[Coral-List] 5 International Post-doc fellows at University of Queensland

[Peter Mumby]

Hi folks

Please find below 5 post-doc positions based at the University of Queensland in the Marine Spatial Ecology Lab. They cover a range of topics from reef data analysis, to connectivity modelling, food web modelling, and the economics of resilience. Each position will provide great opportunities for inter-disciplinary collaboration with partners at UQ, AIMS, and the University of California. Apologies that some positions start quite soon. International applicants are welcome.

1) Post-doctoral fellowship in network connectivity of coral reefs (3 years)
A 3 year post-doctoral fellowship is available at the University of Queensland's School of Biological Sciences. The fellowship is funded by the Stocker Industrial Endowment Fund and explores the effects of climate change and local disturbance (e.g., cyclones) on the dynamics of coral reef networks where individual reefs are connected by larval dispersal. The project is supervised by Profs Peter Mumby and Hugh Possingham (University of Queensland) and Dr Ken Anthony at the Australian Institute of Marine Science. Having said that, the fellow is expected to exhibit considerable independence and leadership in the development and implementation of the study. The scope of research is fairly open and includes both theoretical aspects of network behaviour and practical applications to the management of the Great Barrier Reef.
A theoretical background in network / graph theory is required although this does not have to involve marine ecosystems. The fellow will join a diverse group of ecologists and applied mathematicians and will have opportunities to forge additional partnerships with teams working in the Caribbean and SE Asia.
The position starts by June 2012. A cover letter and CV should be sent to Prof Peter Mumby at p.j.mumby at uq.edu.au<mailto:p.j.mumby at uq.edu.au> by March 1st. Informal enquiries about the position are welcomed. Salary academic level A6-A8.
2) Post-doctoral fellowship in ecological economics: the economics of coral reef resilience (3 years)
Applications are invited for an ecological economist to study theoretical and applied aspects of the resilience of coral reefs. A considerable body of theory exists on the resilience of coral reefs and the implications of hysteresis and alternate stable states. The fellowship holder will develop a  framework that integrates ecological, social and economic drivers from which to identify the most cost-effective means of addressing concerns over future ecosystem services.
The position is based in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia. UQ has a wonderful research environment, attracting top grades in the national assessment of research quality in all biological disciplines and economics. The fellow will be expected to work in a team and show research leadership. The fellow will have excellent opportunities to partner with collaborators at the University of California (Davis) and contribute towards high-level policy in both the Caribbean and Southeast Asia. Considerable travel is envisaged including retreats to UQ's laboratory on the Great Barrier Reef.
A PhD in theoretical ecological economics is required but there is no requirement for this to concern coral reefs (the fellow will be surrounded by reef ecologists and can learn this on the job). The position is open from April 2012 and will last a minimum of 3 years. Informal enquiries, a cover letter and CV can be sent to Professor Peter Mumby at p.j.mumby at uq.edu.au<mailto:p.j.mumby at uq.edu.au> (www.marinespatialecologylab.org<http://www.marinespatialecologylab.org/>). Deadline for applications March 1st. Salary at academic grade A6 to A8.
3) Coral data analyst
A position is open for a reef ecologist to participate in a collaborative project between the University of Queensland, Australian Institute of Marine Science, and Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. The project post-doc will explore a time series of field data and extract parameters to help estimate the dynamics of coral communities and impacts of disturbance. The position will last for 1 year but the nature of the grant requires us to make an initial appointment of 4 months which will then be renewed in the next financial year. The position is based in Brisbane and will require travel to Townsville. A background in coral reef ecology and data analysis is required (i.e., use of databases, linear modelling, and PRIMER). The position begins in March or April 2012. Please send CV and covering letter to Prof Peter Mumby, p.j.mumby at uq.edu.au<mailto:p.j.mumby at uq.edu.au> (www.marinespatialecologylab.org<http://www.marinespatialecologylab.org/>). Closing date for applications is 1st March. Salary at academic grade A6 to A8.
4) Post-doctoral position in food web modelling
University of Exeter & University of Queensland (Brisbane, Australia)

Applications are invited for a post-doctoral position to explore the implications of climate change and habitat degradation on the future productivity of Caribbean coral reefs. The ecologist will join a team investigating the effects of climate change and local disturbance on the ecology of coral reef systems. Extensive empirical datasets on trophic structure will be explored and used to extend an existing trophic model. The properties and dynamics of the food web will be investigated and linked to the internal and external factors (e.g., climate change) that will shape future productivity of Caribbean fisheries. Ultimately, the post-holder will work on both pure and applied questions of trophic structure and help identify sustainable fisheries options for coral reefs.

A background in modelling food webs is sought and does not have to be focused on marine ecosystems. This position is funded at the University of Exeter (UK) but is based in Brisbane Australia, with visits to collaborators and field sites throughout the Caribbean.

2 years from 1st April 2012. Please send a CV and covering letter to Professor Peter Mumby, p.j.mumby at uq.edu.au<mailto:p.j.mumby at uq.edu.au> (www.marinespatialecologylab.org<http://www.marinespatialecologylab.org/>). Closing date for applications March 1st. Apologies for the short notice. Salary at an elevated, lecturer level (higher than a post-doc).

5) Post-doctoral position in ecosystem-based fisheries (coral reefs)
University of Exeter & University of Queensland (Brisbane, Australia)

Applications are invited for a post-doctoral position to develop ecosystem-based fisheries recommendations for Caribbean coral reefs. The post-holder will join a large international team working on the management of coral reefs (www.force-project.eu<http://www.force-project.eu/>) and will focus on how fisheries impact coral reefs, mostly through the extraction of herbivorous fishes. Working with ecological modellers and field researchers, the post-holder will identify effective strategies for maintaining the functioning of coral reefs and future fish production while also allowing for minimal impact to fisheries production. Tools include the setting of new allowable catches, switches in species sought, and judicious usage and design of marine protected areas.

A background in fisheries science and modelling is desirable and does not have to involve coral reef ecosystems. The position will involve extensive travel with prolonged periods in Brisbane Australia, and visits to collaborators and field sites throughout the Caribbean. The position is anticipated to start by June 2012 and will run for 21 months. Closing date for applications March 1st. Apologies for the short notice. Salary at an elevated, lecturer level (higher than a post-doc). Please send a cover letter and CV to p..j.mumby at uq.edu.au<mailto:p.j.mumby at uq.edu.au>



Professor Peter J Mumby
ARC Laureate Fellow
Vice-President, Australian Coral Reef Society

Marine Spatial Ecology Lab
School of Biological Sciences
Goddard Building, Room 170
University of Queensland
St Lucia Campus
Brisbane
Qld 4072
Australia

www.marinespatialecologylab.org<http://www.marinespatialecologylab.org/>
Email: p.j.mumby at uq.edu.au<mailto:p.j.mumby at uq.edu.au>
Tel: +61 7 33651686
Skype: pete_mumby