

Applications are accepted until May 17, 2017.
All applications should include:

• -  Cover letter describing motivation, research interests & relevant experience
  
• -  Detailed curriculum vitae in tabular form
  
• -  One letter of recommendation
  

- Contact information of former professor(s)/ supervisor(s) who know the applicant
- MA/BA/Diploma certificates
- A copy of the Master’s thesis.

Applications are preferred via our application portal under apply.idiv.de. Hard copy applications can be sent to German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig; Dr. Mari Bieri; Deutscher Platz 5e; 04103 Leipzig. Applicants can apply for up to three positions, with tailored motivation letter for each position. Please mention reference file numbers when applying. Severely disabled persons are encouraged to apply and will be given preference in the case of equal suitability. Selected candidates will be invited to the joint recruitment symposium on June 22-23, 2017. For queries on the application process, please contact [email protected]. For project-related details, please contact Dr. Meyer directly ([email protected]).

Summer Courses - Dendrochronology (University of Arizona, Tucson)

The Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research (LTRR) is offering three (3) short
summer courses in dendrochronology, focusing on Dendroecology,

Dendroclimatology, and Dendroarchaeology. Classes will convene for three

weeks from 15 May 2017 through 2 June 2017 at the campus of the
University of Arizona in Tucson.

These intensive courses will introduce students to theory, laboratory
and field techniques, and current research in each subfield. Courses
will be based at the Laboratory on the UA campus, with field trips to
sites in the Southwest region. Lectures will be presented by course
instructors and other leading scientists. Course readings are drawn
primarily from the published literature.

Classes are designed for graduate students as well as faculty,
postdoctoral researchers, and working professionals with suitable
backgrounds. Undergraduates who are interested in the dendroecology
course should have suitable background in ecology, and undergraduates
who are interested in the dendroclimatology course should have basic
background in statistics. Online registration will be open until 15
March 2017. For additional information see the course webpage
(http://ltrr.arizona.edu/summerschool) and contact the relevant course
instructor listed below for prerequisites:

Dendrochronology is the study of natural and human processes that are
recorded in the tree-ring record. This record is retained over time due
to the remarkable preservation qualities of wood, and across the wide
geographical distribution of trees. Through the science of
dendrochronology, a broad range of ecological, climatic, geological, and
cultural variables can be reconstructed, and analyzed with high spatial
and temporal resolution. Chronologies have been developed all over the
world.

1) Dendroecology, taught by Dr. Paul Sheppard ([email protected])
(other instructor: Mr. Jesse Minor [email protected]).

2) Dendroclimatology, taught by Dr. Ramzi Touchan
([email protected]) (other instructor: Dr. David Meko
[email protected]).

3) Dendroarchaeology, taught by Dr. Ron Towner ([email protected]).

BES Symposium - the Macroecology of Alien Species

BES symposium - The Macroecology of Alien Species.
www.britishecologicalsociety.org/SYMP2017/Durham


This timely, 2-day symposium in the historic and beautiful city of Durham will bring together invasion ecologists and macroecologists, working on many different taxonomic groups, to build a global synthesis of alien species distribution and richness. The symposium will explore the major drivers behind the mixing of the world’s biotas, and the consequences for conservation of biodiversity.

A broad range of engaging, international and UK-based invited speakers will present the current state of our knowledge of alien species macroecology, and attendees will be able to submit an abstract to present their own work in this field as an oral or poster presentation. A social dinner at the end of the first day in Durham Castle will be a highlight! Breakout workshops on the second day will provide the opportunity to synthesise, and to address important questions that will provide ways forward to understanding the macroecology of alien species.

Preliminary Programme

Monday 24^th July 

17.00-19.00- Registration, Welcome Mixer and posters

Tuesday 25^th July
08:00 – 08:50 – Registration
08:50 – 09:00 – Welcome Introduction
09:00 – 11:00 – Invited speaker talks
11:00 – 11:30 – Coffee break
11:30 – 13:30 – Invited speaker talks
13:30 – 14:30 – Lunch
14:30 – 15:30 – Open talks (submitted abstracts)
15:30 – 16:00 – Break
16:00 – 17:00 – Open talks (submitted abstracts)
17:00 – 18:00 – Poster session
19:30  – Symposium dinner, Durham Castle

Wednesday 26^th July
09:00 – 11:00 – Invited speaker talks
11:00 – 11:30 – Break
11:30 – 13:30 – Invited speaker talks
13:30 – 14:30 – Lunch and posters
14:30 – 16:30 – Breakout workshops
16:30 – 17:30 Reconvene and wrap up workshops, poster prizes

Confirmed Speakers

Tim Blackburn (University College London, UK)
Yvonne Buckley (Trinity College Dublin, Ireland)
Robert Colautti (Queen’s University, Canada)
Alison Dunn (University of Leeds, UK)
Ellie Dyer (Zoological Society of London, UK)
Jason Fridley (Syracuse University, USA)
Jonathan Jeschke (Freie Universität Berlin, Germany)
Helen Roy (Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, UK)
Dov Sax (Brown University, USA)
Hanno Seebens (BiK-F, Germany)
Montserrat Vila (Estación Biológica de Doñana, Spain)
Patrick Weigelt (University of Göttingen, Germany)
Isabella Capellini (University of Hull, UK)
Emili García-Berthou (University of Girona, Spain)

PhD positions - School of Life Sciences (Arizona State University)

The Macrosystems Ecology Lab (PI Benjamin Blonder) will be moving from the University of Oxford to Arizona State University (http://www.asu.edu) in Tempe, Arizona. The lab's focus is on predictive community ecology and biogeography, paleoecological and anthropogenic effects on biodiversity dynamics, and global change plant ecophysiology. We use a combination of field, eco-informatics, and modeling approaches to address these questions with a broad team of international collaborators. Field sites are focused in forests and alpine environments in Latin America, southeast Asia, Scandinavia, and the United States. Learn more about this work at http://benjaminblonder.org/research/.

The lab will be a collaborative working environment within a dynamic university that hosts many other excellent ecology and sustainability research groups. Arizona State University is easily reached by light rail service from the Phoenix international airport. The Phoenix area hosts a vibrant multicultural community, and the region provides excellent recreation and research opportunities, with the Grand Canyon, Colorado Plateau, Madrean Sky Islands, and northern Mexico all close by.

Up to two PhD positions are available within any of the School of Life Sciences (SOLS). More information about the graduate program is available at https://sols.asu.edu/degree-programs/graduate.

Independently-developed theses are encouraged and may be broad-ranging within the scope of the lab's focus areas. However possible dissertation areas include:

(1) Building more predictive models of community dynamics via incorporation of energy budget and trait-based performance concepts into coexistence theory. This work could involve a combination of mathematical modeling and field observation / manipulation in a range of long-term plant census plots throughout the Colorado Rockies, Peru, and Malaysian Borneo.

(2) Assessing the role of species interactions and phenology in modulating plant performance and demography. This project could involve coupling a range of leaf-level plant ecophysiology measurements with leaf lifespan and herbivory observations across environmental gradients, and would be primarily field-based. Sites could encompass a Canada - Mexico latitudinal gradient or a South American elevation / rainfall gradient.

(3) Assessing historical anthropogenic effects on species distributions and ecological disequilibrium. This project would focus on exploring human uses of food/medicine/fiber plants throughout the Americas as a key driver of community and regional diversity patterns. The work would involve synthesizing many historical and ethnobotanical resources with contemporary informatics resources and field surveys. 

(4) Integrating network theory, niche/hypervolume, and control theory concepts into community ecology. This project would develop mathematical approaches to better predict and manage shifts in community composition, or delineate when such predictions would not be possible. The project would also involve field tests in a range of manipulative and observational field contexts. 

Students should be independently motivated and come with strong writing and critical thinking skills. Those with an interest in developing their training in computational statistics, modeling, field methods, and/or foreign languages are especially encouraged.

The lab also has a strong community outreach component via inquiry-based science education partnerships with underserved communities. Students interested in contributing to these efforts are very welcome.

The School of Life Sciences has a vibrant graduate program with a strong graduate student community. Funding for five years is guaranteed via a combination of teaching and research assistantships for both United States and international applicants. There are additional funds available for summer fieldwork and conference travel. The fall priority application deadline is 1 December 2016. Applications can be submitted via the SOLS website. Please get in touch by email ([email protected]) if you are interested in applying.