NOAA’s Southeast Fisheries Science Center and Florida International
University (FIU) seek to hire a post-doctoral researcher to examine the
relationship between herbivores (especially parrotfishes), algae, and corals
on coral reefs.
Specific tasks are twofold:
1) review, analyze, and synthesize existing information from the
literature, critically examining the relationships between herbivory (with
an emphasis on parrotfishes), algae and coral, and the context-dependent
nature of these relationships (e.g. effects of geography or proximity to
large population centers, land-based sources of pollution, fishing pressure,
MPA protection, etc.), as well as identifying gaps in our current knowledge
of these factors;
2) conduct field studies to begin addressing the most critical data gaps
in our knowledge of the effects of parrotfish on algal assemblages and coral
communities (e.g. size- and age-based demographic patterns, grazing
rates/feeding preferences different parrotfish species, effects of habitats
and geographical locations, role of parrotfish corallivory, etc.).
The successful applicant will have a strong background in reef fish ecology,
coral ecology/biology, and/or coral-algal interactions, with an excellent
publication record commensurate with his/her career stage. Applicants
should also have outstanding oral and written communication skills, a strong
quantitative background, and work well in a collaborative environment.
Experience conducting field studies in tropical marine environments
(including SCUBA and small boat experience) is necessary. Familiarity with
tropical western Atlantic/Caribbean coral reef ecosystems is desired.
The post-doc will be based in Miami, FL and hired through FIU, jointly
supervised by Drs. Deron Burkepile (FIU) and Benjamin Ruttenberg (NOAA).
The successful applicant will split time between the offices of NOAA and FIU
and potential field sites in the Florida Keys, U.S. Virgin Islands, and
Puerto Rico. Anticipated start date is late summer-fall 2011, but is
flexible. The position is expected to last for two years. Expected
products will include technical reports and peer-reviewed publications for
both the data synthesis and field-based portions of the project. Review of
applications will begin July 25.
Potential candidates should send a short letter of interest along with a CV
to Drs. Burkepile (dburkepi@fiu.edu) and Ruttenberg
(benjamin.ruttenberg@noaa.gov).
Florida International University is an equal opportunity employer. Women
and minorities are especially encouraged to apply.