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Fri 30 Sep 2016: 9.30am @ DBS CR2 – Du Rosa Celia Poquita on acclimatization mechanisms of coral holobiont under varying environmental conditions

ross-2016Department of Biological Sciences, NUS
Qualifying Examination

“Acclimatization mechanisms of coral holobiont under varying environmental conditions”

Du Rosa Celia Poquita
Graduate Student,
Dept. of Biological Sciences
National University of Singapore

Fri 30 Sep 2016: 9.30am
DBS Conference Room 2 (S1 level 3, mezzanine)
Supervisor: Asst Prof Peter A Todd
Co-Supervisors: Asst Prof Huang Danwei, Prof Chou Loke Ming

All are welcome

Abstract: –
Despite the increasing environmental pressures on coral reef ecosystems, many are still thriving as they exhibit acclimatization mechanisms as response to a suite of co-occurring and temporally variable environmental stimuli. Genomic approaches have provided tools for coral reef studies to aid in understanding ecological responses to changes in the surrounding environment through information on the transcripts that are regulated across different environmental conditions. The transcriptome-wide responses of hard corals to environmental factors have been described for only a few species. To understand how communities are likely to cope with the rapidly changing climate, it is imperative to determine the underlying acclimatization mechanisms for a range of coral species at different levels of variation. My PhD thesis project aims to assess the relative contributions of host and algal symbionts in facilitating survival under varying environmental conditions, using conventional methods in assessing the physiological state of corals in conjunction with genomic approaches for inferring genetic mechanisms of acclimatization.

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Tue 27 Sep 2016: 9.30am @ SBG Botany Centre – Kerrie Wilson on “Structured Approaches to Environmental Management”

To register, please sign up here.

Click for pdf
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For more info, see the CUGE Newsletter.

See also: Kerrie Wilson on “Conservation decision making in social-ecological systems”, Fri 23 Sep 2016: 4.00pm @ NUS DBS CR1.

UQ’s A/P Kerrie Wilson’s work with Erik Meijaard’s in UQ-Borneo Futures Research Initiative is profiled here (click to read):

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Job: Undergraduate part-time assistants wanted (Sep 2016 – Aug 2017) for image processing & digital archiving of Comprehensive Marine Biodiversity Survey specimens

We are looking for undergraduate part-time assistants to help out with processing  images and other data from the recently concluded Comprehensive Marine Biodiversity Survey (CMBS) to the Animals and Plants of Singapore database from September 2016 to August 2017.

Project description: 

The Comprehensive Marine Biodiversity Survey (CMBS) to survey and document Singapore’s marine biodiversity has recently concluded, and has so far uncovered at least 100 species new to science, 200 new records for Singapore, and 10 rediscoveries. Identification and bioimaging of specimens are now completed and they are now ready to be uploaded onto the Animals and Plants of Singapore (APS) database. APS is a LKCNHM-based initiative to document the flora and fauna of Singapore. As an image-focused database, it aggregates species from various scientific projects and individual, verified experts. It was launched in February 2015, and has since grown to over 2,700 species.

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Several undergraduate part-time assistants will be needed for help in this process, with responsibilities and requirements listed below:

Responsibilities:

  1. Data entry of specimen information into the database
  2. Imaging of specimens
  3. Image processing of existing specimens
  4. Digital specimen curation

Requirements:

  1. Be able to help out over the semester break and during term time. Working from home for a part of the time is acceptable.
  2. Experience in using Microsoft Excel and Adobe Photoshop is desired, but the candidate can also learn on the job.
  3. Standard undergraduate hourly wages (8.74SGD) will be paid

Contact

Please contact Mr Jonathan Ho, Research Assistant, Ecology and Evolution Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore at aps.lkcnhm@gmail.com

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Job: Full time Research Assistant, project on stray dogs: 1-year (by 7th August 2016)

Full-time Research Assistant required for research on stray dogs

The successful applicant will contribute to research on the ranging behaviour and population demographics (i.e., carrying capacity, size and distribution, growth rate, age structure and social organisation) of stray dogs in Singapore. Data collected by this project will be used to develop improved strategies and assessment tools for the management of stray dog populations. The data will also be used to develop a simulation model for the spread of rabies should the disease be found in the stray dog population in Singapore, and to predict the best approach for its eradication.

This is a full-time (1 year) position with a possible extension. The candidate will be working with researchers and staff from the University of Queensland (UQ) and National University of Singapore (NUS).

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Assisting research on stray dog ecology and the effectiveness of control measures in Singapore by: point counts of stray dogs at determined sites;
  • identification of individual dogs by physical characteristics and photograph libraries;
  • application and monitoring of satellite GPS tracking collars; and other methods
  • Maintain clear and accurate records of work performed and data collected
  • Interact with members of the public and animal welfare groups to facilitate data collection and application of tracking collars.

Requirements of applicant:

  • Applicants should have a BSc in ecology or a relevant field,
  • be familiar with dogs and dog behaviour,
  • and show interest in the ecology and management of vertebrate species.
  • Must enjoy working outdoors,
  • be flexible with working hours due to dog activity patterns,
  • and have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • A Class 3A driver’s license, computer literacy and high competence with Microsoft Excel are required.

Interested individuals should submit their CVs with their relevant software knowledge and research experience to m.rusli@uq.edu.au. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interviews. The closing date for this application is 7 August 2016.

Mark Rusli
Research Officer
School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, UQ
m.rusli@uq.edu.au

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Job: Full-time Research Assistant in Insect Diversity Lab (1-year renewable; deadline: 31 Jul 2016)

The Insect Diversity Lab at the Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, is in search of a full-time Research Assistant. We study global insect diversity with current focus on bees and related wasps of Southeast Asia. A key goal is to develop taxonomic infrastructure and to use this to advance research on insect urban ecology, behaviour, and conservation.

Tasks required include, but are not limited to:

  • Field sampling of bees/wasps using a sweep net
  • Lab-based work such as:
    • processing of collected specimens (pinning, labelling, curating, dissection for DNA)
    • specimen databasing
    • specimen imaging using an imaging system
    • GIS and other mapping

Abilities:

  • Additional abilities/experience in statistics and/or genomics is desirable, but absence of either is not a preclusion for consideration of hire.
    Written and verbal competency in the English language is a necessity.
  • Prior experience in the field of entomology will help greatly but can be picked up on the job.
  • The candidate should be conscientious and adaptive, and enthusiastic about working with insects both alive and dead.
  • The job requires attention to detail and ability to maintain focus when working independently.

Application details

  • This position is for 1 year, with potential for renewal.
  • Degree in Life Sciences or related field.
  • Remuneration: SGD $3,000/month (dependant on qualifications and includes CPF contribution for Singaporeans/PR).
  • Interested applicants should submit their CV, and a short write-up about how this job may contribute to the applicant’s long term goals.
  • Please submit these to dbsajs@nus.edu.sg and dbscsx@nus.edu.sg.
  • Short-listed applicants will be notified for an interview.

Assistant Professor John Stoskopf Ascher
Department of Biological Sciences
National University of Singapore
14, Science Drive 4, Singapore 117543
Email: dbsajs@nus.edu.sg

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LSM4263 Field Studies in Biodiversity: Registration open!

Dear students

Registration is now open for LSM4263 – Field Studies in Biodiversity! 

This 4MC module will be conducted in Semester IV of AY2015/2016 from Tue 21 Jun 2016 to Fri 22 Jul 2016. Timetable details will be available later.

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To qualify, students should be:

  • LSM majors specialising in Environmental Biology (EVB), OR from the Bachelor of Environmental Studies (BES) programme
  • Continuing into their Honors year in AY2016/2017
  • Possess a CAP of 3.2 or above
  • Willing to cover part of the module cost (amounting to less than S$400)

Other details:

  • The Pulau Tioman field trip is scheduled from Tue 12 Jul 2016 – Mon 18 Jul 2016
  • Accommodation at Paya Beach Resort
  • Local student enrolment is limited to 30 students
  • Priority to students with LSM2251 Ecology and the Environment, or other relevant experience

To register, please complete the form at tinyurl.com/lsm4263signup by Mon 06 Jun 2016: 1800h. Successful students will be notified by email.

Best wishes,
Life Sciences Undergraduate Program Committee
http://www.lifesciences.nus.edu.sg