POSITIONS AVAILABLE

These pages are intended for ISCE members use only.
ISCE members can submit new available positions to ISCE secretary Stephen Foster.

• Postgraduate scholarships and post-doctoral positions in Insect Chemical Ecology

  Postgraduate scholarships and post-doctoral positions are available as part of a strategic initiative to strengthen research collaboration between the research groups in Insect Chemical Ecology at Lund University and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences at Alnarp (The Linnéus initiative ICE-3).
  Two of the post graduate scholarships will also be part of the Research School in Genomic Ecology at Lund University. Further information about CGE and the research school can be found at http://www.ekol.lu.se/research/genomic-ecology.

  POSTGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIPs in Ecology, within the discipline of Chemical Ecology
  - Thrips chemical ecology (ref no 178)
  - Evolution of novel pheromones (ref no 165)
  - Pheromone strains, host plant races and speciation (ref no 166)
  - Chemical pollination ecology (ref no 177)

  Detailed information about the positions, required qualifications and instructions on how to apply can be found at http://www.science.lu.se/the-faculty/vacant-positions.

  Applications are due on May 15th or May 21st depending on the position.

  POSTDOCTORAL positions in Insect Chemical Ecology

  Three post-doc positions were available:
  - Chemical ecology of bed bugs – Position filled
  - Molecular analysis of moth pheromone production - Open
  - Pheromone identification and biosynthesis - Open

  Applications, including a letter of motivation, a CV and contact information for 3 references should be sent electronically before June 15th, 2008. For further information about the pending post-doc positions contact Christer Löfstedt christer.lofstedt@ekol.lu.se

• Graduate Research Assistantship:  Infochemical interactions (biting flies/hosts/habitats) and integrated livestock insect pest management, Department of Entomology, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, USA
   
  A Graduate Research Assistantship (MS) is available to pursue research on stable fly-host/habitat interactions. This research will study the chemical and physical cues that affect stable fly adult oviposition behavior as related to larval habitat characteristics. The research is part of a larger project to assist cattle producers and industry in reducing fly infestation and disease transmission. The work will be conducted in collaboration with research scientists from the USDA-ARS, Agroecosystem Management Research Unit in Lincoln, Nebraska.
  
  Qualifications: Highly motivated individuals with superior academic credentials and strong communication skills are encouraged to apply. Well-developed interpersonal skills are essential. Candidates must be able to work independently as well as part of a collaborative research team. The selected candidate will receive a 12 month Graduate Assistantship that will renewed based on performance. The Graduate Assistantship includes a monthly stipend of $1,489 plus tuition and health benefits.
   
  Send a preliminary e-mail letter of inquiry, describing research interests and academic qualifications to: Dr. Gary Brewer, Dept. of Entomology, 202 Plant Industry Building, Lincoln, Nebraska 68583, gbrewer2@unl.edu. For further information go to:  http://entomology.unl.edu/. Or contact Dr. Jerry J. Zhu, USDA-ARS, Lincoln, Nebraska, Jerry.Zhu@ars.usda.gov , Phone: 402-437-5793.

• Senior Chemist/Chemical Ecologist
  Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, Indooroopilly (Brisbane) Queensland, Australia
  This is a team based role leading and/or working collaboratively with other research scientists across a number of plant, insect and fungal specialisations to develop agricultural or forestry pest management system products to benefit primary industries in Queensland
  Salary $AUD 69,246 to $AUD74,600 p/a
  Priorities:
  Increasing our understanding of chemical interactions between economically important pest and disease organisms and horticultural and broadacre crops and forest plantations.
  Improving agricultural and forestry industry profitability and sustainability by developing novel pest and disease management systems that exploit our knowledge of the chemistry of pest/plant interactions.
  We are looking for an active researcher with recent achievements in the exploration of chemical interactions between plants and their pests and diseases, and with the ability to recognise opportunities to exploit chemical ecology to develop novel pest/disease management systems. We expect that you will have an extensive knowledge of both analytical organic chemistry and chemical ecology R&D techniques, and that you have shown the ability to develop and lead R&D projects in this area. You are ready to take responsibility for the development of a focus on this area in a large Government research organisation, and to work with entomologists, pathologists and crop scientists to build up a significant project portfolio across a range of agricultural and forestry crops.

  You will be located in the chemistry laboratories of the Horticulture and Forestry Science unit, but you will also work with Plant Science unit researchers on broadacre crops. You will be encouraged to extend to collaborations outside of the Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, to universities and other research organisations both in Australia and internationally.
  We have current, funded projects needing your skills immediately, but we expect you to take responsibility for planning and management of a wider project portfolio and in the recruitment process for additional staff.  You will have access to our excellent HPLC, GC, GC-MS and GC-EAD equipment, but you may need to specify and lead in selection of additional lab equipment. Opportunities will exist for you to continue to pursue relevant current research interests.
  This will be an exciting and satisfying position for a chemical ecology researcher with a background of successful project work, but ready to move to the next level and to drive the development of a new focus team and a new project portfolio.
  The position will be initially located at the leafy Brisbane suburb of Indooroopilly, but is expected to move in late 2010 to a new Ecosciences Precinct at Dutton Park, currently under development. It will house 1,000 researchers from four Queensland Government agencies and the National science organisation in an outstanding new research environment. (For details, see the website:
  http://www.dtrdi.qld.gov.au/dsdweb/v3/guis/templates/content/gui_cue_menu.cfm?id=15791

  You will have access to all the attractions of this vibrant, growing city and its beautiful subtropical surroundings from the beaches to the ranges. Other benefits include a starting salary in the range of $AUD 69,246 to $AUD 74,600 per annum dependent on your experience and qualifications, plus an employer superannuation contribution of 12.75% of this amount per annum, plus 17.5% loading during the 4 week annual leave period, plus 8.67 weeks long service leave on full pay after 10 years service, plus a generous sick leave provision. The appointment will be for a term of five years, but achievement of excellent outcomes could lead to an optional extension of this term, or to the position becoming permanent.
  Position Description, Application Guide, Application Forms and Online Application are located at http://jobs.govnet.qld.gov.au/ - Search by Organisation (Primary Industries and Fisheries) for this position; reference QLD/DPIF5403/08
  Applications close April 7, 2008
  Position Contact:
  Dr Michael Kennedy
  Science Leader, Innovative Forest Products
  Telephone: +61 7 3896 9754
  email: Michael.Kennedy@dpi.qld.gov.au

• Post Doctoral Research Associate-Research Chemist

  The USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Chemistry Research Unit, Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology, USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Gainesville, Florida, is seeking a Post-Doctoral Research Associate (Research Chemist), for a TWO YEAR APPOINTMENT.  Salary commensurate with experience ($54,494-70,843) per annum plus benefits.  Citizenship restrictions apply. The incumbent will study the semiochemically mediated interactions between plants, insects and other organisms.  The position provides a unique opportunity for investigating the chemical and biochemical factors that mediate defensive responses in plants attacked by herbivorous insects or infected with pathogens, as well as insect behavior, including the foraging behaviors of beneficial and pest insects.  The goal of the research is to design and develop new, effective, environmentally acceptable technologies for managing insect pests of agriculture.  In addition to basic educational requirements, applicants must demonstrate 1) Ability to isolate and identify biologically active natural compounds; 2) Knowledge of analytical chemical methods including chromatography and spectroscopy of organic and biochemical compounds; and 3) Knowledge of biochemistry, biology, entomology and/or plant physiology and biochemistry.  Refer to http://www.ars.usda.gov/careers for the full text announcement (RA-08-055L) and for complete application instructions.  Send application materials to Dr. Hans Alborn or Dr.
  Peter E.A. Teal, USDA,ARS/Chemistry Research Unit/CMAVE, 1700 SW 23rd Drive, Gainesville, Florida32608 or e-mail Hans.Alborn@ars.usda.gov.  USDA is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer

• Research Fellowship (PhD student position) in Behavioural Ecology.
  
  A position is available for a PhD student at the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Telemark Universoty College (TUC) in Bø from August 1, 2008.  The PhD fellowship period is either 4 years (25 % teaching responsibility included) or 3 years (no teaching duties). The position is at the Department of Environmental and Health Studies.
  The Research Fellow will work on the project “Chemical Ecology and Genetics in Mammals”, which is an exciting interdisciplinary project that combines chemistry, genetics and ecology to allow new insight into sociality and communication in mammals. The project will focus on the monogamous Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber), the polygamous yellow-bellied marmot (Marmota flaviventris) and the non-social brown bear (Ursus arctos) as model species. The majority of the field work will be carried out on beavers in Telemark, but there will also be field work on bears in south-central Sweden and on yellow-bellied marmot in the Colorado Rockies in the USA. The Research Fellow will collect scent samples from live-trapped animals and conduct chemical analysis in the laboratory on a gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer (GC-MS). Molecular genetic analyses, such as PCR and DNA fingerprinting will also be conducted. The behavior of, and interactions between, individual animals will be studied with GPS radio technology, data-loggers and proximity loggers.
  This position is a collaboration between TUC, where the student will work daily, and the Norwegian University of Life Science (UMB) in Ås, Norway, at which the Research Fellow will take required PhD courses, and from where the PhD degree will be awarded.
  Applicants must have a Master’s degree, Cand.
  Scient, or similar educational background. Due to the nature of the work in Norway, Sweden and the USA, an ability to conduct field work within the frames of the project and a driver’s license are reuiqred. Experience and understanding of behavioral ecology and statistical analysis, personal qualities, and the ability to work both independently and as part of an international team of students and scientists will be emphasized in the selection of the candidate.
  The position as Research Fellow/PhD student is at salary level 43 (code 1017) on the government salary scale. Two percent of the salary is deducted due to required membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund. Employees must comply with current laws, regulations and agreements for the position. An expert committee from TUC will evaluate the applications and the most suitable applicants will be interviewed.
  Based on the rules of equal opportunities laid down in the Personnel Regulations for Academic Positions, state employment shall reflect the diversity of the general population. Women and persons with minority background are encouraged to apply for the position.
  Further information about the position can be obtained from Tone Jøran Oredalen, Head of the Department of Environmental and Health Studies
  (tel: + 47 35 95 27 76, e-mail:tone.j.oredalen@hit.no
  or project manager Ass. Prof. Frank Rosell
  (tel:+47 35 95 27 62, e-mail:frank.rosell@hit.no.
  A written application should be submitted, consisting of a complete overview of education and professional activities (CV), certified copies of diplomas (Bachelor and Master degrees), documentation of relevant work experience and, if available, a list of publications and copies of these. The application is to be marked “27/08”
  and sent to Telemark University College, Hallvard Eikas Plass, 3800 Bø, Norway.
  Application deadline: 01.04.08.

• Postdoctoral Position ­ Plant-Aphid Interactions

A postdoc position to study Arabidopsis-aphid interactions is available in the laboratory of Georg Jander at the Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research in Ithaca, New York.
Responsibilities of the successful candidate will include design and implementation of experiments to investigate plant metabolic responses to aphid infestation, as well as aphid responses to plant metabolites. Development of additional areas of interest within the scope of the project is encouraged. Funding is available for two years, beginning in January, 2008. Candidates with backgrounds in biochemistry, plant physiology, molecular biology, or genetics encouraged to apply. Prior experience with HPLC and/or MS analysis of small molecules is desirable.

The Boyce Thompson Institute is a private non-profit research organization located on the campus of Cornell University, which has a large, active plant research community.  Ithaca is located in upstate New York and provides a pleasant university-town living environment with many outdoor recreational opportunities. Further information about the Boyce Thompson Institute and its facilities can be found at http://bti.cornell.edu/.

Applications should include a cover letter detailing research interests and experience, curriculum vitae, and the names of three references. To apply for the position or for more information, please contact Georg Jander, Boyce Thompson Institute, Ithaca, NY 14853; email: gj32@cornell.edu; phone: (607) 254-1365. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.  The Boyce Thompson Institute is an equal opportunity employer.