Postdoc in Community Ecology (USA)

A full-time, two-year, NSF funded Post Doctoral Fellow position in Community Ecology is available in the Siepielski Laboratory housed in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Arkansas (Position # 15781). The position is available for one year (anticipated start is January 2016, although this is flexible), with possibility of extension for one additional year based on satisfactory performance. The applicant will explore how niche and neutral processes may vary along a latitudinal gradient adopting theoretical, observational and experimental approaches.

Please note, this is a different position than the three-year evolutionary ecology position posted earlier on ECOLOG. Available here http://jobs.uark.edu/postings/9447 

Summary of job duties: The applicant will conduct field, laboratory and theoretical studies aimed at understanding the contributions of niche and neutral processes in shaping community structure of a diverse damselfly (Odonata) assemblage. The applicant is also expected to help oversee daily operations in the lab, organize field studies, prepare reports and manuscripts and present results at scientific conferences. The applicant will also be strongly encouraged to develop his/her own projects under the purview of the grant.

Minimum requirements: Ph.D. in Natural Resources, Environmental Sciences, Ecology, Evolutionary Biology or related field.

Preferred Qualifications: Demonstrated knowledge of contemporary community ecology theory, mathematical modelling, experience managing large complex field experiments and experience programming in R. Ability to conduct field work independently. Knowledge of aquatic invertebrate identification is preferred, but not required. Experience with proposal writing and grant management.

Essential: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, ability to collaborate effectively with students and an international community; solid work ethic, strong time-management and multi- tasking skills; attention to detail; creative problem-solving nature and commitment to adopt and implement new methodological and analytical approaches.

Applications include: Cover letter, CV, research statement, names and contact information of three references. All documents are to be submitted to http://jobs.uark.edu/postings/9581 by December 1, 2015.

The University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR (UARK) is a Tier I research university located in the Ozark Mountains. The faculty and graduate students at UARK are highly interactive and include an internationally known group of evolutionary biologists and ecologists.  We are located in an ideal setting for field-based projects in aquatic systems (AR boosts more than 2,300 lakes and thousands of smaller ponds, and equally impressive numbers of rivers, streams and creeks). Fayetteville is located in northwest Arkansas and offers a high quality of living at a low cost, an excellent climate, and is a large enough city to offer diverse activities and amenities. Rock climbing, hiking, kayaking, canoeing, and mountain biking opportunities are in close proximity.

The University of Arkansas is an Affirmative Action/EOE institution committed to achieving diversity in its faculty and staff. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates, especially individuals who contribute to diversity of our campus community. The University welcomes applications without regard to age, race, gender (including pregnancy), national origin, disability, religion, marital or parental status, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sexual orientation or gender identity. All applicant information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act and persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.


Adam M. Siepielski
Department of Biological Sciences
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville AR, 72701
Ph: 1-479-575-6357
Web: https://asiepielski.wordpress.com