Two post-doc positions

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Colleagues and I are currently looking for two post-doctoral candidates to collaborate on spatio-temporal models:

1. 2.5 years of funding to understand environmental drivers of pelagic fish distribution near Vancounver Island BC, including impacts on predator-prey dynamics and natural mortality (details at Jennifer.Boldt), Jim Thorson (James.Thorson), and Robyn Forrest (Robyn.Forrest@dfo-mpo. gc.ca).

2. 1 year of funding to understand how best to estimate length-structure for tropic tuna species, in preparation for an international CAPAM meeting on the topic in March 2018 (details at semmens), Jim Thorson (James.Thorson), and Mark Maunder (mmaunder).

I’m also happy to point out several new papers demonstrating spatio-temporal analysis using FishStats models including:

1. Multispecies models for interactions using package MIST: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ecy.1760/full
2. Showing improvement in assessment models given spatio-temporal index standardization using package SpatialDeltaGLMM: http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/abs/10.1139/cjfas-2016-0137#.WRxln_nytaQ
3. Attributing distribution shift to climate and age-structured dynamics using package VAST: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/faf.12225/full
4. Synthesizing 10+ data sets to estimate distribution for input to ecosystem models using package SpatialDeltaGLMM: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S016578361730111X
5. Standardizing fishery-dependent data while accounting for fisher targeting using package VAST: http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/abs/10.1139/cjfas-2015-0598#.WRxnQvnytaQ

and the many exciting papers in the forthcoming CJFAS special issue on spatial stock assessment models.

Finally, Mark Maunder, Brice Semmens and I are organizing a CAPAM meeting in La Jolla for Feb. 26-March 2, 2018 on spatio-temporal models for analyzing compositional and fishery data! We look forward to hearing about the diverse work in this topic, and will organizing a special issue (maybe in ICES JMS).

cheers,
Jim

Spring 2017

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PML advertising for bio-economic modeller

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Apologies for cross-posting but I would be grateful if you can consider
if you know anyone for the following open-ended post in my group and
circulate the advert please

PML has an open-ended position for a Bio-economic modeller to support
their Sea and Society group and its currently funded projects, and to
lead future development of aspects of economic modelling. They should
have skills and experience in at least one of the following areas:

•bio-economic modelling of fisheries and aquaculture

•economic modelling of ecosystem services and benefits

•bio-economic decision support tool development using probabilistic
graphical modelling/machine learning

Further details at
https://advanced.advorto.com/PML/VacancyInformation.aspx?VId=19721#.WNj0cuR1qUk

<https://advanced.advorto.com/PML/VacancyInformation.aspx?VId=19721%23.WNj0cuR1qUk><https://advanced.advorto.com/PML/VacancyInformation.aspx?VId=19721%23.WNj0cuR1qUk>

Cheers

Mel

Prof Melanie Austen
/Head of Science: Sea and Society/
/Coordinator: EU VECTORS/
Plymouth Marine Laboratory
Prospect Place
Plymouth PL1 3DH
UK
Tel: +44 (0)1752 633489/633100
Fax: +44(0)1752 633101

Postdoctoral announcement

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Please find below a Postdoc announcement to be hosted in Ifremer, Brest.

IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON ANCHOVY AND SARDINE POPULATIONS OF THE

NORTH-EAST ATLANTIC: A DEB-IBM MODELLING APPROACH.

The objective is the evaluation of the impact of climate change at the

horizon 2100 on the populations of anchovy and sardine in the Bay of

Biscay. This study will rely on mechanistic modelling at population

scale based on an Individual-Based Modelling (IBM) approach and on the

Dynamic Energy Budget (DEB) theory. Growth and reproduction will be

represented at the individual level throughout the life cycle, and

included in a population model to analyze the recruitment process, which

is key in the dynamics of these populations. This study is part of the

European H2020 CERES project. The environmental forcing will be

extracted from the coupled model POLCOMS-ERSEM from the project partner

Plymouth Marine Laboratory and will cover the period 1960-2099 under

different climate change IPCC scenarios. A first step will focus on

model calibration, especially the natural mortality parameters, on a

hindcast period impacted by fishery, as well as on validation using

abundance information. A second step will concern the analysis of the

specific response to climate change in the Bay of Biscay. Finally it is

suggested to consider other European regions of the current area of

distribution and investigate the regional trend of expansion or

retraction for the populations of both species.

Additional information is available at :

https://wwz.ifremer.fr/institut_eng/Ifremer-careers/Research-grants/Post-doctoral-researchers

Postdoctoral Associate – Center for Systems Integration and Sustainability (CSIS) at Michigan State University

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Postdoctoral Associate

Innovative and highly motivated candidates with strong track records of research productivity are invited to apply for a Postdoctoral Associate position with the Center for Systems Integration and Sustainability (CSIS) at Michigan State University. The position will involve interdisciplinary research that integrates spatial, socioeconomic, and environmental sciences, with a focus on the operationalization of the telecoupling framework (socioeconomic and environmental interactions between coupled human-natural systems over distances, http:///www.telecoupling.org). The successful candidate will have opportunities to work and collaborate on one or more of the following tasks:

  • Develop spatially-explicit models and tools to describe and quantify socioeconomic and environmental interactions between coupled human-natural systems
  • Compile and collect socioeconomic and environmental data at local, regional, national, and international scales to quantify various factors affecting feedbacks between global food security and land use
  • Analyze and synthesize multi-scale data to understand relationships among various factors to facilitate modeling of feedbacks between food security and land use
  • Modify or integrate existing global trade modeling approaches (e.g. GTAP, PEATSim) into the telecoupling framework using data and analyses listed above to allow simulation of long-term consequences for land use and food security under various scenarios (e.g., various decisions and policy options regarding land use and food security, changes in population size, climate, urbanization, biofuel demand etc.)

This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic interdisciplinary group with collaborators in Brazil, China, UK, US, and other countries. Selected candidates will have a unique opportunity to develop and expand collaborations within the Center and across international research groups. Preferred applicants will already have an interdisciplinary background with experience integrating GIS with analytical approaches from the economic, social, geographic, ecological, or/and agricultural sciences; have some basic experience in spatial analysis/modeling and good programming skills (e.g. Python, R, or C++); and have excellent communication skills and a PhD in a related field (e.g., computer science and engineering, conservation, ecology, economics, geography, environmental science,  international trade, land science, spatial science, systems modeling and integration). This position is initially for one year, renewable depending on performance and funding. A competitive salary and benefit package will be offered commensurate with experience.

Application materials should include: (1) letter of application, (2) statement of professional goals and research experiences/interests (e.g., how experiences and interests fit with the tasks listed above), (3) CV or resume, (4) transcripts (unofficial ones are OK initially), (5) list of 3-4 references (names and contact information), and (6) up to three representative publications, models or software programs developed by the applicant.

Applicants are encouraged to submit their application materials as soon as possible. Please visit https://jobs.msu.edu (using posting number 5169) for more information and application submission. Applications are welcome until a suitable candidate is identified. Reviews of applications will begin on April 25, 2017. Start date is relatively flexible.  Questions can be emailed to:

Dr. Jianguo (Jack) Liu
Rachel Carson Chair
Michigan State University
liuji@msu.edu

http://csis.msu.edu/people/jianguo-liu

** Dr. Liu will be at the telecoupling workshop on April 9 and telecoupling symposium on April 10 during the US-IALE meeting in Baltimore, and would be happy to meet with potential candidates. **

PhD Scholarship in Fisheries and Fisheries Ecosystem Impact Modelling – DTU

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A PhD Scholarship in Fisheries and Fisheries Ecosystem Impact Modelling is available at the National Institute of Aquatic Resources (DTU Aqua) with starting date May 2017. The scholarship is financed by National and EU Research Projects and supported by the DTU Aqua PhD School.

The project will primarily be carried out in affiliation to the Section for Ecosystem-based Management which is situated in Lyngby, Denmark. DTU Aqua is an institute at the Technical University of Denmark.

The purpose of DTU Aqua is to provide research, advice and education at the highest international level within the sustainable exploitation of living marine and freshwater resources, the biology of aquatic organisms and the development of ecosystems as well as their integration in ecosystem-based management. The institute has an international research staff comprising approx. 120 academic employees.

Project description
The overall aim is to model the interlinked marine fisheries, fish stock, and benthic habitat/community dynamics and their interactions with focus on ecosystem impacts of fisheries and fisheries management. This involves application and further development of bio-economic spatial and agent-based modelling techniques for simulating individual fishing vessels moving in some (e.g. virtual) marine environment. The project offers opportunity for making significant advance in an important field of fisheries research concerning estimating the various ecological and socio-economics trade-offs among fisheries incomes, the sustainability of the fish stocks harvested, and the impacts and sensitivity of the benthic habitats/communities given different fisheries management options. This further integrates aspects of fishing fleet economics and drivers linked to the varying agent´s decision making. Mitigating fisheries in time and space is considered an attractive management solution provided that recent data can support highly resolved risk assessment model¬ling tools and simulations to document and anticipate potential long term effects and expected related benefits of management scenarios and actions within the ecological-economic system under concern.

The specific purposes are to:

  • Application and further development of bio-economic spatial and agent based modelling and simulation methodology;
  • Estimating ecological and socio-economics trade-offs of management scenarios with respect to fisheries economic effects, harvested stock sustainability, and benthic impacts;
  • Evaluate fisheries interactions with occupation of space by other marine sectors (renewable energy, large marine constructions, aquaculture, transport/shipping, conservation such as Natura2000 areas / benthic sensitive habitats,  etc.) with respect to their ecological-economic effects;
  • Modelling fisheries with fine spatial resolution to enable local and regional maritime spatial planning (MSP);
  • Literature review of empirical studies to incorporate the effect of fishing pressure on benthic habitats per type of fishing gear;
  • Participate in coupling the bio-economic spatial and agent based modelling tool to a state-of-the-art spatial fish population modelling framework concerning resource ocurrence.

The focus case study will be the Baltic and North Sea areas and the main modelling platform tool to be used and expanded will be DISPLACE (www.displace-project.org)

Qualifications
We are looking for a candidate who has:

  • Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree in Aquatic Science & Technology or similar;
  • Previous experience in marine and fisheries research, and population, fisheries and ecosystem dynamics;
  • Proven experience and strong skills in modelling and  quantitative and statistical analyses;
  • Proficiency in at least two programming languages among R and Matlab, C++, Python and GIS;
  • Interests and preferences for agent based modelling;
  • Knowledge on (fisheries) economics;
  • Proficiency in written and spoken English;
  • Keen interest in desk-only research and for working within the field of marine and aquatic sciences.

Approval and Enrolment
The scholarships for the PhD degree are subject to academic approval, and the candidates will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes of DTU. For information about the general requirements for enrolment and the general planning of the scholarship studies, please see the DTU PhD Guide.
Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be made by Sen. Sci. Francois Bastardie, Prof. J. Rasmus Nielsen, Sci. Grete Dinesen, and Sen. Sci. Ole R. Eigaard, DTU Aqua.

Salary and appointment terms
The salary and appointment terms are consistent with the current rules for PhD degree students at DTU.

The period of employment is 3 years.

Further information
For further information about the project, please contact Sen. Sci. Francois Bastardie, fba@aqua.dtu.dk

General information may be obtained from Christine Cecilie Hastrup chci@aqua.dtu.dk (+45) 3588 3001

Please do not send applications by e-mail, instead apply online as described below.

Application
Please submit your online application no later than 1 April 2017.

Applications must be submitted as one pdf file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link “Apply online,” fill in the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one pdf file. The file must include:

  • A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma
  • Excel sheet with translation of grades to the Danish grading system (see guidelines and excel spreadsheet here)
  • Description of skills according to qualifications.

Candidates may apply prior to obtaining their master’s degree, but cannot begin before having received it.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

The purpose of DTU Aqua is to provide research, advice and education at the highest international level within the sustainable exploitation of living marine and freshwater resources, the biology of aquatic organisms and the dynamics of ecosystems as well as their integration in ecosystem-based management. DTU Aqua has 260 employees, of whom a third are scientific staff. The other employees are assistant biologists, laboratory technicians, IT employees, administrative staff, ship’s crew, student assistants etc. The institute is organized into eight scientific sections which carry out the research, educational and advisory activities. In addition, the institute has a number of scientific and administrative support functions, including the research vessel DANA. DTU Aqua has employees in Charlottenlund, Silkeborg, Nykøbing Mors and Hirtshals as well as on Dana.You can read more about DTU Aqua on www.aqua.dtu.dk

DTU is a technical university providing internationally leading research, education, innovation and scientific advice. Our staff of 5,800 advance science and technology to create innovative solutions that meet the demands of society; and our 10,600 students are being educated to address the technological challenges of the future. DTU is an independent academic university collaborating globally with business, industry, government, and public agencies.
Apply here

PhD research opportunity in bio-economic modelling – France (Ifremer, UMR AMURE, Brest) and Australia (CSIRO, Hobart):

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Please find below the link to an opportunity for a PhD research project in bio-economic modelling, under a co-tutelle with France (Ifremer, UMR AMURE, Brest) and Australia (CSIRO, Hobart):

https://theses.u-bretagneloire.fr/sml/theses-2017/evaluation-de-regles-de-controle-des-cap-1/@@download/pdf_fr/Thebaud_Macher_AMURE_BioecoViabilite_en.pdf

Applications are via the doctoral school web site:

https://theses.u-bretagneloire.fr/sml/theses-2017/evaluation-de-regles-de-controle-des-cap-1/++add++Candidate

Three Oceanography Faculty Positions at LSU

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Ecologist, Ecological Modeler, & Fisheries Stock Assessment: The Department of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences (DOCS) within the College of the Coast and the Environment at Louisiana State University (LSU) is seeking outstanding applicants to fill up to 3 tenure- track faculty positions. Successful candidates must possess a Ph.D. within their discipline and a strong record of research accomplishments and publications, or the capacity to build the same in the case of emerging scholars. A history or potential to attract extramural funding and to work with interdisciplinary teams that include doctoral students, post-docs, and research associates is expected. An individual candidate may apply for a position in one or more of the three core areas listed below:

Fisheries Stock Assessment Scientist (Assistant or Associate Professor): Seeking candidates from the fisheries sciences including expertise in stock assessment, computational ecology, population dynamics modeling, quantitative fisheries science, mathematics, and/or statistics. A successful candidate will be expected to use quantitative approaches to study fish population dynamics and to advance the science of fisheries stock assessment. He/she must be capable of teaching/developing a course in stock assessment in support of the Graduate Certificate in Fisheries Science and Assessment offered by DOCS and the LSU Graduate School.

Ecological Modeler (Assistant Professor): Seeking candidates that use mathematical and simulation methods for understanding and predicting population, multispecies, community, and food web dynamics, including classical and agent-based approaches. We encourage applications from those who combine modeling and empirical research that may extend to coastal, estuarine, and/or marine fish population ecology and trophic dynamics.

Ecologist (Assistant Professor): Seeking candidates from academic backgrounds in ecology, including, but not limited to feeding relationships, environmental drivers, resource supply and demand and population, community and ecosystem level processes. Candidates who conduct empirical research related to spatial management, coastal, estuarine or marine ecosystem dynamics at spatial scales ranging from estuaries to the deep ocean are encouraged to apply. Duties of the positions include developing and maintaining a rigorous, externally-funded research program in the related area of discipline; teaching courses in a relevant area of specialty and courses based on departmental needs; collaborating on multidisciplinary research projects; mentoring graduate and undergraduate students and providing service to DOCS, LSU, and the State of Louisiana.

Minimum Qualifications: Ph.D. in science field. Preferred Qualifications: Ph.D. in fishery science, quantitative ecology, marine science, or related field. Postdoctoral experience is encouraged. Please provide three professional references including name, title, phone number and e-mail address. Attach a Statement of Research and Statement of Teaching on your application. Applications that arrive before March 31 will get full consideration.

To Apply: https://lsu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/LSU/job/2179-Energy-Coast-and-Environment-Building/Assistant-Professor_R00009355-1

postdoc position EU-ERC project bio-economic modelling

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Dear All,

Our lab is currently offering 1 postdoctoral position on fisheries bio-economic modelling on the EU-ERC Starting Grant<https://erc.europa.eu/funding-and-grants/funding-schemes/starting-grants> project CLOCK.
Please feel free to share the call among your team and peers. Detailed information is available here:
https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/180356

Thank you very much for circulating,

Elena

PhD scholarship: Modelling the Conservation of Wide-Ranging Species

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ID:
9948847
Title:

PhD scholarship: Modelling the Conservation of
Wide-Ranging Species

Advertiser:

University of Western Australia

Location:
Perth, Western Australia
Salary etc:
$29,000/year for 3 years + $1,500/year research funding

An exciting opportunity has arisen to undertake a PhD that will contribute towards the conservation of wide-ranging species in one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots.

This PhD is part of a larger project involving staff from the University of Western Australia, Alcoa of Australia, Department of Parks and Wildlife and the Western Australian Museum.

The project

The project, funded by the Australia Research Council, Alcoa World Alumina Australia and Department of Parks and Wildlife, aims to develop methods to better integrate conservation with anthropogenic activities across the whole landscape in a drying climate.

We are seeking a motivated candidate to undertake a PhD that will use data on the spatial distribution of critical resources for Red-tailed Black-Cockatoos to model the best trade-offs between conservation outcomes and a range of anthropogenic land uses. Critically, this will include modelling of how the location of cockatoo drink sites might influence these trade-offs.

While most of the data have already been collected, we would envisage that the candidate would undertake, or assist with, some fieldwork to better understand the cockatoo ecology, the landscapes and land uses modelled. The fieldwork would be conducted in a variety of landscapes in the northern jarrah forest ranging from 35km SE to120km SSE of Perth.

The candidate

We are looking for a candidate interested in both quantitative and qualitative research design, methodology and analysis, an ability to work both independently and as part of a team and a desire to interact and collaborate with both government departments and private industries.

Most of all we are seeking people with a passion for conserving our unique fauna and an interest in finding novel methods of achieving effective conservation outcomes in multiple-use landscapes.

Selection Criteria

Essential

  1. Completion of 1st-class or upper 2A honours or a Master of Science (MSc) or equivalent.
  2. Experience and skills in quantitative modelling of real world systems
  3. Willingness to engage with external stakeholders, such as private companies and government departments, and effectively present scientific research results to this audience
  4. Excellent interpersonal and oral communication skills
  5. Willingness to work as part of a large interdisciplinary team and achieve outcomes through a combination of planning, working independently, and collaborating with other team members

Desirable

  1. Experience in undertaking field-based vertebrate research
  2. Experience in modelling spatial and/or ecological data and familiarity with modelling software
  3. Experience in surveying literature and working with experts to define key ecological research questions then designing and implementing models to address such questions
  4. Experience in analysing, validating and interpreting model outputs
  5. Experience in calibrating models based on available knowledge and data
  6. Experience in writing scientific reports and publishing in the peer-reviewed literature
  7. A current A-class driver’s license.

How to apply

Enquiries about the position should be addressed to Dr Mike Craig either by email at michael.craig@uwa.edu.au or by phone on (08) 6488 1073.

To apply for the scholarship, please send a cover letter outlining why you want to do this PhD and your suitability for the position, a CV with the names and details of two academic referees and a document addressing the following selection criteria to michael.craig@uwa.edu.au

Applications close: Friday, 31 March 2017.

This scholarship is open to Australian and New Zealand citizens.

Date published:
31 Jan 2017
Closing date:
31 Mar 2017