Volunteer help with discus fish surveys at Aquarama, 30 May – 02 June 2013 (UK student’s research project)

Anita Wan is an MSc research student from the University of Kent in UK, studying the ornamental fish trade of discus fish. She will be conducting a part of her research at Aquarama from 30 May to 02 Jun 2013 and is looking for volunteer help.

Discus fish by niomix2008

Anita’s project aims to determine the different attributes and drivers associated with market demand for discus and its variation within and between discus strains for the ornamental trade. Such attributes include color, patternation, overall fish shape, bred type and price.

Potential differences in consumer preferences will be evaluated by conducting choice experiments and card sorting exercises, targeting towards actors involved at different levels of the market chain, including exporters, importers, retailers, breeders and end-buyers such as hobbyists from the general public.

Volunteers are required to act as surveyors and conduct consumer questionnaires and preference ranking exercises to both trade and public visitors from 30th May –  2nd June 2013 at Aquarama 2013 which is being held at Sands Expo & Convention Center, Marina Bay Sands.

If interested, please email Anita at anitawan.11@gmail.com.

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Undergrad part-time field/lab assistants wanted (Apr – Dec 2013)

Update: Positions have been filled as of 8 May 2013. Thank you for your interest!

One or more part-time assistant(s) are required to help with experiments, sampling  and sample processing in Singapore reservoirs from April to Dec 2013.

PUB: Local Catchment Water

Project description: Sampling and processing of samples from Singapore’s reservoirs as well as subculturing and aiding in experimental work on cyanobacteria in the laboratory.

Job Scope

1. Work when needed on experimental days (every 2 days) and one full day for filtration of reservoir samples.
2. Most work will be conducted on weekdays, but some experimental collection days may be on weekends and public holidays
3. Filter water samples, record and weigh freeze dried water samples
4. Assist in collection of samples for experimental work in the laboratory as well as filtration of samples on weekdays or weekends.

Requirements

Candidates should be:

1. Meticulous and careful with samples
2. Be able to come into the lab on a need to basis.
3. Knowledgeable about phytoplankton and sterile techniques is useful, but candidates with no prior knowledge can also apply as training will be provided.

Salary

S$8.74/hour

Contact

Please contact Maxine Mowe, Graduate student, Freshwater and Invasion Biology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore. Email: maxinemowe@gmail.com or call 6516-4255.

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Job: Manager at National Biodiversity Centre, NParks

Application details at NParks webpage.

Responsibilities

The Biodiversity Information and Policy branch under the National Biodiversity Centre is responsible for developing biodiversity information products and services, coordinating and promoting collaboration and partnerships in enhancing urban biodiversity and ecology in Singapore, driving the implementation of policies and guidelines pertaining to biodiversity conservation and managing the implementation of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan.

Key responsibilities

The successful applicant is required to facilitate and steer biodiversity research towards conservation priorities in support of Singapore’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, manage the research application and approval process, organize biodiversity research presentations and workshops and to regularly review the kind of biodiversity research being conducted in Singapore.

Requirements

• Degree from a recognized university and at least 3 years of work experience
• Have at minimum a first degree in a relevant discipline
• Keen interest and passion in biodiversity conservation
• Strong organization and analytical skills
• Good writing and interpersonal / communication skills
• Competence in database management and experience in using Global Information Systems (GIS) will be an advantage
• Some experience in doing scientific research work

Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

See also other jobs at the NParks webpage.

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Job opportunity: Marine Biologist wanted for SIF Technologies

SIF Technologies is a Singapore-based green technology company specializing in water treatment for the aquaculture and eco-friendly industry.  They are currently seeking to hire a full-time Marine Biologist to lead scientific research and validation in the application of the company’s proprietary technology.

Position

Marine Biologist

Education

Bachelor of Science degree in marine biology, marine science, or related scientific discipline is required.  A Masters degree is highly preferred.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five (5) years of direct industry experience in marine biology and/or environmental science.
• Strong scientific aptitude, self-starter, analytical mind and logical approach to problem solving.
• Good observation, documentation, and presentation skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication in English.
• Singaporean or SPR

Roles and responsibilities

• Serves as the scientific liaison with external parties.
• Plan and design scientific experiments independently and/or in teams.
• Develop test protocols, reports, and white papers.
• Perform data analysis and literature search.

About SIF

SIF Technologies is a Singapore-based green technology company specialising in water treatment for the aquaculture and eco-friendly industry. The founders of the company have more than 20 years of combined experience in providing customers with expert know-how in the area of chemical free water treatment.

In 2004, the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) under the SEEDS funding scheme, took a strategy equity stake in the company. This investment is managed by SPRING SEEDS Capital Pte Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SPRING Singapore.

SIF will continue to grow its base in Singapore and also expand into more regions to develop solutions that meet the challenges faced by various industries.

For more information please visit our website at http://www.dpasys.com .

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Job: Part-time field assistant for vegetation plot research in secondary forests of Singapore (Mar-Jun 2013)

One or more part-time field assistant(s) are required to help to conduct vegetation surveys in secondary forests of Singapore from March to June 2013.

This project on the regeneration of young secondary forests in Singapore will attempt to describe and identify possible factors that affect the regeneration of forest structure and community composition in the young secondary forests.

Job Scope

1. Work at least two days a week.
2. Most work will be conducted on weekdays, but access to some areas are dependant on authorities and may include the occasional Saturday, Sunday or public holiday.
3. Establish vegetation plots
4. Collect field data

Requirements

Candidates should be:

1. Physically fit
2. Comfortable working in forests
3. Knowledgeable about forests and forest plants is useful, but candidates with no prior knowledge of vegetation survey and plant identification techniques can also apply as training will be provided.

Salary

S$8/hour (CPF will be additional for Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents)

Contact

Please contact Alex Yee Thiam Koon, Graduate student, Botany Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore. Email: haloriyee@gmail.com or call 6516-2708.

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Job Opportunities in Freshwater Ecology with the Ecological Monitoring, Dynamics and Informatics (EMID) group, Tropical Marine Science Institute (TMSI), National University of Singapore.

1) Research Fellow – Biomonitoring and Ecological Assessment

2) Research Fellow – Eco-hydrologic modelling

3) Research Assistants / Research Associates

4) Laboratory Technicians

Closing date for all positions is 24th January 2013

EMID research revolves around a cross-disciplinary, quantitative approach with a strong focus on operations and management, towards the overarching goal of sustainable resource management. Much of research undertaken is supported through contracts with local governmental agencies to monitor and assess the ecological status of Singapore’s aquatic systems, which provides a data- and opportunity rich environment for strategic and fundamental research. The Inland Waters Cluster applies freshwater research through the development of assessment tools and environmetrics for ecological appraisal and prediction. Research areas include:

• Protocol, design and operation of a National Biomonitoring Programme in Singapore.
• Quantified characterisation of habitats and biotic communities of freshwater systems.
• Translation of biological response to environmental conditions to ecological and water quality indicators, thresholds and guidelines.
• Ecological evaluation of environmental change following habitat creation or restoration
• Prediction of effects of changes in land-use and climate through eco-hydrologic modelling and environmental impact assessment.

We are currently seeking to fill a number of research positions to meet emerging challenges and opportunities in this area of rapid growth. Successful applicants will increase the capacity of core expertise in freshwater biomonitoring in Singapore at TMSI, NUS developed through targeted programmes over the last five years (http://rmbr.nus.edu.sg/dna/activities/details/26). Experience in freshwater research in South East Asia would be preferable. However, applicants with relevant skills in quantitative ecology and/or freshwater research elsewhere will be considered.

Research Fellow – Biomonitoring and Ecological Assessment

One of the core areas of research undertaken by the Inland Waters cluster centres on an operational biomonitoring programme and its application to the ecological assessment of Singapore’s freshwaters. To assess and effectively monitor change in freshwater ecosystems an understanding of links between local environmental conditions and faunal assemblages is required to establish locally relevant indicators, thresholds and targets. A range of projects on the development, validation and application of bioindicators are currently developing a base network of ecological data across Singapore’s freshwater ecosystems. The research fellow will work with existing teams to support applied research objectives on ecological assessment and further cross-project research on the interaction between environmental conditions, habitats and aquatic fauna. A proven track record in quantitative freshwater ecological research, study design, analysis, interpretation and scientific writing is required. Experience in multivariate statistical analysis is essential, preferably with a strong background in the modeling of faunal response to environmental conditions and/or environmental impact assessment. The ideal candidate will have experience in working with benthic macroinvertebrate, fish and/or phytoplankton community data, biotic indices and a good general knowledge of aquatic ecology.

At minimum, applicants should have a PhD in the field of freshwater ecology. This position is for an 18 month fixed-term position with opportunities for subsequent extension based on successful acquisition of funding in line with the long term objectives in the Inland Waters research programme.

Research Fellow – Eco-hydrologic modelling

The successful applicant will work on a 3 year research project focusing on linking catchment hydrology models to biological responses to determine the ecological effects of climate changes and management scenarios withinSingapore’s freshwater swamp forest. This cross-disciplinary research is being conducted with team of hydrologists, ecologists and geographers at the National University of Singapore in collaboration with local governmental agencies responsible for conservation of biodiversity and water resources.

The research fellow will be responsible for developing models that capture knowledge of the relationships between environmental conditions and ecological responses.  The appointee will lead a team of research assistants in field sampling of freshwater fauna to yield quantitative community data. These data will be used to investigate the links between community structure, aquatic habitats and hydrology to develop models of biological response to changes in hydrology.  The appointee will work closely with a hydrological modelling team to link these faunal response models to hydrologic model output. A strong background in the modeling of faunal response to environmental conditions is therefore essential. The ideal candidate will also have experience in quantified collection, identificationand analysis and interpretation of benthic macroinvertebrate and fish community, hydrology and habitat data and a good general knowledge of aquatic ecology. The research fellow will be responsible for progress and scientific reports as well as development of research publications. Demonstration of team leadership, co-ordination and timely delivery of project reports as well as a proven track record of peer reviewed publication of research is highly desirable.

This is a three year fixed-term position. Individuals with a PhD in the field of freshwater ecology, hydrological or water quality modelling, ecological response modelling and demonstrated ability to work within a cross-disciplinary team are invited to apply.

Research Assistants / Research Associates

We are recruiting Research Assistants and Associates to join our research teams. Ideal candidates will have experience in freshwater ecological field work, quantified sample collection methods, data handling, analysis and interpretation of ecological data. The primary responsibilities of these positions are:

• Field surveying of freshwater habitats
• Collection of aquatic invertebrates and water samples
• Processing of samples and parataxonomy of freshwater invertebrates
• Data handling and quantitative ecological analysis using statistical techniques
• Interpretation of ecological data and production of high quality scientific reports
• Publication of resultant research papers in peer-reviewed journals
• Assisting in supervision of part-time staff and interns
• Supporting laboratory technicians in laboratory housekeeping and maintenance
• Depending on experience, candidates will have opportunities to design and implement experiments to address research questions within the scope of the Inland Waters cluster.

Requirements:

• The minimum qualification for research assistants is an undergraduate degree in a relevant subject area. For the Research Associate positions, applicants should have, at minimum, a MSc in a relevant subject area with two years relevant post-qualification experience.
• Proficiency in oral and written English
• Experience of ecological fieldwork and parataxonomy. Experience in freshwater ecology is preferred but training in field methods and identification of taxa will be provided.
• A good general knowledge of aquatic ecology
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
• A sound background in quantitative assessment methods and use of statistical software (such as SAS, R, SPSS,    Statistica)
• Self-motivated and able to work independently as well as a with other team members.
• A valid Singapore Class 3 driving license (or equivalent for international applicants willing to obtain a local license) is highly desirable.

Laboratory Technicians

We are seeking Laboratory Technicians to join our programme of freshwater sampling across Singapore. Ideal candidates will have experience in biological, ecological or environmental field work, collection and maintenance of water samples and/or biological specimens and data as well as experience of working in a laboratory environment preferably holding responsibility for aspects of laboratory management.

Responsibilities:

The following responsibilities are undertaken by a team of Laboratory Technicians within the Inland Waters cluster. Fieldwork and processing of biological samples are undertaken by all Technicians and Research Assistants. Depending on experience, Technicians may elect to specialise in aspects such as health and safety management, specimen curation or database maintenance, for example. Candidates are therefore requested to indicate any areas of specialisation when applying for these positions.

• Assistance in field surveying and collection of aquatic invertebrate and water samples
• Laboratory processing of samples and parataxonomy of freshwater invertebrates
• Database maintenance and data entry
• Curation of invertebrate samples and specimens
• Tracking and procurement of laboratory supplies
• Laboratory housekeeping and maintenance
• Supervision of part-time workers and intern students in laboratory tasks

Requirements:

• A relevant polytechnic diploma or equivalent qualification is the minimum requirement for these positions.
• Proficiency in oral and written English
• Experience of fieldwork and parataxonomy is preferred though training in field methods and identification of taxa will be provided. A conscientious attitude to laboratory work and competence in working outdoors is essential.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Access and Excel.
• Singapore Class 3 driving license
• Self-motivation and an ability to work independently as well as a with other team members.

Salary

Salary will commensurate with qualifications and experience. Unless otherwise specified, appointment is renewable annually subject to performance.

Contact

Interested candidates are invited to email their resume and cover letter FAO Dr. Esther Clews to tmshr@nus.edu.sg. Please indicate in the subject heading the position applied for with Inland Waters, EMID e.g. “Research_Assistant_ Inland_Waters_EMID”.

Only short-listed candidates will be notified.

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Job: P/T Outreach Coordinator, “Mapping Nature, Mapping Memories In Tanglin Halt” (immediate)

“Mapping Nature, Mapping Memories In Tanglin Halt” is a part of an NUS/NTU research project, “Bird People in Tanglin Halt” to investigate relations between humans and birds in the Wessex Estate/Queenstown/ Green Corridor area.

The magpie robin is the project mascot. It is making a fragile comeback but is also being trapped by poachers from the neighbourhood. Photo by Paul Huang from naturestops.com

Outreach Coordinator Position
The outreach and logistics coordinator would be tasked to independently develop a strategy for outreach and online community/school participation in our project in liason with the research team.

Objectives

1. The coordinator would be tasked to make contact with and attempt to draw in participation from at least one Tanglin Halt/Wessex/Queestown, school alongside on and offline residents and community partners into a project to:
   • Monitor/map plant and animal life in the neighbourhood.
   • Record stories and memories of plants and animal life in the neighbourhood.
2. Pilot a small scale “citizen science” project revolving around sightings of and stories about garden birds such as the magpie robin.
3. Expand the project to include mapping other wildlife in the area.
4. Bringing the community and schools to map sightings of birds and other wildlife via an online, googlemap recording system with pop- up windows in which the community can both upload sightings of wildlife alongside stories, memories of encounters with wildlife in the area..

Job Scope
The job scope of the outreach and logistics coordinator would be to oversee the following:

1. Contact with schools and other relevant community institutions in the Queenstown-Tanglin Halt area.
2. Liaise with biology/history teachers and assist in the initiation of small scale projects with schools involving mapping of bird and or other wildlife and/or memories of birds and wildlife in the Tanglin Halt/Queenstown/Green corridor area.
3. Where possible (together with team members) involve members of the Tanglin Halt Queenstown population who already have an interest in bird life (songbird lovers) etc in this process.
4. Oversee the setting up of an online googlemap page where citizens of the area can record wildlife sightings and stories of wildlife.
5. Co-organise and participate in (together with the project group as a whole )in a professional bird mapping survey and integrate the results of this survey into the online googlemap system.
6. Formulate/refine key criteria and objectives by which these initiatives can be measured and evaluated.

Project development
Further details and breakdown of the jobscope/honorarium can be developed by the successful candidate. We will also permit a candidate to further creatively develop the project in liaison with the project group members. The coordinator will be offered a market-rate, part time honorarium for this project.

Alternatively, we are also open to this project becoming part of an official, independently-developed citizen-science research initiative on the part of an MA student.

Requirements:

1. We are ideally looking for an MA or honours student with experience in both wildlife monitoring, organization and outreach.
2. We would like this project to commence as soon as possible.

Interested candidates are to send a short bio and details of your experience and interest in this project to:
Lucy Davis,
PI Bird People in Tanglin Halt Project
lucydavis@ntu.edu.sg

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Job: Two Research Assistant positions for project on ‘Enhancing Singapore’s Coral Reef Ecosystem’ (deadline: 16 Nov 2012)

“Enhancing Singapore’s Coral Reef Ecosystem in a Green Port, including Assessment of Sites for Reef Restoration”:
Two Research Assistant Positions (deadline 16 Nov 2012)

The first phase of a project “Enhancing Singapore’s Coral Reef Ecosystem in a Green Port, including Assessment of Sites for Reef Restoration” will begin soon. The project will be administered by the Tropical Marine Science Institute with Prof. L.M. Chou as the Principal Investigator.

The first phase lasting one year will assess sites suitable for the translocation of corals to restore 1) a non-reef area and 2) a degraded reef, and determine which coral communities at the impacted site can be used to monitor coral resilience to the impact.

This phase will lead on to a larger second phase lasting three years that addresses the following research questions: a) will coral translocation succeed at an area that previously did not support corals? b) by how much can translocation enhance a degraded reef, and c) will corals at the impacted site survive?

The research assistants will participate actively in all aspects of the project.
Field work forms a major component of the project.

Requirements:

1. At least a B.Sc. or B.Sc. (Hons) in biology, ecology or marine biology, life sciences (majoring in environmental biology) or other related fields.
2. Scuba diving qualification (PADI advanced open water or equivalent).
3. Experience in reef restoration work.
4. IT competency and report writing ability.

Salary will be commensurate with academic qualification and research experience. Earliest availability will be taken into consideration.

Interested candidates should e-mail

• an updated curriculum vitae,
• names of three referees and
• a statement indicating his/her suitability for the position

to: Mr. Toh Kok Ben (dbstohkb@nus.edu.sg) by 16 Nov 2012.

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Job: Asst Golf Course Superitendent at Tanah Merah Country Club

This job is suitable for recent graduates. The position reports to the GM (the former director of golf) a former biograd who will train the applicant up. Good opportunity to learn with a career ladder.

It is an outdoor job which requires an eye for detail, organisational and inter-personal skills important.

——

Tanah Merah Country Club is Singapore’s premier golf and country club in South East Asia. Besides the club’s excellent facilities, it strives to provide its members and guests with superior customer service which differentiate the Club from others. If you have what it takes to join our dynamic and passionate team, please write to us!

ASSISTANT GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENT
Across Singapore – Changi

Responsibilities
Reporting to the Director of Golf, the successful candidates will be responsible for the planning and supervision of various golf course maintenance works as well as directing staff to ensure projects and targets are met.

Requirements

1. Diploma/Degree holders in Turf Management / Horticulture / Landscape / Biology or equivalent, who are interested to establish a career specializing in maintenance of world-class golf courses.
2. Computer literate with good command of written English.
3. Enjoy outdoors and being close to nature as well as administrative work.
4. Leadership potential to lead and motivate a large team of experienced golf course maintenance crew.
5. Golf course work experience is not required but will be an added advantage, as on-the-job training will be provided.

If you are searching for a challenging and rewarding career with attractive benefits and training opportunities, please email your detailed resume, your current & expected salary, together with a recent photograph to tohr@tmcc.org.sg
Company transportation will be provided at designated locations in Bedok & Tampines respectively.

Tanah Merah Country Club 25 Changi Coast Road, Singapore 499803

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Job: Lab Tech for project on “Role of animals in the transmission of pathogens in Singapore”

Job Description: Laboratory Technician – 1 position available
Duration: January – June 2013 (possibility of extension)
Position: Full time – daily hours will vary based on job required

Summary of job duties: The successful applicant will join a team of researchers investigating the role of different animals in the transmission of pathogens in Singapore. There are two parts to this job. One is work in the field and the second is work in the lab. Field work will involve setting up traps for small mammals, birds, bats, and mosquitoes in different sites in Singapore with team members from Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School.

This applicant will handle the animals, collect biological samples from them, and keep records of all activities. They will transport the samples back to Duke and update any records and databases of the collections. Laboratory work will include sample processing, including the extraction of genetic material from samples and running diagnostic tests.

Hours will vary based on which animal type is being collected and their hours of peak activity. Birds and small mammals require an early start, whereas the trapping of bats takes place at dusk and into the night. Laboratory work will be done during normal business hours.

The successful candidate will undergo a health inspection from OSHE at NUS, be given the appropriate vaccinations, and will take an animal care and handling class at NUS. This candidate will be trained in all field and laboratory techniques. In addition, there will be opportunities for authorship on scientific publications.

Requirements: Ideally looking for a team player with a background in the biological sciences who is willing to contribute to a unique island-wide project and is interested in gaining research experience. Must enjoy working outside, be physically fit (field work involves moderate labor), not be afraid of animals, bevery flexible with working hours, have good communication and interpersonal skills, and be fluent in English (writing, reading, and speaking). Past animal or laboratory experience is useful, but not necessary. Possession of a class 3 driver’s license is also beneficial.

Interested applicants please contact: ian.mendenhall@duke-nus.edu.sg

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