Researcher (Soil Invertebrate Ecologist)

IMPORTANT:  This Advertiser has requested that applicants MUST be National Residents / Valid Work Permit-holders.  Other applicants need not apply.

 

We seek an early-career soil ecologist with expertise in soil invertebrates (e.g., mites, nematodes) to work within the Ecosystem Processes research team of Landcare Research, New Zealand.

Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research is a Crown Research Institute dedicated to high quality research in terrestrial ecology and the sustainable management of natural resources, and is ranked as the top environmental science and ecology institute in New Zealand and third in Australasia (Times Higher Education, 26 May 2011:  http://tiny.cc/dh4fh). Major areas of research include conservation biology and ecology, environmental monitoring, climate change, the management of weeds and pests, and soil and water resources.

We employ about 400 employees across nine sites. The Ecosystem Processes Research Team includes 35 researchers and support staff with a focus on improving our understanding of terrestrial ecosystems with a particular emphasis on aboveground-belowground linkages.

The Soil Invertebrate Ecologist position will primarily involve collaborative research in ongoing projects determining processes driving the structure, composition and functioning of forests and shrublands. Specific projects in the near-term (2-3 yrs) include (1) development of rapid molecular methods for identification of soil invertebrates, and (2) using soil invertebrate ecology to inform management of dynamic landscapes subject to biological invasions. The successful applicant is also expected to initiate new research projects in collaboration with other Landcare Research scientists, and to contribute to developing collaborative funding applications.

Applicants must have a PhD in soil or ecosystem ecology, have expertise in soil invertebrates, and preferably post-doctoral experience. Experience in research on soil ecology in natural systems is desirable, as is experience with molecular approaches. Applicants with a proven record of interdisciplinary research and an interest in collaborative research are particularly welcome. A demonstrated ability to publish research results in the international literature is necessary. Knowledge and experience in dealing with the users of research and a willingness to communicate science to non-specialists would be helpful. A start date of early November 2011 would be ideal.

The position is full-time, permanent, and based at our Lincoln site near Christchurch. International applicants are welcome.

Queries to Ian Dickie at dickiei@landcareresearch.co.nz. To apply, please click on the Apply Now tab.  Applications close 31 July 2011.