Monday, February 7, 2011

Summer research in Tucson, AZ

SUMMER RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES FOR UNDERGRADUATES IN TUCSON, ARIZONA

Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) is an NSF-sponsored program that provides undergraduates a summer stipend to conduct independent research projects in conjunction with NSF funded projects under the mentorship of the project’s senior investigators.

Who is eligible? Students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled in an undergraduate degree program. Members of underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply.

What is expected? Students will develop an independent research project in conjunction with an ongoing collaborative research project at the University of Arizona conducted by Dr. Steve Archer and Dr. David Breshears. Students will summarize their findings in a written report and present their research in an oral or poster presentation during the Fall Semester of 2011.

What is the starting date? Flexible, but mid-May 2011 is preferred.

How much is the stipend? Up to $6,000 or $500 per week.

How do I apply? go to http://ag.arizona.edu/research/archer/

When is the application deadline? March 15, 2011 or until suitable candidate found.

What is the research about? Decomposition, the breakdown of dead plant and animal material, is a fundamental process that cycles nutrients and carbon through ecosystems. Most of what is known about decomposition comes from studies in high rainfall areas, but this knowledge does not translate well to dryland ecosystems. Decomposition affects long- term soil fertility and carbon storage and therefore plays an important part in determining the role of drylands in the global carbon cycle. Recent studies suggest that ultra-violet radiation and mixing of eroded soils with litter are important drivers influencing dryland decomposition. Our research tests the importance of these drivers. We hypothesize that the formation of this soil-litter matrix is determined by wind and water erosion and that once it develops the role of ultra-violet radiation is mediated. REU students will interact with collaborators at New Mexico State University (Dr. Heather Throop), Loyola University (Dr. Paul Barnes) and the University of Kentucky (Dr. Rebecca McCulley).

For more information visit our website: http://www.snr.arizona.edu/project/decomposition

Friday, February 4, 2011

Faculty Position in Community Evolution, George Washington U

Faculty Position in Community Evolution
Department of Biological Sciences,
The George Washington University

The Department of Biological Sciences of the George Washington University
is accepting applications for a tenure-track faculty member at the rank
Assistant Professor with expertise in the field of Community Ecology.
We are searching broadly for candidates who study the ecological and
evolutionary factors structuring communities, including anthropogenic
factors such as invasive species, pollution, fragmentation, or climate
change. Research interests could encompass terrestrial, freshwater, or
marine communities or investigations of urban ecology using a community
approach. Teaching responsibilities would include an undergraduate course
in global ecology and a graduate course in his or her area of expertise.
The successful candidate will carry out research capable of attracting
external grants and help us build a program with a strong environmental
biology or ecological research focus. Basic Qualifications: a Ph.D. in
an appropriate discipline, postdoctoral experience, ability to teach
global ecology, and accomplishments in biological research in community
ecology demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Application Procedure: to be considered please send electronically a
complete curriculum vitae, brief descriptions of teaching and research
plans, three publications, and the names and contact information for
three references to John Lill at GWecosearch@gmail.com

Only complete applications will be considered. Review of Applications
will begin on March 13, 2011, and will continue until the position
is filled.

The George Washington University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative
Action Employer. The University Search Committee seeks to attract an
active, culturally and academically diverse faculty of the highest
caliber.

Faculty Position in Bioinformatics, Northern Arizona University


Faculty Position in Bioinformatics, Northern Arizona University


The College of Engineering, Forestry and Natural Sciences invites
applications for a tenure track position in the area of Bioinformatics
at either the assistant or associate level, to begin August 2011.
Although outstanding candidates from all areas of Bioinformatics will be
considered, we are particularly interested in committed educators with
strong practical experience in bioinformatics software development and
application. The successful candidate will be expected to play a
leadership role in the development of an undergraduate training program
in bioinformatics, requiring a solid combination of technical, program
development, communication, and leadership skills. Candidates must be
particularly committed to undergraduate education, and must be able to
teach core software development courses in a Bioinformatics program, as
well as upper-division and graduate courses in their specialty area.
Candidates must also have a strong commitment to developing a scholarly
record in either Bioinformatics or related pedagogy.

The position requires an earned doctorate in Computer Science or a
Biological Science for either the assistant or associate level.
Additionally, for the associate level candidates will be required to
have teaching, research and service experience consistent with COFS
guidelines for promotion to Associate Professor. Please see
http://home.nau.edu/provost/ for more information on COFS guidelines.

Preferred qualifications include:

For appointment at rank of Assistant Professor:
• Demonstrated skill in applied software development and application,
particularly in the bioinformatics area.
• Demonstrated skill in pedagogy and undergraduate education.
• Demonstrated skill teaching core courses in Computer Science, Biology
or Biochemistry.
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated administrative and program management skills.
• Candidates with a demonstrated commitment supportive of the
multicultural needs of Northern Arizona University and the surrounding
area are strongly desired.

For appointment at rank of Associate Professor:
• The preferred qualifications for the Assistant rank, AND;
• Strong scholarly or industry record in bioinformatics or related pedagogy.
• Direct experience in design, deployment, and development of new
academic programs, particular in the bioinformatics area.

Northern Arizona University has a student population of about 25,000 at
its main campus in Flagstaff and at about 30 sites across the state.
Committed to a diverse and civil working and learning environment, NAU
has earned a solid reputation as a university with all the features of a
large institution but with a personal touch, with a faculty and staff
dedicated to each student’s success.

While our emphasis is undergraduate education, we offer a wide range of
graduate programs and research. Our institution has carefully integrated
on-campus education with distance learning, forming seamless avenues for
students to earn degrees.

Flagstaff has a population of about 62,000, rich in cultural diversity.
Located at the base of the majestic San Francisco Peaks, Flagstaff is
140 miles north of Phoenix at intersection of Interstate 17 and
Interstate 40.

The Bioinformatics position described here is inherently
interdisciplinary in nature, spanning the departments of Electrical
Engineering and Computer Science, Chemistry, and Biological Sciences,
all of which are housed in the College of Engineering, Forestry, and
Natural Sciences. NAU has a strong history of dedication to
undergraduate education, with graduate degrees offered in selected
fields, including a doctoral program in Biology, and Masters and Masters
of Engineering programs in Chemistry and Computer Science, respectively.

To apply, send: (1) a cover letter highlighting your particular
qualifications for this position; (2) a curriculum vitae; and (3) names
and contact information for three references, to: Dr. Eck Doerry,
BioInformatics Search Committee Chair, Box 4073 MGEN, Northern Arizona
University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011-5600. Only complete application packets
sent in hardcopy to this address will be reviewed.

The search will remain open until the position is filled or closed;
however, the screening committee will begin reviewing applications on
February 28, 2011.

NAU is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is
responsive to the needs of dual-career couples. We are committed to a
diverse faculty and specifically seek individuals supportive of the
multicultural needs of Northern Arizona University and the surrounding
area. Minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities are
encouraged to apply. Please see http://www.cefns.nau.edu/ for further
information about the college, NAU or the Flagstaff area.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Assistant/Associate Prof. of Wildlife Ecology




Assistant or Associate Professor of Wildlife Ecology
Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) University of Florida Gainesville, Florida
Salary commensurate with Qualifications and Experience
Review of application materials will begin on March 11, 2011.

Position will open until a viable applicant pool is determined.

Duties and Responsibilities: This is a 12-month, full-time, tenure-accruing position that will be 70% research (Florida Agricultural Experiment Station), 20% extension (Florida Cooperative Extension Service) and 10% administration in the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, at the University of Florida. The successful candidate will develop internationally recognized research and extension programs addressing large-scale ecological questions broadly consistent with the goals of the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON; http://www.neoninc.org) program. The Ordway Swisher Biological Station is a research, teaching, and extension facility of the University of Florida (http://ordway-swisher.ufl.edu).