Weecology

The Department of Biology at Utah State University invites applications for a postdoctoral position in Dr. Ethan White's research group studying macroecology and ecoinformatics. The postdoc will collaborate on research testing methods for unifying macroecological patterns and using the resulting simplification to make predictions for a number of major macroecological patterns using a small number of ecological and/or environmental variable

One major approach to unifying macroecological patterns will be to use entropy maximization, a set of tools from physics that describe the most likely state of ecological systems given knowledge of a small number of environmental/ecological constraints. Other unified theories that link ecological patterns will also be explored. The project aims to 1) evaluate the performance of models that link ecological patterns using broad scale data on at least three major taxonomic groups (birds, plants, and mammals); 2) determine which ecological/environmental constraints are most important in controlling these ecological systems; and 3) combine unified models with broad scale statistical models of ecological and environmental factors to explain continental scale variation in community structure. The postdoc will also be involved in the development of a new ecoinformatics initiative developing the use of computational and web-based tools to facilitate the understanding and use of ecological data. In addition to these defined goals there will be ample opportunity for independent and collaborative research in related areas of macroecology, community ecology, theoretical ecology, and ecoinformatics.

Applicants from a broad variety of backgrounds including ecology, mathematics, statistics, physics and computer science are encouraged to apply. The position is for one year with the possibility of extension. The successful applicant will benefit from interactions with USU researchers in Dr. White's lab, the Weecology Interdisciplinary Research Group, the Ecology Center and with Dr. John Harte's lab at the University of California Berkeley.

Specific responsibilities will include: 1) working in a collaborative team on projects related to the use of entropy maximization methods in ecology; 2) participating in the development of social media (i.e., wikis, forums and blogs) and computational tools to facilitate the understanding and use of ecological data; 3) data management and analysis; and 4) publication.

Requirements include: 1) A PhD in biology, ecology, computer science, statistics, mathematics, physics or a related field by the time of appointment; 2) Strong quantitative or computational skills; 3) Excellent oral and written communication skills; and 4) An ability to work both independently and in a collaborative team.

Preference will be given to candidates with expertise in any of the following areas:

1. Macroecology
2. Entropy Maximization methods
3. Computer programming
4. Database design and management
5. Use of social media: in particular wikis, forums, and blogs

Salary will be $38,000 per year (which goes a really long way in Logan), plus a generous benefits package. Utah State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer, and seeks to attract and retain a highly qualified and diverse faculty and staff.

I have begun reviewing applications for this position, but new applications are still encouraged. To see the formal advertisement, and to apply, go to the job page at Utah State's site. If you have any questions, or just want to let me know that you'll be applying, you can email me at epwhite@biology.usu.edu.