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Alabama A&M University: Two graduate assistantships - LiDAR and forestry, start Fall 2005, US citizenship required. Two graduate research assistantships (preferably PhD, but MSc candidates also considered) are available for the Fall semester of 2005. The project is at the Bankhead National Forest in Alabama and is funded by the National Science Foundation. The students can work on either 1) LiDAR data that is being collected at this time, 2) data on the forest canopy (hemispherical photos, PAR measurements), 3) effects of thinning and burning on forest regeneration and/or herbaceous vegetation. Additional details about the project Preferred background in one or several of the following: hardwood silviculture, forest ecology, botany, and application of LiDAR, remote sensing, GIS, and spatial analysis in the area of renewable natural resources. Candidates working with the spatial aspect of the project can simultaneously obtain a minor in GIS, if so desired. Preferred qualities include good writing, analytical, and communication skills, ability to actively interact with USDA Forest Service scientists, national forest managers, faculty, graduate and undergraduate students. The students must be able to work independently. Depending on the selected project, the students may need to spend long days in forested habitat and mountainous terrain. The annual research assistantships are $25k for doctoral students and $20k for master’s students. Interested applicants should email a letter of application (up to 2 pages) describing their academic and work experience related to the subproject, Curriculum Vitae, unofficial GRE scores, unofficial transcripts of college level academic work, and names and full contact information, including email and phone number, of at least 3 professional references to: Dr. Luben Dimov, Center for Forestry and Ecology, P.O. Box 1927, Normal, AL 35762, Luben.Dimov@email.aamu.edu, phone: 256-372-4545, fax: 256-372-8404. Applications will be reviewed as they are received and the positions will be open until suitable candidates are found. The forestry program in the Center for Forestry and Ecology is accredited by the Society of American Foresters. Alabama A&M University is an 1890 Institution (Historically Black University) and minority applicants are especially encouraged to apply. Posted: 6/28/05.

Alabama A&M University: Two graduate research assistantships (preferably PhD, but MSc candidates also considered) are available for the Fall semester of 2005. The project is a large-scale ecological experiment funded by the National Science Foundation and involves manipulating forest stands at the Bankhead National Forest through thinning and prescribed burning. There are 5 distinct subprojects that study: (1) vegetation community, (2) macroinvertibrate and vertebrate community, (3) biogeochemical nutrient cycling, (4) molecular phylogeography of introgression in red oak hybrids, and (5) human dimensions. The assistantships advertised here concern only the Vegetation Subproject The graduate assistants will be expected to work on one or more of the following: (1) effect of the different treatments and light levels on woody vegetation growth, composition, and dynamics, (2) effect of the different treatments and light levels on herbaceous vegetation growth, composition, and dynamics, (3) use of LiDAR for characterizing forest canopy structure and dynamics, and (4) taking and using hemispherical photos for analysis of forest canopy structure and its influence on forest vegetation. Preferred background in one or several of the following: hardwood silviculture, forest ecology, botany, and application of LiDAR, remote sensing, GIS, and spatial analysis in the area of renewable natural resources. Candidates working with the spatial aspect of the project can simultaneously obtain a minor in GIS, is so desired. Preferred qualities include good writing, analytical, and communication skills, ability to actively interact with USDA Forest Service scientists, national forest managers, faculty, graduate and undergraduate students. The students must be able to work independently. Depending on the selected project, the students may need to spend long days in forested habitat and mountainous terrain. The annual research assistantships are $25k for doctoral students and $20k for master's students. Interested applicants should send (preferably by email) a letter of application (up to 2 pages) describing their academic and work experience related to the subproject, Curriculum Vitae, unofficial GRE scores, unofficial transcripts of college level academic work, and names and full contact information, including email and phone number, of at least 3 professional references to: Dr. Luben Dimov, Center for Forestry and Ecology, P.O. Box 1927, Normal, AL 35762, Luben.Dimov@email.aamu.edu, phone: 256-372-4545, fax: 256-372-8404. Applications will be reviewed as they are received and the positions will be open until suitable candidates are found. The forestry program in the Center for Forestry and Ecology is accredited by the Society of American Foresters. Alabama A&M University is an 1890 Institution (Historically Black University) and minority applicants are especially encouraged to apply. Posted: 6/14/05.

Alabama A&M University: A graduate research assistantship (MS or PhD) is immediately available for participating in multidisciplinary research, including soil, vegetation, molecular biology, and terrestrial invertebrates and vertebrates, funded by National Science Foundation. The research is a large scale ecological experiment that involves manipulating forest stands with fire and logging and is a collaboration of Alabama A&M, Southern Research Station of USDA Forest Service, and Bankhead National Forest. The study sites are located in the southern most region of the Appalachian forests in northern Alabama. The graduate student will evaluate the effects of forest manipulations on bird community. Territory mapping, mist-nets, and radio telemetry will be used to quantify the bird species and their habitat associations. The position requires bird identification (sight, song, and call). Experience with radio telemetry and mist netting is desired. The graduate student must be able to work independently and spend long days in mountain terrain with other organisms (e.g., snakes, mosquitoes, and ticks). The student needs to actively interact with USDA scientists, national forest managers, faculty, and graduate and undergraduate students on the project. The graduate student will receive an annual research assistantship of $20k for MS or $25k for Ph.D. The starting date is flexible, with the possibility to start as soon as possible. Interested applicants should send a letter of application and a resume including GRE scores and names of 3 references with phone numbers to: Dr. Yong Wang, Center for Forestry and Ecology, Alabama A&M University, Normal, AL 35762; Ph. (256) 372-4229; or email to yong.wang@email.aamu.edu. Alabama A&M is an 1890 Historically Black University, minority applicants are specifically encouraged. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and the position will be open until a suitable candidate is found. Posted: 9/27/04.

American University: graduate assistantships available for students interested in pursuing a M.A. or M.S. in Biology. The current stipend for a M.S./M.A. student is up to $10,000, along with tuition remission and an additional $6750 in part time wages for teaching. Good students can be compensated up to $20,000. Areas of faculty interest and current research in our department include: The eco-morphology of modular organisms and disease ecology of corals and other coral reef organisms: - The mapping of subterranean biodiversity for the U.S. and Europe. This fauna is quite rich, with over 4000 described species, many of them with highly restricted ranges. - The study of the very rich, but virtually unknown fauna of the rock-soil interface in Karst - the epikarst. - Studying a rare amphipod found only in the shallow subsurface waters of the Coastal Plain of the Potomac River in the vicinity of Washington, DC. - The biogeochemistry of marine and freshwater systems, particularly where they interface. - The ecology and biogeochemistry of hydrocarbon seep communities such as those in the Gulf of Mexico. - Understanding nutrient dynamics in ecological systems, including using isotopes to trace specific compounds through ecosystems or individual organisms. - Cave biology, evolutionary biology, population and community ecology; Phylogenetic reconstruction of cave, karst window, and surface populations of Gammarus minus using random amplification polymorphic DNA and rhodopsin gene sequence. For more information about AU, the Biology Department, and to contact faculty directly, please visit the Department of Biology website. Posted: 1/25/05.

Arizona State University: The Consortium for Science, Policy, and Outcomes is pleased to offer a graduate research assistantship in interdisciplinary research on environmental science and public policy. The student should be interested in completing an interdisciplinary research project towards an M.S. or Ph.D. on the implication of global environmental change for science policy. The graduate student will be supported by an NSF-sponsored project, Science Policy Assessment and Research on Climate, which will investigate the relation between science policy and climate policy decisions. Required Qualifications: Regularly admitted to an ASU graduate degree program. Evidence of strong written communication skills. Research experience. Desired Qualifications: Knowledge or interest in interdisciplinary projects related to global change science and policies. Background in natural or social sciences. Compensation: 12-month stipend of $23k (50% for 9 months and 100% for 3 months); in-state tuition waiver; and student health benefits. Application Deadline: December 15, 2004; if not filled every two weeks until the search is closed. Application Procedure: Submit a cover letter and resume detailing your interest, education and experiences, along with the contact information for 3 references to Lori Hidinger, Consortium for Science, Policy and Outcomes, PO Box 874401, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-4401 or cspo@asu.edu. Procedures for applying to ASU graduate programs. Posted: 12/2/04.

Arizona State University: Seeking Graduate Research Associate for new project to study the effects of atmospheric deposition of inorganic nitrogen and organic carbon on plant-soil coupling and stoichiometry in desert systems exposed to urban atmospheres. Application deadline for the School of Life Sciences graduate programs is December 15th but applications are accepted after this date. Student would work with an interdisciplinary team including project director Nancy Grimm and Co-PIs Jonathan Allen (atmospheric chemistry; chemical engineering), Sharon Hall (trace gas fluxes, ecosystem ecology), and Jason Kaye (soil science, terrestrial biogeochemistry). Contact Nancy Grimm for further information (nbgrimm@asu.edu). Posted: 12/2/04.

Auburn University: Alabama Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Auburn, Alabama (1) Assistantship at the M.S. or Ph.D. level available to conduct field surveys and develop models of the influence of landform and vegetative characteristics on detection, habitat use, and abundance of birds and small mammals in the Cumberland Plateau region of northeastern Alabama. Qualifications: B.S. or M.S. in Wildlife Science, Conservation Biology, or related field required. Interest and experience in avian ecology and strong quantitative skills are required. Ability to identify birds by song is essential. Good verbal, communication, and analytical skills, and highly competitive GRE scores. This individual must be able to work cooperatively with other students and PIs, supervise/train technicians, and conduct field work in remote areas under rigorous field conditions on rugged terrain. (2) Ph.D. assistantship available to develop landscape-scale models for birds distributions on statewide and or regional scales in the southeast. Qualifications: M.S. in Wildlife Science, Conservation Biology, or related field required. Interest and experience in avian ecology and strong quantitative skills are required. GIS skills are desirable as are good verbal, communication, and analytical skills, and highly competitive GRE scores. This individual must be able to work cooperatively with other students and PIs, supervise/train technicians, and conduct field work in remote areas under rigorous field conditions on rugged terrain. Contact: Dr. James B. Grand, Leader, Alabama Cooperative Fisheries and Wildlife Research Unit, School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, 108 White Smith Hall, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849-5418. (334.844.4796, grandjb@auburn.edu). Posted: 4/4/05.

Auburn University: Graduate research assistantships available - MS or PHD. Seeking bright, highly motivated students interested in ecology of insects and plants. Project will focus broadly on the effects of biodiversity, agricultural intensification, and/or mutualisms on the ecology of aphid-vectored plant diseases. Start Fall 2005. For information on research please visit our lab page. Contact Micky Eubanks (Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, 334-844-2556, eubanmd@auburn.edu) for more information. Posted: 2/23/05, revised: 4/21/05.

Auburn University: Ph.D. and M.S. Research Assistantships in ecosystem ecology, ecohydrology, process modeling and spatial analysis. We are encouraging highly motivated graduate students to join an interdisciplinary team for investigating biogeochemical cycles (C, N), coupled biogeochemical and hydrological cycles, and ecosystem-climate interactions. Two primary geographical locations we are currently working with include: Asia and North America. Graduate students could work at a spectrum of spatial scales that range from landscape to watershed to region. He or she should possess some experience in simulation modeling, spatial analysis (GIS/Remote Sensing), and computer programming. The successful candidates should also possess a degree in plant ecology, meteorology, hydrology, soil science, forestry, geography, or related fields. Both positions will ideally begin in January or summer 2005. Interested applicants should send a cover letter outlining their qualifications, resume, copies of transcripts, TOFEL, GRE scores, and contact information for three references to Dr. Hanqin Tian, School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, 108 M. White Smith Hall, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849. Phone (334) 844-1059: E-mail: tianhan@auburn.edu. Posted: 11/9/04.

Baylor University: The Department of Biology seeks applicants for a Ph.D. assistantship in aquatic ecology starting August 2005 or January 2006. We are particularly seeking applicants with interests in complex interactions between aquatic consumers (e.g, macroinvertebrates, fish) and their food and/or nutrient dynamics in streams or wetlands. The successful applicant will be funded for up to 5 years through a combination of both teaching and research assistantships and will study under the direction of Dr. Ryan King. The graduate assistant will assist in a study on developing numerical nutrient criteria in streams and testing the effects of nutrient additions on stream food webs in central Texas streams and in an experimental stream facility (BEAR-the Baylor Experimental Aquatic Research facility). The BEAR facility also includes 24 outdoor wetland mesocosms and a large research laboratory located at the Lake Waco Wetlands, an 80 hectare constructed wetland near campus that also offers numerous research opportunities. The student will participate in the interdisciplinary Center for Reservoir and Aquatic Systems Research, a center that brings together all aquatic faculty and students from Biology, Geology, Chemistry, and Environmental Studies. Miminum qualifications include a B. S. degree in biology, ecology, or related discipline; however, applicants with an M.S. degree (or equivalent) are preferred. More information about application and degree requirements are available at the Department of Biology website. Please contact Dr. Ryan King (Ryan_S_King@baylor.edu) for further information prior to applying. Review of applications for Fall 2005 will begin on 30 June 2005, although applications will be considered until the position is filled. Posted: 5/19/05.

Boston University: A PhD assistantship is available, pending funding approval, to examine water transport and carbon allocation in palms, with special emphasis on the role of palm size. Research will be conducted in Amazonian Ecuador and at Boston University. Extended travel to Ecuador is required (approximately 4 months per year for 3 years). This position may have a start date of either Sept. 2005 or January 2006. Desired skills include: Enthusiasm for physically challenging research for extended periods of time at a remote field station; Academic background in the natural sciences; Familiarity with basic statistics, and statistics software; Experience in techniques of plant ecophysiology, including sap flux, gas exchange, stable isotopes, plant hydraulics, plant biometry, and/or data logging; Completed Master's degree, or Bachelor's degree with research experience. Applications should include a cover letter that includes a statement of scientific interests and career aspirations, resume, GRE scores (if available), unofficial transcripts or course/grade summary, and the names and email addresses of three references, all of which should be packaged if possible in a single pdf document, or mailed as a hardcopy. Applications or requests for further information should be sent either electronically or through postal service to: Nathan Phillips, Boston University, Department of Geography and Environment, 675 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215 USA, nathan@bu.edu. Closing Date: 8/1/05. Posted: 5/17/05.

California State University, Fullerton: MS assistantship available to study the ecology of small mammals associated with black-tailed prairie dogs in grasslands of northern Colorado. Previous field experience (e.g., capturing, handling, marking, tissue collection, radio-telemetry) with small mammals required. Preference will be given to applicants that can start field work in early May 2005, with anticipated entry into the graduate program in the Department of Biological Sciences at CSU Fullerton in Fall 2005. For more information, please contact Dr Paul Stapp (714 278 2849, pstapp@fullerton.edu). Posted: 2/11/05.

California State University, Fullerton: Desert Plant Ecology - two-year Graduate Research Assistantship at the M.S. level. Research will focus on the ecophysiology of Mojave Desert vegetation and will compliment a broader program aimed at determining soil and vegetation recovery from disturbance in the Mojave Desert areas of California and Nevada. The successful candidate will collaborate with scientists from the USGS and participate in extended field studies related to the program. Responsibilities will include coordinating and leading local field studies, statistical analysis of data, and reporting of findings to involved parties. A bachelor's degree in biology or equivalent is required. Strong quantitative, analytical and communications skills also needed, as is the ability to endure long days in the field. Experience in field biology, ecology, plant physiology, botany, geochemistry or a related discipline is preferred but not required. Stipend is $10k per year for up to two years. Interested students should contact Dr. Darren R. Sandquist (dsandquist@fullerton.edu, 714-278-2606) for more information. Details and deadlines for admission to the CSUF Masters program in Biology are available at http://biology.fullerton.edu. Close Date: Mar 15, 2005. Posted: 12/1/04, revised: 2/16/05.

Clemson University: One Ph.D. student needed for conducting the following research project: Managing declining pine stands for the restoration of red-cockaded woodpecker habitat. Project Description: Across the southeast, DoD land managers share the challenge of restoring longleaf pine (LLP) forests to support red-cockaded woodpeckers (RCW) and associated species of concern, while retaining critical habitat features, including mature trees. Restoring longleaf pine is readily accomplished if existing trees are clearcut and seedlings planted. However, managers need alternative protocols that restore longleaf on sites where canopy pines are retained. The need for such protocols are critical at Fort Benning, Georgia, where as many as 70% of the active RCW cavities are located in mature loblolly pine (LBP) stands with trees that are senescing at an alarming rate. Because LLP seedlings do not thrive under closed canopies, restoration protocols most likely will indicate partial canopy removal. Leaving the trees likely to live the longest would secure the most RCW habitat value through time. Managers need a model for predicting longevity. To select stands for restoration, managers need a firm understanding of LBP decline in relation to stand conditions, site conditions, and management history. The overall goal is to develop protocols for restoring LLP to stands currently occupied by declining LBP. The project will accomplish three tasks: (1) First, we will develop stand level silvicultural protocols for restoring LLP forests while retaining a canopy component. (2) Secondly, we will model stand vulnerability to decline, and develop recommendations for continued management. (3) Finally, we will apply methods and analytical approaches from dendrochronology to develop a model that forecasts the mortality of individual trees. We will establish a field experiment using a randomized split plot design replicated on 6 blocks with canopy treatments as the main plot factor and cultural treatments as the split plot factor. Response variables include the survival and growth of residual trees, seedlings, and planted native grasses; light, soil nitrogen, soil moisture, foliar nutrients, and seedling water potential. Mortality and stand vulnerability models will be based on existing inventory data and on data collected from a stratified sample of all upland LBP stands. We will use standard ANOVA, regression, and non-parametric methods for most analyses, but we propose a novel application of dendrochronology methods coupled with logistic regression and time series analysis to forecast tree mortality. If you are interested, please contact: Dr. Geoff Wang, Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, 261 Lehotsky Hall, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634-0317 (Phone: 864-656-4864; Email: gwang@clemson.edu). Posted: 6/8/05.

Clemson University: A graduate research assistantship (MS or Ph.D) is available for the research project: Modify FOFEM for Use in the Coastal Plain region of the Southeastern US. Project Description: Millions of acres of pine dominated forests are burned each year in the Coastal Plain region of the Southeastern US. To better plan for fire effects, predictive models such as FOFEM (First Order Fire Effects Model) are needed. Currently, FOFEM has been used by thousands of fire and land managers across the United States. It synthesizes the results of many empirical fire effects studies into one computer program that can be easily and quickly used by novice and expert resource managers. However, most empirical models within FOFEM have been developed exclusively based on data from western conifer forests. It is commonly acknowledged that empirical models lack generality and cannot be applied beyond the specific conditions on which they are based. The objective of the proposed study is to modify FOFEM for use in the Coastal Plain region of the Southeastern US. Specifically, we will compile a comprehensive data set from published and unpublished prescribed fire studies and use the compiled data to recalibrate the existing models or to develop new models for use in FOFEM. These recalibrated or newly developed models will then be incorporated into the existing computer programs to create a new version of FOFEM for use in the Coastal Plain region. The large number of completed and ongoing prescribed fire research projects in the Coastal Plain region provides a wealth of data for model recalibration and redevelopment. The modified version of FOFEM will give fire and land managers a useful and much needed tool for better planning and implementing future prescribed burning activities. If you are interested, please contact: Dr. Geoff Wang, Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, 261 Lehotsky Hall, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634-0317 (Phone: 864-656-4864; Email: gwang@clemson.edu). Posted: 6/8/05.

Colorado State University: A Ph.D. research assistantship is available in the area of ecosystem ecology (full stipend and tuition). Modeling is an important tool for conducting large-scale assessments of ecosystem processes, and uncertainty analyses have agruably become critical component of these assessments, particularly for analyses designed to inform public policy. Policy makers often have a variety of options when making decisions and uncertainty can have an important influence. Greenhouse gas mitigation is a current issue that includes a variety of options for reducing emissions. One of those is soil C sequestration through improved land use and management, and this project is designed to inform policy through a model-based assessment of US land use and management impacts on soil C storage in crop and grazing lands. The assessment will rely on a combination of sampling, remote sensing, and modeling. The successful candidate will work on the design of the uncertainty analysis, and thus provide a critical piece of information for informing policy makers. Those with a background in soils, biogeochemistry and/or statistics are strongly encouraged to apply. Send letters of interest and qualifications to Dr. Stephen M. Ogle, Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523. Inquiries about the position can be made to Dr. Ogle through email (ogle@nrel.colostate.edu) or by phone (970-491-7662). Candidates will also need to apply for admission into the CSU graduate school. The starting date is fall 2005 or spring 2006. Posted: 6/7/05.

Colorado State University: Graduate Assistantships in Forest Management and Planning. Candidate will work as GTA in a quantitative class in forest management, GRA in developing decision support models in forest ecosystem management. Potential research topics include large scale forest planning, landscape fuel treatment optimization and optimization in forest restoration. Requirements: BS, BA or equivalent in forest or other quantitative disciplines. Acceptance into the graduate program of the Dept. of Forest, Rangeland and Watershed Stewardship; acceptance by Graduate School at CSU. Continued interests in forest management and planning are required. Benefits: Graduate assistants receive full tuition waivers plus a stipend. Open until position is filled. Response: Interested persons are invited to send a letter of inquiry and resume to: Dr. Yu Wei, Department of Forest, Rangeland and Watershed Stewardship, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, wei@cnr.colostate.edu, Tel: (970) 491-2959. Posted: 4/15/05.

Colorado State University: A Graduate Research Assistantship is available at the Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory. Funding is available for an MS/PhD research assistantship (beginning summer or fall 2005) to study soil carbon dynamics and ecosystem ecology. The NSF-funded project investigates how soil carbon stabilization mechanisms impact the sensitivity of soil carbon turnover to temperature. The student will participate in incubation of soil samples from several grassland and cultivated sites across the Americas, isolating and quantifying various pools of soil carbon, investigating biological control and response, and data interpretation and reporting. In addition to a solid background in biology, chemistry, ecology, and soil science, experience with laboratory soil analyses, in particular soil incubation and fractionation procedures, is desirable. More information. Please Contact: Dr. Richard Conant (conant@nrel.colostate.edu; 970-491-1919) or Dr. Eldor A. Paul (eldor@nrel.colostate.edu; 970-491-1987). Posted: 12/7/04.

Dartmouth College: I have a fellowship available beginning in summer or fall of 2005 in the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Program of the Department of Biological Sciences. The successful candidate will (1) participate in funded studies that are broadly organized around the theme of bark beetle ecology and (2) develop their own Ph.D. research program. Fellowships are also available to work in other laboratories within EEB. Highly qualified candidates may be eligible for a GAANN fellowship that provides a stipend of ~$30k. Matt Ayres, Associate Professor, Biology, Gilman Hall, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755. 603 646-2788, 603 646-1347 fax. Posted: 1/5/05.

Delaware State University: MS Assistantship: American eel population ecology. Project is focused on developing a better understanding of the population ecology of American eels in the mid-Atlantic. The successful candidate will work with a team of scientists from Delaware State University, United States Geological Survey, and National Marine Fisheries Service, to collect and analyze mark-recapture data on American eels in the U.S. mid-Atlantic. Additional sampling will be conducted in conjunction with commercial harvesters both dockside and aboard fishing vessels. Sampling will involve field work during all weather conditions using a variety of boats and gear. Successful candidate will also spend time working at the NOAA lab in Beaufort, NC during the analysis phase. Qualifications: Minimum: BS in biology, fisheries, or related field; cumulative GPA of 2.8 or higher and GRE scores. Students with strong quantitative and writing skills are encouraged to apply. US Citizenship is required. Salary: $18K year (tuition waiver included). Closing Date: December 17th or until filled. Field work begins March 1st. Contact: To be considered, applicants must submit a letter of interest, a CV, an unofficial copy of their transcripts and three letters of recommendation to Dr. Dewayne Fox, Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Delaware State University, 1200 North Dupont Highway, Dover, Delaware 19901. Phone: (302) 857-6436, Fax: (302) 857-6402, Email: dfox@desu.edu. Posted: 11/19/04.

Eastern Illinois University: Two M.S. research assistantships are available starting summer 2005 to work on the Buell-Small Succession Study (BSS), the longest continuous study of post-agricultural vegetation dynamics. The BSS is based at EIU and provides unique opportunities to study vegetation dynamics, succession and plant invasions. Potential candidates should have good quantitative skills and strong interests in plant or community ecology. RA responsibilities will include: data collection and management, conducting analyses with the BSS data, manuscript preparation, direction of undergraduate student researchers and general collaboration. Applicants will also be expected to develop and publish original research utilizing the BSS data. Evaluation of candidates will begin February 30 and continue until the positions are filled. For more information please contact: Scott J. Meiners, Department of Biological Sciences, Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, IL 61920. Email: cfsjm2@eiu.edu, Phone: 217 581-3425. Posted: 1/25/05.

Florida Atlantic University: M.S. Research Assistantship in avian ecology. Project involves quantifying resource use patterns of white ibises and great egrets in the Everglades. Candidate will join a lab that is focused on understanding how prey availability constrains wading bird reproduction in South Florida. Candidate will be exposed to a multidisciplinary research program as well as the application of science into one of the nation’s most comprehensive ecosystem restoration projects. Candidate should have a background in avian ecology, wildlife science, or related field. Experience with radio-telemetry is desirable. Start date is either August 2005 or January 2006. Graduate stipend is $12,000/year with tuition waiver. Position will remain open until filled. Send via email, a CV, pdf of transcripts, names and contact information for 3 references, and a letter of interest to: Dr. Dale E. Gawlik, Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL 33431-0991. dgawlik@fau.edu, 561-297-3333. Posted: 5/3/05.

Florida Atlantic University: Ph.D. Research Assistantship in avian and aquatic ecology. Project involves both experimental and sampling approaches to address questions about food constraints on wading bird reproduction in South Florida. Candidate will be exposed to multidisciplinary research program as well as the application of science into one of the nation’s most comprehensive ecosystem restoration projects. Background in avian ecology, wetland ecology, aquatic ecology, or wildlife science desirable. Expected start date is January 2005. Graduate stipend is $20,000/year with tuition waiver. Applications must be received by November 15, 2004. Send via email, a CV, pdf of transcripts, names and contact information for 3 references, and a letter of interest to: Dr. Dale Gawlik, Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL 33431-0991. dgawlik@fau.edu, 561-297-3333. Posted: 10/27/04.

Florida International University: We have a position available for a graduate student to pursue a M.S./Ph.D. on ecosystem function and plant water use patterns in tree islands in the Florida Everglades. Depending on specific interest, the student may matriculate in either the Department of Environmental Studies or Department of Biological Sciences at FIU. The student will work in an interdisciplinary group of plant community ecologists, ecophysiologists, hydrologists, soil scientists, and paleoecologists studying these forest systems, maintenance of which is an important objective in the ongoing Everglades restoration efforts. The student will be supported on a combination of teaching and research assistantships during the duration of his/her program. Interested applicants are expected to start classes in fall 2005. We are looking for somebody who is creative, adventurous, and committed. For more information contact: Mike Ross (Environmental Studies): rossm@fiu.edu or Steve Oberbauer (Biology): oberbaue@fiu.edu To be eligible for the position, interested students must meet the graduate admission requirements of FIU and have competitive GPA and GRE scores. The deadline for graduate application is 11 February. Posted: 1/5/05.

Florida International University: We have a position available for a graduate student to pursue a M.S./Ph.D. in ecosystem ecology/biogeochemical cycling in the Department of Biological Sciences. The student will be conducting summer research on an exciting, newly funded Biocomplexity project based at Barrow, Alaska. The project is a unique, large-scale hydrological manipulation conducted by an interdisciplinary team of international scientists. The student will be expected to spend approximately 3 months in the field during the summer conducting trace gas fluxes and ecophysiological measurements and will be supported on a teaching assistantship during the fall and spring semesters. Interested applicants would start classes for fall 2005. The student must be energetic and field hardy. For more information contact: Steve Oberbauer (oberbaue@fiu.edu). To be eligible for the position, interested students must meet the graduate admission requirements of FIU and have competitive GPA and GRE scores. The deadline for graduate application is 11 February. Links to the Online-application and program policies and procedures are available at: http://www.fiu.edu/~biology1/grad/. Posted: 1/5/05.

Florida International University: Support is available for 1-2 qualified students in the form of Teaching Assistantships, involving 3 sections/week of undergraduate lab course teaching. The Marine Biology Program invites interested students to apply for admission for graduate studies (PhD) in the Department of Biological Sciences for collaboration in the fields of phytoplankton and bacterioplankton ecology, physiology, and diversity, microbial food web dynamics, and biogeochemical nutrient cycling. PhD projects will be determined in mutual agreement between candidate and academic supervisor and should combine field and laboratory work. Equipment available for research include light and epifluorescence microscopes, a FACSort flow cytometer, fluorescent plate reader, real-time PCR, and with the new marine biology building opening in October 2005 a state-of-the-art research laboratory. Qualifications: Solid undergraduate and/or graduate education in marine or aquatic ecology and/or biology is expected. Research and/or teaching experience is of advantage. Experience with molecular techniques is beneficial. Candidates are expected to participate in and contribute to project development. Admission to the graduate program is competitive and requires GRE scores (minimum of 1120, verbal and quantitative) at the time of application. Foreign students must present a TOEFL and Test of Spoken English (TSE; minimum score of 50) at the time of application. Work place will be FIU's Biscayne Bay Campus, located directly on Biscayne Bay in North Miami. Application: Send cover letter with career interests and goals, CV, transcripts (undergraduate and graduate, unofficial copies), GRE scores (and language tests for foreign applicants), and three reference letters to Dr. Frank J. Jochem, Florida International University, Marine Biology Program, 3000 NE 151 St AC-1, North Miami, FL 33181; frank@jochemnet.de. Only complete applications with all required test scores will be considered. Pre-applications must be received by December 20, 2004, but early submission is strongly encouraged. Successful candidates will be contacted for submission of full applications including official university admission forms and need to be accepted into FIU Graduate School. The Graduate Committee will arrange admissions for fall 2005 in February 2005. Posted: 11/18/04.

Fordham University: The Department of Biology and the Louis Calder Center - Biological Field Station has research and teaching assistantships available for M.S. and Ph.D. students interested in ecology and field biology, with a broad range of research topics available (see the Ecology Grad Program page for more info). An online application is available here. Areas of emphasis for graduate research include: insect predator-prey interactions, the role of transposable elements in bacterial endosymbiont evolution, physiological ecology of small mammals, food web studies on benthic algae and bryophytes in streams and rivers, molecular microbial ecology, global climate change, plant-fungal symbioses, ecology of vector-borne diseases, ectomycorrhizal responses to local and regional disturbances, and studies on the causes of vertebrate extinctions. - Students will have available the facilities of the Louis Calder Center - Biological Station for their studies. - Stipends range from $15,000 to $17,000 per year, plus full tuition remission. - For any questions, please send a message to Dr. John Wehr (wehr@fordham.edu) or Dr. Jim Lewis (jdlewis@fordham.edu), or contact us at Graduate Ecology Admission, Louis Calder Center -Biological Station, Fordham University, PO Box 887, Armonk, NY USA, 10504. Posted: 11/8/04.

Fordham University: Graduate assistantships are available at the M.S. or Ph.D. level will be available for the Fall semester 2005 to study the relationship between biodiversity of freshwater benthic algal communities and ecosystem properties. Students should have a strong interest in conducting rigorous field research, with a focus on (1) taxonomic and community properties, and/or (2) stoichiometric and nutritional properties of algal communities in stream food webs. Students with interests in both descriptive and experimental (manipulative) approaches are encouraged to apply. Research will be based out of the Louis Calder Center, the biological filed station of Fordham. Successful applicants will be funded for at least two (MS) or five (PhD) years, plus full tuition remission, and are eligible to apply for on-site housing at the station. Prospective students should contact Dr. John Wehr (wehr@fordham.edu; 914-273-3078, ext. 11). Applications can be obtained though the Graduate Arts and Sciences office. Posted: 10/28/04.

Fordham University: Three graduate student positions are available in the Department of Biological Sciences to study the over-winter biology of small mammals. Specific topics are: 1) the role of food plant chemistry in the hibernation and over-winter survival of grounds squirrels in the mountains of California, 2) the effects of climate change (warming) on the torpor patterns of free-ranging eastern chipmunks, and, 3) the role of seed chemistry in the food hoarding decisions of tree squirrels. Funding will be provided either as Research or Teaching assistantships, depending on availability and student background. Stipends will range between $15k to $17k per year, plus full tuition remission. All students will have use of the facilities located at the Louis Calder Center, the biological field station of Fordham. For additional information, contact Dr. Craig L. Frank before 5 December, 2004 at frank@fordham.edu, by phone (914) 273-3078 ext. 14. Posted: 9/3/04.

Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena: The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) funds a large-scale grassland project "The Jena Experiment" on the relationship between Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functioning (Grant FOR 456). On a 10ha field site in Jena, more than 470 grassland plots have been established where plant diversity is manipulated to measure the effect of diversity on multi-trophic interactions and nutrient cycling. Applications are sought for at least 5 Ph.D. positions (BAT-O IIa/2). A short description of the positions is given below. The project is a collaborative research effort of the Friedrich-Schiller-University and the Max-Planck-Institute for Biogeochemistry, both in Jena, the Technical University of Berlin, the Humboldt University Berlin, Darmstadt University of Technology, the ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich, both in Switzerland. All Ph.D.-students will benefit from an already existing experimental set up and from the interactions with other PhDs and researchers in an international research team. The ability to speak and write German will be appreciated but is not indispensable for candidates fluent in English. A full description of the project and more details about the positions can be found at the project webpage. As it is possible that more positions will be advertised please consult the webpage. The closing date for applications is Friday, 11 March 2005. Starting dates depend on the position on offer. Applications should be sent to the addresses given below. (1) Plant Ecology: Two PhD-positions in The Jena Experiment are shared between the MPI for Biogeochemistry (Prof. E.-D. Schulze) and the University of Zurich (Prof. B. Schmid). Candidates interested in these positions should have a strong background in plant ecology and quantitative methods and ambitions to publish in competitive international journals. The research focuses on the relationship between plant diversity, ecosystem functioning and community assembly. Previous research had found positive relationships between the first two variables, but it is not clear if mechanisms of community assembly prevent maximizing diversity and functioning in many natural situations. We therefore intend to analyse the different mechanisms of resource partitioning, competition, and invasion/extinction dynamics in the large plots of The Jena Experiment over years 4-6 since establishment. Contact: Prof. Bernhard Schmid, Institute of Environmental Sciences, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstr. 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland. Email: bschmid@uwinst.unizh.ch (2) Soil Ecology: The Animal Ecology Group of the Technische Universität Darmstadt offers two PhD positions to work on the project "Interactions between plant diversity and soil invertebrates". The project explores how below-ground invertebrates affect the performance of plant species in grassland systems of different diversity. The project includes field experiments in which invertebrates below-ground are manipulated and laboratory studies with a known set of rhizosphere invertebrate species. There is one PhD position focussing on springtails and another focussing on earthworms. The applicants should be trained in animal ecology and experimental ecology. Knowledge on soil ecology and soil invertebrates is advantageous. For more information on the Animal Ecology Group at the Darmstadt University of Technology visit http://www.bio.tu-darmstadt.de/. Contact: Prof. Stefan Scheu, TUD, Faculty of Biology, Schnittspahnstrasse 3, 64287 Darmstadt. Email scheu@bio.tu-darmstadt.de (3) Mycorrhizal Ecology: A PhD based at the department of terrestrial ecology of the Institute of Botany at the University of Leipzig will focus on investigating the diversity and functions of soil and mycorrhizal fungi in grasslands with different plant biodiversity levels. The approaches to be used are in the field of modern soil microbial ecology (i.e. molecular techniques, and tracer experiments with isotopes). The selected candidate should have a Master, Diploma or an equivalent degree with honours in microbiology, soil biology/ecology, mycology or botany. Experience in one of the fields molecular biology (PCR, RFLP, Cloning Sequencing), microbial ecology, mycorrhiza research and or soil biology is necessary as well as good computer experience and if possible competence in statistics for ecologists. Geographical mobility is necessary and if not strictly indispensable, driving licence and own car will be useful. Contact: Prof. François Buscot, Universität Leipzig, Institut für Botanik, Terrestrische Ökologie, Johannisallee 21, 04103 Leipzig. Email: Buscot@rz.uni-leipzig.de. Posted: 2/21/05.

Georgia Institute of Technology: We are looking for a good student to work on an NSF funded project on plankton seasonal succession. The student will combine mathematical modeling with laboratory experiments and work towards a masters or Ph.D. degree in the School of Biology. Please contact me ASAP. The deadline for application to Georgia Tech is Jan 1, but I could push the right person through if he/she contacts me in early Jan. QEIB: Novel Approaches to Plankton Seasonal Succession Freshwater plankton communities show broadly repeatable patterns of species replacement over the course of the growing season, a phenomenon called seasonal succession. Despite the prominence of these patterns, seasonal succession has received surprisingly little theoretical attention. This project will study plankton seasonal succession using an integrated program of mathematical modelling, long-term data analysis, and laboratory experiments. The main question is "how do lake parameters such as nutrient loading and mixing regime determine the trajectory of seasonal succession?" For more information, contact: Christopher A. Klausmeier (404-385-4241, christopher.klausmeier@biology.gatech.edu). Posted: 12/23/04.

Georgia Southern University: I am looking for 1-2 students who are interested in conducting research for a Master's degree. The goal of this NSF-funded project is to examine aspects of the ecological genetics of biological invasions using the plant Silene latifolia. Thesis research will include working on experimental common gardens in several North American and European sites. Support for this position includes a combination of research and teaching assistantships. Interested students should contact Lorne Wolfe for more information (912-681-0848, wolfe@georgiasouthern.edu). Posted: 12/2/04.

Illinois State University: Ecology of container mosquitoes. Openings for up to two graduate research assistants (Ph.D. or M.S.) are anticipated to begin in February 2005 (subject to NIH budget approval). Research involves effects of interspecific competition and predation among invasive container-dwelling mosquitoes in North America, emphasizing processes leading to coexistence or exclusion of invasive species and resident species. Graduate students will have the opportunity to develop new research questions within the context of the overall goals of the project. Undegraduate or Master’s degree in ecology, biology, or related disciplines, interest or experience in work with insects, and availability for field work in Florida and Illinois required. Strong background in GIS, ecology of disease, modeling, or aquatic ecology preferred. Funding is anticipated for up to 5 years. Starting salary $17,400 plus tuition waiver (contingent on budgetary approval). Application: Send CV, statement of research interests and career goals, copies of university transcripts, GRE scores, reprints, and three letters of recommendation to: Steven A. Juliano, Dept. of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, IL 61790-4120. sajulian@ilstu.edu, (309) 438-2642. Direct pre-application inquiries to Steven Juliano. Graduate School Application. Posted: 9/15/04.

Iowa State University: Graduate Assistantship in Landscape Ecology/Conservation Biology, Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management. The project objective is to assess the ecological functioning of a suite of constructed wetlands located throughout the state. The successful applicant will conduct landscape-level investigations as part of a research team focusing on a variety of plant and animal taxa, as well as water quality. The ideal candidate should have a background in ecology or geography, substantial experience working with GIS, expertise in statistics, and an ability to work in a collaborative environment. Familiarity with spatial modeling techniques is a plus. Excellent written and oral communication skills are essential. Assistantship includes a stipend of $17,500 per year, plus benefits, and a tuition waiver (partial for M.S. students, full for doctoral students). Applicants must provide 1) a letter of interest stating professional goals, research interests, and qualifications, 2) a CV, 3) transcripts and GRE scores (unofficial copies acceptable at present), and 4) the names, affiliations, and contact information (email addresses preferred) of three references to: Dr. James Miller, NREM Department, 339 Science II, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011-3221; 515-294-6764, jrmiller@iastate.edu. The start date is August 15, 2005. The position will remain open until a suitable candidate has been found. Applications received by March 15, 2005 are guaranteed full consideration. Posted: 1/21/05.

Johns Hopkins University: Seeking Graduate Research Associate for new a project soil ecology. The study will customize test, and deploy a network of low-cost wireless sensors to monitor the soil and aboveground conditions along an urban-rural gradient. The student will work Dr. Katalin Szlavecz in the Dept. of Earth and Planetary Sciences and the project is part of the Baltimore Ecosystem Study LTER. Application deadline for the Geobiology Graduate Program is January 15, but applications are accepted after this date. The Graduate Research Fellowship is funded by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation up to five years. Contact Kathy Szlavecz (szlavecz@jhu.edu) for further information. Posted: 12/21/04.

Kansas State University: A Master’s assistantship is available for a population study of Evermann’s Rock Ptarmigan in the western range of the Aleutian Islands, Alaska. Evermann’s Rock Ptarmigan are an endemic subspecies found only in the Aleutian Islands. Natural populations were eliminated by introduced foxes on many islands, and this subspecies now remains only on Attu Island. The goal of this research project is to evaluate translocation efforts to reestablish a new breeding population on Agattu Island. Foxes were removed from Agattu in the 1970s and the first ptarmigan translocations were conducted in 2003. Responsibilities of this position will include capture and translocation of birds, monitoring of radio-marked birds after release, and coordination of field efforts with the Alaska Maritime NWR. Agattu Island is an extremely remote field site, and the student and an assistant will live alone on the island for 2 to 3 months. Applicants must be in superb physical condition and prepared to cope with medical emergencies. Previous experience with ornithological field techniques, grouse ecology, island life and organization of field projects is desirable. Qualified applicants will have completed a Bachelor of Science in Biology and competitive GPA and GRE scores. The annual stipend for this position will be $18,000 per year plus a tuition-waiver. Information on graduate programs at K-State and current projects is available at: www.ksu.edu/bsanderc. Funding for this project has not yet been confirmed but we anticipate that the 2005 field season will start in May 2005, and graduate enrollment will begin September 2005. Interested individuals should send a cover letter outlining experience and research interests, a curriculum vitae, unofficial copies of university transcripts and GRE scores, and contact information for three references to Dr. Brett K. Sandercock, Division of Biology, 232 Ackert Hall, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506-4901 (PH: 785-532-0120, FX: 785-532-6653, EM: bsanderc@ksu.edu). Applications by e-mail are welcome, and will be accepted until the position is filled. Posted: 1/27/05.

Kansas State University: A graduate assistantship will be available to investigate the possible impacts of environmental contaminants upon Buff-breasted Sandpipers, Upland Sandpipers and other migratory shorebirds. Field research will involve sampling birds at stopover sites in Texas, Kansas and Nebraska. Opportunities for sampling of shorebirds at wintering sites in South America are anticipated. Lab analyses will conducted in collaboration with Dr. Michael Hooper at Texas Tech and Dr. Kevin Johnson at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. The responsibilities of the graduate student will include locating suitable study sites, capture of birds and collection of blood and other tissue samples, lab analyses, completing permit reports and coordination of a research network of collaborating partners. Qualified applicants should have a Bachelor of Science in Biology and competitive GPA and GRE scores. Previous experience with avian field research techniques, contaminant analyses, statistical software and organization of field projects is desirable. This opportunity was previously advertised in Fall 2004 but confirmation of funding has not yet been received. The new expected start date for this project will be September 2005. The minimum annual stipend will be $18k per year plus a tuition-waiver. Information on graduate programs at K-State and current projects is available at: www.ksu.edu/bsanderc. Interested individuals should send a cover letter outlining experience and research interests, a curriculum vitae, unofficial copies of university transcripts and GRE scores, and contact information for three references to Dr. Brett K. Sandercock, Division of Biology, 232 Ackert Hall, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506-4901 (PH: 785-532-0120, FX: 785-532-6653, EM: bsanderc@ksu.edu). Applications by e-mail are welcome, and will be accepted until the position is filled. Posted: 11/11/04, revised: 1/21/05.

Louisiana State University: Positions for one research associate and one or two graduate students are immediately available in the School of Renewable Natural Resources. The team will work with a group of scientists on a project investigating the effectiveness of Forest Best Management Practices in water quality protection. The research will be conducted in two small forested watersheds in northern Louisiana, where operational timber harvest will be implemented and changes of in-stream water quality will be monitored over a period of 2 years. Field experience in water quality monitoring, forest hydrology or soils would be a great plus for this research. Please send CV and a brief letter of your interests. E-mail attachments are welcome. The application process will remain open until satisfactory candidates are accepted. Grad school application information. Questions regarding the project should be addressed to: Y. Jun Xu, School of Renewable Natural Resources, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803. Phone: 225-578-0897 or 225-578-4168, FAX: 225-578-4227, Email: yjxu@lsu.edu. Posted: 8/27/04.

Louisiana State University: One graduate assistantship at the MS or Ph.D. level is available immediately in the School of Renewable Natural Resources to investigate storage and sequestration potential of terrestrial ecosystem carbon at the watershed scale. GIS and spatial techniques will be essential to accomplish the research. The application process will remain open until satisfactory candidates are accepted. Please send CV and a brief letter of your interests. E-mail attachments are welcome. Grad school application information. Questions regarding the project should be addressed to: Y. Jun Xu, School of Renewable Natural Resources, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803. Phone: 225-578-0897 or 225-578-4168, FAX: 225-578-4227, Email: yjxu@lsu.edu. Posted: 8/26/04.

Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology: Molecular aspects of the ecological interactions between the European field elm and the elm leaf beetle. A position for a Ph.D. student is available at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology in Jena, Germany, preferably starting on or soon after January 1st, 2005. Larvae and adults of the specialist elm leaf beetle (Xanthogaleruca luteola) are major natural pests of the European field elm (Ulmus campestris), and can defoliate whole trees. Field elms respond to oviposition of these beetles by releasing novel blends of volatiles, which attract the elm leaf beetle egg parasitoid Oomyzus gallerucae, even in the absence of herbivory. It is the intention of this project to dissect how elms control these responses at the molecular & genetic levels, including by the use of biochemical and physiological analyses, cDNA libraries, large scale gene sequencing, DNA micro-arrays, genetic transformation and rigorous ecological experimentation. Of particular interest are the terpene and octadecanoid biosynthetic pathways, as well as any other aspects of the signaling cascade found to be involved. The successful candidate should ideally be familiar with biochemical and molecular techniques, but above all they must be enthusiastic about plant – insect interactions and be willing to learn. The position will be based in Jena, and will concentrate upon the molecular – genetic aspects of the field elms responses, but will be in close cooperation with Dr. Torsten Meiners of the Institute of Biology, at the Freie Universität in Berlin, who will work on the ecological and volatile signaling aspects. The project is jointly funded by these institutions and the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation), but will also involve collaborating with the Department of Plant Sciences at the University of Arizona and the University of Abertay Dundee in Scotland. To be sure of receiving a full consideration, interested students should send an application to arrive not later than 29 October, including a curriculum vitae, copies of University degrees/records, together with a brief summary of research achievements and two letters of recommendation to Dr. T.M. Fenning fenning@ice.mpg.de, or by mail to: The Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Hans-Knöll-Straße 8, D-07745 Jena, Germany. Informal inquiries should be sent to the above email address or directed to Ms. Angela Schneider (Biochemistry Department, phone +49 (0)3641-57-1301). Applicants should hold the equivalent of a German Diploma degree or M.Sc., in botany, plant molecular biology, biochemistry, or genetics. The language of the institute is English, so fluency is essential, although the Ph.D. thesis can be submitted and defended in English or German. Note that in order to be registered for a Ph.D. at a German University it is usually necessary to hold the equivalent of a German Diploma degree (e.g. an M.Sc.), but non-German candidates applying with a good Honors degree can also be considered. The Ph.D. student would be registered with Professor M. Hilker of the the Angewandte Zoologie / Oekologie der Tiere (Institute of Biology), at the Freie Universität in Berlin. Posted: 10/5/04.

McMaster University: A four-year Graduate Research Assistantship at the Ph.D. level is available starting January 2005 to participate in research investigating ecological complexity, biodiversity, and stability questions using natural and experimental rock pool microcosms in Jamaica. Possible thesis projects could focus on a variety of topics, from tests of the role of metacommunities on local diversity and stability, patterns of migration, allometric structure of ecosystems, or nestedness of distributions on the distribution and persistence of species in the system to community integration and change patterns over time. Qualifications: M.Sc. degree in biology or equivalent and background in aquatic biology, theoretical ecology or mathematics, and interest in spatial ecology. Strong quantitative, analytical and communications skills also needed. Minimum stipend: Canadian $19,000 per year. Exceptional foreign students are eligible for a tuition waiver. If interested, contact Dr. Jurek Kolasa in the Department of Biology (Kolasa@mcmaster.ca). Application procedure. Posted: 9/7/04.

Michigan State University: We are seeking a graduate student at the MS or PhD level, beginning Fall 2005, to join a multi-disciplinary research team investigating the promotion and suppression of harmful cyanobacterial blooms by exotic filter-feeders (dreissenid mussels), and the consequences of increases in toxic cyanobacteria for public health. The project is a collaboration among faculty and scientists from MSU and the Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (NOAA). We are looking for a student with interests and/or experience in the molecular genetics of phytoplankton in the context of ecological, evolutionary and/or public health questions. Potential student projects include: comparative fitness of cyanobacterial genotypes under varying nutrient and grazing regimes, early-detection of toxic and grazing-resistant cyanobacterial genotypes, evolutionary relationships among coexisting cyanobacterial genotypes. A minimum of three-years of stipend support, in the form of RA-ships and TA-ships (which include tuition waiver and health insurance), is available given satisfactory progress toward the degree. Additional funding to support the student's research activities will also be provided. The student will have the opportunity to collaborate with scientists at both MSU and GLERL, and access to well-equipped molecular biology facilities at MSU. Please review requirements for acceptance into the FW program at MSU, and email a CV and unofficial copies of transcripts and GRE scores to Dr. Sarnelle (sarnelle@msu.edu), before applying. Scientists involved in the project include: Dr. O. Sarnelle, Dr. J. Rose, Dr. S. Hamilton, Dr. S. Peacor, Dr. H. Vanderploeg, Dr. M. Dionisio Pires. Posted: 2/17/05.

Michigan State University: I invite applications from prospective graduate students interested in conducting research relating to disease ecology, evolution, and management. At MSU research is being carried out in several disease systems at each of the intersections among humans, livestock and wildlife populations. I currently have 3 research assistantships available to begin in Fall 2005: 1. Lyme disease (wildlife and humans): 1 MS, 1 PhD. To investigate questions regarding the ecology and evolution of pathogen dynamics across regions of varying endemicity. 2. Bovine tuberculosis (wildlife and livestock): 1 MS. To evaluate different control strategies using quantitative modeling. Previous modeling experience is beneficial, but not necessary. Applicants should send a curriculum vita and letter of interest in which they discuss their interest in pursuing a graduate degree in disease ecology/evolution. Applicants should describe previous research and/or relevant experience (for example, medical or veterinary practice). Applicants also should provide current GRE, TOEFL, and GPA scores and indicate their level of proficiency in quantitative skills (e.g., coursework, previous experience). Successful applicants will receive a stipend plus tuition and health benefits. MSU has established a new graduate specialization in Fish & Wildlife Disease Ecology & Conservation Medicine, a joint initiative between the Dept. of Fisheries & Wildlife and the College of Veterinary Medicine. Students recruited for these graduate positions will be expected to enroll in this program. Other links of interest include: The Population Medicine Center and the graduate specializations in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and Behavior and Environmental Science and Policy. Inquiries and applications should be addressed to: Dr. Jean I. Tsao, Assistant Professor, Depts. of Fisheries & Wildlife and Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Michigan State University, 13 Natural Resources Bldg., East Lansing, MI 48864. tsao@msu.edu. Posted: 2/15/05.

Michigan State University: A 2-year funded graduate research assistantship (stipend, tuition and health benefits) is available at the Forest Measurements and Modeling Lab. The Emerald Ash Borer, a new exotic invasive beetle from Asia has become established in southeastern Michigan, and is spreading, killing millions of ash trees (Fraxinus spp.) with the potential to dramatically alter the abundance of Fraxinus spp. in North America. The main goals of the research are: 1) to estimate the risk of establishment and spread of EAB based on the spatial distribution and characteristics of the ash host. 2) to assess the potential damage to forested ecosystems containing ash (ecologic and economic) and predict possible change in ecosystem composition and structure in the wake of EAB. Candidates with strong analytical backgrounds and previous background in forest health monitoring, invasive species ecology and ecological risk assessments are preferred. The position will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is identified. There is also a possibility to begin work this Summer. Interested candidates should contact Dr. David MacFarlane; email: macfar24@msu.edu; phone: (517) 355-2399 for additional information. Posted: 1/21/05.

Michigan State University: A Ph.D. Research Assistantship in the Department of Forestry is available beginning in the fall of 2005 to study mechanisms controlling dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) cycling in temperate forests. The project will investigate the quantity and composition of DON production, internal cycling and loss across a series of forest ecosystems in northern Lower Michigan that vary systematically in fertility, plant species composition and productivity. Potential applicants should have a B.S. or M.S. in forestry, ecology, soil science, biology, chemistry, geology, or related discipline. Research experience, particularly with chemical analysis of soils or plants is highly desirable. Availability to begin field work in the summer of 2005 is also a plus. Assistantships include a full tuition waiver, health benefits and a stipend of ~$17k/y. Applicants have the option of enrolling in a dual degree program in Ecology, Evolutionary Biology and Behavior. If you are interested, please contact David Rothstein (rothste2@msu.edu) with a resume, test scores, and statement of research interests. Posted: 12/2/04.

Michigan State University: One graduate research assistant position (M.S. level) to study pheromone-mediated reproductive behavior of Great Lakes sea lamprey is currently open in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife. The student will participate in a series of field experiments designed to ascertain how migratory and mating pheromones may be most effectively applied to a trapping management strategy for sea lamprey in Great Lakes tributaries. This student will have the flexibility to develop and test basic, novel hypotheses related to the management theme and sea lamprey behavior (e.g., female mate choice). Financial support for this position will be provided through a research assistantship that includes a stipend for living expenses, full tuition coverage, and an insurance package. Interested candidates should have a background in aquatic sciences, including animal behavior and ichthyology, and should be prepared to conduct independent scientific research. The student will be encouraged to incorporate field, laboratory, and theoretical approaches in their work. Travel throughout Michigan will be necessary, and the position will require long periods in the field during the spring/early summer months (travel expenses covered by project monies). Experience with field research in streams is desirable but not absolutely necessary. The student will work closely with the USGS Hammond Bay Biological Station staff in Millersburg, MI, and other students/faculty at MSU involved in sea lamprey research. The position will ideally begin no later than May 2005. More information on the graduate program. For consideration, please send a letter/email of intent (electronic submissions strongly encouraged), including a brief statement of research interests, resume (include description of undergraduate major/coursework), names and addresses of 3 references, and GRE scores to: Michael Wagner, Assistant Professor, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, 13 Natural Resources Building, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824-1222. mwagner@msu.edu. Posted: 12/8/04.

Michigan State University: Two graduate research assistant positions (M.S. Level) are available in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, pending final funding approval, to study the relationship between habitat variation and the diversity and abundance of non-game vertebrates. One position will focus on factors that influence the distribution and abundance of grassland bird populations in Michigan. This student will have the opportunity to contribute to the scope of the project by developing methodology to address potential mechanisms that influence bird populations and occurrence in remnant grassland and barrens communities, with a focus on grassland birds. The understanding of these relationships will be used to inform conservation and management decisions. The second position will investigate the relationship of vegetation structure and management regime to the diversity and abundance of non-game vertebrates in managed forests throughout parts of northern Michigan. One aspect of this study will be investigation of the impact of alternate slash management regimes on vertebrate assemblages. This student will contribute to determining the taxonomic focus of the study. Both students will be encouraged to incorporate data on behavior and/or reproduction, and to develop modeling approaches to illuminate potentially influential mechanisms. The ongoing conceptualization and design of both projects will have access to extensive GIS data layers on current and historical land cover within Michigan. Financial support for both positions will be provided through research assistantships that include a stipend for living expenses, full tuition coverage, and an insurance package. Renewal of support on an annual basis, for a total of three years, is expected. For both positions, candidates should have a background in population ecology, wildlife ecology, or quantitative conservation biology of the pertinent taxon. For the grassland bird study, experience and competency in the aural and visual identification of birds of Midwestern North America is essential. For the forest management study, experience in the handling and identification of birds, and/or amphibians, and/or small mammals is a must. Both students should be prepared and willing to conduct independent scientific research under demanding field conditions. Travel throughout Michigan will be necessary, as will long periods in the field (travel expenses will be covered by project funds). Experience with GIS (ArcView) and GPS will be helpful. Scientific curiosity and a demonstrable willingness to develop competency in quantitative analysis are essential. Both positions will ideally begin in January 2005. Exceptionally well-qualified candidates who may need to begin later will be considered, but preference will be given to candidates who can start before March 1st. A possibility exists to begin (Feb or Mar) in a technical position and convert to graduate research assistantship for the Fall Semester 2005. Information on graduate study. To be fully considered, send a detailed cover letter (specifying scientific and career interests, relevant qualifying experience, GRE scores, and GPA in major), CV or resume, unofficial transcript copies, and name, address, e-mail, and phone number for three academic/research references to: Peter Pearman, 345 Giltner Hall, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48823. Email submissions are strongly preferred. To prevent file corruption and loss, all files for an email submission must be transferred together to a single .zip archive and attached to an e-mail sent to: pearman@msu.edu. Posted: 11/8/04.

Michigan State University: Two graduate research assistant positions (MS level) to study Great Lakes nearshore community ecology are currently open in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife. The first position will involve collection of nearshore macroinvertebrate, zooplankton, and water chemistry data to begin a monitoring plan for Michigan's nearshore waters. This student will have the flexibility to develop and test novel hypotheses related to the monitoring data (e.g., spatio-temporal dynamics, relationships with shoreline land cover/use, etc.). The second position will involve work on a US EPA-funded project designed to examine relationships between nearshore benthos/fish communities and physical habitat characteristics of western Lake Michigan nearshore waters. Based on these relationships and larger-scale spatial datasets (e.g., shoreline land cover/use, geomorphology, etc.), the student will develop predictive models of aquatic communities and habitat for larger areas of the western Lake Michigan Basin. Financial support for both positions will be provided through research assistantships that provide a stipend for living expenses, full tuition coverage, and an insurance package. Interested candidates should have a background in aquatic sciences, including species and community ecology and biology, and should be prepared to conduct independent scientific research. The students will be encouraged to incorporate field, laboratory, and theoretical approaches in their work. Travel throughout Michigan and eastern Wisconsin will be necessary, and the positions will require long periods in the field (travel expenses covered by project monies). Experience with boat operation and SCUBA desirable but not absolutely necessary. Students will work closely with Michigan Natural Features Inventory, Aquatic Ecology staff members, and faculty. The positions will ideally begin in January 2005, although it is also possible for students to start in May or June 2005. More information on the graduate program. For consideration, please send a letter/email of intent (electronic submissions strongly encouraged), including a statement of interests, resume, names and addresses of 3 references, and transcripts (photocopies or scans okay) to: Reuben R. Goforth, Ph.D., 13 Natural Resources Building, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824. Voice: 517-432-3091 FAX: 517-432-1699, E-mail: goforthr@msu.edu. Posted: 10/21/04.

Michigan State University: A 2-year funded graduate research assistantship (stipend, tuition and health benefits) is available at the Forest Measurements and Modeling Lab. The project involves working on a federally funded research project to develop strategic host-based risk assessment and sampling tools for fighting the Emerald Ash Borer. The Emerald Ash Borer, a new exotic invasive beetle from Asia has become established in southeastern Michigan and is spreading, killing millions of ash trees, the primary host species for this beetle. The person hired for this position will be responsible for assisting in the development of spatially explicit models for predicting risk of infestation and spread of EAB and strategic allocation of sampling effort across the large, heterogeneous network of forests of southern lower Michigan. Candidates with strong analytical backgrounds, experiences with Splus, ARC/INFO and Erdas Imagine are preferred. The position will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is identified. Interested candidates should apply to the graduate program at MSU and contact Dr. David MacFarlane; email: macfar24@msu.edu; phone: (517) 355-2399, at Michigan State University for additional information. Posted: 7/29/04.

Michigan Technological University: A PhD assistantship is available in the School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science to investigate changes in forest hydrology in response to elevated atmospheric CO2 and tropospheric O3 to begin spring/summer 2005. The study will develop closed water-budgets for aggrading forest stands by quantifying above- and belowground micrometeorological conditions, tree growth, leaf area display and physiology, sap flow, and root growth at the FACTS-II Aspen FACE Project in Rhinelander, Wisconsin. Since 1997, mixed communities of trembling aspen, sugar maple, and paper birch have been developing under atmospheric conditions projected for the year 2050. The stands are now approximately 8 m tall, have reached canopy closure, and have developed a forest floor. Growth and physiological responses to the CO2 and O3 treatments have been pronounced. The PhD assistantship will assist with the root and micromet studies and opportunities exist for the candidate to develop studies of isotopic water uptake, root conductance, or related topics. The successful candidate should have training/work experience in plant ecophysiology, forest micrometeorology, plant water relations, forest hydrology, or related fields. The position offers full support for three years, with strong possibility of continued support if needed. Interested persons should contact Dr. John King (jsking@mtu.edu, 906-482-6303 ext. 13). Please visit http://forest.mtu.edu/gradstudies/, for information on what materials are needed to apply to our graduate program. Posted: 1/6/05.

Michigan Technological University: We are seeking two graduate students (Ph.D.) for the following positions in the School of Forest Resources & Environmental Science: 1. Winter use by white-tailed deer of remnant hemlock stands in the western upper peninsula of michigan; 2. Mesic conifer restoration (eastern hemlock, eastern white pine, and canada yew). Each position includes tuition and a competitive stipend. Funds are also available to cover travel and field expenses. Candidates should have a B.S. or M.S. in forestry, natural resource management, botany/plant ecology, or a related discipline. A basic familiarity with tree and plant species in the region and some prior coursework in statistics are preferred. For more information, contact Chris Webster (cwebster@mtu.edu; phone: 906-487-3618). Posted: 12/16/04.

Mississippi State University: Subcanopy tree growth response following variable density thinning. A half-time M.S. assistantship will be available starting August 2005 in the Department of Forestry. The successful applicant will take part in a study examining subcanopy tree growth response following variable-density thinning in conifer forests in western Washington. Minimum qualifications include a B.S. degree in forestry or a related field with interests in forest ecology and silviculture. For additional information, contact Dr. Scott Roberts (sroberts@cfr.msstate.edu, 662-325-3044). Interested students should send a letter of interest, resume, transcripts (photocopy is acceptable at this point), GRE scores if available (photocopy is acceptable), and the names and contact information of three references to Dr. Scott Roberts, Department of Forestry, Box 9681 Mississippi State, MS 39762-9681. Posted: 5/6/05.

Montana State University: NSF Sponsored Graduate Research Assistantship, Center for Biofilm Engineering. We are looking for a highly motivated M.S. or Ph.D. applicant with a background in Microbiology, Ecology, or Engineering. The participant will have the opportunity to work with an interdisciplinary team (Yu-Ping Chinn at Ohio State, Diane McKnight at University of Colorado-Boulder, and Penney Miller at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology) studying the biogeochemical cycling of dissolved organic matter in a small coastal lake (Pony Lake) on Ross Island, Antarctica. The research project will focus on understanding the microbial community of Pony Lake utilizing biochemical and molecular methods. Excellent teamwork skills, experience and interest in conducting field and laboratory research, and strong quantitative skills are required. The individual must be able to pass rigorous medical and dental examinations in order to qualify to work in the Antarctic. Application procedures. A letter of interest stating professional goals, research interests, and qualifications should accompany the application. Completed applications should be submitted to: Dr. Christine Foreman, Center for Biofilm Engineering and Department of Land Resources and Environmental Sciences, Montana State University, 366 EPS Building, Bozeman, MT 59717. 406-994-2883 or 406-994-7361 Voice, 406-994-3933 FAX, e-mail: cforeman@montana.edu. Posted: 10/21/04.

Murray State University: Graduate Research Assistant, Center of Excellence in Ecosystem Studies. Two full-time positions to begin January or August 2005. Qualifications: BS in biology, ecology, or related discipline. Previous experience with amphibians and/or field and laboratory experiments highly desirable. Responsibilities: To conduct research on: a. conservation biology of amphibians; or b. the evolutionary ecology of ambystomatid salamanders while completing an MS degree in Water Science. Salary: $12k per year. To Apply: Email a letter of application, curriculum vitae and the names, addresses, and email addresses of at least three references to: Dr. Howard Whiteman, Department of Biological Sciences, Murray State University, Murray, KY 42071 (howard.whiteman@murraystate.edu). Posted: 10/29/04.

New Mexico State University: A teaching assistantship is available for a M.S. student interested in aquatic ecology. The student can either develop her/his own research program or choose among topics regarding: (1) effects of climate change on the aquatic community, (2) alteration of energy flow due to invasive species, (3) sexual selection in Crustaceans etc. Aquatic systems in New Mexico range from rivers, reservoirs and mountain lakes to saline sink holes. In- and out-of-state collaboration will be encouraged and supported and travel to scientific meetings funded. For further information or to submit a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, transcript and contact information of three potential references contact: Dr. Wiebke Boeing, Department of Fishery and Wildlife Sciences, New Mexico State University, 2980, South Espina; 132, Knox Hall, Las Cruces, NM, 88003-0003. wboeing@nmsu.edu, (505) 646-1707. Posted: 9/17/04.

New Mexico State University: I am seeking qualified applicants at the MS level to conduct research that is part of a project on wintering grassland birds in southwest New Mexico. This assistantship has 2 main components - (1) to examine resource abundance and diversity on winter grassland bird community dynamics through resource manipulation experiments, and (2) to examine the effects of grazing practices on seed production in dropseed grasslands (an important component of winter sparrow diets) within and outside of grazing exclosures. Qualifications: All applicants must have a B.S. in Wildlife Sciences, Biology, Zoology or a related field. Applicants must be highly motivated, willing to work long hours in the field, have excellent birding skills and must be excited about learning to identify winter sparrows. The seed aspect of this project requires patience, attention to detail and long hours in the lab. Applicants must be able to work well independently and as part of a team. To apply, please send a letter of interest, up-to-date resume, copy of all transcripts, GRE scores, and 3 letters of recommendation as soon as possible but no later than October 15, 2004. Start Date: January 3, 2005. Salary: $16,990/year. Please direct inquiries related to this position to mdesmond@nmsu.edu (preferred) or (505)646-1217 (afternoons only). Send Application material to: Martha Desmond, Department of Fishery and Wildlife Sciences, PO Box 30003, MSC 4901, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM 88003-0003. Posted: 9/3/04.

Northern Arizona University: A Ph.D. graduate assistantship is available immediately in the Department of Biological Sciences to work on a NSF-funded study of the biophysical and ecological constraints on tree height in redwood, Douglas-fir, and mountain ash (Eucalyptus regnans). The student will have primary responsibility for studies of how the carbon balance of leaves and branches is regulated by water relations in trees of different heights. He or she will work closely with two Master’s students based at Humboldt State University and will travel frequently to study sites in northern California and Australia. The ideal applicant would have a Master’s degree with a background in plant ecophysiology, including experience with techniques of gas exchange, water relations, and stable isotopes (carbon and oxygen). Experience with rope-based tree access, programming of data loggers for micrometeorological studies, and management of large datasets is also desirable. The graduate program in Biological Sciences at NAU includes strengths in ecology and evolution and has strong collaborations with Environmental Sciences, Forestry, and Engineering. Interested persons should contact Dr. George Koch by email (george.koch@nau.edu) and send him a short CV, letter of interest, and names and contact information for three references: Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011-5640. Posted: 1/6/05.

Northern Arizona University: A M.S. or a Ph.D. Research Assistantship is available in the School of Forestry (M.S.: $18,500/y for two years, Ph.D.: $20,500/y for four years; both include health insurance coverage and out-of-state tuition waiver). The successful applicant will join an interdisciplinary team from NAU and the Universities of Wisconsin, Tennessee, and Tasmania investigating the heritability of community and ecosystem traits in cottonwood (Populus) dominated ecosystems of western North America (see http://www.poplar.nau.edu/). This research is funded by a $5 million FIBR grant from NSF, as well as from other sources. Specifically, the successful applicant will evaluate whether or not soil microbial communities are heritable "extended phenotypes" of plants. The position starts the summer of 2005 and is open until a suitable candidate is found. Contact Dr. Stephen C. Hart for application information (steve.hart@nau.edu; 808-985-6073). Posted: 12/2/04.

Northern Arizona University: A Ph.D. Research Assistantship is available in the School of Forestry ($20,500/y for four years, including health insurance coverage and out-of-state tuition waiver). The successful applicant will join an interdisciplinary (NAU FLUX) research team to investigate source-sink relationships of two important greenhouse gases (CO2, CH4) in ponderosa pine forests of the southwestern U.S. Over the last three years, our research team has built support for a major field campaign aimed at estimating annual fluxes of CO2 and CH4 using micrometeorological (eddy covariance) and chamber-based measurements in ponderosa pine forests in various states of ecological condition: contemporary, overstocked, fire-suppressed forests; restored forests that have received operational thinning and prescribed burning treatments; and forests that have recently experienced a catastrophic wildfire. This research is supported by grants from the National Science Foundation, the USDA Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, and the North American Carbon Program. The PhD student will collaborate directly with all members of the NAU FLUX team, including faculty from the School of Forestry, Department of Biology, and Merriam-Powell Center for Environmental Research at NAU, and the Department of Plant Sciences at Penn State. The position starts the summer of 2005 and is open until a suitable candidate is found. Contact Dr. Thomas E. Kolb (tom.kolb@nau.edu; 928-523-7491) or Dr. Stephen C. Hart (steve.hart@nau.edu; 808-985-6073) for application information. Posted: 11/8/04.

Ohio University: Graduate Assistantships are available for study at the M.S./Ph.D. level in the Department of Environmental and Plant Biology. The department has 13 full-time faculty, three of which are plant ecologists. A position for a fourth ecologist (soil ecology) is currently being advertised. General areas of study include: ecophysiology, population biology, community ecology, ecosystem ecology, and landscape ecology. Specific research emphases include: restoration ecology, conservation biology, and invasive species biology. Our ecology group emphasizes research in the eastern deciduous forest. Information about our graduate program and application. Questions concerning graduate study should be directed towards individual faculty. All application materials (including GREs, transcripts, and letters of recommendation) should be received by 15-January-2005 for September (or earlier) admission. Posted: 11/10/04.

Ohio University: A position for a MSc or PhD student is available in the area of spatial population ecology in the Department of Biological Sciences. Research will be aimed at understanding the role of animal movement and spatial structure in determining population behavior. Our lab links models of spatial population dynamics to experimental and natural systems. Therefore, prospective students will be expected to develop a degree of expertise in modeling, spatial and temporal statistics as well in the chosen biological system. Current experimental work involves a pea-aphid-ladybug system in both greenhouse and laboratory conditions, although there is also an opportunity to develop a unique system using C.elegans. To be considered, candidates must be admitted to the Biological Sciences graduate program at OU. A strong background in ecology, data analysis, descriptive and spatial statistics is preferred. Experience with mathematical modeling and computer programming is not required, but those with interest and aptitude in this area will be preferred. A valid driver's license is required. Stipend: MSc candidates $3500/quarter, PhD candidates $4250/quarter Contact: Dr. Kim Cuddington, Department of Biological Sciences, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio 45701. cuddingtspam@ohio.edu. Posted: 7/9/04.

Oklahoma State University/University of Oklahoma: The Plant Virus Biodiversity and Ecology Group (PVBE) is an NSF-funded project to inventory and characterize the plant viruses of the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve in Osage County, Oklahoma. We are searching for five or six individuals to study towards Ph.D. or M.S. degrees beginning in 2005, pending final approval (which is fully anticipated soon). At least a few graduate students and/or postdocs need to be field people who KNOW THEIR PLANTS and are willing to learn (or already know) some molecular techniques. Some positions can be people trained in molecular biology who would like to learn more field biology. Please consider joining this tantalizing field of study! Please see http://opbs.okstate.edu/virevol/JobPVBE.html for a more thorough description of the positions. Posted: 3/28/05.

Pennsylvania State University: A Ph.D. Research Assistantship is available beginning in the fall of 2005 to study mechanisms controlling nitrogen retention in soils of the northeastern U.S. The successful applicant will use principles of ecology and biogeochemistry to understand the flow and fate of nitrogen at scales ranging from individual microbial processes to whole ecosystems and landscapes. Research will take place in agroecosystems, disturbed forests, and unmanaged forests. The goal of the research is to understand how variability in ecosystem nitrogen loss and retention among diverse managed and unmanaged ecosystems is controlled by the capacity of soil to rapidly stabilize nitrogen. The student will become proficient in many current techniques in nitrogen cycling research including isotope analyses and trace gas measurements. Interactions between nitrogen cycling and ecosystem carbon balance are also of interest. Applicants should contact Dr. Jason Kaye (Jason.kaye@asu.edu; 480-965-5650). Note that Dr. Kaye is moving from ASU to the PSU Department of Crop and Soil Sciences in January 2005. Students should consider applying to the Graduate Program in Soil Science or the Inter-College Degree Program in Ecology. Posted: 11/16/04.

Purdue University: Four (4) doctoral fellowships are available in multidisciplinary ecology. Support for fellows is guaranteed for 5 years, with annual awards of up to $21,500 sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education's program for Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need (GAANN) and Purdue. Fellows will: 1) be selected from highly qualified candidates with U.S. citizenship or permanent status, including targeting those from historically underrepresented groups and/or minorities; and 2) subsequently participate in an integrated program that includes instruction in both research and teaching methods, mentored teaching experience in several course formats, and the conduct of significant research across a spectrum of basic and applied ecological topics. Faculty participants in the program have broad interests in studying ecological systems and species in dynamic, fragmented landscapes at multiple scales and using multiple approaches. Prospective applicants are encouraged to visit http://bilbo.bio.purdue.edu/~pices/gaann.html for a list of participating faculty and their areas of research interest and to contact faculty with whom they are interested in working before submitting a formal application. Posted: 2/2/05.

Rice University: I am looking to recruit outstanding doctoral students with a strong research interest in population, community, and/or evolutionary ecology of mutualism. For informal inquiries, please contact me at (jholland@rice.edu). Please see our departmental website for more information about the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, our research and graduate programs, and the recent addition of several outstanding new faculty complementing our strengths in a variety of research areas ranging from the ecology and evolution of interspecific interactions, conservation, invasive species, and forest community dynamics to genomics, speciation, and the evolution of intra-specific cooperation and sociality. Formal application materials for graduate school can be submitted using this website. For more information, contact Nat Holland (713-348-3987, jholland@rice.edu. Posted: 1/27/05.

San Diego State University: A master's student position is available beginning Fall 2005 for a molecular ecology study of mule deer in San Diego County, CA. The goal of this project will be to infer patterns of movement using microsatellite markers. All DNA will be extracted from noninvasively obtained scat samples. This continues a previous graduate project, in which reliable laboratory and field techniques were established. The student will be expected to excel in field and laboratory components, as well as statistical analysis of the results. Our laboratory has a number of existing partnerships with local environmental, governmental and land management agencies to aid with this research. Support for this position includes a combination of research assistantships and teaching assistantships. Applicants that have experience with microsatellite analysis and/or large mammal ecology are especially encouraged to apply. Good laboratory, mathematical and writing skills are highly desirable. Potential applicants may email Andrew Bohonak (bohonak@sciences.sdsu.edu) for further information. Information on applying to SDSU. Materials include 1) an admissions application to SDSU, 2) an admissions application to the Department of Biology, and 3) application for a teaching assistantship to the Department of Biology. Although the official deadline is March 1, 2005, applications should be submitted by February 1 for full consideration. Posted: 10/25/04.

Sonoma State University: A two-year Graduate Research Assistantship at the M.S. level is available starting January 2005 to participate in research investigating the ecology of an invasive pathogen (Phytophthora ramorum) that causes a lethal canker disease of several oak (Quercus) species and tanoak (Lithocarpus). This disease, known as Sudden Oak Death (SOD), has reached epidemic levels in the Coast Ranges of California and southwestern Oregon. Funded by the National Science Foundation, this multidisciplinary research project is designed to analyze and model spatial and temporal dynamics of P. ramorum. We are actively collecting and analyzing data on disease infection level, microclimate, host genetics, plant community structure, land-use history, and vertebrate activity from over 200 long-term plots located on both public and private land in northern California. Possible thesis projects could focus on a variety of topics, such the ecological impacts of P. ramorum and the factors contributing to the establishment and spread of this disease. The graduate student will be expected to assist with field work, lab culturing of the pathogen, and statistical analysis of data associated with the larger NSF-funded project. Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in biology or equivalent and strong background in field biology, invasion ecology, and landscape ecology. Strong quantitative, analytical and communications skills also needed. Stipend: $17k per year for two years. If interested, contact Dr. Ross Meentemeyer (project PI) in the Department of Geography (also an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Biology) via phone (707/664-2558) or email (ross.meentemeyer@sonoma.edu). Co-PIs on the project are Drs. Hall Cushman (Dept of Biology, SSU), Nathan Rank (Dept of Biology, SSU), David Rizzo (Dept of Plant Pathology, UC Davis), and Richard Whitkus (Dept of Biology, SSU). Details on application procedures. For January 2005 admission, SSU must receive completed application materials by October 31, 2004. Posted: 9/7/04.

Southern Illinois University Carbondale: I am seeking a graduate student to study gray fox status and ecology in southern Illinois. Specifically, the student will quantify home ranges, habitat use, and survival of gray foxes. Primary field activities on this project will include gray fox capture and radiotelemetry, and computer-based analyses will entail use of a GIS and survival estimation programs. Qualifications: Applicant must have (1) completed a B.S. in Wildlife Ecology, Zoology, or related field; (2) achieved a GPA of at least 3.0; and (3) scored more than 1,000 combined on the verbal and quantitative sections of the GRE. Strong preference will be given to applicants with experience in the activities listed above. Salary: $1,218/month plus full tuition waiver and support for research activities Please inquire with me as soon as possible; I am seeking a student for Fall 2005. Contact: Dr. Clay Nielsen, Cooperative Wildlife Research Laboratory E-mail: kezo92@siu.edu (preferred method of initial contact), Phone: 618-453-6930. Posted: 6/28/05.

Southern Illinois University Carbondale: Ecology of shovelnose and pallid sturgeon in the Middle Mississippi River. Responsibilities: Participate on a long-term project exploring the population ecology and trophic relationships of shovelnose sturgeon and the federally endangered pallid sturgeon in the Middle Mississippi River. The successful candidate will generate a graduate research program that complements this long-term effort. Qualifications: M.S. in ecology, fisheries biology, or related field with an interest in aquatic ecology, statistics, and fish population dynamics. Ability to work with a team of agency and academic participants required. GPA > 3.2 and GRE (math plus verbal) > 1200 preferred. Open until filled. Contact: To apply, send resume, three references (name, address, phone, e-mail), copies of transcripts, and GRE scores to: Dr. James E. Garvey, Assistant Professor of Zoology Fisheries and Illinois Aquaculture Center, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, IL 62901-6511. voice: 618-453-2609 or 618-536-7761 fax: 618-453-6095. Posted: 2/16/05.

Southern Illinois University Carbondale: Until these positions are filled, the Cooperative Wildlife Research Laboratory is seeking 4 Graduate Research Assistants (3 M.S., 1 Ph.D.) beginning summer 2005 (pending funding). Assistantships are on a 12-month basis and pay $1,255/month plus full tuition waiver and support for research activities. White-tailed Deer Ph.D. Assistantship: We are seeking 1 Ph.D. student (pending funding) to study several aspects of deer ecology and harvest efficiency in east-central Illinois. This student will work with another Ph.D. student and a large research team on the project. Primary field activities will include deer capture, radiotelemetry, and population surveys, and preference will be given to those with previous experience with these techniques. Dr. Clay Nielsen will serve as the student’s advisor on this project; please contact him (see below) regarding this opportunity. Swamp Rabbit M.S. Assistantships (2): Opportunities exist for a team of 2 M.S. students (pending funding) to study swamp rabbits in southern Illinois. One student will determine potential areas where public-private partnerships could improve habitat and connectivity for swamp rabbits and design management experiments to test population response (student to be advised by Dr. Eric Schauber, see contact information below). The other student will survey sites for swamp rabbits and forecast the potential impacts of land management activities and farm programs on swamp rabbit habitat (student to be advised by Dr. Clay Nielsen, see contact information below). Primary field activities will include pellet surveys and vegetation sampling; computer-based analyses will require extensive use of GIS and multivariate statistics. Long-tailed Weasel M.S. Assistantship: We are seeking 1 M.S. student (funding secured) to study long-tailed weasels in southern Illinois. The student will study how the distribution and abundance of prey affect weasel abundance and space use at Pyramid State Park. Field experience in mammal trapping and radiotelemetry is beneficial. Dr. Eric Schauber will serve as the student’s advisor on this project; please contact him (see below) regarding this opportunity. Qualifications: Graduate studies will lead to a M.S. or Ph.D. in Zoology (with emphasis in Wildlife Ecology). To be considered, an applicant must have (1) completed a B.S. in Wildlife Ecology, Zoology, or related field; (2) achieved a GPA of at least 3.0; and (3) scored more than 1,000 combined on the verbal and quantitative sections of the GRE. Contacts: Dr. Clay Nielsen, E-mail: kezo92@siu.edu (preferred), Phone: 618-453-6930. Dr. Eric Schauber, Cooperative Wildlife Research Laboratory, Mailcode 6504, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, Carbondale, IL 62901. Phone: 618-453-6940, Fax: 618-453-6944, E-mail: schauber@siu.edu. Posted: 2/10/05.

Southwest Fisheries Science Center: Ecology Program Data Manager Technician. The Ecology Program at Southwest Fisheries Science Center, NOAA Fisheries, is developing a data management system. We are seeking a technician to facilitate work on this important project. The technician will work under the supervision of a senior-level Data Manager. Specific responsibilities include: a) assist the Data Manager with database structure design, b) assist Principal Investigators for each project in identifying data structure and linkages between datasets, c) design and maintain Microsoft Access databases, d) import data from ASCII files to the databases, e) ensure full documentation of data collection, editing, and processing steps for each of the > 30 datasets collected by the program, f) help to fulfill data requests and track users of the datasets. Required skills and expertise: - Understanding of Relational Database Management Systems - Extensive experience in the design and construction of Microsoft Access databases, queries, and reports - Experience programming in Visual Basic or VBA - Experience in developing metadata - Highly organized - Detail-oriented - Project management experience - Strong interpersonal skills - Strong writing skills. Preferred: - Formal education in IT and/or computer science, with emphasis on database design and management - Experience with SQL and HTML - Proven success in database design and development projects - Experience with ESRI’s ArcGIS - Experience diagramming data relationships and process flow Starting salary between $39k and $42k, depending upon qualifications. Health benefits package included. Immediate start date; 12-month contract with potential for conversion to a Permanent Position with the Federal Government; good health and retirement benefits. To apply, please send a cover letter describing your qualifications, a resume, and list of three references (phone numbers and e-mail contacts) to: Dr. Jessica Redfern (Jessica.Redfern@noaa.gov) or: SWFSC, 8604 La Jolla Shores Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA. For questions and inquiries, please contact: Dr. Jessica Redfern, Jessica.Redfern@noaa.gov. Posted: 2/23/05.

Swiss Federal Institute of Technology: The Geobotanical Institute of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich - ETHZ), in collaboration with the Wildlife Ecology Group of The Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL offers a PhD position (plant ecology, grazing in African savanna). The successful candidate will participate in an ongoing project in northeastern Tanzania that studies plant-herbivore interactions in a savanna ecosystem which is being recolonised by native ungulate herbivores after a long history of cattle grazing. The dissertation will focus on vegetation structure, composition and quality, employing an experimental approach, and will also include modelling of nutrient fluxes. It will be tightly linked to a second dissertation that addresses the spatial ecology of the recolonising ungulates. The position requires a strong background in plant ecology, an interest in multidisciplinary work, some modelling experience, and skills in lab work. The candidate must be willing to work and live for extended periods under very simple field conditions, and is expected to collaborate closely with the zoologist in the project. This position is fixed-term for three years, work starting on January 1, 2005. Please send your complete application, including a brief outline of your motivation and former field experience to Prof. Dr. P. Edwards, Geobotanical Institute, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology ETHZ, CH-8092 Zürich, Switzerland, Tel: +41-(0) 1 632 43 30, edwards@env.ethz.ch (Email with attachments in pdf-format preferred). Further information can also be obtained from Dr. Werner Suter (Tel: +41-(0)1-739 25 67. werner.suter@wsl.ch) or Stéphanie Halsdorf (Tel: +33-62-246 52 43, evenings only. stephanie.halsdorf@env.ethz.ch). Posted: 10/8/04.

Texas A&M University: A graduate assistantship opportunity (M.S.) is available beginning fall 2005 to study how changes in natural vegetation affect water resources. Potential projects may be related to water use by vegetation at various stages of management/succession, water uptake and distribution in the rooting zone, spatial dynamics in soil moisture, weedy vegetation management or riparian restoration effects on stream flow, or a similar topic of interest to the student. Qualified applicants must possess a BS in ecology, environmental science, hydrology, or related discipline and a genuine interest in the field of plant ecology, hydrology, and/or ecosystem restoration. Previous experiences with field and laboratory experiments or other work in the natural resources arena are highly desirable. The applicant must be comfortable with remote field work under various weather conditions and frequent travel to/from research sites. A stipend of $1100 per month, plus health benefits, tuition, and fees, will be available for two years. Pending funding and project, research assistantships may be offered. Otherwise, teaching assistantships will be available. The RLEM department has a strong program in Ecohydrology and Ecosystem Restoration. The Moore Lab is dedicated to understanding and exploring the role of vegetation in the water cycle and consequent management effects on water supplies. Establish contact electronically and submit a description of career goals, relevant past experiences, curriculum vitae, and three reference contacts to: Dr. Georgianne W. Moore, Rangeland Ecology and Management, 2126 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843, gwmoore@tamu.edu, Ph: 979-845-3765. Suitable applicants will then be invited to apply by the June 1, 2005 graduate admissions deadline. Posted: 3/10/05.

Texas State University: Drought effects on plant communities in the Mojave Desert (graduate assistantship for Ph.D. student). The non-random distribution of plant species with respect to geomorphic surface types suggests that soil characteristics have a strong influence on species distributions, presumably through their effects on root growth and function. However, we know very little about the root system characteristics that allow one species to persist on one type of soil surface, while another species is excluded. One critical element of persistence in a desert environment is the ability to survive extended drought periods. Thus, species distributions should at least in part be explained by the divergent abilities of root systems to cope with the patterns of soil water deficits generated by geomorphic surfaces. In this collaborative project with US Geological Survey, we will investigate the role of root structure and function in drought survival and recovery by dominant Mojave Desert shrubs on different geomorphic surfaces. Drought stress of different durations will be imposed by rainout shelters. Applicants should be interested in studying plant roots and willing and able to do physically demanding field work in the Mojave Desert, Nevada. The ideal candidate has a background in plant ecophysiology and/or root analysis. He or she will join a new Ph.D. Program in Aquatic Resources at Texas State in San Marcos (near Austin). The program currently offers two-year research scholarships for incoming students. We are accepting applications for fall 2005 through the summer of 2005. Send (email preferred) a cover letter summarizing your background, relevant experience, motivation and interests, a resume including relevant coursework, and contact information for three references to Susan Schwinning, Department of Biology, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX 78666, schwinn@txstate.edu. Posted: 5/17/05.

Texas State University: we have a new Ph.D. Program in Aquatic Resources, currently offering two-year research scholarships for all incoming students. I am seeking a doctoral student with an interest in investigating interactions between plants and the hydrologic cycle in the karstic landscapes of the Texas Hill Country. Students with a background in plant ecophysiology and stable isotope analysis are especially encouraged to apply. We are accepting applications for fall 2005 through the summer of 2005. Send (email preferred) a cover letter summarizing your background, relevant experience, motivation and interests, a resume including relevant coursework, and contact information for three references to Susan Schwinning, Department of Biology, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX 78666, schwinn@txstate.edu. Posted: 4/21/05.

Texas Tech University: A Ph.D. assistantship is available for a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual with strong quantitative skills who seeks to join a dynamic, inter-disciplinary program in environmental and human health. A wide range of multi-disciplinary research topics are available, with specific areas of interest being left open to the candidate. Individuals interested in developing novel quantitative approaches to address the impacts of stressors on ecological systems and/or human health, or individuals interested in informatics (bioinformatics and/or ecoinformatics) related topics are particularly encouraged to apply. For more information about this opportunity, contact Dr. Stephen B. Cox (stephen.cox@ttu.edu). Posted: 4/25/05.

Universität Greifswald: Ph.D. Student for Junior Research Team. Full Ph.D. stipend; Duration: 2.5 years. Start date: April 1st, 2005 (or as soon as possible thereafter). Our profile: New Sofja Kovalevskaja Junior Research Team, financed by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, Germany, under the leadership of Dr. Martin Wilmking at University Greifswald, Germany, Botanical Institute in cooperation with the Geographical Institute. Research area: Dynamics of the carbon cycle in boreal peatlands under a changing climate. Required: Master of Science, Diplom or comparable university degree in Geoecology, Landscape Ecology, Physical Geography, Biology or similar (needs to be completed by begin of work, for truly excellent candidates, exceptions can be arranged). Excellent team-player. Strong GIS skills and experience in interpretation of remote sensing data. Experience in organization, planning of your own research project. Additional qualifications: Experience on expeditions to remote areas /study or research abroad, ideally in Russian or English speaking countries, very good language skills in Russian and/or English Experience and skill in website management Experience with IKONOS and/or Quickbird. Work plan: Dissertation in the area of landscape ecology, climate change and terrestrial ecosystem analysis, using GIS and remote sensing techniques. Full job ad. Please send all questions to Dr. Martin Wilmking, email: ftmw@uaf.edu Our group is in the formation process at this time, more information. Send your application including two letters of recommendation before the 28th of February, 2005 BY EMAIL to ftmw@uaf.edu, Dr. Martin Wilmking, presently at Columbia University, N.Y., U.S.A. Please combine all application material as a .pdf file. In case an electronic application is not possible, please contact ftmw@uaf.edu. Posted: 1/13/05.

Université de Rennes 1: PhD fellowship in adaptation and functioning of species in ecologically isolated systems. Scientific background: Most of ecology is implicitly based on the evolutionary assumption that species respond to environmental change by adaptation. Recent studies, however, indicate that this is not necessarily true. Under climate change, for instance, species tend to migrate with their climate and sedentary species tend to be replaced by immigrating invaders. Adaptation is thus replaced by migration and invasion. It has therefore recently been suggested that adaptation may occur only under very particular conditions such as ecological isolation of species within niche space (Ackerly 2003). The major goal of this thesis will be to test the importance of ecological isolation for phenotypic and genotypic responses of species to environmental change, and for the way how species interact with their environment. Approaches include meta-analyses of recent databases on the phylogeny, biology, ecology and sociology of plant species and on their genotypic differentiation. Application to various model systems in the field is possible. Organizational background: A PhD fellowship by the Ecole Doctorale “Vie, Agro, Sante” (select “allocations 2005” on the left) for three years, approx. 1040 Euros/month (which can luckily be backed by teaching assistance). Please note that a certain proficiency of French is expected at the end of the thesis. In fact, the introductory and concluding parts of the thesis have to be in French. Such proficiency is indeed useful to more easily integrate. At the same time, everybody is capable and willing to communicate in English with a foreigner, and French students are obliged to take courses in English. For formal reasons, the application has to contain a one-page summary of your MSc thesis, and a half-page summary of earlier theses or reports; and this also has to be in French. The rest of the application (c.v., expertise, list of all kinds of scientific communications, research interests and outlook, letters of reference, transcripts) as well as the presentation can be in English. Candidates are invited to submit their English versions to Andreas Prinzing (see below), who can also suggest low-price translation services that may help in the preparation of the French versions. Qualification: French DEA / Master II or equivalent (MSc, Diplom….) in biology or related field from a country of the European Union or the numerous European countries that have signed the “Accord relatif à l'Espace Europeen de l'Enseignement Superieur (see http://www.dr.education.fr/Alloc_doc/alloc_2.html) Broad interest and experience in ecology and evolution, particularly the interface between macroevolution and microevolution; experience in advanced classical statistical concepts (e.g., multivariate techniques, generalized linear models, null modeling), phylogenetic, morphometric or population genetic statistics. Writing and communication skills, stress tolerance and single mindedness; possibly programming capabilities. Application from beginning of June to July-4 (deadline) online at http://www.vas.univ-rennes1.fr/. Please send a *copy* to andreas.prinzing@univ-rennes1.fr. Presentations of short-listed candidates on July-11 and 12. For further information please contact: Andreas Prinzing, Prof., Université de Rennes 1, Unite Mixte de Recherche CNRS 6553 « Ecobio » : Ecosystemes -Biodiversite - Evolution, Campus de Beaulieu, Batiment 14A, 263 Avenue du General Leclerc, 35042 Rennes Cedex, France. andreas.prinzing@univ-rennes1.fr. Posted: 6/3/05.

Université Laval: Ph.D. position available in Forest succession - Forest Management - Modelling. Description of research: Forest management activites interact with forest landscape dynamics. Few researches have been conducted in Quebec at the landscape level on the impacts of natural disturbances (fire, insect, windthrow) in the presence of logging activities (total and partial cuts) on vegetation successional pathways. The incertitude surrounding hypotheses on forest succession generate an unknown but yet potentially significant allowable cut effect. This lack of knowledge thus impedes our capacity to elaborate management strategies that truly respect the natural dynamics of forest ecosystems. Allowable cut calculations (ACC) have been done for more than half a century in Mauricie, a forest region in between the boreal and temperate biomes. We want to elaborate a forest succession model calibrated from measurements on permanent sample plots followed for more than 50 years. We will simulate ACC done 50 years ago, but either based on actual hypothesis of forest succession or those achieved with the help of a forest succession model and compare both types of prediction with the historical evolution and actual state of the forest landscape. Ph.D. in forest sciences (Québec - Laval University): Forest management -Objectives: Evaluate the uncertainty level surrounding ACC and associated with hypotheses of forest succession. Profile of potential candidates: - Education in quantitative sciences (applied mathematics, statistics, administration sciences), in forest sciences or in biology. - The preference will be given to the candidates demonstrating a strong potential in the use and analysis of quantitative data and having a solid basis in ecology and forest succession. All candidatures will be considered. Interested candidates can reach: Frederic Raulier : frederic.raulier@sbf.ulaval.ca or (418) 656-2131 ext 6742, Louis Archambault: louis.archambault@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca or (418) 648-7230, Patricia Raymond: patricia.raymond@mrnf.gouv.qc.ca or (418) 643-7994 ext 6614. Posted: 6/2/05.

Université du Québec à Montréal and Université Laval: Two Ph.D. positions available in Forest Productivity – Forest Management – Forest Ecophysiology - Climate Change - Modelling. Climate warming is believed to directly affect the growth of trees and, hence, the productivity of the boreal forest in Quebec. The research project will determine the influence of these changes on the estimates of annual allowable cut in Abitibi-Témiscamingue. Dendroclimatic analysis meant to identify the major climatic factors that influence radial growth of 6 forest species at different latitudes will be used to feed a model sequence in order to calibrate climate-sensitive growth and yield tables: 1. Ph.D. in biology (Montréal - UQAM): Forest productivity Objectives: Parameterize a climate-sensitive carbon-balance model from tree rings. 2. Ph.D. in forest sciences (Québec - Laval): Forest management. Objectives: Estimate the annual allowable cut in a territory in function of expected climate scenarios. Profile of potential candidates: - Education in quantitative sciences (applied mathematics, statistics, administration sciences), in forest sciences or in biology. - The preference will be given to the candidates demonstrating a strong potential in the use and analysis of quantitative data. All candidatures will be considered. Interested candidates can reach: Frédéric Raulier (frederic.raulier@sbf.ulaval.ca, 418-656-2131 ext 6742), Frank Berninger (berninger.frank@uqam.ca, 514-987-3000 ext 1644), Pierre Bernier (pierre.bernier@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca, 418-648-4524). Posted: 12/3/04.

University of Alaska Fairbanks: graduate training in the Resilience and Adaptation program (RAP) to train scholars, policy-makers, and managers to address issues of regional sustainability in an integrated fashion. This program prepares students to address a major challenge facing humanity: To sustain the desirable features of Earth's ecosystems and society at a time of rapid changes in all of the major forces that shape their structure and functioning. The program provides training at the PhD and Masters level. It integrates the tools and approaches of ecology, economics, anthropology, climate dynamics, philosophy, and community and regional development in a systems framework to understand the functioning of regional systems. Our underlying assumptions are: The major problems facing the world must be addressed at the regional scale, and no solution is tenable unless it is ecologically, economically, and culturally sustainable. The program emphasizes high-latitude ecosystems, where current management issues require an application of the integrated understanding of these disciplines. The RAP program provides training at the PhD and Masters levels. Our goal is to educate a new generation of scholars, policy makers, and managers to integrate the perspectives of natural and social sciences in addressing both the basic understanding of regional systems and the application of this understanding to management issues. The program provides training to graduate students from the University of Alaska and to graduate students at other universities who wish to enroll for one year of intensive course work in Resilience and Adaptation at the University of Alaska. We provide course work and a seminar program that integrates ecology, economics, political science, and anthropology in a systems-modeling framework. We also provide faculty mentorship and internships in areas outside each student's parent discipline. The RAP program is associated with numerous research programs at the University of Alaska and in state and federal agencies. These research programs provide interdisciplinary research opportunities for RAP students. The program emphasizes cross-cultural communication through heavy involvement with the Alaskan Native American community and with managers, businesses, and conservation groups. We offer NSF-funded fellowships to PhD candidates entering the program. Additional funding is available to both PhD and Masters students through participating departments. A detailed description of the program and application forms are available at http://www.regional-resilience.uaf.edu or by contacting F. Stuart Chapin, III (terry.chapin@uaf.edu). February 1 is the target date for reviewing applications, although applications received after that date will also receive consideration. Posted: 10/25/04.

University of Alberta: One postdoctoral position and one Ph.D. student assistantship in spatial ecology/insect ecology are available beginning January 2005 (or as soon as possible). The candidates will join a research team (in collaboration with Drs. Mark Lewis in the Mathematics Department of the University of Alberta and Allan Carroll in the Canadian Forest Service in Victoria, BC) to investigate dispersal and spatio-temporal dynamics of outbreaks of the mountain pine beetle on large-scale landscapes. The postdoctoral position is open for two years. We encourage anyone with strong mathematical/statistical backgrounds to apply. For the Ph.D. assistantship, we encourage applications from students who are broadly trained in any of the areas of mathematics, statistics, physics and biology, but would be particularly interested in students who plan to combine theoretical modeling and field experiment in their research. Interested candidates should provide us with the following materials: (1) a cover letter stating you research interests and qualifications, (2) your CV, and (3) the names (emails or phone numbers) of three referees. These materials may be emailed or sent by postal mail to Fangliang He (fhe@ualberta.ca) at Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada T6G 2H1. Posted: 9/8/04.

University of Arizona/Texas State University: Worldwide, native woody shrubs and trees are encroaching arid into semi-arid grasslands. One puzzling aspect of this phenomenon is that while some woody plant species have proliferated in grasslands, others have maintained their historic abundances. What makes these species different? In a recently funded NSF research project, we take a look at the critical establishment phase to determine what seedling properties might makes some species more capable than others in dealing with joint stress factors of sporadic water availability, competition from grasses and defoliation. We seek two graduate students to lead a controlled environment study and a complimentary field study in or near Tucson, Arizona. Prospective students should have a background and strong interest in plant ecophysiology or plant population ecology. This is a collaborative project between the University of Arizona and Texas State University, San Marcos (near Austin). We seek one student for each institution. Candidates for Texas State University must be willing to spend the summer months near the field site in Tucson, Arizona. Assistantships include a $16,000 stipend, benefits and tuition assistance. Starting date is flexible, but should occur between July 2005 (for the fall semester) and January 2006 (for the spring semester). See UA School of Natural Resources and TSU Biology Aquatic Resources for admission requirements. Send (email preferred) a cover letter summarizing your background, relevant experience, motivation and interests, a resume including relevant coursework, and contact information for three references to: Susan Schwinning, Department of Biology, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX 78666, schwinn@txstate.edu; or Steve Archer, School of Natural Resources, PO Box 210043, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, sarcher@ag.arizona.edu. Posted: 2/23/05, revised: 4/21/05.

University of Arizona: M.S. and Ph.D. graduate research assistantships in savanna ecology and biogeochemistry are available in the School of Natural Resources. The positions will contribute to a multi-investigator field and simulation modeling project quantifying tree- and landscape-scale spatial variation in plant and soil carbon and nitrogen pools (more info). Research will address current uncertainties in woody plant encroachment effects on C and N sequestration on sites with contrasting land use histories in mesquite (Prosopis velutina) savannas on the Santa Rita Experimental Range in southern Arizona. Qualifications include a BS or MS in natural resources, ecology, soils, biology, chemistry, geology, or related discipline. Ability to work in a team context is highly desirable; for PhD student, experience with chemical analysis of soils and plants is requisite. Assistantships include a full tuition waiver and a stipend of ~$15,000/y. Starting date is flexible, but should occur between January and August 2005. Statements of interest should include cover letter, resume including relevant coursework, and contact information for three references. Positions will remain open until filled. Funding duration is 2 y (MS) and 3 y (PhD), with continuation dependent on performance and funding. See the SNR website for admission requirements. Send queries and statements of interest to: Steve Archer, School of Natural Resources, PO Box 210043, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, sarcher@ag.arizona.edu. Posted: 10/21/04.

University of Arkansas, Monticello: A two year M.S. Research Assistantship is available with the Arkansas Forest Resources Cente. This assistantship carries a stipend of $12,000 per year plus tuition and fee waivers. Requirements: At least 3.0 undergraduate GPA and satisfactory GRE scores; B.S. degree in forestry, soil science, wildlife biology/management, biology, or related field. A highly motivated Master's student is sought to conduct a study on the relationships among soil properties, plant nutrients, and white-tailed deer reproduction in the Ozark Highlands. The starting date for the project is August 2005. Desirable qualifications include prior field and laboratory experience sampling and analyzing soils, conducting plant nutrient analyses, and/or assisting with white-tailed deer research. Experience in GIS or remote sensing is a plus, but is not a necessity. To be considered for this position, applicants should send a letter of interest, CV, transcripts, and a list of three references with contact information to the address below. Information about the graduate program and application materials are available online at: http://www.afrc.uamont.edu/graduate/default.htm. For priority consideration inquiries and applications should be submitted by May 20, 2005. Formal applications for University and program admission must be completed by June 1, 2005. For additional information or to apply contact either: Dr. Robert L. Ficklin or Dr. Robert E. Kissell, Jr, School of Forest Resources, University of Arkansas-Monticello, P.O. Box 3468, Monticello, AR 71656. Phone: 870-460-1692 or 870-460-1192, E-Mail: ficklin@uamont.edu or kissell@uamont.edu. Posted: 4/22/05.

University of Arkansas, Monticello: The School of Forest Resources has a MS Assistantship available beginning in the fall of 2005. The assistantship is half time and carries a stipend of $12k per year plus tuition and fees. The assistantship will work on a project evaluating silvicultural techniques to restore degraded oak stands that have been salvaged logged in the Ozark Mountains. Study treatments include a combination of prescribed fire and low intensity herbicide applications. The research will focus on the response of oak regeneration and recruitment to these treatments as well as the ecological mechanisms involved with these responses. For additional information or to apply contact Dr. Hal O. Liechty Phone:870-460-1452 E-Mail: Liechty@uamont.edu. More information. Posted: 3/14/05.

University of Calgary: I am looking for 1-2 graduate students (M.Sc. and/or Ph.D.) interested in fundamental research in population/community ecology. Students would have the option of pursuing one of a number of projects in metacommunity dynamics, food web assembly, diversity and stability of food webs, the community-level effects of stage-structured population dynamics, and evolutionary/coevolutionary dynamics in a food web context. Many (but not all) of these projects would involve experimental work in protist microcosms or zooplankton-algae mesocosms. Students would also have the option of developing their own projects, in these or other systems (including field systems). The Dept. of Biological Sciences has a strong group of researchers in aquatic ecology, population ecology, and evolutionary ecology. The Dept. hosts the Alberta Ingenuity Centre for Water Research, has two field stations (Barrier Lake Station and R. B. Miller Station) in Kananaskis Country in the front range of the Rockies, is a member of the consortium of Western Canadian Universities which operates the Bamfield Marine Station on the west coast of Vancouver Island, and is a partner university of the Pacific Institute for the Mathematical Sciences. Other facilities include greenhouses and an experimental pond facility. Calgary is convenient to numerous aquatic and terrestrial habitats throughout Alberta. Guaranteed funding is available through a combination of teaching and research assistantships. Application deadlines for a Sept. 2005 start date are 1 June 2005 for Canadians and 1 May 2005 for non-Canadians. Application information, admissions requirements, and online application forms are available at here (note that the information on funding is slightly outdated). If you’re a prospective graduate student interested in fundamental issues in population/community ecology, please get in touch! Jeremy Fox Asst. Professor, Dept. of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, (jefox@ucalgary.ca). Posted: 4/7/05.

University of Calgary: I am seeking to recruit graduate students interested in community and evolutionary ecology into my research group for September 2005. Research in the lab focuses on the evolutionary consequences of interactions between natural enemies (e.g., predators, parasitoids, herbivores) and their prey, although I am also interested in the factors that affect oviposition decisions in phytophagous insects and understanding correlations between ecology and breeding system in flowering plants. Ongoing projects involve a number of study systems, including bruchid beetles, braconid wasps, diving beetles, dragonflies, and flowering plants. I am especially interested in students with experience with/genuine passion for insects to conduct research in one of two areas: (1) examining how the presence of parasitoid wasps affects competition and coexistence between sympatric strains and species of bruchid seed beetles, and (2) examining how predaceous dragonfly larvae affect community structure of dytiscid diving beetles. Project 1 will take place in the lab, and Project 2 will involve fieldwork and extensive sorting and identification of samples in the lab. Research support will typically be provided by teaching assistantships during fall and winter terms and a stipend during the summer. Ample opportunities exist for candidates with strong academic backgrounds to supplement base income/research support through external scholarships and research funding (e.g., http://www.biology.ualberta.ca/biodiversity/). Interested students should contact me (smvamosi@ucalgary.ca) with a CV, project of interest, and contact information for three academic references by February 15th. Additional information can be found at Steven M. Vamosi's home page and at the Ecology Division site. Posted: 1/25/05.

University of California - Irvine: Two graduate research assistant positions are available for incoming PhD students in the Suding lab: (1) Coexistence And Plant-Soil Feedbacks In Alpine Tundra. A graduate research assistantship is available to develop a research project exploring questions related to how the availability of different forms of nitrogen influence competitive dynamics among alpine plant species, how the different quality of secondary carbon compounds produced by plants influence microbial dynamics, and the implications of these feedbacks on plant community structure and diversity. Field work would be based on Niwot Ridge near Boulder, Colorado. (2) Response Of California Ecosystems To Environmental Change. A second graduate research assistantship is available to work on a project investigating the impact of shifting precipitation, nutrient, and fire regimes on the response of four ecosystems (grassland, coastal sage scrub, ponderosa pine forest, pinyon-juniper woodland) in Southern California. A graduate student would have the opportunity to investigate the physiological, demographic, competitive and/or biogeochemical controls on ecological responses. This project is in collaboration with Michael Goulden in the Earth System Science department. Suding’s research focuses on plant-soil feedbacks and species interactions, and their role in coexistence, invasion and restoration success. Students will be based in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and involved with the global change ecology group. Funding is guaranteed for five years with a mixture of RA, TA, and fellowship support. If interested, please contact Katharine Suding (ksuding@uci.edu) with a curriculum vitae, test scores, and research interests. Departmental deadline for application is January 15th, 2005. Posted: 11/24/04.

University of California - Irvine: The Departments of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology and Earth System Science are seeking a Ph.D. student to join the laboratory of Dr. Kathleen Treseder in Fall 2005. The Ph.D. student would study the role of fungal community structure in soil dynamics under global change, and he/she could integrate approaches such as radiocarbon isotopes, molecular techniques, image analyses, and modeling. The successful applicant must have a strong undergraduate or masters-level background in biology or earth science, and must also satisfy University requirements to be enrolled in the graduate program. Applicants should submit an official application through UCI’s on-line application site by the University’s deadline of January 15, 2005. In addition, it is highly recommended that the applicant contact Dr. Treseder directly prior to applying, by submitting a brief statement of interest and a curriculum vitae to treseder@uci.edu. Posted: 10/20/04.

University of California - Irvine: Two Ph.D. research assistantships are available in the area of global change ecology in the Department of Earth System Science at UC Irvine, for work with Professor James Randerson. One project involves using atmospheric trace gas observations and models to assess changes in the global carbon cycle and terrestrial ecosystem function. The student working on this project will use a global atmospheric transport model to study biosphere-atmosphere exchange and will collaborate with faculty at UC Irvine, University of Colorado, and Los Alamos National Laboratory. Another project involves the analysis of remote sensing data to study links between fire and land use. The student working on this project will analyze TRMM and MODIS satellite data and collaborate with faculty at UC Irvine, Goddard Space Flight Center, and the University of Maryland. Students with training in the physical or natural sciences, engineering, or computer science are encouraged to apply. Understanding global environmental issues such as global warming, stratospheric ozone depletion, worldwide air pollution, and land use change requires the cooperation of scientists across many disciplines. Global change is projected to accelerate through the 21st century and will impact the ecosystems that preserve the habitability of the planet. The Department of Earth System Science at UC Irvine focuses on the atmosphere, land and oceans - how they interact as a system - and how the Earth will change over a human lifetime. UC Irvine is ideally situated on the California coast, about 50 miles south of Los Angeles and 90 miles north of San Diego. For more information, please contact Professor James Randerson (jranders@uci.edu). Graduate school applications must be submitted to UC Irvine by January 15th, 2005. Posted: 10/20/04.

University of California - Riverside: A graduate student position (M. S. or PhD.) is available in the Fall of 2005 for a highly motivated student to join an NSF-funded research project to study tritrophic interactions in a natural system. In southern CA, plants of Datura wrightii produce leaves that are covered either with glandular or non-glandular trichomes. Glandular trichomes secrete defensive chemicals, and plants with glandular trichomes are resistant to many of D. wrightii’s insect herbivores. The primary objective of this position is to test the working hypothesis that glandular trichomes impede the natural enemies of D. wrightii’s herbivores and reduce the benefits of producing glandular trichomes. The preference and performance of natural enemies attacking herbivores on plants with glandular or nonglandular trichomes will be emphasized. Potential areas of investigation can include: 1) analyses of insect behavior after manipulating the concentration of defensive chemicals, 2) orientation and host-finding behaviors of herbivores and natural enemies to volatile chemicals from plants varying in trichome morphology, or 3) community-level analyses of herbivores and natural enemies on plants varying in trichome morphology in natural populations. For application information see: Biological Sciences Graduate Student Affairs Center. For further research information contact Dr. J. Daniel Hare (daniel.hare@ucr.edu). Application deadline: December 31, 2004. Posted: 10/21/04.

University of California - Santa Barbara: 1-2 Ph.D. assistantships are available beginning the Fall of 2005 for highly motivated students to study at the interface of community & ecosystem ecology. Full financial support will be provided through a combination of research & departmental teaching assistantships. Specific topics of research are flexible, but are expected to complement the broader focus of my lab, which is to understand the causes and consequences of changing biodiversity in ecosystems (primarily in aquatic environments). Top-notch research facilities are available, and proximity to the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis (NCEAS) offers the chance to interact with eminent ecologists from around the world. Formal applications to the Department of Ecology, Evolution and Marine Biology Graduate Program are due by December 15, 2004 . Interested candidates should first contact me by email and describe their background and interests. Dr. Bradley Cardinale Department of Ecology, Evolution & Marine Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106. E-Mail: cardinale@lifesci.ucsb.edu. Posted: 8/11/04.

University of Central Arkansas: Pending funding, I am looking for 1-3 graduate assistants (MS) to begin May and/or August 2005. A start date of January 2005 may be possible, but depends upon applicant qualifications and motivation. Potential research projects include investigating the direct and indirect impacts of roadways on turtle populations, the reproductive ecology and overwintering physiology of Western Chicken turtles, or population dynamics and reproductive ecology of Alligator Snapping turtles in the Arkansas River Valley. Qualified applicants must possess a BS in biology, ecology, zoology, or related discipline. Previous experiences with aquatic turtles, field work, and laboratory experiments are highly desirable. Experiences with GPS/GIS are advantageous, as are experiences working in physiology labs. The applicant must be comfortable working in swamps and sloughs under various weather conditions. A stipend of $8,000 per year and a full-tuition waiver will be available for two years. Pending funding and project, research assistantships may be offered. Otherwise, teaching assistantships will be available. My lab is a brand new entity devoted to understanding and exploring the physiological adaptations that reptiles use to survive various environmental stresses, as well as how anthropogenic modifications have influenced populations at various biological levels. Establish contact electronically and submit a description of career goals, relevant past experiences, and curriculum vitae to Dr. Steve Dinkelacker at dinkelac@uca.edu (Ph: 501-450-3319, FAX: 501-450-5914). Suitable applicants will then be invited to apply. Posted: 11/18/04.

University of Connecticut: MS/PhD teaching and research assistantships in forest ecology/ecophysiology are available in the Dept. of Natural Resources Management and Engineering. Successful applicants should be interested in quantitative ecology and will study how wind and tree motion affects forest structure and function. Experience and/or interest in working with technology (dataloggers, instrumentation, etc.) in field and lab settings are desired. Expected start date is fall 2005. The salary is competitive and tuition is waived. Interested persons should send résumé and recent transcripts to: Mark Rudnicki, Ph.D., University of Connecticut, U-4087 1376 Storrs Road, Storrs, CT 06269-4087. mark.rudnicki@uconn.edu. Posted: 10/5/04, revised: 5/17/05.

University of Delaware: As part of a larger study, a graduate assistantship will be available to determine basic demographic ecology and possible impacts of habitat management upon northern bobwhite in the Mid-Atlantic States of New Jersey and Delaware. The successful applicant may be either a M.S. or Ph.D. student; however, Ph.D. students will be expected to design an additional ecological and/or theoretical research program that operates in tandem with initial research goals (I especially encourage Ph.D. students that have research interests that link behavioral ecology, landscape ecology, and/or population dynamics). The minimum responsibilities of the graduate student will include locating suitable study sites, capture of birds, extensive radio telemetry, vegetation sampling, and potential collection of blood and other tissue samples. Qualified applicants should have a B.S. in Zoology or Wildlife Ecology and competitive GPA and GRE scores. Ph.D. applicants should have a M.S. or outstanding record of undergraduate research publication and should state future research interests and goals. Previous experience with avian field research techniques and/or northern bobwhite a plus. Funding for this project is pending approval by state agencies but we anticipate a possible start date of Jan 2005. The minimum annual stipend will be $15k per year plus a tuition-waiver and health benefits. Interested individuals should send a cover letter outlining experience and research interests, curriculum vitae, unofficial copies of university transcripts and GRE scores, and contact information for three references to Dr. Chris Williams, Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology, 253 Townsend Hall, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716 (PH: 302-831-4592, FAX: 302-831-8889, Email: ckwillia@udel.edu). Applications by e-mail are welcome, and will be accepted until the position is filled. Posted: 11/12/04.

University of Dublin, Trinity College: What are the impacts of alien plants on native pollinators? Applications are invited for a 3 year PhD position, commencing October 2005, funded by the Environmental Protection Agency Doctoral Scholarship Scheme. The project will investigate the potential impacts of alien plants on native pollinators in Ireland. Pollinators provide essential ecosystem services and may be directly affected by alien plants. Bumblebees are important generalist pollinators which have declined during the last century, partly as a result of a reduction in wildflower forage resources. This project will investigate whether invasion by rewarding alien plants has beneficial or negative impacts on native bumblebees using field based sampling and experiments. This project will also assess the impacts of management of invasive alien plants on native bumblebee species. The successful applicant will receive a scholarship award of €15,000 per year. In addition, full tuition fees will be paid for students from the EU. Applications are welcomed from non-EU students, but they would be required to pay higher levels of fees. Applicants must have (or expect to get) a first or upper second class Bachelors, or Masters, degree in a biological science (Biology, Ecology, Environmental Sciences or similar). Previous experience in carrying out biological field surveys of higher plants and insects would be advantageous but is not essential, and competence in statistical analysis is highly desirable. Candidates should be enthusiastic, highly motivated, competent in written and spoken English, and hold a full driving licence. The project will be supervised by Dr Jane Stout, who should be contacted for further details. The successful candidate will be based in the Botany Department at Trinity College, in the heart of Dublin’s city centre. Dr Dave Goulson (School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, will provide additional advice. Please apply by sending a letter, outlining your suitability for the post, and your full curriculum vitae, containing the names and contact details (address, telephone, e-mail and fax) of three referees, to Dr Jane Stout (Botany Department, University of Dublin, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland; E-mail stoutj@tcd.ie). Deadline for applications 18.07.05. Posted: 7/1/05.

University of Florida: Graduate Assistantship (M.S. or Ph.D.) available to work with an interdisciplinary group studying the effects of the 2004 Alaska fire season on the carbon cycle of the boreal forest. Project goals include 1) quantifying carbon and nutrient loss and redistribution, and 2) identifying mechanisms that control rate and trajectory of vegetation recovery. Applicants must have a background in ecology, soil science, natural resource management, plant biology, or a related discipline, and an interest in the ecology of the boreal forest. Applicants must be willing to spend summers in Alaska (starting 2005) and winters in Florida. Please contact Michelle Mack (mcmack@ufl.edu) for more information or send a resume with the names of two references to apply. Posted: 3/31/05.

University of Florida: The J. W. Jones Ecological Research Center and the University of Florida Department of Wildlife and Conservation offer a co-sponsored graduate research assistantship for a MS level student interested in species recruitment dynamics in the diverse fire-maintained longleaf pine ecosystem. Potential student should have a strong undergraduate background in plant ecology and plant taxonomy and interest in basic and applied aspects of conservation biology. Coursework will be completed at the University of Florida, Gainesville. Thesis research will be conducted under the direction of K. Kirkman and E. Bruna at the Jones Research Center (Ichauway) in Newton, Georgia as part of an on-going long term study of resource gradients and responses of the longleaf pine ecosystem. For more information, contact: Dr. L. Katherine Kirkman (229-734-4706, kay.kirkman@jonesctr.org) or Dr. Emilio Bruna (352-846-0634, BrunaE@wec.ufl.edu). Posted: 11/9/04.

University of Florida: Masters degree student opportunity in the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation to work on the effects of chronic, ecologically relevant methylmercury exposure on development, behavior, and endocrinology of White Ibises under controlled conditions in a large free-flight aviary. This project is fully funded with stipend, research funds, and tuition for 2.5 years. Applicants must have an undergraduate degree in Zoology, Wildlife Biology, or related field, combined verbal/quantitative GRE scores of 1200 or greater, undergraduate GPA > 3.2, be motivated and have an interest in ecotoxicology. This position will begin in January 2005. Please send via email 1) a letter of interest including unofficial GRE scores and GPA, 2) a CV and 3) the names and phone numbers of three references to Dr. Peter Frederick, Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville Fl., email pcf@mail.ifas.ufl.edu. Applications will be accepted until a suitable candidate is found. Posted: 10/21/04.

University of Florida: Graduate assistantship in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation. This assistantship is for a masters degree candidate to conduct research on the ecology and reproduction of long-legged wading birds in the Florida Everglades. Full salary, tuition, field housing, and research funds are provided for three years beginning January 2005. The candidate will be expected to develop a research project within broadly established project guidelines, and to work part time as a team member surveying waterbird populations in the Everglades. There is the opportunity for research to build on databases of >18 years duration and for collaboration with many existing and ongoing projects. Applicants must have a BS or BA degree in biology or related field, combined verbal/quantitative GRE scores of 1200 or greater, undergraduate GPA > 3.2, demonstrated writing and publishing skills, evidence of previous field experience, and a genuine interest in ecology. The successful applicant will have good references and a sense of humor. Please send (via email only) a CV, unofficial GRE transcripts, letter of application, examples of writing skills, and contact information for three references to Dr. Peter Frederick (pcf@mail.ifas.ufl.edu). Applications will be reviewed as they are received until a suitable candidate is found but must be submitted no later than November 15 2004. Questions by qualified candidates may be directed to Dr. Frederick at 352-846-0565 (email preferred). Stipend 18k annual plus health insurance and field housing. Last date to apply is November 15, 2004.

University of Georgia: We are seeking an MS student to pursue research on the potential impacts of sudden oak death on forest community structure and ecosystem processes in the southern Appalachians. This work will be part of a field experiment that will seek to emulate mortality of tree and shrub species that would result from the introduction of sudden oak death, and monitor a range of environmental and biotic responses to these treatments. The research will address fundamental scientific questions about forest ecosystem responses to novel types of disturbance, and will help to clarify the possible impacts of sudden oak death in the southeastern United States. The field site for this project will be the Coweeta Hydrological Laboratory, a 2185 ha experimental facility located in western North Carolina. Desired qualifications include a BS in forestry, ecology, or a related field, along with a strong interest in pursuing ecological research at the graduate level. The assistantship will provide a stipend of $15,147/yr at 0.4 EFT and reduced tuition and fees of $438/semester. To apply, please send the following materials to Dr. Wimberly at the address given below. (1) Letter of interest describing professional goals, research interests, and qualifications for the position, (2) a resume, (3) transcripts (copies OK), (4) GRE scores (copies OK), and (5) names of three references along with email addresses, phone numbers, and postal addresses. For additional information on UGA admission requirements and deadlines, see the graduate admissions page. For more information on this assistantship, contact the project leaders, Dr. Michael C. Wimberly (706-583-8097, wimberly@forestry.uga.edu) or Dr. Ronald L. Hendrick (706-542-1385, rhendric@arches.uga.edu). Posted: 10/7/04.

University of Georgia: We are seeking a PhD student to pursue research on the interrelationships of vegetation structure, resource availability, and fire behavior in longleaf pine savannahs. This work will be part of a larger effort to quantify key ecosystem linkages and synthesize them into a spatially explicit model of longleaf pine forest dynamics. A variety of research topics are available, including study of plant growth responses to resource availability, fire-induced mortality, and influences of vegetation and fuels heterogeneity on fire behavior. Desired qualifications include an MS in ecology, forestry, or a related field; or a BS with significant research experience. Strong quantitative skills are essential, as evidenced by coursework in or experience with statistics and modeling. The study site for this project will be Ichauway, the 29,000 acre outdoor laboratory of the Joseph W. Jones Ecological Research Center, located in Newton, GA. This graduate assistantship will be co-sponsored by the UGA Warnell School of Forest Resources and the Jones Center, with Dr. Mike Wimberly (WSFR) and Dr. Bob Mitchell (Jones Center) serving as co-advisors. The assistantship will provide a stipend of $16,371/yr at 0.4 EFT and reduced tuition and fees of $477/semester. The student will complete coursework at UGA in Athens, and then live and work on site while conducting research at Ichauway. Housing will be provided while the student is in residence at Ichauway. Additional funding is available for research-related expenses, and to support travel to present results at professional meeting. For additional information on UGA admission requirements and deadlines, see the graduate admissions page. For more information on this assistantship, contact the project leaders: Dr. Michael C. Wimberly, Warnell School of Forest Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602 (706-583-8097, wimberly@forestry.uga.edu), Dr. Robert J. Mitchell (229-734-4706, robert.mitchell@jonesctr.org). To apply for this assistantship, please send the following materials to Dr. Wimberly at the address given above. (1) Letter of interest describing professional goals, research interests, and qualifications for the position, (2) a resume, (3) transcripts (copies OK), (4) GRE scores (copies OK), and (5) names of three references along with email addresses, phone numbers, and postal addresses. Posted: 10/7/04.

University of Groningen: There is an immediate opening for a PhD student at the Community and Conservation Ecology Group on the project "Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité: Maturing biodiversity theory by integrating insights in the applied mathematics of combinatorial stochastic processes." The mathematical theory of combinatorial stochastic processes has found applications in many scientific disciplines studying the collective behavior of a large number of interacting agents, both in the natural and the social sciences (e.g. population genetics, statistical mechanics and economy). The classical example is the now widely applied Ewens sampling formula (ESF), originally formulated in population genetics to describe the diversity of alleles in a system with genetic drift and random (nonselective) mutation. This formula has recently found an interpretation in community ecology where it describes the diversity of species with random birth and death events and speciation. There is, however, a large body of mathematical knowledge on combinatorial stochastic processes that has not found application yet in community ecology. In this project, the PhD student will translate the (mathematical) findings in the various disciplines in meaningful ecological terms, and formulate new (mathematical) theory where needed. More information. Deadline: May 15, 2005. Posted: 4/8/05.

University of Illinois at Chicago: MS Position available (possibility of PhD), research in carbon sequestration in Midwest agricultural land and restored grasslands, Department of Biological Sciences, Ecology and Evolution Group, UIC and Argonne National Laboratory, Environmental Research Division, starting Fall 2005. The applicant should have interest in evaluating the carbon sequestration potential of agricultural and restored land by means of measuring CO2 fluxes and carbon stocks in vegetation and soil. Particularly, we are interested in 1) comparing biometric measurements of plant and soil carbon stocks and fluxes to on-going eddy covariance measurements of net ecosystem exchange and 2) compare carbon dynamics and stocks for the two management practices. Opportunities exit for applying remote sensing or stable isotopes tools. This is an opportunity to participate in a newly funded multidisciplinary collaborative research program involving atmospheric and terrestrial ecology scientists. The proposed study will contribute to the North America Carbon Program (pdf) providing information on the magnitude and distribution of carbon stocks and the processes that control carbon dynamics in cultivated and restored ecosystems in the U.S. Specific information about the position can be requested from Miquel Gonzalez-Meler (mmeler@uic.edu, 312-355-3928) and Roser Matamala (630-252-9270). To apply, see graduate application information or contact Margaret Kleist (kleist@uic.edu) or Beth Ann OMalley (bethann@uic.edu), Graduate Academic Advisors, Phone: 312-996-2955, FAX: 312-355-3515. Apply by January 5, 2005. Posted: 10/21/04.

University of Idaho: Two Ph.D.-level research assistantships will be available to study the isotopic coupling of forest carbon and water budgets at a site on the west slope of the beautiful northern Rockies. One student will concentrate on the measurement and scaling of component carbon fluxes (e.g., soil respiration, canopy photosynthesis) to the ecosystem level; this student will work closely with other scientists applying eddy correlation and sapflux techniques in the same stands. The second student will focus on the modification of existing models of forest carbon/water budgets to accept isotopic data as an input parameter, to be followed by testing of the models with independent biometric and hydrologic measurements. These positions represent central parts of a larger interdisciplinary project including scientists skilled in remote sensing, eddy flux measurements, climate modeling, forest hydrology, and the physiological ecology of trees. They will provide opportunities for collaborations across a broad range of disciplines and levels of organization. The positions are contingent on final approval of funding. For more information, please contact John Marshall at (208)885-6695 or jdm@uidaho.edu. Apply to the Department of Forest Resources, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, USA 83844-1133. Posted: 6/6/05.

University of Kansas: The Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology has a position available for graduate work (M.S. or Ph.D.), starting in spring 2005. The project involves studying the effects of forest fragmentation and woody plant encroachment in grasslands on soil carbon and nitrogen cycling. Fieldwork will consist of above- and belowground sampling of biomass and detritus, and measuring flux rates of CO2 and N2O from the soil profile. The study site is located at KU’s Kansas Ecological Field Station and Reserves. Lab work will offer opportunities to gain experience with gas chromatography, soil organic matter fractionation, isotope ratio mass spectrometry, analyses of soil nutrient parameters, and microbial ecology. Stable isotope ecology is an important focus of this project. Opportunity exists to include a remote sensing component in the project. Experience with any or all of these topics is desirable but not required. We are interested primarily in finding a dynamic, intelligent, fun individual with an eagerness to expand the lab’s capabilities and outlook. Interested candidates should contact principle investigator Dr. Sharon Billings at sharonb@ku.edu. Posted: 9/13/04.

University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science: UMCES solicits applications for an MS student to investigate the potential for stream restoration to reduce the amount of nitrogen delivered to Chesapeake Bay. The project is funded by the EPA, and involves multiple collaborators at the University of Maryland, the EPA, the Institute of Ecosystem Studies, the USGS and the Baltimore Ecosystem Study LTER site. Based on interest, the student may assist with any of the following projects: the development of approaches used to examine hyporheic zone and whole stream denitrification, link hydrologic exchange between streams and ground water with N removal, elucidation of trophic complexity and N flow through aquatic food webs, and determination of factors limiting denitrification in ground and surface waters surrounded by differing land use. The MS student will be enrolled in the Marine Estuarine and Environmental Sciences Program at the University of Maryland. The student can complete coursework at either the Appalachian Laboratory in Frostburg, MD or at the campus located in College Park. Areas of expertise to be considered for this position include: (1) biogeochemistry, (2) microbial ecology, (3) limnology and (4) civil and environmental engineering. Strong written and oral skills are essential, as is a willingness to travel between analytical facilities located in the Appalachian Mountains and field sites located in the metropolitan area of Baltimore. Please send a resume, brief statement of research interests, and the names of three references to: Dr. Sujay Kaushal, Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Box AB, Route 44A, Millbrook, NY 12545 or kaushals@ecostudies.org. Interested candidates should consider applying to the Marine Estuarine Environmental Sciences Graduate Program in the areas of specialization of Ecology or Environmental Chemistry. Review of applications will continue until February 1, 2005. Posted: 12/1/04.

University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science: Sedge, Grass and Rush Diversity in National Parks. One graduate research assistantship (MS or PhD) is available for a student interested in diversity issues and identification of sedges, grasses, and rushes. The research is funded by the National Park Service to conduct sedge, grass, and rush inventories in seven National Parks in the National Capital Region. The project is based at the UMCES’s Appalachian Laboratory. The successful applicant will attain a degree in Ecology from the University of Maryland or in Applied Ecology and Conservation Biology from Frostburg State University, depending on research interests and the degree sought. A GPA > 3.3, strong GRE scores, and prior research experience and course work in environmental science and/or ecology are preferred. Prior sedge and grass identification skills are recommended. Applicant must be willing to bike and hike to sites and be comfortable working and living outdoors. For more information, contact Dr. Katia Engelhardt: telephone 301-689-7140; email: engelhardt@al.umces.edu. To apply please submit a letter of intent, transcripts and resume (including 3 references) to: Dr. Katia Engelhardt, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science Appalachian Laboratory, Frostburg, MD 21532. Preferred starting date is January 2004. Posted: 9/15/04.

University of Minnesota: Two Graduate Research Assistantships Available in Forest Ecology/Silviculture. Two Master's level graduate students are sought in a long term experiment on the effects of three different timber harvest treatments (control and two levels of retention) on mixed mature aspen forests in a riparian buffer zone in Northern Minnesota. Pre- (2003) and immediate post- (2004) treatment data are available for analysis in conjunction with additional data to be collected in 2005 and 2006. 1. Understory Productivity and Nutrient Dynamics following Timber Harvest in Riparian Buffer Zones. The Graduate Student Assistant for the first project would be expected to take the initiative in conducting additional field sampling of shrub, tree, and herb layer biomass and possibly nitrogen flow. Students with plant ID skills could also initiate treatment comparisons of understory vegetation composition and diversity. 2. Coarse Woody Debris and Dead Wood Dynamics following Timber Harvest in Riparian Buffer Zones. The Graduate Student Assistant for the second project would be expected to take the initiative in conducting additional field sampling of snag and coarse woody debris volumes and could use these data to evaluate treefall patterns, hazard modeling, CWD increment as related to windthrow, or other aspects as desired. Pending funding (to be confirmed by July 2005), full-time student support (i.e., 50% appointment salary plus tuition and benefits) will be available for two years (fall 2005 through spring 2007). Students starting coursework in fall 2005 would be expected to defend an MS thesis by June 2007. A start date for field work of July 2005 is preferred. For more information, please contact Dr. Eric Zenner (ezenner@umn.edu), 115 Green Hall, 1530 Cleveland Ave. N., St. Paul, MN 55108 or call 612 625 3733. Posted: 2/2/05.

University of Minnesota: Two graduate research assistantships are available for Ph.D. students interested in global change and/or ecosystem-atmosphere interactions. Students with a background in any relevant field of biological or physical sciences or engineering and a strong interest in interdisciplinary research are encouraged to apply. The first assistantship will support research related to understanding how human modifications of ecosystem structure affect carbon and water cycling from developed land. The second will support research related to vegetation-climate-carbon cycle interactions in the Arctic. The Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior program is one of the top-ranked graduate programs in the U.S. The Biosphere-Atmosphere Interactions group, a collegial group of 14 faculty members from across the campus, provides excellent opportunities for interdisciplinary training. Graduate research assistantships provide a full tuition waiver, a stipend, and benefits. For more information or to apply, please contact Dr. Joe McFadden (mcfadden@umn.edu), University of Minnesota, 100 Ecology Building, 1987 Upper Buford Circle, St. Paul, MN 55108. Interested students should contact Dr. McFadden as far in advance of the December 15, 2004 graduate program application deadline as possible. Posted: 10/8/04.

University of Minnesota: A graduate research assistantship is available at the Masters level in the Natural Resources Science and Management Graduate Program of the on the topic "Effects of Browse on Growth and Mortality of Northern White Cedar." The vast majority of white cedar in Minnesota are mature to overmature and do not appear to be replacing themselves. Many presume that active management to promote this species will involve control of deer populations, but will that be enough? This long-term project will evaluate the growth and mortality of planted white cedar under several browse-related treatments, including open grown (control), in exclosures for deer, and in exclosures for deer and small rodents and mammals. Full-time student support (i.e., 50% appointment) will be guaranteed for the first 12 months of this project (Jan-Dec 2005). The GRA will take primary responsibility for establishing sites, arranging for the construction of the exclosures, and helping to plant trees in the spring of 2005. Summer 2005 data collection will involve baseline measurements of tree size and condition and end-of-summer mortality. The second summer will involve evaluating growth, mortality, and browse following the winter. For more information, please contact Dr. Eric Zenner (ezenner@umn.edu), 115 Green Hall, 1530 Cleveland Ave. N., St. Paul, MN 55108 or call 612 625 3733. Posted: 9/28/04.

University of Montana: The Division of Biological Sciences invites applications for PhD candidates to study Arctic carbon and water cycle dynamics using satellite remote sensing and ecological modeling. The successful candidate will be part of a multidisciplinary research team utilizing remote sensing information from NASA EOS MODIS and AMSR-E sensors, and hydro-ecological process models to study the status of the Arctic tundra as a source or sink for atmospheric CO2, and the potential response of these systems to global change. We seek candidates with the following skills: Demonstrated knowledge of remote sensing fundamentals including active/passive microwave remote sensing; Educational background in Landscape/Terrestrial Ecology, Hydrology, Physical Geography or a related field; Interest/experience in Arctic ecology emphasizing hydrological and carbon cycle dynamics; Programming ability in C or C++; Proficiency with image processing and GIS software (e.g., ENVI/IDL, Imagine, ArcView/IMS/Info); Proficiency in conducting independent scientific research; and Ability to write papers and publish in peer-reviewed scientific literature. Potential applicants should submit a CV and statement of research interests to Dr. John S. Kimball at johnk@ntsg.umt.edu. To qualify, students must satisfy University requirements to be enrolled in the Division of Biological Sciences Graduate program. The position is located at the Flathead Lake Biological Station near Polson, MT. Graduate research assistantships are initially offered for a 3-year period and include an annual stipend of $20,400 and a tuition waiver. Assistantships are renewed annually depending on funding availability, job and academic performance. Posted: 7/29/04.

University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Graduate Fellowships in Ecology, Evolution and Behavior The Program in Ecology, Evolution and Behavior has been awarded a Graduate Training Grant by the US Department of Education (GAANN Fellowship Program). This training grant will fund fellowships for graduate students in the ecology, evolution and behavior Graduate Research Emphasis Group. Our program combines the expertise of 14 core faculty members in the School of Biological Sciences and 8 affiliated faculty members from other academic units. The research interests of our faculty members include: behavioral ecology, community ecology, ecosystem ecology, evolutionary ecology, life history evolution, molecular evolution, physiological ecology, plant-animal interactions, population ecology, sexual selection and systematics. Our group is particularly strong in the study of behavioral ecology, evolutionary genetics and plant-animal interactions. The fellowships will carry a stipend of up to $27,500 per year plus tuition, health insurance, and book stipend. Other benefits include travel and research funds for participants. We are particularly interested in recruiting students from traditionally underrepresented groups. Please note that only US citizens and permanent residents are eligible for fellowship support through this program. For additional information, please visit http://cricket.unl.edu/gaann.html. Posted: 10/21/04.

University of Nevada, Reno: Ph.D. Graduate Assistantship: Patterns of Tamarisk Invasion in the Grand Canyon, Landscape Ecology Lab. A graduate research assistantship (Ph.D.) is available starting Fall 2005 or Spring 2006. The Ph.D. would be obtained through either of two interdisciplinary programs at UNR: Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology or Hydrologic Sciences. The goal of the research project is to conduct a landscape-level, tree-ring based analysis of tamarisk and willow establishment in natural and regulated environments along the Colorado River, in and near the Grand Canyon National Park. This work will provide fundamental information concerning the environmental and hydrological conditions under which native plant communities are favored, and tamarisk invasion is thwarted. The student will work with Dr. Peter Weisberg, a landscape ecologist at UNR, and collaborate closely with Dr. Larry Stevens. Applicants should have a Master's degree in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g. Ecology, Biology, Biogeography, Landscape Ecology, Ecohydrology), interest and aptitude for dendroecological research, interest in riparian vegetation dynamics and invasive plant species, extensive field experience, and strong quantitative and statistical skills. Previous experience in GIS applications and spatial analysis would be desirable, as would prior training in river hydrology or geomorphology. The student must be capable of conducting intensive fieldwork, under sometimes arduous conditions, during several Grand Canyon river trips each of 12 - 16 days' duration. Minimum academic requirements are a GPA of 3.4 and a combined GRE score of 1200. The assistantship includes a graduate stipend of $18,500/year, pays health insurance benefits, and covers the cost of tuition. Additional information on graduate study at UNR. The following materials are needed to apply: (1) Letter of Intent describing background and career goals, (2) resume or CV, (3) college transcripts (unofficial copies are acceptable), (4) GRE scores (unofficial copies acceptable), and (5) contact information for three references. To apply or for additional information, contact: Dr. Peter Weisberg, Dept. of Natural Resources and Environmental Science, University of Nevada, Reno, 1000 Valley Road / MS 186, Reno, NV 89512 USA. phone: 775-784-7573, fax: 775-784-4583, email: pweisberg@cabnr.unr.edu. Posted: 6/28/05.

University of Nevada, Reno: Research assistantship for graduate student (MS or PhD) to study the roles of water and nitrogen acquisition in the competitive interactions between cheatgrass and native rangeland species. Field research will be conducted at study sites of a larger, interdisciplinary project whose overall goals are to identify ecological concepts and management strategies to control the spreading dominance of cheatgrass on Great Basin rangelands and to restore native species. Controlled environment facilities at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) will also be used. Students also will interact with scientists from other institutions during their research programs. Starting date is flexible, but should be between June 2005 and January 2006 for either fall or spring semester admittance to a graduate program. To apply, submit a cover letter that describes your research and career interests as well as experience and qualifications, a resume, and names, current telephone numbers, email addresses and postal addresses of 3 references to: Robert S. Nowak, Dept. NRES / MS 370, University of Nevada - Reno, Reno, NV 89557; E-mail: nowak@cabnr.unr.edu; Phone: 775-784-1656; FAX: 775-784-4789. Information on UNR's graduate programs. Posted: 3/14/05.

University of Nevada, Reno: Research assistantships for graduate students (MS or PhD) to study the effects of global changes on the physiology and ecology of roots in Mojave Desert ecosystems. Potential research topics include root growth and production, nutrient uptake kinetics, and mycorrhizal relationships. Field research will be conducted at the Nevada Desert FACE Facility, which is the only FACE (Free-Air CO2 Enrichment) site located in an intact desert ecosystem, and the Mojave Global Change Facility, which investigates effects of increased N deposition, increased summer precipitation, and decreased soil biological crusts on desert vegetation. Controlled environment facilities at the UNR will also be used. Students also will interact with scientists from other institutions during their research programs. Starting date is flexible, but should be between June 2005 and January 2006 for either fall or spring semester admittance to a graduate program. To apply, submit a cover letter that describes your research and career interests as well as experience and qualifications, a resume, and names, current telephone numbers, email addresses and postal addresses of 3 references to: Robert S. Nowak, Dept. NRES / MS 370, University of Nevada - Reno, Reno, NV 89557; E-mail: nowak@cabnr.unr.edu; Phone: 775-784-1656; FAX: 775-784-4789. Information on UNR's graduate programs. Posted: 3/14/05.

University of New Brunswick: The thesis objective is to explore the potential of a variety of satellite images as forest fuel mapping tool over Canadian boreal forests The images tested in the thesis will be NOAA-AVHRR, MODIS, RADARSAT-1 and RADARSAT-2. One of the thesis objectives will be to build an analytical model which describes the relationship between satellite data and fuel moisture variables. The ideal candidate should be highly motivated and should have a good background in image processing and in remote sensing physics. The thesis should begin as soon as January 2005. The interested students should email a letter of motivation, their curriculum vitae (including their list of publications), transcripts and arrange to have three letters of reference sent to Prof. Dr. Brigitte Leblon, U. New Brunswick, Faculty of Forestry, 28 Dinneen, Fredericton (NB), E3B 6C2, Canada. Email: bleblon@unb.ca. Posted: 10/21/04.

University of New Mexico and University of California Irvine: Two Graduate Research Assistantships in Physiological/Ecosystem Ecology Department of Biology, UNM; Department of Earth System Science, UC Irvine. Funding is available to support two Ph.D. students interested in studying the physiological and climatic controls over the terrestrial carbon cycle of two ecosystems, a Piñon-Juniper woodland and a high-elevation grassland, both located in Northern New Mexico. One student, at the UNM, will focus on measuring the controls on isotopic mass balance from the leaf to ecosystem scale and the second student, at the UC-Irvine, will focus on modeling these fluxes and integrating field data. Field work will utilize a revolutionary new instrument, Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy, for foliar carbon and oxygen isotope discrimination and the carbon and oxygen isotope ratios of ecosystem and tissue respired carbon dioxide. Modeling efforts (UCI) will incorporate field results into ecosystem- to global-scale estimates of the terrestrial carbon cycle. Students at both institutions will work together and with scientists in the Tunable Diode Laser Facility/Carbon Cycle Program at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Students with backgrounds in biology, chemistry, physics, or computer science and an interest in field work and modeling within the fields of physiological ecology, ecosystem ecology and environmental science are encouraged to apply. For more information, contact one or more of the individuals below: Los Alamos: Nate McDowell (mcdowell@lanl.gov). UNM: Will Pockman (pockman@unm.edu), Dave Hanson (dthanson@unm.edu); UCI: Jim Randerson (jranders@uci.edu). Posted: 9/15/04.

University of New Orleans: Regents Fellowship in Conservation Biology. The Department of Biological Sciences announces a Doctoral Fellowship for fall 2005. The fellowship provides support for four years and includes a full tuition waiver, an annual stipend of $22,000, and an allowance for research supplies and travel. The Department of Biological Sciences offers opportunities for graduate research in ecology, genetics, systematics, evolution, reproductive biology, physiology and biochemistry. Applicants must be U.S. citizens. For more information, send e-mail to biograds@uno.edu or see http://biology.uno.edu/. Application materials for the PhD program can be obtained online or by writing to: Director of Graduate Studies, Department of Biological Sciences, University of New Orleans, New Orleans, LA 70148. Review of applications will begin February 15, 2005. Posted: 1/21/05.

University of Notre Dame and Loyola University Chicago: Two graduate student assistantships are available for highly motivated students interested in stream ecosystem research. Students will be involved in a multi-investigator project examining the effects of agriculture and genetically-modified crop byproducts (e.g., non-harvested foliage) on carbon cycling in stream ecosystems. Students will join a dynamic research team composed of four co-PIs (located at Notre Dame, Loyola University Chicago, Kent State University, and Southern Illinois University), a post-doc, and multiple undergraduate students. Research will be conducted in south/central Indiana and students will participate in research design, field data collection, data analysis and publication. Students will be expected to develop their thesis in areas complimenting the proposed research. Students would be encouraged to begin field studies June 2005. For more information contact: Dr. Jennifer Tank, Dept. of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556-0369 (tank.1@nd.edu) and Dr. Emma Rosi-Marshall, Department of Biology, Loyola University Chicago, 6525 N. Sheridan Rd, Chicago IL 60626 (erosi@luc.edu). To learn more about graduate studies at Notre Dame and to request an application form from the Graduate School, see the Graduate School or Biology Department web sites. Application deadline is January 15, 2005. To learn more about graduate studies at Loyola University Chicago and to request an application form, see the Biology Department web site. Application deadline is February 1, 2005. Posted: 12/2/04.

University of Oklahoma: Graduate Research Assistantship in Stream Ecology. Nutrients, detritus and organisms cross habitat boundaries and contribute to food webs as allochthonous subsidies. This project explores a potential autochthonous (within habitat) subsidy of benthic algal production in the crevice refuges of streambed stones. This protected algal production may affect stream ecosystems by adding food for grazers, thereby increasing grazer production, and contributing colonists that may speed algal recovery after flood disturbances. I have an opening for one graduate student, who will work in a team to help quantify the amount of crevice-protected algae in Western US streams, and conduct a variety field and greenhouse experiments on algal subsidies to food webs and flood recovery. Summer research involves extensive travel, including out-of-state travel, which is supported by the funding from NSF. Students in my lab participate in a biology outreach program for elementary students. In addition to a competitive salary and a tuition waiver, funding is available for travel to conferences and to cover the costs of the summer diatom course at the Iowa Lakeside lab. Qualifications: M.S. degree or B.S. degree with previous experience in algal identification. Field experience preferred. Graduate student application information is on the Department of Zoology website. For further details, please contact: Liz Bergey, Assistant Professor, Oklahoma Biological Survey and Department of Zoology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma 73019. Phone: 405-325-7071, e-mail: lbergey@ou.edu. Posted: 12/10/04.

University of Queensland: Two full-time PhD scholarships based in Brisbane, Australia are available to undertake research in landscape ecology with The Ecology Centre, University of Queensland and CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems and CSIRO Entomology. 1. Population genetic structure of pest whitefly at different spatial scales: The integration of population genetics, a spatial hierarchical approach and ecological modelling make the contributions of this study in the leading edge of dispersal modelling and solving agricultural problems. The appointee will be based at the University of Queensland and will collaborate closely with researchers at CSIRO Entomology, Long Pocket Laboratories, Brisbane. The stipend will be AUD$23,500 per annum, tax exempt. Contact Dr Yvonne Buckley by email for more details concerning this research project (y.buckley@uq.edu.au). 2. Metapopulation dynamics of a priority species in periurban landscapes of southeast Queensland. The research will involve radio tracking, metapopulation modelling and population genetics, and will be used to inform landscape management and restoration. The appointee will be jointly based at the University of Queensland and CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems, St Lucia. The stipend will be AUD$25,000 per annum, tax exempt. Contact Dr Craig Miller by email for more details concerning this research project (craig.miller@csiro.au). Applicants for either scholarship should possess a BSc Honours (1 or 2A) or equivalent in ecology or a closely related discipline area. Closing date: 23 June 2005. Posted: 5/25/05.

University of Reading: Centre for Agri-Environmental Research. PhD Studentship: Impact of pesticides on pollinator biodiversity and provision of pollinator services to crops and rare plants. The project will assess the impacts of pesticides on pollinator communities and the services they provide to agricultural production and the maintenance of wild flower diversity. It is well documented that pesticides have negative impacts on honeybees, yet relatively little is known about the effects on other key pollinating taxa (bumblebees, solitary bees, butterflies and hoverflies) and almost nothing is known about the impacts on the pollination services they provide. The key project objectives are: (1) To assess and map pollinator biodiversity onto a system where pesticide exposure is fully described spatially at the level of the watershed; (2) To measure the level of services that pollinators contribute to crop production and to wild plant reproduction (especially to rare species); (3) To quantify the relationships between pesticide application, pollinator biodiversity and consequent provision of pollination services; (4) To identify key groups and services most at risk from pesticide exposure. The project will operate as part of, and benefit from the EU Framework 6 Project ALARM (Assessing Large-scale environmental Risks to biodiversity with tested Methods). Applicants should have or expect to gain a 1st class or 2:1 degree in Ecology or Biology. The applicant should have strong organisational skills, be a self-starter with good team skills, a numerate and clear communicator, and able to design and run an extensive fieldwork programme. The position is based in the internationally renowned Department of Agriculture at the University of Reading. The appointed student will work as part of a group of scientists within the Centre for Agri-Environmental Research and will be supervised by Dr Simon G. Potts. Closing date: 30th June 2005. Start date: 1st October 2005. For more information and an application form please contact: Mrs L. Cook, Postgraduate Student Office, School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, Earley Gate, PO Box 237, Reading, RG6 6AR. Email: l.m.cook@reading.ac.uk, Tel: 0118 378 8758. Posted: 5/24/05.

University of Rhode Island: A research assistantship is available at the M.Sc. level to study the distribution and abundance of wild birds associated with early successional forests in southern New England and to develop a forest management plan for enhancing such wildlife. Selected species of songbird and gamebird that prefer early successional habitats will be censused to determine how forest management type and history influences their occurrence. An ongoing radiotelemetry study will be used to estimate home range and daily activity patterns of ruffed grouse, an important gamebird associated with these forests. Significant habitat assessment and mapping will also be involved. Most field work will be conducted in Rhode Island on public and private forested land. Qualifications: Applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree in animal/ wildlife biology or ecology, earned at least a 3.0 GPA, must have taken the GRE, and must have excellent oral and written communication skills. Field experience with bird capture and handling, and interest in avian ecology are required. Experience with field techniques for censusing wild birds, radiotelemetry and ruffed grouse, and GIS is highly desirable although not essential. However, experience with quantitative analysis skills and field research is required. Ability to work collaboratively and to supervise research assistants and undergraduates working in the field is also required. Stipends are approx. $15k/yr and tuition is paid. Starting date is September 2005. To apply submit the following: a letter stating your qualifications and research interests, a resume, college transcripts, GRE scores, and 3 letters of reference by no later than 18 March 2005 (early application is encouraged) to: Dr. Scott R. McWilliams, Dept. Natural Resources Science, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881. 401-874-7531; srmcwilliams@uri.edu. Selected candidates will be asked to apply to the Graduate School of University of Rhode Island. Posted: 2/7/05.

University of Rhode Island: A research assistantship is available at the MSc or PhD level to study the nutritional ecology of seasonal fattening in small migratory songbirds. Primary goal of this research is to determine how dietary fatty acids and antioxidants affect diet choices, metabolism of fatty acids, and exercise performance of songbirds. The work includes (a) measuring fatty acid composition of diets and depot fat in migrating songbirds, (b) conducting experiments with wild-caught songbirds that focus on how dietary antioxidants influence metabolism of fatty acids, and (c) conducting experiments with flying birds in a windtunnel that focus on how fatty acid composition and antioxidants affect exercise performance of songbirds. This project is a planned four-year effort (starting 1 August 2005) that will include additional graduate students and postdocs. Most field work will be conducted at bird-banding stations on Block Island (ca. 15 km off the mainland) and in Kingston, RI. Captive animal facilities are on the University of Rhode Island's main campus in Kingston. Windtunnel experiments with flying birds will be conducted at the Max Planck Institute for Ornithology in Germany. Qualifications: Applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree in animal biology or ecology, earned at least a 3.2 GPA, must have taken the GRE, and must have excellent oral and written communication skills. Field experience with songbird capture and handling, and interest in physiological ecology are required. Experience with analysis of fatty acids using a mass spec/GC is highly desirable although not essential. However, experience with quantitative laboratory skills is required. Ability to work collaboratively and to supervise research assistants and undergraduates working in the field and the laboratory is also required. Nine-month stipend ~$15k/yr; tuition is paid. Summer salary is also available. Starting date may be as early as June 2005 and no later than September 2005. Windtunnel experiments in Germany start during fall 2005. To apply submit the following: a letter stating your qualifications and research interests, a resume, college transcripts, GRE scores, and 3 letters of reference by no later than 1 February 2005 (early application is encouraged) to: Dr. Scott R. McWilliams, Dept. Natural Resources Science, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881 401-874-7531; srmcwilliams@uri.edu. Posted: 11/24/04.

University of South Bohemia: We are looking for a PhD student to study the ecology of herbivorous insects and their host plants in Papua New Guinea. The successful candidate will be a part of a well-established collaborative project by the University of South Bohemia & Institute of Entomology (Czech Republic), Smithsonian Institution, the University of Minnesota (USA) and Sussex University (UK). More information on this project. The three-year studentship is based at the University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice (Budweis, Czech Republic) in V. Novotny’s lab. The fieldwork includes a one-year (2005-2006) stay at our research station in Madang (Papua New Guinea). We are looking for a highly motivated biologist (entomology, ecology) capable of independent research work, with good command of English, management skills and a taste for cross-cultural experience. Previous experience from the tropics is welcome. Enquiries and applications can be sent to V. Novotny at novotny@entu.cas.cz. The deadline for applications (including a cover letter, C.V. and the names of three referees) is June 30, 2005. Posted: 05/05/05.

University of South Dakota: I have an opening for a Ph. D. graduate student interested in research on the performance and fitness consequences of elaborate secondary sexual characters in insects using stalk-eyed flies as a model. Stalk-eyed flies provide the ideal model system to test for costs and tradeoffs related to male ornamentation. All species in this extraordinary family display exaggerated head morphology, with eyes and antennae displaced at the end of long stalks, and interspecific variation in eye span can be more than ten-fold. Furthermore, all available evidence indicates that eye stalks are critical sexual signals used in both male-male competition and female choice. This study will examine the effects of elongated eye stalks on flight performance and survivorship of stalk-eyed flies to assess whether these effects run counter to the effects of sexual selection. The position is part of an NSF-funded CAREER project in the laboratory of John Swallow. Opportunities exist to develop a PhD research program that cover a variety of related issues (flight performance, flight energetics, predation avoidance) but I am particularly interested in finding someone to be involved in a series of mesocosm predation studies. Support will be a combination of Teaching and Research Assistantships. If interested please contact John Swallow (jswallow@usd.edu), Assistant Professor, Department of Biology, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD 57069, USA. Information on our graduate program and application process: http://usd.edu/biol/graduateprogram.cfm. Posted: 1/13/05.

University of South Dakota: I have two openings (one MS and one Ph.D.) for students interested in conducting research on the conservation and ecology of the Hine’s emerald dragonfly (Somatochlora hineana), a federally-listed endangered species that occurs at a limited number of sites in the Mid-western US. The species has a number of unique ecological and behavioral attributes, and its ecology is closely linked to both to groundwater and to the complex interactions it has with one of its predators (crayfish). Opportunities exist for research on either the adult or larval stages of the as part of ongoing funded research conducted primarily in the Chicago area and in Door County, Wisconsin. Support will be in the form of Research Assistantships. If you are interested in conducting research on this rare and unusual species, contact Daniel A. Soluk, Assoc. Prof., Dept. of Biology, The University of South Dakota, 414 E. Clark Street, Vermillion SD 57069. e-mail dsoluk@usd.edu. Daniel A. Soluk, Assoc. Prof., Dept. of Biology, University of South Dakota, 414 E. Clark Street, Vermillion, SD 57069. email dsoluk@usd.edu, ph 605 677-6172. Posted: 12/8/04.

University of Tasmania: Applications are invited for the Thomas Crawford Memorial Scholarship to study for a PhD at the University of Tasmania, Australia. This prestigious award is available to prospective PhD candidates from eight countries (USA, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Sweden, UK, Australia) who are looking to commence their PhD at the University of Tasmania. It provides a generous living allowance of $19,000 per year for up to 3 years and covers tuition fees for International candidates. The Scholarship closing date is 17 June 2005. More information on the scholarship and the application form is available on our website. In particular, applications are invited for work into the effects of global change (increasing atmospheric CO2 concentration and warming) on the mechanisms controlling weed establishment in native ecosystems. The project would involve both glasshouse research and field work in FACE experiments in New Zealand and Australia. More information on this project is available from Dr Mark Hovenden (+61 3 6226 7874, Mark.Hovenden@utas.edu.au). Posted: 5/31/05.

University of Tasmania: An opportunity exists for a PhD student to join our international research effort into the impacts of global climate change on ecosystem processes. The successful candidate will work in both Tasmania, Australia and Palmerston North, New Zealand and will use the TasFACE and Grazed FACE experimental sites and enrol for a PhD at the University of Tasmania. The PhD project will focus on the impacts on ecosystem processes of climate change-induced alterations in plant community composition. Laboratory and glasshouse experiments will be used to support fieldwork. Research will involve investigating structural changes to the plant community and how these changes affect hydrology, nutrient cycling etc. There will be ample scope for the candidate to pursue particular interests within the project. The candidate will be based at either AgResearch Grasslands, Palmerston North, New Zealand or at the University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia but will do field work at both sites. The candidate will be required to work outdoors in all weather conditions, in rural settings. In return the candidate will join an exciting research team fervently dedicated to ecophysiological research. The successful candidate will be required to qualify for a Graduate Research Award (scholarship) at the University of Tasmania. Eligibility: Applicants must be Australian citizens or permanent residents or New Zealand citizens and hold a First class or good Second Class Honours degree or equivalent in plant science, botany, agriculture, ecology or related discipline. Applicants should hold a current drivers licence. Applicants MUST discuss their intention to apply with either Dr Hovenden or Dr Newton (details below). Details about Graduate Research Awards, application forms and procedures are available here. Applications must include a CV, full academic transcript and the names and contact details of two academic referees. Applications close 18 March 2005. Enquiries from New Zealand should be directed to Dr Paul Newton on +64 6 3518186 or via email paul.newton@agresearch.co.nz. Enquiries from Australia or elsewhere should be directed to Dr Mark Hovenden on +61 3 6226 7874 or 0409 227874 or via email Mark.Hovenden@utas.edu.au. Closing date: 18 March 2005. Posted: 2/23/05.

University of Tennessee: Funding is available for a Masters or PhD student to work on a project examining broad-scale patterns in the distribution and abundance of aquatic insect diversity in the National Parks of the southeastern US. The successful applicant should have experience in aquatic insect ecology, community ecology, and/or biogeography. Experience in the identification of aquatic insect adults is advantageous. An annual stipend, tuition waiver, and support for all field and lab work will be provided. Interested applicants should email a CV, brief statement of research interests, and names and contact info for three references to both Nathan Sanders (nsanders@utk.edu) and Chuck Parker (chuck_parker@usgs.gov). Posted: 8/24/04.

University of Tennessee: At least one PhD student is sought for a project examining how top-down and bottom-up factors limit the success of exotic plant species. The main project is a collaborative, multifactorial experiment that manipulates soil nitrogen availability and insect abundance to ask how these factors interact to influence plant community structure and invasibility in old fields. Future directions for experimental work might include examining biotic and abiotic controls on invasions and relationships between plant and insect stoichiometry, conducting mechanistic experiments linking predator-prey interactions to plant community structure, and performing experiments linking below-ground communities to invasion dynamics. We seek a creative, collaborative, and motivated student who desires to work at the interface of community and ecosystem ecology and who has field experience in either plant, insect, or soil ecology. Interested applicants should email a CV and brief statement of research interests to both Nathan Sanders (nsanders@utk.edu) and Jake Weltzin (jweltzin@utk.edu). This position will begin during the summer or fall of 2005 and be supported by a combination of TA and RA support. For further information about our research programs, see the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology website. Posted: 7/16/04.

University of Texas at Arlington: I am seeking a graduate student (preferably Ph.D. level) interested in arctic plant ecology and arctic ecosystems to work with me in the UTA Department of Biology. This position will be funded from a new collaborative NSF grant with Dr. John Moore, University of Northern Colorado, to assist in studies of the influence of climate warming on trophic interactions among plants, fauna and microbes in arctic tundra. My portion of the research focuses on plant response to long and short-term increases in soil nutrient availability and the feedbacks of plants to soil microbes and fauna. Funding is available for three years, beginning as early as January 2005, with teaching assistant support available thereafter. Summers will be spent in residence at the Toolik Field Station, location of the Arctic Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) site in northern Alaska, while the academic year will be spent in Arlington in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. You must be physically able to work at a remote, climatically harsh field site for weeks at a time to apply for this position. Interested individuals should contact Laura Gough via e-mail at gough@uta.edu to describe their backgrounds and interests. Posted: 8/12/04.

University of Toledo: The Landscape Ecology and Ecosystem Sciences (LEES) Laboratory at the University of Toledo has a graduate research assistant (MS) position opening to work on Missouri Ozark Forest Ecosystem Projects. The responsibilities will include collecting soil respiration and biometric data on carbon stocks and fluxes. Qualifications: B.S. degree in ecology, meteorology, biology, soil science, biostatistics, environmental sciences, forestry or related discipline. They are expected to have good work ethic, sincere interest in the chosen topic area. Meets the requirements of the graduate school. Application: please send a CV, university transcripts, contact information of three references, and a cover letter by April 15th, 2005 to: Dr. Jiquan Chen, Department of Earth, Ecological and Environmental Sciences (EEES), Mail Stop 604, the University of Toledo, 2801 W. Bancroft St., Toledo, OH 43606. Requests for further information can be sent to jiquan.chen@utoledo.edu. Posted: 3/8/05.

University of Toledo: Graduate Assistantship (M.S. or Ph.D.) available to work with an interdisciplinary group studying landscape ecology and ecosystem processes. Applicants must have background in ecosystem ecology, meteorology, biophysics, biochemistry, ecological modeling, soil science or related discipline. Experience with statistical treatment of data and modern analytical techniques, thorough knowledge of soil processes and carbon dynamics are highly desired. The candidates should not be afraid of height (occasional work on 10-30 m tall towers will be required), they are expected to have good work ethic, sincere interest in the chosen topic area, and at least two of the following work skills: good quantitative skills, basic statistical skills, knowledge of North American flora, understanding of ecosystem function and the cycles of water and carbon. Application: Please send a CV, university transcripts, contact information of three references, and a cover letter to: Dr. Jiquan Chen, Department of Earth, Ecological and Environmental Sciences (EEES), Mail Stop 604, The University of Toledo, 2801 W. Bancroft St., Toledo, OH 43606. Information on the current projects and personnel in the LEES lab can be found at http://research.eeescience.utoledo.edu/lees/. Requests for further information can be sent to jiquan.chen@utoledo.edu. Posted: 10/20/04.

University of Toledo: One position is available for an M.S. or Ph.D. student starting this fall on either of two projects: (1) A new USDA-funded project investigating the changes in gene and protein expression during the early stages (prior to visible symptoms) of nutrient deficiency in plants. The project will utilize comparative proteonomics and genomics techniques to identify both general nutrient deficiency responses, and nutrient-specific responses (especially micronutrients), in order to develop biomonitoring tools to assess nutrient stress. (2) A new NSF-funded project investigating the effects of elevated atmospheric CO2 on heat-stress proteins and photosynthetic tolerance to acute heat stress in plants. The project is a comparative ecophysiological investigation that will combine protein biochemistry, in vivo and in vitro measurements of photosynthesis, and ecological theory. Candidates should have interest and some training in both ecology and plant physiology (or biochemistry). Support in the form of a research assistantship will be provided for at least 3 years. The University of Toledo has strong vibrant programs in plant science and ecology, with 14 productive externally-funded faculty, ca. 40 graduate students, and excellent research facilities. In addition, UT is only part of a broader interactive ecology/plant-science research community in the Toledo area that includes a USDA-ARS plant research group on the UT campus, the Toledo Botanical Gardens, and nearby Bowling Green State University. Interested persons should contact Scott Heckathorn at: Dept. of Earth, Ecological, & Environmental Sciences, MS 604, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43606; scott.heckathorn@utoledo.edu; 419-530-2925. Posted: 7/16/04.

University of Toronto: We are seeking a Ph.D. student who will work with an interdisciplinary group studying the dynamics of wood debris (WD) in eastern boreal forests of Canada, specifically focussing on implications for carbon and wildlife management. Project goals are to: 1) use longitudinal and cross-sectional approaches to measure the temporal progression of WD decay and WD carbon stocks, 2) undertake sampling of above- and below-ground carbon stocks at selected study sites; 3) use the resulting data and a process-based carbon model to investigate implications of scenarios of wood retention and biomass harvesting for carbon supply and fluxes, ecosystem productivity, and biological diversity. The student will be supervised by Dr. Jay Malcolm at University of Toronto and Dr. Changhui Peng at the University of Quebec at Montreal (UQAM). Applicants must have a MS. degree in forest science, ecology, soil science, geography, natural resource management, and an interest in the ecology of the boreal forest and carbon modelling. Experience with field measurements, data analysis, carbon modelling, and computer programming (C, C++) are highly desirable, although a wide range of candidates with diverse skill sets will be considered. Interested applicants should send a cover letter, CV, a copy of academic transcripts (including TOEFL score if international student) and the names/contact information for three references. Review of applications will begin on May 1, 2005 and will continue until the position is filled. The anticipated starting date will be July-September 2005. For more information, please contact: Dr. Jay Malcolm, Associate Professor, Faculty of Forestry, University of Toronto, 33 Willcocks St., Toronto, ON M5S3B3. Tel: 416-978-0142; Fax : 416-978-3834, E-mail : jay.malcolm@utoronto.ca. Posted: 4/15/05.

University of Toronto: M.Sc. and Ph.D. Assistantships - Conservation Biology of Fishes, Fisheries Genetics/Ecology. Multiple graduate assistantships are available for students interested in conservation biology, fisheries genetics and/or fisheries ecology. Specific projects include an evaluation of the B.C. steelhead trout Living Gene Bank. This project has 4 research components: a. Quantify the lifetime fitness of fish from the LGB relative to wild steelhead trout. b. Identify and quantify the causation of their fitness differences. c. Determine and quantify the impact on population recovery of the fitness differences. d. Synthesize the overall conservation value of a LGB, recommending future improvements and applications in Canada. Other projects in our lab involve exotic species colonization in Lake Ontario and in Chile. Qualifications: Successful applicants will have a B.Sc. or M.Sc. in a related biological sciences field (conservation biology, biology, zoology, genetics, etc.) with an undergraduate GPA of at least A-. GRE scores must be submitted by any applicants outside Canada. Salary: Graduate assistantships include a generous 12-month stipend that is eligible for annual renewal. Students holding major scholarships are encouraged to apply. All research costs are covered by our laboratory. Closing date: Applications must be received by the Department of Zoology by January 17, 2005. Contact: Send a description of your (a) background in biology, (b) research and career interests, (c) transcripts (official or unofficial copy), and (d) resume to Dr. Mart Gross at mgross@zoo.utoronto.ca or call (416) 978- 3838. Posted: 12/6/04.

University of Tübingen: Four Ph.D postions in Plant Ecology and Community Ecology are available for a period of three years, starting Sept. 1, 2005. GLOWA Jordan River is a large interdisciplinary research project focusing on the impacts of global change on the water resources in the Jordan River basin. The project involves scientists from Israel, the Palestinian Autonomy, Jordan and Germany from a variety of disciplines such as climatology, hydrology, ecology, and social sciences. The project started in mid-2001 and a second project phase is scheduled for September 2005 to August 2008. For a subproject of GLOWA Jordan River, dealing with the impact of climate change and land use change on natural ecosystems, four Ph.D. positions are available. These positions are dealing with the following subjects: 1) Germination strategies of annual plants under climate change. Results from the first project phase have indicated that annual plants exhibit certain germination strategies for surviving in their variable and unpredictable environments. Namely, germination rates were affected by average annual rainfall, actual annual rainfall and the maternal environment. In the second project phase, we want to evaluate whether and how these germination patterns may determine the response of the studied annual populations to climate change. This will be investigated using a set of field and greenhouse studies for determining the heritability of germination traits, the genetic and phenotypic variation within and between populations, and the response of the within-population trait distribution to natural and artificial climatic changes. The work includes field and greenhouse work in Israel and possibly in Jordan during three field seasons (Oct-May). The candidate will develop a detailed research program on his/her own. The candidate should hold a Diploma or a Masters Degree in Biology or Ecology. Special skills required include a good knowledge of plant population ecology and/or evolutionary ecology, ability to spend long periods in the field, good knowledge in statistics and experimental design, and fluency in English. Place of employment will be at the Plant Ecology lab (Prof. Dr. Katja Tielbörger) at the University of Tübingen, Germany. Payment will be according to the German standard tariff for public services (BAT II a /2) plus travel expences and per diem for the time of stay in Israel. Please contact Katja Tielbörger for further details (katja.tielboerger@uni-tuebingen.de). 2) Long-term community dynamics of annual plants under climate change. In a large experimental setup we have monitored the response of annual plant communities to natural and artificial changes in rainfall. Natural changes include differences between four stations established along a steep climatic gradient in Israel, and inter-annual variability. Experiments are conducted at the two middle stations for evaluating the effects of artificial drought and artificially increased rainfall on plant community dynamics. The work will include the continuation of monitoring annual plant abundance and demography along the gradient and within the treatments for another three years and the analysis of the data from a total of seven years. Analyses will include both community-level analyses, as well as single-species analyses with respect to climatic conditions (natural and experimental), neighbor conditions and soil properties. The candidate should hold a Diploma or a Masters Degree in Biology or Ecology. Special skills required include a good knowledge of plant population ecology and/or community ecology, ability to spend long periods in the field, good knowledge in statistics, especially in multivariate techniques, very good knowledge of plants, and fluency in English. Place of employment will be at the Plant Ecology lab (Prof. Dr. Katja Tielbörger) at the University of Tübingen, Germany. Payment will be according to the German standard tariff for public services (BAT II a /2) plus travel expences and per diem for the time of stay in Israel. Please contact Katja Tielbörger for further details (katja.tielboerger@uni-tuebingen.de). 3) The impact of granivory on seed bank and population dynamics of annual plants under climate change. Granivory by ants and rodents is known to have large effects on the population dynamics of annuals inhabiting arid and semi-arid environments via a considerable depletion of the soil seed bank. In this study, we aim at testing several theoretical predictions about the role of granivory on plant population persistence in variable environments. Among others, we aim at experimentally testing whether granivores buffer population fluctuations in space and time. Another main aim is to parameterize spatially-explicit models of annual plant population dynamics under climate change. This subproject will be done in close cooperation with students from Tel Aviv University working on the dynamics of the soil seed bank. The candidate will develop a detailed research program on his/her own. The candidate should hold a Diploma or a Masters Degree in Biology or Ecology. Special skills required include a good knowledge of animal ecology and plant population biology, ability to spend long periods in the field, good knowledge in statistics and experimental design, excellent knowledge of plants, and fluency in English. Knowledge of Hebrew is advantageous though no prerequisite. Place of employment will be at the Plant Ecology lab (Prof. Dr. Jaime Kigel) at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel. Payment will be according to the Israeli standard tariff for Ph.D. students plus travel expences (in Israel and to Germany) and per diem (three months of stay in Germany per year). Please contact Jaime Kigel (kigel@agri.huji.ac.il) for further details. 4) Evaluation of restoration measures of degraded semi-arid rangelands under climate change. Natural ecosystems in the eastern Mediterranean have been largely shaped by long-term grazing by domestic animals. Within the study area of GLOWA Jordan River, this has led to highly degaded systems, particularly in the West Bank and Jordan. Since overgrazing has most likely larger effects on long-term persistence of plant species and communities than climate change, management efforts to restore productivity and sustainabiliy of rangelands has to focus on grazing. In this subproject, we utilize the information on vegetation dynamic processes under different climatic conditions from the first project phase as well as a set of experiments to investigate means to restore overgrazed ecosystems. A set of exclosures and other experiments will be established along a steep climatic gradient in Jordan to investigate the potential of the natural vegetation to recover from overgrazing. Fieldwork will be conducted in Jordan during three consecutive growing seasons (Oct-May, respectively), with several trips to Israel for comparative studies. The candidate will develop a detailed research program on his/her own. The candidate should hold a Diploma or a Masters Degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Studies or related subjects. Special skills required include a good knowledge of plant population ecology and/or community ecology, ability to spend long periods in the field, good knowledge in statistics and experimental design, good communication skills and fluency in English. Place of employment will be at the Vegetation Management lab (Prof. Dr. Rüdiger Prasse) Hannover University, Germany. Payment will be according to the German standard tariff for public services (BAT II a /2) plus travel expences and per diem for the time of stay in Jordan or Israel. Please contact Rüdiger Prasse (prasse@land.uni-hannover.de) for further details. All positions: Candidates should send the following documents via Email to Prof. Katja Tielbörger (katja.tielboerger@uni-tuebingen.de) and the respective contact person for each project by July 15, 2005: 1) Statement of interest for one or more of the above positions Please indicate which position is of interest to you, why you are interested in the position(s) and which are your key skills/qualifications for the particular position. If you are interested in more that one position, please indicate and justify your preferences. 2) Curriculum Vitae. 3) Name and address (including Email) of two references. Posted: 6/7/05.

University of Tübingen: A PhD - position is available at the University of Tübingen, Germany, within a DFG-project dealing with the impact of disturbances on diversity of grassland plant communities. The project has started in August 2004 with a predominantly empirical part. We are now searching for a candidate who will be primarily responsible for modeling the response of grassland vegetation to disturbances at different spatial and temporal scales. In particular, we investigate the interaction of unpredictable, small-scale disturbances and regular, large-scale disturbances in determining coexistence of grassland plants. As a case study, we have selected species-rich meadows that are characterized by two kinds of disturbances: molehills and flooding. The empirical studies are conduced under the supervision of the University of Potsdam in wet meadows in the Federal State of Brandenburg, approx. 100km west of Berlin. The main component of the work will be modeling, based on the available data from the empirical study started in August 2004 and on results of an initial, small-scale model of plant-plant interactions. The questions to be answered by the modeling study are about the impact of timing of disturbance on a species' response and on the role of disturbances as mediators of coexistence between similar plant species. Furthermore, the scale-dependence of disturbance effects should be investigated with respect to the life history of selected model species. Despite the focus on theoretical work, the candidate should also perform several competition experiments with selected model species for parameterizing the model. The candidate should hold a Diploma or a Masters Degree in Biology or Ecology. Special skills required include a good knowledge of spatial ecological modeling (C++), plant population ecology and/or community ecology and a good knowledge of statistics and experimental design. The candidate is expected to closely cooperate with the second PhD – student from the University of Potsdam. The position is initially limited to one year, starting on August 15, 2005. However, the project is scheduled for three years, and will be evaluated in April 2006. After positive evaluation, the position will be extended by another two years. Place of employment will be at the Plant Ecology lab (Prof. Dr. Katja Tielbörger) at the University of Tübingen with co-supervision by our collaborators at Potsdam University (Prof. Dr. Florian Jeltsch). Payment will be according to the German standard tariff for public services (BAT II a /2). Please contact Katja Tielbörger for further details (katja.tielboerger@uni-tuebingen.de). Candidates should send the following documents via e-mail to Prof. Dr. Katja Tielbörger (katja.tielboerger@uni-tuebingen.de) by July 10, 2005: 1) Statement of interest; 2) Curriculum Vitae, including key skills; 3) Name and address (including Email) of two references. Posted: 6/7/05.

University of Vermont: I am seeking graduate students interested in the general research areas of plant population and community ecology to join my lab in September 2005. Research in the lab includes both theoretical and experimental plant population and communiy ecology. Students whose interests include the evolution of invasive ability, and the role of spatial processes in maintaining diversity are especially encouraged to apply. Graduate stipends, which are guaranteed for the entire length of your PhD are $21,500 per year and includes health insurance coverage. Interested students are asked to submit a CV, a copy of academic transcripts and contact information for three references to Jane.Molofsky@uvm.edu. Posted: 5/3/05.

University of Vermont: The Department of Botany has several graduate teaching fellowships available for qualified students interested in pursuing a Ph.D. degree specializing in the ecology and evolution of plants. The current stipend for a Ph.D. student is $21,500 and includes health insurance and a tuition waver. Areas of faculty interest and current research in our Department include ecological modeling, ecology and evolution of invasive species, evolutionary computation, fire ecology, global climate change effects on forests, plant population biology, theoretical ecology. Our ecologists and evolutionary biologists make use of the abundant natural areas in Vermont, from Lake Champlain to the summits of the Green Mountains. For more information please visit http://www.uvm.edu/~plantbio/ or contact members of our faculty. Posted: 12/16/04.

University of Wisconsin: One PhD Assistantships in remote sensing and conservation biology in the Department of Forest Ecology and Management. Eastern Europe has undergone dramatic changes in land use and land cover since the breakdown of the USSR in 1990. In some regions, more than half of the agricultural land is out of production and succession to shrublands and forests is widespread. This offers unique opportunities for biodiversity conservation. Recent land cover changes have created a unique 'natural experiment' to test hypotheses on the relative importance of environmental versus socioeconomic factors as drivers of land use change. In this project we will (1) Monitor land use and land cover change (LULCC) in Eastern Europe from 1985 to 2002 using MODIS and Landsat satellite data; (2) Examine the role of socioeconomics and political changes as primary drivers of LULCC; (3) Examine effects of LULCC in Eastern Europe on habitat availability for umbrella species of biodiversity; and (4) Spatially model future LULCC scenarios across Eastern Europe and examine potential biodiversity changes. One PhD student will focus on socioeconomic drivers of LULCC, the other on the effects on biodiversity. Both will conduct satellite image analysis. The project is funded by NASA and will be conducted in close collaboration with an existing network of scientists throughout Eastern Europe. Current annual stipend is $17,772, plus tuition remission and health care benefits. Financial support is provided by NASA and available for three years. Positions area available immediately, but a start date as late as Fall of 2005 may be negotiable. A MS degree in geography, environmental science, forestry, wildlife ecology, or other related disciplines is required. Applicants with a BS degree may be considered if substantial relevant experience can be shown. A solid working knowledge of remote sensing, GIS, and statistics software is also required. Good English writing and verbal communication skills, as well as the ability to work in a team, are essential. Knowledge of a Slavic language, and familiarity with Eastern Europe is a plus. Applications received by January 15th, 2005 will be guaranteed consideration. For application procedures and more information, contact Volker Radeloff (radeloff@wisc.edu). Note: V. Radeloff will be out of the country in June 2005. For initial inquiries during my travels please contact Alexander Prishchepov, PhD student on the project (a.prishchepov@okstate.edu). Posted: 12/10/04, revised: 6/13/05.

University of Wisconsin: The Dept. of Forest Ecology & Mgmt. invites applications for a highly motivated PhD candidate to study the effects of insect herbivory on long-term forest carbon cycling and succession using satellite remote sensing data and forest landscape modeling. The successful candidate will join a multi-disciplinary research team from UW-Madison (Drs. Mladenoff, Scheller), the University of Maryland (Dr. Phil Townsend), and the US Forest Service (Drs. Brian Sturtevant, William Mattson) with funding from NASA. The student will be responsible for integrating data acquired from MODIS into the forest landscape simulation model, LANDIS-II. The student will be responsible for designing and executing scenarios of insect herbivory, harvesting, and natural disturbance for multiple landscapes. The student will matriculate with Dr. David J. Mladenoff and will become a member of the Forest Landscape Ecology Laboratory. We seek a candidate with the following skills: * Educational background in Landscape/Forest Ecology and Forest/Ecosystem Modeling. * Interest/experience in forest ecology, carbon cycle dynamics, insect herbivory, ecosystem modeling, remote sensing. * Proficiency in conducting independent scientific research. * Ability to write papers and publish in peer-reviewed scientific literature. * Programming ability in C, C++ or C#. * Proficiency with GIS software (e.g. ArcMap/Info) and statistical analysis software. Potential applicants should submit a CV and statement of research interests to Dr. Robert Scheller at rmscheller@wisc.edu. A graduate research assistantship is available for a 3-year period that includes an annual stipend ($17,950) and a tuition waiver. Preferred start date: January 2005. Please submit all materials by October 8, 2004. Posted: 8/18/04, revised: 9/13/04.

University of Wisconsin: Graduate Student Assistantships in Plant-insect-virus interactions. We are seeking 2 qualified prospective graduate students to participate on federally-funded projects examining (1) the movement of viruses across the landscape as mediated by aphid dispersal and the role of non-crop plants as reservoirs for viruses, and (2) complex interactions between beetles, aphids, and viruses sharing the same host plant. Prospective students (MS or PhD level) need to be admitted into the Entomology graduate program at UW-Madison. Preferable starting time is late 2004 – early 2005. Interested applicants should send a CV and cover letter with list of three referees to Claudio Gratton (gratton@entomology.wisc.edu). Posted: 7/30/04.

University of Wyoming: Ecosystem ecology graduate assistantships available with Dr. Elise Pendall, Department of Botany and Program in Ecology. Two projects, both applying stable isotopes, need dedicated M.S. or Ph.D. students: 1) Trace carbon cycling through a native grassland exposed to elevated carbon dioxide; 2) Deduce paleoclimate -vegetation - hydrology interactions in northern deciduous forests. Preferred qualifications include prior laboratory and field experience and an interest in quantitative ecological methods. Other ongoing projects in the lab include isotope dendrochronology for reconstructing drought, carbon cycling in sagebrush steppe following prescribed burning, and trace gas fluxes in wetlands in Panama and Romania. Please apply directly to UW Graduate School by Feb. 1, 2005 after contacting Dr. Pendall for more information (Pendall@uwyo.edu; 307-766-6293). Posted: 11/16/04.

University of Wyoming: Two PhD graduate assistantships are available immediately in the Department of Renewable Resources to investigate physiology of semiarid grassland and shrubland ecosystems in southeastern Arizona. The two NSF-funded projects focus on ecosystem water and carbon exchange dynamics associated with woody plant encroachment into grassland. The projects rely heavily on stable isotope techniques for partitioning evapotranspiration and carbon exchange fluxes. Students will have affiliation with the University of Wyoming Stable Isotope Facility and may choose to apply to one of several PhD programs at the University of Wyoming, including Rangeland Ecology and Watershed Management, Botany, or the interdepartmental Program in Ecology. Preferred applicants will have appropriate background in plant physiology, ecology, botany, geochemistry, micrometeorology, or a related discipline. Stipend is $16,338 (11-months) and includes tuition, fees, and health insurance. Interested persons should send a short CV, letter of interest, and names and contact information for three references to: Dr. David G. Williams (dgw@uwyo.edu), Department of Renewable Resources, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, 82071. Posted: 7/29/04.

University of Zurich: Profs. Bernhard Schmid, Andy Hector and Dr. Lindsay Turnbull of the Institute of Enviromental Sciences will have from two to six new PhD positions to work in the area of 'Plant Biodiversity and Community Ecology' on study systems including European grasslands, tropical forests and sand dune annual plant communities. PhD degrees will be awarded from the University of Zurich but all projects are international collaborations with partner institutes including the Jena MPI-Biogeochemistry (Prof. E-D Schulze) and the Universities of Sheffield and Princeton. The Institute of Enviromental Sciences consists of approximately 60 members, from all over the world, investigating ecological and evolutionary questions on plants, animals and microbes. The Institute specializes in biodiversity, conservation biology and population and community ecology. The positions will be well resourced with research facilities including an experimental garden, new state-of-the-art glasshouse, CT rooms and molecular and ecological labs. The University of Zurich provides excellent facilities and a comprehensive Graduate Training Programmes in Ecology or Plant Sciences. The Institute also has good international links and many outside collaborations. Zurich is a cosmopolitan city with one of the highest quality of life ratings, easy access to mountains, skiing etc and good international connections. We are looking for well-motivated researchers with a good ecological training and qualifications. Experience in testing theory with well- designed experiments and in statistical analysis (R/S/Genstat) would be useful for all projects, and experience of ecological modelling and programming for some. The scientific working language is English and a good spoken and written level is required. German would be advantageous, especially for the projects with fieldwork in Jena, and Malay for the project in Borneo. PhD projects will be for an initial three years with salary ranging from 33 - 39,000 CHF (up to 25,000 Euro / 33,000 USD / 17,000 GBP). To apply: Initially send only a short (~1 page) cover letter describing research interests plus a short (~2 page) CV emphasizing recent education and relevant experience (including full contact details of referees) in a single file (NAME.CV.ext) to: ahector@uwinst.unizh.ch. Posted: 4/12/05.

Virginia Institute of Marine Science: Graduate Opportunities in Biogeochemistry and Chemical/Biological Oceanography. The VIMS School of Marine Science located in Gloucester Point, VA, is a graduate program at The College of William and Mary. Graduate faculty in the Departments of Physical and Biological Sciences are active in a wide range of basic and applied research areas. Interdisciplinary approaches are used to study the flow of energy and materials through aquatic systems from the local to the global scale. Specific research topics include water column and sediment processes related to nutrient cycling, organic geochemistry, contaminant transport and fate, isotope biogeochemistry, harmful algal blooms, and land-ocean interactions, among others, in environments ranging from rivers to the open ocean. Opportunities for student support include fellowships and assistantships, grant-supported research assistantships, teaching assistantships, and privately funded fellowships. In most cases tuition coverage and health insurance are also included. Virtually all SMS students receive financial support. SMS Admissions. Deadline for the fall semester is January 15. Posted: 11/30/04.

Virginia Tech: Ph.D. assistantship on frog habitat ecology. Seeking a doctoral student (pending funding) as part of an ongoing study of rare vertebrates in the longleaf pine ecosystem on the Florida panhandle. Graduate research would focus on breeding and non-breeding habitat use and movement biology of Florida bog frogs (Rana okaloosae). Responsibilities also would include collecting data to monitor changes in Florida bog frog and flatwoods salamander populations and to examine effects of fire, erosion from roads, and feral hog activity on amphibian habitats. Requirements: MS degree in Fisheries & Wildlife, Ecology, or related field. Successful applicants usually have an undergraduate GPA above 3.5 and GREs above 50th percentile. Experience with stream or wetland habitat assessment and management, movement studies, fire ecology, and southern pine savannas is desirable. Student must be comfortable working both day and night hours, on a military base, and as part of a team with diverse goals and responsibilities. Anticipated starting date: Summer or Fall 2005 or Jan 2006. To apply: Applicants should submit a letter of interest and a cv (including undergraduate and MS grade point average and GRE scores). Promising candidates will need to submit an official application to the graduate school. Contact information: Dr. Carola A. Haas, Department of Fisheries & Wildlife Sciences, Mail Code 0321, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24060, cahaas@vt.edu, 1-540-231-9269. Please put "bog frog grad position" in subject line of emails. Posted: 3/14/05.

Virginia Tech: Ph.D. opportunity in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences. The Florida population of Caracaras is threatened by conversion of native prairie and other grassland habitats to citrus, sugar cane and urban development. The goals of the study are to determine the habitat use and requirements of the sub-adult, juvenile, and non-breeding adult components of the population, to investigate the adaptive value of gathering areas and to design conservation recommendations for this threatened species. This will be a cooperative effort between Virginia Tech, Trinity College, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and many private and public landowners. More information. Posted: 12/9/04.

Virginia Tech: Seeking a doctoral student to participate in a large-scale collaborative project to identify the mechanisms controlling understory biodiversity, resilience, and nutrient processes in managed Appalachian forest ecosystems. We have installed a stand-level replicated experiment comparing seven silvicultural alternatives. The current work would focus on influence of understory characteristics on salamander abundance and condition, effects of additional small-scale disturbance on salamander populations, and the role of salamanders in leaf litter decomposition and nutrient cycling. Responsibilities: Student must be willing to work in a team with students and faculty from departments of Biology, Forestry, and Wood Science and Forest Products as well as with employees of the US Forest Service and timber industry. Field work involves supervising a crew while sampling during rainy nights and requires extensive overnight travel at short notice in western VA and central WV. Applicants should submit a letter of interest and a c.v. (including undergraduate and M.S. grade point average and GRE scores, or these can be included separately). Successful applicants usually have an undergraduate GPA above 3.5 and GREs above 50th percentile. Promising candidates will need to submit an official application to the graduate school at Virginia Tech. Anticipated Starting Date: Summer or Fall 2005. Contact information: Dr. Carola A. Haas, Department of Fisheries & Wildlife Sciences, Mail Code 0321, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24060, cahaas@vt.edu, 1-540-231-9269. Please put "Forestry and Salamanders grad position" in subject line of emails. Posted: 9/30/04.

Virginia Tech: Ph.D. Research Assistantship, Ecological Economics of Biodiversity Conservation. The Virginia Tech College of Natural Resources, Northern Virginia Campus, has an immediate opportunity for a Ph.D. student to conduct research pertaining to the ecological economics of biodiversity conservation at the national or global level. The preferred candidate will have a background in ecological macroeconomics, steady state economics, and conservation biology. The relationship of establishing a steady state economy to biodiversity conservation or other aspects of ecological and economic sustainability will be the general topic of study. Graduate Research Assistants at the Ph.D. level are provided an annual stipend of approximately $18,500 and annual tuition. Please contact Brian Czech if you are interested in the assistantship: Brian Czech, Adjunct Professor, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Northern Virginia Campus, 1021 Prince Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314. Phone: 703-998-5288, Brianczech@juno.com. Posted: 8/11/04.

West Virginia University: M.S. or Ph.D. Assistantship is available to study the effects of forest management and atmospheric deposition on organic matter dynamics and nutrient cycling. Graduate student assistantship, tuition waiver, and health benefits are provided, as is a friendly atmosphere in the department, and plenty of outdoor opportunities in the area. For more information, please contact Dr. Kate Piatek, Division of Forestry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, kathryn.piatek@mail.wvu.edu, or by phone: (304) 293-2941 ext. 2411. Posted: 4/1/05.

West Virginia University: I have a position available for a graduate student to pursue a M.S. in ecosystem ecology. The student will assist with a two-year NSF award to examine carbon sequestration in forests of central Appalachia by measuring root productivity, soil carbon pools, and soil respiration. Field work will be conducted on watersheds under different management practices at the Fernow Experimental Forest near Parsons, WV (~1.5 hrs from Morgantown). Ideally recipients will start work in May 2005. All M.S. students admitted as regular graduate students to the biology department receive $9,470 for nine months in compensation for their services as a teaching assistant during the academic year. Biology graduate students are also given full waivers of tuition and most fees. Summer support will be available for at least two years, and probably longer, for a student working on this project. Interested individuals should apply to the graduate program in biology at WVU by March 1, 2005. Application information and additional information about the biology department can be found at www.as.wvu.edu/biology. In addition to completing the application for entrance into our graduate program, a letter expressing interest should be sent directly to Dr. William T. Peterjohn, Department of Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506-6057. bpj@wvu.edu, 304-293-5201 x 31510. Posted: 2/4/05.

West Virginia University: MS or PhD student is wanted to assist with an NSF-sponsored terrestrial carbon sequestration study using tree rings and USDA Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) data. The student will perform one season of fieldwork in the Fernow Experimental Forest, West Virginia to describe the recent history of primary productivity in watersheds with different forest management histories. Student will also assist with analysis of FIA data. This is an interdisciplinary project that will require the student to collaborate with ecologists and econometric modelers to investigate the relationships between human institutions and ecosystem processes. Applicant should have a demonstrated interest in terrestrial carbon dynamics, tree rings, ecosystem studies, or human-environment relations. In addition, fieldwork experience, knowledge of database software and/or knowledge of eastern deciduous forests would be helpful. Two years (four semesters) of funding are available for either a MS ($1037/mo) or a PhD ($1394/mo) student. Student would begin June 2005. Student tuition ($3564 [resident] or $10,016 [non-resident]) will be waived. In addition, the student may compete for a one-time salary cap of up to $3000 from the WVU College of Arts and Sciences. To supplement the research assistantship, applicants may also compete (and will likely be competitive) for one of several teaching assistant positions available in the department. Application Deadline Feb. 14, 2005. Please send a resume/C.V. or contact Dr. Amy Hessl for more information: Amy Hessl, Department of Geology and Geography, West Virginia University, Box 6300, Morgantown, WV 26506. ahessl@geo.wvu.edu, 304-293-5603 ext. 4344. Posted: 9/17/04, revised 1/10/05.

Wright State University: A Ph.D. research assistantship is available on a collaborative NSF research project with Dr. Yvonne Vadeboncoeur (Wright State) and Dr. Jake Vander Zanden (University of Wisconsin, Madison). Lake edges are a nexus of human-ecosystem interactions and may harbor the majority of freshwater biodiversity. This collaborative project will describe the changes in littoral contributions to lake food webs across a lake-size gradient and compare biotic diversity and patterns of energy flow in littoral versus pelagic habitats. Field research will be conducted each summer at the University of Wisconsin Trout Lake Station in Northern WI. The study lakes are part of the North Temperate Lakes Long-Term Ecological Research Site. There are rich opportunities at Trout Lake Station for interactions with students and researchers from UWM, University of Notre Dame, and other universities. During the academic year the student will be based at Wright State in Dayton, Ohio and will participate in the multi-disciplinary Environmental Sciences Ph.D. program. Five years of support are available beginning May 2005. This includes a three year Research Assistantship on the project grant and two years of support from the Environmental Sciences Ph.D. program. Qualifications: A masters degree in some area of Ecology is desired. However, highly competitive students with a Bachelor degree and research experience are also encouraged to apply. The successful applicant must be willing to become SCUBA certified. The Environmental Sciences Ph.D. at Wright State University is a multi-disciplinary program with faculty in Biology, Geology, Chemistry, and Physics. Contact Information: Send inquiries to Dr. Yvonne Vadeboncoeur at Wright State University (yvonne.vadeboncoeur@wright.edu). Final approval for the position is contingent on acceptance into the Environmental Sciences Ph.D. program. Posted: 3/7/05.

Wright State University: Our Environmental Sciences Ph.D. Program provides a strong interdisciplinary focus on stressor fate and effects in 3 areas of faculty expertise: Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry, Environmental Stressors, and Environmental Geophysics and Hydrogeology. The ES program began in 2002 and is a program of excellence with internationally recognized research. Research and Teaching Assistantships are available (>$18,000 stipend + tuition & fee waiver). In addition, the prestigious YSI Fellowship is available for $25,000 (+ tuition & fee waiver) to outstanding applicants. Students are encouraged to apply to the program and for financial awards with either a B.S. or M.S. degree from a relevant major (e.g., biology, chemistry, geology, physics, toxicology, environmental sciences). There is no deadline for applications, however review of applications will begin in January with awards made at any time. For more information contact the program director, Dr. Wayne Carmichael (wayne.carmichael@wright.edu). Posted: 9/17/04.

Assistantships and Fellowships | Fellowship Program Links | Short Courses

Fellowship Program Links:

• Canon National Parks Science Scholars Program for the Americas
• Ford Foundation and Howard Hughes Medical Institute
• NASA Earth System Science Fellowship Program
• NASA Graduate Student Researchers Program
• NASA Harriett G. Jenkins Pre-doctoral Fellowship Program National Academies Christine Mirzayan Internship Program
• National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship Program
• National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program
• NSF/New England Wild Flower Society Fellowship Program in Conservation Biology
• National Wildlife Federation Campus Ecology Fellowship Program
• Organization for Tropical Studies
• Rainforest Alliance Kleinhans Fellowship
• Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarships
• Smithsonian Environmental Research Center
• Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Opportunities
• US Department of Energy Global Change Education Program
• US EPA STAR Fellowships

Assistantships and Fellowships | Fellowship Program Links | Short Courses

Short Courses:

Integrative Biology and Adaptation of Antarctic Marine Organisms: This National Science Foundation sponsored course will be held in Antarctica at the United States' McMurdo Station for one month, starting January 2006. This is an international course, open to all nationalities. Applications are invited from graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and other research scientists who are interested in the study of extreme environments and the biology of Antarctic organisms. The course will accommodate up to 20 students. Full scholarships are available to each student accepted into the course to cover the cost of travel from home institution to Antarctica, and room and board while in Antarctica. The emphasis of the Antarctic Biology Course is on integrative biology, with laboratory- and field-based projects focused on adaptations in an extreme polar environment. A diverse teaching faculty will offer students the possibility of working on a wide range of Antarctic organisms (bacteria, algae, invertebrates, and fish), as well as working at several different levels of biological analysis (molecular biology, physiological ecology, species diversity, and evolution). Deadline for receipt of completed applications is September 1, 2005. For more information and on-line applications, please see --http://antarctica.usc.edu/. Posted: 7/1/05.

Counting Critters: 16-21 October 2005, Disney's Animal Kingdom, Orlando, Florida, USA. This five-day workshop will introduce participants to the most important methods of estimating animal abundance in a rigorous but accessible way. In the first half of the workshop, we cover plot sampling, distance sampling, mark-recapture and removal methods. We explain the common key statistical concepts underlying the methods, use custom-written simulation software to understand how the methods work, and discuss which method to use when. In the second half, we focus on distance sampling in more detail. We discus practical issues such as use of the software Distance, field methods and survey design. The workshop is aimed at anyone who needs to estimate wildlife density or abundance, and is taught by leading researchers from the Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling at the University of St Andrews, Scotland. Registration for this workshop is now open. Since our previous workshops in the USA have been oversubscribed, register as soon as possible. For more details, please see http://www.ruwpa.st-and.ac.uk/counting.critters/ or contact Rhona Rodger, Workshop Organizer, CREEM, University of St Andrews, The Observatory, St. Andrews, Scotland KY16 9LZ. Tel:+44 1334 461842. Fax: +44 1334 461800. Email: rhona@mcs.st-and.ac.uk. Posted: 5/16/05.

Likelihood Methods in Forest Ecology: The Institute of Ecosystem Studies will offer an intensive 9-day course in the use of likelihood methods in forest ecology on Oct 18-28, 2005. The methods provide a powerful tool for linking models and data, and provide a more flexible alternative to traditional, parametric statistical analyses. The course will be co-taught by Dr. Charles Canham (IES) and Dr. Maria Uriarte (Columbia University). Location and fees: The course will be taught on the grounds of the Institute, in Millbrook, NY. The $950 course fee includes 2 weeks of housing in a dormitory at the Institute, as well as lunches and refreshments on the 9 days of instruction. The course fee must be submitted by Sept. 16, 2005. The fee will be non-refundable for cancellations after October 1, 2005. Course description: The goal of the course is to introduce students to the concepts and methods of use of likelihood and information theory in data analysis. The labs will focus on the use of software tools (principally S-Plus and R) that allow the students to construct their own analyses. Students will be encouraged to bring their own datasets for use in individual projects during the second week of the course. Most of the examples used in the course will be drawn from forest ecology. More information can be found at www.ecostudies.org/lmfe.html Target audience and prerequisites: The course is intended for graduate students, post-docs, and practicing scientists. An undergraduate or graduate level background in statistics is desired, but the course will teach the basic principles of probability theory required for the methods. Registration and class size: Class size will be limited to 16 students. To register, send an e-mail to Charles Canham at ccanham@ecostudies.org containing your name, mailing address, e-mail address, phone number and a brief statement of your research interests. Please put "2005 Likelihood Course Registration" in the subject line of the message. Posted: 4/29/05.

Stream Geomorphology and Ecology: On behalf of the STREAMS program of the Ohio State University we would like to announce the upcoming workshop series entitled Geomorphology and Ecology of Stream Systems. Workshops will be held in Columbus, Ohio on June 7-10, 2005 and in Monroe, Michigan on August 16-19, 2005. The instructors for these workshops are well known scientists in the fields of environmental engineering; stream hydrology and geomorphology; and stream ecology. These technical workshops are designed for environmental engineers, restoration ecologists, environmental consultants, watershed planners, and environmental regulators. Up to 3 Continuing Education Units are available to workshop participants. More information on these workshops can be found at http://streams.osu.edu. Posted: 3/31/05.

Hancock Biological Station: HBS on Kentucky Lake will be offering 7 courses in its 33rd annual summer program. The courses are: Principles of Ecology, Advanced Field Biology, Stream Ecology, Field Botany, Field Entomology, Ornithology, Limnology. All of the courses are taught in one 5-week session from May 31 to July 2. Each course meets two full days per week allowing students to take two courses during the session. Courses are 4 credit hours each. For further information on the courses, schedules, housing, etc. please go to our web site or e-mail us at Gerry.Harris@murraystate.edu. Posted: 3/30/05.

Environmental Conservation and Sustainable Development: five week summer course from June 6-July 8, 2005, held in the Republic of Panama by Conservation through Research Education and Action (CREA), a registered educational not for profit organisation, in collaboration with Florida State University Panama has one of the highest rates of economic development in Latin America yet suffers from one of the world's highest rates of tropical deforestation and financial inequality among its citizens. This program is intended to provide students with exposure to the multidisciplinary problems and solutions in the area of conservation and development, and offers the opportunity to combine interdisciplinary course work with field experience and independent research. Application procedure and further details. Posted: 3/23/05.

Mountain Studies: The Mountain Studies Institute (MSI) in Silverton, Colorado offers summer courses for credit in the heart of the beautiful San Juan Mountains. [More information] Contact Koren Nydick (970-387-5161, koren@mountainstudies.org) for more information. Posted: 3/17/05.

Natural History Workshops: at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Field Station. These workshops offer an opportunity to study focused topics at college-level instruction under the guidance of noted authorities. Most workshops present two full days of instruction, and housing and meals are available at the Station. Enrollment is limited to 20; the atmosphere is informal and instruction is individualized. Workshops may be taken for graduate or undergraduate credit by enrolling in UWM, Topics in Field Biology. More information and registration form. Posted: 3/16/05.

Environmental Statistics: Several upcoming short courses online at statistics.com may be of interest to environmental scientists: 1) "Statistics of Environmental Impact Assessment" with Bryan Manly, April 29–May 27. 2) "Toxicological Risk Assessment" with Webster West, June 3–July 1. 3) "Logistic Regression" with Joseph Hilbe, April 22–May 20. Each course lasts four weeks and consists of a series of four weekly lessons (assigned readings and/or notes, plus exercises). Direct interaction (Q&A) with the instructor over the four week period takes place via a private discussion board. There are no set hours when participants must be online. Note: Those whose basic statistics needs brushing up can take "Introduction to Statistics" with Robert Haywood, starting March 18. This is a 3-week course that covers basic topics in statistical inference. Details and registration. Posted: 10/21/04, revised: 3/10/05.

New Advances in Ecological Risk Assessment: April 11- 15, 2005, Duke University Marine Lab, Beaufort, North Carolina. Program Description: Ecological risk assessment (ERA) has become the basic paradigm for environmental decision-making within government and industry. Consequently, the science and application of ERA is advancing rapidly. This course will provide participants with both an overview of the basics of ERA and discussion of current methods, approaches, and issues. The course covers both aquatic and terrestrial environments, and draws upon case study illustrations in both settings. Materials are presented in classroom lectures and computer demonstrations where students can interact with instructors while implementing actual risk assessment methods with environmental monitoring data. This four and one-half day course will provide an overview of ERA in the U.S. and Europe, and major topics covered include: Aquatic ERA, Terrestrial ERA, Ecological Toxicology, and Statistics. Tuition: $1,050 on or before March 21, 2005 ($1,150 after March 21, 2005) Covers registration, instructional materials, and lunch and break foods each day on campus. More information. Posted: 3/4/05.

Advanced Conservation GIS and Remote Sensing: The Smithsonian Conservation and Research Center is offering the following course: Measuring Landcover Change and its Impact on Endangered Species. April 25-29 and November 7-11, 2005. This one-week course provides conservationists with an opportunity to learn how GIS and remote sensing can be used to assess the conservation status of endangered species. Each participant will be provided with their own desktop computer for all lab exercises. During the hands-on exercises participants will use the Internet, ArcView, ArcView Spatial Analyst, ERDAS Imagine, Fragstats, and other spatial analysis programs. Instructors will lead participants step-by-step through the process of: * conduct a regional conservation assessment using GIS to determine critical conservation areas for an endangered species; * acquiring multi-date satellite imagery to quantify land cover change and to map the extent of the remaining habitat; * using landscape analysis to determine optimal landscape configurations for conserving the endangered species. More details and registration information. The CRC also offers an introductory course, GIS and Remote Sensing for Wildlife Managers, April 18-22, 2005, and October 31-November 4, 2005. Revised: 3/2/05.

Arctic Field Ecology: 26 July - 18 August 2005. This course is offered by the University of Minnesota Itasca Field Biology Program and sponsored by NSF and the International Institute of Tropical Forestry. The course integrates research, education, and traditional ecological knowledge. This summer (2005) the class will visit a number of sites along a climatic gradient in the Canadian Arctic. We will investigate the variation in ecosystem pattern and process from the high to the low Arctic. As a first step we will establish a research camp on Ellef Ringnes Island in the High Arctic. Here we will work with an integrated group of scientists on the project "Biocomplexity of Frost Boil Ecosystems". While on Ellef Ringnes students will have the opportunity to work and learn in the field with soil scientists, climatologists, and vegetation and ecosystem ecologists involved in the project. We will also briefly visit research sites established over the past two years on Banks Island and on Prince Patrick Island. Following our visit to the High Arctic we will establish a 7-10 day youth-elder-science camp in the Bathurst Inlet area of the central Canadian Arctic. The goal of this camp will be to learn about the arctic landscape from the diverse perspectives of elders and scientists and to explore ways to share both traditional and scientific ecological knowledge with Inuit youth. Dates: Six students and staff will arrive in Inuvik, Canada by July 26th. Travel will be by charter flight to Ellef Ringnes from Inuvik. We will return to Inuvik on August 9th and fly commercially to Yellowknife, Canada. From there we will charter to Bathurst Inlet and return to Yellowknife on August 18th. Dates are subject to minor changes. Credits Offered: Five. Instructors: Bill Gould (landscape ecologist) and Grizelle González (soil ecologist). Course Cost: $3000 USD and includes tuition, food, nonpersonal camping supplies and all charter costs. Commercial flight cost will not be covered by course fees. For more information contact the instructors (wgould@fs.fed.us, ggonzalez@fs.fed.us). Full program description and application. Posted: 3/2/05.

Ecological Field Methods in the Rainforest: 2-19 August 2005. A field course in the southern Peruvian rainforest for advance undergraduate/beginning graduate students to learn the methodologies for rainforest ecological studies. Sponsored by Central Connecticut State University, The Natural History Museum of Cusco, Peru and the nonprofit organization Oicos Habitare. This course is a chance for students to gain an in-depth, hands-on experience in conducting biological research in the Peruvian rainforest. In its fourth year, the program was developed for biology majors and other students that have a background in biology and wish to increase their knowledge of field biology and ecology. The aim of the program is for students to learn about, practice, and conduct original biological research in one of the most species diverse areas of the world. Participants will learn ecological methods for the study of plants, mammals, insects, birds, and reptiles and amphibians. Before the departure date, students will indicate which organismal groups that they have the most interest in: a) plants, b) insects, c) mammals, d) birds, e) reptiles and amphibians. Five different instructors (four Peruvian plus Tiffany Doan of CCSU) will be in charge of the different organismal groups. The first two days of the course will have lectures by Dr. Doan and Mr. Nuñez about general rainforest ecology. For the remaining time students will be divided into organismal groups. Each day one instructor will give a general lecture regarding their organismal group to the entire class. Later that day all instructors will give more specific lectures to their group. Students will go out in the field once with each instructor and multiple times within their own group. At the end of the program students will participate in a cultural excursion to the southern Peruvian desert to visit the archaeological sites of the Nazca Lines and the Nazca Cemetery, and the natural attractions of the Islas Ballestas in the Pacific Ocean. Costs: The fee will be $1795 (plus tuition if you wish to receive credit). This fee includes all transportation from Hartford (price different if from another gateway city), all accommodations, all entrance fees, and meals while at the research station and breakfasts in the southern desert. Not included are meals while traveling, lunch and dinner in the southern desert, airport taxes (approximately $43 per person), and textbooks. Students will be required to bring a tent for camping during the program. Tents may be shared among several students. Requirements for participation: fluency in English, a flexible attitude that does not mind getting dirty for the sake of science, some camping experience, at least two college biology courses taken, or permission of the international coordinator. For further information and application materials please see the course website or contact Tiffany Doan at DoanTiM@ccsu.edu. The application deadline 1 April 2004. Posted: 2/23/05.

Mathematics and Field Ecology Summer Program: 13 June - 29 July, for Undergraduate and Graduate Students. This summer Michigan State University's Kellogg Biological Station (KBS) will continue a summer program called ELME, Enhancing Linkages between Mathematics and Ecology. ELME is a course-work based research experience designed for students with little formal training in mathematics, but with an interest in applying mathematics to questions in ecology and evolution. Students can take 3 one-week math courses on topics that are relevant to ecology/evolution and then apply these tools in a field ecology/evolution course. The courses will be taught by KBS resident faculty and faculty recruited from around the country for their expertise in linking math and ecology. Mathematics 1-week courses: Introduction to Theoretical Population Biology - MTH 490.431 Robin E. Snyder, Case Western Reserve University June 13 - June 17. Integrating Theoretical and Empirical Ecology: Philosophy, Design, and Analysis - MTH 490.432 Brian D. Inouye, Florida State University June 20 - June 24 Maximum Likelihood Analysis in Ecology - MTH 490.433 Chad E. Brassil, Kellogg Biological Station, MSU June 27 - July 1 Ecology 4-week course: Field Ecology and Evolution - ZOL/PLB 440 Gary Mittelbach and Jeff Conner, Kellogg Biological Station, MSU July 6 - July 29. Undergraduate Fellowships ($2500, plus housing, travel, and tuition) are available for students enrolling in the full ELME program. Graduate scholarships are available for tuition and housing. Students can enroll in a subset of the ELME courses if that better fits their needs and schedules. The extended application deadline for enrollment and scholarships is 18 March 2005. Posted: 2/3/05, revised: 3/3/05.

Dendroecology: May 23 – June 3. This 12-day intensive course will introduce students to basic theory and techniques of dendrochronology, with applications to forest ecology. Lectures, laboratory training, and a multi-day field trip including data collection are integral to the course and learning strategy. The course will be based at the Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research on the campus of the University of Arizona in Tucson. Course readings will be drawn primarily from the published literature. Students may be required to purchase a supplemental reading packet at the beginning of the class. The class is designed for working professionals in forest ecology and management, as well as graduate or advanced undergraduate students with an interest in the field and suitable background. Registration and logistics. The course can be taken for 3 units of undergraduate or graduate credit by registering with the University of Arizona for GEOS (Geosciences) 597k. Registration will be limited to 20 students. Tuition for the course will be approximately $680, payable to the University of Arizona upon submission of the application form and acceptance into the course. On-campus housing is available near the LTRR and must be arranged separately. The course fee includes meals and accommodations during the field trip only. Instructors. Donald A. Falk, 206 West Stadium, 626-7201, dafalk@u.arizona.edu, Thomas W. Swetnam, 206 West Stadium, 626-7911, tswetnam@u.arizona.edu. The course will run Monday, May 23 through Friday June 3, sequentially with a short-course in wood anatomy taught the previous week by Fritz Schweingruber. For more information: Please contact Don Falk, LTRR, 105 West Stadium, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721 USA. Phone 520-626-7201, email dafalk@u.arizona.edu. Posted: 1/21/05.

Ecology of Wildlife Diseases: Summer Session I: May 31-June 24, 2005. This course will focus on the ecology and evolution of parasites in wild animal populations. Students will obtain hands-on experience with field, quantitative and laboratory techniques in a diversity of systems including insects, birds, amphibians, small mammals and other wildlife near MLBS. The Mountain Lake Biological Station is a dynamic research and teaching environment formally affiliated with the University of Virginia, and located in the Appalachian Mountains. Both graduate students and advanced undergraduates are encouraged to apply. Tuition scholarships and service awards that cover room and board are available. For more information on courses, tuition, fees and an online application see: www.mlbs.org. Posted: 1/13/05.

Stable Isotopes in Ecology: University of Utah, June 12-24, 2005. These will be multi-instructor lecture (Biology 7473, morning) and laboratory (Biology 7475, afternoon) short courses offered to 20 graduate students and postdoctoral investigators interested in learning more about the application of stable isotopes at natural abundance levels for environmental and ecological studies. For full details, see http://ehleringer.net/bio7473.html. Applications will be accepted until February 14, 2005. Posted: 1/10/05.

Multivariate Analysis of Ecological Data: 19 - 30 July, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic. At the moment, we have about half of the available places booked. This is an intensive course (with work in the mornings, afternoons, as well as most of the evenings) - 9 days of lectures, practicals and individual work on your own datasets. We focus on constrained ordination (CCA and RDA methods), but other topics (PCA, DCA, NMDS, cluster analysis, TWINSPAN, GLM, GAM) are also covered. Two participants always share one computer, but in times allocated to individual work on mini-projects, you can work with your notebook. For full details, see: http://regent.jcu.cz. Posted: 12/9/04.

Biodiversity Assessment and Monitoring: The Smithsonian Institution's Monitoring and Assessment of Biodiversity Program (MAB) is offering two professional training courses for international scientists, resource managers and educators. Both courses will be held in Front Royal, Virginia at the National Zoo's Conservation and Research Center. The Biodiversity Assessment and Monitoring Course provides participants with monitoring techniques for vegetation, herps, birds, mammals, aquatic environments, and arthropods. It is a five-week intensive course and will be held May 8 - June 10, 2005. The Environmental Leadership Course, September 11-23, 2005, teaches communication skills, problem solving techniques, and many other tools beneficial in achieving personal and environmental goals. More information. or contact Jennifer Sevin at sevinj@si.edu. Posted: 12/2/04.

Practical Remote Sensing Methods for Conservation Biologists: This course will be offered at the American Museum of Natural History's Southwestern Research Station located in the Chiricahua Mountains of southeastern Arizona from Monday 14 March to Friday 18 March 2005. The course will focus on the practical aspects of remote sensing with the goal of providing sufficient information so that participants will be able to download and display satellite imagery for their area of interest, learn to interpret the imagery by making the connection between abstract image information and the landscape, and use this information to support a range of conservation objectives. Participants will work with visual image products and an overview of the automated land cover classification process will be presented including an assessment of the advantages and drawbacks of these map products. The target audience is conservation researchers with little or no remote sensing experience. The fee for the course is $1,000 for a single participant and $1,700 for two participants willing to share a computer (space is limited to 7 desktops). The course fee includes room, board and instruction in the class. Those interested in participating in the course should send a short paragraph with the following information: Name, address, current position (student, academia, government, etc.), brief reason why you want to take this course, overview of prior GIS or remote sensing experience if any, and a brief description of a project you would like to work on if you have one in mind. Please send applications and questions about course logistics to Diane Smith, Southwestern Research Station, P.O. Box 16553, Portal, AZ 85632 or e-mail your application to dsmith@amnh.org. For information about the contents of the course please contact Ned Horning (horning@amnh.org). Posted: 1/5/05.

Meta Analysis in Ecology - An Introductory Practicum: In partnership with the G8 Legacy Chair, the University of Calgary is offering a primer workshop on meta-analysis in ecology. Dr. Jessica Gurevitch of Stony Brook University, NY will present the 3-day workshop held at the Kananaskis Field Stations - Barrier Lake Station in Calgary, Alberta, February 9-11, 2005. Full Announcement and Registration. Posted: 11/22/04.

Tropical Ecology: The Organization for Tropical Studies offers many graduate courses in Tropical Ecology. Courses last from 4-8 weeks and are taught in English, Spanish, or Portugese in Costa Rica and elsewhere. For full details, see the OTS web site: http://www.ots.duke.edu/en/education/courses.shtml. Revised: 11/18/04.

Introduction to Distance Sampling: Colorado State University, January 5-7, 2005. This introductory-level workshop will provide biologists with the basics in estimating density of a population using distance sampling theory. We will also introduce program DISTANCE, a software package for analyzing data derived from distance sampling surveys. Participants will be exposed to the philosophy behind density estimation from distance sampling data. Studies using line transects, point transects, trapping webs, and trapping lines will be described. Design considerations and the use of covariates in density estimation will also be covered. This workshop is intended for biologists with an interest in distance sampling. This workshop is particularly suited for those conducting terrestrial surveys, e.g., on antelope, tortoises, amphibians, and reptiles. Participants should be facile with the Windows computer interface and have a working knowledge of basic statistics. More information. Register by December 1, 2004. Posted: 11/18/04.

Tropical Ecosystems: Andes To Amazon: The Ceiba Foundation for Tropical Conservation announces its 3+ week summer field course in Ecuador from July 15 - August 7, 2005. This will be the fifth year the course is offered. During this intensive field ecology course, we explore some of the richest ecosystems on Earth, including lowland rainforest, tropical dry forest, montane cloud forest and high elevation páramo. The course emphasizes natural history and functional ecology of tropical ecosystems and ecological research methods. Ten days are spent at the remote Tiputini Biodiversity Station in the Ecuadorian Amazon. The objectives of the course are to: - provide an in-depth, field-based introduction to the major tropical ecosystems. - familiarize students with the identification and natural history of major characteristic groups of plants and animals. - provide hands-on experience in design of field experiments and a wide variety of methods for data collection. - give students an opportunity to conduct their own guided field research on a topic of their choice. The course can accommodate a maximum of 15 students. It is open to undergraduates, graduate students and other adult students with at least one prior course in ecology or biology, and an interest in conducting research or conservation work in the tropics. Opportunities for volunteer work and/or Spanish language training can be arranged for before or after the course. Academic credit can be arranged via independent study at the students' home institution or may be available through the University of Wisconsin. For detailed information including the full course schedule, cost and application instructions, visit http://www.ceiba.org/courses.htm Applications can be submitted online. The application deadline is May 1, 2005. Email courses@ceiba.org with any questions. Posted: 10/4/04.

Assistantships and Fellowships | Fellowship Program Links | Short Courses

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