FIELD ECOLOGY RESEARCH ASSISTANT POSITIONS

LOCATION: Sonoran Desert/Gulf of California, Bahia de Kino (Kino Bay),
Sonora, Mexico

DURATION: mid April through early July, 2009 (some flexibility in exact
start/end dates).

DESCRIPTION: Four highly motivated research assistants are sought for field
studies on the ecology and evolution of the pollination mutualism between
senita cacti and senita moths and the protection mutualism between senita
cacti and ants in the Sonoran Desert. Successful applicants will contribute
to data management through computer database software and to data collection
through the implementation and monitoring of experimental and observational
studies in the field. Research topics include pollination ecology and plant
reproductive biology, insect behavior and life histories, and demography and
population dynamics of plants and insects. Opportunities exist for
successful applicants to develop independent projects. Further information
on the research can be found at http://www.ruf.rice.edu/~jholland/index.html

QUALIFICATIONS: Applications should have background in, be pursuing, or have
a degree in biology, botany, ecology, entomology, environmental studies, or
other related field. Successful applicants should be able to work
independently and as a part of a team, during often long irregular
(nocturnal) hours under harsh, hot environmental conditions. Attention to
detail, ability to manage multiple tasks, and computer skills (MS Excel) are
desirable; bi-lingual English-Spanish skills are desirable, but not
required. Successful applicants must be able to show respectful, tolerant
behavior of others while living together in a beach house on the Gulf of
California.

COMPENSATION: Housing, food, and a monthly stipend (U.S. $1,200/month).

APPLICATION: Applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and the names,
addresses, and e-mails of three persons who can provide letters of
recommendation. Electronic applications are encouraged and should be sent by
e-mail, as a single pdf attachment, to Dr. Nat Holland: jholland@rice.edu .
Postal mail applications may be submitted to the Department of Ecology and
Evolutionary Biology, Rice University MS-170, 6100 Main St., Houston, Texas
77005, U.S.A. Review of applications will begin March 6, 2009 and continue
until the positions are filled.