Since its inception in 1968, the Experimental Lakes Area (ELA) has been
the site for over 50 whole-ecosystem experiments to investigate the
effects of anthropogenic activities to aquatic ecosystems including:
flooding, drawdown, water diversion, eutrophication, acidification,
atmospheric mercury deposition, and aquaculture. As part of these whole
ecosystem experiments, extensive data have been collected for up to 43
years on fish populations, hydrology, water chemistry, food web
structure, primary production, zooplankton abundance, meteorology, and
many other factors.The breadth and completeness of these datasets
represent a truly unique opportunity to examine linkages between fish
productivity and the underlying food web.
We are seeking a highly-motivated individual to examine relationships
between fish production, primary production, secondary production, and
physical and chemical variables in these boreal lake ecosystems.The
successful candidate will use the ELA long-term datasets, with the
potential to conduct or participate in ongoing experiments at the ELA,
with the goal of quantifying the drivers of variation in fish
productivity. Given the experimental treatments imposed on ELA lakes,
there are very good opportunities to evaluate the effects of ecological
stressors both in isolation and in combination with potential background
stress (e.g., climatic variability).
Start date for the position is September 2012, but depending on the
timing of release of funds and identification and availability of an
appropriate candidate, could begin earlier. This is a 2–year position
that will be based at the Freshwater Institute in Winnipeg, Manitoba
with opportunities to conduct or assist with research activities at the
ELA. Funding for the position is competitive. The successful candidate
will work closely with ELA scientists (Dr. Paul Blanchfield, Dr. Scott
Higgins, Dr. Michael Paterson and Dr. Michael Rennie).
Candidates must have completed (or will soon complete) a PhD, with
experience in fish biology/ecology and/or food web ecology and a strong
quantitative background in statistical and/or modelling approaches to
addressing ecological questions. Knowledge of mark-recapture methods (in
particular, program MARK) is an asset.
The position is contingent on funding approval. Interested parties
should send a cover letter, up-to-date CV, 3 representative publications
and contact information for three references to:
Michael Rennie
Research Scientist, Fisheries and Oceans Canada
501 University Crescent
Winnipeg, MB
R3T 2N6 CANADA
[email protected]
