August 19, 2015
Postdoctoral Associate – Intraspecific trait variation and
community structure at a continental scale
Bryn Mawr College, Bryn Mawr, PA & Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
We seek a highly motivated postdoctoral associate with experience in community ecology,
ecological theory, data management, and Bayesian modeling. The postdoctoral associate will
be expected to manage and analyze large spatial and temporal data sets, develop statistical
and theoretical models, carry out analyses, and write manuscripts and proposals. The
postdoctoral associate will work collaboratively with Drs. Phoebe Zarnetske (Michigan State
University), and Sydne Record (Bryn Mawr College), as with their colleagues. The NSF funded
research project utilizes National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) data on intraspecific
trait variation, additional measurements from NEON organismal samples (collected by
undergraduates), and data related to NEON sites and samples (e.g., phylogenetic community
structure) to determine how assembly processes internal to communities (e.g., biotic
interactions, microenvironmental heterogeneity) and large-scale assembly processes external to
communities (e.g., climate, land use) combine to affect intraspecific trait variation and
community structure across the continental United States.
Ideal start timeframe is January 2016. Applicants must hold a PhD in ecology, geography,
statistics, or related field by the start of the position. Applicants must have a strong background
in ecology, modeling, R, GIS, and writing. Ideal candidates will have experience in collaborative
research and be familiar with Bayesian approaches and/or theoretical modeling. The position
offers a competitive salary and excellent health benefits. The postdoc has the opportunity to
experience research and teaching at a liberal arts college (Bryn Mawr College) and an R1
university (Michigan State University). This is a full-time, 12-month fixed-term position, with
reappointment conditional on satisfactory performance. Funding is available for two years.
To apply, email as a single PDF: 1) a cover letter (2-pages maximum) with your research
interests and qualifications for this position, 2) CV, 3) list of 3 references with contact
information, and 4) 1 recent first-authored publication to: Dr. Sydne Record, Bryn Mawr College
(srecord@brynmawr.edu), and Dr. Phoebe Zarnetske, Michigan State University
(plz@anr.msu.edu). Application review will begin October 1, 2015 and the position will remain
open until filled. Bryn Mawr College is an equal-opportunity employer; candidates from
underrepresented groups and women are especially encouraged to apply.
Sydne Record
Assistant Professor – Dept. of Biology, Bryn Mawr College
Phone: 610-526-5094
srecord@brynmawr.edu
http://sydnerecord.blogs.brynmawr.edu/
Phoebe Lehmann Zarnetske
Assistant Professor – Dept. of Forestry, Dept. of Fisheries & Wildlife, Michigan State University
Phone: 517-355-7671
plz@anr.msu.edu
http://www.msu.edu/~plz