A UK-US NSF-NERC joint-funded postdoctoral position is available to study
the interplay between diversity, disturbance and invasion, using
experimental microcosms to illuminate ecological theory. Invasion by alien
species represents a major threat to the maintenance of the world`s
biodiversity. Biological invasions also have significant economic and
environmental impacts on agriculture, epidemiology and conservation.
Unfortunately, our current understanding of the processes involved, and
hence our ability to manage disturbed systems, is hampered by the large
number of interacting factors that can affect invasion. This project will
examine how biological diversity and environmental perturbations interact
to affect invasion, using a mix of experiments and theoretical research.
The project will focus on experimental populations of microbes, combined
with a related modeling agenda, to study: 1) the effect of independent,
and combined, manipulation of disturbance and diversity on invasion
success; and 2) the role of pre-adaptation to disturbance regimes in
mediating invasion resistance. The postdoc will additionally assess the
hypothesized importance of pre-adaptation to disturbance regimes by
assessing invasion success following changes to previously established
regimes. The project will involve successive iterations between these
large bacterial community experiments and system-specific and general
theory. Research will be based in the laboratory of Dr. Katriona Shea
(https://kshealab.wordpress.com/) in the Department of Biology at The
Pennsylvania State University, USA, with experimental work conducted in
the laboratory of Dr. Angus Buckling
(http://biosciences.exeter.ac.uk/staff/index.php?web_id=Angus_Buckling) at
the University of Exeter Cornwall campus, UK. Please contact Katriona Shea
([email protected]; +1 814-321-4809) for more
information. We seek a postdoctoral researcher who has expertise in
ecological/evolutionary modeling with a clear interest in applications to
community ecology and a strong desire to integrate theory with empirical
research. A Ph.D. in Quantitative Ecology, Population Biology, Applied
Mathematics or an equivalent area is required. Expertise in theory for
microbial systems dynamics, using stochastic analytical and/or simulation
population models, and empirical expertise in such systems, is highly
desirable. Candidates should demonstrate a track record of publication;
have strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills; and be
able to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
Interested applicants should apply online athttps://psu.jobs/job/61825
with an application, a CV, a 1-2 page statement of research interests that
explicitly describes professional qualifications for this position, and
contact information for three referees. This is a fixed term position
funded for one year from date of hire with possibility of refunding.
Review of applications will immediately and continue until a suitable
candidate is found.
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committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified
applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual
orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected
veteran status.
-- <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< Dr. Katriona Shea Alumni
Professor in the Biological Sciences Professor of Ecology Department of
Biology and Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics 208 Mueller
Laboratory The Pennsylvania State University University Park, PA 16802
USA Office: +1 814 865 7910 Lab: +1 814 865 7912 Biology: +1 814 863
0278 Fax: +1 814 865 9131 Email: [email protected]
http://www.bio.psu.edu/People/Faculty/Shea/ or
http://kshealab.wordpress.com/
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