[Lista-Algas] Beca posdoctoral en Cabo de Hornos

[Andres Boltovskoy (M)]

      BICENTENNIEL PROGRAM OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 

      INSERTION OF DOCTORAL RESEARCHERS IN ACADEMIA 

      Strengthening the UMAG's Master of Science academic team, associated with the implementation of a long-term marine-terrestrial socio-ecological research site in the Cape Horn Biosphere Reserve 

       

      POSITION:                                                               Postdoctoral Fellow

      TOPIC:                                                   Conservation biology, marine ecology, environmental sciences or similar

      LOCATION:                                                              Puerto Williams, Chilean Antarctic Province (Cape Horn Biosphere Reserve) Chile

      CONTRACTING INSTITUTION:            University of Magallanes (UMAG)

      ASSOCIATED INSTITUTIONS:            Institute of Ecology and Biodiversity & University of North Texas

      WORK CONDITIONS:                           Three year contract - with possible permanent contract

      SALARY:                                               1 million Chilean pesos (approx. $2000 USD) monthly

      POTENTIAL PROJECTIONS:               After 3 years, potential full-time contract in the UMAG & interaction with centers of research excellence in Chile and international

      BEGINNING OF ACTIVITIES:               September 2008

      NATIONALITY:                                      No requirement

       
     
       

      JOB DESCRIPTION:

       

      The Omora Ethnobotanical Park is a long-term socio-ecological research site, coordinated by the University of Magallanes in conjunction with the Institute of Biodiversity (in Chile) and the University of North Texas, the Center for Environmental Philosophy and OSARA (in the US). This is the first explicitly marine-terrestrial study site in Chile and in addition constitutes the research, education and conservation center for the Cape Horn Biosphere Reserve (CHBR). 

       

      The context of this location and position will provide the selected postdoctoral fellow with a unique opportunity to participate in a project that allows for constant collaboration with world-class researchers and academic intuitions and in addition is a part of one of eight Centers of Scientific Excellence in Chile, supported by the Millennium Scientific Initiative (Ministry of Planning) and the Bicentennial & Basal Financing Program (Chilean Science Commission).

       

      The person selected for this position will have the position of postdoctoral fellow and should collaborate in the following lines of research: 

       

      i)                    Coastal and kelp forests biodiversity, and its application to ecotourism 

      ii)                   Links between marine and terrestrial ecosystems 

      iii)                 Integration of socio-ecological aspects of the marine-terrestrial ecosystems, leading towards the responsible use of the coastal sections of the CHBR 

       

      These lines of research represent scientific priorities in the region and correspond also to the country's responsibility to fully implement the CHBR. 

       

      Strengthen research, education and conservation programs related to marine ecosystems in the Cape Horn Biosphere Reserve 

       

      The specific objectives include:

       

      a) Conduct research of marine biodiversity and processes.

      Focus ecosystems will include: 

      §         inter-tidal and coastal

      §         kelp forests

      Specific study topics will include: 

      §         biodiversity assessments

      §         evaluation of exotic species of algae, presence and influence

      §         impacts of global change

       

      b) Implementation of the first Long-term Socio-Ecological Research (LTSER) site in Chile that includes marine and terrestrial ecosystems. 

      Focus areas will include:

      §          Articulate the Omora LTSER with national and international networks

      §          Elaborate demonstration projects in the LTSER and establish criteria for a holistic management plan of marine areas in the CHBR.

      §          Strengthen the area of specialty tourism of subantarctic and Antarctic ecosystems. 

      Specific tasks and activities will include:

      §          Participate in the work of implementing the Omora LTER linked with a national network, coordinated by the Institute of Ecology and Biodiversity, and eventually linked with the International Long-Term Ecological Research [ILTER] Network, www.ilternet.edu).

      §          Transfer information generated on marine biodiversity to ecotourism and policy-making

      §          Define routes for ecotourism in the marine and coastal zones

      §          Create narratives and content for tourism

       

      The selected person should also fulfill the following research and outreach related responsibilities: 

       

      1. Help supervise and manage volunteers and students from national and international programs 

      2. Coordinate and collaborate with international postgraduate field courses (UMAG-University of North Texas) with an interdisciplinary and biocultural conservation focus

      3. Provide site-based oversight of the development of associated projects (student projects, monitoring programs and data bases)

      4. Participate in the development of environmental education programs for the local community 

      5.  Link research with projects and initiatives in the area of ecotourism 

      6. Collaborate in the development of the graduate program in science at UMAG: Management and Conservation of Subantarctic Natural Resources.

       

       

       

       

       

       

      The expected results of this position within 3 years are:

       

      a. Implementation of marine biodiversity study  

      b. Re-enforcement of academic collaborations and joint publications based on the long-term studies in the CHBR 

      c. Participation in UMAG masters courses (year 1-2) and creation of a new UMAG postgraduate course with a focus on marine biodiversity and its use in ecotourism (year 2-3)

      d. Creation of new ecotourism projects in collaboration with private sector

       
     
       
      BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
      ·         Ph.D. with 2 years of experience in conservation and ecological field work or equivalent combination of education and experience

      ·         Proven ability to collaborate in interdisciplinary projects linked with public and private sector

      ·         Proficiency in English and Spanish is required and a good ability to communicate 

       
     
       

      REQUIERED KNOWLEDGE:

      ·         Experience in conservation at Latin American field sites and ability to relate well with the local community 

      ·         Demonstrated ability in development and management of field studies 

      ·         Experience leading teams and motivating groups of people to achieve goals and manage complex projects and budgets 

      ·         Proven ability in interpersonal communication and conflict resolution 

      ·         Flexibility and adaptability 

      ·         Willingness to participate in diverse programs organized by the Omora Park 

       
     
       

      SKILLS:

      ·         Resolve problems involving multiple researchers and projects 

      ·         Anticipate, diagnose and resolve complex issues that require creative solutions 

      ·         Interpret regulations and rules, evaluate information and modify processes to adapt them to changing situations 

      ·         Manage and prioritize multiple tasks

      ·         Work under pressure

      ·         Capacity to resolve tension between colleagues 

      ·         Capacity to build cooperative relationships with diverse groups, including the local community, government authorities, members of the board of directors and the general public 

       
     
       

      REQUIREMENTS: 

      ·         Drivers license

      ·         Physical condition that permits working under variable climatic conditions in a remote site 

      ·         Be able to work in difficult terrain and with a certain level of risk 

      ·         Ability to travel

      ·         Work occasionally on weekends and extra hours 

      ·         Diving certification

       
     
       

      OPPORTUNITIES:

       

      The CHBR is considered one of the world's last pristine wilderness areas, which is currently threatened by an increase in connectivity and business opportunities related to tourism. The person contracted for this position will have the opportunity to participate directly in this initiative of global significance and world-class quality. The selected candidate, for example, will contribute tot the Scientific Advisory Committee of the CHBR, will develop and participate in basic and applied science projects that support the holistic use and management of the subantarctic archipelago, and will aide in the socialization of these results in the broader community.

       

      In addition, this location's relevance to the globe is as significant as that of the Galapagos Islands in terms of science, history and conservation. Being selected for this position is a unique opportunity for the postdoctoral fellow to professionally and personally in association with one of eight Centers for Scientific Excellence in Chile, supported by the Millennium Scientific Initiative (Ministry of Planning) and the Bicentennial and Basal Financing Programs (Chilean Scientific Commission).

       

      The home base of the position is Puerto Williams, which is the capital of the Chilean Antarctic Province, located on the north coast of Navarino Island (55°S). It has a population of 2,200 inhabitants and while it has all basic services, it is still considered remote (accessible by a 1.5 hour plane ride; 5 flights per week). The island is provisioned weekly by a ferry from Punta Arenas, the regional capital and the location of the main campus of the University of Magallanes. The region is known for its extraordinary beauty and the world's cleanest air and water. Heating of homes on the island is done with wood stoves, and housing conditions are basic, but comfortable.

       

      For couples, there are opportunities for the partner to participate in ecotourism and/or educational activities conducted by Omora Ethnobotanical Park.

         

       

      SEND CV, COVER LETTER AND 2 LETTERS OF REFERENCE TO:

      Dr. Andrés Mansilla (PI): andres.mansilla at umag.cl,  telephone: 56-61-207089

      With copy to: Dr. Christopher Anderson: christopher.anderson at umag.cl

       

       

      RELATED WEB SITES:

      www.umag.cl/williams, www.omora.org, www.ieb-chile.cl, www.osara.org, www.chile.unt.edu, www.cep.unt.edu 

       
     

 

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