Limnology Jobs & Studentships

Notices on the availability of limnologically-oriented jobs and graduate student opportunities are accepted. There is no charge for the service at this time, which is available to SIL members and non-members. Submissions may be edited for length and clarity. Those deemed inappropriate to the SIL mandate will be rejected at the discretion of the SILNews Editor.

Submissions should include: 1) a short title describing the position (job or graduate studentship), 2) location and duration of the position, 3) closing date for applications, 4) a short paragraph describing the position, including any citizenship, educational or employment prerequisites, and 5) information on where potential applicants may obtain further information, including names of contact persons, telephone numbers, fax numbers, e-mail addresses, and web site addresses, where appropriate.

Click here to submit an advertisement for the web site.

Research Assistants / Research Associates

Duration: 2 years
Location: Singapore
Close date: 17 June 2013

Job Opportunities in Freshwater Ecology with the Ecological Monitoring, Dynamics and Informatics (EMID) group, Tropical Marine Science Institute (TMSI), National University of Singapore.'

EMID research revolves around a cross-disciplinary, quantitative approach with a strong focus on operations and management, towards the overarching goal of sustainable resource management. Much of research undertaken is supported through contracts with local governmental agencies to monitor and assess the ecological status of Singapore's aquatic systems, which provides a data- and opportunity rich environment for strategic and fundamental research. The Inland Waters Cluster applies freshwater research through the development of assessment tools and environmetrics for ecological appraisal and prediction. Research areas include:

• Protocol, design and operation of a National Biomonitoring Programme in Singapore.
• Quantified characterisation of habitats and biotic communities of freshwater systems.
• Translation of biological response to environmental conditions to ecological and water quality indicators, thresholds and guidelines.
• Ecological evaluation of environmental change following habitat creation or restoration
• Prediction of effects of changes in land-use and climate through eco-hydrologic modelling and environmental impact assessment.

We are currently seeking to fill a number of research positions to meet emerging challenges and opportunities in this area of rapid growth. Successful applicants will increase the capacity of core expertise in freshwater biomonitoring in Singapore at TMSI, NUS developed through targeted programmes over the last five years (http://rmbr.nus.edu.sg/dna/activities/details/26). Experience in freshwater research in South East Asia would be preferable. However, applicants with relevant skills in quantitative ecology and/or freshwater research elsewhere will be considered.

We are recruiting Research Assistants and Associates to join our research teams. Ideal candidates will have experience in freshwater ecological field work, quantified sample collection methods, data handling, analysis and interpretation of ecological data. The primary responsibilities of these positions are:

• Field surveying of freshwater habitats
• Collection of aquatic invertebrates and water samples
• Processing of samples and parataxonomy of freshwater invertebrates
• Data handling and quantitative ecological analysis using statistical techniques
• Interpretation of ecological data and production of high quality scientific reports
• Publication of resultant research papers in peer-reviewed journals
• Assisting in supervision of part-time staff and interns
• Supporting laboratory technicians in laboratory housekeeping and maintenance
• Depending on experience, candidates will have opportunities to design and implement experiments to address research questions within the scope of the Inland Waters cluster.

Requirements:

• The minimum qualification for research assistants is an undergraduate degree in a relevant subject area. For the Research Associate positions, applicants should have, at minimum, a MSc in a relevant subject area with two years relevant post-qualification experience.
• Proficiency in oral and written English
• Experience of ecological fieldwork and parataxonomy. Experience in freshwater ecology is preferred but training in field methods and identification of taxa will be provided.
• A good general knowledge of aquatic ecology
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
• A sound background in quantitative assessment methods and use of statistical software (such as SAS, R, SPSS, Statistica)
• Self-motivated and able to work independently as well as a with other team members.
• A valid Singapore Class 3 driving license (or equivalent for international applicants willing to obtain a local license) is highly desirable.

Salary:

Salary will commensurate with qualifications and experience. Unless otherwise specified, appointment is renewable annually subject to performance.

Contact:

Esther Clews
Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore
18 Kent Ridge Road
Block S2S, Singapore 119227
Singapore
Telephone: 65 66012008
Fax: 65 6776 1455
Email: tmsec@nus.edu.sg

Lecturer in Freshwater Ecology

Duration: continuing
Location: University of Technology Sydney, Australia
Close date: 5 PM (Sydney time), 28 May 2013

Recognising the importance of freshwater ecology in the School's strategic profile, and the contribution of science in this area to a sustainable Australia, UTS School of the Environment is seeking to appoint an outstanding freshwater ecologist who has a passion for teaching and is undertaking novel research in an area of freshwater ecology that is relevant to the School's research strengths. This is an exciting opportunity for you, as an emerging leader, to pursue research in a collaborative and world class environment, and to apply your experience and creativity to shape teaching.

You will be working in a world-class research environment: in the 2012 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) assessment, UTS scored 5 ("Well above world standard") in Environmental Science. The School's research strengths are the Plant Functional Biology and Climate Change Cluster and the Centre for Environmental Sustainability.

UTS School of the Environment is one of five schools in the Faculty of Science. The School is a leader in research that seeks to understand natural systems and support their sustainable use, and in innovative practices of student learning. The School's academic and research staff include marine biologists, eco-physiologists, eco-toxicologists, plant and wildlife ecologists, geologists, and conservation biologists. You will have a research profile of national/international standing and a track record of attracting external funding. You will have access to state-of-the-art equipment in modern laboratories, extensive field equipment, a field station equipped for freshwater research and teaching, and will have the opportunity to supervise honours and postgraduate research projects.

The School offers undergraduate programs in Environmental Biology, Environmental Forensics, Marine Biology, postgraduate programs in Environmental Change Management and Marine Science and Management, as well as Honours, Masters and PhD research degrees. You will be responsible for teaching two undergraduate subjects (Aquatic Ecology, Stream and Lake Assessment) with opportunities to develop these to match your expertise and the emerging needs of the profession.

Salary range: $87,179 to $99,759 pa. The University offers salary packaging plus 17% superannuation.

Application procedure:

In your application you MUST include a separate statement outlining how you meet each of the individual selection criteria for this role. This is in addition to the information presented in your CV. The selection criteria and position description are available via the 'Additional Information' link at the top right hand corner of the Careers@UTS advert.

Advice on addressing selection criteria can be found at: http://www.hru.uts.edu.au/jobs/pdfs/add-select-crit.pdf

To submit your CV, cover letter and selection criteria statement, please click the 'Apply Online' button.

If you require further information on the position contact the Head of School of the Environment, Professor William Gladstone on 02 9514 8272, or William.Gladstone@uts.edu.au.

Graduate Student Opportunities in Limnology

Duration: MSc and PhD
Location: University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
Close date: until filled (posted 5 March 2013)

The Limnology Laboratory at the University of Saskatchewan is seeking students for two research programs (MSc and PhD candidates).

1. The first project is a large multidisciplinary research effort that is conducting a nutrient sensitivity analysis on Lake Diefenbaker. Lake Diefenbaker has multiple uses: drinking water for 45% of Saskatchewan's population, hydro-power generation, irrigation, aquaculture, recreation and industrial uses. Such demands on the Lake are increasing with Saskatchewan's rapidly developing economy. However, the capabilities of the reservoir to continue to provide water of reasonable quality under rapid economic development and under a changing climate, is unknown. A comprehensive evaluation of the sensitivity of the reservoir to current and future nutrient inputs under a changing climate is essential to manage and protect this valuable resource for future use. Students with a background in aquatic sciences are encouraged to apply.
2. The second project will be examining the short and long-term dynamics of dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) in boreal lakes and prairie lakes. This project will also focus on the short and long-term effects of ultraviolet radiation on DON dynamics. Students with a background in aquatic nitrogen and carbon biogeochemistry are encouraged to apply.

Students will be funded through a partnership between the Limnology Laboratory and the new Global Institute of Water Security at the University of Saskatchewan. Both projects will involve field and/or laboratory experimentation and can include (depending on student interests) the use of the University's synchrotron facility (http://www.lightsource.ca/) and Structural Sciences Centre (http://www.usask.ca/sssc/overview.php).

Field studies will recommence this spring. Applicants are encouraged soon. To apply, please send a CV and cover letter that explains your related expertise and interests to Dr. Jeff Hudson, Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, S7N 5E2, e-mail jeff.hudson@usask.ca, telephone 306-966-4412, Limnology Laboratory website: http://www.usask.ca/biology/hudson/. Further information pertaining to the University of Saskatchewan, the Department of Biology and the Global Institute of Water Security (GIWS) can be obtained at the following websites: http://www.usask.ca/, http://www.usask.ca/biology/, http://www.usask.ca/water/), respectively.

Postdoctoral position in Ecological Modelling

Duration: 2 years
Location: IGB Berlin, Germany
Close date: July 2013

The Department of Ecosystem Research at the Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB) in Berlin, Germany, has an immediate opening for a full-time postdoctoral research associate in lake ecosystem modelling with a focus on plankton ecology, food web interactions, or the coupling of lake physics and population dynamics. Possible research topics would be an analysis of the relative strengths of the external and internal driving forces responsible for temporal variability in the physical and biological behaviour of lakes or modelling the impact of future environmental forces on lake ecosystems. However, it will be in the responsibility of the successful candidate to set her/his specific research agenda.

The position is limited to two years. Requirements include a PhD in biology, ecology, mathematics, bioinformatics or a related field, and the successful candidate will be expected to have a strong background in ecological, prognostic modelling and handling of large data sets. The working language in the institute is English, and we value diversity in the backgrounds and nationalities of our researchers.

IGB (www.igb-berlin.de) is the largest freshwater ecology institute in Germany. It offers excellent laboratory and field facilities for interdisciplinary research, including large-scale experimental infrastructure and long-term research programmes. IGB is part of the Forschungsverbund Berlin e.V. (www.fv-berlin.de), which represents eight research institutes in Berlin focusing on natural sciences, life sciences and environmental sciences, and pursuing common interests as a single legal entity while maintaining full scientific autonomy. IGB and FVB are equal opportunity employers and specifically welcome applications from female scientists. Preference will be given to applicants with disabilities when qualifications are equivalent.

Please submit a full curriculum vitae, including a letter of motivation, a statement describing research interests, copies of five representative publications, and the names and contact information of two referees. Please send all documents as a single PDF file to lehmann@igb-berlin.de. The review of applications will begin on 15 January 2013 and will continue until the position is filled. For additional information and informal inquiries, please contact PD Dr. Rita Adrian, Head of the Department of Ecosystem Research at IGB (Adrian@igb-berlin.de; Tel. +49(0) 30 641 81 690).

Master Program in Applied Limnology

A two-year master program (120 ECTS) at Boku - University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (Vienna, Austria) consists of five mandatory (first semester) and ten optional modules (second, third semesters) and a master thesis (fourth semester). Students are educated within an interdisciplinary framework of literature review, lectures and field work guided by biologists, ecologists, landscape planners, river engineers, modellers, systems analysts, statisticians, GIS-experts, water managers, lawyers, and historians.

For more information visit the Applied Limnology Coordination Office website: http://www.wau.boku.ac.at/al.html

Before registering contact Applied Limnology Coordination Office by email at al@boku.ac.at

Joint Master: Ecocatch - Ecological Management of Catchments in Europe

Duration: 2 years (120 ECTS)
Location: Joint Master Programme, a cooperation between 8 European universities (www.ecocatch.eu/universities)
Close date: Varying dates at the different partner universities

The catchment ­ an area that is drained by a river ­ has become the basic unit for planning of a future sustainable society since the Water Framework Directive (WFD) has been adopted by EU. The WFD aims at making all water bodies of good qualitative and quantitative status and to protect and use the water resources in an ecological and sustainable way. Hence, there is an urgent need for professionals handling the implementation of the WFD.

The Ecocatch programme will make you acquainted with the ideas of the directive and familiar with the various environmental conditions prevailing in different parts of Europe. Most uniquely, you will learn to integrate the effects of all different ecosystems that the water passes through on the way from the source to the sea. You collaborate with students from different European countries, learning from each other and enjoying studying together.

The programme’s unique broad-based approach and the international European embedding of our programme means that with a European Master's degree in ‘Ecocatch’ under your belt, you will be well equipped to conduct research at universities and other research institutes (e.g. those affiliated with the National Academies of Arts and Sciences) across Europe. You can also aim for a career in central or regional government (e.g. at the ministries of environment or agriculture), at water boards, private companies or consultancies, conservation organisations or non-governmental organisations. Given that the Water Framework Directive is mandatory and is urgently required throughout Europe, the demand for graduates with a Master’s in the ecological management of catchments is considerable.

More info is available at the Ecocatch website: www.ecocatch.eu

MSc in Aquatic Resource Management

Duration: One year full time
Location: Kings College London (KCL) England and the University Marine Biological Station Millport (UMBSM) Scotland.

The course is designed for those seeking vocational employment or research opportunities within the broad field of freshwater, estuarine and marine resources, their development conservation, regulation and management. A key feature of the course is the three month project placement (internship) within an organisation engaged in aquatic management or research.

The course has developed extensive links with the Environment Agency, other government agencies and departments, environmental consultancies and water utilities who provide a wide range of visiting lecturers in addition to placement opportunities. The course also has an outstanding employment record with over 90% of graduates gaining employment in the water management or research fields.

NERC studentships and departmental bursaries are available. For further details, course brochure or application form visit:
www.kcl.ac.uk/schools/sspp/geography/masters/aquatic.html

Contact person:

Dr Tony Bark
Department of Geography
Kings College London
150 Stamford Street, London SE1 9NN
United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7848 4403  
Email: tony.bark@kcl.ac.uk

PhD Student, Paleoclimatology/Paleolimnology

Duration: 3 years
Location: INRS, Québec, Canada
Close date: none

This project will be part of a multi-proxy study using chironomids, pollen, diatoms, grain size analysis and pigment analysis to reconstruct climate change through the Holocene. Students can chose between chironomids, pollen or diatom analysis. The project will include extensive fieldwork from spring to autumn 2004 to develop a training set in Quebec.

Short courses (2 weeks to a few months) with other specialists can be taken to improve the students's knowledge in taxonomy (e.g., in London for chironomids; in Ontario for diatoms; in Switzerland for pollen).

This project also includes a close collaboration with hydrologists at INRS to model the effect of climate change (past and future) on lake ecosystems in Quebec. This is a good opportunity for students be part of a multidisciplinary research project.

Contact person:

Isabelle Larocque
INRS-ETE, 2800 rue Einstein
Québec
Canada
Telephone: 1-418-654-3115
Fax: 1-418-654-2600
E-mail: isabelle_larocque@inrs-ete.uquebec.ca

MSc in Aquatic Science at UCL

We would like to draw your attention to the MSc in Aquatic Science based at the Department of Geography, University College London. The course can be taken full-time over one year or on a part-time basis over two years.

The MSc aims to provide students with an interdisciplinary understanding of the structure and functioning of aquatic environments from upland catchments to the coastal zone, encompassing lakes, ponds, rivers, wetlands, estuaries and shallow seas. Key features of the programme include the integration of aquatic ecology with hydrological and geomorphological aspects, analysis of sediment cores for the reconstruction of past aquatic environments, the design of monitoring programmes and the modelling of aquatic system behaviour. In addition, we aim to provide students with an up-to-date insight into key aquatic conservation issues including current ideas regarding the management, and restoration of aquatic ecosystems.

For further information on the MSc in Aquatic Science please visit the following web pages:

MSc Aquatic Science: http://www.geog.ucl.ac.uk/admissions-and-teaching/postgraduates/msc-aquatic-science

For further inquiries, please contact Post Graduate Admissions administrator Fiona Mannion at f.mannion@ucl.ac.uk or tel: 00 44 207 679 7579/0575

Page revised: 21 May 2013