A Research Associate/Post-doctoral Fellow position in the Department of Wildlife Ecology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, is available stating Fall 2005.
Project: Native biota in Hawaii is characterized by extremely high rates of endemism and is highly vulnerable to human impacts and climate change. This research will focus on Hawaiian damselflies as aquatic indicators of ecosystem health and stability and in relation of climate driven hydrologic changes. Two species of mosquitoes also occur sympatrically with damselflies, including the Southern House Mosquito (Culex quinquefasciatus), an important vector of avian diseases in Hawaii. Previous studies have indicated a possible relationship between drought, the presence or absence of damselflies and mosquito population abundance. The objectives of this research are to develop a modeling framework that integrates demography of damselflies and mosquitoes and their functional interaction with the relevant climate parameters that affect these processes. The model will be used to evaluate the effects of elevational gradients, climate variation, and El Niño events on system dynamics.
Requirements: We are seeking an individual with a strong quantitative background in population/community ecology or invertebrate ecology to undertake modeling work on the population dynamics of Hawaiian damselflies, their interaction with Culex mosquitoes and the effects of climate change on system dynamics. A Ph.D in Ecology, Entomology, Biology, or related biological field is required. Familiarity with discrete and continuous-time population models and basic statistics (linear and non-linear model fitting, general linear models, model selection, maximum likelihood) is required. Experience in the following is highly desirable: 1) computer programming (C, C++, JAVA), 2) the LINUX/UNIX operating system, 3) a major statistical software package (R, S+, SAS) and 4) a basic knowledge of a Geographical Information System. Major responsibilities include: 1) development of modeling framework, 2) parameter estimation from field and experimental data, 3) interaction and collaboration with modelers working on related projects and 4) interaction and collaboration with ecologists and vector biologists to aid in modeling and statistical data analysis. The position will be based in Madison with periodic travel (2-3 times/year) to Hawaii.
Start date: Fall 2005 or sooner.
To Apply: Send a letter of introduction describing research interests and experience, a resume which includes a brief summary of relevant experiences and projects, an unofficial copy of transcripts, and 3 references to Ms. Debra Carroll, Department of Wildlife Ecology, University of Wisconsin, 1630 Linden Drive, Madison, Wisconsin, 53706 (debracarroll@wisc.edu).
Application Deadline: 15 July 2005 or until suitable candidate is found
For further information on this research program please contact: Dr. Michael D. Samuel, USGS-Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit, 204 Russell Lab, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706. Phone: 608-263-6882.
E-mail: mdsamuel@wisc.edu
Project: Native biota in Hawaii is characterized by extremely high rates of endemism and is highly vulnerable to human impacts and climate change. This research will focus on Hawaiian damselflies as aquatic indicators of ecosystem health and stability and in relation of climate driven hydrologic changes. Two species of mosquitoes also occur sympatrically with damselflies, including the Southern House Mosquito (Culex quinquefasciatus), an important vector of avian diseases in Hawaii. Previous studies have indicated a possible relationship between drought, the presence or absence of damselflies and mosquito population abundance. The objectives of this research are to develop a modeling framework that integrates demography of damselflies and mosquitoes and their functional interaction with the relevant climate parameters that affect these processes. The model will be used to evaluate the effects of elevational gradients, climate variation, and El Niño events on system dynamics.
Requirements: We are seeking an individual with a strong quantitative background in population/community ecology or invertebrate ecology to undertake modeling work on the population dynamics of Hawaiian damselflies, their interaction with Culex mosquitoes and the effects of climate change on system dynamics. A Ph.D in Ecology, Entomology, Biology, or related biological field is required. Familiarity with discrete and continuous-time population models and basic statistics (linear and non-linear model fitting, general linear models, model selection, maximum likelihood) is required. Experience in the following is highly desirable: 1) computer programming (C, C++, JAVA), 2) the LINUX/UNIX operating system, 3) a major statistical software package (R, S+, SAS) and 4) a basic knowledge of a Geographical Information System. Major responsibilities include: 1) development of modeling framework, 2) parameter estimation from field and experimental data, 3) interaction and collaboration with modelers working on related projects and 4) interaction and collaboration with ecologists and vector biologists to aid in modeling and statistical data analysis. The position will be based in Madison with periodic travel (2-3 times/year) to Hawaii.
Start date: Fall 2005 or sooner.
To Apply: Send a letter of introduction describing research interests and experience, a resume which includes a brief summary of relevant experiences and projects, an unofficial copy of transcripts, and 3 references to Ms. Debra Carroll, Department of Wildlife Ecology, University of Wisconsin, 1630 Linden Drive, Madison, Wisconsin, 53706 (debracarroll@wisc.edu).
Application Deadline: 15 July 2005 or until suitable candidate is found
For further information on this research program please contact: Dr. Michael D. Samuel, USGS-Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit, 204 Russell Lab, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706. Phone: 608-263-6882.
E-mail: mdsamuel@wisc.edu
