[Coral-List] Post-doctoral position available: algal-herbivore-coral interactions

[Benjamin Ruttenberg]

NOAA’s Southeast Fisheries Science Center and Florida International 
University (FIU) seek to hire a post-doctoral researcher to examine the 
relationship between herbivores (especially parrotfishes), algae, and 
corals on coral reefs.

Specific tasks are twofold:
1) review, analyze, and synthesize existing information from the 
literature, critically examining the relationships between herbivory 
(with an emphasis on parrotfishes), algae and coral, and the 
context-dependent nature of these relationships (e.g. effects of 
geography or proximity to large population centers, land-based sources 
of pollution, fishing pressure, MPA protection, etc.), as well as 
identifying gaps in our current knowledge of these factors;
2) conduct field studies to begin addressing the most critical data gaps 
in our knowledge of the effects of parrotfish on algal assemblages and 
coral communities (e.g. size- and age-based demographic patterns, 
grazing rates/feeding preferences different parrotfish species, effects 
of habitats and geographical locations, role of parrotfish corallivory, 
etc.).

The successful applicant will have a strong background in reef fish 
ecology, coral ecology/biology, and/or coral-algal interactions, with an 
excellent publication record commensurate with his/her career stage. 
Applicants should also have outstanding oral and written communication 
skills, a strong quantitative background, and work well in a 
collaborative environment. Experience conducting field studies in 
tropical marine environments (including SCUBA and small boat experience) 
is necessary. Familiarity with tropical western Atlantic/Caribbean coral 
reef ecosystems is desired.

The post-doc will be based in Miami, FL and hired through FIU, jointly 
supervised by Drs. Deron Burkepile (FIU) and Benjamin Ruttenberg (NOAA). 
The successful applicant will split time between the offices of NOAA and 
FIU and potential field sites in the Florida Keys, U.S. Virgin Islands, 
and Puerto Rico. Anticipated start date is late summer-fall 2011, but is 
flexible. The position is expected to last for two years. Expected 
products will include technical reports and peer-reviewed publications 
for both the data synthesis and field-based portions of the project. 
Review of applications will begin July 25.

Potential candidates should send a short letter of interest along with a 
CV to Drs. Burkepile (dburkepi at fiu.edu) and Ruttenberg 
(benjamin.ruttenberg at noaa.gov).

Florida International University is an equal opportunity employer. Women 
and minorities are especially encouraged to apply.