Research Fellowship: Patch Dynamics and Conservation Planning
Job Level(s): Research Academic Level B, Research Academic Level A
Location: James Cook University, Townsville
Closing date: 2 May 2008
Reference Number: 8133
Position Statement
The appointee will contribute to improved understanding of how conservation planning should respond to patch dynamics of resources and disturbance in marine environments. The position will have a major geographical focus on the Bismarck Sea (Papua New Guinea) and will involve collaboration with The Nature Conservatory, other conservation organizations, and other researchers at James Cook University to contribute to a conservation plan for this marine region. The appointee will be part of an expanding research group focused on conservation planning and will help to develop a sub-program of PhD students and postdoctoral researchers working on patch dynamics. We seek applicants with strong spatial modeling and analytical skills and an interest in any scientific area relevant to patch dynamics and conservation planning. These include interpretation of satellite imagery, hydrodynamic models, the ecology of patch dynamics related to a wide variety of phenomena (including but not limited to pelagic productivity, coral bleaching, bottom trawling, and catchment runoff), spatial simulation modeling, geographic information systems, and the design of conservation areas to promote the persistence of natural processes.
Duties and Accountabilities
The appointee will be required to:
- Conduct research independently and as part of a team which contributes to the achievement of the aims of the ARC Centre of Excellence, particularly Program 6: conservation planning for a sustainable future
- Contribute to improving understanding of patch dynamics and their implications for conservation planning
- Participation in and assistance with organizing workshops on patch dynamics, covering issues ranging form simulation modeling, biological responses to patch dynamics; approaches to conservation planning; and communication with practitioners
- Work independently and collaborate with Centre staff to apply skills to research problems in conservation planning for marine systems
- Produce publications from research in high-quality journals
- Co-supervise graduate students, if appropriate.
Key Selection Criteria
- PhD in related discipline;
- Exceptional publication record for stage of career;
- Strong modelling or analytical skills;
- Established interest in any scientific area relevant to patch dynamics and conservation planning (note that experience in terrestrial and freshwater environments is relevant, providing it can be adapted to marine systems);
- Established links (national and international) with appropriate research organisations and personnel;
- Demonstrated effective interpersonal and communication skills.
Desirable Selection Criteria
- Experience with empirical and/or modelling aspects of patch dynamics;
- Experience with conservation planning to promote the persistence of biodiversity.
Enquiries to
Professor Bob Pressey
61 (0)7 4781 6914
Bob.Pressey@jcu.edu.au
Employment Type
Appointments will be full-time for a fixed term (research only) of up to three years subject to a probationary period.
Salary
$65695 to $77734 per annum
$58312 to $62484 per annum
depending on qualifications and experience
Benefits
Benefits include generous employer superannuation contribution and attractive options for salary packaging.
Method of Application Procedure
Please forward a Curriculum Vitae, statement of research interests, one page outline of possible research approach, pdfs of recent publications, addresses of three referees, a summary application form and a covering letter addressing the selection criteria to the Recruitment Officer, Human Resources. Telephone (07) 4781 6586, e-mail jcu.recruitment@jcu.edu.au. Alternatively the application may be lodged electronically by using the on-line facility Apply online for this job
