[DIALOGnews] DIALOG and DISCCRS News 05/26/2006

Susan Bennett bennetsk at whitman.edu
Fri May 26 15:47:46 CDT 2006


DIALOG and DISCCRS News
05/26/2006
************************************
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SCIENCE NEWS
Hutchison Attacks on "Peripheral" Social Sciences at NSF Defeated
    (see below)
The End of the Everglades? Supreme court case jeopardizes 90 percent  
of U.S. wetland.
    (see below)
Antarctic climate record points to greater warming than estimated
    (see below)
Global Warming Risk "Much Higher"
    (see below)
Subtropic Warming Could Mean Bigger Deserts
    (see below)

SUMMER PROGRAMS, COURSES, INTERNSHIPS, MEETINGS, OPPORTUNITIES
Conference Announcement - Arctic Frontiers, Tromso, Norway
    (see below)

JOBS
Researcher in Tropical Climatology (3-4 year part time position) -  
Ctr for the Environment, Univ of Oxford (UK)
    http://www.ouce.ox.ac.uk/news/articles/060518.php
Two Visiting Assistant Professorships at Binghamton – Remote Sensing/ 
Econ./Env. Geog.
    (see below)
Senior Aquatic Ecologist, Museum Victoria, Melbourne, Australi
    (see below)
Education and Public Outreach Coordinator for ANDRILL (Antarctic  
Drilling Program)
    (see below)
Senior Policy Researcher of Long-term Perspective and Policy  
Integration Project (LTP) at IGES
    (see below)
Professor/Associate Professor/Assistant Professor - City University  
of Hong Kong (China)
    (see below)
Post-docs at Waterloo Centre for Atmospheric Sciences (WCAS) - Canada
    (see below)
Post-docs, Biometeorology & Soil Physics - University of British  
Columbia (Canada)
    (see below)
***************************************************
Science News
Hutchison Attacks on "Peripheral" Social Sciences at NSF Defeated
    Hutchison Attacks on "Peripheral" Social Sciences at NSF Defeated  
Geography Spared Harshest Criticism (not so for political science and  
sociology programs)
    On May 2, Chairwoman Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) convened a  
hearing of the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Science and Space to  
examine funding priorities for the National Science Foundation  
(NSF).  While the hearing was ostensibly called to discuss the  
American Competitiveness Initiative and other proposals to double the  
NSF's budget, Hutchison quickly made it clear that it was her mission  
to question NSF funding for "peripheral" sciences.  She then  
explained that she considered certain social sciences to be  
"peripheral."  Most of the specific studies cited critically by  
Hutchison in her attacks were from the NSF's political science and  
sociology programs.
    The news for geography during the hearing was mixed.  On the one  
hand, Hutchison actually said at one point that "research in  
geography is valid," and NSF Director Arden Bement called geography  
and GPS and other mapping-related technologies "essential."  On the  
other hand, Hutchison was, in a general sense, attacking funding for  
the NSF's Social Behavioral and Economic Sciences Directorate (SBE),  
and the foundation's geography program is part of SBE.  Bement  
defended the importance of the whole science portfolio and  
interdisciplinary work. He also asserted that social sciences  
"compress the lead time from discovery to application."
    Hutchison asked the director whether NSF was "burdened" by the  
presence of the social sciences and noted at one point that she may  
consider putting forward a proposal to refocus NSF spending by moving  
the social sciences elsewhere.  Bement said that he'd have to see a  
specific proposal before he could comment on it.  Alan Leshner, CEO  
of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, also  
testified during the hearing and expressed strong support for the SBE  
disciplines.
    This issue came to a head in the weeks leading up to a May 18  
Senate markup of a bill aimed at boosting NSF funding, as Hutchison  
proposed an amendment that would have forced Bement and the  
foundation's leadership to prioritize "the physical and natural  
sciences, technology, engineering, and mathematics."  AAG staff  
worked closely with many other scientific societies in Washington to  
educate key Senators and their staff about the issue and to stress  
the importance of the SBE Directorate and a balanced NSF portfolio.   
Ultimately, a key victory regarding this significant potential threat  
to geography and social sciences funding at NSF was achieved during  
mark-up via compromise language added to the bill which will enable  
NSF leaders to support research projects deemed "consistent with its  
mandate." Fortunately, Bement, NSF Deputy Director Kathie Olsen, and  
the directorate heads seem committed to funding SBE in line with  
increases other directorates are slated to receive.
********************
  The End of the Everglades? Supreme court case jeopardizes 90  
percent of U.S. wetland.
    By Sara Beardsley
    http://tinyurl.com/zvebs
    AT RISK  AT RISK: U.S. wetlands, such as this one in Medfield,  
Mass., could lose federal protection if the Supreme Court rules in  
favor of plaintiffs who say that the Clean Water Act goes too far. On  
February 21, his first day on the job, Justice Samuel Alito settled  
into one of the nine high-backed chairs at the Supreme Court to hear  
Rapanos v. United States and Carabell v. the U.S. Army Corps of  
Engineers--a pair of cases that, though not as well publicized as  
Jose Padilla's antigovernment petition nor as high profile as federal  
wiretapping, will probably eclipse their importance. Bundled  
together, the cases ask the justices (and Alito in particular, a  
projected swing vote) to declare whether national agencies can patrol  
the soggy patches of earth between dry, developable land and  
federally protected wetlands. A decision in favor of the plaintiffs  
could put most of the nation's watery habitats at risk.
    "The tension," summarizes Margaret Strand, a wetlands lawyer in  
Washington, D.C., "is that protecting biodiversity translates into  
regulating private property"--pitting two American precepts,  
federalism and environmentalism, against each other. That tension  
originated with the 1972 Clean Water Act, which tasked the  
Environmental Protection Agency with preserving all "navigable  
waters," later defined as "waters of the U.S.," against unpermitted  
discharges. At the time, wetlands protection was just an appendage to  
the broader water safety effort, but recognition of the biome's  
ecological value inspired courts to uphold broad-based government  
power over the next 20 years. They could do so because "almost  
anything a little bit squishy might count as waters of the U.S.,"  
says Don Carr, another lawyer in Washington.
    Enter John Rapanos and June Carabell, two Michigan landowners who  
were denied development permits despite a 20-mile distance from the  
nearest navigable water and a berm blocking drainage, respectively.  
Over decades of court battles, the petitioners have marshaled a  
crusade against EPA jurisdiction they claim goes too far. One brief  
on their behalf traces government power to "remote desert washes  
hundreds of miles from the nearest navigable waters"--far beyond what  
they think Congress intended with the act. Instead Rapanos lobbies  
for federal jurisdiction limited to "navigable-in-fact" waters  
(commercial channels) and their adjacent wetlands. But such an  
interpretation would leave 90 percent of protected wetlands up for  
grabs, according to Richard Lazarus, a Georgetown University law  
professor.
    States are unlikely to replace federal enforcement because only  
half have wetlands programs, explains Jon Kusler, president of the  
Association for State Wetland Managers. And "there are pressures in  
local communities for land development" that keep district guidelines  
from being as rigorous, Strand adds. Carabell's experience is a good  
example: whereas Michigan authorized a permit for condominiums on the  
land in question, the federal government asserted jurisdiction and  
denied one.
    Relying on state laws becomes an even bigger problem with  
downstream pollution: discharge between differently regulated states  
presages a domino effect on the entire watershed. "All [polluters]  
have to do is [dump] far enough upstream," reasoned Justice David  
Souter during oral arguments; "it will eventually get in the  
navigable water."
    The petitioners, however, claim that their lands are just too  
detached to cause that kind of trouble. And a 2001 Supreme Court  
decision offers precedent for their case, finding that  
"hydrologically isolated" wetlands belong under state jurisdiction.  
Federalists such as Robert Pierce, a former Army Corps of Engineers  
official who once enforced the EPA's laws, believe that the  
government's permit denials are often off target. According to  
Pierce, states may be able to take up the slack, but perpetuating  
government programs is "a major economic drain" and a "waste" of  
money that could be used elsewhere.
    Yet with natural wetlands in constant decline, government  
inefficiencies may be a price worth paying. "You can't protect the  
nation's biological integrity without protecting these waters," notes  
Sandra Postel, director of the Global Water Policy Project. And one  
only has to recall Hurricane Katrina--gathering strength where  
wetlands once buffered the levee system--to measure the costs to  
society.
    Nevertheless, federalist watchdogs cling to Rapanos (which may be  
decided this month) as an opportunity to curb Washington's power.  
"This case isn't about losing wetlands or saving wetlands," says  
Pierce, who has conceded that a government rollback might cause  
environmental harm. "This is about putting the federal government  
where the Constitution says it should be. In my mind, that's more  
important."
********************
Antarctic climate record points to greater warming than estimated
    Antarctic climate record points to greater warming than estimated  
WASHINGTON - If Earth's past cycles of warming and cooling are any  
indication, temperatures by the end of the century will be even  
hotter than current climate models predict, according to a report by  
researchers in Berkeley, California.
    The scientists studied Antarctic ice cores containing a 360,000- 
year record of global temperature and levels of carbon dioxide and  
methane--two of the major greenhouse gases implicated in global  
warming. They found that during periods of warming, greenhouse gas  
levels rose and created significantly higher temperatures than would  
be expected solely from the increased intensity of sunlight that  
triggered these warm periods.
    Though the ice core data do not point to specific processes that  
amplify the warming, the researchers suspect that it is due to warmer  
soils and oceans giving off more carbon dioxide and methane, which  
add to the greenhouse effect of carbon dioxide from fossil fuel  
burning and other human activities.
    Thus, while current models predict temperature increases of 1.5  
to 4.5 degrees Celsius [2.7 to 8.1 degrees Fahrenheit] from a  
doubling of atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, the natural processes  
injecting additional carbon dioxide into the atmosphere will lead to  
temperature increases of 1.6 to 6 degrees Celsius [2.9 to 11 degrees  
Fahrenheit], with the higher temperatures more likely, the  
researchers say. The report is scheduled for publication on 26 May in  
Geophysical Research Letters.
    "The warming caused by our release of carbon dioxide triggers  
changes in the Earth system that lead to release of more carbon  
dioxide to the atmosphere," says lead author Margaret Torn, head of  
the Climate Change and Carbon Management program at the Lawrence  
Berkeley National Laboratory. "If that is the case, then every bit of  
carbon dioxide released now is actually committing us to a larger  
carbon dioxide change in the atmosphere."
    "We are underestimating the magnitude of warming, because we are  
ignoring the extra carbon dioxide dumped into the atmosphere because  
of warming," says John Harte, professor of energy and resources at  
the University of California in Berkeley. "Warming gets an extra kick  
from carbon dioxide feedback."
    The result, Torn and Harte conclude in their paper, is "that the  
upper value of warming that is projected for the end of the 21st  
century, 5.8 degrees C [10 degrees F], could be increased to 7.7  
degrees C [14 degrees F], or nearly 2 degrees C [4 degrees F]  
additional warming."
    Current climate models, called General Circulation Models, start  
from fundamental physical processes to calculate a probable  
temperature increase based on likely atmospheric carbon dioxide  
levels, typically a doubling of today's carbon dioxide concentration.  
But models are only now beginning to take into account the extra  
carbon dioxide and methane injected into the atmosphere as global  
temperatures increase.
    This effect is expected, because warmer soils decompose faster,  
releasing more carbon dioxide, and warmer oceans also release more  
carbon dioxide, but scientists have yet to quantify the full impact  
of these processes. "Without a mechanism, people feel uncomfortable  
putting it in a model. I think that's a big mistake," Harte says.
    It is possible to estimate the effect of carbon dioxide feedback  
by looking at how Earth responded to past cycles of warming and  
cooling, which were caused by natural variations in the strength of  
sunlight hitting Earth, rather than by human production of greenhouse  
gases. Ice cores drilled in Antarctica's Vostok ice sheet in 1998 and  
1999 span nearly 420,000 years and carry information about four major  
climate cycles and many smaller temperature swings. Climate  
scientists had pointed out that the ice core data imply a strong  
positive feedback to global carbon dioxide and methane levels, but  
how much this impacted warming trends was unclear.
    Torn and Harte devised a way to use these data and current global  
climate models to estimate the effect of increased carbon dioxide  
entering the atmosphere as a result of warming, called the "gain."  
 From previously published data, they were able to extract the effect  
of temperature on carbon dioxide and methane levels. They then  
calculated the reverse--the effect of carbon dioxide and methane  
levels on temperature, or the so-called climate sensitivity--from  
climate models.
    The researchers added the resultant gains from carbon dioxide and  
methane to the gain already known for other climate feedbacks, in  
particular the largest source, increased atmospheric water vapor, to  
arrive at a total gain. They used this figure to calculate the  
temperature increase that would result from a doubling of current  
carbon dioxide levels.
    Both researchers emphasize that the wide temperature range they  
predict--1.6 to 6 degrees Celsius [2.9 to 11 degrees Fahrenheit]--  
does not mean that Earth has an equal chance of ending up with less  
warming as with greater warming, in other words, that the  
uncertainties are symmetric about an average increase of 3.8 degrees  
Celsius [6.8 degrees Fahrenheit].
    "People see this uncertainty and think that we have an equal  
probability of dodging a bullet as catching it. That is a fallacy,"  
Torn says.
    "By giving the appearance of symmetric feedback, people have an  
excuse to say maybe we don't have to worry so much," Harte says. "But  
while there are uncertainties in the feedbacks, all the major  
feedbacks are positive, meaning they would increase warming, and we  
know of no significant negative feedbacks that would slow warming."
    "Whatever the mechanisms that cause temperature to create a  
change in carbon dioxide and methane, they are repeatable again and  
again and again over many cooling and warming cycles. So, although  
the world is different today than it was then, we don't have a basis  
for ignoring them," Torn says.
    "We need to know the effect of warmer temperatures in all  
different habitats "says Harte, "not just temperate Rocky Mountain  
forests," where he has conducted experiments, "but also the tropics  
and European boreal forests and Eastern U.S. deciduous forests and  
savanna and prairie. There are huge data gaps."
    Torn notes, however, that humans are the biggest unknown. "To  
predict the future, you have to guess how much carbon dioxide levels  
will go up. That depends on the biggest uncertainty of all: what  
humans decide to do. Do we get smart and prevent carbon dioxide  
emissions? Do we continue with business as usual? Or will we end up  
somewhere in between?"
    The research was supported by the U.S. Department of Energy's  
Climate Change Research Division and by the National Science Foundation.
********************
Global Warming Risk "Much Higher"
    from BBC News Online
    Global temperatures will rise further in the future than previous  
studies have indicated, according to new research from two scientific  
teams.
    They both used historical records to calculate the likely  
amplification of warming as higher temperatures induce release of CO2  
from ecosystems.
    They both conclude that current estimates of warming are too low,  
by anything up to 75%.
    The research will be published in the journal Geophysical  
Research Letters.
    http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/5006970.stm
    or
    http://tinyurl.com/jmv2c
  ********************
Subtropic Warming Could Mean Bigger Deserts
    http://www.planetark.org/dailynewsstory.cfm/newsid/36550/story.htm
    WASHINGTON - Earth's atmosphere is warming faster over the  
subtropics than anywhere else, which could mean bigger deserts and  
more drought from Africa to Australia to the Middle East, researchers  
said on Thursday.
    The fast-heating area girdles the globe at about 30 degrees north  
and south latitude, crossing the southern United States, southern  
China and north Africa in the Northern Hemisphere, and southern  
Australia, South Africa and southern South America in the Southern  
Hemisphere.
    Based on 25 years of satellite data, researchers at the  
University of Washington also determined that the jet streams...have  
shifted about 70 miles (112.7 km) toward their respective poles.   
This is important because the jet streams mark the northern and  
southern boundaries of the tropic climate zones, said John Wallace,  
an atmospheric scientist and co-author of a research paper in this  
week's Science journal. The jet streams' shift toward the poles means  
the zones are expanding. The research is not predictive, but does  
show a long-term trend, Wallace said by telephone.
    "If (this jet-stream shift) is going to stop and it just ends up  
being 70 miles (112.7. km), that's not a big deal," he said. "But if  
it were to continue at the same rate over the next century, then that  
would amount to a couple of hundred miles (kilometres) and that would  
start to have significant effects."
    Faster subtropical warming in the lower atmosphere, which moves  
the jet streams, could push storm tracks toward the poles, possibly  
reducing winter precipitation in places like southern Europe,  
including the Alps, and southern Australia, the scientists said in a  
statement.
***************************************************
Summer Programs, Courses, Internships, Meetings, Opportunities
Conference Announcement - Arctic Frontiers, Tromso, Norway
    21-26 January 2007
    Tromso, Norway
    For further information, please go to: http://www.arctic- 
frontiers.com/
    The first annual Arctic Frontiers conference will take place in  
Tromso, Norway, on 21-26 January 2007 and will be hosted by the  
University of Tromso. This conference will provide an up-to-date view  
of the state of the arctic environment and developing economic and  
political trends at the beginning of the International Polar Year  
period in 2007.
    During part one of the conference, invited keynote speakers will  
provide a review of the current status of arctic science; introduce  
current social, economic, and political issues; and identify  
challenges facing these disciplines in the coming years.
    Part two will be a scientific conference focusing on arctic  
marine ecosystems and the potential impacts of environmental change  
on their structure and functions. Findings will be presented from  
three international research programmes focused on the European  
Arctic. These talks will be supplemented by invited and submitted  
presentations that will extend these findings across the pan-arctic  
region.
    For further information, please go to: http://www.arctic- 
frontiers.com/
***************************************************
Jobs
Planktonnet: Great listserv for aquatic-science jobs
To subscribe to the list, send an empty email to:
planktonnet-subscribe at yahoogroups.com
Or, visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/planktonnet/ and click on  
'Join this group'
Two Visiting Assistant Professorships at Binghamton – Remote Sensing/ 
Econ./Env. Geog.
    Our department recently received permission to hire two visiting  
assistant professors. One is for someone in remote sensing, which was  
advertised last month, and the newest one is a two-year appointment  
for someone who can teach introductory, large enrollment courses, as  
well as those in an environmental or economic specialization. We will  
hire the best candidate as soon as possible.
    The Department of Geography seeks candidates for a one or two- 
year visiting Assistant Professor beginning August 2006 (PhD is  
preferred but ABD acceptable but rank will be as Lecturer).  The  
successful candidate must be committed to quality undergraduate  
teaching with the ability to teach introductory and world regional  
geography, as well as courses in either economic or environmental  
geography.  The position requires a two or three-day teaching  
schedule and full-time presence on the campus to provide weekly  
service in student advising and departmental committees. The position  
also involves full participation in all departmental affairs and in  
faculty meetings.
    Please submit a cover letter, vita, copies of research and  
teaching philosophies and the names/addresses of three references to  
Binghamton University, Department of Geography, Attn: Search  
Committee, PO Box 6000 (or 4400 Vestal Parkway East) Binghamton, NY    
13902-6000.  The review of applications will begin immediately and  
continue until the position is filled.  SUNY-Binghamton is an  
Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer.
********************
  Senior Aquatic Ecologist, Museum Victoria, Melbourne, Australi
    Our client is an Australian owned and managed consulting company  
which offers a range of multidisciplinary environmental services to a  
broad client base in Australia and overseas. Due to ongoing growth in  
their aquatic ecology area, they are looking to employ an experienced  
Senior Aquatic Ecologist to undertake ecological and related  
monitoring, investigation and research projects within Australia. The  
person will have the opportunity to work with a highly skilled,  
dynamic, multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers on a  
range of different and exciting projects which will require travel  
within Australia.
    As a Senior Aquatic Ecologist you will be required to contribute  
to the provision of innovative and cost-effective environmental  
monitoring, assessment, research and management solutions in the key  
discipline areas of water quality, aquatic ecology, environmental  
engineering and/or environmental science.  Ideally you will be in a  
position to supply a client network and project work, and essentially  
provide leadership and project management experience to the Aquatic  
Ecology team.
    The successful candidate will be expected to possess:
    *A Science or Engineering degree (or equivalent) preferably with  
Honours or Masters postgraduate qualifications in a relevant discipline
    *Approximately five or more years of relevant work experience,  
preferably within a commercial consulting environment
    *Extensive experience and knowledge of aquatic ecology and  
biological monitoring principles, both practical and theoretical
    *Ability to analyse and interpret ecological data using a range  
of univariate and multivariate statistics and AusRivAS modeling  
techniques
    It is essential that you are able to work as part of a team while  
demonstrating self-sufficiency. You will be required to assess client  
needs and focus project outcomes to client requirements, and work  
within project budgets and deadlines.  Experience with rapid  
bioassessment sampling techniques and current AusRivAS accreditation  
are highly desirable. The ability to communicate complex scientific  
and technical reports with colleagues and clients is essential for  
your success in this role.
    For more information please contact Marielle Bright on (03) 9614  
1444 or email your resume to vic3 at perkinsresources.com
********************
Education and Public Outreach Coordinator for ANDRILL (Antarctic  
Drilling Program)
    The ANDRILL Science Management Office, the University of Nebraska- 
Lincoln (UNL), has an immediate opening for a Coordinator of  
Education and Public Outreach.  ANDRILL (ANtarctic geological  
DRILLing) is a multinational, multidisciplinary program investigating  
Antarctica’s role in global environmental change over geological time  
(visit http://andrill.org). Because attention to polar science will  
be high during the upcoming International Polar Year (2007-2009), we  
have an opportunity to broaden exposure of key scientific issues  
regarding climate change and the polar areas, as well as highlighting  
this large international research team.
    ANDRILL seeks an inspired, committed educator to coordinate an  
ambitious and innovative Education and Public Outreach program.   
Review of applications will begin on June 20, 2006, and will continue  
until the position is filled or the search is closed.  For a complete  
description of this position, please go to http://employment.unl.edu,  
requisition 060271. To be considered for the position, complete the  
Faculty/Administrative application linked to requisition 060271,  
attaching required documents.
    The successful candidate will hold a professional degree or  
degrees (preferably in the geosciences or education field) with  
excellent interpersonal and articulation skills critical for  
successful collaboration and have a minimum 3 to 5 years of  
experience in some or all of the following areas:  teaching,  
obtaining and administering grants for education programs, working  
with pre-service or in-service K-12 teachers, and education program  
assessment.  A previous scientific focus, knowledge of marine or  
geological science, demonstrated familiarity with federal science  
education programs, and experience with federal grant and private  
foundation program procedures are desirable, as is the commitment to  
serve both the education and science communities.  Salary will be  
commensurate with experience. UNL provides an excellent benefit and  
retirement package.
    It is the policy of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln not to  
discriminate based on gender, age, disability, race, color, religion,  
martial status, veteran’s status, national or ethnic origin, or  
sexual orientation.  AA/EEO details may be secured by contacting 128  
Canfield Administration Building, P.O. Box 880437, UNL, Lincoln,  
Nebraska 68588-0437, or by telephoning (402) 472-3417.  Employment  
eligibility verification is required for all new hires pursuant to  
the Immigration and Control Act of 1986.
********************
Senior Policy Researcher of Long-term Perspective and Policy  
Integration Project (LTP) at IGES
    Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES) is currently  
seeking applicants for Senior Policy Researcher of Long-term  
Perspective and Policy Integration Project (LTP) who takes charge f  
3R (Reduce, Reuse and Recyle) policy area (one position).
    For more details on the position and how to apply can be found in  
the Recruitment Announcement at:
    http://www.iges.or.jp/en/news/saiyo/recruit20/index.html
    Izumi  ISHIZUKA, Head of Research Supporting Section
    Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES)
    2108-11, Kamiyamaguchi, Hayama
    Kanagawa 240-0115 JAPAN
    Phone:+81-46-855-3720 Fax:+81-46-855-3709
    URL: http://www.iges.or.jp
    Email: ishizuka-ltp at iges.or.jp
********************
Professor/Associate Professor/Assistant Professor - City University  
of Hong Kong (China)
    Department of Physics and Materials Science
    City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
    Applications are invited from outstanding candidates for  
Assistant Professor and higher positions.  The Department has a  
strong Laboratory for Atmospheric Research that focuses on the  
following areas: tropical meteorology and climate, environmental  
modeling and atmospheric remote sensing.  Details of our research in  
this area can be found at http://weather.cityu.edu.hk/.  The  
University recently set up a Joint Laboratory for Atmospheric  
Research with the Institute of Atmospheric Physics of the Chinese  
Academy of Sciences to enhance our research strength in the area of  
atmospheric sciences.
    A Ph.D, in atmospheric science/meteorology or related disciplines  
together with a promising research record and a strong teaching  
ability are required.  Successful candidates are expected to develop  
new research directions and courses.  Appointment will be on a fixed- 
term contract with contract-end gratuity.   Fringe benefits include  
annual leave, medical and dental schemes, and housing benefits where  
applicable.
    Applications will be considered until positions are filled.
    Further general information are available at
    http://www.cityu.edu.hk
    http://www.ap.cityu.edu.hk/
    More detailed enquiries can be sent to me at  
johnny.chan at cityu.edu.hk
********************
Post-docs at Waterloo Centre for Atmospheric Sciences (WCAS) - Canada
    Regional Atmospheric Modelling
    The Waterloo Centre for Atmospheric Sciences (WCAS) has an  
immediate position at the Post Doctoral Level in the regional  
atmospheric modelling group.  The WCAS modelling group consists of  
about 12 Research Associates, Post Doctoral Fellows and Graduate  
Students who carry out research into chemical transport modelling of  
atmospheric processes in North America.  The group also includes a  
meteorologist and a computer systems specialist.  We use MM5 and WRF  
to generate meteorology and the SMOKE/CMAQ CTM system for the  
studies.  Computations are done on our 190-processor Linux cluster,  
which we also use to produce a local weather forecast (see http:// 
www.forecast.uwaterloo.ca). The project involves the development of  
new CTM capabilities for studies of long range chemical transport  
processes with a focus on ozone, mercury and toxic organic  
pollutants.  Applicants with previous experience in regional  
atmospheric modelling and chemical transport model development will  
be given preference.  Further information on the technical aspects of  
the work may be obtained from Professor J.J. Sloan, WCAS Research  
Director (http://www.science.uwaterloo.ca/~sloanj).
    The WCAS is located at the University of Waterloo (http:// 
www.uwaterloo.ca/) in the Kitchener-Waterloo urban area (http:// 
win.uwaterloo.ca/win/), which has a population of approximately  
250,000, and is surrounded by a pleasant, mostly agricultural, rural  
region.
    Applications, including a full CV, should be sent immediately to:
    Mrs. Yoga Arumugam, Waterloo Centre for Atmospheric Sciences
    University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON - N2L 3G1 CANADA
    Tel: +1 519 888 4567 Ext: 6667   Fax: +1 519 746 0435
    e-mail: wcas at uwaterloo.ca   http://www.wcas.uwaterloo.ca
********************
Post-docs, Biometeorology & Soil Physics - University of British  
Columbia (Canada)
    Two positions (postdoctoral fellow or research associate) have  
just become available in the Biometeorology & Soil Physics Research  
Group, University of BC, Vancouver, Canada.
    The first position requires an individual with a  
micrometeorological background who will be responsible for analyzing  
high frequency eddy covariance data from several forest sites to  
obtain fluxes of CO2, water vapour and sensible heat. This person  
will assess data quality and test new calculation algorithms.  
Experience in programming with MATLAB and an interest in  
instrumentation are desirable. The second position requires an  
individual with knowledge of ecophysiology and hydrology to study the  
biophysical processes controlling forest-atmosphere CO2 exchange and  
explain the effects of climate variability on the carbon balance of  
different-aged forests. Both persons will also be involved in a new  
project evaluating the impact of mountain pine beetle attack on the  
carbon balance of lodgepole pine stands.
    The research, which is part of Fluxnet Canada, will involve  
interaction with scientists from other universities and government  
agencies. The successful candidate will join an established research  
group (see http://www.landfood.ubc.ca/biomet/), which is part of the  
UBC Atmospheric Science Program. The positions are available  
immediately for one year and are renewable for an additional 1-2  
years depending on satisfactory performance and the availability of  
funds. Starting salary will be $40,000 - 48,000CAN/year (plus  
benefits) depending upon qualifications. Qualified candidates should  
email a cover letter, which includes contact address, curriculum  
vitae, and the names and contact information of 3 references to Dr.  
Andy Black, Biometeorology and Soil Physics Research Group,  
University of BC, 2357 Mail Mall, V6T 1Z4. Email:  
andrew.black at ubc.ca. Review of the applications will begin  
immediately and will continue until the positions are filled.
**************************************************
This newsletter has been developed by C. Susan Weiler to distribute  
information of potential interest to recent PhDs engaged in  
interdisciplinary aquatic science or climate-change research, and to  
build an international sense of community among recent grads. It  
provides an international forum for the exchange of information and  
opinions regarding research, professional and social issues. The  
views and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the  
funding agencies or sponsoring societies. Dr. Weiler reserves the  
right to edit or reject material submitted to the list.
         Please submit announcements of interest to recent PhDs to  
phd at whitman.edu.  Send a short message in the body of an e-mail  
message, and link to any appropriate websites. Do not send attachments.
         Moving? Send address changes to dialog at whitman.edu or  
disccrs at whitman.edu
**********
C. Susan Weiler, Ph.D.
Office for Earth System Studies    Tel:   509-527-5948
Whitman College                          Fax:  509-527-5961
Walla Walla, WA 99362
    weiler at whitman.edu
    Programs for Recent PhDs                 http://aslo.org/phd.html
    DIALOG poster        http://www.aslo.org/phd/dialogposter.pdf
    DISCCRS poster       http://www.aslo.org/phd/disccrsposter.pdf
   Workshop Report, Meeting the Needs of
     Interdisciplinary Ph.D. Graduates in a
          Changing Global Environment
http://marcus.whitman.edu/~weilercs/biocomplexity/



  
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