Position Starting: Around 23rd November 2016 Minimum Commitment: 2 months
Project Background: The broad objective of my study is to find answers to some fundamental questions in ecology concerning mechanisms of tree species distributions along environmental gradients: Why do species live where they do? What causes associations with specific habitats? What causes changes in species composition across landscapes? My study area is Paracou Research Station, French Guiana. Paracou is one of the best studied lowland tropical forests in the Guiana Shield region, with high tree species diversity and census data accumulated over 35 years making it ideal to study forest dynamics. I aim to quantify the tolerance limits of a number of tropical tree species to multiple co-occurring stresses (shade, drought, and waterlogging) to investigate associations between seedling performance and field distribution. The aim is to simulate extreme resource stress events that are likely to cause differential mortality. These data will be used to test theories of niche differentiation among tropical tree species. The proposed research has been designed to complement an existing dataset on the morphological and ecophysiological trait responses of a large number of species under controlled gradients of shade and water stress. These datasets will be combined with long-term forest plot data on saplings and adult trees of Paracou, to make predictions of species distributions. This research is an exciting opportunity to enrich our understanding of the mechanisms of species distributions and to utilise pre-existing datasets. Job Specification: The research assistant will be required to help with setting up a shadehouse experiment and subsequent data collection. Experimental set-up will require lots of heavy lifting and DIY. Data collection will require an ability to take precise and accurate repeated measures of potted plants. Person Specification: Hours of work will vary, therefore it is necessary for the research assistant to be flexible with working hours/days. I expect that hours will be longer at the start of the project, but this can be compensated later with increased free time. An interest in tropical forest ecology / community ecology / functional trait ecology would be an advantage, but not necessary. An ability to work in very hot, humid conditions is a must, therefore the assistant should be in pretty good physical condition. An ability to speak some French would be good, but not essential. This position will provide a good grounding in how to set up and run a shadehouse experiment in the tropics. Training will be provided for all aspects of work including how to take plant functional trait measurements. There is also scope for the research assistant to pursue their own small side project, if this is an interest please get in touch with your ideas. It is important to be aware before applying that this position is potentially quite costly in terms of air fare and living expenses, so it is essential that applicants take the time to think about how this position may benefit their future work/study goals. Benefits: Unfortunately, I am unable to offer a salary or airfare for this position. However, accommodation fees and a monthly stipend towards food costs will be provided. Other benefits include the potential for traveling and exploring a little known area of the world. French Guiana has many opportunities for people who enjoy adventurous travel. To Apply: Please email with an up to date C.V., a covering letter including what interests you in this position, and details of 2 recent referees. Please get in contact with me before applying if you have questions about the position. Email: [email protected]
