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titles marked (MS) are for students seeking a master's degree, (PhD) are for students seeking a doctoral degree, | Please consider a voluntary contribution if you would like to post a job ad |
Assistantships and Fellowships | Fellowship Program Links | Short Courses | Summer Jobs
Featured Positions
| Location | Title | Closes | Posted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clemson University | Chemistry of plant metabolites at the root-soil interface (PhD) | 4/20/12 | 3/26/12 |
| North Carolina State University | Ecology of plant-aphid-parasitoid interactions | 2/2/12 | |
| Syracuse University | Plant Ecology and Global Change (2 PhD positions) | 1/31/12 | 8/1/11 |
| International Max Planck Research School for Organismal Biology (Germany) | Organismal Biology (PhD) | 1/15/12 | 11/15/11 |
| Pennsylvania State University | Ecosystem Carbon Cycling | 1/1/12 | 10/31/11 |
All Positions
| Location | Title | Closes | Posted |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of British Columbia (Canada) | Terrestrial Ecosystem Research | 12/1/12 | 6/27/12 |
| University du Québec à Trois-Rivières (Canada) | Isotopic Agroecology (PhD) | 9/1/12 | 6/25/12 |
| North Carolina State University | Population modeling of American Oystercatcher (PhD) | 7/25/12 | 4/24/12 |
| Lincoln University (New Zealand) | Modelling invasive species-landscape interactions (PhD) | 7/20/12 | 6/14/12 |
| Purdue University | Forest Ecosystem Dynamics (MS) | 7/15/12 | 5/21/12 |
| Université Laval (Canada) | Nutrient cycling in boreal forests (PhD) | 6/29/12 | |
| St Francis Xavier University | Biofouling Solutions for Marine Applications (MS) | 6/28/12 | |
| Old Dominion University | Root Imaging with Ground-Penetrating Radar | 6/25/12 | |
| Colby College | Biology Teaching Assistant | 6/25/12 | 6/14/12 |
| Clemson University | Disturbance Ecology (PhD) | 6/15/12 | |
| University of Guelph (Canada) | Insect-Plant Interactions & Pest Management | 6/15/12 | 5/30/12 |
| University of Adelaide (Australia) | Climate change effects on larval fish behavior (PhD) | 6/15/12 | 5/17/12 |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | Forestry, Climate Change, and Society | 6/14/12 | |
| Lincoln University (New Zealand) | Invasive Species Ecology (PhD) | 6/14/12 | 5/14/12 |
| University of Florida | Sustainable use of natural resources (PhD) | 6/11/12 | |
| Murray State University | Disturbance Ecology in Pine Savanna and Mississippi Floodplain (MS) | 6/8/12 | 5/10/12 |
| Oklahoma State University | Soil Invertebrate Ecology | 6/7/12 | |
| University of Texas-Brownsville | Plant and Ecosystem Ecology (MS) | 6/6/12 | |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | Distributional Shift of Snowshoe Hare (MS) | 6/1/12 | 5/10/12 |
| Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (Israel) | Community ecology and foraging ecology (PhD) | 6/1/12 | 5/1/12 |
| University of Louisiana at Monroe | Carbon Estimation (2 MS positions) | 6/1/12 | 4/25/12 |
| University of New Hampshire | Global Ecology (PhD) | 5/31/12 | |
| University of Florida | Wetland ecology and animal behavior (MS) | 5/30/12 | |
| Southern Cross University (Australia) | Biogeochemistry and Hydrology (PhD) | 5/30/12 | 4/25/12 |
| University of Guelph (Canada) | Ecology and evolution of migration | 5/29/12 | |
| Universidade de Coimbra (Portugal) | Reproduction of invasive weeds (PhD) | 5/29/12 | |
| University of Bayreuth (Germany) | Ecophysiology / Ecohydrology (PhD) | 5/29/12 | |
| University of Western Sydney (Australia) | Plant Ecophysiology: Eucalyptus free-air CO2 enrichment (PhD) | 5/25/12 | 5/2/12 |
| University of Western Sydney (Australia) | Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment scholarships (PhD) | 5/25/12 | 4/10/12 |
| Open University (UK) | Plant-Soil Interactions (PhD) | 5/21/12 | |
| South Dakota State University | Ecology and Management of Field Crop Insects (2 MS positions) | 5/18/12 | |
| University of Maine | Effects of forest management on birds (PhD) | 5/18/12 | |
| Ohio University | Plant Biology | 5/18/12 | |
| Texas Tech University | Wetland Ecology or Amphibian Ecology (PhD) | 5/18/12 | 4/3/12 |
| University of Wyoming | Recovery strategies for the Wyoming toad (MS) | 5/16/12 | |
| University of Idaho | Ecological Effects of Forest Bioenergy Harvests (PhD) | 5/16/12 | 4/24/12 |
| University of Texas-Brownsville | Wildlife Ecology (MS) | 5/14/12 | |
| Mississippi State University | Forest Soils (MS) | 5/14/12 | |
| Loyola University Chicago | Invasive Aquatic Species (MS) | 5/14/12 | |
| University of Zurich (Switzerland) | Arctic vegetation and energy balance (PhD) | 5/13/12 | 4/23/12 |
| Mississippi State University | Land use, water quality, and effects of extreme events (PhD) | 5/10/12 | |
| Southern Illinois University, Carbondale | Vertebrate physiological ecology | 5/10/12 | |
| North Dakota State University | Nanoparticles in plants (PhD) | 5/10/12 | |
| Clemson University | Reptile and amphibian communities in managed forests (MS) | 5/9/12 | |
| University of Texas-Brownsville | Freshwater Restoration Ecology (MS) | 5/7/12 | |
| Indiana University | Coastal Wetland Biogeochemistry and Climate Change (PhD) | 5/7/12 | |
| University of Louisiana at Monroe | Evolutionary ecology of land snails (MS) | 5/7/12 | |
| University of Western Sydney (Australia) | Telomeres and rate of living in mice (PhD) | 5/7/12 | |
| University of Canterbury (New Zealand) | Plant Physiology (PhD) | 5/4/12 | 4/10/12 |
| Minnesota State University | Evolution of mating systems in Galapagos lizards (MS) | 5/3/12 | |
| University of Arizona | Ecology of Green Infrastructure | 5/2/12 | |
| Oklahoma State University | Ecology of oak-pine savanna (2 MS positions) | 5/2/12 | |
| Oklahoma State University | Pine forest productivity–soil moisture and nutrition (MS) | 5/2/12 | |
| University of Maryland | Modeling impacts of sea level rise on coastal ecosystems | 5/2/12 | |
| Baylor University | Microbial Ecology | 5/1/12 | |
| Iowa State University | Bioenergy Crops and Water Quality (MS) | 5/1/12 | 4/16/12 |
| Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (Germany) | Global Land Use and Biodiversity (PhD) | 5/1/12 | 4/3/12 |
| University of North Dakota | Remote Sensing, Earth System Science and Policy (6 positions) | 5/1/12 | 3/9/12 |
| University of British Columbia (Canada) | Global change/social science research and communication | 4/30/12 | |
| North Dakota State University | Conservation Ecology | 4/30/12 | |
| Ramapo College of New Jersey | Sustainability Studies (MA) | 4/30/12 | |
| Clemson University | Behavioral thermoregulation, animal movement, thermal physiology, climate change | 4/24/12 | |
| Florida Atlantic University | Disturbance Ecology of the Everglades (MS) | 4/23/12 | |
| University of Idaho | Population monitoring using non-invasive genetic sampling (PhD) | 4/23/12 | 4/10/12 |
| Clemson University | Chemistry of plant metabolites at the root-soil interface (PhD) | 4/20/12 | 3/26/12 |
| Texas Tech University | Desert amphibian ecology (MS) | 4/17/12 | |
| Rice University | Ecology and Evolutionary Biology | 4/16/12 | |
| Utah State University | Arthropod-plant interactions and applied entomology (PhD) | 4/16/12 | |
| Idaho State University | Plant Physiological Ecology/Ecohydrology of Sagebrush Steppe Vegetation (MS) | 4/16/12 | |
| North Dakota State University | Biology education (PhD) | 4/16/12 | |
| Washington State University Vancouver | Butterfly ecology and conservation (2 positions) | 4/15/12 | 4/2/12 |
| University of New Brunswick (Canada) | Modelling/mapping Arctic permafrost (2 positions) | 4/15/12 | 4/2/12 |
| Clemson University | Small mammal ecology (MS) | 4/15/12 | 3/14/12 |
| Virginia Tech University | Coupled Human–Environmental systems, Water Quality and Health in Africa (PhD) | 4/15/12 | 3/6/12 |
| Black Hills State University | Plant ecological genetics/genomics (MS) | 4/15/12 | 2/2/12 |
| Colorado State University | Microbial Thresholds in Response to Global Change (PhD) | 4/14/12 | 4/10/12 |
| Leibniz-Institute for Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries | River ecology (PhD) | 4/12/12 | 3/29/12 |
| University of Montana | Modeling tree species distributions using paleoclimatic data (MS) | 4/11/12 | |
| University of Louisiana at Monroe | Soil microbe diversity (MS) | 4/10/12 | |
| University of Missouri | Water quality and urban forest C sequestration (2 PhD positions) | 4/10/12 | |
| University of New Hampshire | Aquatic ecosystem response to land use change | 4/10/12 | |
| University of Arizona | Grassland Restoration and Nesting Songbirds | 4/9/12 | 3/6/12 |
| Southern Illinois University, Carbondale | Water and Soil Quality in Agricultural Watersheds | 4/6/12 | |
| University of Georgia | Spatial Ecology and Deer Herbivory in Managed Forest Ecosystems (PhD) | 4/6/12 | |
| Oregon State University | Modeling Frog Population Dynamics | 4/4/12 | |
| Wilfrid Laurier University (Canada) | Effects of Permafrost Thaw on Forest Dynamics in the Taiga Plains (2 positions) | 4/3/12 | |
| South Dakota State University | Wetland plant ecology (MS) | 4/2/12 | |
| Mississippi State University | Fire Ecology (1 MS, 1 PhD) | 4/2/12 | |
| University of Western Australia | Ecophysiology of hummock grasses (PhD) | 4/2/12 | |
| Texas A&M University | Zoonotic disease ecology | 4/2/12 | 3/30/12 |
| Technische Universität München (Germany) | Community Ecology (PhD) | 4/1/12 | 2/16/12 |
| SUNY-ESF | Cottontail nutrition and parasitology (MS) | 4/1/12 | 2/14/12 |
| Kennesaw State University | Integrative Biology (MS) | 4/1/12 | 2/8/12 |
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock | Biology (MS) and Applied Biosciences (PhD) | 4/1/12 | 1/19/12 |
| East Carolina University | Molecular Geomicrobiology of the Deep Biosphere (PhD) | 4/1/12 | 1/6/12 |
| Tufts University | Conservation Medicine (MS) | 4/1/12 | 10/25/11 |
| University of Konstanz (Germany) | Plant Ecology (PhD) | 3/31/12 | 2/20/12 |
| University of Maine | Native bee conservation/landscape ecology (PhD) | 3/30/12 | |
| Florida International University | Tropical forest carbon cycling (PhD) | 3/30/12 | |
| University of South Dakota | Effects of 2011 Missouri River flood on Floodplain Vegetation | 3/30/12 | |
| Trinity College Dublin (Ireland) | Ecosystem stability (PhD) | 3/30/12 | 3/1/12 |
| University of Exeter, Cornwall (UK) | Mathematical Ecology - Population Dynamics and Environmental Change (PhD) | 3/30/12 | 1/17/12 |
| University of Montana | Forest ecology and/or restoration (PhD) | 3/28/12 | |
| Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (Germany) | Landscape Ecology (PhD) | 3/27/12 | |
| Universität für Bodenkultur Wien (Austria) | Biodiversity and forest ecosystem modeling (PhD) | 3/22/12 | |
| University of Western Sydney (Australia) | Plant water use efficiency (PhD) | 3/22/12 | |
| North Dakota State University | Insect Ecology | 3/20/12 | |
| Virginia Tech University | Forest Soil Science and Biogeochemistry (MS) | 3/20/12 | |
| Texas A&M University | Arboviral transmission ecology (MS) | 3/20/12 | |
| Louisiana State University | Watershed Hydrology (PhD) | 3/20/12 | |
| University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | Fire and plant ecology (PhD) | 3/20/12 | |
| Leibniz Center for Tropical Marine Ecology (Germany) | Modelling Coral reef dynamics (PhD) | 3/20/12 | 3/9/12 |
| University of Florida | Fungal/bacterial symbionts of bark and ambrosia beetles | 3/20/12 | 2/20/12 |
| South Dakota State University | West African Savanna Ecology (MS) | 3/19/12 | |
| University of Nevada, Reno | Interaction Diversity and Fire Ecology in Longleaf Pine Forests | 3/19/12 | |
| Pennsylvania State University | Genetic mark-recapture population estimates for river otter (MS) | 3/16/12 | 2/24/12 |
| Colorado State University | Wildlife Response to Human Recreation (MS) | 3/16/12 | 2/20/12 |
| Michigan State University | Community and aquatic ecology (PhD) | 3/15/12 | |
| Uppsala University (Sweden) | Floral evolutionary ecology (PhD) | 3/15/12 | 2/14/12 |
| Michigan Technological University | Restoration Ecology (PhD) | 3/14/12 | |
| University of Nevada, Reno | Molecular Ecology of Tropical Caterpillars (PhD) | 3/13/12 | |
| University of Nebraska-Lincoln | Behavior of prairie grouse near wind turbines | 3/12/12 | |
| SUNY-ESF | Cottontail interactions, demography, habitat (PhD) | 3/10/12 | 2/14/12 |
| Oklahoma State University | Land use change, river flow and ecosystem responses | 3/9/12 | |
| University of Victoria (Canada) | Paleoecology | 3/9/12 | |
| Southern Illinois University | Physiological ecology, white-nose syndrome, bats | 3/8/12 | |
| Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences | Forest restoration for biodiversity (PhD) | 3/8/12 | |
| University of Wyoming | Ecological genetic and landscape approaches to plant community restoration (1 MS, 1 PhD) | 3/7/12 | |
| University of Alabama | Fire and Ecosystem Carbon Dynamics (PhD) | 3/7/12 | |
| Iowa State University | Forest Fire Ecology (MS) | 3/6/12 | |
| National University of Singapore | Sustainability (PhD) | 3/6/12 | |
| Western Kentucky University | Conservation or restoration ecology of forest herbs (MS) | 3/5/12 | |
| Oregon State University | Effects of Temperature on Fish | 3/1/12 | 2/1/12 |
| Holar University College (Iceland) | Fish Ecology | 3/1/12 | 1/30/12 |
| Eastern Kentucky University | Endangered plant population biology (MS) | 3/1/12 | 12/16/11 |
| University of Houston | Evolutionary Biology and Ecology | 3/1/12 | 12/8/11 |
| University of Alberta (Canada) | Forest reclamation (MS) | 3/1/12 | 9/20/11 |
| Université du Québec à Rimouski (Canada) | Forest dynamics at range margins (PhD) | 2/29/12 | |
| Université du Québec à Rimouski (Canada) | Forest diversity and productivity (PhD) | 2/29/12 | |
| Auburn University | Wildlife Ecology and Management (PhD) | 2/28/12 | |
| Oklahoma State University | Forest ecology/silviculture (MS) | 2/27/12 | |
| University of Idaho | Ecosystem Resiliency to Fire | 2/24/12 | |
| University of Waterloo (Canada) | Plant shape, microclimate and pest species dynamics | 2/21/12 | |
| University of Waterloo (Canada) | Dragonflies, ecosystem engineering and extinction risk | 2/21/12 | |
| Leibniz Center for Tropical Marine Ecology (Germany) | Marine ecophysiology (PhD) | 2/21/12 | |
| Oklahoma State University | Ecology and genetics of shortleaf x loblolly pine hybrids (MS) | 2/17/12 | |
| University of Maryland | Global change and ecosystem ecology | 2/17/12 | 2/10/12 |
| Iowa State University | Agricultural pest insect resistance management (MS) | 2/16/12 | |
| York University | Arctic Aquatic Ecology and Biogeochemistry (MS) | 2/15/12 | 2/1/12 |
| University of South Dakota | Impacts of agriculture tile drains on wetland habitats | 2/15/12 | 2/1/12 |
| University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point | Natural Resources (MS) | 2/15/12 | 1/30/12 |
| University of Massachusetts - Amherst | Arctic Carbon Cycle Modeling (PhD) | 2/15/12 | 1/27/12 |
| Western Michigan University | Global Change Microbial Ecology | 2/15/12 | 1/23/12 |
| California State University Monterey Bay | Coastal and Watershed Science and Policy (MS) | 2/15/12 | 1/23/12 |
| Colorado State University | Harbor Seal Spatial Ecology (PhD) | 2/15/12 | 1/17/12 |
| Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences | Soil C and Atmospheric N Deposition (PhD) | 2/15/12 | 1/6/12 |
| Central Michigan University | Molecular ecology (MS) | 2/15/12 | 12/13/11 |
| Plymouth State University | Environmental Science and Policy (MS) | 2/15/12 | 11/8/11 |
| Michigan State University | Socio-spatial genetics of suburban white-tailed deer (PhD) | 2/14/12 | |
| Oklahoma State University | Forest ecology and biogeochemistry (MS) | 2/13/12 | |
| South Dakota State University | Grassland management and upland gamebird habitat (PhD) | 2/13/12 | |
| University of Northampton (UK) | Landscape-scale conservation of pollinating insects (PhD) | 2/13/12 | 1/20/12 |
| University of Maryland | Modeling patterns of biodiversity in stream ecosystems | 2/13/12 | 1/18/12 |
| East Carolina University | Ecology and Evolution | 2/10/12 | |
| John Carroll University | Biology (MS) | 2/9/12 | |
| Louisiana State University | Tree physiology (PhD) | 2/9/12 | |
| University of New Hampshire | Remote Sensing and Coupled Natural and Human Systems (PhD) | 2/9/12 | |
| University of New Hampshire | Soil-borne pathogens of forage crops | 2/8/12 | |
| Idaho State University | Alpine ecology (MS) | 2/7/12 | |
| Clemson University | Forest/Disturbance Ecology (2 PhD positions) | 2/6/12 | |
| University of Picardie Jules Verne (France) | Ecology of Plant-Insect relationships (PhD) | 2/6/12 | |
| Texas Tech University | Plant ecological genomics | 2/6/12 | |
| Montana State University/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (position closed) | Swimming abilities and behaviors of fish (MS) | 2/3/12 | |
| North Carolina State University | Ecology of plant-aphid-parasitoid interactions | 2/2/12 | |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | Social sciences and sustainable/bio-energy | 2/1/12 | 1/12/12 |
| University of Copenhagen (Denmark) | Bee Health: host-parasite interactions and landscape complexity (PhD) | 2/1/12 | 1/5/12 |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | Wintering Birds and Microclimates (PhD) | 2/1/12 | 12/21/11 |
| Kent State University/Miami University of Ohio | Aquatic Sensing (PhD) | 2/1/12 | 12/14/11 |
| Western Washington University | Forest Soils (MS) | 2/1/12 | 12/2/11 |
| University of Mississippi | Forest Restoration Ecology & Management (MS/PhD) | 2/1/12 | 10/10/11 |
| University of South Florida | Population Ecology, Birds | 2/1/12 | 9/12/11 |
| Sonoma State University | Population & Community Ecology (MS) | 1/31/12 | 12/14/11 |
| Syracuse University | Effects of ungulate grazing in Yellowstone (PhD) | 1/31/12 | 12/13/11 |
| University of Alaska Fairbanks | Marine Ecosystem Sustainability in the Arctic and Subarctic (PhD) | 1/31/12 | 10/6/11 |
| Syracuse University | Plant Ecology and Global Change (2 PhD positions) | 1/31/12 | 8/1/11 |
| University of Nebraska-Lincoln | Grouse demography/behavior (2 PhD positions) | 1/30/12 | |
| Sonoma State University | Population Genetics/Evolutionary Physiology (MS) | 1/30/12 | |
| Western Carolina University | Forest gap size/early successional habitat (MS) | 1/30/12 | |
| University of Sheffield (UK) | Why do some plants grow faster than others? (PhD) | 1/30/12 | 12/22/11 |
| Washington State University | Nitrogen cycling research and policy (8 PhD positions) | 1/27/12 | 11/28/11 |
| Utah State University | Conservation Ecology & Management (PhD) | 1/27/12 | 10/5/11 |
| Coastal Carolina University | Coastal Marine and Wetland Studies (MS) | 1/24/12 | |
| University of Tennessee | Plant Sciences (MS) | 1/23/12 | |
| Freie Universität Berlin (Germany) | Plant and Mycorrhizal Ecology (PhD) | 1/23/12 | 12/15/11 |
| Rhodes University (South Africa) | Response of C3 and C4 grasses to fire and herbivory (PhD) | 1/20/12 | 12/22/11 |
| University of Puerto Rico – Rio Piedras | Natural-Human Systems in the Urbanizing Tropics (PhD) | 1/20/12 | 12/13/11 |
| University of New Brunswick (Canada) | Amphibian Ecology (PhD) | 1/19/12 | |
| Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (Spain) | Sexual selection/evolution of sperm traits and function (PhD) | 1/19/12 | |
| Montana State University | Nitrate Leaching from Cropland (MS) | 1/18/12 | |
| University of Washington | Biological Oceanography (PhD) | 1/18/12 | 12/9/11 |
| University of Saskatchewan (Canada) | Agricultural Land Management in Prairie Landscapes (4 positions) | 1/17/12 | |
| University of Florida | Spatial and wetland ecology (PhD) | 1/17/12 | |
| Boise State University | Impacts of woody plant encroachment on soil carbon dynamics (MS) | 1/15/12 | 1/5/12 |
| University of Oklahoma | Land Use Change | 1/15/12 | 12/21/11 |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | Ecology and Evolution | 1/15/12 | 12/15/11 |
| University of New Hampshire | Small Mammal Biodiversity (PhD) | 1/15/12 | 12/5/11 |
| University of Toronto (Canada) | Forestry, bioenergy, remote sensing (PhD) | 1/15/12 | 12/1/11 |
| University of South Florida | Environmental Hazards (PhD) | 1/15/12 | 11/30/11 |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | Tropical Deforestation & Agriculture | 1/15/12 | 11/28/11 |
| University of Kentucky | Organic Horticultural Systems Research (2 MS positions) | 1/15/12 | 11/22/11 |
| University of Idaho | Genetic mark recapture, kit fox and pronghorn (PhD) | 1/15/12 | 11/21/11 |
| Cornell University | Genomics related to Oyster Restoration | 1/15/12 | 11/21/11 |
| Michigan Technological University | Stream ecosystem ecology (MS) | 1/15/12 | 11/16/11 |
| Southern Illinois University | Watershed Science and Policy (6-8 PhD positions) | 1/15/12 | 11/15/11 |
| International Max Planck Research School for Organismal Biology (Germany) | Organismal Biology (PhD) | 1/15/12 | 11/15/11 |
| Texas State University | Behavioral Ecology (PhD) | 1/15/12 | 11/4/11 |
| University of North Carolina at Charlotte | Landscape ecology and emerging infectious diseases (2 PhD positions) | 1/15/12 | 11/4/11 |
| University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | Remote Sensing and Landscape Ecology (PhD) | 1/15/12 | 10/28/11 |
| University of South Florida | Community Ecology (MS/PhD) | 1/15/12 | 10/12/11 |
| University of Central Florida | Ecology and Conservation (2-3 MS/PhD positions) | 1/15/12 | 10/10/11 |
| Michigan Technological University | Evolution of Development (PhD) | 1/15/12 | 10/3/11 |
| University of Alaska Fairbanks | Stream Ecology, Hydrology, Biogeochemistry (3 positions) | 1/15/12 | 9/30/11 |
| Stony Brook University | Ecology and Evolution (many positions) | 1/15/12 | 9/13/11 |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | Tree physiology and quantitative genetics (MS) | 1/15/12 | 11/3/11 |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | Forest carbon cycling (MS) | 1/15/12 | 11/3/11 |
| Texas Tech University | Community, behavioral, and evolutionary ecology (PhD) | 1/13/12 | |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | Population ecology of insects | 1/13/12 | |
| Utah State University | Plant water use and climate change impacts | 1/13/12 | |
| Monash University (Australia) | Marine Evolutionary Ecology (2 PhD positions) | 1/12/12 | |
| Michigan Technological University | Physiological ecology research in peatland mesocosms (2 PhD positions) | 1/12/12 | |
| University of Wyoming | Ecological genetic and landscape approaches to shrubland restoration (PhD) | 1/12/12 | 12/14/11 |
| University of Helsinki (Finland) | Water balance of boreal arctic areas (PhD) | 1/10/12 | 12/20/11 |
| University of Cape Town (South Africa) | Polymorphism in Black Sparrowhawks (PhD) | 1/10/12 | 12/15/11 |
| Rice University | Population dynamics of host-symbiont interactions (PhD) | 1/10/12 | 12/14/11 |
| Washington State University Vancouver | Watershed Biogeochemistry Modeling (PhD) | 1/10/12 | 11/28/11 |
| Rice University | Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (PhD) | 1/10/12 | 11/14/11 |
| Washington State University Vancouver | Non-target effects of herbicides on butterflies (MS/PhD) | 1/10/12 | 10/21/11 |
| Washington State University Vancouver | Environmental Sciences, Botany, Zoology and Mathematics (several MS&PhD positions) | 1/10/12 | 10/12/11 |
| Washington State University Vancouver | Environmental Sciences, Botany, Zoology and Mathematics (several MS&PhD positions) | 1/10/12 | 10/12/11 |
| Washington State University Vancouver | Aquatic Ecology (several MS&PhD positions) | 1/10/12 | 10/5/11 |
| SMART Consortium (Europe) | River Science (PhD) | 1/9/12 | 11/18/11 |
| University of Utah | Forest Canopy Ecology (PhD) | 1/7/12 | 11/17/11 |
| Université du Québec à Montréal et al. | Forest Modeling Complexity (PhD) | 1/6/12 | |
| University of Nebraska-Lincoln | Soil Microbial Ecology | 1/6/12 | |
| University of Washington | Deer anti-predator behavior (PhD) | 1/6/12 | 12/19/11 |
| University of Utah | Conservation ecology (PhD) | 1/6/12 | 12/5/11 |
| University of Utah | Urban ecology (MS/Ph.D) | 1/6/12 | 10/27/11 |
| SUNY-ESF | Ecosystem Ecology and Uncertainty Analysis | 1/5/12 | |
| Mississippi State University | Ecology and Evolution | 1/5/12 | |
| Duke University | Wireless sensor networks IGERT (PhD) | 1/5/12 | |
| University of Notre Dame | Ecology, Evolution, and the Environment | 1/5/12 | 11/14/11 |
| University of California, Riverside | Effects of global change on plant biodiversity in California (PhD) | 1/5/12 | 11/11/11 |
| Indiana University | Evolution, Ecology and Behavior (PhD) | 1/5/12 | 10/25/11 |
| Fordham University | Ecology, Evolution and Conservation | 1/5/12 | 11/3/11 |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | Adaptive governance: water, land use and climate change (PhD) | 1/2/12 | 11/19/11 |
| George Washington University | Plant Evolutionary Ecology | 1/2/12 | 10/17/11 |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | Ecology (PhD) | 1/2/12 | 10/4/11 |
| University of South Florida | Integrative Biology (several positions) | 1/1/12 | 12/6/11 |
| University of Nevada, Reno | Plant ecology (1 MS, 1 PhD) | 1/1/12 | 12/5/11 |
| University of Georgia | Ecosystem Carbon Cycling | 1/1/12 | 11/22/11 |
| Pennsylvania State University | Ecosystem Carbon Cycling | 1/1/12 | 10/31/11 |
| Lehigh University | Earth and Environmental Sciences (PhD) | 1/1/12 | 10/10/11 |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | Landscape change and ecosystem services (PhD) | 12/31/11 | 11/11/11 |
| University of Wyoming | Landscape variability, postfire succession in Yellowstone (PhD) | 12/31/11 | 11/11/11 |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | Plant-Insect Interactions and Aspen Genomics | 12/31/11 | 10/31/11 |
| Oklahoma State University | Fire Ecology (MS) | 12/22/11 | |
| University of Manitoba (Canada) | Insect ecology (MS/PhD) | 12/22/11 | |
| North Carolina State University | Ecological assessment of Genetic Pest Management (PhD) | 12/20/11 | |
| Cornell University | Root physiology (PhD) | 12/20/11 | 11/17/11 |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | Avian ecology (MS) | 12/20/11 | 11/4/11 |
| Michigan Technological University | Peatland ecosystems ecology and microbial ecology (2 positions) | 12/19/11 | |
| University of Maryland, Baltimore County | Geography & Environmental Systems | 12/19/11 | |
| University of Montana | Forest Landscape Ecology (PhD) | 12/15/11 | |
| Montana State University | Weed and Invasive Plant Ecology and Management (3 positions) | 12/15/11 | |
| University of Florida | Understory Light Variability in Temperate and Tropical Forests (PhD) | 12/15/11 | 12/6/11 |
| University of Florida | Boreal Ecosystem Ecology | 12/15/11 | 12/1/11 |
| Texas State University | Fish Ecology (PhD) | 12/15/11 | 11/28/11 |
| Yale University | Spatial biodiversity science and macroevolution (PhD) | 12/15/11 | 11/18/11 |
| University of Colorado-Boulder | Ecohydrology in complex terrain (PhD) | 12/15/11 | 11/11/11 |
| Murray State University | Watershed Science/Amphibian Trophic Cascades (MS) | 12/15/11 | 11/11/11 |
| University of Washington | Desert Stream Ecology (MS/PhD) | 12/15/11 | 10/19/11 |
| Central Michigan University | Freshwater Mussel Ecology (MS) | 12/15/11 | 10/19/11 |
| University of Florida | Modeling Temperature Sensitivity of Plant Respiration | 12/15/11 | 10/10/11 |
| University of California, Santa Cruz | Plant ecophysiology (PhD) | 12/15/11 | 9/16/11 |
| University of Minnesota | Applied Forest Ecology and Silviculture (PhD) | 12/15/11 | 9/6/11 |
| Purdue University | Plant-Insect Interactions: Emerald Ash Borer | 12/14/11 | |
| University of California, Santa Cruz | Disease Ecology & Economics | 12/13/11 | |
| University of California, San Diego | Plant community and ecosystem ecology (PhD) | 12/11/11 | 11/10/11 |
| University of Wyoming | Climate Change, Water, and Ecosystem Services | 12/10/11 | 11/18/11 |
| Florida State University | Benthic Ecology (PhD) | 12/8/11 | |
| Michigan Technological University | Forest Soils and Productivity (PhD) | 12/8/11 | |
| Queen's University | Insect Evolution and Population Dynamics (PhD) | 12/8/11 | |
| Baylor University | Landscape Dynamics/Wildlife Habitat (PhD) | 12/8/11 | 11/14/11 |
| Baylor University | Carnivore/Landscape Ecology (PhD) | 12/8/11 | 11/14/11 |
| University of Puerto Rico – Rio Piedras | Geospatial Analysis and Watershed Modeling (2 PhD positions) | 12/7/11 | |
| Louisiana State University | Quantitative ecology | 12/7/11 | |
| South Dakota State University | Fisheries Ecology (PhD) | 12/7/11 | 10/27/11 |
| University of Dayton | Deciduous forest ecology | 12/6/11 | |
| University of Utah | Chemical Ecology of Phorid Parasitoids of Ants (PhD) | 12/6/11 | |
| Pennsylvania State University | Weed Ecology (PhD) | 12/5/11 | |
| University of Georgia | Community, Ecosystem, Restoration Ecology (PhD) | 12/5/11 | 11/28/11 |
| University of Victoria (Canada) | High-elevation/Coastal Biodiversity and Climate Change (PhD) | 12/1/11 | 11/30/11 |
| Michigan State University | Functional diversity of Lake Baikal phytoplankton (PhD) | 12/1/11 | 11/29/11 |
| Florida International University | Ecological effects of habitat fragmentation, China (PhD) | 12/1/11 | 11/3/11 |
| Cornell University | Urban Ecosystem Ecology (PhD) | 12/1/11 | 11/2/11 |
| Bremen University (Germany) | Fish Ecology (PhD) | 12/1/11 | 10/17/11 |
| Texas A&M University | Applied Biodiversity Science (PhD) | 12/1/11 | 9/15/11 |
| Wright State University | Environmental Sciences (PhD) | 11/30/11 | |
| Simon Fraser University (Canada) | Forest landscape ecology, biogeography, disturbance interactions | 11/30/11 | 11/4/11 |
| University of Canterbury (New Zealand) | Ecological complexity/ecological networks (3 PhD positions) | 11/30/11 | 11/3/11 |
| Utah State University | Community Ecology or Macroecology (PhD) | 11/30/11 | 10/27/11 |
| University of Tübingen (Germany) | Plant Evolutionary Ecology (PhD) | 11/30/11 | 10/21/11 |
| Old Dominion University | Behavioral/Conservation Ecology/Modeling (2 positions) | 11/29/11 | |
| Miami University | Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology | 11/29/11 | |
| Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium | Effects of Oil Spill on Coastal Ecosystems | 11/29/11 | |
| Yale University | Terrestrial Ecosystem Ecology (PhD) | 11/29/11 | |
| University of Georgia | Integrative Conservation (PhD) | 11/29/11 | |
| Memorial University (Canada) | Boreal Forest Organic Matter Biogeochemistry (PhD) | 11/28/11 | 9/26/11 |
| Université de Montréal (Canada) | Forest Landscape Genetics | 11/21/11 | |
| University of Alberta (Canada) | Land reclamation | 11/18/11 | |
| University of Alberta (Canada) | Carbon biogeochemistry (2 MSc/PhD positions) | 11/18/11 | |
| Iowa State University | Community and Ecosystem Ecology (PhD) | 11/17/11 | |
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock | Physiology and ecology of salamanders and lizards (MS) | 11/16/11 | |
| Texas A&M University | Coastal ecosystem dynamics (PhD) | 11/15/11 | 10/24/11 |
| Virginia Tech University | Water Quality, and Coupled Human – Environmental systems (MS) | 11/15/11 | 10/21/11 |
| Michigan State University | Lake Fish Ecology (MS) | 11/15/11 | 10/18/11 |
| Purdue University | Forest Conservation / Climate Change Adaptation (PhD or MS) | 11/15/11 | 10/3/11 |
| North Carolina State University | FL Keys Predator Study (PhD) | 11/15/11 | 8/26/11 |
| University of Rhode Island | Invasive Plant Ecology/Evolution | 11/10/11 | |
| University of Manitoba (Canada) | Behavioural Ecology of ground squirrels in South Africa | 11/9/11 | |
| U.S. Environmental Protection Agency | Environmental Studies (PhD/MS) | 11/8/11 | 10/5/11 |
| East Tennessee State University | Lake Baikal Zooplankton (MS) | 11/3/11 | |
| Louisiana State University | Bat Ecology/Evolution (PhD) | 11/3/11 | |
| Florida International University | Tropical Ecology and Conservation (PhD) | 11/3/11 | |
| Arkansas State University | Wildlife management and Evolutionary biology (MS) | 11/2/11 | |
| Ohio University | Forest Ecosystem Ecology | 11/2/11 | |
| University of Louisiana | Environmental and Evolutionary Biology (PhD) | 11/1/11 | |
| Oklahoma State University | Shortleaf Pine Forest Ecology (MS) | 11/1/11 | 9/30/11 |
| University of Idaho | Ecosystem Resiliency to Fire (PhD) | 11/1/11 | 9/29/11 |
| Western Kentucky University | Riverine Ecology (MS) | 11/1/11 | 9/23/11 |
| University of Nebraska - Lincoln | Wetland Biogeochemistry | 11/1/11 | 9/23/11 |
| Virginia Tech University | Applied Aquatic Ecology (MS) | 11/1/11 | 9/23/11 |
| Université de Montréal & University of Lethbridge (Canada) | Effects of Hydroelectric Operations in Canadian Aquatic Ecosystems | 11/1/11 | 9/6/11 |
| Stanford University | Community ecology, Hawaii (PhD) | 11/1/11 | 7/11/11 |
| University of Iowa | Alpine biogeography and spatial analyses | 10/28/11 | |
| Case Western Reserve University | Amphibian Evolutionary Ecology & Conservation Biology | 10/26/11 | |
| Oklahoma State University | Ecohydrology/Ecosystem Sciences | 10/26/11 | |
| Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich | Tree and Ecosystem Ecophysiology (PhD) | 10/25/11 | |
| Southern Illinois University | Response of forest communities to management and natural disturbance (MS) | 10/25/11 | |
| University of Mississippi (2 positions) | Microbial Biogeography of the Mississippi River Basin | 10/25/11 | |
| University of Utah (2 positions) | Isotope Ecology and Hydrology (MS/PhD) | 10/24/11 | |
| Texas A&M University | Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences or Marine Biology (MS/PhD) | 10/24/11 | |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | Ecology and evolution of infectious diseases | 10/24/11 | |
| Stony Brook University | Population demography and distribution of Centaurea stoebe | 10/24/11 | |
| University of Illinois at Chicago | Pollinator ecology, Pollination Services, and Urban Agriculture (PhD) | 10/24/11 | |
| University of Copenhagen (Denmark) | Fisheries Oceanography in the North Sea (PhD) | 10/23/11 | 10/17/11 |
| Washington State University | Entomology (PhD) | 10/20/11 | |
| Baylor University | Environmental Science & Environmental Health Science (MS/PhD) | 10/17/11 | |
| Virginia Tech University | Stream Ecology and Water Quality (PhD) | 10/17/11 | |
| Michigan State University | Plant Community Ecology and Restoration (MS/PhD) | 10/17/11 | |
| North Carolina State University | Entomology (MS/PhD) | 10/17/11 | |
| University of Southern Mississippi | Aquatic insect ecology | 10/15/11 | 8/19/11 |
| Texas Tech University | Freshwater mussels in Texas | 10/14/11 | 9/23/11 |
| College of William and Mary | Mercury exposure in songbirds (MS) | 10/13/11 | |
| Texas Tech University | Evolutionary Ecology (1-2 MS/PhD positions) | 10/13/11 | |
| Michigan Technological University | Wetland Restoration (PhD) | 10/13/11 | |
| University of Vermont | Mysis Ecology | 10/10/11 | |
| Montana State University | Population Dynamics of Amphibians and Reptiles (PhD) | 10/7/11 | 9/26/11 |
| Pennsylvania State University | Belowground Ecology | 10/7/11 | |
| McGill University | Limnology and ecosystem ecology | 10/3/11 | 9/15/11 |
| Villanova University | Forest and Ecosystem Ecology (MS) | 9/30/11 | |
| University of Mainz (Germany) | Behavioral Ecology and Evolutionary Biology ants (2 PhD positions) | 9/30/11 | 9/6/11 |
| Purdue University | Hardwood Tree Improvement and Regeneration | 9/27/11 | |
| Ohio State University | Stream and Riparian Ecology | 9/26/11 | |
| Kansas State University | Alpine environmental science and dissolved organic matter reactivity (2 positions) | 9/26/11 | |
| University of Mississippi | River Microbial Ecology | 9/23/11 | |
| Pennsylvania State University | Forest Ecology (MS) | 9/23/11 | |
| Florida Atlantic University | Ecosystem Ecology, Michigan (MS) | 9/23/11 | |
| San Diego State University | Quantitative analysis and modeling (MS) | 9/19/11 | |
| University of Montana | Whitebark Pine Ecology and Restoration (PhD) | 9/16/11 | |
| Oregon State University | Marine Science and Resource Economics | 9/15/11 | 8/8/11 |
| Purdue University | Population Response to Climate Change or Woody Biomass (2 positions) | 9/15/11 | 8/4/11 |
| University of Louisiana | Environmental and Evolutionary Biology, Genetics of Bioenergy Crops (PhD) | 9/12/11 | |
| Florida State University | Plant-herbivore interactions and quantitative/theoretical ecology | 9/9/11 | |
| Duke University | River Science & Policy (2 PhD positions) | 9/9/11 | |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | Conservation/restoration/behavioral/spatial ecology | 9/9/11 | |
| Mississippi State University | Modeling Bobwhite Fitness in Hostile Environments (PhD) | 9/7/11 | |
| Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology (Germany) | Evolution and ecology (PhD) | 9/6/11 | |
| University of Sydney (Australia) | Effects of drought on soil carbon and nutrient cycling mediated by rhizosphere processes (PhD) | 9/6/11 | |
| University of Maine | Sustainability Science (PhD) | 9/1/11 | |
| University of Alaska Fairbanks | Furbearer Harvesting (MS) | 9/1/11 | 8/19/11 |
| Utah State University | Restoration Ecology (MS) | 8/30/11 | |
| University of Florida | Conservation Ecology, Snail Kites or Manatees (2 positions) | 8/30/11 | |
| University of Tennessee at Chattanooga | Mammalian sociality (MS) | 8/30/11 | |
| Ohio University | Deciduous forest ecology | 8/26/11 | |
| Ohio University | Plant reproductive biology/ecology | 8/26/11 | |
| University of Oslo (Norway) | Environmental Chemistry, China | 8/24/11 | 8/5/11 |
| Dartmouth College | Polar Environmental Change (PhD) | 8/23/11 | |
| Eastern Washington University | Invasive plant control (MS) | 8/22/11 | |
| University of Turku (Finland) | Marine Ecology | 8/22/11 | 8/19/11 |
| University of Queensland (Australia) | Landscape Ecology & Conservation (3 PhD positions) | 8/16/11 | |
| Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (Israel) | Physiological Ecology, Bats and Rodents (PhD) | 8/15/11 | |
| University of Texas at Arlington | Arctic Plant-Arthropod-Bird Interactions | 8/15/11 | 7/12/11 |
| University of Zurich (Switzerland) | Microbial Diversity and Ecosystem Functioning (2 PhD positions) | 8/12/11 | |
| University of Canterbury (New Zealand) | Food web assembly and decay (PhD) | 8/5/11 | 7/22/11 |
| York University (Canada) | Community Ecology (2 PhD positions) | 8/3/11 | |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | Birds, extreme climate events, and habitat refugia (PhD) | 8/1/11 | 7/18/11 |
| Purdue University | Woody Biomass Modeling | 8/1/11 | 5/20/11 |
| University of Western Sydney (Australia) | Ecosystem Function and Environmental Change (multiple PhD positions) | 7/29/11 | 7/7/11 |
| Pennsylvania State University | Applied Forest Ecology (PhD) | 7/28/11 | |
| Texas A&M University | Belowground C allocation, water use, and growth of pines (PhD) | 7/22/11 | |
| University of Idaho (position filled) | Soil productivity and ecohydrology of woody energy crops (PhD) | 7/21/11 | |
| University of Georgia | Forest Entomology (MS) | 7/20/11 | |
| University of Idaho | Forest ecosystem modeling (PhD) | 7/11/11 | |
| University of New Brunswick (Canada) | Forest ecophysiology and silviculture | 7/11/11 | |
| New Mexico State University | Golden Eagles and Wind Energy Development (PhD) | 7/5/11 |
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Top | Fellowship Program Links | Short Courses | Summer Jobs
Arkansas State University: Two graduate assistantships are available at the Department of Biological Sciences: 1. Wildlife management The student will study the effects of prescribed burning on the northern bobwhite reproductive performances. The aim is to determine whether bobwhites avoid burned patches and how nests and broods are impacted when burned patches are not avoided. This can potentially be a comparative study between one site in northern Arkansas and southwestern Florida. The ideal student would have some GIS knowledge. There might be some field work in the Arkansas site as well. 2. Evolutionary biology The student will study the eastern bluebird life history traits and/or its population demography. This study would include fieldwork in Spring 2012 and/or potentially also in the winter depending on the student’s research interest. The main objective would be to assess how individual quality influences nesting performances, and/or recruitment and survival. The ideal candidate will have field experience and ornithological knowledge. Both positions are available starting January 2012, with the potential to delay until summer 2012 if needed. Assistantships include a stipend and cover tuition. More information on Master programs (Biology or Environmental Science): Department of Biological Sciences. Interested students: please contact Dr. Virginie Rolland (vrolland@astate.edu) for more information. Make sure you attach a CV, a letter of interest, GRE scores and unofficial transcripts. Posted: 11/2/11.
Auburn University: The School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences and Alabama Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit is seeking candidates for a graduate research assistantship (Ph.D.) in Wildlife Ecology and Management to take the lead on a research project designed to study and model predator prey dynamics in Alabama with in an adaptive management framework, capturing the hypothetical ecological interactions between two species. The student will develop models with potentially competing hypotheses of species interactions focused on examining how management actions (different harvest rates, different predator control actions, habitat management, etc.) affect the primary objectives of increasing prey populations. The student will be expected to use computer modeling techniques possibly including adaptive stochastic dynamic programming to find the optimal management policy or strategy, given uncertainty about environmental variability, ecosystem function and management action effectiveness. There will be additional opportunity to design monitoring programs, analyze population data to estimate demographic parameters, and participate in field work to collect monitoring data. This will all be focused on developing management recommendations to aid state managers with decision making related to harvest, habitat and predator control, and hopefully improve decision making and success into the future. The project will be focus on Alabama populations but the results of this work will have far reaching impacts on deer and coyote management throughout the Southeast. The position will be available beginning in the summer of 2012, and will be open until filled. Research stipends are approximately $18,180, and a full tuition waiver is available. Applicants should possess an M.S. degree in Wildlife Ecology or related field, a good work ethic, and strong quantitative or modeling skills/interest. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Interested applicants should send a cover letter outlining their qualifications for the project, copies of transcripts and GRE scores, and contact information for at least 3 references to Dr. Conor McGowan, Alabama Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, 3301 Forestry and Wildlife Building, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849. Phone - (334) 844-9231: E-mail cpm0014@auburn.edu. Application materials can be sent by e-mail or regular mail. Posted: 2/28/12.
Baylor University: I (Sanghoon Kang) am actively recruiting motivated graduate students (Ph.D. or outstanding M.S. students) for my new laboratory in the Department of Biology at Baylor University. Research in my lab focuses on the dynamics of microbial communities along with environmental gradients such as biogeochemical parameters and spatial distribution. Research in my lab will involve field work (sampling and survey), lab work (genomic, transcriptomic and chemical analyses) and computational work (multivariate statistics, geostatistics and statistical modeling). My lab will become a part of an active interdisciplinary research effort, Center for Reservoir and Aquatic Systems Research (CRASR), which will provide active collaboration opportunities with other biologists, geologists, chemists and environmental scientists. Joining students will be fully supported by either teaching assistantship or research assistantship. If interested, please contact me with your research interests and CV at Sanghoon_Kang@baylor.edu. Posted: 5/1/12.
Baylor University: PhD Assistantship in Landscape Dynamics/Wildlife Habitat. The Department of Biology seeks an outstanding PhD student to study the effects of climate change, fuels management, and fire suppression on the fire regime, landscape dynamics, and wildlife habitat in two regions of the western United States, the Northern Rocky Mountains and the Southwest. The goal of the project is to simulate a range of scenarios to examine effects of three factors (climate change, fuels management, and fire suppression) on landscape dynamics in several large and ecologically distinct landscapes. The project will quantify the relative impacts of these three factors on fire disturbance regimes, including frequency, size, and severity of wildfire, and on ecosystems, including area and configuration of vegetation types. Objectives include quantification of extent, fragmentation, and quality of habitat for several wildlife species of concern. The student will consider multiple scenarios (~20) involving a combination of climate change, fuels management, and fire suppression in each study landscape (~6 landscapes). To develop simulation parameters, the student will visit each study landscape and meet experts in disturbance and wildlife ecology from each landscape. The student will simulate landscape dynamics and wildlife habitat under each scenario, and lead the spatial analysis of model output. Simulation analyses will involve stochastic landscape dynamic simulation modeling (RMLANDS); landscape pattern analysis (FRAGSTATS); a variety of statistical modeling methods, including occupancy modeling and multi-scale habitat modeling using logistic regression; and computer simulation of gene flow. The position provides up to five years of teaching assistantship funding at $15-21K per academic year (depending on qualifications) plus up to five years of summer salary at approximately $3-4K per summer. Tuition for 20 semester hours per year will be waived, and health insurance at a discounted price will be available. Extensive experience with statistical analyses of ecological data, and proficiency in ArcGIS and the R statistical language, are required. Experience with dynamic landscape simulation, climate change scenarios, and landscape pattern analysis is especially desirable. The student must have a M.S. degree in a relevant field, and preference will be given to students who have published quantitative ecological research. To be competitive, applicants must have undergraduate and graduate GPAs > 3.4 and a general GRE score > 1200. The student must have or acquire a valid US driver’s license. Applicants should create a single pdf that includes a letter of interest that specifically addresses the position’s qualifications and preferences, a resume, unofficial undergraduate and graduate transcripts, unofficial general GRE scores, and a list of three references and their contact information (institution, email address, phone number). This pdf should be sent to both Dr. Kevin Gutzwiller (kevin_gutzwiller@baylor.edu) and Dr. Sam Cushman (scushman@fs.fed.us) via an email with Landscape Dynamics–Wildlife Habitat in the subject line. Screening of applicants will begin immediately and continue through the deadline of 8 December 2011. Applications that do not include all of the requested information will not be reviewed. By mid January, Dr. Gutzwiller will invite the most qualified applicant to apply formally to the Ph.D. Program in Biology for the teaching assistantship. Admission and an offer of an assistantship are decided by the Baylor Graduate School and the Baylor Biology Graduate Committee. Posted: 11/14/11.
Baylor University: PhD Assistantship in Carnivore/Landscape Ecology. The Department of Biology seeks an outstanding PhD student to study the effects of climate change, roads, and land use on habitat quality and population connectivity for several carnivore species in the Northern Rocky Mountains. The project is a component of a long-term, multi-state, multi-agency study of carnivore habitat relationships, movement ecology, gene flow, and landscape genetics. Study species include the grizzly bear, black bear, wolf, wolverine, fisher, lynx, and American marten. Field methods will include large grids of non-invasive hair snares to collect genetic material from multiple species. Analytical methods will likely include occupancy modeling, multi-scale habitat modeling using logistic regression, individual-based landscape genetic analysis using distance-based regression and causal modeling, and computer simulation of gene flow. The position provides up to five years of teaching assistantship funding at $15-21K per academic year (depending on qualifications) plus up to five years of summer salary at approximately $3-4K per summer. Tuition for 20 semester hours per year will be waived, and health insurance at a discounted price will be available. Housing at the field site will be provided during the summer field season. Extensive experience with statistical analyses of ecological data, and proficiency in ArcGIS and the R statistical language, are required. The student must have a M.S. degree in a relevant field, and preference will be given to students who have published quantitative ecological research. Applicants with experience working in remote landscapes, and who have backcountry skills such as navigation with map and compass, use of a GPS, wilderness survival, and wilderness first aid, are preferred. To be competitive, applicants must have undergraduate and graduate GPAs > 3.4 and a general GRE score > 1200. The student must have or acquire a valid US driver’s license. Applicants should create a single pdf that includes a letter of interest that specifically addresses the position’s qualifications and preferences, a resume, unofficial undergraduate and graduate transcripts, unofficial general GRE scores, and a list of three references and their contact information (institution, email address, phone number). This pdf should be sent to both Dr. Kevin Gutzwiller (kevin_gutzwiller@baylor.edu) and Dr. Sam Cushman (scushman@fs.fed.us) via an email with Carnivore–Landscape Ecology in the subject line. Screening of applicants will begin immediately and continue through the deadline of 8 December 2011. Applications that do not include all of the requested information will not be reviewed. By mid January, Dr. Gutzwiller will invite the most qualified applicant to apply formally to the Ph.D. Program in Biology for the teaching assistantship. Admission and an offer of an assistantship are decided by the Baylor Graduate School and the Baylor Biology Graduate Committee. Posted: 11/14/11.
Baylor University: The Department of Environmental Science at Baylor University is accepting applications for interdisciplinary M.S. and Ph.D. graduate assistantships. Students mentored by faculty in the environmental sciences at Baylor often engage in interdisciplinary research projects involving multiple faculty members from several departments. Faculty expertise includes air and water quality, climate change, environmental toxicology and chemistry, risk assessment, applied ecology, and ecosystem management. Student research projects often integrate across multiple disciplines, involve laboratory and field studies, and examine factors compromising environmental and human health. Job placement and presentation and publication records of environmental science students are excellent. State-of-the-science laboratories, core research facilities, and instrumentation are available in the Baylor Sciences Building. Positions begin in Summer or Fall 2012, though Profs. George P. Cobb and Cole W. Matson are recruiting students for Spring 2012. Prospective students should contact graduate faculty mentors prior to submitting an application. For more information, visit the Department of Environmental Science website and contact Glenda Plemons (Glenda_Plemons@Baylor.edu) or Dr. Bryan Brooks (Bryan_Brooks@Baylor.edu). Posted: 10/17/11.
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev: I am looking for one student interested in Ph.D. studies and one student interested in M.Sc. studies in community ecology and foraging ecology starting in October 2012. The Ph.D. student must have a Master Degree prior to starting studies. Full support (with no teaching obligations) is available for 4 years for the Ph.D. student and 2 years for the M.Sc. student. Research topics are at the discretion of the student. My research interests are in the community ecology of desert rodents, predator-prey foraging games, and behavioral indicators in conservation biology. The focus of my current research includes how macro-evolutionary trends--by way of compromise-breaking adaptation-- shape micro-ecological interactions--by way of foraging behavior and species interactions. I am also researching the physiological basis of trade-offs of food and safety in gerbils. My students do research on a wide range of topics in evolutionary ecology, including predator facilitation among owls, foxes, and snakes; daring behavior in predators; sight lines and vigilance behavior in ibex; disease ecology and Leishmania; foraging games between gerbils and owls; behavioral indicators in Mountain Nyala in Ethiopia. My laboratory is located in the Mitrani Department of Desert Ecology of Ben-Gurion University in Sede Boker, Israel. Interested students should contact me (Burt P. Kotler) via email at kotler@bgu.ac.il. Please include CV, a short statement of research interests, unofficial transcripts, and a letter of recommendation. I will be considering candidates until June 1st. Posted: 9/8/11, revised: 5/1/12.
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev: I seek an outstanding Ph.D. student to fill an available RA position in my lab. The stipend is for 4 years in the Mitrani Department of Desert Ecology at the Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research (see also Albert Katz International School of Desert Studies). The student will be registered in the graduate school of BGU, the Kreitman School for Advanced Graduate Studies. At the moment we are running two grants from which research money can be made available: one is on water balance in desert dwelling bats, and the other is entitled "The relations between soil permeability, the gaseous environment of burrows and acid-base physiology of rodents (that live in the burrows). Of course, since the stipend is not dependent on these proposals, said student will have a great deal of freedom in choosing their research question(s). For further information, please contact Dr. Berry Pinshow: pinshow@bgu.ac.il. Posted: 8/15/11.
Black Hills State University: MS graduate student in plant ecological genetics/genomics. Various thesis projects are possible on the evolutionary ecology of simultaneous responses to biotic and abiotic challenges. We are currently focused on understanding the development and expansion of naturally occurring species range limits. The dynamics of spatial distribution boundaries are studied at many different spatial and biological scales. We take an integrative collaborative approach involving ecology, evolution, physiology and genetics/genomics. To more readily incorporate genomic techniques, we work on close wild perennial relatives of Arabidopsis that occur in natural habitats near campus. BHSU is located in the beautiful and diverse northern Black Hills of South Dakota. For specific information on potential thesis projects contact David Siemens (David.Siemens@bhsu.edu). Applicants to the Integrative Genomics graduate program at BHSU are required: (1) to have completed a Bachelor's degree in either biology or chemistry with at least a 3.0 GPA and at least one course in genetics. (2) To take the GRE (the general test only; the advanced subject test is optional). (3) To provide two letters of recommendation from former instructors. (4) To submit a Statement of interest. (5) To provide TOEFL results (if your most recent academic degree is from a university where English is NOT the primary language of instruction). (6) To complete and submit an application - there is a $35 application fee. All of the above materials should be submitted by April 15 for admission in the fall semester. Additional application materials should be sent to: School of Natural Sciences Office, 1200 University St. Unit 9003, Spearfish, SD 57799-9003. fax to (605) 642-6762, email to Kathy.Morford@bhsu.edu. There are limited Graduate Assistantships available, awarded on a competitive basis. Please contact us for more information. Posted: 2/2/12.
Boise State University: Graduate assistantship in Marie-Anne de Graaff's Ecosystem Ecology lab in the Department of Biological Sciences. We are seeking a M.S. student to begin work on a research program investigating how ecosystem processes are affected by woody plant encroachment. This project will focus on how Juniper encroachment impacts carbon and nitrogen cycling in semi-arid grasslands. The project is highly collaborative and will allow the student to collaborate with researchers at Idaho State University and at USDA/ ARS. The position is available beginning August 2012 (funding pending), it includes tuition and a TA-stipend. Qualified candidates should have a B.S. in ecology, soil science, forestry, botany/plant ecology, biology, geography, or a related discipline and a strong interest in ecosystem ecology, soil ecology and biogeochemistry. A basic familiarity with methods in soil biogeochemistry and some prior coursework in statistics are preferred. Interested candidates should submit (via e-mail) a brief letter of introduction, CV, and contact information for two references to Dr. Marie-Anne de Graaff (marie-annedegraaff@boisestate.edu). Applications for graduate school are due by January 15th 2012. Posted: 1/5/12.
Bremen University: The Leibniz Center for Tropical Marine Ecology GmbH in Bremen is a member of the Leibniz Association, which is supported by the German Federal and State Governments. Through its research, Leibniz-ZMT GmbH contributes to developing science-based strategies for sustainable use of tropical coastal ecosystems such as mangroves, coral reefs, sea grass meadows as well as rivers, estuaries and the adjacent coastal waters. It addresses issues related to the functioning of these habitats, their interactions with the hinterland and the open ocean as well as their response to anthropogenic interventions and climate change. To cover the entire complexity of interactions between humans and the environment, the ZMT conducts research with an interdisciplinary approach, which includes both natural science and social science working groups. Leibniz-ZMT GmbH currently offers a PhD-position in the field of fish ecology. Large areas of SE Asian peatlands are located mainly in the coastal plains on the islands of Sumatra. During the past decades, the rapid decline of peat swamp forests exceeds that of mangroves and tropical rain forests. It is most likely that these peat swamps will disappear within the next ~100 years. As in most tropical floodplains there is a tendency to permanent or periodical hypoxia in the water. Low pH and dissolved oxygen concentrations are indicative of a generally unfavorable environment for fish. If fish survive and reproduce under such conditions special adaptation strategies do occur. The main topic of study is the impact of these two parameters and their synergetic effect on fish occurring naturally in peat swamps. Requirements -Excellent aquatic biologist with field work experience -Eagerness to work for several months in the tropics -Language skills in Indonesian Bahasa would be helpful in the field Applicants should hold a Master or “Diploma” degree as specified above. We seek excellent and highly motivated candidates with team spirit and interest in multidisciplinary research. Proficiency in English is mandatory. The position is for a 3-year period. Applications should include a short outline of research interests and experience, two letters of reference, and a complete CV by email in a single pdf-file. Only short-listed candidates will be notified. For financial reasons we cannot refund travel expenses. Salary will be according to the German TV-L E13 (50%). The call is open until filled with an initial application review date of December 1st, 2011. Contact Prof. Ulrich Saint-Paul, Leibniz Center for Tropical Marine Ecology, Fahrenheitstraße 6, 28359 Bremen, Germany +49 421 2380022, ulrich.saint-paul@zmt-bremen.de. Posted: 10/17/11.
California State University Monterey Bay: M.S. degree in Coastal and Watershed Science and Policy (CWSP). The M.S. in CWSP is an innovative, interdisciplinary program offering training in science and technology in the context of environmental policy. There are two degree options: Professional Science Masters (PSM) and Thesis. Within their chosen option, students elect an emphasis in marine science or watershed science. Advanced technology training is complemented by applied science and policy training. Within the PSM option, skills learned in the classroom are enhanced through professional internships with regional partners. The PSM option within CWSP gives students unique technical skill sets that will distinguish them as they enter the workforce and satisfies a demand for highly skilled professionals within technology and applied science-based companies, governmental agencies, and non-profit organizations. The Thesis Option provides students with an opportunity to complete an independent scientific research project within the context of an environmental issue and culminates in a publishable thesis. Applications for Fall 2012 are due on February 15. Please visit http://sep.csumb.edu/cwsp/ for more details and application information, or call 831-582-4739. Posted: 1/23/12.
Case Western Reserve University: Graduate students positions for Fall 2012 are available in my laboratory for highly motivated individuals interested in evolutionary ecology and conservation biology. Current research in my laboratory includes capture-mark-recapture studies of dispersal patterns in wood frogs, mesocosm and laboratory studies of how genetic variation affects ecological processes, and large-scale surveys to test hypotheses about local and landscape effects. Additionally, funding is now available for a graduate student to conduct research investigating how habitat destruction impacts Ambystoma salamander demography. Research areas in the Department of Biology at CWRU include Neurobiology and Behavior, Cell and Developmental Biology, and Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. In addition to on-campus facilities, CWRU owns and operates University Farms, a 389-acre property that includes field research, laboratory and greenhouse facilities. Additionally, CWRU participates in cooperative programs with the Holden Arboretum, Cleveland Museum of Natural History and Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. More information on my laboratory and links with information on applying to graduate school. Interested students should email me, Dr. Mike Benard (Mike Benard mfb38@case.edu) to introduce themselves. Attach a copy of your CV, and be sure to let me know why you are interested in working with me, and what type of research you are interested in doing. Phone: (216) 368-1080. Posted: 10/26/11.
Central Michigan University: Graduate student position available for full-time students beginning summer 2012 wishing to pursue a Master of Science degree in Biology with an emphasis in molecular ecology. Accepted applicants will be co-advised by Dr. Andrew Mahon and Dr. Anna Monfils on projects involving molecular detection of threatened and endangered species and biodiversity monitoring in prairie fen communities. Accepted students will work in close collaboration with partners at the Michigan Natural Features Inventory. This project aims to use modern molecular methods in combination with significant field research to address important scientific questions on local, regional, and global scales. Student funding of up to $21k/year is available in the form of research and/or teaching assistantships. In addition, tuition waivers are available (subject to annual renewal). Interested parties should contact Dr. Andrew Mahon or Dr. Anna Monfils directly with a statement of interest and current CV. Information and application materials for the Master of Science in Biology are on the Biology Department website. The successful applicant will have a Bachelors of Science in a biological field as well as experience with general molecular techniques and undergraduate research experience. To be eligible for consideration students must be admitted to the Graduate School at CMU (application forms) and have a completed graduate assistantship application (.doc) to the Department of Biology. Desired start date for incoming students to the Mahon laboratory is early summer 2012 (May/June; start date negotiable). Closing Date: February 15th, 2012. Posted: 12/13/11.
Central Michigan University: The Biology Department and the Institute for Great Lakes Research, seeks applicants for an MS interested in studying "Population Trajectory Improvement for At Risk Freshwater Mussels in the Great Lakes Watershed". Responsibilities: The successful applicant will conduct a two-year, grant supported research project on host fish determination and propagation of unionids in the Great Lakes Region. This project is funded by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service -Endangered Species Program). The MS student will combine field and laboratory (host fish testing and rearing) techniques to assist in propagating state and federally listed freshwater mussels. The successful applicant will work with Dr. Daelyn Woolnough and Dr. Dave Zanatta to answer questions about the conservation of mussel species and communities, ultimately leading to a comprehensive thesis. Stipend support in the form of Research Assistantships will be available in the summers and Teaching and/or Research Assistantships (for top quality candidates) will be available through the school year. Graduate students in Biology receive full tuition waivers. Qualifications: The successful applicant should be highly motivated and have a B.S. (or completion by May 2012) in biology, zoology, ecology, aquaculture, fisheries or closely related field. Prior field experience (e.g., boats, snorkeling, SCUBA), interests in conservation biology, aquaculture, and working with fish, aquatic invertebrates and/or unionid mussels, are assets. Minimum academic qualifications include 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 system) and GRE scores must be sent to CMU graduate school for approval. Detail and application materials for the graduate program in Biology can be found here (deadline for the required Teaching Assistantship application is Feb 15, 2012). Salary: ~$17k + tuition waiver. Closing Date: Feb 15, 2012 (to CMU Graduate School and Biology Department). The candidate will be expected to begin by June 1, 2012. Letters of interest and information described below should be emailed to Drs. Woolnough and Zanatta by December 15, 2011. Please do not apply to the CMU Graduate School/ Biology Department without first contacting Drs. Woolnough and Zanatta. Send the following by email with the subject 'PROPAGATION MS' to Dr. Woolnough and Dr. Zanatta (wooln1d@cmich.edu and zanat1d@cmich.edu) with all of the following information: 1) a cover letter explaining your interest and qualifications 2) a resume (CV) 3) copies of transcripts (unofficial ok) 4) names and contact information for three academic references. Contact Dr. Woolnough with any questions. Posted: 10/19/11.
Clemson University: One Ph.D. graduate student is sought to study major disturbances and their interactions on forest ecosystems in the southeast US. By taking advantage of well-documented historical disturbance events, the research project will use a retrospective and modeling approach to study the dynamics of common forest types impacted by major disturbances (e.g., fire, hurricanes, and southern pine beetle), focusing on forest regeneration/succession, carbon cycle, as well as implication to future disturbances. We are especially interested in the ecological resilience of forest ecosystems when subjected to extreme or interacting disturbances. In addition to new data collected for the study, data derived from published studies, remote sensing images, and national forest inventories will also be used in the study. We are seeking an outstanding candidate with BS and/or MS in Forestry, Biology, Ecology, and Environmental Sciences. A past record of scientific publication and experience in conducting vegetation sampling in forest ecosystems as well as stand/ecosystem modeling are desirable. The student will be offered a full graduate research assistantship ($20k/year) plus tuition waiver. The assistantship is for a minimum of 3 years, but needs to be renewed annually subject to satisfactory performance. Competitive university and/or college scholarships are available for outstanding candidates, and students working in our lab have had a great track record to obtain these scholarships. Supplementary teaching assistantship may also be available. The assistantship may start in August 2012 or January 2013. If you are interested, contact: Dr. Geoff Wang, School of Agricultural, Forest, and Environmental Sciences, 261 Lehotsky Hall, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634-0317 (Phone: 864-656-4864; Email: gwang@clemson.edu). In your initial contact, please send the following information: statement of your research interest, degrees earned, GPAs, GRE score, and TOFEL scores (for foreign students). Posted: 6/15/12.
Clemson University: We are seeking a motivated, independent herpetologist/field ecologist to work with us on a field project and pursue a MS degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Biology at Clemson University. The project, entitled “Occupancy and community characteristics of ephemeral aquatic systems by herpetofauna in managed forests of the Southeastern Atlantic Coastal Plain” will require excellent field skills, travel, writing, and technical ability. We seek an ecologist who can think independently about research questions, write clearly, manage data, and learn complex analytical skills including spatial modeling and statistical analysis of community data. The project will require travel for several months at a time away from campus, living in field housing, using a state vehicle (4 WD, Standard), and communicating with forest managers to build and maintain cooperative research relationships. Minimum requirement is a bachelor’s degree in wildlife ecology, conservation biology, biological sciences, or related field. Field experience with reptiles and amphibians of the southeastern United States is highly desired as is demonstrated ability to work and live on-site and manage field logistics. Previous analytical skill using a GIS, occupancy models, and/or multivariate statistics is a bonus, but not required. Ability to write clearly to explain technical detail is very important. Applicants must have degree in hand, have completed the general GRE by August 2012, and meet Clemson Graduate School admissions requirements. Please send 1) resume, 2) letter of application, 3) unofficial GRE scores, and 4) contact information for 3 references in a single PDF to Dr. Rob Baldwin (baldwi6@clemson.edu). The applications will be reviewed by project partners who will inform the selected candidate when it will be necessary to submit application to Clemson Graduate School. Project partners include Dr. Jessica Homyack and Dr. T. Bently Wigley. The position is fully funded, with a research assistantship, field and travel expenses. Posted: 5/9/12.
Clemson University: I am actively recruiting motivated graduate students (Masters or Ph.D.) for my new laboratory in the Department of Biological Sciences at Clemson for the Fall of 2012. Research in my lab uses insights from behavioral thermoregulation, animal movement, and thermal physiology to better understand the responses of organisms to changing climates. Work in my group uses both computational and experimental approaches in both laboratory and field contexts. Though my empirical work has largely focussed on reptilian systems, I am open to (and have experience) working with a broad range of organisms. Information about my lab can be found at http://www.thermalecology.org. Additionally, some of my work was highlighted recently in a special section on computational biology in Science. If interested, please contact me, Mike Sears, with your interests and a CV at thermalecology@gmail.com. Posted: 4/24/12.
Clemson University: A PhD assistantship is available in plant ecophysiology in the School of Agriculture, Forestry and Environmental Sciences. The candidate is expected to work in project aimed at understanding the plant metabolite dynamics at the plant-soil interface. The project focuses on identifying the role of plant-litter leachates and root exudates in creating and sustaining the chemical environment in the soil to which plant roots are exposed, and the stress induced changes in these chemical environments. Specifically, the projects involve investigating the physiology of root-exudation processes, chemical profiling of root-exudate and litter-leachates, and the stability and overall biochemical functions of these root-exudates/litter-leachates in plant-soil systems. Candidates are encouraged to develop any of the above topics for their doctoral dissertation research. Qualifications: Master’s degree in plant physiology, biochemistry, soil sciences. The project heavily relies on various analytical techniques including gas/liquid chromatography, advanced mass-spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The candidates with an aptitude in analytical chemistry, and familiarity with ANY of the relevant instrumentation will be given preference. Remuneration: The position offers a competitive starting research assistantship ($20-22k) based on qualification; assistantship will be renewed each year based on satisfactory progress. Benefits include tuition waiver and health insurance. The candidate will also have the opportunity to participate in related ongoing projects at Lawrence Berkley National Lab. The position is available August 2012. The review of application starts by April 20, 2012 and will continue until the position is filled. To apply, email the following documents as a single PDF file to Dr. Nishanth Tharayil (ntharay@clemson.edu). i) brief statement describing your research interest and experience as it relates to this project, ii) an updated CV, iii) transcripts, GRE scores (unofficial scores are sufficient for the initial screening), iv) contact information of three references. Posted: 3/26/12.
Clemson University: Masters of Science research assistantship to study quantifying population size, species diversity, and community level responses of small mammals to experimentally altered oak forests in the Hudson Valley of New York. Sudden oak death (SOD), a fungal pathogen, is expected to infect oak forests throughout the east coast of the United States and this study, which began in 2008, examines the population ecology and feeding ecology of small mammals in response to SOD. Field research will continue this summer and the project will focus on analyzing the population dynamics, species interactions, and community level responses of small mammals in NY. The project will involve fieldwork in NY during the summer of 2012 and data analysis of 2008-2012 data will begin in Fall 2012 (at Clemson University, South Carolina). Research will focus on using tools such as Program MARK and PRESENCE to develop population estimates and occupancy models for small mammal populations. Current annual stipend levels are $14k per year before taxes. Students must serve as a teaching assistant each semester. In addition to the stipend, students have health insurance and tuition remission. A start date of Summer 2012 at the latest is strongly preferred. Qualifications: A BS in zoology, biology, ecology, conservation biology, forestry, wildlife ecology, or other related disciplines is required. Applicants with a BA degree will only be considered if substantial relevant experience can be shown. Prior research experience is required including both substantial field experiences. Especially desirable are applicants with previous experience conducting mark-recapture population modeling and stable isotope biogeochemistry. Experience with developing field-based projects is preferred. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt and review will continue until candidates are chosen. Applications received before April 15th 2012 are guaranteed consideration. Interested applicants are asked to e-mail the following documents listed below to Dr. Kate McFadden (in ONE PDF file please- kwm6@clemson.edu). Please specify in your letter when you would be available to start. Required Documents: 1. Cover letter outlining research interests, academic and professional backgrounds 2. Resume/CV 3. Copies of transcripts (unofficial copies acceptable at this point) 4. GRE scores if available 5. Reprints if available 6. Names, email, phone number, and contact addresses of three references. Posted: 3/14/12.
Clemson University: Two positions: (1) One Ph.D. graduate student is sought to conduct research on redbay (Persea borbonia) ecosystems affected by laurel wilt disease (LWD) transported by an exotic beetle. The research project will assess redbay (Persea borbonia) ecosystem responses to LWD, focusing on the range-wide changes in redbay population, the patterns of redbay mortality and regeneration, forest succession and possible expansion of invasive plants, and changes in dead woody materials and its implication to fire behavior. Both data obtained from sampling LWD affected stands and data from existing LWD monitoring plots and FIA plots will be used in the study. (2) One Ph.D. graduate student is sought to conduct research on hurricane impact on forest ecosystems in the southeast US. The research project will use a retrospective approach to study the dynamics of hurricanes impacted forests, focusing on carbon cycle, forest regeneration, and wildfire implication due to elevated fuel level. National forests affected by major hurricanes between 1989 and 2010 in the southeast US will be sampled in the study. Both: We are seeking an outstanding candidate with BS and/or MS in Forestry, Biology, Ecology, and Environmental Sciences. A past record of scientific publication and experience in conducting vegetation sampling in forest ecosystems are desirable. The student will be offered a full graduate research assistantship ($20k/year) plus a partial tuition waiver. The assistantship is for 3 years, but needs to be renewed annually subject to satisfactory performance. Competitive university and/or college scholarships are available for outstanding candidates, and students working in our lab have had a great track record to obtain these scholarships. Supplementary teaching assistantship may also be available. The assistantship may start in May 2012, August 2012, or January 2013. If you are interested, contact: Dr. Geoff Wang, School of Agricultural, Forest, and Environmental Sciences, 261 Lehotsky Hall, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634-0317 (Phone: 864-656-4864; Email: gwang@clemson.edu). In your initial contact, please send the following information: statement of your research interest, degrees earned. GPAs, GRE score, and TOFEL scores (for foreign students). Posted: 2/6/12.
Coastal Carolina University: Master of Science (MS) in Coastal Marine and Wetland Studies. The program includes 24 hrs of coursework and 6 hrs of thesis research. Courses are taught primarily by faculty from two academic departments: biology and marine science. The coursework involves three core classes stressing coastal physical processes, ecology, and environmental policy. Electives provide students with skills in conservation biology, geographic information systems, statistics, wetland delineation, geophysical surveying as well as theoretical background in specific areas of organism biology and ecology. Located in South Carolina near coastal marshes, swamps, a large unregulated river, barrier islands, and the ocean, the program offers exceptional opportunities for basic and applied research. Assistantships and GK-12 fellowships are available. For information see the link above or contact Dr. Jim Luken (joluken@coastal.edu). Posted: 1/24/12.
Colby College: The Biology department is seeking a Teaching Assistant (10-month, full-time position) beginning 1 September 2012. Responsibilities of this position include teaching laboratory sections for the introductory biology gateway courses, and for upper-level courses in ecology and plant biology. In addition, the candidate will maintain the department's plant collections and greenhouses, provide guidance to the student organic gardening club, and other duties as needed. Candidates should hold a Bachelor’s degree or an advanced degree in Biology. Experience and expertise in organismal biology and plant science is expected, along with a strong commitment to undergraduate education. Please submit a letter of application, curriculum vitae, and a list of three references to: Judy Stone, Department of Biology, Colby College, 5736 Mayflower Hill, Waterville, ME 04901. Electronic submission of applications is encouraged, addressed to biologyteachasst@colby.edu, and receipt will be confirmed. Application review will begin on 25 June 2012 and continue until the position is filled. Posted: 6/14/12.
College of William and Mary: John Swaddle (jpswad@wm.edu) and Dan Cristol (dacris@wm.edu) are looking for new Masters students to join their lab group. We have continuing projects investigating the consequences of low exposure to mercury on many aspects of songbird biology, from development and gene expression to behavioral ecology and inclusive fitness. As mercury is a global and persistent contaminant, occurring naturally but also produced by many anthropogenic activities, this project has both basic and applied science elements and will ultimately inform legislative settlements and policy regarding environmental remediation. With other faculty interested in anthropogenic effects on birds and other wildlife there are many complementary projects in our department investigating questions in basic and applied conservation science and ecology. We are looking for exceptional candidates who are interested in blending environmental and ecological interests (including ecotoxicology) with specialized biological sub-disciplines, such as developmental genetics, immunology, sensory ecology, reproductive endocrinology, and quantitative genetics. Read more about Mercury in Terrestrial Songbirds. MS students in our program also receive substantial mentorship in teaching and are well-prepared to move on to PhD programs, Governmental agencies, and NGOs. If interested please contact one of the PIs with your CV and a brief letter introducing yourself. Information about the William & Mary graduate program, including application materials, can be found at the Biology graduate program website. Posted: 10/13/11.
Colorado State University: Microbial Thresholds in Response to Global Change: Ph.D. Research Assistantship to be Co-Advised by Ed Hall and Jill Baron We seek exceptional applicants to pursue a Ph.D. in Ecology that investigates the response of microorganisms to global change in alpine ecosystems. The selected applicant will develop original research based in understanding how atmospheric deposition of reactive nitrogen and increasing temperature are affecting lakes, streams and/or soils across the Colorado Front Range. This research will contribute to the Loch Vale watershed long-term ecological research and monitoring in Rocky Mountain National Park. We seek candidates with a background in biogeochemistry, ecosystem ecology, microbial ecology, environmental chemistry, or related fields. Skills and experience in community ecology modeling, sequence based microbial analysis, analytical chemistry, and mountaineering are desirable. The successful candidate will be housed in the Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory and enrolled in CSU’s Graduate Degree Program in Ecology. Graduate Research Assistantship funding is available for up to 4 years based on satisfactory performance. Please send a cover letter, CV, and contact information for three references to ed.hall@colostate.edu and jill.baron@colostate.edu. Applicants must be U.S. Citizens. Questions may be directed to Ed Hall. For complete consideration all applications should be received by April 14th, 2012. However, review of applications will begin as received and continue until the position is filled. Posted: 4/10/12.
Colorado State University: Graduate Research Assistant (MS student) - Wildlife Response to Human Recreation. Department: Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology. This MS project will investigate the possible effects of human recreation on wildlife species of concern in NCCP reserves in San Diego County. Supported by a collaborative research effort of the Wildlife Conservation Society, Colorado State University, and University of California-Berkeley, the main objectives of this project are to test methods for monitoring recreational disturbances and conduct a pilot field study of the effects of recreation on species in selected sites. Specific tasks will likely include: collecting available data on recreational visitation patterns and wildlife species detections from participating land management and research agencies; performing GIS analyses to characterize the study area, analyze existing data, and design field surveys; and implementing the pilot study using a variety of non-invasive monitoring methods, such as motion-triggered cameras, bioacoustic monitors, and transect surveys. The MS student will be co-advised by Dr. Sarah Reed (WCS) and Dr. Kevin Crooks (CSU) and will work closely with Dr. Adina Merenlender (UCB). Qualifications: Applicants must have a BS degree in wildlife ecology, conservation biology, or a related field. Admission to the department requires a cumulative undergraduate GPA above 3.0 and average scores of 70% or greater on the verbal and quantitative portions of the GRE test. Applicants should be highly motivated with a strong work ethic, excellent organizational, oral, and written communication skills, and capable of supervising an independent field project in a remote location. Experience with field surveys, including non-invasive monitoring methods, is preferred. GIS skills are highly desirable. Salary: $20k per year plus tuition for up to 2 years (pending funding), starting in fall 2012. How to apply: Applicants should create a single document (e.g., word or pdf) that includes a brief letter of interest, CV or resume, unofficial transcripts, unofficial or preliminary GRE scores, and a list of three references and their contact information. The name of the file should contain the first and last name of the applicant. Please send applications via email to: RecreationMS@gmail.com. Review of applications will begin immediately; applications will be accepted until March 16, 2012, or until a suitable candidate is identified. Posted: 2/20/12.
Colorado State University: Colorado Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, U.S. Geological Survey. The Ph.D. student will be responsible for conducting research that aims to pair existing data with contemporary spatial and spatio-temporal modeling methodology to address several unresolved questions about harbor seal ecology. The student will have discretion in the development of their dissertation modeling research focus, with an emphasis on meeting the ecological interests of project collaborators. The student will also be expected to interact with ADF&G scientists, write reports and prepare scientific manuscripts related to the research described above, complete relevant coursework, and present findings to other scientists and managers. Qualifications: MS degree in an ecology or statistics related discipline, with a GPA exceeding 3.0 and a minimum of 70% combined GRE percentile (quant and verbal). Preferred applicants will have experience managing and analyzing large spatial datasets and a solid background in quantitative ecology and statistical modeling. Funding: Funding for this position is provided by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, who have ongoing research projects for harbor seals and other marine mammal species. This assistantship is housed in the Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado. Assistantship stipend is $2000/month plus tuition. Starting Date: Fall Semester 2012. Application Process: Email letter of interest, resume, transcripts, GRE scores, and names of three references to: Dr. Mevin Hooten at: mevin.hooten@colostate.edu. Applicants will need to apply formally for admission as a graduate student in the Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology or the Graduate Degree Program in Ecology at CSU before acceptance. Deadline: Full consideration will be given to applications received by February 15, 2012. Applications will be accepted through March 15, 2012. Posted: 1/17/12.
Cornell University: The Hare Lab in the Department of Natural Resources at Cornell University is recruiting a MS/PhD student to study larval dispersal and functional genetics of oyster survivorship using genomic DNA sequence analyses of wild-sampled oysters and genome mapping of inbred lines. A two year New York Sea Grant Scholar Fellowship is available to support a student beginning May or August 2012 (pending federal funding of NOAA/Seagrant). Available funding dictates entry as a MS student but transition to a PhD is possible contingent on future funding. The primary fellowship focus will be the application of bioinformatic tools to achieve population genomic analyses relating survivorship to environmental heterogeneity. Therefore, preferred applicants will have some programming ability and/or bioinformatics experience. Interested applicants should send CV/resume, a cover letter stating graduate school and career goals, unofficial transcripts and GRE scores, plus names and contact info for three references to Matt Hare at mph75@cornell.edu. Electronic (email) submission of application materials is encouraged. Application Deadline: January 15th but earlier submission is encouraged. If you are selected for this fellowship then I will request that you send official application materials for the Natural Resources Graduate Field to the Cornell graduate school. The Hare lab is part of the larger population genomics community at Cornell and is a member of the Cornell Center for Comparative and Population Genomics. Posted: 11/21/11.
Cornell University: A graduate assistantship (PhD) is available in the Bauerle lab to work on aspects of root and whole plant physiology as part of a large multi-institutional USDA funded project that focuses on precision irrigation and nutrient management for the fall of 2012. Students will have some latitude in selecting a research project within the broad understanding of root water relations and nutrient dynamics across several economically important tree species. Previous experience in plant water relations, field research, or belowground dynamics preferred. Applicants must meet all graduate admission requirements for regular admission to the Graduate School at Cornell University and the Field of Horticulture. Candidates with a M.S. degree preferred. Prospective students are invited to email a summary of their research, GRE scores, a cv, and names of three references to Taryn Bauerle (Bauerle@cornell.edu) before applying to the program. Deadline is December 20th. Formal applications to the Graduate field of Horticulture are due January 5th, 2012. More information on the formal application process and requirement. Posted: 11/17/11.
Cornell University: Research Assistantship in Urban Ecosystem Ecology. Pre-application deadline: December 1st, 2011. We are inviting applications for a Ph.D. position in urban ecosystem ecology at Cornell University’s Department of Horticulture. The Ph.D. student will be working in the laboratory of Dr. Jenny Kao-Kniffin, investigating plant-microbial controls on the biogeochemistry of urban landscapes. The doctoral student will conduct research on carbon cycling linked to nitrogen mineralization across different vegetation covers and management techniques in residential, park, and institutional settings. Prior coursework and research experience in soil ecology, plant ecology, biogeochemistry, ecological modeling, or soil microbiology is strongly recommended. Please send pre-applications consisting of: 1) a cover letter explaining why you are interested in joining the lab and grad school, 2) your curriculum vitae, and 3) a copy of your B.S and/or M.S. transcripts by December 1st to Jenny Kao-Kniffin (jtk57@cornell.edu). Posted: 11/2/11.
Dartmouth College: NSF IGERT Fellowships in Polar Environmental Change. Dartmouth is seeking Fall 2012 applicants for our NSF Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship (IGERT) program in Polar Environmental Change. Polar systems are at the forefront of global change science research. We are an interdisciplinary Ph.D. graduate program in polar sciences and engineering that merges expertise and facilities from science (earth sciences & ecology and evolutionary biology) and engineering science departments at Dartmouth College with the U.S. Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL), creating one of the premier centers of scientific expertise in polar research. The investment of Dartmouth's Dickey Center for International Understanding and its Institute of Arctic Studies in forming relationships with Greenlandic institutions and Inuit leaders and organizations provides the opportunity for intensive field training in Greenland where science, policy and indigenous issues of the north can be explored. Collectively these expe! riences provide rigorous training in polar and related sciences and produce scientists with an advanced knowledge of the role of science in policy and the ethics of conducting research with indigenous people. Research training is coupled with a coordinated core curriculum that focuses on three components of Arctic or Antarctic systems responding to rapid change in climate: 1) the cryosphere - glacial ice, snow, sea ice systems; 2) terrestrial ecosystems and biogeochemical linkages between the soil, plant, and animal system; and, 3) human systems - the process of policy making in political and social systems where Western science and traditional knowledge provide information. Applicants should visit the Dartmouth IGERT website first for information on participating departments, requirements, and application procedures. For further information, email the IGERT Program Administrator at IGERT@dartmouth.edu or the Principal Investigator at Ross.Virginia@dartmouth.edu. Or call the Institute of Arctic Studies at 603-646-1278. Posted: 8/23/11.
Duke University: The WISeNet Integrative Graduate Education and Research Training (IGERT) program at Duke University prepares a new generation of Ph.D. students for interdisciplinary research in wireless sensor networks. Through the WISeNet training and certificate program, students contribute to the development of intelligent sensor systems that process, store, and learn from data so as to improve their ability to gather information over time. By participating in WISeNet laboratory and field experiments, trainees also contribute first hand to unprecedented observations of environmental and ecological processes, and more effective and reliable use of sensors for defense and national security. Trainees undertake four cross-disciplinary courses, laboratory and field experiments at international partner institutions, and specialized simulation, visualization, and virtual reality projects. These requirements are integrated within each trainee’s specialization area, which may range from ecology and geosciences to robotics and artificial intelligence. WISeNet is currently accepting applications. Trainees must be enrolled in a Ph.D. program in one of the participating departments at Duke University. Duke students who are interested in applying should request application material from the WISeNet Program Director, Prof. Silvia Ferrari (Email: webmaster@lisc.pratt.duke.edu). Non-Duke students interested in WISeNet are strongly encouraged to apply to the graduate program of interest through Duke Graduate School. For more information visit: http://wisenet.pratt.duke.edu/. Posted: 1/5/12.
Duke University: Two Graduate Student Assistantships: (1) dam removal and freshwater mussel habitat fragmentation. We seek a graduate student (PhD only) to lead a project at the Interface of geomorphology/sediment transport and network theory/habitat fragmentation of freshwater mussel communities. In collaboration with the US Fish and Wildlife Service, we will evaluate the effect of small dams and a scheduled dam removal on sediment transport, geomorphology, and benthic habitat suitability and associated mussel communities. Our goal is to understand these dynamics within a meta-population and landscape perspective by analyzing habitat fragmentation and channel networks in rapidly evolving geomorphic settings. Students will be based at Duke University (Durham, NC) with Martin Doyle (geomorphologist) and Dean Urban (landscape ecologist), but will also be expected to work closely with David Strayer (community ecologist), and will be expected to spend some time in residence at the Cary Institute for Ecosystem Studies, Millbrook, NY. Project will require considerable field work as well as significant ecological modeling skills, and students will work in areas of geomorphology, community ecology, and landscape ecology. (2) Stream restoration, ecosystem service markets, and Clean Water Act implementation. I am recruiting a graduate student (PhD) as part of a multi-university project seeking to understand the design of stream restoration for existing and emerging freshwater ecosystem service markets. The project is being conducted jointly with social scientists at Indiana University and University of Kentucky analyzing implementation of Section 404 of the US Clean Water Act and how it might interact with emerging interests in "credit stacking." Field work will require travel to multiple states, and preference is for students with some background in hydraulic engineering, fluvial geomorphology, or applied stream ecology. Students will be expected to work at the interface of river science, environmental policy, and some economics. Both: Information on the doctoral program and admission; Inquiries should be sent to Martin Doyle (martin.doyle@duke.edu) and should include CV, letter of interest/background. Posted: 9/9/11.
East Carolina University: The graduate program in the Department of Biology invites applications from prospective PhD and MS students for fall 2012. ECU is the third largest campus in the University of NC system and has an active and well-supported group of faculty working in the areas of ecology and evolution. Currently, we have 67 MS students and 26 doctoral students enrolled in our graduate programs. Students accepted into the Interdisciplinary Doctoral Program in Biological Sciences will receive two years of support with no teaching obligations and at least five years of support total, at a very competitive level. TA-ships are readily available in our two MS programs and Biology faculty members also supervise students in ECU's Coastal Resource Management PhD program. Graduate students will be encouraged to participate in the newly formed North Carolina Center for Biodiversity (NCCB) at East Carolina University. Goals of the NCCB include training graduate students in biodiversity research and providing them opportunities to participate in related outreach. Our students enjoy living in the affordable community of Greenville, NC, participating in seminar series and journal clubs that feature research in ecology and evolution, and having access to several natural areas, universities and research centers located in central and eastern NC. Our faculty members conduct research across the globe and excellent opportunities exist to work in terrestrial, freshwater, wetland and marine systems. Application deadlines vary with particular programs but students applying early will have a greater chance of receiving financial support. In addition to visiting departmental and faculty websites, please contact prospective mentors directly or our director of graduate studies, Terry West (westt@ecu.edu), for more information. Departmental faculty with expertise in ecology and evolution include: Marcelo Ardon: Aquatic ecosystem ecology and biogeochemistry. Chris Balakrishnan: Avian evolutionary and behavioral genomics. David Chalcraft: Population and community ecology; ecological aspects of biodiversity. Robert Christian: Coastal ecosystem ecology and network ecology. Lisa Clough: Marine benthic ecology (Arctic and Atlantic). Ashley Egan: Plant bioinformatics, evolutionary genomics and systematics. Carol Goodwillie: Plant mating system evolution, plant population ecology and genetics. Pat Harris: Fish ecology and life history, fisheries management. Jinling Huang: Evolutionary genomics and bioinformatics. Claudia Jolls: Plant evolutionary ecology and conservation. Dave Kimmel: Plankton ecology. Trip Lamb: Systematics and phylogeography. Joe Luczkovich: Food web ecology and fish bioacoustics. Jeff McKinnon: Sexual selection, speciation, mainly in fish. Sue McRae: Behavioral ecology and social evolution in birds. Anthony Overton: Larval fish ecology, fisheries biology. Enrique Reyes: Landscape ecology, ecological modeling, coastal management. Roger Rulifson: Fish ecology and fisheries. Matt Schrenk: Microbial ecology, geo-microbiology. Ed Stellwag: Vertebrate evo-devo and cis-regulatory network evolution. John Stiller: Molecular evolution and comparative genomics. Kyle Summers: Evolution of color, behavior in poison frogs; evolutionarymedicine. Heather Vance-Chalcraft: Community ecology. Terry West: Human impacts on coastal ecosystems. Baohong Zhang: MicroRNA evolution, comparative genomics, and molecular genetics. Yong Zhu: Comparative evolution and molecular functions of hormones and receptors. Posted: 2/10/12.
East Carolina University: Ph.D opportunities are available in the molecular geomicrobiology of the deep biosphere in the lab of Matt Schrenk (located in Greenville, NC). The research involves the characterization of high pH (>10), hydrogen and methane-rich ecosystems associated with the serpentinization of ultramafic rocks from the deep Earth and involves multi-disciplinary, international research projects in Canada, Italy, and California. These projects focus on advancing our understanding of the ecology and evolution of microbial communities in the deep biosphere using both molecular and culture-based approaches. Research combines bioinformatics analyses of (meta-) genomic and transcriptomic data with field work and laboratory characterization of novel extremophiles. Applicants with a background in Biology, Earth Sciences, Oceanography, or related disciplines are encouraged to apply. Applications for the Ph.D. program in Biology are due April 1, 2012. Please contact Matt Schrenk (schrenkm@ecu.edu) for further information. Posted: 1/6/12.
East Tennessee State University: NSF-funded Master of Science position to study ecological and genetic diversity of endemic and invading plankton crustaceans in Lake Baikal. This is a collaborative project involving research labs from Michigan State University, University of California – Santa Barbara, University of Texas – Austin, Wellesley College and East Tennessee State University. Additional collaborators include Institute of Biology, Irkutsk State University and A. Kondrashov’s lab in Moscow State University. Lake Baikal is the deepest, the oldest and the largest (in terms of volume) lake on Earth, home to 20% of planet’s unfrozen surface fresh water and to a unique assemblage of endemic species of algae, invertebrates and fish. During the last 50 years Baikal has seen a considerable increase in temperature, primary production and the frequency of non-endemic crustaceans in zooplankton. Funds are available to investigate the genetic structure of populations of endemic copepods and invading cladocerans. The student will participate in at least one field season on Lake Baikal. Familiarity with handling zooplankton organisms, population genetics, microsatellites and SNP genotyping is a plus, but not required. Likewise, ability to speak Russian is a plus, but not required. For further details on the project contact Lev Yampolsky, yampolsk@etsu.edu. To apply: http://www.etsu.edu/gradstud/admissions.aspx. Posted: 11/3/11.
Eastern Kentucky University: M.S. Assistantship available to work on the population ecology of a federally endangered plant species, Running Buffalo Clover. The largest cluster of populations for this species is located at the nearby Bluegrass Army Depot (5 miles from campus) and EKU has been involved with population monitoring for the past decade. The successful applicant will work on a funded project and lead a field crew to study management strategies, and will be expected to develop a thesis on a related topic. Applicants must be able to pass a background check to work on a military installation and have a drivers license. Applicants must be able to start this summer, preferably in April, but by early May at the latest. An official application must be submitted to the EKU graduate school by March 1. As a preliminary application, please send a brief cover letter email along with your GRE scores, GPA, and a resume (all in a single document) to David Brown (david.brown@eku.edu) or Jennifer Koslow (jennifer.koslow@eku.edu, 859-622-6258). Posted: 12/16/11.
Eastern Washington University: Opportunity for an M.S. student for a funded project investigating invasive species control techniques on Mima Mound Prairies at Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge in Eastern Washington. Mima Mounds are unique hemispherical geologic features that provide habitat for a range of native and invasive prairie species. The student will work with Dr. Rebecca Brown at Eastern Washington University and Mike Rule at Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge. The project will require extensive field work and will document changes in plant community structure following application of a range of invasive species control techniques including nitrogen management, herbicide, native seed addition, and biocontrol methods. Position may begin as soon as September 2011. A B.S. or B.A. is required in biology, botany, environmental science, ecology, or related field. Previous experience with statistics and ecological field work are desired but not required. Students must be admissible to the Biology M.S. program. Please send questions or application materials to Dr. Rebecca Brown at rbrown@ewu.edu. Application materials should include a C.V., statement of research and career goals, unofficial transcripts, and contact information for 3 references. If selected, admission to the M.S. program will require additional materials. Posted: 8/22/11.
Florida Atlantic University: We are inviting applications for a graduate research position (MSc) to begin Fall 2012 in the Plant Ecology Lab. We are seeking a highly motivated student interested in graduate research investigating the role of fire and other disturbances in ecosystem carbon cycling and plant community ecology of the peat-forming wetlands (peatlands) of the Florida Everglades. Opportunities exist for complementary activities with other on-going research projects in peatlands of Michigan and western Canada. Applicants must have a Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, hydrology, or a related field (currently or prior to enrollment). Successful candidates must demonstrate an aptitude for research and the ability to work independently. Prior research experience in fire ecology, carbon or nutrient cycling and/or plant ecology is preferred, as is the ability to conduct rigorous fieldwork in remote settings, occasionally under adverse weather conditions. A current, valid U.S. driver's license and good driving record is also preferred. The successful candidate will be enrolled in the Environmental Sciences Graduate Master's Program in Dr. Benscoter's lab on the FAU-Davie campus. A combination of research and teaching assistantship support (tuition and stipend) is available. Consideration of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Interested applicants should send a copy of their CV or resume, GPA and GRE scores, a written statement of graduate research interest, and names and contact information for two references via email to bbenscot@fau.edu. Posted: 4/23/12.
Florida Atlantic University: We are inviting applications for a graduate research position (M.Sc. preferred) in the Plant Ecology Lab. We are seeking a highly motivated student for a Joint Fire Sciences Program-funded research project with broad focal areas in forestry, fire ecology, wetland ecology, remote sensing, soil science, and biogeochemistry. This research is part of a collaborative project by researchers at FAU, Michigan Technological University, US Forest Service, and US Fish and Wildlife Service investigating fire dynamics in wetland ecosystems. Research will focus on examining spatial patterns of wetland soil conditions and fuel moisture influence on soil combustion using a combination of laboratory and field experiments, prescribed burning, and remote sensing. The project will be based at Seney National Wildlife Refuge (SNWR), located in the east-central portion of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The Refuge encompasses 95,238 acres of wetland and upland forest ecosystems, including the Seney Wilderness Area and the Strangmoor Bog National Natural Landmark. Opportunities exist for synergistic activities with other current research programs in Michigan, western Canada, Alaska, and the Everglades. Applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree in ecology, forestry, or a related field. Only U.S. citizens or permanent residents are eligible for this position. Successful candidates must demonstrate the ability to work independently and conduct rigorous fieldwork in remote settings, as well as willingness to travel and work for extended periods at the research sites, occasionally under adverse weather conditions. A valid U.S. driver’s license and good driving record is preferred, as is prior experience in field research or prescribed burning. The successful candidate will be enrolled in the Environmental Sciences Graduate Program at FAU in Dr. Benscoter’s lab on the FAU-Davie campus. Student support includes monthly stipend and tuition as well as travel and accommodations at research sites and scientific meetings. The Biology and Environmental Science programs at FAU have partnerships with a number of research institutions, including Max Planck, Scripps, USGS, and Everglades National Park. Visit the FAU Environmental Science Program website for information on the graduate program and application requirements. Consideration of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled, with a target enrollment date of January 2012. Interested applicants should send a copy of their CV or resume, a written statement of research background and interest, and names and contact information for two references via email to Dr. Brian Benscoter (Brian.Benscoter@FAU.edu). Posted: 5/12/11, revised: 9/23/11.
Florida International University: We have a fully-funded research assistant position available for a graduate student to pursue a PhD in tropical forest carbon cycling in the Ecophysiology and Global Change Lab in the Department of Biological Sciences at Florida International University, the Public University of Florida at Miami (http://casgroup.fiu.edu/Biology). The research will be based at the La Selva Biological Station in Costa Rica and is available starting Fall 2012. For more information contact Steve Oberbauer, email: oberbaue@fiu.edu. To be eligible for the position, interested students must meet the graduate admission requirements of Florida International University and have competitive GPA and GRE scores. The application is available at: http://biology.fiu.edu/. Posted: 12/19/11, revised: 3/30/12.
Florida International University: I am seeking a talented graduate student to pursue a Doctoral degree in the FIU Department of Biological Sciences and Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden's graduate program (starting in August 2012). Doctoral research will be part of a collaboration between KJ Feeley (FIU) and Professor Ping Ding of Zhejiang University in Hangzhou, China. Field research will be conducted at Thousand Island Lake, China, looking at the ecological effects of habitat fragmentation. Research will be funded through an NSFC grant on the "Dynamics and stability of forest bird communities in fragmented habitats in the Thousand Island Lake". Stipend and tuition are to be supported through teaching assistantships and/or FIU fellowships for highly qualified applicants. The student will be required to apply for external funding. Successful applicants will be enthusiastic, self motivated, hard working, and fearless and tireless in the field. They will also have strong quantitative (R) skills, strong logic skills, and easy going personalities. If interested, please email me (kjfeeley@gmail.com) by December 1st 2011 with a cover letter, your CV including GPA (graduate & undergraduate) and GRE scores (percentiles) and TOEFL score if international, a brief statement of research interests & academic goals (1 page), and contact information for three references. For more information see the links above. Posted: 11/3/11.
Florida International University: I am currently looking for talented graduate students to pursue their Doctoral degrees in my Tropical Ecology and Conservation (TEC) lab in the FIU Department of Biological Sciences and Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden's graduate program. Research in the TEC lab is focused primarily on the effects of climate change on tropical forest plants but students are encouraged to think broadly and pursue independent research projects. For example, current graduate students are working on seed dispersal as a limit to tree species distributions in the tropical Andes Mountains, patterns of biomass allocation in seedlings of cloudforest trees, and current and predicted patterns of land conversion in Costa Rica. Successful students in my lab will be enthusiastic, self motivated, hard working, and fearless and tireless in the field. They will also have strong quantitative skills (R), strong logic skills, and easy going personalities. Given the location of FIU and where we work, some fluency in Spanish is a strong plus (I am particularly interested in students from Latin America). Graduate students in my lab are supported through teaching assistantships, and potentially research assistantships depending on my current grant status. FIU also provides some internal fellowships for top applicants. All incoming students are encouraged (required) to apply for outside funding for example through the NSF pre-doctoral and ERA STARR fellowship. If interested, please email Kenneth Feeley (kjfeeley@gmail.com) by December 1st with a cover letter, your CV including GPA (graduate & undergraduate) and GRE scores (percentiles) and TOFLE score if international, a brief statement of research interests & academic goals (1 page), and contact information for three references. Competition to join the lab is tough and only support a small percentage of the students that apply are supported. For more information see the links above. Posted: 11/3/11.
Florida State University: Benthic Ecology, Department of Earth, Ocean & Atmospheric Sciences. Ph.D. student position available for participation in benthic sampling and research being conducted as part of the Deep-C consortium. Duties will include field and laboratory research to study the response of benthic macrofauna and their role in fisheries food webs. Training in biology required and a strong background in invertebrate zoology preferred. Applicants with an MS degree and laboratory and/or oceanographic field experience will also be given preference. Applicants should apply through the FSU graduate admission program and additionally send a cover letter detailing previous experience and a curriculum vitae, to Dr. Amy Baco-Taylor, abacotaylor@fsu.edu. Applications will be accepted until a suitable individual is found with the ideal candidate starting at the beginning of the Spring 2012 semester. Posted: 12/8/11.
Florida State University: The labs of Nora Underwood, Brian Inouye and Charlotte Lee in the Ecology and Evolution Group at Florida State University are looking for new graduate students (Ph.D. or exceptional M.S.) to join our labs in fall 2012. Our three labs form an interactive group studying species interactions (particularly but not exclusively plant/insect interactions) from both empirical and quantitative/theoretical perspectives. Students may be co-advised across labs. We are seeking bright, independent, question-driven students with interests in the ecology or evolution of plant/insect interactions, population dynamics and species interactions, theoretical ecology, and community ecology. Funding for all students in our program is guaranteed for five years through a combination of TAships and RAships. See below for specifics on each of our individual labs. Brian Inouye's lab focuses on understanding the roles of spatial and temporal variation in population and community ecology and linking theoretical and empirical approaches. Empirical work in the lab focuses on insects and plants. Current students work on questions ranging from estimating interaction webs to landscape ecology to plasticity in plant resource allocation. Charlotte Lee's lab focuses on a broad range of questions involving population dynamics, species interactions, demography and biodemography, and ecosystem dynamics. Students in her lab should have some demonstrated interest in quantitative theory and/or preparation in fields such as mathematical ecology, math, programming, physics and so on. Nora Underwood's lab focuses on empirical studies of the ecology and evolution of plant/insect interactions, particularly questions relating to dynamic properties of these systems such as population growth and spread, natural selection, and interspecific interactions (competition, pollination, predation), and in some cases combining those empirical results with models. The Florida State Ecology and Evolution group is a highly interactive and supportive community of about 20 faculty and 50 graduate students, with a particular strength in combining ecological and evolutionary perspectives. FSU is located in the Florida panhandle, with easy access to diverse natural habitats including long-leaf pine forests and savannas, springs and rivers, old-fields, and marine habitats in national forests, wildlife refuges and TNC properties. Interested students should contact the professor(s) (Lee, Inouye, Underwood) who most closely match their interests by email, including a cover letter describing background and research interests and a CV with names of two or more references. Posted: 9/9/11.
Fordham University: The Graduate Ecology program has new research opportunities and both teaching and research fellowships available for well-qualified students interested in pursuing a M.S. or Ph.D. in Fall 2012. We have research opportunities through our expanded graduate program, which links scientists at our main campus, the Louis Calder Center Biological Station, the New York Botanical Garden, and the Wildlife Conservation Society. Students can also work through our new Center for Urban Ecology (CUE). Accepted MS and PhD students are eligible to receive stipends in the range of $27-28k per year, plus full tuition remission. Students may work in many areas of ecology and evolution, as well as applied areas such as conservation of endangered species, urbanization effects on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, and responses of plants and animals to climate change. Specific research areas of our faculty include: - Anthropogenic and disturbance-related effects on nutrient dynamics - Biodiversity, biogeography, and ecology of freshwater algae - Climate change effects on hibernation and survival of mammals - Conservation of endangered species - Ecology and epidemiology of vector-borne diseases - Ecology of invasive species in urban landscapes and watersheds - Ectomycorrhizal fungal diversity and species function - Evolution of animal social behavior - Evolution of herbivory defense in invasive plants - Freshwater food webs and water quality in streams and rivers - Landscape ecology and spatial distribution of disease vectors - Microbial and ecosystem responses to disturbances such as urbanization, species invasions, and global change - Nutritional and biochemical adaptations to seasonally cold environments - Plant systematics. Interested students should contact relevant faculty members or research scientists to discuss mutual research interests via the following websites: Biology faculty | Louis Calder Biological Field Station | Opportunities at the New York Botanical Garden | Opportunities at the Wildlife Conservation Society. The deadline for applications is January 4, 2012. Online applications are available from: http://www.fordham.edu/gsas. For any questions, please contact Dr. J.D. Lewis by email: jdlewis@fordham.edu. Posted: 11/3/11.
Freie Universität Berlin: The Plant and Mycorrhizal Ecology Lab seeks a highly motivated doctoral student who will be involved in a project in the German Biodiversity-Exploratories. The title of the project is "Impact of soil negative feedbacks on plant-species diversity". The project will deal with root-colonizing fungi, in particular pathogenic fungi. The candidate must hold a M.Sc. or equivalent (e.g. Diploma) in biology, ecology or mycology. Fluent written and spoken English and driver licence are required. Strong background in community ecology and statistics are desirable; candidate must be willing to work under field conditions. Duration: 36 months. Salary: 65 % of a full position according to E 13 TV-L FU tariff (standard doctoral student salary). Applications including a CV and a copy/scan of relevant certificates (e.g. Master's degree) must be sent by 23 January 2012 to: Freie Universität Berlin, Institut für Biologie - Ökologie der Pflanzen, Prof. Dr. Matthias C. Rillig, Altensteinstraße 6, 14195 Berlin, Germany. Electronic applications (as one pdf) are welcome to: matthias.rillig@fu-berlin.de. Posted: 12/15/11.
George Washington University: We are looking for graduate students to join our plant evolutionary ecology research group, beginning fall semester 2012, with the opportunity to begin fieldwork in May 2012. Support is available for student(s) to participate in an NSF-funded project, which examines the influences of plant traits on wood decomposition rates. (We will also likely be looking for a postdoctoral scholar and/or technician for this project. Please contact me if you are interested in one of these other positions). In the project, we are exploring how plant traits influence community structure and function of decomposing fungi, and the consequences of these interactions for the forest carbon cycle in the Ozark Highlands Ecoregion as climate changes. The research assistant would focus on fungal identification, using both traditional techniques (field collection and culturing) and molecular methods (targeted sequencing and next-generation based metagenomics). The student would have opportunities to spend time in collaborating labs that specialize on fungal identification, enzyme analysis and genomics. Motivated students with interests or skills in mycology, molecular biology, and bioinformatics are especially encouraged to apply. The student would join an interactive lab group that broadly focuses on plant structure and function (anatomy and physiological ecology), community ecology, and evolutionary ecology, both in the temperate and tropical areas. The field project will be based near St. Louis, MO and Washington, DC and the graduate work will be completed at George Washington University. St. Louis and Washington, DC are dynamic cities with a wealth of ecologists and evolutionary biologists. In both cities, there are strong links among institutions, including ties to the Missouri Botanical Garden and the Smithsonian. George Washington University is located in the heart of DC, with easy access to numerous science, conservation, and policy based institutions. If you are interested in working with us on the NSF project (or on other projects broadly related to the lab interests), please send an email to me (Amy Zanne: aezanne@gmail.com) with brief details about your GPA, GRE, research interests, experience, and why you want to go to graduate school. For information about applying to the program, go to the George Washington University, Department of Biological Sciences website. The application deadline is 2 January 2012. I am also happy to answer any further questions you might have. Posted: 10/17/11.
Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research: The Department of Computational Landscape Ecology, invites applications for a PhD student in the field of Landscape Ecology. The position will be available as soon as possible and is limited to 3 years. The project seeks to analyze the effects of landscape complexity on the biocontrol-production functions in rice dominated agro-ecosystems. The position is part of the LEGATO project (www.legato-project.net) that investigates ecosystem functions and services in agricultural systems in South East Asia, with focus on regional land use intensity, biodiversity and potential impacts of future climate and land use change. The candidate is expected to develop statistical and simulation models to analyze interactions between habitat characteristics, agricultural pests and pest-controlling species using a range of field, GIS and remote sensing data. The candidate will closely cooperate with other researchers from the LEGATO project. Research tasks include: - Investigate the relationship between habitat complexity and diversity of species representative for the predator-prey system in rice field landscapes - Examine the effects of different land use change scenarios on predator-prey interactions in rice dominated ecosystems using a simulation model - Analyze the effects of landscape complexity on other ecosystem services and functions Requirements: - Master or diploma degree in ecology, geography, environmental systems, geoinformatics or a related field - Experience with statistical analysis (preferably in R), GIS and geocomputation - Very good written and oral communication skills in English We offer: - Excellent research opportunities within a highly interdisciplinary and an international team located in Leipzig, Germany - Funding through the Project LEGATO - Participation in the established Helmholtz Graduate School HIGRADE - Salary according to the appropriate civil service level 13 (50%) TVöD. Further information can be provided by: Dr. Tomáš Václavík, email: tomas.vaclavik@ufz.de, phone: +49 341-235-1952 Please send your complete application documents including a letter of motivation, curriculum vitae, degree certificates and three references (in English) under the appropriate code digit 29/2012 to: Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Personnel Department, PF 50 01 36, 04301, Leipzig, Germany, or by email as a single PDF document to: application@ufz.de. Posted: 3/27/12.
Holar University College: The Department of Aquaculture and Fish Biology of Holar University College in northern Iceland seeks bright, hard working individuals for two graduate positions associated with the research project „Diel activity of Arctic charr in Icelandic rivers“, funded by the Icelandic Center for Research (RANNÍS). The research project involves a collaboration between individuals at Holar University College (Dr. Stefan. O. Steingrimsson), Landsvirkjun/The national power company of Iceland (Dr. Sveinn K. Valdimarsson), Concordia University in Montréal, Canada (Dr. James W.A. Grant), and the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton, Canada (Dr. Richard A. Cunjak and Dr. Tommi Linnansaari). Holar is a small specialized university, with an ambitious research program in fish biology, aquaculture and aquatic ecology, with special focus on evolution, behavioural ecology and physiology. The main goal of the research project is to determine the ecological correlates of diel activity in stream-dwelling Arctic charr. More specifically, this project will examine the effect of season, age/size of fish, water temperature, growth, competition, habitat and prey availability by monitoring individually tagged fish and using both an observational and field experiment approach. Among other things, this project should give important insights into the behaviour and ecology of salmonids at high latitudes, their adaptation to different water temperatures, and their potential response to climate change. The positions offered are for one Ph.D. candidate and one M.Sc. candidate. Ideally, the students should not start later than in the summer of 2012. The Ph.D. candidate will be enrolled at the Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences at the University of Iceland, but based at Holar University College. Applicants should have an M.Sc. degree in biology or closely related disciplines, have a strong academic background, and be able to work independently in demanding situations. Prior experience in collecting ecological data in the wild is an obvious advantage. Pending on a satisfactory process of the project, the Ph.D. candidate will be funded for 3 years (265 000 Icelandic kronur per month) The M.Sc. candidate will be enrolled and based at the Department of Aquaculture and Fish Biology. Applicants should have a B.Sc. degree in biology or related disciplines and have a strong academic record. The M.Sc. candidate will receive partial funding for 24 months (105 000 Icelandic kronur per month). Applicants should contact Dr. Stefan O. Steingrímsson at Holar University College (stefan@holar.is). Applications should include a recent CV, a short statement of research interest, names and contact information for two references, and an academic transcript. Deadline: 1 March, 2012. Posted: 1/30/12.
Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin: we are currently seeking highly qualified and motivated candidates for a PhD position in Global Land Use and Biodiversity. The successful applicant will study the effect of future land use trajectories on global biodiversity patterns with a particular focus on land use expansion vs. intensification scenarios. The position is for 3-years initially and will be part of the Biogeography and Conservation Biology Lab. See the link for more information. The application deadline is 1 May 2012. Posted: 4/3/12.
Idaho State University: Graduate Position (M.S.) Available in Plant Physiological Ecology/Ecohydrology of Sagebrush Steppe Vegetation. An M.S. position is available in the Reinhardt Lab to investigate the impacts of altered hydroclimate (precipitation seasonality) on sagebrush steppe plant physiological ecology/ecohydrology. This EPSCoR-supported field-based project will involve quantifying changes in plant carbon and/or water relations among experimentally-altered precipitation treatments across scales (leaf-organism-plot), and will take place on an existing long-term (18+ years) ecohydrological experiment on the Idaho National Laboratory. We seek applicants with a B.S. in plant ecology or plant ecophysiology, and preference will go to those with previous research experience. The successful applicant will use both standard ecophysiological instrumentation (e.g., gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence, pressure bomb apparatus, etc.), and innovative, novel techniques to quantify differences in carbon or water relations among precipitation treatments. We are particularly interested in applicants who have previous, hands on experience collecting gas exchange or sap flux measurements. Applicants should be able to work in field settings, sometimes under harsh conditions (hot, arid conditions typical of the northern Great Basin). Pocatello, Idaho offers an outstanding quality of life, with a low cost of living and endless outdoor recreation opportunities. The graduate stipend is ~$18K/year, and includes payment of tuition and fees. Funding is available for two years. Applicants should provide a cover letter detailing their interest in the position, a CV/resume, contact information for three references, and unofficial transcripts and GRE scores to Dr. Keith Reinhardt, reinkeit@isu.edu. Review of applications begins immediately, with a start date in August, 2012. Posted: 4/16/12.
Idaho State University: A two year Graduate Research Assistantship is available to provide support for a Master of Science degree in biology (botany emphasis). The study system will be treeline ecotones in Yellowstone National Park. Data collection will require extended stays in backcountry locations at the subalpine/alpine interface. Approach to the sites will require strenuous physical labor. Data analysis will involve spatial-temporal models based on remotely sensed data, and measurement and analysis of ecophysiological responses of treeline species to environmental gradients. We are looking for a bright graduate student with an appropriate educational background and an interest in plant ecology, climate change, and alpine and sub-alpine ecosystems. To apply send a cover letter indicating your interest in the position and a resume to Ken Aho (ahoken@isu.edu). Interested students must also complete the ISU graduate application. Posted: 2/7/12.
Indiana University: The Phillips lab invites applications to our Evolution, Ecology and Behavior (EEB) Ph.D. Program. We welcome inquiries from motivated students interested in how regional and global environmental changes influence carbon and nutrient cycling in ecosystems. Our lab is a collaborative, highly interactive and dynamic group, with broad interests in ecosystem ecology and soil biogeochemistry. Incoming Ph.D. students are encouraged to develop their own research projects in these areas. See the lab website (linked above) for more information on research projects in the lab. The EEB Program at IU is one of the top-ranked programs nationally with a concentration of faculty working in the area of plant-soil-microbial interactions. Ph.D. students in EEB have opportunities for interdisciplinary training in atmospheric chemistry, biophysical ecology, climate-ecosystem interactions, land use and land cover change, microbial ecology and remote sensing. IU has outstanding resources for conducting research in the ecological and environmental sciences, including a state of the art biogeochemistry lab, an AmeriFlux eddy covariance tower and thousands of acres of nearby forest. Interested applicants should contact Dr. Phillips before December 1, and include “Ph.D. opportunity” in the subject line. In your email, please provide a brief statement of your current and/or future research interests (please be as specific as you can) and a curriculum vitae. For more information on applying to the EEB Program (Deadline for International applicants: Dec. 1, 2011; Domestic applicants: Jan. 5, 2011), visit the EEB Graduate Studies website. Posted: 10/25/11.
Indiana University: The Wetland Lab, directed by Dr. Chris Craft, is seeking a highly motivated PhD student to evaluate the responses of coastal wetland biogeochemistry to climate change on the Georgia coast. Our current projects are focused on understanding the effects of sea level rise, including submergence and salt water intrusion, eutrophication, and increased variability in temperature, rainfall and river discharge on the delivery of key ecosystem services that are provided by tidal wetlands. Our research is conducted in field sites that are a part of the both the University of Georgia – Marine Institute at Sapelo Island, GA and the Georgia Coastal Ecosystems LTER site, providing the opportunity to work alongside researchers from multiple academic institutions. This position is primarily a research assistantship, with the opportunity to teach, that comes with a tuition waiver, a $20k stipend, and health benefits. Our lab is part of the School of Public and Environmental Affairs, which is one of the highest ranked graduate programs in the nation (U.S. News 2012). Our lab facilities are housed in a new multidisciplinary science building (MSB-II) where the environment is very collaborative, offering access to expertise and instrumentation used across various fields of science. Qualifications: The ideal candidate will be enthusiastic and motivated to develop their own research project. A strong work ethic, good communication skills (verbal and written), and the flexibility to work both as part of a team and independently are critical, in addition to being prepared for work under variable field conditions and possessing a valid US driver’s license for travel to field sites. Applicants who already possess an MS in ecology or a similar discipline (e.g. biology, chemistry, environmental science) are preferred, but will also consider those with a BA/BS and considerable lab/field experience. A working knowledge of basic bench-top chemistry and spectrophotometric techniques is required. Applicants with a background in any of the following: wetland biogeochemistry, including greenhouse gas fluxes (N2O, CH4, CO2), soil processes, plant ecology, as well as GIS and landscape modeling will be highly competitive. To apply, please send a copy of your cv/resume, a cover letter describing your relevant experience and research goals, a copy of your transcripts and GRE scores (unofficial okay for both) to ccraft@indiana.edu, for review. Ideal candidates will be encouraged to apply to IU-SPEA for the 2013-2014 academic year, with a start date as early as January 2013 open for consideration. Posted: 10/6/11, revised: 5/7/12.
International Max Planck Research School for Organismal Biology: The IMPRS offers several PhD student positions. The IMPRS is based in southern Germany and is jointly organized by the Max Planck Institute for Ornithology in Seewiesen and Radolfzell and the University of Konstanz. Outstanding students of all nationalities with a deep commitment to basic research in Organismal Biology are invited to apply. More than 25 internationally recognized research groups actively participate in the PhD program and offer challenging, cutting-edge PhD projects in the fields of Behavioral Biology, Ecology, Evolution, Physiology, and Neurobiology. All students accepted to the program will be supported by stipends or contracts. The program offers dedicated teaching programs, high quality research experience, and outstanding research facilities in an inspiring research and living environment. All courses are taught in English. Each PhD candidate receives individual supervision and mentoring and is guided in her/his research work by a PhD advisory committee. Deadline for the application is January 15, 2012. Interviews with the applicants are scheduled for mid-March. Candidates accepted into the program may start latest October 2012. Qualification: Applicants should hold an MSc or equivalent degree in biology or a related discipline at the point of enrollment. For a list of all PhD projects and the application process visit www.orn.mpg.de/IMPRS. Queries should be mailed to the program office: IMPRS@uni-konstanz.de. Posted: 11/15/11.
Iowa State University: Graduate Research Assistantship, M.S., in Bioenergy Crops and Water Quality. An interdisciplinary team of scientists seeks highly qualified and motivated individuals wishing to pursue a M.S. degree in the areas of sustainable bioenergy crops and water quality. The successful applicants will conduct research on the Landscape Biomass Project, a large experiment designed to test the multifunctional performance of alternative biomass cropping systems in agricultural landscapes. Multifunctionality is assessed from agronomic, environmental, and economic perspectives. Required qualifications include a back-ground in plant, soil, or environmental science, experience with field research, exposure to statistics, and an ability to work in a collaborative environment. Preferred qualifications include previous work on water, strong quantitative skills, and demonstrated team skills. Potential graduate programs offered by Iowa State and available to assistantship applicants include Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Forestry, and Graduate Program in Sustainable Agriculture, among others. A beginning Graduate Research Assistantship includes a stipend of $19k per year, plus benefits. Start date is negotiable, but June 1st, 2012 is preferred. To receive full consideration, submit applications by May 1, 2012; however, applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Interested individuals should provide the following materials: (1) letter of interest stating professional goals, research interests, and qualifications, (2) a resume, (3) transcripts and GRE scores (unofficial copies acceptable at present), and (4) the names, affiliations, email addresses, and phone numbers of three references. For further information on the project or application contact Lisa Schulte Moore (lschulte@iastate.edu) or Matt Helmers (mhelmers@iastate.edu). Posted: 4/16/12.
Iowa State University: We are seeking a highly motivated M.S. student to conduct an investigation of forest successional patterns following a 2011 wildfire in northern Minnesota in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). The primary purpose of this research is to determine the degree to which fire severity is influenced by driving factors that include: forest species composition and structure (2D-3D), surface fuels, past burn and harvest legacies, soil and topographic characteristics, and climatic conditions. Qualifications: B.S. degree in forest ecology, ecology, biology, or related natural resources field, GPA >3.0, and both V+Q GRE scores at least in the upper 50th percentile. Desired qualifications include an excellent academic record, field experience (preferably with forests), interest in developing laboratory skills, GIS and remote sensing experience, strong organizational skills and attention to detail, strong quantitative skills, and excellent writing skills. Stipend is ~$19,500 per year. The student will receive health insurance and is responsible for half of in-state graduate tuition. To apply, please send a letter describing professional interests and career goals, curriculum vitae, copies of college transcripts and GRE scores, and names and phone numbers of at least three references to: Dr. Peter T. Wolter, Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, 339 Science II, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011. ptwolter@iastate.edu. Email inquiries are preferred. Tentative start date is May 15, 2012. Contact Posted: 3/6/12.
Iowa State University: A graduate assistantship for a Master of Science in Entomology is available through the Department of Entomology. The assistantship will include laboratory and field research focused on insect resistance management for agricultural pest insects that feed on crops producing insecticidal toxins derived from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). Interested individuals should send a cover letter describing their research interests and career goals, the names and contact information of three references, and a curriculum vitae to Aaron Gassmann (aaronjg@iastate.edu). Although electronic applications are preferred, application materials also may be mailed to Department of Entomology, 110 Insectary Bldg., Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011. Posted: 2/16/12.
Iowa State University: The Wilsey Lab has an opening for a Ph.D student in the general areas of Community and Ecosystem Ecology to start fall 2012. Current topics of study include remote sensing of ecosystem phenology, invasion ecology, biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, and ecological assembly of prairie communities. Graduate students in the Wilsey lab are funded through a combination of teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and fellowships. ISU has an excellent graduate program in ecology and evolutionary biology with over 40 faculty and 50+ graduate students across campus. Interested students should contact Dr. Brian Wilsey (bwilsey@iastate.edu) with their CV, GRE scores, and a brief statement of research interests. Posted: 11/17/11.
John Carroll University: The Biology Department seeks graduate student applications for Fall 2012. The department has faculty expertise in subjects ranging from cellular and molecular biology, anatomy and physiology, to ecology and systematics. The faculty is committed to providing a supportive, mentoring environment for master’s level graduate students and has a high rate of degree completion in its 2 year program. Faculty prefer to work in a collaborative environment. Facilities in the department are located in the newly built Dolan Center for Science and Technology and labs are well-equipped with modern equipment and instrumentation. The department is composed of 9 full-time faculty members, 13 graduate students, and approximately 240 undergraduate majors. Graduate student support packages include full tuition and fee remission for qualified applicants, and most students receive stipends for their work as graduate teaching assistants in departmental laboratory courses. For more information, please contact Dr. Chris Sheil, Graduate Coordinator (csheil@jcu.edu) and visit the departmental website to identify possible faculty advisors and learn more about the department. Posted: 2/9/12.
Kansas State University: Motivated PhD or MS-level students are sought for a research assistantship to (1) study the chemical character and bioavailability of organic matter in atmospheric deposition and its influence on alpine environments. There is an urgency to improve our understanding of how biogeochemical cycling and surface water quality in high-elevation catchments are responding to climatic changes. The combination of increasing temperatures and dust emissions, melting glaciers, and surprisingly high amounts of microbial activity in recently deglaciated soils, suggest atmospheric inputs of carbon and nutrients to barren alpine catchments are important. Applicants are expected to have a strong background in environmental science or engineering or related discipline and interest in conducting fieldwork, designing experiments, and using analytical equipment. (2) reactivity and transport of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in reducing groundwater and DOM interactions with metals, microbes, and arsenic. Applicants are expected to have a strong background in environmental science or engineering or related discipline. The successful student will conduct fieldwork in the US and Botswana (southern Africa), design experiments, and characterize organic matter with spectroscopic techniques, including fluorescence and GC-MS. Previous laboratory and modeling (MATLAB) experience is advantageous but not pre-requisite. both positions: Interested students should be able to meet GRE and TOEFL (if international student) requirements of the Department of Civil Engineering. Additional desired qualifications: - Laboratory and analytical experience - Interest in K-12 educational outreach - Ability to travel within US or abroad. Please send your CV, a list of three references (along with contact phone and email), and a cover letter summarizing qualifications and research interests to Dr. Natalie Mladenov, currently at mladenov@colorado.edu. Please refer to “Research assistantship in alpine environmental science” or “Research assistantship in DOM reactivity”. Preferred start date is January 2012. Application review is currently underway and will continue until candidates are selected. Posted: 9/26/11.
Kennesaw State University: The Department of Biology and Physics is now accepting applications for its newly approved Master's program in Integrative Biology. See also: bios of department faculty with a research focus in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and further information on the application process. The application deadline for students starting in fall 2012 is April 1st. Founded in 1963, Kennesaw State University, located just northwest of Atlanta, is the third-largest university in Georgia with more than 24,100 undergraduate and graduate students from 142 countries. Posted: 2/8/12.
Kent State University and Miami University of Ohio: Doctoral Traineeships in Aquatic Sensing. We are now accepting applications for our National Science Foundation funded Integrative Graduate Education and Research Training program entitled: "Environmental Aquatic Resource Sensing (EARS): Basic Science, Business Education and Outreach". The EARS IGERT is part of the NSF foundation-wide interdisciplinary doctoral student training program. The theme of the EARS IGERT is training of doctoral students in environmental sensing, focused on freshwater resources, accentuated with business experiences, to develop professionals equipped for diverse careers. Students eligible for traineeships are those that will be, or have already been, successfully admitted to doctoral programs in one of the participating science departments (Kent: Biological Sciences, Chemical Physics, Chemistry, Geography, Geology; Miami: Chemistry, Geography, Geology, Microbiology, Zoology); international students are not eligible. IGERT trainees receive a stipend of $30k plus $10,500 for cost of education per year. Details, including the application materials and frequently asked questions, can be found at our web page, linked above. For more information, please e mail Margaret Nagella, IGERT program assistant, at mlnagell@kent.edu. To ensure full consideration for a traineeship, please apply before February 1st 2012: applications will continue to be accepted until all positions are filled. Please also make sure you are aware of and follow the specific deadlines and requirements for graduate admissions for the specific department of interest. Initial notifications will be made by approximately the 3rd week of February. If you have questions or need assistance in applying, please let us know. Laura Leff (lleff@kent.edu) Professor, Kent State. Posted: 12/14/11.
Lehigh University: A Ph.D. position in Earth and Environmental Sciences is accepting applications at Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA starting August 2012. Possible topics for dissertation research include a) Land-atmosphere interactions and feedbacks on climate, b) Effects of climate change, atmospheric CO2, air pollution, land use change on vegetation and the terrestrial carbon sink, c) Climate impacts of future scenarios for the U.S. or northeast region, d) Effects of land use change and vegetation disturbance in climate models, and e) Biogeochemical cycling in Quaternary paleoclimates. Student will use computer models, including both stand-alone biogeochemical models or global climate models that link all components of the earth system. Models are compared against networks of field data, such as flux towers, satellite remote sensing, or streamflow gauges. We also have state-of-the-art field equipment to measure photosynthesis and soil respiration for local biomes. Application deadline is January 1. Apply on-line . See our web page for more details or the department website for more information about our department or contact Benjamin Felzer (bsf208@lehigh.edu). Posted 10/10/11.
Leibniz Center for Tropical Marine Ecology: The Leibniz-ZMT GmbH currently offers several positions within the frame of the BMBF funded German-Indonesian SPICE III Program (Science for the Protection of Indonesian Coastal Ecosystems).The overarching goal of the bilateral SPICE Program is to address the scientific, social and economic issues related to the management of the Indonesian coastal ecosystems and their resources. In addition to strengthening the existing scientific data base on coastal ecosystems, the program promotes capacity and infrastructure building in the maritime sector in Indonesia and Germany and contributes to education and public awareness. The program is being carried out in cooperation among partners from several Indonesian and German universities and government research institutions. Positions: 1) Research Assistant (PhD-Position) in Ecological Modelling: Modelling Coral reef dynamics in a resource use context Contact: Hauke Reuter, email: hauke.reuter@zmt-bremen.de 2) Research Associate (Post-doc): Reconstruction and modelling of environmental settings and biogeochemical cycles in the mangrove-fringed Segara Anaka Lagoon, Java, Indonesia Contact: Tim Jennerjahn, email: Tim.Jennerjahn@zmt-bremen.de More details of both positions. Review date: 3/20/12. Posted: 3/9/12.
Leibniz Center for Tropical Marine Ecology: The Leibniz Center for Tropical Marine Ecology (ZMT) GmbH in Bremen is a member of the Leibniz Association, which is supported by the German Federal and State Governments. Through its research, Leibniz-ZMT GmbH contributes to developing science-based strategies for sustainable use of tropical coastal systems. The ZMT has a vacancy for a Ph.D. student to start in April/May 2012 within the framework of the program Science for the Protection of Indonesian Coastal Ecosystems (SPICE III) funded by the German Ministry of Science and Education (BMBF). Marine flora and fauna are facing ocean acidification, rising water temperatures and other stressors, particularly in tidal and estuarine environments. Indonesian coastlines, particularly in the vicinity of large cities, are heavily exploited and anthropogenic influence incl. pollution poses increasing stress and pressure for marine living resources. The aim of this subproject of SPICE is to understand how selected tropical species of economic importance (e.g. fish, crustaceans, molluscs) respond to single and combined effects of abiotic stressors in their environment. The study will focus on physiological (e.g. metabolism, behaviour) and ontogenetic (e.g. development, growth and survival) responses of organisms and their critical tolerance levels to multiple stressors and tries to estimate potential consequences for ecosystems, resources and their users. Therefore, this study will be carried out in close cooperation with other disciplines and subprojects of SPICE (e.g. social sciences, toxicology). Requirements: Applicants should hold a Master or Diploma degree in marine biology, ecology or related fields and should ideally have strong background in ecophysiology, experience in performing laboratory experiments with marine organisms and sound practical skills regarding their cultivation. Also important is the willingness to conduct research in the tropics with limited infrastructure, making previous field experience highly desirable. The ability to improvise and design suitable field experiments for comparative purposes is an asset along with excellent scientific writing skills. The work for this project will be carried out in Indonesia and in the ZMT laboratories. The appointment is for a three-year period. Salary will be according to the German TV-L 13 for a half-time position. To apply, please send a motivation letter, a complete CV with list of publications and skills, and names with email addresses and phone numbers of two referees in a single pdf-file to the address below. Only short-listed candidates will be notified. Closing Date: February 29, 2012 or until a qualified candidate is identified. Contact: Dr. Andreas Kunzmann, Leibniz Center for Tropical Marine Ecology GmbH Fahrenheitstr. 6, 28359 Bremen, Germany. Tel: +49 (0) 421-23800-26, email: andreas.kunzmann@zmt-bremen.de. Posted: 2/21/12.
Leibniz-Institute for Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB): invites applications for a PhD position in river ecology. IGB is the largest freshwater ecology research institute in Germany. IGB offers excellent laboratory and field facilities for interdisciplinary research, large-scale experimental facilities, and long-term research programs and data sets. The successful candidate will participate in an international project on assessment and restoration of river hydromorphology (www.reformrivers.eu). The project is funded by the European Commission. He/she will study the interactions between hydromorphology and aquatic vegetation and the effects of aquatic plants on food web, nutrient retention and oxygen budget. The position is available from May 2012 and limited to 3 years. Fields of work • interactions between aquatic vegetation, flow conditions and river morphometry • effects of macrophytes on nutrient retention and re-aeration • interactions between macrophytes, zoobenthos and fish Requirements • completed Master studies in the field of aquatic ecology • interest and expertise in ecology of aquatic macrophytes and/or hydrodynamics • good command in English Salary is paid according to the TVoeD (50% position). Female applicants are particularly encouraged. Disabled people with identical qualifications will be favoured. Please send your applications / further inquiries to Dr. Jan Köhler (koehler@igb-berlin.de) until April 12, 2012. Applicants should submit CV, a cover letter indicating research interests and experience, and the name and contact details of two referees. Posted: 3/29/12.
Lincoln University: PhD Scholarship: Modelling invasive species - landscape interactions using high resolution spatially explicit models Biosecurity Theme Bio-Protection research Centre, Lincoln University, Canterbury, New Zealand. Stipend 26,000NZD per annum plus university fees. The topic: Global tourism, trade and climate change continues to drive invasive species impact by increasing opportunities for dispersal and establishment in new regions of the world. Invasive species are capable of doing irreparable harm to the biodiversity of natural ecosystems as well as the biological production in managed ecosystems. Additionally they threaten human and animal health. While the importance of preserving biodiversity is often clear, there is also an increasing urgency to protect productive ecosystems as climate change threatens world food security. For greater preparedness and prevention, important decisions about invasive species need to be supported by a range of approaches that are integrative and capable of converting scientifically relevant data into decision relevant data. The aim topic of this research is to build on previous studies to develop spatially explicit individual based models to increase understanding of the processes of species invasion. The successful applicant will have: * Excellent computing and statistical skills and some experience using GIS * An interest in applying those skills in an ecological context to solve interesting applied problems * Good critical analysis skills * Excellent oral and written communication skills * Ability to work independently but with a strong capacity to collaborate within a multidisciplinary team. Please email your CV with a covering letter to Assoc. Prof. Sue Worner worner@lincoln.ac.nz by 20th July 2012. For further information about the scholarship you can email or phone her on +64 3 3218382. Posted: 6/14/12.
Lincoln University: PhD project aimed at understanding the causes and consequences of alien plant invasions in a highly dynamic ecosystem, the extensive braided rivers that are a major feature of New Zealand’s eastern South Island. Braided rivers are naturally dynamic systems as a consequence of highly variable river flows and associated floods, and support a unique native biota that includes endemic species of plants, lizards, invertebrates and river birds. Human-induced changes to natural flood regimes, as a consequence of river damming and water extraction, appear to trigger a cascade of effects in these ecosystems initiated through invasion by alien plants. We are seeking a motivated candidate to undertake a PhD that will focus on understanding the drivers of alien plant invasion in braided river ecosystems, and the cascading effects of invasion on the structure and function of these ecosystems. We anticipate the work will combine historical data on water flow regimes with extensive surveys of alien plants to quantify the relationship between environmental change (e.g. frequency, intensity and scale of flood disturbance) and plant invasions, and the consequences of this for other biota. This will provide opportunities to test and apply general ecological ideas (e.g., the intermediate disturbance hypothesis, the role of disturbance in facilitating invasion, invasion meltdown) to a natural ecosystem that is ideally suited to these investigations, with clear applications to management. The candidate will need to undertake fieldwork in sometimes remote locations in the braided rivers of South Island. In addition to peer-reviewed science publications arising from the PhD, the results of the study are expected to help in managing invasive weeds and pest animals in braided river systems where natural flow regimes have been altered. This PhD is part of a project involving staff from the Bio-Protection Research Centre, Lincoln, Landcare Research, and Environment Canterbury, and the successful candidate will join an active and dynamic group of invasion ecologists based at Lincoln. To apply for the scholarship ($26k/year plus $5k fees for 3 years) please send a cover letter outlining your suitability for the position, a CV with the names and details of two academic referees and a document addressing the following selection criteria to Prof. Richard Duncan Richard.Duncan@lincoln.ac.nz, Prof. Philip Hulme Philip.Hulme@lincoln.ac.nz, or Dr Andrea Byrom ByromA@landcareresearch.co.nz. Enquiries: Prof. Duncan either by email or by phone on +64 3 321 8969, or to Dr Byrom either by email or by phone on +64 3 321 9629. Applications close on 15 June 2012. Start by January 2013 at latest. Selection Criteria: • Completion of 1st-class or good second-class honours degree or a Master of Science (MSc) - essential. • Interest and experience in invasive species ecology • Interest and experience in quantitative research design, methodology and analysis • Interest and experience in undertaking field-based research • Experience with plant identification, vegetation surveys or phytosociology • Ability to work in remote locations that frequently experience extreme weather. • Willingness to engage with external stakeholders, such as private companies, regional councils, and government departments • Excellent interpersonal and oral communication skills • Willingness to work as part of an interdisciplinary team. Posted: 5/14/12.
Louisiana State University: A graduate research assistantship is available for a Ph.D. student starting this summer or fall semester (2012) to investigate forest management effects on stream hydrology and water quality. Applicants should have a MS degree in hydrology, soil science, environmental sciences, natural resources, or a related field and keenly interested in water resources and water quality. Applicants must be able to work independently and collaboratively with others. Experience in stream measurements, hydrologic modeling, spatial analyses with GIS & RS techniques, and water quality monitoring are desirable. The stipend is $26k/year and includes a full tuition waiver and a scholarship for student fees. The assistantship is made available by the Lucuis Gilbert Foundation, and the recipient must meet GPA and GRE requirements: cumulative graduate GPA of 3.6 and verbal and quantitative scores of the GRE of at least 310 (1,200 prior to Aug 2011) with at least 153 and 144 on the verbal and quantitative sections, respectively, and an analytical writing score of at least 4.0. Performance on the GRE will be evaluated in combination with GPA, letters of reference, and other evidence of the applicant's potential success in pursuing a graduate degree and representation of the Gilbert Foundation ideals. More information: School of Renewable Natural Resources and Graduate School. If interested, send a cover letter stating your research interests, your curriculum vitae, unofficial university transcripts, GRE scores, and the names and contact information of three referees by email to the following address (Note: Applications missing any of the above documents will not be considered): Jun Xu (yjxu@lsu.edu). Posted: 3/20/12.
Louisiana State University: A graduate research assistantship is available for a Ph.D. student starting this Fall semester (2012) in the School of Renewable Natural Resources to assist in instigating studies into the factors affecting the elongation of vegetative buds in various southern conifers as well as baldcypress and tupelo in southern Louisiana. Qualified candidates will have training in plant physiology and be willing to conduct both laboratory and field studies. The annual stipend is $26k/yr and includes a full tuition waiver and a scholarship for student fees. The assistantship is made available by the Lucuis Gilbert Foundation, and the recipient must meet GPA and GRE requirements: cumulative graduate GPA of 3.6 and verbal and quantitative scores of the GRE of at least 310 (1,200 prior to Aug 2011) with at least 153 and 144 on the verbal and quantitative sections, respectively, and a analytical writing score of at least 4.0. Performance on the GRE will be evaluated in combination with GPA, letters of reference, and other evidence of the applicant's potential success in pursuing a graduate degree and representation of the Gilbert Foundation ideals. For more information see http://gradlsu.gs.lsu.edu/. Interested applicants should send a CV, a copy of GRE scores, graduate and undergraduate transcripts, and contact information for references to Dr. Thomas Dean, Professor, 227 Renewable Natural Resources, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, fwdean@lsu.edu, (225) 578-4216. Posted: 2/9/12.
Louisiana State University: I (Bret Elderd) am currently recruiting PhD students for my lab in the Department of Biological Sciences starting Fall 2012. In particular, my lab takes a quantitative approach to ecological questions and I require that my students have a strong interest or training in quantitative ecology. While students may work on projects closely affiliated with my research, I also encourage them to seek out their own research identity. In general, my research focuses on examining how disease outbreaks, community structure, and stochasticity influence population dynamics by combining experimental and theoretical modeling. I'm interested in: 1) disease transmission and insect outbreaks; 2) plant population demography; and, 3) population viability and rare species management. Students may be eligible for either a teaching or research fellowship which includes a stipend and a tuition waiver. For more information on the graduate program, the department, other faculty members, and Baton Rouge, LA, please see the department website (linked above). If your interested in applying, please email me a copy of your CV and a letter of interest in a single PDF. Posted: 12/7/11.
Louisiana State University: A Graduate Assistantship is available in the laboratory of Dr. Richard D. Stevens to study the morphological evolution, biogeography or community ecology of bats. The applicant would matriculate at the Ph.D. level. It is anticipated that the appointment would start in the fall semester of 2012. Ability to use GIS as well as independently perform a wide variety of univariate and multivariate statistical analyses, and design and implement statistical tests based on permutation, bootstrap and randomization is a plus. A strong desire and ability to learn these quickly is requisite. Interested persons should apply directly to the graduate program in Biological Sciences at LSU and in addition send a vitae, GPA, GRE and TOEFL scores as well as three letters of recommendation to: Dr. Richard D. Stevens, 202 Life Sciences Bldg., Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, e-mail: rstevens@lsu.edu. Applications will be considered in January 2012. Posted: 11/3/11.
Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium. LUMCON seeks a cadre of Postdoctoral Associates (2), Graduate Student (1), Research Associate/Assistants (2), Data Manager (1), and Web Developer (1) to help with research programs that investigate the Effects of the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill on Coastal Ecosystems of the Northern Gulf of Mexico. Drs. Nancy Rabalais and Brian Roberts seek several scientists to join a large, multi-institution team of researchers studying the impacts of the oil spill on salt marshes and coastal environments. Studies include differentiation of coastal ocean oxygen and phytoplankton dynamics from pre- and post-spill conditions, the biogeochemistry of oil-affected marsh ecosystems, benthic studies of oil-affected marsh ecosystems and related wetland gas exchange. Detailed information on the positions. Applications should include a letter of interest, a current resume, and name, address, phone and email contact for at least three individuals qualified to comment on scientific and work qualifications with a subject line of "LUMCON BP GRI Research Program". Send to Dr. Rabalais (nrabalais@lumcon.edu) and/or Dr. Roberts (broberts@lumcon.edu). Questions should be directed to Dr. Rabalais (985-851-2801) or Dr. Roberts (985-851-2821). Posted: 11/29/11.
Loyola University Chicago: I have funding to support a Masters student for two years, ideally beginning in early August of this year. The student will enroll in the Biology Department Masters Program, and work on their research in my lab. The first goal of the project is to assemble a database of all known occurrences of non-native aquatic species in the state of Illinois. Many databases currently exist, but they are all limited to smaller geographic areas and/or taxonomic groups. We will assemble a comprehensive database and make it publicly available. This portion of the project will require extensive consultation with scientists across the state, and likely some travel. I anticipate that it will take 6-9 months to complete. The remainder of the project will be to analyze the database, with the exact methods and questions are not yet fixed. Potential questions include the role of various vectors in the introduction and transport of species, or examining the role of the Chicago Waterway System in facilitating the movement of species between the Great Lakes and Mississippi Basins. I will work with the student to decide upon questions that are interesting to both of us, and publishable. There will also be the opportunity to contribute to a revision of the Illinois Aquatic Nuisance Species Management Plan. I am particularly interested in students who have experience in database management, GIS, and/or multi-variate statistics. However, these are not essential. The project includes full stipend for two years, funding to attend a conference in the second year, and funds for any additional required travel. To apply, please send a statement of interest, current CV, and the names of two references to me, Reuben Keller, at rkeller1@luc.edu. Posted: 5/14/12.
Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology: We are a seeking a motivated PhD student to join our research team working on the interaction of evolution and ecology at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology in Plön, Germany. Evolution in action has recently been recognized as an important player for many ecological interactions. It is now well recognized that evolutionary change can affect the interaction between species within in a few generations and that ecological interactions may influence the outcome of evolution in return. This project uses fast growing aquatic organisms (algae, viruses, rotifers) that allow tracking of evolutionary change and ecological dynamics in combination with subsequent analysis through mathematical modeling. For details of the study system refer to Becks et al. 2010 Ecology Letters, Becks & Agrawal 2010 Nature, Ellner & Becks 2011 Theoretical Ecology. We are looking for a highly motivated ecologist or evolutionary biologist to join our newly formed group “Community dynamics” at the Max Planck institute for Evolutionary Biology. The ideal candidate is fascinated by evolutionary and ecological questions, independent and creative. She/he has a background in evolutionary biology, population or community ecology and has worked with aquatic systems before. A MSc (or equivalent) in Biology is required. For more information on the project contact Lutz Becks (lbecks@evolbio.mpg.de). The institute offers a stimulating international environment and an excellent infrastructure with access to state-of-the-art techniques. The town of Plön is in the middle of the Schleswig-Holstein lake-district within a very attractive and touristic environment near the Baltic Sea, close to the university towns of Lübeck and Kiel. Hamburg and Lübeck are the closest airports. The position is funded for three years, starting as soon as January 2012. Please apply by sending your CV, including the email addresses of two referees, and a letter of motivation to Lutz Becks (lbecks@evolbio.mpg.de). Posted: 9/6/11.
McGill University: I am currently recruiting for graduate students on two projects in my aquatic ecology lab. Both positions are available, with stipends, at the PhD or MSc level. Start dates of January, June, or September 2012 are possible. The first project involves a whole-lake experiment to test whether changing terrestrial organic matter inputs subsidize lake food webs. There are opportunities for interested students to work on organismal (fishes, invertebrates, microbes) or biogeochemical aspects of the project. Field work for this project will occur mainly at a remote field station in the spectacular northwoods of upper Michigan, USA. The second project focuses on understanding carbon cycle processes in lakes, using sensor network data and statistical and simulation modeling. Good quantitative skills are essential. Field work for this project will occur at the same Michigan field station and at temperate and boreal sites throughout Québec, with additional international travel for workshops with collaborators. If you are interested in applying, please email Dr. Chris Solomon (chris.solomon@mcgill.ca) with a cover letter stating research interests, a current CV, and your undergraduate transcripts (and GRE scores if available). Review of applications will begin 3 Oct 2011 to accommodate possible January 2012 start date, but will continue throughout the fall and winter until positions are filled. Posted: 9/15/11.
Memorial University: Ph.D. assistantship focused on the impacts of climate change on boreal forest soil organic matter biogeochemistry. A Ph.D. graduate assistantship is available for a keen and motivated student interested in research and training centered around understanding the impact of climate change on boreal forest soil carbon reservoirs. This assistantship is available as part of an NSERC Strategic Project research team made up of foreign collaborators (Drs. Ronald Benner at the University of South Carolina, Sharon Billings at the University of Kansas, and Martin Moroni at Forestry Tasmania in Australia), provincial and Canadian Forest Service partners (Dr Kate Edwards-Atlantic Forestry Center). The project is focused on exploiting the established Newfoundland and Labrador Boreal Ecosystem Latitudinal Transect (NL-BELT) with six sites located in western Newfoundland and southern Labrador. The project is currently focused on the potential alterations in microbial transformations of soil organic matter (SOM) and losses of relatively slow turnover pools of SOM that may occur with warming along this boreal forest transect. To isolate the potential impact of warming while maintaining an ability to apply the results to intact boreal forests, our group has been conducting investigations of soils along the NL-BELT and combining these with manipulative warming experiments to develop biogeochemical indicators of soil responses to increasing temperature. It is anticipated that this Ph.D. student will focus on the alteration of chemical and isotopic composition of plant and microbial biomarkers in order to assess the microbial mechanisms associated with variation in SOM pools with warming and across this boreal forest latitudinal gradient. Experience with soil microbial ecology, biogeochemistry and/or organic geochemistry particularly at the M.Sc. level will be important. Consideration of students seeking a M.Sc. degree will only be considered in cases where a strong background of experience in microbial ecology and/or organic geochemistry is demonstrated (e.g. successful B.Sc. honors thesis). Applicants should be willing and able to conduct field research at remote study sites for weeks at a time. This assistantship will be available as early as January 2012 through the Department of Earth Sciences or the Ph.D. program in Environmental Sciences. Please direct inquires or send applications, including letter of interest and detailed curriculum vitae (including contact information for 3 references), to: Dr. Susan Ziegler, Canada Research Chair in Environmental Science, Department of Earth Sciences, Memorial University, St. John’s, NL A1B 3X5, Canada. 709.864.2669, sziegler@mun.ca. Applications will be considered until November 28, 2011. Posted: 9/26/11.
Miami University: Applications are invited for the MS and PhD programs in ecology and environmental science at Miami University, Oxford, OH. We offer an interdisciplinary PhD program in Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology, and MS degrees in the natural sciences with certificates in ecology and applied statistics. Our Master of Environmental Science program emphasizes problem solving, interdisciplinary team projects, and professional experience. Teaching and research assistantships are available in all graduate programs. Over 50 faculty members from 20 departments participate in these interdisciplinary graduate programs. Students may pursue research in aquatic ecology, terrestrial ecosystem ecology, behavioral ecology, conservation biology, landscape ecology, physiological ecology, paleoecology, statistical ecology, or environmental toxicology. Research is supported by state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, the Ecology Research Center, over 1200 acres of natural areas, and nearby Hueston Woods State Park. Miami University is consistently rated nationally as a public university with excellence in undergraduate education and selected graduate programs. For more information about the EEEB program, contact Hank Stevens (stevenmh@muohio.edu); inquiries into the professional master's program in environmental science should be directed to Tom Crist (cristto@muohio.edu). Posted: 11/29/11.
Michigan State University: The Department of Fisheries and Wildlife invites applications for a doctoral research assistantship to investigate the socio-spatial genetics of white-tailed deer in suburban environments. Special emphasis will be placed on implications of spatial arrangement of deer social groups to the management of overabundant deer at the local neighborhood scale within larger residential communities. This work will be paired with an ongoing investigation of the landscape and socio-economic factors that predict which communities are most likely to experience deer problems. We anticipate that this research will lead to significant shifts in the thinking about how to cost-effectively manage deer populations in urban and suburban environments. The work will be done in partnership with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Qualifications: Applicants must have an MS degree in biology, wildlife, ecology, forestry or related field. Academic requirements include strong GRE scores and GPA. Financial Support: $20k stipend per year plus tuition and health benefits. Start Date: Expected start date is August 1, 2012. Contact: Dr. William Porter (porterw@msu.edu), Boone and Crockett Chair of Wildlife Conservation, or Dr. Amy Dechen Quinn (aquinn@msu.edu) with the Quantitative Wildlife Laboratory. Posted: 2/14/12.
Michigan State University: Graduate Research Assistantships (PhD), Ecology, Evolutionary Biology and Behavior Program / Department of Fisheries and Wildlife. Topics: Community Ecology, Trophic interactions, Non-consumptive predator effects, Animal Behavior, Phenotypic Plasticity. We seek applicants who are interested in studying community and aquatic ecology starting in Fall 2012. We currently have funding for students to join a research effort examining non-consumptive effects (also called trait-mediated effects) of predators on zooplankton communities in Michigan ponds. Potential projects include examining predator-induced effects on zooplankton phenotype (including behavior) and how these induced effects influence zooplankton population and community dynamics. While particular PhD projects are flexible within the scope of the overall project, the positions could include integration of field, laboratory and ecological modeling. One of the positions will be given to a student interested in their research including ecological theory/modeling. Collaborators include Scott Peacor, Brian Roth, Ace Sarnelle and Earl Werner. For an example of related work, see the paper: Peacor et al. 2012. Proceedings of the Royal Society B 279:122-128. Stipends are competitive based on qualifications, and health and tuition waiver benefits are included. To apply, please send an email with “assistantship” in the subject line to Scott Peacor (peacor@msu.edu). Please include: (1)* CV/resume. Include GPA and GRE scores, and list of 3 references. (2) Cover letter describing general and specific research interests/experiences, brief statement of professional goals (e.g., plans after finishing the graduate training), (3) Transcripts (don't need to be official), or list of relevant courses (including math/physical sciences/modeling/statistics). *If emailing to inquire about position, please include (1) above. Posted: 12/5/11, revised: 3/15/12.
Michigan State University: We seek a PhD student to investigate functional diversity of endemic and cosmopolitan phytoplankton in Lake Baikal, Siberia within the new multi-institutional NSF project Dimensions of Biodiversity: Lake Baikal responses to global change: the role of genetic, functional and taxonomic diversity in the plankton. Lake Baikal is the oldest, largest by volume and most diverse lake on Earth and is undergoing rapid warming.The main goal of the project is to determine whether endemic plankton have enough genetic and functional diversity to help them adapt to and persist in the changing climate or whether they will be replaced by more warm-adapted cosmopolitan plankton, with significant consequences for the entire ecosystem. The PhD student will be based at the Kellogg Biological Station (KBS) of Michigan State University working under the supervision of Elena Litchman and collaborating with faculty and students at the University of Texas-Austin, Wellesley College, University of California-Santa Barbara, East Tennessee State University and Irkutsk State University. The student will conduct experiments and field work at Lake Baikal and in the lab in Michigan to assess key functional traits in common endemic and cosmopolitan phytoplankton. The deadline for application is December 1, 2011 but late applications may be considered. Contact Elena Litchman (litchman@msu.edu) for more information on the position and the application process. Posted: 11/29/11.
Michigan State University: We seek a highly motivated individual with quantitative skills and experience and desire to work in both field and hatchery settings. Work will involve (a) in-stream work tagging and collecting biological data from spawning adult Lake Sturgeon and collection of stream habitat and biotic data at the egg and larval stages, (b) common-garden experiments to investigate effects of fish culture practices and environmental and genetic effects associated with variation embryonic and larval development and survival. Qualification: 4-yr degree in fisheries ecology, marine biology, or natural resources management; related work experience in basic research techniques in the allied fields of fisheries ecology, fisheries management, and aquaculture preformed in field and laboratory settings; experience in word processing, database management and/or publishing software. Closing Date: 11/15/2011. Contact: Kim Scribner, Department Fisheries & Wildlife, Michigan State University, (517)-353-3288, scribne3@msu.edu. Posted: 10/18/11.
Michigan State University: Graduate opportunities in plant community ecology and restoration. I am recruiting graduate students (M.S. or Ph.D.) to join my lab at Michigan State University. The Brudvig Lab uses experimental and large-scale observational approaches to test questions at the interface of plant community, landscape, and restoration ecology. We take a theory-first approach, but work closely with a number of land management agencies to ensure application of our findings. Current research in the lab investigates: 1) Contingency in community assembly – the influences of temporal variability (e.g., climatic variation), spatial processes (e.g., landscape context), and history (e.g., land-use legacies) for community assembly – and application of these findings to the restoration of plant communities and 2) Landscape-scale restoration and the roles of landscape management – e.g., habitat corridors, matrix restoration – for plant population spread and community dynamics. Opportunities exist to work within a variety of ecosystems, within or outside one of my existing projects (see website for details); however, students must take an active role – and in the case of Ph.D. students, the lead role – in developing research that contributes to general themes in the lab. Required qualifications include: a Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, or a related discipline, substantial research experience, and a strong desire to conduct ecological research that will help solve pressing environmental issues. Students may be admitted into the Plant Biology Department and Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, and Behavior Program, to start in summer/fall 2012. For more information, including application details, see the above links. Interested individuals should email Lars Brudvig (brudvig@msu.edu) with a copy of their CV, GRE scores, undergraduate GPA, and a brief description of their past research experience and interests for research in graduate school. Posted: 10/17/11.
Michigan Technological University: A fully funded (4-years) PhD position in Restoration Ecology is available for a highly motivated and qualified individual to research in the School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science. The student has the opportunity to work on project investigating the creation of fertile islands. In particular, founder effects, diversity, community structure and rates of recruitment within denuded grassland ecosystems. Desirable qualifications include a master's degree in Ecology, Botany, Forestry, or other biology related field. A strong background or interest in field based research, teaching, experimental design and statistics is highly desired. Additionally, the student must be confident and meticulous in the use of a dichotomous key. Partial support of the student?s stipend will come from TA?ing Vegetation of North America in the Fall semester. The student will be responsible for 2-3 lab sections/week. Please send a cover letter that states your research interests and provides names and contact information for three references. Also include your curriculum vitae and any evidence of scholarly activity (ie - publications). Please email (no phone calls please) all application material to Dr. Catherine Tarasoff (ctarasof@mtu.edu). Suitable candidates will be required to apply to the graduate program within the School of Forest Resources and Environmental Sciences (free of charge). Posted: 3/14/12.
Michigan Technological University: Two graduate positions (PhD, or highly qualified MS applicants) are available for qualified individuals to study response of peatland ecosystems to climate change at Michigan Technological University, in collaboration with the US Forest Service Northern Research Station. Three years of NSF support are anticipated for research, tuition and stipend, to work on the PEATcosm experiment conducted at the USFS mesocosm facility (Google “PEATcosm”). In this experiment we are manipulating the presence of sedges and Ericaceae as well as water table to understand their effect on peatland carbon cycling. (1) The first position is for a PhD student to work on questions related to carbon balance of northern peatlands as affected by changes in water table and plant functional groups. The primary research objective is to partition changes in carbon mineralization from change in net primary production in these ecosystems, in order to understand whether and how climate change alters carbon storage in peatlands. The successful candidate should have a background or strong interest in biogeochemistry, ecosystems ecology, plant physiological ecology, and/or peatland ecology. Demonstrated research experience, including scientific publications, is a plus. (2) The second position is for a PhD student to work on questions related to microbial community structure and function in northern peatlands, as affected by changes in water table and plant functional groups. This candidate would work in close collaboration with the other PhD candidate described above, with the primary research objective to test hypotheses regarding the role of plant functional groups and water table in regulating microbial community structure and microbial mediation of carbon mineralization. The successful candidate should have a background or strong interest in fungal ecology, microbial ecology, and/or DNA-based methods of characterizing community structure and function. Demonstrated research experience, including scientific publications, is a plus. Michigan Tech is located in the snowbelt (>200” annual snowfall) of Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula on the South Shore of Lake Superior. The region is dominated by vast areas of lakes, forests and wetlands. Michigan Tech is in the small university town of Houghton, which was rated as one of the top 10 U.S. adrenaline outposts by National Geographic Adventure Magazine, boasting excellent skiing, hiking, kayaking and mountain biking. Michigan Tech's School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science doctoral program has been recently ranked fourth in the nation by Academic Analytics. Consideration of applications begins immediately and will continue until the positions are filled. Start date is somewhat flexible, but ideally would be May 2012. Please send a cover letter that states your research interests, your curriculum vitae, and any other relevant materials, and provide the names and contact information for three references, by email to Evan Kane (eskane@mtu.edu) (Position 1) or Erik Lilleskov (elilleskov@fs.fed.us) (Position 2). Posted: 1/12/12.
Michigan Technological University: Two graduate positions (preferably for PhD, will consider a highly qualified MS candidate) are available to study response of peatland ecosystems to climate change at Michigan Technological University, in collaboration with the US Forest Service Northern Research Station. Three years of NSF support are anticipated for research, tuition and stipend, to work on the PEATcosm experiment conducted at the USFS mesocosm facility (Google "PEATcosm"). In this experiment we are manipulating the presence of sedges and Ericaceae as well as water table to understand their effect on peatland carbon cycling. (1) The first position is for a PhD student to work on questions related to carbon balance of northern peatlands as affected by changes in water table and plant functional groups. The primary research objective is to partition changes in carbon mineralization from change in net primary production in these ecosystems, in order to understand whether and how climate change alters carbon storage in peatlands. The successful candidate should have a background or strong interest in biogeochemistry, ecosystems ecology, plant physiological ecology, and/or peatland ecology. Demonstrated research experience, including scientific publications, is a plus. (2) The second position is for a PhD student to work on questions related to microbial community structure and function in northern peatlands, as affected by changes in water table and plant functional groups. This candidate would work in close collaboration with the other PhD candidate described above, with the primary research objective to test hypotheses regarding the role of plant functional groups and water table in regulating microbial community structure and microbial mediation of carbon mineralization. The successful candidate should have a background or strong interest in fungal ecology, microbial ecology, and/or DNA-based methods of characterizing community structure and function. Demonstrated research experience, including scientific publications, is a plus. Start date is somewhat flexible, but ideally would be May 2012. Please send a cover letter that states your research interests, your curriculum vitae, and any other relevant materials, and provide the names and contact information for three references, by email to Evan Kane (eskane@mtu.edu) (Position 1) or Erik Lilleskov (elilleskov@fs.fed.us) (Position 2). Posted: 12/19/11.
Michigan Technological University: An MS position will be available beginning spring/summer 2012 with Dr. Amy Marcarelli to study the effects of stream crossing improvement projects on stream ecosystem function (retention and nutrient spiraling). Field research will be located in the Chequamegon-Nicolet and Ottawa National Forests in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan in collaboration with Drs. Anne Timm and Sue Eggert from the USDA Forest Service Northern Research Station. The MS candidate will also be expected to assist with physical habitat, macroinvertebrate, and fish sampling with Drs. Timm and Eggert.This position will be supported through a combination of research and teaching assistantship. All candidates must be highly motivated, work well with a team, and be willing to conduct research in rugged settings. Desired qualifications also include excellent academic record, prior field experience in aquatic ecosystems, and good writing, quantitative and computing skills. Interested applicants should contact Dr. Marcarelli (ammarcar@mtu.edu, 906-487-2867). For details on the application procedure, visit http://www.bio.mtu.edu/grads.htm. Position will be open until filled, but applicants must apply by January 15 for full consideration. Posted: 11/16/11.
Michigan Technological University: PhD position in wetland restoration. We are seeking a highly motivated and qualified individual to conduct research in the School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science (SFRES) at Michigan Technological University (MTU). The candidate will participate in a cooperative research venture between SFRES and Seney National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) and study various ecological responses to reinstating historical hydrological patterns in wetlands located in the Seney NWR. Ecological responses may include vegetation communities, soil ecology, ecophysiological responses of existing plants, and/or ecohydrology. A strong background in field based research, experimental design and statistics is highly desired. Seney NWR in Michigan’s eastern Upper Peninsula was established in 1935 by Executive Order for the protection and production of migratory birds and other wildlife. At nearly 96,000 acres, Seney NWR is one of the larger National Wildlife Refuges east of the Mississippi River. Management goals include the integration of conservation, preservation, and restoration principles on the landscape for wildlife benefit. For more information see the Seney website. http://www.fws.gov/midwest/seney/The quality of life for MTU students is outstanding. MTU is located in Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula on the South Shore of Lake Superior. The region is dominated by publicly-owned forests, and is rated as a great place for outdoor adventure (see National Geographic Adventure Magazine). MTU is located in the small community of Houghton, Michigan and as such has the desirable qualities of semi rural living - safe, inexpensive, and friendly. Consideration of applications begins immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Please send a cover letter that states your research interests and provides names and contact information for three references. Also include your curriculum vitae and any other relevant material (publications). Ideally, the successful applicant will start Jan 2012, but start dates are flexible. Please email all application material to Dr. Tom Pypker (tgpypker@mtu.edu) or Dr. Catherine Tarasoff (ctarasof@mtu.edu). Posted: 10/13/11.
Michigan Technological University: PhD student Position in Evolution of Development. We are seeking a highly motivated student with a background in molecular biology, genetics, developmental, and evolutionary biology to lead a project about the evolution of complex pigmentation patterns in Drosophila by using molecular approaches (germline transformation, in situ hybridization, PCR, DNA sequencing, DNA cloning, etc.). Some prior experience working with Drosophila would be an advantage, but is not essential. You should be able to work independently and contribute conceptually to the overall research program of the group. You will work under the overall supervision of Dr. Thomas Werner who works on the evolution of multidrug resistance and color pattern formation in model and non-model Drosophila species. You will be based in the Department of Biological Sciences at Michigan Technological University. Biological Sciences is housed in the award-winning Dow Environmental Sciences and Engineering Building. The post is initially funded for 2 years (Graduate Teaching Assistant) and consists of 50% teaching and 50% research. The position will be open until filled, but applicants must apply by January 15, 2012 for full consideration. Informal enquiries may be made to Dr. Thomas Werner: twerner@mtu.edu Application details can be found at the Grad School website and the Biological Sciences website. Posted 10/3/11.
Michigan Technological University: We seek a highly motivated and qualified individual for a funded PhD research assistantship in the School of Forest Resources and Environmental Sciences at Michigan Technological University. The selected student will be engaged in answering a very topical research question rooted in the long-term effect of biomass harvest from forests in the US Upper Midwest. Project funding is supplied by Plum Creek Timber Company and the National Council for Air and Stream Improvement. Competitive applicants will have a background in forestry, ecosystem science or soil science and a strong interest in field research and the sustainable management of Great Lakes forests. An M.Sc. degree in a related field is a definite asset. Proficiency in spoken and written English is required. The assistantship comes with a competitive stipend and covers the cost of tuition and fees. Supplementary support including discretionary travel funds is anticipated for strong candidates. The start date is January or May 2012, depending on the candidate's availability. Interested persons should send GRE scores, one-page statement of professional interests, curriculum vitae including names and contact information for two references, and any other relevant materials to Dr. Froese by email at froese@mtu.edu. More information. Posted: 9/15/11, revised: 12/8/11.
Minnesota State University: MS Biology Graduate Student wanted for research project on the evolution of mating systems in Galapagos lizards. Student will learn microsatellite DNA laboratory techniques to identify parent- offspring relationships using tissues sent from the Galapagos. Student can apply for a 9-mo Teaching Assistantship in the Department of Biological Sciences, Minnesota State University, Mankato MN 56001. Send CV, cover letter, transcripts, and three references (name, email address, & phone number only) to Dr. John D. Krenz, john.krenz@mnsu.edu. Posted: 5/3/12.
Mississippi State University: The Forest Soils and Hydrology Lab in the Department of Forestry is seeking one or two MS level students to perform research in one of two areas: 1. Root distribution in pine-switchgrass agroforestry system. This student would work to understand the belowground competition for soil resources at in this agroforestry system used to grow a biofuel crop and timber. 2. Litter chemistry controls on flammability and resulting char or black carbon quality in hardwood and pine ecosystems. This work will entail controlled burns in the lab and field as well as lab work to characterize the litters and char. Many of these analyses will take place in the Department’s fully equipped soil laboratory. The student will be responsible for completing course work, analyzing samples in the laboratory, data analyses, preparing progress reports, presenting results at national conferences, preparing and presenting a thesis, and preparing and submitting a manuscript(s) for publication. The student will also be expected to be involved in other projects within the Forest Soils and Hydrology Lab thereby providing them with a broad range of experience and opportunities to collaborate. Potential Starting Dates: August 2012-January 2013. Students with a Bachelor’s degree in soil science, ecology, biogeochemistry, geosciences, environmental science, chemistry, biology, or other related fields are encouraged to apply. Research assistantships include a full tuition waiver, a competitive annual stipend including summer support, health insurance, and thesis research funding for two years. Application: Please send 1)copies of transcripts, 2) CV or resume, 3) contact information for 3 references and 4) your preference for either of these two options for research. Dr. Jeff Hatten, Assistant Professor, Forest Soils and Hydrology Lab, Department of Forestry, Mississippi State University, MS State, MS 39762. Phone: 662-325-7481, Email: jhatten@cfr.msstate.edu. Posted: 5/14/12.
Mississippi State University: The Department of Forestry is seeking a PhD student and research assistant to examine the role of best management practices (BMPs) and land use decisions in affecting water quality in the face of extreme events and climate change. The objectives of this research are to #1) Determine the capacity of BMPs to reduce large event caused delivery of sediment in lakes with small agricultural watersheds in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley (MAV) and #2) Determine the role that BMP development and landuse decisions have had on event associated sedimentation rates in a lake with a large watershed. The candidate for this position will have the opportunity to work with soil scientists, hydrologists, sedimentologists, and watershed modelers in the Departments of Forestry, Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, US Forest Service, and USDA National Sedimentation Lab. Candidate will work with a team of that includes the PI, a Research Associate, a scientist from the USDA National Sedimentation Lab, and several undergraduate researchers. The PhD student will direct sample collection, analysis, and reporting. Sediment cores will be collected from lakes in Mississippi and surface water samples will be collected on a monthly basis. Laboratory work will include geochemical analyses that will allow for detailed chronologies to be developed for each core (e.g. radio-isotopes, stable isotopes, particulate organic carbon and nitrogen, CuO oxidation biomarkers, etc.). Additionally, standard water quality analyses will also be conducted (e.g. suspended sediment, nitrogen, and phosphorous). Many of these analyses will take place in the Department of Forestry’s fully equipped soil laboratory (link). The student will be responsible for completing course work, analyzing samples in the laboratory, data analyses, preparing progress reports, presenting results at national conferences, preparing and presenting a dissertation, and preparing and submitting manuscripts for publication. The student will also be expected to be involved in other projects within the Forest Soils and Hydrology Lab thereby providing them with a broad range of experience and opportunities to collaborate. Potential Starting Dates: August 2012-January 2013. Students with a Master’s degree in hydrology, soil science, biogeochemistry, geosciences, environmental science, chemistry, biology, or other related fields are encouraged to apply. Research assistantships include a full tuition waiver, a competitive annual stipend including summer support, health insurance, and thesis research funding for two years. Application: Please send 1)copies of transcripts, 2) CV or resume, 3) contact information for 3 references, and 4) a letter of application which (i) describes your interest in the position, (ii) describes your career goals, and (iii) details your work or educational experience that is most relevant to this position. Dr. Jeff Hatten, Assistant Professor, Forest Soils and Hydrology Lab, Department of Forestry , Mississippi State University, MS State, MS 39762. Phone: 662-325-7481, Email: jhatten@cfr.msstate.edu. Posted: 5/10/12.
Mississippi State University: I am recruiting two graduate students (one M.S. and one Ph.D.) to work with me in the Department of Forestry beginning either fall 2012 or spring 2013. The students will have some flexibility in specific topics, but the general research areas will fall into one of these three general areas of fire ecology: 1. Scaling flammability from lab to field - our Wildland Fire Laboratory has been focused on laboratory-scale flammability of a diversity of species from North America. Our next steps center on scaling these observations to field fire behavior, with a focus on southeastern pine-oak ecosystems in south Mississippi. 2. Tree invasion and fire-caused mortality in Black Belt prairies - I seek a student to document tree invasion patterns and to develop models for fire-caused mortality in remnant prairies in northeastern Mississippi. Several other fire-related topics in these ecosystems are possible. 3. Interactions between pathogens and fire - we have been working on understanding the interactions between several forest pathogens (thus far sudden oak death, mountain pine beetles, and laurel wilt) and fire. I seek a student to focus on these issues in Mississippi forests; the specific pathogen X fire interaction is open to student interest. Strong applicants will have competitive GPA, GRE scores, and research experience. Applicants for the Ph.D. position will have a strong research background with publications and substantial statistical and/or modeling experience. Both positions have competitive funding, tuition waivers, computing, and supplemental travel funding. I will be shifting to Mississippi State July 1st; until then, contact me at the email address below. In your email to me, please include your research interests, a resume/CV with relevant scores, and contact information for references who can speak to your potential as a productive scholar. Dr. J. Morgan Varner III Contact until *15 June 2012*: Associate Professor of Wildland Fire Sciences, Director, Wildland Fire Laboratory, Department of Forestry & Wildland Resources, Humboldt State University, One Harpst Street, Arcata, CA 95521. Tel. 707-826-5622, Fax 707-826-5634, Email jmvarner@humboldt.edu. Posted: 4/2/12.
Mississippi State University: The Department of Biological Sciences invites applications for MS and PhD assistantships in Ecology and Evolution. Ecology and Evolution is one of three focal research areas in the Department of Biological Sciences at Mississippi State University. Our graduate students work toward either the Ph.D. or M.S. degree. The research interests of the Ecology & Evolution faculty include conservation biology, ecology of invasive species, evolutionary genomics, landscape ecology, molecular evolution, phylogenetics, plant systematics, population genetics, quantitative ecology, speciation and wetland ecology. MSU houses an array of resources for ecological and evolutionary research, such as extensive botanical collections in our herbarium and greenhouses, a large avian collection of local and exotic birds, the MSU Entomological Museum, which houses thousands of cataloged specimens, books and journals, high power computing available through the HPCC, access to GIS experts and software through the Geosystems Research Institute and ample departmental lab space for molecular work with access to next-generation DNA sequencers. We urge those interested to visit us online and to contact members of the Ecology & Evolution faculty before applying. To submit an application please follow the instructions available for MSU and the Department of Biological Sciences. Posted: 1/5/12.
Mississippi State University: Ph.D. Research Assistantship - Modeling Northern Bobwhite Fitness in Hostile Environments. This Ph.D. program is part of a research project led by Tall Timbers Research Station, Florida Wildlife Commission, and Mississippi State University with collaboration from USGS Southeast Ecological Science Center. The research team is in search of a dynamic student, capable in the field and versed in ecological modeling or the quantitative foundation to develop those skills. The successful applicant will need to have an interest in bird ecology preferably gamebirds, disturbance ecology, and harvest management. Depending on the student’s interests, an additional component of adaptive resource management and structured decision making could be integrated. Responsibilities: Student will need to spend approximately 6-8 months in the field for 2-3 seasons in south Florida conducting the field portion of the study. The student will lead data collection and assure data integrity. Qualifications: Experience with radio telemetry is strongly desired. Student must be able to handle tough field conditions. Student must be able to collaborate with other graduate students, WMA staff, technicians, and collaboration scientists. Successful candidate must demonstrate the capacity to work independently. GIS and computer programming skills are preferred. Starting Date: January 2012 or until suitable candidate is found. Stipend: 21 k per annum plus complete waiver of tuition. Health insurance provided. Inquiry emails are welcomed and should be directed to Dr. James A. Martin at Mississippi State (jmartin@cfr.msstate.edu) and Dr. Bill Palmer at Tall Timbers Research Station (bill@ttrs.org). Application: Submit: 1) transcript(s) and GRE scores (unofficial copies fine initially), 2) vita, 3) contact information for 3 references, and 4) letter of application which (a) describes your interest in the position, (b) describes your career goals, and (c) details your work or educational experience that is most relevant to this position. To: Dr. James A. Martin, Department of Wildlife & Fisheries, Box 9690, Mississippi State, MS 39762; jmartin@cfr.msstate.edu. Posted: 9/7/11.
Monash University: Two fully-funded PhD stipends are available to students interested in working on the evolutionary ecology of marine invertebrates in Dr Dustin Marshall's group. I have just transferred to a position at Monash University in Victoria, Australia. The stipends include all course fees plus ~$25k AU per annum tax free (the equivalent of ~$33k before tax) with no teaching requirements. I can guarantee funding of project costs including the costs of attending at least one conference per year. Project start dates can be any time in 2012. Interested students should send their CV’s, a brief statement of their interests and the contact details of two referees (dustin.marshall@monash.edu). To be eligible, applicants must have completed at least one year of post-graduate research and ideally a masters. Preference will be given to those with strong quantitative skills. Posted: 1/12/12.
[position closed] Montana State University/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: Seeking a MS student to study and characterize the swimming abilities and behaviors of fish species beginning May 2012. The project is a component of a partnership between the MSU Ecology Department, the MSU-Western Transportation Institute, and the USFWS-Bozeman Fish Technology Center (BFTC) to address fish passage needs. The accepted applicant will be enrolled in the MSU Ecology Dept., Fish and Wildlife program and co-advised by Dr. Tom McMahon (Ecology Dept.; tmcmahon@montana.edu) and Dr. Matt Blank (Engineering Dept; mblank@coe.montana.edu). The student will be enrolled in the Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP) and supervised by USFWS Fishery Biologist Kevin Kappenman. Research will be performed at the BFTC laboratory (4 miles from MSU). Swimming abilities will be determined using open channel flume experiments and swimming tube chambers. The hydraulic environment will be characterized in both 1-D and 3-D to aid in developing swimming performance curves. Applicants should have considerable quantitative skills and strong multi-discipline interests that include the hydrological/engineering/fisheries fields. Previous experience in laboratory experimentation, and fish passage desirable. Applicants must possess a BS degree in fisheries, civil engineering, hydrology, water resources, or closely related field. Minimum 3.0 GPA and 300 (V+Q, new scoring system or 1100 old system) GRE required. Final acceptance to the STEP program contingent on graduate school acceptance. Expected hiring date April 29. Tuition paid by USFWS and STEP funded for 2 y ($18-22k/y). To apply send letter of interest (qualifications, research interests, and career goals), resume/cv, unofficial copies of transcripts and GRE scores, example of technical writing, and contact information for 3 references to: Kevin Kappenman, Email: kevin_kappenman@fws.gov (electronic applications preferred), Bozeman Fish Technology Center, USFWS, 4050 Bridger Canyon Rd, Bozeman, MT 59715 phone: (406) 994-9917 Fax: (406) 586-5942. We will begin reviewing applications immediately with selection by Feb. 22. Posted: 2/3/12.
Montana State University: I have a fully funded M.S. assistantship evaluating effects of best management practices on nitrate leaching from agroecosystems in Montana. Preferred Start: May 2012 . Required background: B.S. in soil science, agronomy, or closely related field. Preferred qualifications: Ability to interact with a diverse group of individuals including farmers, policy makers, Extension agents, NRCS personnel, and other researchers. Willingness to travel 2.5 hours from MSU to soil sample and for occasional meetings. Excellent writing skills. Project: The Judith Basin watershed in central Montana contains groundwater nitrate concentrations that often exceed drinking water standards. Shallow soils promote nitrate leaching in the region, yet the cause(s) of the contamination has not been identified. The watershed is predominated by cropland and the Natural Resources Conservation Service has established a special project in the watershed to reduce nitrate leaching from cropland by encouraging the adoption of best management practices. Despite providing incentive payments, fewer than ten farmers have enrolled. The overall objectives of our study are to determine 1) the relative contributions of nitrate from natural and human sources, 2) incentives for, and barriers to, adoption of best management practices, and 3) the effects of BMPS on nitrate leaching and fertilizer nitrogen use efficiency. The M.S. student will focus on objective 3 but will be involved in the other 2. The project will use a highly participatory approach to attain input from local individuals prior to determining our final research plan. Questions or to apply: Clain Jones, Dept of Land Resources and Environmental Sciences, Montana State University, clainj@montana.edu, 406 994-6076. Posted: 1/18/12.
Montana State University: The Weed and Invasive Plant Ecology and Management Group at the Department of Land Resources and Environmental Sciences is seeking applicants to fill one Ph.D. and two M.S. Graduate Research Assistantships. 1)Ph.D. Molecular, physiological, and ecological characterization of herbicide resistance. This laboratory, greenhouse and field study will 1) Investigate the resistance spectrum, metabolism patterns, molecular biology, and genetics of multiple resistance, 2) Compare the impacts of environmental and biological stressors on the demography, ecological fitness, and primary physiology of herbicide resistance, and 3) Refine simulation models to assess herbicide resistance phenotype frequency, dynamics, and spread. Apply to: Dr. Fabian Menalled. menalled@montana.edu. (406) 994-4783 or Dr. Bill Dyer wdyer@montana.edu (406) 994-5063. 2)M.S. Impact of targeted sheep herbivory on insect and plant communities. The successful candidate will assess insect (Carabid beetle and pea aphids) and plant communities responses to targeted domestic sheep grazing. This study will be conducted in both annual and perennial cropping systems and rangelands and involves frequent and overnight travel to and from research sites within Montana. Apply to: Dr. Fabian Menalled. menalled@montana.edu. (406) 994-4783. 3)M.S. Multi-trophic interactions between spotted knapweed and insects. This project investigates effects of spotted knapweed and its associated biological control agents on native plant community dynamics using a network approach to assess multi-trophic pollinator, herbivore and parasitoid interactions. We will 1) Assess the effects of spotted knapweed on community-level pollination patterns and 2) Determine the effects of spotted knapweed and its biocontrols and associated parasitoids on native plant reproduction. Apply to: Dr. Jane Mangold. Jane.mangold@montana.edu. (406) 994-5513. All positions: Candidates must hold a BS or MS degree in ecology, weed science, plant science, or related field. Excellent work ethic, team player, and proficiency in English language (written and oral) are required. Submit 1) letter of application describing career goals and research interests, 2) resume, transcripts, and 3) names, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses of three references. GRE and TOEFL scores (if required) are mandatory. Electronic applications are accepted. Posted: 12/15/11.
Montana State University: PhD Assistantship – Population Dynamics of Amphibians and Reptiles. The successful candidate will develop a research project to understand factors driving the distribution and dynamics of amphibian and/or reptile populations in Montana, especially changes resulting from anthropogenic effects (e.g., invasive species, climate and land-use change). Specific research questions and study organisms (e.g., Columbia spotted frog, western toad, long-toed salamander, greater short-horned lizard) are flexible to accommodate the interests of the student and will be determined jointly by the advisor and selected candidate. The student will pursue a Ph.D. degree in the Department of Ecology. Required Qualifications: B.S. and M.S. in wildlife science, ecology, zoology, or closely related field. A strong work ethic, good verbal and written communication skills, ability to work independently and as a productive member of a research team, ability to work under adverse field conditions are essential. Students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and 1100 combined GRE score (V+Q). Preferred Qualifications: Background or interest in community and population ecology and herpetology. Experience trapping, handling, and identifying reptiles and amphibians, hiking, and some experience with plant identification. Evidence of publication in peer-reviewed literature. Stipend/Salary: The student will be supported by a research assistantship ($1500/month, plus insurance) for the first 2½ years and nonresident tuition will be waived. Additional funding (via teaching and/or research assistantships) will be pursued for subsequent years of support. Start Date: January 2012. We will begin reviewing applications on 7 October 2011 and will continue until a suitable candidate is selected. To Apply: Send a cover letter stating potential research questions of interest and career goals, resume/cv including citations for publications, unofficial copies of transcripts and GRE scores, and contact information for 3 references to: Dr. Andrea Litt, Email: andrea.litt@montana.edu (electronic applications preferred), Department of Ecology, Montana State University, P.O. Box 173460, Bozeman, MT 59717-3460. Voice: 406-994-2332, Fax: 406-994-3190. Posted: 9/26/11.
Murray State University: Disturbance Ecology in Pine Savanna and Mississippi Floodplain (MS). Position available for a master’s student studying disturbance ecology on one of two projects: 1) role of fire and bunchgrass dynamics in determining plant diversity in longleaf pine savannas of the southeastern USA, or 2) bottomland hardwood forest regeneration in a large-scale floodplain restoration project in the lower Mississippi alluvial valley. The successful candidate will have strong intellectual curiosity, demonstrated background in field biology, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and the capacity to learn and apply basic experimental statistics. Position is at Murray State in western Kentucky in the lab of Paul Gagnon. Anticipated start date is August 1, 2012. The student will be supported for at least two years as a graduate research assistant via funds from (depending on the project) either an NSF research grant or from the Watershed Studies Institute at Murray State University. The stipend is $12k/yr with a tuition waver possible after the first year, and no-cost housing is provided at Hancock Biological Station on Kentucky Lake. Applicants should send a single PDF file containing: 1) your CV or resume, 2) college transcripts [unofficial OK], 3) contact information for 3 academic references, 4) GRE scores [unofficial OK], and 5) a one-page statement of your research interests, related experience, career goals and your preference between the two projects if applicable, to the following email address: (pgagnon@murraystate.edu). The successful applicant will subsequently apply through the Department of Biological Sciences at Murray State. For full consideration, submit materials by June 8, 2012. Posted: 5/10/12.
Murray State University: Graduate Research Assistant, Watershed Studies Institute. One full-time position to begin May 2012. Qualifications: B.S. in biology, ecology, or related discipline. Previous experience with field experiments, stream/riparian ecosystems, and amphibian/invertebrate ecology highly desirable. Responsibilities: To conduct research on the predatory effects of salamanders on stream and riparian ecosystems while completing a M.S. degree in Watershed Science. This project is fully funded, including travel to field sites. Salary: ~$16k per year. Other benefits include a tuition waiver and housing at the Hancock Biological Station (Murray) and High Lonesome Ranch (Colorado). To Apply: Email a letter of application, curriculum vitae and the names and email addresses of three references to Dr. Howard Whiteman (hwhiteman@murraystate.edu). Deadline: December 15, 2011. Posted: 11/11/11.
Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales: We offer a four-year PhD studentship to study the role of sexual selection on energy metabolism and oxidative stress in mammalian spermatozoa. The study will integrate different levels: evolutionary biology, reproductive physiology, cell biology and biochemistry. The aim is to understand whether sperm competition enhances sperm energy metabolism which, in turn, generates oxidative stress in sperm. The study involves intensive laboratory work to analyse semen quality, sperm traits, energetic metabolism, membrane composition and oxidative stress. We are looking for candidates with a solid evolutionary background. Previous experience in reproductive physiology and/or cell biology and biochemistry would be highly desirable. A BSc degree in Biology is the required minimum. Ideally, candidates should have a MSc degree. If interested please send CV to Eduardo Roldan (roldane@mncn.csic.es) with a cover letter explaining your scientific background, interests, and willingness to spend a few years in Spain. For information about previous and ongoing projects and publications see: Reproductive Ecology and Biology Group. Posted: 1/19/12.
National University of Singapore: 1 postdoc and 1 PhD position in Sustainability - Reconciliation of Biodiversity Conservation, Food Security and Economic Development in the Tropics. I would like to invite applications for a PhD scholarship on modeling of sustainable development strategies that can reconcile economic development and food security with biodiversity conservation in Southeast Asia. Rapidly increasing population in the tropics and the inherent demand for agricultural land destroy tropical forests at alarming rates, especially in Southeast Asia. Tropical forests in the region are a major global reservoir of biodiversity. They provide essential ecosystem goods and services including non-timber forest products, climate and water regulation, and carbon sequestration. The loss of these services through tropical deforestation can have very negative consequences for current and future generations. This is especially relevant given the mitigation role of forests against climate change. For tropical countries to attain sustainable development, it is thus necessary to reconcile food security, economic development and biodiversity conservation. The postdoc and PhD student will have flexibility in the formulation of original research questions and approaches, ranging from an ecological, economic or interdisciplinary approach. Objectives of the research are: (i) to identify mechanisms for global market systems to internalize the true economic value of tropical forests; (ii) to perform spatial analyses of land use distributions that maximize the synergies between ecosystem services, biodiversity conservation and agricultural production; and (iii) to evaluate economic development strategies that guarantee non-decreasing wealth and equity among individuals in tropical regions. Successful applicants will join a new Ecological Modeling and Economics lab in the Department of Biological Sciences of the National University of Singapore. Facilities and research support are world-class and the university, department and PhD program are internationally highly regarded. Funding for the postdoc is available for 2 years. The annual salary is £30-36k (US$48-58k). Assistance for relocation, housing allowance and medical insurance are also provided. The candidate would have or be in the last year of a relevant PhD in quantitative Ecology/Environmental Sciences/Ecological Economics. Funding for the 4 years PhD program is available for the successful candidate. The scholarship covers tuition fees, monthly stipend, research and conference travelling expenses. In order to apply you must have a 2.1 or above in a relevant ecological/ environmental degree. MSc/ MRes in a relevant discipline and experience with R and GIS are considered a plus. To apply, please send me an up-to-date CV and briefly state your research interests as they relate to the project. References: Please email Dr. L. Roman Carrasco, Assistant Professor, Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore. Email: dbsctlr@nus.edu.sg. Posted: 3/6/12.
New Mexico State University: The New Mexico Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit (NMCFWRU) and Department of Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Ecology (FWCE) at New Mexico State University are seeking a highly motivated and talented Ph.D. student for a study on golden eagles in areas with a high potential for wind energy development in southern New Mexico. Specific research foci may include, but are not limited to population ecology, foraging ecology, and habitat and resource selection. The student will be given some discretion in the development of the focus of their dissertation research within the larger project goal of identifying areas where wind energy developments would likely have a high potential for negative impacts on golden eagles. The student will be co-advised by Drs. James Cain (NMCFWRU) and Gary Roemer (FWCE) but will apply to the Ph.D. program in the Department of Biology at New Mexico State University for the Fall 2011 semester and begin conducting field work in 2011. Candidates must have a M.S. degree in Wildlife, Ecology, or a related field, a GPA exceeding 3.0, and competitive GRE scores. Prior experience conducting field research on raptors is preferred as is experience modeling resource selection in a landscape context. Students will be expected to present research results at professional conferences, publish research results in peer-reviewed scientific outlets, and assist with preparation of agency reports. To apply, please email a single PDF file that includes a letter of interest describing your experience as it relates to this project, a CV; transcripts, GRE scores (unofficial copies are fine), and the name and contact information of 3 references to Dr. James Cain at jwcain@nmsu.edu Salary: $21k per year + out-of-state tuition waiver. Posted: 7/5/11.
North Carolina State University: The Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources is seeking candidates for a Ph.D. Assistantship beginning in Aug. 2012 or Jan. 2013. The successful applicant will join a team of faculty at NCSU and biologists at across the east coast of the US to design a broad scale study and analyze mark-resight data for the American Oystercatcher. The candidate will be supervised by Dr. Beth Gardner at NC State University (Raleigh, NC) and will work closely with Dr. Ken Pollock and Dr. Ted Simons in the Department of Biology, NCSU. Our primary objectives are to provide a sound survey design for estimating population size for the American Oystercatcher and to develop models for spatially explicit mark – resight data. Qualifications: MS in wildlife ecology or related discipline, GPA > 3.3, combined GRE > 1200, English fluency, excellent writing , communication, and quantitative skills, demonstrated ability to work independently. Desired experience: spatial modeling in GIS, statistical modeling of capture-recapture or mark-resight data; proficiency with R and WinBUGS. Submit a cover letter detailing your qualifications, resume, copies of transcripts and GRE scores, and names and telephone numbers of 3 references to: Dr. Beth Gardner (bagardne@ncsu.edu), Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources, Turner House, Campus Box 7646, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695. Salary: Full project support for three years, potential for more support. Stipend plus benefits, health insurance, and tuition remission provided. Date to apply: July 25, 2012, or until suitable candidate is found. Posted: 4/24/12.
North Carolina State University: The lab of Steve Frank in the Department of Entomology is currently seeking a MS or PhD student to work on the ecology of plant-aphid-parasitoid interactions. The goal of this project will be to improve biological control of aphids in greenhouse crops by understanding the biotic and abiotic factors that influence parasitoid efficacy and abundance. Annual stipend, benefits, and tuition waiver provided. Please send CV (including GPA, GRE scores, and references) and statement of interest to Steve Frank (sdfrank@ncsu.edu). Posted: 2/2/12.
North Carolina State University: We are pleased to announce a new NSF funded IGERT doctoral program in "Genetic Engineering and Society: The Case of Transgenic Pests". We are now accepting applications and are looking for students interested in the ecological aspects of genetically managing pests through the use of transgenic strains. The doctoral program will examine questions linked to the genetic modification of mosquitoes, mice, fish, and other species that affect human health, biodiversity, and sustainable development. The general field of inquiry is referred to as "Genetic Pest Management". The first cohort of students starting in July 2012 will focus on issues related to mosquitoes that vector malaria and dengue. Some ecological questions are: How will the engineered strains impact disease epidemiology? What are the fitness costs associated with an engineered trait and how will it impact the spread of an engineered selfish genetic element? How will the population regulation and structure of a specific mosquito impact the effectiveness of population suppression tactics? Students interested in the molecular genetic aspects of the program will focus on building strains or novel gene drive mechanisms. We will also address questions such as: What are the social, ethical, and ecological consequences of these techniques? How can all stakeholders be involved in decisions about these products? We are looking for excellent students who have majored in a biological science but have a strong interest in humanities, mathematics, and/or a social science. Students in this program will receive a broad and rigorous graduate training across these areas with emphasis in their chosen field. We also welcome students who have a masters degree and want strong interdisciplinary training at the doctoral level. Students who participate in the program will receive a PhD in a home doctoral program and a graduate minor in "Genetic Engineering and Society". The minor will include four courses, one of which will be taught in Peru. In addition to full fellowships (2-3 years at $30K per year), funds are available for international internships. After the first 2-3 years students will receive a stipend within the normal range associated with their home doctoral program. Please visit the link above for more details on the program, including a list of participating faculty. In addition to contacting potential faculty mentors, prospective students are encouraged to email questions to: GES_GPM@ncsu.edu. See also: Gould, F. 2008. Broadening the application of evolutionarily based genetic pest management. Evolution 62: 500–510. Posted: 11/1/11, revised: 12/20/11.
North Carolina State University: A MS/PhD student research opportunity is available in Entomology. The Cardoza lab is looking for an outstanding, enthusiastic, self-motivated graduate student with interest in the sustainable agriculture and soil arthropod ecology. Research in my lab employs a multidisciplinary approach to elucidating the mechanisms driving insect interactions with their environment, particularly in agricultural systems. The selected student will work evaluating impacts of sustainable crop production practices on populations of soil mesofauna and plant-insect interactions above ground. Requirements: Degree in biology, entomology or a related discipline For MS candidates (BS required), PhD candidates (MS required). Candidates are required to formally apply to, and must meet the requirements to be accepted by, the North Carolina State University Graduate School before consideration. Academic requirements are determined by the Department of Entomology (Admission Information). For additional information regarding this opportunity contact: Dr. Yasmin Cardoza, Department of Entomology, North Carolina State University, Campus Box 7613, Raleigh, NC 27695. Phone: (919) 513-1285. E-mail: yasmin_cardoza@ncsu.edu. Stipend: $17,500 plus tuition and health insurance for MS and $19k plus tuition and health insurance for PhD. Start Date: January 2012. Posted: 10/17/11.
North Carolina State University: The USGS North Carolina Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Biology, NCSU is seeking candidates for a Ph.D. Assistantship beginning in January or June 2012. The successful applicant will join a team of faculty at NCSU, and biologists at the USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service to assess the effects of feral cats and other predators on populations of endangered Key Largo woodrats and Lower Keys marsh rabbits in the Florida Keys. The candidate will be supervised by Dr. Ted Simons, USGS NC Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, at NC State University (Raleigh, NC) and will work closely with Co-Principal Investigators, Dr. Allan O’Connell, USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center (Laurel, Maryland), and Dr. Beth Gardner, Dept. of Forestry and Environmental Resources, NCSU. Our primary objectives are to use camera trap data in spatial capture-recapture models to validate current occupancy estimates for woodrats and marsh rabbits, and to estimate the population size and movement of feral cats and other predators. Qualifications: MS in wildlife ecology or related discipline, GPA > 3.3, combined GRE > 1200, English fluency, excellent writing , communication, and quantitative skills, demonstrated ability to work independently and supervise assistants under harsh field conditions, and a valid U.S. driver's license. Desired experience: statistical modeling of capture-recapture data; proficiency with R, WinBUGS, and GIS. Submit a cover letter detailing your qualifications, resume, copies of transcripts and GRE scores, and names and telephone numbers of 3 references to Dr. Ted Simons (tsimons@ncsu.edu) Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Biology, Box 7617 North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695. Salary: Full project support for four years. Stipend of $21k per year plus benefits, health insurance, and tuition remission provided. Last Date to apply: 15 November 2011, or until suitable candidate is found. Contact: Ted Simons (tsimons@ncsu.edu). Posted: 6/30/11, revised: 8/26/11.
North Dakota State University: The Wet Ecosystem Research Group has a PhD position available on nanoparticles in plants. Funding for an RA is available for four years. Requirements: (1) an MS in a relevant field, (2) an aptitude for growing plants, (3) an understanding of plant physiology, (4) an understanding of water and soil chemistry/biogeochemistry. For further information contact marinus.otte@ndsu.edu. Posted: 5/10/12.
North Dakota State University: Conservation Ecology Graduate Student Fellowships are available in the Environmental and Conservation Sciences Graduate Program. I (Ned Dochtermann) am seeking highly motivated individuals to apply to the ECS fellowship program. Specifically I am looking for individuals who are interested in research examining the population dynamics, population genetics, and patterns of phenotypic variability of small mammal populations in western North Dakota. Students who successfully apply to the fellowship program will be provided with a 3-year research assistantship (yearly stipend of $16,200) and have their tuition fully waived during this period. Funding after the third year will be provided via a combination of research assistantships and possible teaching assistantships. Highly qualified students who are not successful in applying to the fellowship program will also be considered. As I will recommend students for Fellowship consideration, interested individuals should contact me directly at ned.dochtermann@gmail.com and provide (1) a brief cover letter including research interests, (2) a current curriculum vitae, (3) names and contact information for three references. Deadlines for Fellowship applications was recently extended but will close shortly so interested individuals will be considered in the order they contact me. Posted: 4/30/12.
North Dakota State University: Research opportunity in biology education at the undergraduate level. The Momsen lab in the Department of Biological Sciences is accepting applications for a highly motivated PhD graduate student to begin Fall 2012 or Spring 2013. Current research threads include (1) the role of visualizations in learning biology, (2) the development of systems thinking skills in biology students, and (3) characterizing the beliefs and learning habits of rural, frontier, and urban biology students. Opportunities exist to collaborate across science and math disciplines. Interested applicants should send a CV, cover letter, transcript (unofficial is acceptable) to Jennifer Momsen (jennifer.momsen@ndsu.edu). Students are supported primarily through teaching assistantships, although fellowship opportunities are possible. Additional details about the department and graduate program can be found on the NDSU Biological Sciences website. Posted: 4/16/12.
North Dakota State University: We are seeking to recruit two highly motivated graduate students (either MS or PhD) to study how environmental factors influence the soybean aphid and its surrounding community. Specific research directions for the projects are flexible, but will likely involve effects of variable or changing environmental conditions on soybean aphids and their interactions. Students will be housed in the Entomology Department of North Dakota State University. One position will be co-advised by Deirdre Prischmann-Voldseth and Jason Harmon and the other will be advised by Harmon. Qualifications include enthusiasm, a strong academic record, and a desire to work at the interface of ecology and entomology. Evidence of excellent written and analytical skills, as well as an interest in field and laboratory research will be a plus. Preferred start date is Fall 2012, although this may be flexible. To apply, please send an email to Jason Harmon at Jason.Harmon@ndsu.edu. Please provide a cover letter which discusses your background, qualifications, research interests, which degree you are pursuing, and available start date; a CV; academic transcripts (unofficial are fine); and contact information for at least 3 references. Posted: 3/20/12.
Ohio State University: M.S. or Ph.D. student position available in the Stream and River Ecology Lab, School of Environment and Natural Resources. Student will study impacts of the invasive pest Hemlock Woolly Adelgid on stream-riparian food webs and cross-ecosystem energy fluxes. This work will involve fieldwork (often remote) in Ohio, West Virginia, and Virginia. The ideal candidate would have previous experience with multiple components of stream ecosystem research (carbon and nutrient flux, stable isotopes, and quantitative analyses) and excellent written and oral communication skills. Experience working with one or more of the following is also desirable: aquatic invertebrates, fish, and riparian birds. Research will begin spring 2012. Applicants should send a letter of interest and a CV (including contact information for 3 references, GPA, and GRE scores) to Dr. Mažeika Sullivan, School of Environment and Natural Resources, The Ohio State University (sullivan.191@osu.edu). Posted: 9/26/11.
Ohio University: The Department of Environmental and Plant Biology offers graduate programs at the Masters and PhD levels. Areas of study include cell & molecular biology, plant structure/development, phylogeny & evolution, and plant ecology, with particular emphasis on cell wall biochemistry, molecular taxonomy, biological invasions, and community dynamics of the Eastern Deciduous Forest. Ohio University is a medium-sized state university in the small town of Athens, which is nestled in the pretty, forested hills of southeastern Ohio. Teaching and Research Assistantships are available. Although most graduate programs begin in September, applications are welcome at any time. For details, see our website or contact Glenn Matlack, Graduate Chair, at Matlack@ohio.edu. Posted: 5/18/12.
Ohio University: Two graduate student positions (PhD or MS) are available to study the structure and function of temperate forest ecosystems as part of a NSF-funded research project. The long-term project is investigating the effects of elevated phosphorus and/or soil pH on microbial and plant nutrient limitations. Possible research areas include, but are not limited to; decomposition, coupling biogeochemical cycles, or plant-microbial interactions. The ideal candidate will be broadly trained in terrestrial ecology, but should have a background in plant ecology, soil ecology, biogeochemistry, or a related field. The position will remain open until filled and starting times are negotiable. If interested, then please contact Dr. Jared L. DeForest (deforest@ohio.edu) in the Department of Environmental and Plant Biology. Posted: 9/26/11, revised: 11/2/11.
Ohio University: Graduate study in deciduous forest ecology. I am seeking a qualified student at the Masters or PhD level to examine the long-term vegetational effects of human land use in second-growth forests of the Ohio Valley. This will include documentation of land use history, survey of the regional flora, and partitioning of geographic, historical, and demographic influences on distribution. Applicants should have a background in forest ecology and biogeography. The Department of Environmental and Plant Biology consists of tweleve faculty and 30-40 graduate students with a broad research focus in plant evolution and the ecology of Eastern forests. Ohio University is a medium-sized state university situated in the pleasant university town of Athens, nestled in the wooded hills of SE Ohio. The successful applicant is expected to begin study in Fall 2012, although other start times are possible. The position is fully funded. Please contact Glenn Matlack at matlack@ohio.edu. Posted: 8/26/11.
Ohio University: Graduate study in plant reproductive biology/ecology. I am seeking a qualified student at the Masters or PhD level to examine patterns of reproductive allocation and regulation in several members of the Araceae. This will include experiemental studies of Arisaema triphyllum and A. draconitum in the field, and examination of our large greenhouse collection of Amorphophallus spp. Applicants should have a background in plant structural development and evolutionary processes. The Department of Environmental and Plant Biology consists of tweleve faculty and 30-40 graduate students with a broad research focus in plant evolution and the ecology of Eastern forests. Ohio University is a medium-sized state university situated in the pleasant university town of Athens, nestled in the wooded hills of SE Ohio. The successful applicant is expected to begin study in Fall 2012, although other times are possible. The position is fully funded. Please contact Glenn Matlack at matlack@ohio.edu. Posted: 8/26/11.
Oklahoma State University: M.S. or Ph.D. (teaching) assistantship available for research focused on soil invertebrate ecology, beginning January of 2013. Research should build upon current work in our lab evaluating the impacts of disturbance on entomopathogenic nematode and soil mite community composition. Candidate selected for this position will be required to serve as a teaching assistant for either undergraduate or graduate courses in Entomology, as needed. Stipend, benefits and tuition waivers (subject to availability) provided. The successful candidate for this position should have exceptional organizational and quantitative skills, exhibit capability to perform research independently, and, have completed a natural science degree in Entomology, Zoology, Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, or related area. Interested parties should contact: Dr. Carmen Greenwood (Carmen.greenwood@okstate.edu); Dept. of Entomology and Plant Pathology. Posted: 6/7/12.
Oklahoma State University: Two Graduate Research Assistantships (M.S.) are available in the Dept. of Natural Resource Ecology & Management to study the ecology of oak-pine savanna in eastern Oklahoma to begin Fall 2012. This project is part of a larger funded research effort examining the community and restoration ecology of the tallgrass prairie – oak & pine forest – prescribed fire interactions in newly restored savanna. Research opportunities can be tailored to interest, and we invite students to apply with research interests ranging from plant community ecology, to carbon sequestration dynamics, production ecology or ecological modeling. The position will require substantial field work. A stipend is available at $15,500/yr for two years, with renewal after the first year based on satisfactory progress. Benefits include tuition waiver and health insurance. A complete application includes: statement of research interests and relevant experience, three letters of reference, curriculum vitae, official transcripts of all college level study, GRE scores and a completed OSU Graduate College application. Unofficial transcripts and GRE scores are fine for initial consideration. For further information contact Duncan Wilson, (duncan.wilson@okstate.edu). Posted: 5/2/12.
Oklahoma State University: A Graduate Research Assistantship (M.S.) is available in the Dept. of Natural Resource Ecology & Management to study forest productivity–soil moisture and nutrition relationships in loblolly pine to begin Fall 2012. Research will focus on soil-plant interactions, with substantial opportunity to tailor a research project to a student’s interests. The position will allow wide interaction with a diverse set of University and Federal researchers from across the southeastern U.S. on a common rain exclusion experimental platform. A stipend is available at $15,500/yr for two years, with renewal after the first year based on satisfactory progress. Benefits include tuition waiver and health insurance. A complete application includes: statement of research interests and relevant experience, three letters of reference, curriculum vitae, official transcripts of all college level study, GRE scores and a completed OSU Graduate College application. Unofficial transcripts and GRE scores are fine for initial consideration. For further information contact Duncan Wilson, (duncan.wilson@okstate.edu). Posted: 5/2/12.
Oklahoma State University: A downward trend in total streamflow for many rivers in north-central and northwest Oklahoma has been identified despite an overall upward trend in precipitation over the last several decades. This downward trend mirrored notable declines of fisheries. Streamflow trends are primarily driven by precipitation trends and the divergence between the two suggests an increasing role of land surface change, which includes woody plant encroachment, land use change and alluvial aquifer withdrawal affecting streamflows. The relative contribution of these components for long-term streamflow trends for many of the river basins in Oklahoma remains largely unknown. We are looking for a highly motivated MS student to work on a collaborative research project between OSU and the USGS Oklahoma Water Science Center. The project aims to assess the effects of climate, land surface change and human activities on long-term streamflow characteristics and aquatic ecosystem of the upper Cimarron River. Coursework or work experience involving GIS, watershed or stream hydrology, fish and wildlife or ecosystem science is highly desirable. Experience in the assessment of historic land use and land cover change using GIS tools and historic aerial photos is a plus. A graduate assistantship is available at $15,500 annually. Benefits include tuition waiver and health insurance. Additional supplements may be available for the first year. The expected starting date is August 2012. For more information about this position, please contact Dr. Chris Zou (chris.zou@okstate.edu) at Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management. Posted: 3/9/12.
Oklahoma State University: We are seeking a graduate student to join our team as we undertake an exciting research project to develop management systems to increase carbon sequestration by U.S. southern pine forests, to enhance the efficiency of forest resource use, and to increase the resilience of these forests to changing climate. The selected student will have the opportunity to design their own study at our field site installation where soil moisture and nutrient availability will be manipulated. Potential areas of research are leaf area development in response to resource availability, foliar gas exchange, quantification of soil respiration, or other areas of investigation. A graduate assistantship of $15,500 is available annually for two years. Additional financial supplements may be available for the first year. Benefits include tuition waiver and health insurance. The starting date will be May (preferred) or August, 2012. A complete application includes: statement of research interests and relevant experience, three letters of reference, curriculum vitae, official transcripts of all college level study, GRE scores and a completed OSU Graduate College application. To apply, see: http://nrem.okstate.edu/graduatestudents.html. Interested applicants are encouraged to send a letter stating your interest in the program and a resume to: Dr. Tom Hennessey tom.hennessey@okstate.edu. Posted: 2/27/12.
Oklahoma State University: MS assistantship available; Understanding the ecology and genetics of shortleaf x loblolly pine hybrids in an efforts to conserve shortleaf pine. Shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata) is a fire-adapted, drought-resistant species that has the widest range of any pine in the southeastern U.S. Our recent work demonstrated that natural hybrids between shortleaf pine and loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) have increased in frequency from about 5% to 50% in the last 60 years. If the current trajectory continues, shortleaf pine is at risk of extinction by introgression, a process in which interbreeding eliminates a nonhybrid species. In the past, fire was a strong selection pressure that favored shortleaf pine over loblolly pine. The current era of fire suppression may be favoring loblolly pine or shortleaf x loblolly pine hybrids over shortleaf pine. We are looking for a motivated MS student to conduct research on the ecological genetics of shortleaf x loblolly pine hybrids. An accepted student will have the opportunity to design their own study to include aspects of ecology, genetics, and physiology of the hybrids compared to their parent populations. Specific ecological factors of interest are fire and drought. If desired, the student will have the opportunity to use molecular markers and population genetics tools to measure hybridization under different circumstances. Outcome of the research will aid in the conservation and management of natural shortleaf pine populations. A graduate assistantship is available of $15,500 for M.S. annually. Additional supplements may be available for the first year. Benefits include tuition waiver and health insurance. The expected starting date is May or August 2012. Please contact: Rod Will (rodney.will@okstate.edu) or John Stewart (john.stewart@okstate.edu) at Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management for more information. Posted: 2/17/12.
Oklahoma State University: I seek a student of ecology to fill a MS Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA) position in forest ecology to research the consequences of abrupt canopy tree mortality on forest succession in upland oak forests. Old-growth oak stands suffered unusual total canopy mortality in 2008 that killed nearly 70 ha of forest in several stands surrounded by hundreds of ha of apparently healthy forests. We have extensive measurements of the herbaceous and woody plants in these stands before and after canopy death. Further study and re-measurement is warranted to determine effects on forest succession and biogeochemical cycles. Will these dead stands recover to forest or change to grassland? If the forest recovers, will it have the same composition as the original forest. How will N and C pools and cycles change due to the sudden death. As these stands are frequently prescribe-burned we would like to know the effects of fire on recovery from the sudden canopy death. Increasing drought due to global change may lead to more abrupt forest death and more openings. This study will provide new knowledge about the consequences of sudden forest canopy death. The successful candidate will have considerable leeway to design a high quality project. The stipend will be $15,500 per year. The GRA will begin in August 2012 and will be renewed for two years provided satisfactory progress in the project. GRAs are offered with tuition waivers and health insurance. Please contact: Steve Hallgren, Oklahoma State University, 405-744-6805, steve.hallgren@okstate.edu. Posted: 2/13/12.
Oklahoma State University: Funding is available for a graduate research assistantship in ecohydrology and ecosystem sciences in the Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management (NREM). The current research in the lab focuses on the ecohydrological interactions among the anthropogenic-induced changes and the hydrologic processes at different spatial and temporal scales in the mixed and tallgrass prairie and grassland-forest ecotone. Student is welcome to develop his/her own research idea around this research theme. This position can be filled at M.S or Ph.D. level. Applicants should have completed at least one degree in soil and water, plant ecology, hydrology, natural resources, environmental sciences or a related field. Experience in soil water and carbon, isotope technology, instream flow analysis, GIS, or modeling are a plus. Strong verbal, written, and computational skills are essential. The student will enroll in an M.S. or Ph.D program at OSU starting 2012 spring semester. The stipend will be $15,500/year at M.S. level and $17,500/year at the Ph.D. level and will be renewed after each year based on satisfactory progress. Benefits include tuition waiver and health insurance. For more information, please contact: Dr. Chris Zou at chris.zou@okstate.edu or visit the lab website: http://nrem.okstate.edu/Ecohydrology. A complete application includes the following: personal statement, three letters of reference, curriculum vitae, official transcripts of all college level study, GRE scores and a completed OSU Graduate College application. Posted: 10/26/11.
Oklahoma State University: M.S. graduate student sought. The M.S. project involves quantitative analysis of understory plots which have been established in permanent naturally-occurring shortleaf pine growth plots. There are currently three measurements of these plots available for analysis. A fourth measurement will be obtained during the next measurement cycle which begins this fall. When the shortleaf pine overstory plots were established, an existing primarily hardwood midstory was removed and thinning treatments were applied. Understory sub-plots were established within 0.2-acre overstory plots to track the development of the understory consisting of hardwood sprouts and pine and hardwood seedling growth. Analysis of these data is valuable for indicating the future development of similar naturally-occurring shortleaf pine forests. Naturally-occurring shortleaf pine forests are important especially in the southeastern U.S. for many amenities including habitat for wildlife species such as the red –cockaded woodpecker. Qualifications: B.S. in biologically-related or a quantitative discipline such as math or statistics. Forestry coursework or background a plus. Application deadline: November 1, 2011 or until a suitable applicant is found. The stipend for the M.S. Graduate Research Assistantship is $15,000 per year. GRA begins January 2012 and renewed for two years subject to satisfactory progress on project. GRAs include tuition waivers. Please contact: Thomas B. Lynch, Oklahoma State University, 405-744-5447, tom.lynch@okstate.edu. Posted 9/30/11.
Oklahoma State University: I seek a MS student to research the effects of prescribed burning on ecosystem services of oak forests and savannas of south-central USA. The ecotone between the eastern forest and southern Great Plains has been subjected to anthropogenic burning for thousands of years. Because of recent changes in the fire regime there is growing interest in using prescribed burning to manage forests, savannas and grasslands for maintenance and enhancement their ecosystem services. A MS student is sought to conduct independent research on prescribed burning effects on ecosystem structure and function. The research will be done within the context of a larger DOD project concerning how to manage the carbon footprint of forests and savannas. The MS Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA) stipend will be $15,500 per year. The GRA will begin in mid-May 2012 and will be renewed for two years provided satisfactory progress in the project. GRAs are offered with tuition waivers. Please contact: Steve Hallgren (405-744-6805, steve.hallgren@okstate.edu). Posted: 9/16/11, revised: 12/22/11.
Old Dominion University: A graduate research assistantship is available starting fall semester 2012. The project involves cutting edge application of ground-penetrating radar to quantify root biomass and spatial distribution. The research will be conducted at the Blackwater Ecologic Preserve in Virginia and at two sites in Florida (Kennedy Space Center and the Disney Wilderness Preserve). A doctoral student is preferred but a master’s student will be considered. Applicants should have strong data management and computer skills as well as a solid background in plant ecology. Successful applicants would develop their master’s thesis or doctoral dissertation around the research. The financial aid package is $22k per year plus full tuition waiver for a doctoral student. If interested, submit a resume with cover letter (include GPA and GRE scores) to Dr. Frank P. Day, Professor and Eminent Scholar, Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529 (fday@odu.edu). Posted: 4/23/12, revised: 5/25/12, 6/25/12.
Old Dominion University: I am looking for at least two MS/PhD students to start in my lab in August 2012 at ODU in Norfolk, Virginia. I have recently moved to Old Dominion from Cornell University and am starting up my lab and graduate student program. I have funding to cover both tuition (tuition waiver) and a teaching assistantship ($15k/year) for qualified candidates. Students with other fellowships or other types of funding are also encouraged to apply and will be considered separately. Please visit http://www.ericlwalters.org to learn more about my research program. I tend to wear a number of hats and am interested in having a student work in one of the following areas: behavioral ecology, animal behavior, community ecology, conservation biology, quantitative ecology, or ecological modeling. Although most of my work has involved birds or mammals, I am happy to have students work on other taxa. Whether students want to be involved in my current work with cooperatively breeding acorn woodpeckers or their own system is fine by me. If you are interested in working in my lab, please visit the "joining us" portion of my web site and follow the directions therein. Candidates should be highly motivated, have an undergraduate GPA>3.5, a GRE (v+q)>1300 on old test or >316 on the revised test, and strong quantitative skills. Please contact me in advance of applying so we can discuss the positions. All applicants (domestic or international) are required to have taken the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) before applying. Application deadline: 1 Feb 2012 Contact email: jobs2012@cavitynester.org. Posted: 9/7/11, revised: 11/29/11.
Open University: 3 year fully-funded PhD studentship to start between 1 Oct 2012 and 31 Jan 2013. Based at the Department of Environment, Earth & Ecosystems, The Open University, UK. Feedbacks between plants and soil under environmental change are likely to have a significant impact on ecosystem carbon cycling. ‘Priming effects’ are one such feedback - whereby microbial degradation of soil organic matter is stimulated by fresh carbon inputs, such as plant litter, releasing older stored carbon from the soil as CO2. The processes and mechanisms underlying priming effects are still poorly understood. This project will address current knowledge gaps by conducting a series of lab and field studies to determine the mechanisms behind priming effects in forests and to establish general patterns in their occurrence. More details and info on how to apply. Posted: 5/21/12.
Oregon State University: MS or PhD Graduate Research Assistantship - Modeling Columbia Spotted Frog (Rana luteiventris) population dynamics, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife. The successful applicant will conduct a two-year research project developing decision models for predicting the response of Columbia Spotted Frog populations to alternative management actions. The project is a cooperative effort involving multiple state and Federal agencies in Utah and Nevada focusing on developing an adaptive framework for conserving Columbia Spotted Frog populations. The successful applicant should be highly motivated and have a B.S. in wildlife, fisheries, ecology, biology, zoology or closely related field. I also will give special consideration to students with BS in a quantitative or analytical field, such as statistics, and interests in ecological applications. Strong communication and interpersonal skills and an ability to work in a team situation are required. Field experience, such as experience with sampling herpetofauna, also is desirable, but not necessary. Minimum academic qualifications include a 1000+ on the GRE's combined verbal and quantitative a 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 system). Additional graduate program information Salary: Approximately $20k per year plus tuition. Selection will be made by June 2012. Contact: Send a cover letter, resume, copies of transcripts, GRE scores, and the names and phone numbers of three references to: Dr. James T. Peterson, Assistant Unit Leader, Associate Professor, USGS Oregon Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, 104 Nash Hall, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331-3803. Phone 541.737.1963, jt.peterson@oregonstate.edu. Posted: 4/4/12.
Oregon State University: We are seeking a highly motivated student for graduate studies (MS or PhD-level) in Fisheries and Wildlife. Research is focused on evaluating the effects of temperature on pre- and post-settlement processes in Gulf of Alaska northern rock sole (Lepidopsetta polyxystra). We will examine interannual variation in early life history characteristics in relation to regional climate variability. Successful applicant will develop an independent research project associated with this broader project. Research involves extensive collaboration with National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) scientists. Applicants must be a US citizen from an under-represented community, possess an undergraduate degree in biology, marine science or related discipline, and have a strong academic record (minimum GPA > 3.2). Interested applicants should send their CV with the copies of transcripts, GRE scores, a statement of interest that addresses qualifications, and the names of two references by March 1, 2012 to: Dr. Jessica Miller, Hatfield Marine Science Center, 2030 SE Marine Science Drive, Newport, OR 97365. Jessica.Miller@oregonstate.edu See also: Living Marine Resources Cooperative Science Center. Posted: 2/1/12.
Oregon State University: We are seeking highly motivated students for graduate studies (MS and PhD-level) in Fisheries and Wildlife and Agricultural & Resource Economics. Successful applicants will be participants in the Living Marine Resources Cooperative Science Center, which aims to increase the number of students from under-represented communities with graduate degrees in marine science and resource economics. All research projects will involve collaboration with National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) scientists and focus on quantitative aspects of fisheries ecology, including recruitment studies, and bio-economic evaluation of marine fisheries resources. Annual stipend and tuition waivers are available for US citizens. Interested candidates should send their CV with the names of two references, a statement of interest, and copies of transcripts by September 15, 2011 to: Dr. Jessica Miller, Hatfield Marine Science Center, 2030 SE Marine Science Drive, Newport, OR 97365. Jessica.Miller@oregonstate.edu. Posted: 8/8/11.
Pennsylvania State University: An MS graduate student assistantship is available to start in the summer/fall 2012 in the Pennsylvania Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit in the School of Forest Resources. The position is fully funded by the USGS and Pennsylvania Game Commission for 2.5 years. The project involves research on genetic mark-recapture population estimates and surveillance for river otter in northeastern Pennsylvania. The ideal candidate will have experience with population genetics, mark-recapture analyses, and Geographic Information Systems software. Graduate research will include field research to collect fecal samples at otter latrine sites and random sampling of otter tissue. The most qualified applicants will have an interest in population estimation using genetic mark-recapture and a strong interest in furbearer ecology and management. Interested applicants should submit the following items: 1) a C.V. with GPA, GREs, and contact information for 3 references and 2) a 1-2 page description of research interests and responses to qualifications. Applications should be submitted in a single file (pdf, Word) by email to: Dr. W. David Walter (wdwalter@psu.edu) with the Subject line: GRADUATE STUDENT ASSISTANTSHIP. Qualifications: Applicants must be in good physical condition, as field work will require hiking and backpacking to remote sites under all weather conditions at various times of the year. Applicant should be comfortable navigating off-trail using topographic maps, and ArcPad GPS software on hand held units. Applicants should also feel comfortable in a laboratory setting preparing fecal samples for genetic analysis and have a strong interest in applying their skill in both the field and laboratory. Salary: Tuition+Stipend. Last Date to Apply: March 16, 2012. Contact: W. David Walter. Posted: 2/24/12.
Pennsylvania State University: funding is available in the Weed Ecology lab group for a self-motivated PhD student to develop a project focused on the effects of cover crop diversity on weed dynamics within agroecosystems. The graduate student will work on an interdisciplinary research project that seeks to determine the agronomic, environmental, and economic benefits and costs of using cover crop mixtures of varying diversity in an organic crop production system. The project includes field experiments at a university research station, collaboration with farmer learning networks, and research and demonstrations on organic farms. The student will join a diverse team of scientists at Penn State with expertise in entomology, plant genetics, weed ecology, economics, and biogeochemistry. The PhD at Penn State University can be awarded in Ecology or Plant and Soil Sciences. Contact David Mortensen (dmortensen@psu.edu) or Meagan Schipanski (mschipanski@psu.edu) for more information about the project. Posted: 12/5/11.
Pennsylvania State University: A Graduate Research Assistantship is available beginning in the fall of 2012 to study carbon cycling in forests or agroecosystems of the Northeast. The research will emphasize the measurement and modeling of stable isotopes of soil organic carbon and carbon dioxide to increase understanding of carbon sequestration in soils and soil-atmosphere carbon dioxide exchange. Potential research sites include an intensively monitored forested catchment (an NSF funded Critical Zone Observatory) and long-term cropping systems trials that compare rotation and nutrient management strategies. The student will be encourage to take advantage of newly acquired equipment for measuring net ecosystem exchange of carbon dioxide (via eddy covariance) and carbon dioxide isotope ratios in the field. The student will be advised by Drs. Armen Kemanian and Jason Kaye and more information on their research can be found through http://cropsoil.psu.edu/. Students with an M.S. in soil science, crop science, ecology, or environmental science are especially encouraged to apply. Applicants with a B.S. and exceptional qualifications will also be considered. Interested applicants should contact Dr. Kaye or Kemanian (jpk12 at psu dot edu or akemanian at psu dot edu) and apply to the Graduate Program in Soil Science or the Inter-College Degree Program in Ecology. Either of these degrees can be combined with the Biogeochemistry Dual Title Degree program. First priority will be given to applications completed by January 1, 2012. Posted: 10/31/11.
Pennsylvania State University: Belowground Ecology - One or more graduate assistantships are available to work on aspects of root and mycorrhizal fungal ecology associated with several NSF-funded projects for Fall, 2012. One project aims at understanding how roots and mycorrhizal fungi forage for nutrients in tree species of different root morphology. A second explores the effects of warming on root phenology in arctic communities in Greenland. The third focuses on how plants cope belowground with N deposition in temperate forested ecosystems across a range of soil conditions. Interested students should have field research experience; students with a M.S. degree preferred. If interested, please send a letter of interest and a C.V. that includes GPA and GRE test scores (if taken) to David Eissenstat, dme9@psu.edu. Click on the following links for information on my lab and on the InterCollege Graduate Program in Ecology at Penn State. Posted 10/7/11.
Pennsylvania State University: I am seeking a MS student in forest ecology to begin June 2012. This project is examining the effects of different management actions, including thinning and burning, on a range of forest attributes in a mixed-conifer forest in the Sierra Nevada. The student will have the opportunity to work with an extensive data set, including on-going 10-year post-treatment measurements to develop their research questions. The student must be available for field work during summer 2012 at the research site. Qualifications include a BS in ecology, environmental science, forestry, or natural resources. Other fields that include a substantial quantitative component will be considered. Additional qualifications include the ability to work with a diverse group of people in a remote field setting. Students have the opportunity to choose between the graduate programs in forestry and ecology. If interested, please email a CV, unofficial transcripts, 1-page statement of research interests, and contact information for three references to Matthew Hurteau (matthew.hurteau@psu.edu). Posted: 9/23/11.
Pennsylvania State University: One graduate research assistantship (PhD) in Applied Forest Ecology will be available starting January 2012 (3 yrs) to work on the influence of tree neighborhood structural complexity on the growth and competitive dynamics of oak ecosystems. The successful application will have considerable influence over the direction of the project. The position description can be found at: http://silv.cas.psu.edu/jobs.htm. Please review the website carefully and submit only complete applications. Unqualified applicants or partial applications will not be considered. Questions may be addressed to JeriLynn E. Peck (peckj@psu.edu). Posted: 7/28/11.
Plymouth State University: The Center for the Environment (CFE) is inviting applications for the Master of Science program in Environmental Science and Policy. The work of the CFE is primarily focused on the White Mountains and Lakes Region of New Hampshire or in the broader New England region, and applies the environmental sciences and interdisciplinary approaches to important environmental issues. Students will have opportunities to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams of faculty and students, and scientists from other institutions working at the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest and other academic, governmental, and non-governmental organizations. Individuals from all disciplinary backgrounds will be considered. Graduate research assistantships (GRA) may be available in the areas of hydrology, forest ecology, environmental social sciences, or a combination of those topics. Students receiving assistantships will conduct field sampling, analytical, and/or theoretical work on projects related to our mission. Research topics for the assistantships are varied, but all GRAs support students enrolled in the Environmental Science and Policy M.S. program at Plymouth State University. These GRAs provide an excellent opportunity to work with a broader cohort of students and their mentors, working at the intersection of plant ecology, biogeochemistry, hydrology, and social sciences. A signature of the program is that graduate work must involve a substantive contribution to outreach. Prospective students are invited to visit the CFE website www[dot]plymouth[dot]edu[slash]cfe and to contact Betsy Ayotte (seayotte[at]Plymouth[dot]edu) at CFE. In addition to the application materials required by the College of Graduate Studies www[dot]plymouth[dot]edu[slash]graduate[slash]admissions, please submit a statement of interest and a current resume/CV to Betsy Ayotte (seayotte[at]Plymouth[dot]edu) to be considered for graduate assistantship funding. The priority deadline for funding consideration is February 15. Posted: 11/8/11.
Purdue University: Graduate Research Assistantship -- Forest Ecosystem Dynamics. One M.S. research assistantship is available through the Forestry and Natural Resources program at Purdue University starting fall 2012 or spring 2013. This position will be dedicated to investigating the response of forest ecosystems in the eastern United States to multiple drivers such as climate change, fragmentation, and invasive species and the feedback of forest composition shift on ecosystem services. Inquiries on the position should be directed to Dr. Songlin Fei ( sfei@purdue.edu). Stipend: $17,500 (M.S.), with tuition waiver and health care benefits. Applications should include a letter of interest, resume, cumulative GPA, GRE scores, TOEFL scores (international students only), and letters from three references. Complete instructions. Applications should reference the above position in order to be considered. Deadline for fall admission is July 15, 2012. Posted: 5/21/12.
Purdue University: Plant-insect interactions. I have USDA-APHIS funding to support a graduate research assistantship at either the MS or PhD level in the Department of Entomology at Purdue University. The emerald ash borer (EAB) is an invasive wood borer introduced from Asia that is spreading throughout the Midwest with devastating effect. This project is aimed at uncovering underlying mechanisms that confer resistance of ash trees to this destructive pest. We also seek to further understand the influence of ash volatiles on the behavior of natural enemies that regulate EAB populations. Ideal students should be highly motivated and enthusiastic about working in the areas of chemical and behavioral ecology. This assistantship comes with an annual stipend of $18,500, full tuition waiver, and a benefits package that includes health insurance. The preferred start date is summer 2012. Interested individuals should contact me directly via email (mginzel@purdue.edu) to discuss their background, qualifications, and research interests. Please also provide a short (one page) letter of interest and a CV that includes cumulative GPA, GRE scores and contact information for at least three references. Posted: 12/14/11.
Purdue University: Graduate scholarships in Forest Conservation / Climate Change Adaptation. Prestigious van Eck Scholarships are available to graduate students (M.S. or Ph.D.) seeking training in Forest Conservation and Climate Change Adaptation. Students will join a research team that will use next-generation genetic approaches to understand how to manage forest tree species for long-term growth and survival in changing climates. The research will entail significant field and laboratory research in the ecological genetics of adaptation and the use of climate data and models. Students will work with faculty with expertise in molecular genetics, climate change and plant ecology. Van Eck scholars have been highly successful upon graduation, finding career options in both academia and private industry. Research will take place at The Hardwood Tree Improvement and Regeneration Center (HTIRC) at Purdue University. Qualifications: Candidates should have well developed quantitative skills and knowledge and experience in biological sciences such as biology, molecular biology, plant ecology, forestry, horticulture, botany, genetics, or plant physiology. Candidates should have a GPA of at least 3.2 and a top-tier GRE score. Students not chosen for van Eck Scholarships may be eligible for acceptance into the Purdue Partnership for Research & Education in Plant Breeding and Genetics. Assistantships will be awarded at $18,000 (M.S.) and $20,500 (Ph.D.) per year. In addition, an annual research budget ($10,000) will be available for research support and a laptop computer will be provided for the duration of the scholarship. Applications or Additional Information: For fall semester, (August 2012), applications must be received by November 15, 2011 (M.S. and Ph.D.). Applicants must mail a short (one page) letter of interest, resume, cumulative GPA, GRE scores, TOEFL scores (international students only) and names and letters from three references to Dr. Keith Woeste (woeste@purdue.edu). Please see HTIRC.org for more information. If selected for a van Eck Scholarship, we will notify you to make formal application to Purdue University. About us: HTIRC is a collaborative regional research organization of industry, state and federal agency and university partners, administratively located in the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources at Purdue University . Its purpose is to improve the genetic quality and regeneration success of North American hardwood tree species. Posted 10/3/11.
Purdue University: The Hardwood Tree Improvement and Regeneration Center (HTIRC) is seeking outstanding candidates interested in working toward M.S. or Ph.D. degrees. Areas of research include: development of plant tissue culture and genetic modification technologies for tree improvement; conservation and population genetics; forest tree breeding; forest entomology; nursery, outplanting, and silvicultural stand management. Funding for the van Eck Scholarships is provided by the Fred M. van Eck Foundation, whose purpose is to support research in the genetic improvement of high-value North American hardwood tree species. Candidates should have well developed quantitative skills and knowledge and experience in biological sciences such as forestry, horticulture, botany, plant biology, genetics, physiology, entomology, or pathology. Candidates should have a GPA of at least 3.2 and a top-tier GRE score. Assistantships will be awarded at $18k (M.S.) and $20.5k (Ph.D.) per year. In addition, an annual research budget ($10k) will be available for research support and a laptop computer will be provided for the duration of the scholarship. For fall semester, (August 2012), applications must be received by November 15, 2011 (M.S. and Ph.D). Applicants must mail a short (one page) letter of interest, resume, cumulative GPA, GRE scores, TOEFL scores (international students only) and three letters of reference to one of the principal investigators listed below. Please visit: www.htirc.org and contact Drs. Fei (sfei@purdue.edu), Ginzel (mginzel@purdue.edu), Jacobs (djacobs@purdue.edu), Jenkins (jenkinma@purdue.edu ), Lawson (sslawson@purdue.edu or shaneka.lawson@gmail.com ), Meilan (rmeilan@purdue.edu ), Michler ( michler@purdue.edu or cmichler@fs.fed.us ), Pijut ( ppijut@purdue.edu or ppijut@fs.fed.us ), Saunders ( msaunders@purdue.edu ), or Woeste ( woeste@purdue.edu or kwoeste@fs.fed.us ) prior to submitting a formal application and identify one of these principal investigators as your potential adviser. If selected for a van Eck Scholarship, we will notify you to make formal application to Purdue. Posted: 9/27/11.
Purdue University: Post-doc and graduate positions. The Department of Forestry and Natural Resources invites applications for a post-doctoral position in ecosystem modeling and spatial analysis. The incumbent will conduct research on forest ecosystem dynamic under changing climate. More details. Review date: 10/1/11. Two Graduate Assistantships: Position 1 – Population Response to Climate Change, Position 2 – Woody Biomass Modeling. More details. Apply by: September 15, 2011. Posted: 8/4/11.
Purdue University: Graduate Research Studies in Sustaining Hardwood Ecosystems Woody Biomass Allometry and Modeling. The Sustaining Hardwood Ecosystems research group within the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources is anticipating an available Ph.D. assistantship starting in spring, 2012. This position will be dedicated to the investigation of woody biomass modeling (e.g., allometry, species and site dependency) within silvicultural and forest harvesting treatments across two large-scale, replicated studies of forest management within the Central Hardwood forests of southern Indiana. Inquiries on the position should be directed to Drs. Songlin Fei (sfei@purdue.edu) and/or Michael Saunders (msaunder@purdue.edu). The Sustaining Hardwood Ecosystems is an interdisciplinary research team focused on forest ecology and management, and is identified at one of three Areas of Excellence within the department. This research focus includes long-term field, laboratory and social science studies on Midwestern forests and woodlands. The assistantship includes an annual stipend of $19,810. Purdue also provides a tuition waiver and health care benefits. Complete applications for spring semester 2012 must be received by September 15, 2011; highly qualified students should apply by August 1, 2011, for consideration in competitive fellowships. Applications must include a letter of interest, resume or curricula vita, cumulative GPA, GRE scores, TOEFL scores (international students only), and letters from three references. Graduate admissions guidelines. Applications should reference the Sustaining Hardwood Ecosystems - Woody Biomass in order to be considered. Posted: 5/20/11.
Queen's University: A Ph.D. position is available in the area of experimental evolution and population dynamics in the labs of Dr. William Nelson and Dr. Steve Lougheed. We seek a motivated and independent student for a project investigating the effect of evolution on population dynamics in a stage-structured insect system. The project combines experimental and theoretical evolution using cowpea weevils (Callosbruchus maculatus) as a model system. Using a recently developed system to manipulate resources, the student will be able to investigate the influence of changes in resource quality on evolutionary and ecological dynamics. Depending on the applicant's interests, the project could focus on anything from looking at the influence of evolution on extinction risk, to trait evolution under cycling population dynamics. The project benefits from the ongoing collaboration between Dr. Lougheed and Dr. Nelson who have strengths in both experimental and theoretical research. This dual approach enables predictions of evolutionary dynamics based on life-history experiments, followed by experimental tests of these predictions. Queen's University, located on the shores of Lake Ontario in Kingston, Ontario, is a leading research-intensive institution with a strong graduate program in Ecology and Evolution, as well as Mathematical Biology. The Biology department currently houses 15 faculty members focused on Ecology and Evolution advising over 60 graduate students, and supports an active seminar series. The department provides a stimulating academic environment with a collegial atmosphere. Queen's Biology guarantees a minimum annual stipend of $22,500. Applicants should have a strong academic record and demonstrated ability for independent research. We encourage applicants with a background in either mathematics or experimental biology. Please send your CV, a copy of academic transcripts, and a cover letter to Bill Nelson (nelsonw@queensu.ca) and Steve Lougheed (lough@queensu.ca). Posted: 12/8/11.
Ramapo College of New Jersey: The Master of Arts in Sustainability Studies (MASS) is now accepting applications for admission. We are particularly interested in bridging between ecosystem ecology and sustainability planning. This is a two year program, following a cohort-based model, with two courses offered each semester, in which all courses are taken in sequence. All courses are offered in the evenings and will be held in the Sharp Sustainability Education Center. Students graduating from the program will have gained competency in three key areas: sustainability literacy and communication; methods of sustainability research; and the practice of sustainability. Posted: 4/30/12.
Rhodes University: Graduate student opportunity for funded PhD research on: ‘‘Response of C3 and C4 grasses to fire and herbivory”. South African R95 000/yr for 3 years. A collaborative project between Rhodes University and the Universities of Sheffield and Cambridge. The future climate of southern Africa is likely to include an increased intensity of the monsoonal system accompanied by greater fire frequency. Fire in grassy ecosystems is not selective and species that are tolerant of burning increase in abundance. Recent research has demonstrated that C4 grasses are more tolerant of burning than closely related C3 species. The C4 species recover faster after fire and have traits including higher winter fuel loads and flammability that are likely to promote seasonal burning. In addition to these direct effects on grass performance, re-growth after fire increases leaf palatability, which compounds potential palatability differences between C3 and C4 species. Hence, an understanding of the interaction of fire and herbivory is essential to understanding the future community structure of grassy ecosystems. This study proposes to investigate this interaction by comparing the response of a model species (Alloteropsis semialata) to fire and selective herbivory using a common garden plot experiment. Replicate plots co-planted with the C3 and C4 subspecies of A. semialata have been established at Rhodes University (Grahamstown, South Africa) and will be subject to fire and selective herbivory in a factorial design. The relative performance of C3 and C4 plants will be assessed using established techniques. Results are anticipated to make a significant contribution to our mechanistic understanding how C3 and C4 grasses respond differentially to fire. Applicants interested should have graduated with an appropriate degree (ecology or ecophysiology) and are welcome to make enquires of either Prof. Brad Ripley (b.ripley@ru.ac.za) or Dr Colin Osborne (c.p.osborne@sheffield.ac.uk). Applicants can be of any nationality and should send a full CV, academic transcript and details of 3 referees to Prof. Brad Ripley, Botany Department, Rhodes University, Grahamstown 6140, or b.ripley@ru.ac.za. Closing date is the 20th January 2012. The bursary is higher than the standard NRF rate, and will support a good standard of living for a graduate student in South Africa. Posted: 12/22/11.
Rice University: The Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology invites applications for admission into our graduate program (M.S. and Ph.D. degrees) for August 2012. While this is not our traditional admissions cycle, our department has recently acquired resources to support additional students beginning Fall 2012. Faculty research interests span population and community ecology, ecological genetics, and the evolution of genes and genomes. Particular areas of emphasis include the eco/evolutionary dynamics of inter-specific interactions, the ecology and evolution of introgressive hybridization, and molecular and computational evolutionary genomics. Prospective students are encouraged to contact one or more faculty members with matching interests. Please include a CV, brief statement of purpose, and contact information for three references. Posted: 4/16/12.
Rice University: The Miller and Rudgers research groups in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology are recruiting applicants for a PhD position to study the population dynamics of host-symbiont interactions. We are initiating a project that combines general mathematical theory, data-driven demographic models, and field experiments to examine the influence of host life history strategies on the stability and infection frequency of vertically transmitted symbionts. Our empirical work focuses on multiple species of grasses and their vertically transmitted fungal endophytes as a model system. The PhD student will be expected to develop an independent research program that is synergistic with our ongoing work. Students interested in combining field experiments (in Texas and potentially beyond) and mathematical models are particularly encouraged to apply. The student will be based jointly in the Miller and Rudgers laboratories. For more information about the position, contact Tom (tom.miller@rice.edu) or Jenn (jrudgers@rice.edu). For information about the Rice EEB department and graduate program, see http://eeb.rice.edu/. Completed applications should be received by January 10 to ensure full consideration. There is no application fee for US citizens and permanent residents. Posted: 12/14/11.
Rice University: The Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Rice (Houston, TX) invites applications for admission into our Ph.D. program. The Ecology group within the department spans population, community, and evolutionary ecology with particular strengths in the dynamics of biotic interactions, including herbivory, mutualism, symbiosis, cannibalism, and infectious diseases. Our program offers highly competitive financial support and light teaching requirements for graduate students. We are located in Houston, Texas, an exciting, diverse, and affordable city with world-class opportunities for dining, arts, and entertainment and access to diverse terrestrial and aquatic environments. The following labs will be accepting new PhD students in 2012: Tom Miller -- Research in the lab is focused on demography, population dynamics, and inter-specific interactions, mostly in plant and insect systems. We use a combination of mathematical models, long-term demographic monitoring, and experiments in the field and laboratory to address population- and community-level questions. Areas of emphasis include: spatial spread of invasions; effects of herbivores and mutualists on plant population dynamics; evolution of plant life histories; and population dynamics of dioecious (two-sex) organisms. We conduct field work in Texas, Florida, New Mexico, and Colorado. Email: tom.miller@rice.edu Jennifer Rudgers – Our work explores the dynamics and ecological consequences of symbiosis, mainly focused on interactions among plants, microbes, and arthropods. Key topics include the contribution of symbiosis to plant commonness, rarity, and invasiveness, impacts of climate change on plant-based interactions, effects of mutualisms on community structure and ecosystem processes, population dynamics of symbiosis, and the evolution of complexity via symbiosis. We use field, greenhouse, and laboratory experiments across diverse ecosystems (alpine meadows, sand dunes, forest understory communities, grasslands and prairies) and molecular tools for species identifications. email jrudgers@rice.edu. Completed applications should be received by January 10 to ensure full consideration. There is no application fee for US citizens and permanent residents. Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to contact potential faculty advisors before applying. See the graduate program for complete information, including application instructions. Posted: 11/14/11.
St Francis Xavier University: M.Sc. Position to Study Biofouling Solutions for Marine Applications. Interested in building expertise in the growing fields of marine microbiology, fouling communities or biomimicry? Interested in field testing and laboratory analysis of antifouling performance of novel surface designs? The Center for Biofouling Research is an interdisciplinary team composed of Physicists, Chemists and Biologists, and includes a postdoctoral fellow and several MSc and undergraduate students dedicated to the project. We are currently funded by an energy company and NSERC to design and test innovative anti-biofouling solutions for marine applications. The Center is accepting applications for an MSc student to start January 1, 2013 (or earlier). This position is fully funded at Can$17k per year for two years; tuition waivers are also possible. The project will entail a range of observational and experimental approaches to characterize biofouling during field tests of designed surfaces. Successful candidates will have a strong record of academic achievement and accomplishment in one or more undergraduate research projects. Competitiveness for externally funded student scholarships is also an asset and students will be encouraged to apply for such support as appropriate. Scientific skills or expertise in any of the following would be beneficial: biofouling communities, marine field work, digital image analysis, phycology, marine invertebrate zoology, or aquatic biomechanics. The student will work primarily with the biologists on the team, but will interact considerably with all members of the Center. For additional information or to begin an application, please contact: Dr. Russell Wyeth: rwyeth@stfx.ca. Posted: 6/28/12.
San Diego State University: A new graduate student is sought to work on a recently funded NSF project "Mapping Cyberspace to Realspace: Visualizing and Understanding the Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Global Diffusion of Ideas through the Semantic Web". The M.S. student will start in the fall (spring likely) semester of 2012. Background in quantitative analysis and modeling, GIS/computer science, or related fields would be preferred. The student is expected to work on space-time analysis models, characterizing the dynamics of a particular set of ideas spreading over the Internet and uncovering potential factors that cause "susceptibility" to and "immunity" from such ideas. Please go to http://geography.sdsu.edu/Programs/programs.html for application procedures. If you have questions about this position, please contact Dr. An at lan@mail.sdsu.edu. The following materials could be helpful: your most recent Curriculum Vita, transcripts, GRE Scores, TOEFL Scores (for international students only), and research statement. Funding opportunities also exist for students who want to pursue doctoral degree in related fields (e.g., landscape ecology, space-time analysis and modeling, human-environment interaction, and geocomputation). Please visit Dr. An's group webpage for related information. Posted: 9/19/11.
Simon Fraser University: PhD and MSc opportunity in landscape ecology and biogeography, disturbance interactions in British Columbia’s pine forests. Two positions are available, one PhD and one MSc, to participate in a project examining the outcome of disturbance interactions on sub-boreal vegetation communities in north-central British Columbia (BC), Canada as part of a broader research program studying the geography of disturbance in Canada’s northern forests. More details about the positions. Field work will take place in north-central BC, in a region near to Vanderhoof, beginning May 2012, with graduate term beginning fall 2012. Students are welcome to define their own research focus within the scope of the project. Successful students will join the Landscape and Conservation Science Research Group, led by Dr. Meg Krawchuk in the Department of Geography at Simon Fraser University. SFU is a mid-sized, research-intensive university located atop Burnaby Mountain in BC, Canada. Within the Greater Vancouver Area, SFU provides easy access to numerous science and conservation institutions, vibrant city life, and absolutely fantastic mountain recreation opportunities. The departmental deadline for application to the graduate program is January 15 2012. Information about the graduate program at SFU. If you are interested in one of these positions, please send an email to Dr. Meg Krawchuk, meg_krawchuk@sfu.ca, with brief details of your research interests and experience, why you’d like to participate in the project, and your academic standing over the last two years. I would like to hear from interested students by end-November. Posted: 11/4/11.
SMART Consortium: PhD fellowship for interdisciplinary research in River Science. Call for application. Deadline: January 9, 2012. SMART is a *3-years Joint PhD programme* offered within the framework of the Erasmus Mundus action by the University of Trento (Italy), Queen Mary, University of London (UK) and Freie Universität Berlin (Germany), together with 12 associate partners in 8 different countries and 4 continents, encompassing research centres, private companies and governmental agencies. Research is multidisciplinary-based at a principal institution with mandatory mobility to a second Consortium partner and one Associate partner. It focuses on the core areas of natural and engineering sciences relevant to the sustainable management of river systems from their headwaters to estuaries, including moprhodynamics, hydrology, biogeochemistry, geomorphology, biology and ecology. Admission is on a selective basis; successful completion of the PhD programme will be awarded a joint or double Doctoral Degree in River Science. Further details are available on http://www.riverscience.eu/. Posted: 11/18/11.
Sonoma State University: Graduate Research Opportunity in Population Genetics/Evolutionary Physiology. A graduate student at the M.S. level is sought to work with Dr. Nathan Rank in the Department of Biology at Sonoma State in northern California. The successful applicant will develop a thesis research project that relates genetic variation in populations of high elevation insects to their population dynamics and ecological physiology. Summer field research will be conducted in remote parts of the Sierra Nevada mountains of eastern California near Bishop, regions that are renowned for spectacular scenery and are of great conservation value. Applicants for this graduate position should have a strong background in field research, evolutionary principles and insect biology as well as meet the admission requirements for the Department of Biology's Graduate Program. Experience in statistical analysis and data management is also desirable. The application deadline for the Biology Graduate Program is January 31 for the Fall semester and October 31 for the Spring semester. Details on the procedures for applying can be found at the link above. Graduate students are supported in a variety of ways, including teaching assistantships, in-state tuition waivers and SSU scholarships. The National Science Foundation supports the research program, and additional support for graduate students is pending. For more information about this opportunity, contact Nathan Rank at rank@sonoma.edu. Posted: 1/30/12.
Sonoma State University: Graduate Research Opportunity in Population & Community Ecology. A masters student is sought to work with Dr. Hall Cushman in the Department of Biology at Sonoma State in northern California. The successful applicant will focus their thesis research on some aspect of a 13-year-old exclosure experiment established at Point Reyes National Seashore to address the impacts of re-introducing a once-extirpated native herbivore, tule elk (Cervus elaphus nannodes), on a coastal grassland. This community is heavily invaded by exotic plant taxa and much of the project to date emphasizes the consequences of the herbivore re-introduction for biological invasions. Other projects emphasize the impact of elk on the availability of soil nutrients and how such effects explain underlying plant-community changes. Applicants for this graduate position should have a strong background in ecology and field research as well as meet the admission requirements for the Department of Biology's Graduate Program. Experience in statistical analysis and data management is also desirable. The application deadline for the Biology Graduate Program is January 31 for the Fall semester. Details on the procedures for applying can be found at the link above. Graduate students are supported in a variety of ways, including teaching assistantships, in-state tuition waivers and SSU scholarships. Students also work closely with their advisors to obtain additional grant funding. Contact Hall Cushman (cushman@sonoma.edu, 707.664.2142) if interested in being considered for this graduate opportunity. Please include as much information as possible about your experiences and interests, including a current resume as well as GPA and GRE scores. Posted: 12/14/11.
South Dakota State University: I am seeking to recruit two MS-level graduate students to study ecology and management of arthropod pests attacking agricultural crops in South Dakota. Students will have a lot of freedom to explore research questions within the general area of plant-insect interactions and integrated pest management in agroecosystems. Potential research areas include direct and indirect effects of insecticides on non-target organisms, sustainable management of key pests of sunflowers in South Dakota, and consequences of domestication for mechanisms of plant resistance to herbivores (for more information, go to www.adaslab.com). Qualified candidates will have a passion for entomology, enjoy working outside, have a strong academic background, and good writing skills. The assistantships will provide a stipend, cover tuition, summer salary, and research support. Contact me directly if you are interested (adrianna.szczepaniec@sdstate.edu). Please include your CV, an unofficial transcript, and a cover letter describing your background, qualifications, research interests, and contact information for at least two references. Start date is Fall 2012 or Spring 2013. Ada Szczepaniec, Assistant Professor and Extension Entomologist, South Dakota State University, Plant Science Department, 220 AGH, Box 2207-A, Brookings, SD 57007-1096. Office: (605) 688-6854, Fax: (605) 688-4602. Posted: 5/18/12.
South Dakota State University: Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences. Seeking a highly motivated Graduate Research Assistant (M.S. level) interested in wetland plant ecology. The goals of the study are to resurvey the plant communities on wetlands that were originally studied in the early 1960s to assess changes in the wetland plant community, zonation, and water conditions, and to evaluate the roles of land use practices and changing climate. Original information from these wetlands were fundamental to the development of Stewart and Kantrud's 1971 wetland classification system for glaciated pothole wetlands, which remains a standard reference for the Prairie Pothole Region. Over the 50 years since the original data were collected, the wetlands have experienced dynamic conditions of drought and flood; some have been grazed or burned. The student will work closely with Drs. Jane E. Austin and Robert A. Gleason at the U.S. Geological Survey's Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Jamestown, ND. This Center is a recognized leader in wetland and avian ecology for the Prairie Pothole Region. The project entails field work (plant surveys, water quality measures), GIS analysis of spatial data, and data analyses. Field work will be conducted during 2013-2014 on federal lands on 3 study areas, with the assistance of a seasonal technician. Summer housing will be available at Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Woodworth, ND. Qualifications: B.S. degree in botany, plant ecology, wildlife, or related field; strong written and oral communication skills; interest/experience with wetland or plant ecology and plant taxonomy; competitive GPA (>3.2) and GRE scores (>1,100 combined verbal/quantitative). Strong interest and/or experience in wetland and plant ecology and plant taxonomy are desired. Salary: $17,800 (includes out-of-state tuition waiver). I encourage interested students to contact me for more details about the study. Submit (1) a letter of interest, (2) resume, (3) names and addresses of three references, (4) copies of academic transcripts and (5) GRE scores via: Jane Austin, US Geological Survey, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, 8711 37th Street SE, Jamestown, ND 58401. Phone: 701-253-5510, Fax: 701-253-5553, Email: jaustin@usgs.gov. Posted: 4/2/12.
South Dakota State University: MSc Graduate Research in West African Savanna Ecology. Funding is available for a 2-year Masters Graduate Fellowship for a student interested to study ecology and natural resource management in West African Savannas. The student will have the opportunity to conduct field research in West Africa at a series of experimental research sites. Student research will complement on-going research at these sites in savanna ecology and pastoral systems. The selected student will be provided some flexibility in choosing their specific research theme. A 2-year Fellowship is available with anticipated start date prior to Fall 2012 semester. Ideally students would also be available for fieldwork in West Africa this Summer (June-July 2012). Prospective students are welcome to contact Niall Hanan first to discuss potential projects. To apply, send a single pdf file with the following information to Niall.Hanan@sdstate.edu: 1) a cover letter outlining your research interests, experience and career goals, 2) your CV or resumé, 3) scores from recent GRE exams, and 4) contact information for at least 2 academic referees. Posted: 3/19/12.
South Dakota State University: Graduate Research Assistant in the Department of Natural Resource Management. I am recruiting for a PhD student team member in a research project to investigate the efficacy of various methods of mid-contract CRP management to improve brood habitat for upland gamebirds, specifically ring-necked pheasants. We will be focusing on insect production as a function of grassland management and using human-imprinted pheasant chicks to provide insight into food selection vs. availability in experimentally treated grassland blocks. I am searching for an individual that has familiarity with agricultural practices and is also familiar with upland gamebird ecology. Other necessary skills include knowledge of vegetation and invertebrate sampling, statistical analysis protocols, and GPS/GIS technology. Previous experience with animal husbandry is desirable. Housing provided while in the field. The project is funded by the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks and will require coordination and reporting of research activities to SDGFP. The candidate will be expected to present research results at professional conferences, prepare agency and permit reports, and develop research publications. Graduate research assistantship stipends are $21k (PhD) per year with a waiver that reduces tuition to 1/3 of in-state rates. Qualifications: M.S. in wildlife ecology/management completed before 1 July 2012. I am seeking students with excellent academic backgrounds (GPA > 3.0) and competitive GRE scores. Candidates must have a strong work ethic and be able to physically endure the demands of fieldwork in weather extremes from very hot to extreme cold. Applicants will be expected to coordinate work with technicians and work independently with minimal supervision. I am searching for individuals that have a pleasant demeanor, are self-motivated, and that have the ability to work independently and as part of a research and academic team. Students with substantial field experience are strongly preferred. Applicants should send curriculum vitae, unofficial transcripts, unofficial GRE scores, names and contact information of three references, and a brief statement of interest to: K.C. Jensen, Department of Natural Resource Management, South Dakota State University, SNP 138, Box 2140B, Brookings, SD 57007, (605-688-4781) kent.jensen@sdstate.edu. Posted: 2/13/12.
South Dakota State University: The Fish Ecology Lab has an opening for a Ph.D. student in the general area of Ichthyology to start summer 2012. Active areas of research in the lab include native and introduced fishes, and applied and experimental stream fish ecology. This graduate research assistantship will be funded through the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks to develop a physical and digital fish reference collection and a revised taxonomic key to the Fishes of the Dakotas, but students in the lab are encouraged to develop an independent research project that complements the central objectives of their research assistantship. South Dakota State University has an excellent graduate program in Fisheries with 6 dedicated faculty and 60+ graduate students affiliated with the Department of Natural Resource Management. Interested students should contact Dr. Katie Bertrand (katie.bertrand@sdstate.edu) by December 7th, 2011, with their CV, GRE scores, transcripts (undergraduate and master's degrees), and a brief statement of research interests. Posted: 10/27/11.
Southern Cross University: PhD Scholarships in Australia (Biogeochemistry and Hydrology). The Centre for Coastal Biogeochemistry is offering two PhD scholarships valued at $23k per year. The scholarships are tax free to both Australian and international students. Tuition and fees will be waived. The two projects should focus on the following: 1) Influence of submarine groundwater discharge on carbon cycling in coastal waters, supervised by Dr. Isaac Santos 2) Investigating the transformation and fate of dissolved organic carbon and nitrogen in coastal sediments using stable isotope tracers, supervised by Dr Joanne Oakes. Field sites for PhD projects can be negotiated, and include hydrothermal fields, sand beaches, mangroves, coastal embayments, estuaries, and coral reefs. Shortlisted candidates will be requested to prepare a 2-page research proposal and to perform a telephone interview. Starting dates can be negotiated, but ideally the candidates should start in August 2012. Candidates from non-English speaking countries may be required to demonstrate English language proficiency. International cooperation will be encouraged. The Australian Research Council recently ranked the geochemistry group at SCU the highest rank of 5 for “outstanding performance well above world standards”. The Australian education system differs from the American system in that no course work is required for PhD students, allowing the student to engage in full time research from the start. Our Centre is equipped with cutting-edge instrumentation, has full technical support, and has well-funded projects all over Australia and overseas. For applications, please email your preferred supervisor with a two-page CV by 30 May. Applicants may include up to two supporting scientific documents (i.e., conference abstract, thesis, technical report, etc) that demonstrate relevant research experience. Additional scholarships may be offered to outstanding students interested in joining our Centre. More information can be obtained via email to Dr Isaac Santos (Isaac.santos@scu.edu.au) or Dr Joanne Oakes (Joanne.Oakes@scu.edu.au). Posted: 4/25/12.
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale: Graduate Research Assistantships in Water and Soil Quality. The Department of Forestry announces the availability of two M.S. or Ph.D. research assistantships beginning in May or August 2012. Assistantships include annual stipends of $17k for M.S. students and $19k for Ph.D. candidates, a tuition waiver, and health benefits (see Ph.D. program in Agricultural Sciences). Successful candidates will join a team of researchers and graduate students, led by Karl W.J. Williard and Jon E. Schoonover, who are investigating water and soil quality responses to various management practices in agricultural watersheds. Project one focuses on investigating the fate and transport of environmentally smart nitrogen (ESN) fertilizer in central Illinois agricultural fields as well as identifying critical source areas of N and phosphorus (P) in headwater agricultural watersheds. Project two is a plot level study examining the fate of N and P fertilizers in riparian buffers as well as how biochar amendments influence water quality. Research will include significant field and laboratory components. Qualified applicants should possess a M.S. or bachelor’s degree in soil science, forestry, environmental science, agronomy, chemistry, biology, or a related discipline. Please email a letter of interest and resume to Dr. Karl Williard, williard@siu.edu and Dr. Jon Schoonover, jschoon@siu.edu, Department of Forestry, Mailcode 4411, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, 62901-4411. Tel: 618-453-7478. Posted: 4/6/12.
Southern Illinois University: I am seeking one or two highly motivated graduate students (MS or PhD) to join my lab in the Cooperative Wildlife Research Laboratory and Department of Zoology. The start date is flexible, but August 2012 is preferred. The available funding is not tied to a specific project so there is some flexibility in projects. However, the focus will be on one of the following: 1) the physiological effects of white-nose syndrome on bats, 2) thermoregulation in endotherms, or 3) the economic importance of bats in agriculture. To express interest, please send me a single pdf file with your CV, your college transcripts (unofficial transcripts are fine), contact information for at least three academic references, GRE scores (if you have taken them), and a brief statement of your general research interests and experience. If you have specific research ideas for projects in any of the areas listed above, please feel free to include those as well. Qualifications: A BS in zoology, ecology, wildlife biology, or other related field is required and a MS is necessary if you are applying to the PhD program. Prior research experience will be viewed favorably and experience with both lab and field research is highly preferred. I consider strong verbal and written communication skills essential, so feel free to provide additional evidence of your abilities in these areas. Contact: Dr. Justin Boyles jgboyles@gmail.com (preferred), 865-974-2773. Posted: 3/8/12.
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale: Graduate opportunity available Fall or Spring of 2012 in the Department of Zoology. Numerous field and lab based experiments offer unique opportunities for graduate research in physiological ecology. Current projects include exploration of the physiological and ecological mechanisms that regulate resource allocation to life history processes in reptiles; as well as how environmental stressors may contribute to the emergence of diseases in amphibians. Prospective students with interests in vertebrate physiological ecology, life history, stress physiology, reproductive allocation and community ecology are encouraged to apply. Prospective students should send an inquiry email and resume to Robin Warne (rwarne@siu.edu). Applicants must apply to the Department of Zoology. Support will rely on Teaching Assistantships, with the possibility of Research Assistantships. Teaching Assistantships are awarded on a competitive basis. Early applications are encouraged for University Fellowship consideration. Posted: 12/8/11, revised: 5/10/12.
Southern Illinois University: Funding is available for a M.S. Research Assistantship in Forest Management/Ecology in the Department of Forestry at Southern Illinois University. Current research focuses on the response of forest communities to management and natural disturbance (http://mypage.siu.edu/eholzmue). The assistantship carries a competitive stipend, tuition waiver, and health insurance for 2 years. Anticipated start date for assistantship is January 2012. Minimum qualifications include a B.S. degree in forestry, ecology, biology, or related field, 3.0 GPA and 1000 GRE (V+Q) score. Experience with GIS is preferred. For more information please contact: Dr. Eric Holzmueller, Assistant Professor of Forest Management & Ecology, at eholzmue@siu.edu or (618) 453-3708. Posted: 10/25/11.
Southern Illinois University: is offering 6-8 PhD fellowships in Watershed Science and Policy as part of NSF's Integrative Graduate Education Research and Training (IGERT) program. The 2012-2014 IGERT program will have a strong international component, with a targeted research project in the Tisza River Basin of Central Europe. Fellows will conduct research and fieldwork for 4-6 months in the Tisza River watershed, which includes regions of Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Ukraine, Romania, and Serbia. The IGERT cohort will be comprised of an interdisciplinary team of students working together to develop a basin management plan that addresses social, economic, and ecosystem service needs in the watershed. Prospective students with interest in any watershed-related field of study (e.g., forestry, geology, hydrology, geography, engineering, biology, ecology, natural resource economics, or human dimensions of natural resource management) are encouraged to inquire with one of the IGERT Principal Investigators (listed below) for more information about the program and potential major advisors in the student’s area of interest. Applicants holding a Master’s degree by the time the IGERT Fellowship begins are preferred, but direct PhD entry is possible in cases of exceptional qualifications. Fellowship benefits include a $30k/year stipend for two years, $10,500/year cost of education allowance for two years, laptop, and travel support. IGERT students will be supported for a third year through Teaching and/or Research Assistantships. Fellowships are available to U.S. citizens and permanent residents (only). The IGERT application deadline is Jan. 15, 2012. Please note that applying to the IGERT also requires applying to the Graduate School and Department of the student’s major advisor. For more information, please see http://www.igert.siuc.edu or contact igert@siu.edu. Principal Investigators: Nicholas Pinter (Geology): npinter@geo.siu.edu, Chris Lant (Geography): clant@siu.edu, Sara Baer (Plant Biology): sgbaer@siu.edu, Matt Whiles (Zoology): mwhiles@zoology.siu.edu, Lizette Chevalier (Engineering): lrchevalier@gmail.com. Posted: 10/13/11, revised: 11/15/11.
Stanford University: We seek a Ph.D. student to join an NSF-funded research team examining the relationships between native forest fauna and introduced rodents in native forests fragmented by lava flows (kipuka) on the Big Island of Hawaii. The student will be trained in the graduate program at the Department of Biology, Stanford University, with Dr. Tadashi Fukami, starting in fall 2012. As part of the dissertation research, the student will participate in an ongoing project investigating the role of omnivorous predators as drivers of food web dynamics in mid-elevation forests near Hilo, HI. The study system contains a set of naturally isolated forest patches of varying sizes along with plant, bird, and arthropod communities dominated by native species. The research has both theoretical and applied foci with the potential to make contributions to the conservation of Hawaiian ecosystems. This research will provide opportunities to work with Fukami as well as other collaborators, including Dr. David Flaspohler at Michigan Technological University, Dr. Christian Giardina at the USFS Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry, and Dr. Daniel Gruner at the University of Maryland. Specific questions and organisms that the student will focus on are flexible and will be determined by the student in consultation with the collaborators. Candidates should have excellent quantitative and written and verbal communication skills and a willingness to work in a rugged field environment. A Master's degree in ecology or a related discipline or equivalent experience is desirable. Interested candidates should e-mail a short letter summarizing their research experience and interests, a CV (including GPA and GRE scores), and contact information for two references to fukamit@stanford.edu as soon as possible (by November 1, 2011). Qualified candidates will be asked to apply for the Stanford graduate program (application due: December 1, 2011). Fukami will attend the ESA meeting in Austin, TX, and inquiries are welcome in person in addition to email. Posted: 7/11/11.
SUNY-ESF: One MS Graduate Assistantship will be available, pending funding, to start in August 2012 working on New England Cottontail (a candidate for listing under the Endangered Species Act) and Eastern Cottontail nutrition and parasitology. Research will focus winter sampling of body condition and collection of urine and scat samples for nutritional and parasite analyses. The successful applicant will teach for two fall semesters and be supported on a Research Assistantship for two spring semesters and one full year. The most qualified applicants will have strong wildlife field skills, experience with molecular techniques, laboratory skills, and strong demonstrated skills in data analysis. Duties will include writing a study plan, implementing cottontail trapping, scat sampling protocols, supervising technicians and undergraduate assistants, and preparing reports and presentations for scientific audiences. Qualifications: Applicants must have a B.S. in Wildlife, Conservation Biology, Biology, or similar area. Experience with field studies, including trapping and handling, of small or medium-sized mammals, and molecular techniques is highly desirable. The position is available pending final budget approval by the New York Department of Environmental Conservation. Interested applicants should submit the following: letter of interest, names and contact information of three references, unofficial transcripts, GRE scores, and CV to: Dr. Sadie Ryan or Dr. Jonathan Cohen. Selected applicants will need to apply to the SUNY ESF Graduate School before final acceptance. Salary: $15k per year to start plus tuition and health benefits Last Date to apply: April 1, 2012 Contact: Dr. Sadie Ryan (sjryan@esf.edu) and Dr. Jonathan Cohen (jcohen14@esf.edu). E-mail: sjryan@esf.edu(Preferred) Phone: 315-470-6757 (Ryan); 315-470-6737 (Cohen). Posted: 2/14/12.
SUNY-ESF: PhD Position in cottontail interactions, demography and habitat associations, Department of Environmental and Forest Biology, Syracuse, NY. One Graduate Assistantship will be available, pending funding, to start in August 2012 to work on New England Cottontail (a candidate for listing under the Endangered Species Act) and Eastern Cottontail interactions, demography, and habitat associations. Research will focus on radio-telemetry and population genetics-based studies of dispersal, survival, recruitment, and habitat use of the two species. Successful applicant will teach for two fall semesters and be supported on a Research Assistantship for two spring semesters and two full years. The most qualified applicants will have strong wildlife field skills, experience using molecular techniques, and strong demonstrated skills in data analysis. Duties will include writing study plans, implementing cottontail trapping and telemetry surveys, habitat sampling, genetic sampling and analyses, supervising technicians and undergraduate assistants, and preparing reports and presentations for scientific audiences. Qualifications: Applicants must have a M.S. in Wildlife, Conservation Biology, Biology, or similar area. Experience with field studies, including trapping and handling, of small or medium-sized mammals, and molecular techniques, is highly desirable. The position is available pending final budget approval by the New York Department of Environmental Conservation. Interested applicants should submit the following: letter of interest, names and contact information of three references, unofficial transcripts, GRE scores, and CV to: Dr. Jonathan Cohen or Dr. Sadie Ryan. Selected applicants will need to apply to the SUNY ESF Graduate School before final acceptance. Salary: $17k per year to start plus tuition and health benefits Last Date to apply: March 10, 2012 Contact: Dr. Jonathan Cohen (jcohen14@esf.edu) and Dr. Sadie Ryan (sjryan@esf.edu). E-mail: jcohen14@esf.edu (Preferred) Phone: 315-470-6763 (Cohen); 315-470-6757 (Ryan). Posted: 2/14/12.
SUNY-ESF: Ruth Yanai at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY-ESF) is recruiting students to start in Fall 2012 or Spring 2013. Preference will be given to those available to start with the 2012 summer field season in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Historically, ecosystem nutrient budgets have not included error propagation or reported confidence limits with estimates of elemental stocks and flows. QUEST (Quantifying Uncertainty in Ecosystem Studies) is a research network devoted to promoting the development and application of uncertainty analysis. We have made progress in the areas of forest biomass and stream loads and are also working on wet deposition and change in soil storage. There are research opportunities associated with each of these areas. In addition to the primary research with QUEST, there are opportunities for secondary involvement in other projects associated with MELNHE (Multi-Element Limitation in Northern Hardwood Ecosystems) in the White Mountains. MELNHE sites are located at Bartlett Experimental Forest, Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, and Jeffers Brook (USFS). Background in ecology, statistics, and programming would be valuable assets. Funding will consist of a combination of research and teaching assistantships (ability to TA in a General Chemistry lab would be a plus). Please review the websites above and contact Heather Engelman at forestecology@esf.edu if you are interested in applying. While preference will be given to those with the experience listed above, anyone with a sincere interest in the projects is encouraged to apply. Posted: 1/5/12.
Stony Brook University: A graduate research assistantship (GRA) is available to study the population demography and distribution of the invasive plant Centaurea stoebe (spotted knapweed) in New York State. The GRA would work primarily under the direction of Dr. Jessica Gurevitch, though would be additionally advised by Dr. Catherine Graham, in the Department of Ecology and Evolution at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY. The student would develop a thesis project to quantify how environmental heterogeneity influences demographic patterns of this plant both locally on Long Island and in the Adirondacks. A successful applicant would enjoy field work (and preferably have field experience) and have strong quantitative skills (or an interest obtaining these skills). If you are interested please send a CV and a short letter of introduction to Dr. Jessica Gurevitch (jgurvtch@life.bio.sunysb.edu) and cc: Dr. Catherine Graham (cgraham@life.bio.sunysb.edu). Posted: 10/24/11.
Stony Brook University: The Graduate Program in Ecology and Evolution in the Department of Ecology and Evolution is recruiting doctoral and master's level graduate students for Fall 2012. The program trains students in Ecology, Evolution and Biometry. The following faculty are seeking graduate students: H. Resit Akcakaya http://life.bio.sunysb.edu/ee/akcakayalab/ Stephen B. Baines http://life.bio.sunysb.edu/ee/baineslab/ Michael A. Bell http://life.bio.sunysb.edu/ee/belllab/ Liliana M. Dávalos http://life.bio.sunysb.edu/ee/davaloslab/how2succeed.html Lev Ginzburg http://life.bio.sunysb.edu/ee/ginzburglab/ Catherine Graham http://life.bio.sunysb.edu/ee/grahamlab/ Jessica Gurevitch http://life.bio.sunysb.edu/gurevitchlab/ Heather Lynch http://lynchlab.wordpress.com/opportunities/ Dianna K. Padilla http://life.bio.sunysb.edu/ee/padillalab Joshua Rest http://life.bio.sunysb.edu/ee/restlab/ John Wiens http://life.bio.sunysb.edu/ee/wienslab/homepage.html For more information see the Graduate Program in Ecology and Evolution. The deadline for receipt of all application materials for the PhD program is January 15, 2012 although earlier submission is encouraged to ensure full consideration for available fellowships. The deadline for receipt of all application materials for the master's program is April 15, 2012. For additional assistance, e-mail our Graduate Program Coordinator, Lee Stanley, astanley@notes.cc.sunysb.edu. Posted: 9/13/11.
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences: A four-year PhD position is available at the Dept. of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies: forest restoration for biodiversity. Habitat and species loss in forest ecosystems has become a major issue in conservation biology. Swedish forestry is one of the most intensive and technically developed in the world, which has resulted in declining populations of many forest organisms. To maintain biodiversity it is no longer possible to rely on passive conservation measures. An increase of the protected forest area in combination with ecological restoration measures are needed to fulfill environmental goals for forest biodiversity. The aim of this project is to evaluate biodiversity effects and cost efficiency of two different restorations methods developed for low-quality forest set-asides: 1) Prescribed burning and 2) selective cutting combined with dead wood creation to emulate gap-dynamics. We will evaluate how these two restoration methods, compared with stands left for free development, influence a variety of organism groups (e.g. insects, fungi, lichens, bryophytes, vascular plants and mammals), with the successful applicant for this position focusing on insects. The project is conducted in close collaboration with several researchers at SLU and Umeå University and with the Swedish forestry company Holmen. The study is part of the research programme Future Forests and is further described here. The four-year PhD position includes, planning and performing fieldwork in the experimental forests, data analyses, writing scientific manuscripts, participation in courses, and presentations at seminars and conferences. The PhD-student may also get the opportunity to do some undergraduate teaching. Applicants for the PhD position should have a solid ecological background, for example a MSc degree (at least one year) in Biology or Forestry or equivalent (more information). Proficiency in English (both spoken and written) and a driving license are required. Knowledge of and interest in ecological field studies, GIS, scientific writing, statistical analyses, and forestry-intolerant organisms (insects in particular) are valuable merits. For more information and to apply see the full job ad. Posted: 3/8/12.
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences: I am searching for a PhD student to investigate a range of mechanisms through which atmospheric N deposition may affect soil C sequestration in Swedish boreal forests. Further details about the position. The position will begin in spring or early summer of 2012. Michael J. Gundale, Associate Professor, Dept. of Forest Ecology and Management. Deadline: 2/15/12. Posted: 1/6/12.
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich: The position is within the SNF SINERGIA project “iTREE: Long-term variability of tree growth in a changing environment – identifying the physiological mechanisms using stable isotopes in tree rings”. iTREE is an interdisciplinary research framework to capitalize on synergies among leading dendroclimatologists, plant physiologists, isotope specialists, and global carbon cycle modelers with the objectives of reducing uncertainties related to tree/forest growth in the context of changing natural environments. Within this framework, we look for a student that will perform laboratory and field experiments to adapt a mechanistic isotope model to derive plant physiological variables from tree-ring isotopes. This task will include the installation and maintenance of sap flow systems in two Swiss forest ecosystems, on-site physiological measurements, collection and preparation of leaves, wood, and phloem sap for stable isotope analysis and the parameterization and adaptation of isotope models. We look for a dynamic, reliable and motivated student with M.Sc./Diploma in plant ecophysiology, ecology, organic geochemistry, environmental sciences or related disciplines. Driving license is required. Teamwork within group and project partners requires English and German language skills. The research will be carried out within a 3-year project, starting in March 2012. We offer an interesting position in an international, interdisciplinary research environment in Zurich as well as international working experiences. Salary and social benefits are provided according to ETH Zurich rules. Please send your complete application (CV, transcripts, letter of motivation) to Mr. Rolf Oertli (rolf.oertli@pa.ethz.ch), Human Resources, ETH Zurich, TUR C24, 8092 Zürich. Evaluation procedure will start December 1st. Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled. Further information can be obtained from Prof. Kahmen (kahmena@ethz.ch). See also http://www.gl.ethz.ch/news/PhD_iTREE.pdf. Posted: 10/25/11.
Syracuse University: Graduate student position- Seeking applicants to fill a graduate position (PhD) to study the effects of ungulate grazing on Yellowstone National Park grassland. The research will be supported by a Syracuse University-National Park Service cooperative agreement to examine plant and soil responses of Yellowstone grasslands to increasing grazing intensity by a growing bison population. The student will join a group of ecologists, both faculty and other graduate students, in the SU Biology Department interested in studying terrestrial ecosystems and the effects of climate change and grazing practices on the sustainability of grasslands. Field work on the project will commence in early – May, 2011. TA support will provide a stipend (beginning at $22,780 per academic year, with summer salary usually available), full health benefits, and tuition remission. Applications are due to the SU Biology Department by January 31, 2012; however, applicants are encouraged to first send a statement of interest, CV, and GRE scores prior to applying to Dr. Douglas Frank (dafrank@syr.edu, 315-443-4529). Information about the graduate program. Posted: 12/13/11.
Syracuse University: The lab of Jason Fridley is offering two graduate (PhD) fellowships for students to work on aspects of the vegetation of Eastern North America in relation to global change. At least one of the fellowships will involve a comparative analysis of old field succession patterns across the Eastern U.S., using experimental and survey-based techniques in a 4-yr project with colleagues at Duke University supported by the National Science Foundation. Other research emphases in the Fridley lab include global change impacts on grassland vegetation, vegetation-environment relationships in the Southern Appalachians, and comparative studies of native and invasive species in Eastern U.S. forests. Successful applicants will join a growing plant ecology and evolution group at Syracuse University and a larger ecological community that includes SUNY-College of Environmental Science and Forestry. Fellowships are available beginning in Fall 2012 as 2-yr research assistantships, commonly used in the first and third years of graduate study; support through teaching assistantships is guaranteed in other semesters pending satisfactory progress toward the degree. Current graduate student stipends are $25,167/yr, with full benefits and tuition remission. Full applications to the SU Biology PhD program are due by January 31, 2012; applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a statement of interest, curriculum vitae, and GRE scores before applying to Jason Fridley (fridley@syr.edu; 315-443-3098). General information about the Biology graduate program is available at http://biology.syr.edu/grad/graduate.htm. Posted: 8/1/11.
Technische Universität München: A Ph.D.-position is available in the group of Wolfgang W. Weisser for a project funded by the GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit). The project will involve studying multi-trophic interactions between plants, insects and their natural enemies in experimental and agricultural systems. The work will focus on enhancing horticultural productivity and subsequently income and livelihoods of local communities through integrated management of aphid pests on okra in sub-Saharan Africa. The position will be based at TUM in Germany and in Cameroon at IIATA (International Institute of Tropical Agriculture). There will be close collaboration with the International Center for Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) in Kenya, Nairobi. This position will include field work in Cameroon for 8 months per year, with the remaining time spent in Germany. The ability to work in tropical environments is essential and some knowledge of French would be beneficial. The successful candidate will have a Diploma/M.Sc. in Biology or a related subject with appropriate specialisation. We expect the candidates to have good communication skills and the ability to work in a team. A driving licence and the ability to read, speak and write in English are necessary requirements. Application via email only should include a cover letter including a short statement of research interests, a Curriculum Vitae including a list of any publications, and names and email-addresses for two references, in a single pdf document. The position is available immediately and funding will be provided for three years. Applications will be considered until 1st April 2012. Please contact: Prof. Wolfgang W. Weisser (Email wolfgang.weisser@tum.de) or Dr Sharon E Zytynska (sharon.zytynska@tum.de), Technische Universität München, Carl-von-Carlowitz-Platz 2, 85354 Freising. Posted: 2/16/12.
Texas A&M University: A MS or PhD graduate student assistantship is available in fall 2012 in the Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, with options for beginning research in summer 2012. The Hamer Laboratory studies disease emergence at the interface of human, domestic animal, and wildlife populations. Several projects are in development to study the ecology, evolution, and epidemiology of vector-borne diseases and conservation medicine, with particular interest in tick-borne diseases and Chagas disease. The successful applicant will have flexibility in the formulation of original research questions and approaches. Two years of support (stipend, tuition, insurance, and research support) are available with continued funding contingent on successful grants or fellowships acquired by the student and availability of teaching assistantships. Required qualifications: BS in biology, ecology, biomedical sciences, entomology, wildlife sciences or a related field, with an excellent academic record. Applicants with a DVM or MD and an interest in a research career are encouraged to apply. Preferred qualifications: Ecological field experience; experience in laboratory techniques; publication in peer-reviewed journals. Applicants should submit a single file that includes a cover letter (indicate preference for MS or PhD program, available start date, research experiences, and professional goals), CV, contact information for 3 references, unofficial transcripts, and GRE scores to Dr. Sarah A. Hamer (shamer@cvm.tamu.edu) with Graduate Student Assistantship as the email subject. Review of applicants will begin April 2. Posted: 3/30/12.
Texas A&M University: A MS graduate student assistantship is available to start Fall of 2012 in the Hamer Lab, Department of Entomology. The project will involve spatial analysis and epidemiological modeling of West Nile virus and potentially other closely related arboviruses. A BS in a closely related field, experience with ArcGIS, and a strong quantitative background are requirements. Experience with molecular techniques is helpful but not required. Interested applicants should submit the following: letter of interest, CV, contact information for 3 references, unofficial transcripts, and GRE scores as a single document (PDF or word) to Dr. Gabriel Hamer (ghamer@tamu.edu) with the subject line including GRADUATE STUDENT ASSISTANTSHIP. Posted: 3/20/12.
Texas A&M University: I am currently recruiting MS and/or PhD students to start in fall 2012 in quantitative population biology at Texas A&M University. The research should be on the use of modern statistics or mathematical models in conservation biology, ecology, marine biology, or wildlife and fisheries sciences although a specific research topic (e.g. organisms, questions, and objectives) is flexible. The degree will be in either Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences or Marine Biology. Please note that field sampling or wet-lab support will NOT be provided. If you are interested, please see http://fujiwara.us for more detail. Masami Fujiwara, fujiwara@tamu.edu. Posted: 10/24/11.
Texas A&M University: I am seeking a motivated student to fill a graduate assistantship at the Ph.D. level at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. Student will have the option of applying to the Marine Biology Ph.D. program or the Coastal, Marine System Science Ph.D. program. The position is available beginning in August 2012, or possibly summer 2012. Current lab research focuses on understanding the ecological mechanisms controlling estuarine/coastal phytoplankton blooms, planktonic food web interactions, and effects of climatic and anthropogenic change on coastal ecosystems. Ample resources are available for field sampling, experimental (mesocosm & laboratory) approaches, and or synthesis/modeling of existing data. The student will be housed at the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies. Interested students should preferably hold a M.S. degree in ecology, marine science/oceanography, microbiology or a related field and possess strong quantitative skills. Potential applicants with only a B.S. degree should have at least 2 years of research experience in an area related to plankton or estuarine ecology and evidence of strong writing and presentation skills. The graduate assistantship will have an excellent stipend relative to the cost-of-living. To be considered for the position, please email me, Dr. Mike Wetz at michael.wetz@tamucc.edu. Along with a letter of interest, please send your C.V., unofficial transcripts and GRE scores. For more information on my laboratory and research interests, please see my website. Screening of applications will begin on November 15th, 2011. The position will remain open beyond this date until filled. Posted: 10/24/11.
Texas A&M University: Doctoral Traineeships are available through the Applied Biodiversity Science (ABS) NSF-IGERT Program. The vision of the ABS Program is to achieve integration between research in the natural and social sciences and on-the-ground conservation practices. Research teams of faculty mentors and students, in collaboration with partners from sites around the world, develop complementary dissertations related to two research themes: (A) Communities and Governance; and (B) Ecological Functions and Biodiversity. It is the primary goal of the ABS NSF-IGERT to train scholars prepared to understand ecological functions ecosystems and the activities and needs of surrounding communities in wider social, economic, and political contexts. The ABS NSF-IGERT Traineeships are for two years and include an annual stipend of $30k plus $10,500 toward cost of education (tuition, fees, health insurance, and other benefits), as well as funding for field research and participation in an Amazon field course. Interested students should first contact prospective advisors from among the ABS faculty associates and are required to apply to the doctoral program of the advisor’s home department. Departmental deadlines vary. The application deadline for the ABS NSF-IGERT Traineeships is DECEMBER 1, 2011. Please contact the ABS Program Coordinator, Leslie Ruyle, at absigert@tamu.edu or (979) 845-7494 with more specific queries. Posted: 9/15/11.
Texas A&M University: A USDA-funded PhD Research Assistantship is available in the Department of Ecosystem Science and Management. The Assistantship includes full stipend, benefits, and tuition for a period of at least three years, contingent on satisfactory progress. The research project will focus on belowground carbon allocation, water use, and the growth of loblolly pine trees under varying levels of management intensity and moisture stress. The student will join the Stable Isotopes for Biosphere Science (SIBS) research group, and will learn stable isotope techniques for determining moisture stress and the sources of tree water, as well as radiocarbon approaches for partitioning components of soil respiration. The student’s research will be part of a larger regional project that is examining how climate change may affect the sustainability of managed pine ecosystems and will include an educational outreach effort to local communities. A student with a master’s degree in soil or forest science, ecology, or biology is preferred, although excellent candidates with a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field will be considered. The start date for the position can be January 2012 or May 2012, with flexibility around these dates. Inquiries about this position can be made to Dr. Jason West (jbwest@tamu.edu) or Dr. Jason Vogel (jason_vogel@tamu.edu). If interested, please send an application letter describing your research and career interests, a CV or resume that highlights your research experience to date, and contact information for two referees who can comment on your potential as an independent and motivated graduate student. Posted: 7/22/11.
Texas State University: Ph.D. Student in Fish Ecology, Department of Biology. Salary: Supported by research and teaching assistantships. Closing Date: 12/15 or until filled (start Spring or Summer 2012). Student is expected to develop, conduct, and direct research that address theoretical and applied aspects of larval fish ecology in warm-water streams and rivers of western gulf slope drainages. Factors influencing timing and duration of larval drift will be assessed, along with life history and habitat associations of non-drifting larval fish community. Qualifications: BS/MS in Biology, Zoology, Fisheries Science, or closely related field. Student will be highly motivated, able to work independent, and have previous experiences with field work and stream fishes. Student must meet requirements for admission into Ph.D.-Aquatic Resources Program. Send cover letter, CV, and contact information for 3 professional references to Timothy H. Bonner, TBonner@txstate.edu. Posted: 11/28/11.
Texas State University: Applications are being sought from students with grit and optimism who wish to pursue a PhD. Students should also have both curiosity and zest about both behavioral ecology and questions related to our lab’s research. Current research in our lab focuses on various aspects of the physiology and behavior of sailfin, Atlantic, and Amazon mollies. Amazon mollies, Poecilia formosa, are a clonal, all female species that are sexual parasites, as they require sperm from the closely related sailfin molly, P. latipinna and shortfin molly, P. mexicana, to start the development of their eggs but do not use the sperm to fertilize their eggs. Conflict exists between male mollies that prefer to mate with conspecifics and the Amazon mollies that require matings with these males. See the Gabor lab website for details about our lab and our research interests. The Department of Biology offers a strong environment in evolutionary ecology as the basis for training in behavioral ecology. Students will benefit from interactions with other faculty interested in evolutionary questions, such as: Jim Ott (insect-plant interactions and ecological genetics), Noland Martin (plant population genetics), and Chris Nice (speciation in insects and phylogeography). The doctoral program in Aquatic Resources is very adjustable to meet individual student needs. We will likely have one year of funding from our current NSF grant. In addition, all applicants accepted into the PhD program will be offered a renewable 9-mo Teaching Assistantship plus benefits and in state tuition for up to four years. For more information on admissions to the doctoral program see: Aquatic Resources Ph.D. Program and also see the Department of Biology. Interested students should send an email with a statement of interest that includes a summary of why you are interested in working in our lab, as well as what type of research you are interested in doing. Preference will be given to students who will have a MS degree by spring 2012. Please include a copy of your CV, relevant coursework, GRE, and any other relevant experience to Caitlin Gabor by email (gabor at txstate.edu). Reference letters for top candidates will be solicited at a later date. Applications will be reviewed as they come in. The deadline to apply for our doctoral program is January 15, 2012. Posted: 11/4/11.
Texas Tech University: Applications are being accepted and reviewed now. I am seeking a highly motivated Masters Student to participate in a study on the effects of ephemeral waters on amphibians and dragonflies in the Sonoran Desert. The position will start in June or July of 2012. The study will take place on the Barry M Goldwater Range, USAF in south-central Arizona. We will be examining the spatial distribution of ephemeral waters and the type of site (natural tenajas, modified tenajas, and catchments) on species richness and species abundances for amphibians and dragonflies. The work will include checking and maintaining audio-data loggers, identifying amphibian species during breeding choruses, sampling water quality, collecting and identifying invertebrates, and locating unmapped ephemeral waters. This position requires hard work, problem solving, venomous snakes and invertebrates, and a tolerance for desert heat. This is a physically demanding job which requires hiking into remote sites, odd hours and extended hours during monsoonal rains, driving a 4wd on unmaintained roads, and coordinating with military security. Rock climbing or scrambling experience helpful but not required. Experience with amphibians and identifying invertebrates is desired, but not required. Preference will be given to motivated candidates willing and able to function in the summer desert environment. $16800/yr with housing and utilities provided at the field site. Interested applicants should email Dr. Kerry Griffis-Kyle (kerry.griffis-kyle@ttu.edu) and have “PhD opportunity” in the subject line. Please include in the email: 1. How this position will help you fulfill your career goals and why I should hire you 2. Resume or CV including pertinent work experience 3. Unofficial transcripts 4. GRE scores 5. Contact information for three references 6. Address, phone, and email. Posted: 4/17/12.
Texas Tech University: Masters and Ph.D. positions are available studying plant ecological genomics in the Olson lab. We are currently developing systems in multiple species of poplars and, in the near future, tropical Asian trees. For more information about the lab contact Matt Olson (matt.olson@ttu.edu) and visit Poplar Population Genomics. Posted: 2/6/12.
Texas Tech University: The Resetarits Lab is seeking PhD. students to work on projects at the interface between community, behavioral, and evolutionary ecology. Current work focuses on the role of habitat selection in the assembly of communities and the dynamics of metacommunities, and the role of species diversity in community assembly/ecosystem function. I also have a long-standing interest in complex life histories (e.g., amphibians, insects). Focal taxa include amphibians, aquatic insects, and fish, while habitats range from small ephemeral, coastal plain ponds to headwater mountain streams. Primary projects are based at Tyson Research Center of Washington University, in St. Louis, MO, but opportunities exist to develop projects elsewhere, including Mountain Lake Biological Station in Virginia, and coastal North Carolina. Students are expected to develop their research projects (empirical and/or theoretical) around the larger themes identified above. Funding for past and ongoing research has come primarily from the National Science Foundation. Texas Tech has a dynamic group of ecologists and evolutionary biologists, many of whom work at the interface between ecology, evolution, and behavior. Funding for both research and teaching assistantships are available to support students. For more information or to apply, please attach a letter of interest and resume (including contact information for 3 references) to Dr. William Resetarits (william.resetarits@ttu.edu). Posted: 1/13/12.
Texas Tech University: The Griffis-Kyle lab invites applications for a PhD position in Wetland Ecology in the Natural Resources Management Program. We welcome inquiries from motivated students interested in how climate change or other stressors affect wetland dependent organisms such as amphibians. Students will conduct field work at the Lake Waco Wetlands in Waco Texas. There are mesocosms, lab space, and a natural area available on site to create an integrated research project combining laboratory and field ecology. Qualifications: We are looking for highly motivated and creative students with good communication skills (oral and written) that are comfortable working independently and that have previous experience. Applicants will need a M.S. to be considered. Students should be interested in collaborating with a community college and mentoring undergraduates in research. Preference will be given to students with previous experience working with amphibians or freshwater invertebrates, competitive GRE scores, undergrad GPA (>3.0), and grad GPA (>3.5). Applications are due by May 18th. Interested applicants should email Dr. Kerry Griffis-Kyle (kerry.griffis-kyle@ttu.edu) and have “PhD opportunity” in the subject line. Please include in the email: 1) how this position will help you fulfill your career goals, 2) pertinent work experience 3) GRE scores, 4) why I should hire you, and 4) address, phone, and email. Please include with your email a resume, unofficial transcripts, and contact information for three references. Additional information: Department of Natural Resources Management and Graduate Program. Posted: 10/27/11, revised: 3/2/12, 4/3/12.
Texas Tech University: I am seeking motivated students to join my lab for either masters or doctoral work beginning in fall 2012 in the field of evolutionary ecology at Texas Tech University. Students applying to do a PhD will be given priority but promising students that want to pursue a Masters degree will be also considered. Funding for 1-2 students will be provided either as teaching/research assistantships or fellowships, depending on student background and availability. Applicants should be independent, highly motivated, and some research and/or field experience would be a plus. Research in my lab generally addresses questions about behavioral ecology about signal function and evolution by performing experiments within a naturalistic context. I am seeking in particular students interested in working on research projects related to the cognitive ecology and behavior of cane toads but other topics of interest related to the research in the Bernal Lab will be also considered. For further information about research projects and the Bernal lab see the website. If you are interested, please send me an email (ximena.bernal@ttu.edu) including 1) a statement of research interests, 2) a brief overview of your previous academic and research experiences, and 3) how your interests might fit in with the lab. Also include a copy of your CV or resume, your GRE scores (if you have them), and an unofficial transcript. Posted: 10/13/11.
Texas Tech University: PhD (MS) research assistantship: freshwater mussels in Texas. The primary goal of this assistantship is to determine habitat associations of freshwater mussels of concern in the upper Trinity and Brazos river watersheds and develop captive husbandry techniques for the eventual propagation and potential translocation of Texas endemic and rare freshwater mussels. The selected person will be working very closely with the Dallas Aquarium at Fairpark, and Texas Mussel Watch. Qualifications: MS in relevant field preferred. We are looking for a highly motivated outgoing independent individual that has previous research experience with freshwater mussels, preferably with captive husbandry techniques. Must work well with others and be able to successfully supervise technicians. A PhD student is preferred but we would be willing to accept an exceptional MS level student. Location: Lubbock, TX. Stipend: $16k with a tuition waiver. You still have to pay student fees and health care. Application Deadline: 14 October 2011. Start date: January 2012. Our Department requires: GPA, GRE scores (>1100 favored), 3 letters of reference, C.V. Interested applicants should send a cover letter, C.V. copy of transcripts, GRE scores, and contact information for 3 references (preferably in a PDF) to david.rogowski@ttu.edu . Information for the Departmental formal application can be found at Department of Natural Resources Management. Posted: 9/23/11.
Trinity College Dublin: PhD position - Examining the interactions between ecological context and ecosystem stability. Understanding how perturbations affect the stability of ecosystems is fundamental to the prediction of biodiversity loss and to ensuring the reliable provision of ecosystem services. However, theory has focused largely on models of trophic interactions and has mostly omitted the non-trophic links that can regulate the structure and dynamics of biological communities. Consequently, current theoretical understanding may not provide a useful model of natural systems and may underestimate significantly the effects of perturbations on stability. Empirical quantification of the effects of perturbations in natural communities is therefore needed both to test the predictions of theory and to quantify the true scale of the effect of perturbations on ecosystem stability. This project will examine the interactions among environmental dynamics and the structure, functioning and stability of biological communities. The research will likely incorporate experiments done both in the field and in mesocosms, using a range of aquatic ecosystems (coastal shores, lakes and/or rivers) as model systems. Depending upon the interests of the student, there is also much potential for theoretical exploration. The project will be supervised by both Dr. Ian Donohue and Dr. Andrew Jackson at the School of Natural Sciences. Expected start date is September 2012. Funding is provided for a 3 year PhD studentship from TCD. Stipend is €16k per annum plus fees for 3 years. There are no limitations on student nationality. Applicants must have (or realistically expect to achieve) a first or upper second class Bachelors, or Masters degree in a relevant subject (Biology, Ecology, Environmental Sciences, Mathematics, Statistics or similar). The candidate will preferably have a high-level of numerical competency. Much of this work is collaborative and the candidate will be expected to be keen, motivated and willing to work as part of a team. In addition, applicants must be competent in written and spoken English and ideally hold a full, clean driving licence. Applicants should submit a curriculum vitae detailing their qualifications and experience and containing the names and contact details of at least two referees, together with a covering letter explaining why they wish to pursue this project. Please direct any enquiries about the research to Dr. Ian Donohue (ian.donohue@tcd.ie). Applications to be received electronically or as hard copy to Fiona Maloney (fimolony@tcd.ie) on or before 30 March 2012. Posted: 3/1/12.
Tufts University: The continued emergence of new diseases from wild animals, the effects of human activities on endangered species, and the impact of climate change on biodiversity are just a few of the topics to be examined in a new and novel Master of Science in Conservation Medicine degree program at Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. The MS in Conservation Medicine is designed to prepare students from varied backgrounds for a career in conservation medicine. Tufts University's program in Conservation Medicine is a unique and intensive 12-month professional master's degree, which will build upon the expertise each student brings to the program. It is designed to provide graduates with foundational knowledge in the various contributing fields of conservation medicine, and develop their team building, organizational and leadership skills necessary for successful implementation of real world conservation efforts. Since many disciplines are involved in conservation medicine, the MS in Conservation Medicine seeks a diversity of backgrounds, including; ecologists and other natural and social scientists, veterinarians, engineers, public health and medical professionals, epidemiologists, lawyers, policy and wildlife professionals, and others interested in applying their expertise to conservation medicine issues. The Program Director, Dr. Kaufman, DVM, has set aside time in December 2011 and February 2012 for prospective students to visit, discuss the program and get their questions answered. Schedule your time now - visit, phone or Skype! See the schedule for dates and details. Deadline for applications is 1 April 2012. For more information and to apply on-line visit our program website. Learn more about Tufts Center for Conservation Medicine. Posted: 10/25/11.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: The National Center for Environmental Research (NCER) invites applications for the Science to Achieve Results (STAR) Fellowships for graduate environmental study for Masters and Doctoral level students. The deadline is November 8, 2011 at 4:00 PM ET for receipt of paper applications, and November 8, 2011 at 11:59:59 PM ET for submittal of electronic applications via Grants.gov. Subject to availability of funding and other applicable considerations, the Agency plans to award approximately 80 new fellowships by July 31, 2012. Master's level students may receive support for a maximum of two years. Doctoral students may be supported for a maximum of three years, usable over a period of five years. The fellowship program provides up to $42,000 per year of support per fellowship. This amount covers a monthly stipend of $2,083 for up to 12 months totaling $25,000 for the year, $5,000 for authorized expenses, and up to $12,000 for tuition and fees. The actual amount awarded per year will vary depending on the amount of tuition and fees and the number of months the stipend is required. These fellowships are intended to help defray costs associated with advanced, environmentally-oriented study leading to a master's or doctoral degree. Students must attend a fully accredited U.S. college or university (located in the U.S. or its territories) for their graduate studies. Applicants must also be citizens of the U.S. or its territories or possessions, or be lawfully admitted to the U.S. for permanent residence. Resident aliens must include their green card number in their application (you must have your green card at the time of application to be eligible for this Fellowship opportunity). EPA may verify this number with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service of the Department of Homeland Security. Visit the full ad for details and application instructions. Posted: 10/5/11.
Universidade de Coimbra: We are looking for candidates that want to apply for an FCT (Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology) doctoral fellowship to join us at the Centre for Functional Ecology of the Department of Life Sciences. The successful candidate will be expected to develop his/her research within the framework of the European project ReproWeed, which will investigate the creation of reproductive barriers between native and non-native ranges of the invasive weed Centaurea solstitialis. The research involves laboratory and field-based work and involves the interaction with an international network of collaborators, with the possibility to travel to California, Chile, Argentina, Australia, Turkey and Spain. The candidate should have a good scientific background, with an interest into reproductive and evolutionary ecology of invasive weeds, and willingness to learn genetic molecular techniques. A good knowledge of the English language, experience with molecular techniques and ecological statistics is highly desirable. Candidates should be Portuguese or permanent residents and comply with the conditions to be a candidate for the FCT Doctoral Grants (BD; see previous year conditions). The doctoral fellowship includes a monthly payment of 980 euros (tax-free), plus an accident insurance and a monthly contribution to the Portuguese Social Security system (full healthcare and retirement, but no unemployment benefits). The project ReproWeed will cover for all research costs, including travels, attendance to conferences, etc. The scholarship is renewable for up to four years, at the end of which the candidate is expected to defend his or her PhD. dissertation thesis. A call for fellowship applications will be open until June 21, 2012 but contacts should be made before June 15, at 5pm CET. Interested candidates should send a covering letter describing their research interests and experience, a CV, and the contact information for up to three professional referees to Daniel Montesinos (danimontesinos@gmail.com) or Sílvia Castro (scastro@bot.uc.pt). Informal inquiries are welcome. Plant Ecology and Evolution Group. Posted: 5/29/12.
Universität für Bodenkultur Wien: A three year PhD position is available at the Institute of Silviculture, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), Vienna, Austria, investigating the relationships between biodiversity and forest ecosystem functioning by means of ecosystem modeling. The research is part of an international, continental scale effort aiming to quantify the effects of forest biodiversity on ecosystem functions and services such as timber production, carbon sequestration, and freshwater provisioning. The successful candidate will * contribute to the development, parameterization, and evaluation of spatially explicit, multi-species ecosystem models at the stand and landscape scale, * apply these models to answer questions on the spatial and temporal stability and scalability of relationships between diversity and ecosystem functioning, and on the role of disturbances in these relationships, * investigate the effects of different forest management strategies and climate change scenarios on biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, and * actively participate in the dissemination of results (conferences, publications). We are looking for motivated candidates with a master’s degree in forestry, forest ecology, environmental sciences, or related fields. The successful applicant is able to independently conduct scientific research and possesses decent command of the English language. Strong quantitative skills and experience in ecosystem modeling are desirable; the knowledge of a higher programming language (e.g., C++) is beneficial. We are offing a dynamic, international working environment at the frontier of quantitative forest ecosystem research in Europe. In a cooperative research program the successful candidate will be working in the labs of Prof. Manfred J. Lexer and Dr. Rupert Seidl. BOKU is one of the top tier schools in the environmental sciences in Europe, and the city of Vienna consistently ranks among the cities with the highest quality of life globally. The salary is 24k €/year after taxes, including full health and social security benefits. To apply, please send a CV, a concise motivation letter including research interests and prior accomplishments, and the names and addresses of two references to Prof. Manfred J. Lexer (mj.lexer(at)boku.ac.at) or Dr. Rupert Seidl (rupert.seidl(at)boku.ac.at). The position is open immediately until filled. More information: the FunDivEUROPE project | the stand-level model PICUS | the landscape model iLand. Posted: 3/22/12.
Université de Montréal: The James lab in spatial ecology is now accepting applications for graduate students at both the Masters and PhD level who are interested in the spatial and temporal dynamics of boreal forest ecosystems. In general, research in the lab focusses on the landscape-scale interactions among forest patterns and forest disturbance processes such as fire, insect outbreaks, and forest management. Specifically, I am looking for graduate students to study the landscape genetics of the spruce budworm, an important insect pest in eastern Canada. This work will examine spruce budworm moth dispersal dynamics using genetic markers to better predict budworm outbreak risk. The research will involve field collection of insect samples and spatial analysis of genetic variation as a function of forest structure using statistical models. There will also be flexibility in designing a specific research programme that fits with the applicant's interests. Experience in field work, GIS analysis, molecular techniques, statistics, and forest ecology are all beneficial. Strong verbal, written, and analytical skills are essential in English or in French. Expected start date is January or May 2012. Applicants must meet the entrance requirements for the Départementdes sciences biologiques. If you are interested in joining the lab, please contact Dr. Patrick James (patrick.ma.james@umontreal.ca) with your CV, a copy of unofficial transcripts, and a brief statement of research interests. Posted: 11/21/11.
Université de Montréal & University of Lethbridge: Effects of Hydroelectric Operations in Canadian Aquatic Ecosystems. NSERC HydroNet is a national research network aimed at promoting sustainable hydropower and healthy aquatic ecosystems in Canada. The general objectives of the network are to acquire new knowledge, and to develop new tools, to better assess, minimize, and mitigate the effects of hydropower on fish and their habitats. This network includes 13 academic scientists, and a strong partnership with Fisheries and Oceans Canada (6 scientists) and numerous major hydroelectric companies (Manitoba Hydro, BC Hydro, Brookfield Power). The network offers unique interdisciplinary training opportunities. We are presently looking for candidates interested in the following projects: • M Sc project: Modelling fish habitat use in the littoral zones of lakes and reservoirs; D. Boisclair and P. Legendre (U. de Montréal, Daniel.Boisclair@UMontreal.ca) • Ph D project: Relationship between community structures and the production rates in rivers; J. Rasmussen (University of Lethbridge, Joseph.Rasmussen@uleth.ca) and D. Boisclair (U. de Montréal). If you are bright and enjoy challenges that include field research in areas that combine fundamental and applied sciences, send your CV and a cover letter to contact individuals before November 1st 2011. Posted: 9/6/11.
Université du Québec à Montréal: We are looking for a motivated PhD student to work on a modeling project that investigates the potential tradeoffs between managing forests for efficient provision of goods and services and adaptability in relation to global change factors and in the context of complex adaptive system theory. The project will be coordinated between UQAM, Oregon State University, and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, Sweden; with the student being based at the UQAM, but travelling among the three universities. Required qualifications include a basic training in forestry, forest ecology, and forest economic and a strong background in quantitative sciences and modeling. To apply or for further information, send a letter of interest outlining your suitability and motivation, a CV, and a list of references to Klaus Puettmann (Klaus.Puettmann@oregonstate.edu), Christian Messier (messier.christian@uqam.ca) or Jon Moen (Jon.Moen@emg.umu.se). The candidate’s acceptance will depend upon successfully obtaining a scholarship from the Forest Modeling Complexity program. Posted: 1/6/12.
Université du Québec à Rimouski: We are seeking a PhD candidate within the context of a team project entitled: Resilience and adaptation of the maple-dominated forest stands in the face of climate change. We will study the dynamics and functioning of forest ecosystems in the transitional zone between temperate deciduous and coniferous boreal forests in three regions of Québec (Abitibi, Bas St-Laurent and Estrie). The successful candidate will be under the supervision of Dominique Gravel (University of Québec at Rimouski), and co-supervision of Christian Messier (UQAM) and Yves Bergeron (UQAT). Project: We are currently installing three permanent plots of 5-20 ha in order to monitor the dynamics of forest ecosystems at the transition between the temperate and boreal forest. The candidate will study the recruitment of sugar maple and balsam fir with aims to better understand the factors that affect their response to climate change. The candidate will also be invited to develop simulation models to better understand the migration dynamics of sugar maple. Qualifications: A graduate degree in biology, forestry or environmental science is required. Candidates must also have strong skills in forest ecology, statistics and analyses of large databases. An interest in ecological modeling is considered a valuable asset. We especially encourage creative students who are adept to teamwork and have strong communication skills. Applications, including a letter describing research interests, a CV, copies of transcripts and the contact information for two references, or any questions about the project should be directed to dominique_gravel@uqar.qc.ca. A grant of $20k per year for 3 years is offered. The student’s studies will be conducted within the biology doctoral program at the UQAR. The student will be invited to participate in laboratory activities of C. Messier and Y. Bergeron and may benefit from the services offered by the Centre for Forest Research (CFR/CEF). The PhD candidate will also be invited to collaborate with members of the research network of the Smithsonian Institution Global Earth Observatory, which tracks more than 3 million trees spread over 40 sites of similar studies around the world. Posted: 2/29/12.
Université du Québec à Rimouski: We are seeking a PhD candidate to study the contribution of forest diversity to the achievement of sustainable forest management objectives. The candidate will be directed by Profs. Dominique Gravel and Robert Schneider from the Université du Québec à Rimouski, in collaboration with Christian Messier and Alain Paquette (UQAM), and Mathieu Fortin (INRA, Nancy). Project: The challenge of sustainable forest management is to satisfy simultaneously economical, social and environmental concerns. This project aims to maximize these three objectives by developing silvicultural practices that will promote diversity of forest stands. There is now a consensus, for several systems, that biodiversity has a positive effect on the provision of ecosystem services. Despite the documented advantages of a new silvicultural strategy that is explicitly based on the promotion of biodiversity, several barriers are preventing the application of this concept in current forestry practices. The general objective of this project is thus to evaluate operationally the effect of tree diversity on forest productivity and on the sustainable annual allowable cut. The project consists of developping regional growth and yield models that will account for competition and facilitation. The models will be developed from temporary and permanent sampling plots and an experimental design of high diversity plantations. The growth models will be used to evaluate the impact of different silvicultural practices promoting tree diversity on the sustainable annual allowable cut of representative management areas of temperate, mixed and boreal forests. Qualifications: An MSc degree in forestry, biology, environmental sciences or statistics is ideal, but other fields may be considered. Applicants should have a demonstrated interest in ecological modelling, working with large databases, a good statistical basis and some programming skills or at least a strong interest in learning it. We especially encourage creative students who are good at working in teams and have good writing and communication skills. Knowledge of French is not required but the student must be open to learn and work in a French environment. Instructions. Applications, including a letter describing research interests, a CV, copies of transcripts and the contact information (address, email and phone) for two references, or any questions about the project should be directed to dominique_gravel@uqar.qc.ca. A fellowship of $20k/yr for three years is offered. The starting date is September 2012. Studies will be conducted at the PhD biology program at the Université du Québec à Rimouski. The student will be invited to join the activities of two dynamic laboratories and an active team of collaborators from the Center for Forest Science and the Quebec Center for Biodiversity Science. The student will also benefit from the resources and training offered by a program in forest complexity modeling. Posted: 2/29/12.
Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières: Ph. D. fellowship on spatial structure and ecological integrity of food webs in agro-ecosystems: A stable isotope approach comparing organic to conventional farms. A doctoral student is sought to work in a research program examining how landscape structure and biodiversity of agro-ecosystems affect the functioning of food webs linking plants to higher consumers using C, N, and S stable isotopes. The successful candidate will work in close collaboration with G. Cabana and R. Proulx. The position will provide ample opportunities for interaction with other members of the Research Centre for Watershed - Aquatic Ecosystem Interactions, which currently includes 10 faculty members in the fields of Ecology and Physical Geography, as well as 40 M.Sc./Ph.D. students and postdoctoral fellows. A strong background and interest in stable isotope ecology and spatial analysis of ecosystems will be an asset. The annual stipend is CAN $20k/year for 3 years. Candidates should send a CV together with a letter of interest and the names and contact information of two references before September 1 2012 to the address below. While being an asset, fluency in French is not a necessary condition for a successful application. Gilbert Cabana, Centre de recherche sur les interactions bassins versants – écosystèmes aquatiques (RIVE), Research Centre for Watershed - Aquatic Ecosystem Interactions, Département de chimie-biologie, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (Québec), G9A 5H7 Canada. e-mail: gilbert.cabana@uqtr.ca. Posted: 6/25/12.
Université Laval: PhD Project. Our group supported by FRQNT includes university professors (Université Laval: J. André Fortin, Alison Munson, Yves Piché and UQAC, Hubert Morin); scientists in governmental agencies Canadian Forest Service: Jean Bérubé, David Paré, Caroline Rochon; and Québec Ministry of Forests, Nelson Thiffault. The members of the team are working on the validation of a new paradigm on fertility and nutrition of trees in boreal forests. Recent observations, mainly in Scandinavia, suggest that we should modify our current fertility soil analyses for forest soils and this also opens a new perspective for novel forest fertilization practices. Our research will consider alteration of minerals including ectomycorrhizal fungi as well as microorganisms of the mycorrhizosphere, at the scale of forest stands (sugar maple, spruce and pine), in greenhouses using microcosms, and in the laboratory (mineral alteration, fungal and microorganisms culture, enzymology, molecular biology). Several experiments will be conducted in natural forests where raw micronized minerals will be applied to maple forest affected by acid rain (apatite), white spruce suffering from potassium deficiency (feldspar, biotite) as well in jack pine invaded by ericaceous vegetation. The student will be part of a dynamic research centre, the Centre for Forestry Research, which includes 55 researchers from 8 Quebec universities, and over 300 graduate students. Although Quebec is a French-speaking university, PhD students have a minimum of course work, and this can be accommodated depending on the level of French of the candidate. This is also a great opportunity to acquire a second or third language. Quebec City, which recently turned 400 years old, is a wonderful place to live and work, especially if you like outdoor activity and a lively local culture (and food). Ph.D. fellowship at 27k CAN$/year for three years; project beginning in September 2012 Implications of mycorrhizae and associated soil microorganisms in nutrient cycling of trees of the boreal forests Fellowship involving contact with industry (BMP innovation) supported by NSERC-FQRNT-Ressources d'Arianne. Interested persons can send a CV (with coordinates of at least two references), and a copy of latest academic record to Yves Piché: Yves.Piche@sbf.ulaval.ca. Posted: 6/29/12.
University of Adelaide: One Ph.D. scholarship leading to a Doctoral degree in Marine Biology at the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences is currently available. I am looking for an outstanding student interested in studying the interactive effects of ocean acidification and sea surface temperature rise on the physiology, behavior, and sensory ecology of larval fish. The project has a strong experimental component and is mainly laboratory-based. The project is in collaboration with other experts in the field providing a broad mentoring experience to the successful candidate. Qualifications: this scholarship is only open to international candidates outside of Australia and New Zealand. Domestic students (Australian and New Zealand citizens and Permanent Residents of Australia) who are interested in working on this topic can contact me and send their CV to discuss possibilities to apply for an Australian Postgraduate Award. International applicants should have a M.Sc. degree or at least the equivalent of an Australian First Class Honors degree, in a field of research relevant to this project. At least one scientific publication as a lead author in a reputable peer-reviewed journal (with ISI impact factor) is required. Applicants should be native English speakers or show recent evidence of English language proficiency (e.g. TOEFFL, IELTS). A candidate is sought who is a team-player, ambitious, conceptually strong, has excellent writing skills, can work independently, and is available to start in August/September 2012. Experience with behavioral experimental work and/or larval fish is highly recommended. Stipend: The scholarship will be for a 3-year period, with the possibility of a 6 month extension. The stipend is ~$23k per annum, and the yearly international tuition fees will be waived. The stipend is likely to be tax exempt, subject to Taxation Office approval. The position is funded by the University and the requirements are equivalent to that of an international postgraduate scholarship. The compulsory standard Overseas Student Health Cover is not covered by this stipend. The University of Adelaide is a research-intensive university, and one of Australia’s top eight Universities. The School of Earth and Environmental Sciences has strong expertise across the disciplines of marine ecology and global change biology. To apply: Send your cover letter, CV, list of publications, and M.Sc. transcript (grades + courses followed) to Dr. I. Nagelkerken (ivan.nagelkerken@adelaide.edu.au) before 15 June 2012. Posted: 1/6/12, revised: 5/17/12.
University of Alabama: A Ph.D. Graduate Assistantship in the Department of Biological Sciences is available immediately for a highly motivated student to work on a large interdisciplinary project at Jones Ecological Research Center. This project focuses on developing an understanding of fire's impact on ecosystem carbon dynamics along a natural moisture gradient in longleaf pine systems. The student will have the opportunity to interact with scientists from the University of Alabama, Joseph W. Jones Ecological Research Center, USDA Forest Service, University of Edinburgh, University of New Hampshire, and NEON Inc. A general knowledge of photosynthetic equipment, eddy covariance techniques and data logger use is advantageous. Rationale for this study: Fire regulates the dynamics of many forest ecosystems but in complex ways that remain poorly understood. Fires are a natural component of the ecology of forests in the southeastern United States. These forests are an important economic resource, and also govern critical ecosystem services such as carbon storage, sustaining biodiversity and watershed protection. The goal of this research is to determine the interactions between fire behavior, forest dynamics, and energy balance and carbon sequestration. The student will also investigate the role of moisture gradients on fires and forest processes, to improve predictions of forest response to precipitation changes expected due to global change. This is a fully funded assistantship that includes: stipend, health insurance, living quarters at the Jones Center, and a small research budget for the student. Interested students should send a copy of their CV, statement of research interest, and unofficial copy of transcripts to Dr. Gregory Starr or contact Dr. Starr for more details (gstarr@ua.edu or 205-348-0556). Posted: 11/28/11, revised: 3/7/12.
University of Alaska Fairbanks: (UAF) is seeking motivated PhD candidates for our Marine Ecosystem Sustainability in the Arctic and Subarctic (MESAS) program. This interdisciplinary NSF-funded IGERT program incorporates case studies, courses, and seminars to teach the fundamental principles and analytical tools of anthropology, ecology, economics, fisheries science, management, marine policy, and oceanography. An appreciation of diverse societal objectives recognizes that there are many services that humans derive from marine ecosystems. New research and frameworks are needed for evaluating the likely effects of alternative management actions and policies. MESAS will broadly train students in ecosystem-based approaches to managing and studying living marine resources in the context of competing local, national, and international interests. The MESAS program includes an internship with partner organization, mentoring opportunities, and interaction with terrestrial sustainability IGERT at UAF. Fellowships (available to US citizens or permanent residents seeking PhD degree) include $30K/yr stipend, tuition, health insurance, and research funding. We are accepting applicants through 1/31/12 for Fall 2012 enrollment. Interested students should visit our website for more information or contact MESAS at mesas.uaf@alaska.edu. Posted: 10/6/11.
University of Alaska Fairbanks: Graduate student assistantships are available in the laboratory of Dr. Jay Jones. Please contact Dr. Jones (jay.jones@alaska.edu) regarding interest in the following projects. The application deadline for the graduate program in the Department of Biology & Wildlife is Jan 15. 1. Scale, Consumers and Lotic Ecosystem Rates (SCALER); 2. Climate-mediated coupling of hydrology and biogeochemistry in arctic hillslopes; 3. Watershed, Permafrost and Climate Change Controls on Stream Ecosystems. More details on the projects. Posted: 9/30/11.
University of Alaska Fairbanks: A MSc position is available to work with Laura Prugh in the Biology and Wildlife Department starting January 2012. Dr. Prugh will be joining the faculty at that time, and the student will help to initiate a research program focused on mesocarnivore conservation and management. Specifically, the student will be expected to develop a research project on furbearer harvesting in Alaska. A research assistantship is available the first year, after which teaching assistantships will be available. Requirements: A bachelor’s degree in wildlife/biology/ecology, GPA of 3.0 or greater, and competitive GRE scores. Applicants must be self-motivated, hard-working, and have strong quantitative and social skills. Good written and verbal communication skills are critical. Applicants must be comfortable interacting closely with government agency partners and Alaskan residents, especially fur trappers. Students with an interest in interdisciplinary, human-dimensions work are especially encouraged to apply. Salary: $15k per year plus tuition, fees, and health benefits. To apply: Please send a cover letter and cv (including GPA and GRE scores) to Laura Prugh (prugh@berkeley.edu) by September 1st. Posted: 8/19/11.
University of Alberta: We are looking for an outstanding student to fill one MSc/PhD position for a project aimed at testing the performance of tree species planted for land reclamation and understanding the mechanisms involved, in particular examining the competition and nutrient retranslocation effects. The tree species in this study was produced using the nutrient loading method. Stable isotope techniques will be used in this research. Extensive field work in the oil sands region will be involved. The project offers flexibility in designing a research program that investigates areas of personal interest within the overall framework of the project. Students with educational background/training/experience in biogeochemistry, ecology, forestry, soil science or other related areas are encouraged to apply. Selection of a student will be based on academic achievements, reference letters and if applicable previous research experience. Strong verbal, written, and analytical skills are essential. Having a valid driver's license and a good driving record would be an asset. Salary ranges between CAN$ 20-24k per year plus benefits for a period of 2 (MSc) to 4 (PhD) years. It is preferable that successful candidates start their program in January 2012 or start their laboratory and fieldwork in May 2012 while applying to the graduate program at the University of Alberta for the fall of 2012. Interested candidates should e-mail their transcripts (scanned would be fine for the unofficial application), curriculum vitae, a letter describing their research experience and interests (2 page limit), recent TOEFL scores (if appropriate), and the names and contact information of three references to Dr. Scott Chang, Professor, Forest Soils and Nutrient Dynamics, 442 Earth Sciences Building, Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2E3. Tel: (780) 492-6375; Fax: (780) 492-1767, Email: scott.chang@ualberta.ca. Posted: 11/18/11.
University of Alberta: We are looking for outstanding students to fill 2 MSc/PhD positions for a project aimed at understanding the controls on carbon storage/sequestration and greenhouse gas emissions in agroforestry systems across different climatic regions in Alberta. Extensive field work will be involved. The project is in collaboration with Professor Edward Bork in the Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutritional Sciences at the University of Alberta and is funded by the Agriculture Greenhouse Gases Program of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. The project offers considerable flexibility in designing a research program that investigates areas of personal interest within the overall framework of the project. Students with educational background/training/experience in biogeochemistry, ecology, forestry, soil science, global change biology or other related areas are encouraged to apply. Selection of a student will be based on academic achievements, reference letters and if applicable previous research experience. Strong verbal, written, and analytical skills are essential. Having a valid driver's license and a good driving record would be an asset. Salary ranges between CAN$ 20-24k per year plus benefits for a period of 2 (MSc) to 4 (PhD) years. It is preferable that successful candidates start their program in January 2012 or start their laboratory and fieldwork in May 2012 while applying to the graduate program at the University of Alberta for the fall of 2012. Interested candidates should e-mail their transcripts (scanned would be fine for the unofficial application), curriculum vitae, a letter describing their research experience and interests (2 page limit), recent TOEFL scores (if appropriate), and the names and contact information of three references to Dr. Scott Chang, Professor, Forest Soils and Nutrient Dynamics, 442 Earth Sciences Building, Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2E3. Tel: (780) 492-6375; Fax: (780) 492-1767, Email: scott.chang@ualberta.ca. Posted: 11/18/11.
University of Alberta: We are looking for outstanding students to fill 3 MSc positions. All 3 students will work on a large-scale reclamation project that investigates the role of early successional tree species as reclamation species in mining areas of the boreal mixedwood forest and parkland regions of Alberta, Canada. The overall aim of the research is to understand underlying forest ecosystem processes, to develop reclamation techniques, and to determine stand trajectories to successfully regenerate surface mined lands to self-sustaining forests by restoring ecosystem functions and processes that are essential for the development of resilient forests. Of particular interest are (1) growth, biomass and resource allocation (rooting behaviour) in trees, and (2) determining characteristics of trees that differentiate communities of ectomycorrhizal fungi. This project will combine field and greenhouse experiments, and molecular methods to characterize mycorrhizal communities. Graduate students in this project will be under the supervision of Simon Landhäusser, Industrial Research Chair in Forest Land Reclamation, Alberta School of Forest Science and Management, and Justine Karst, Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Department of Renewable Resources. Depending on the interest and quality of the applicants, the project offers considerable flexibility in designing a research program that investigates areas of personal interest within the overall framework of the project. Background in plant biology, forest ecology, mycorrhizal ecology or related field is essential, as is an interest in the linkages between forests and disturbance. Experience with any of the following will be an asset, but is not required: soil science, ecophysiology, molecular tools, fungal biology and silviculture. Proficiency in spoken and written English is a necessity. Selection of a student will be based on academic achievements, reference letters and if applicable previous research experience. Strong verbal, written, and analytical skills are essential. Application deadline: March 1, 2012 or until the positions are filled. Salary ranges between CAN$ 19,500 – 23,500 per year plus benefits for a period of 2 years. It is preferable that successful candidates start their laboratory and fieldwork in May 2012 while applying to the graduate program at the University of Alberta for the fall or winter of 2012. The applicants must meet the entrance requirement for the Department of Renewable Resources. Interested candidates should e-mail their transcripts, curriculum vitae, a letter describing their research experience and interests (2 page limit), recent TOEFL scores (if appropriate), and the names and contact information of three references to Justine Karst, justine@karst.ca. Posted: 9/20/11.
University of Arizona: A research assistantship is available to support a M.S. or Ph.D. student interested in investigating efforts to use green infrastructure to provide ecosystem services in semi-arid cities. Stormwater harvesting, bioretention basins, and rain gardens are green infrastructure elements that can improve water quality in urban watersheds and increase plant cover in cities. We are initiating a study of experimental rain gardens at Biosphere 2 that will look at biogeochemical cycling and plant performance and also links to ongoing monitoring of green infrastructure in Tucson, AZ. Requirements: for M.S.: B.S. degree in Ecology, Environmental Sciences, Hydrology, or related field and minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.25. for Ph.D.: M.S. degree in Ecology, Environmental Sciences, Hydrology, or related field. Desired experience: Strong lab and field skills with biogeochemistry, experience or interest in data analysis, GIS, and biogeochemical/ecosystem modeling, interest or experience with citizen science. Strong work ethic, good verbal and written communication skills, ability to work independently, and interest in public communication of science. Support: A graduate research assistantship stipend, which includes a waiver of out-of-state tuition (but not fees) for at least 1 full year. Start date: Approximately 15 July 2012, for the Fall 2012 semester. To apply: Submit (via email: mzucker@email.arizona.edu): Letter of interest, resume, transcripts & GRE scores (unofficial are fine), and names and contact information for three references to Mitchell Pavao-Zuckerman, Biosphere 2 and the School of Natural Resources and Environment, University of Arizona, Biological Sciences West, Rm 310, Tucson, AZ 85721. The student would be enrolled in a graduate program within the School of Natural Resources and Environment. Posted: 5/2/12.
University of Arizona: A research assistantship is available to support a Ph.D. (preferred) or M.S. student interested in investigating effects of efforts to restore semi-desert grasslands in southern Arizona on density and nesting success of songbirds. Since 2006, biologists from the Bureau of Land Management and its partners have been applying fire and mechanical methods to reduce the influence of mesquite invasion into semi-desert grasslands on the Las Cienegas National Conservation Area. We have surveyed birds in this area since 2005. Requirements: For Ph.D.: M.S. degree in Wildlife, Zoology, Ecology or related field For M.S: B.S. degree in Wildlife, Zoology, Ecology or related field Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.25. Beneficial Experience: Strong field identification skills, some experience (or strong interest) in quantitative approaches to population ecology. Strong work ethic, good verbal and written communication skills, and ability to work independently. Support: A stipend, which includes a waiver of out-of-state tuition (but not fees) for at least 2.5 years. Start Date: Approximately 1 May 2012. Deadline for materials: 9 April 2012. To Apply: Submit via email (steidl@ag.arizona.edu): Letter of interest, resume, transcripts, and GRE scores (unofficial are fine), and names, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses of three references before 9 April to: Bob Steidl, School of Renewable Natural Resources and the Environment, University of Arizona, 325 Biological Sciences East, Tucson, Arizona 85721. More Information: steidl@ag.arizona.edu or 520-626-3164. Posted: 3/6/12.
University of Arkansas at Little Rock: Graduate student positions are currently available in the MS degree program in the Department of Biology and the PhD program in Applied Biosciences. Most positions are funded with teaching and/or research assistantships that include tuition waivers. UALR faculty research topics include conservation ecology, physiological ecology, entomology, herpetology, tropical ecology, plant biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, animal behavior, and microbiology. Application deadlines for fall admission: PhD program = 31 January 2012. MS program = 1 April 2012. Interested students are encouraged to contact individual UALR faculty. General inquires should be directed to the graduate coordinator, Dr. Robert Sikes (rssikes at ualr dot edu). Posted: 1/19/12.
University of Arkansas at Little Rock: Research in the Gifford lab is focused on how ectotherms (salamanders and lizards) deal with variation in environmental conditions (temperature) and the ecological and evolutionary consequences of these strategies. The lab is recruiting Master's students to start in the Fall of 2012. Opportunities are available to undertake studies on the ecology and physiology of salamanders and lizards. Research topics are flexible; however, it is expected that the work will involve a physiological component. Many potential field sites are available in fairly close proximity to UALR (maximum ~3 hr drive) and include some of the most beautiful natural areas in the state (Buffalo National River), and a variety of biological field stations (e.g., Ouachita Mountains Biological Field Station). The student(s) will be supported by teaching assistantships (TA) through the Department of Biology, which includes a full tuition waiver. Animal care facilities are available in the Department of Biology, and the Gifford lab is well equipped for physiological studies on a variety of ectotherms (environmental chambers, respirometry system, high-speed video, small animal racetrack and treadmill, and calorimeter). Preferred qualifications include some record of prior research experience, interest in physiology, ecology, or evolution, and a herpetological interest. Minimum admission requirements to the Master's program at UALR include a B.S. degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale), upper level coursework in four of the following six areas (cell/molecular biology, ecology, evolution, genetics, physiology, organismal biology), two lecture courses in physics, four lecture courses in chemistry (organic and inorganic), and a minimum combined score of 950 on the verbal and quantitative sections of the GRE General test. Program application deadline is April 15 for Fall semester entry; however, earlier submission of applications is encouraged. Please send initial inquiries via email to megifford@ualr.edu. Please include contact information for two references; a brief statement of your research experience, goals, and why our lab would be a good fit; and a CV. Posted: 11/16/11.
University of Bayreuth: Supported within the framework of the German Research Foundation - DFG - financed International Research Training Group TERRECO, focusing on the evaluation of ecosystem services in mountainous landscapes, the University of Bayreuth is offering: 1 Doctoral Stipend in Ecophysiology / Ecohydrology (beginning as filled). The research focuses on spatial assessments of plant growth and production in landscapes of South Korea, on seasonal carbon and water exchange fluxes, and on remote sensing of these ecosystem properties. The work will be carried out within a student and faculty team that has expertise on plant growth modelling, spatial simulations, measurements of carbon and water exchange at leaf, plant and ecosystem level with chambers and eddy covariance methodology, with laser absorption spectroscopy, and with remote sensing. The exact theme of the doctoral work will be adjusted to the experience of the candidate. The research group is a joint activity of the University of Bayreuth, Kangwon National University in Chuncheon, Korea, and the Korean Forest Research Institute in Seoul. The goals of the TERRECO-IRTG focus on building a bridge between spatial patterns of ecosystem performance in complex terrain and derived ecosystem services critical for human well-being. The TERRECO project is an educational initiative of the UBT BayCEER faculty consortium Bayreuth Center of Ecology and Environmental Research within the framework of the Bayreuth Graduate School of Natural Sciences. Participants will conduct research in both Germany and Korea. A transdisciplinary study component is carried out in both countries. Doctoral stipends pay 1150 Euro per month in Bayreuth plus travel costs and a supplemental living cost of 1300 Euro for months spent in Korea. Interested persons should send a copy of high school diploma and course transcript, copies of transcripts and certificates of Bachelor and MSc or Diplom degrees, a statement of personal interest, and a curriculum vitae by email to: John.Tenhunen@uni-bayreuth.de. Posted: 5/29/12.
University of British Columbia: Call for Masters, Ph.D. students and post-doctoral fellows: The NSERC-CREATE funded initiative TerreWEB (Terrestrial Research on Ecosystem & World-wide Education & Broadcast), at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada, has funding opportunities for Masters, PhD and post-doctoral fellows available. National and international Students and post-docs from diverse academic backgrounds with interest in research and communication of global change / climate change issues are encouraged to apply. Deadlines are bi-annual (May 1, and December 1st). For further visit the link above. Posted: 4/30/12.
University of British Columbia: Call for Masters, PhD students and post-doctoral fellows: The NSERC-CREATE funded initiative TerreWEB (Terrestrial Research on Ecosystem & World-wide Education & Broadcast), at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada, has funding opportunities for Masters, PhD and post-doctoral fellows available. National and international Students and post-docs from diverse academic backgrounds with interest in research and communication of global change / climate change issues are encouraged to apply. Deadlines are bi-annual (May 1, and December 1st). For further information visit http://www.terreweb.ubc.ca/. Posted: 12/13/11, revised: 6/27/12.
University of California, Riverside: PhD opportunity in Quantitative Conservation Ecology: Effects of global change on plant biodiversity in California. The Quantitative Conservation Biology Lab led by Helen Regan is seeking highly motivated PhD students to start in the Fall 2012. Research in the lab applies modeling and simulation techniques to address three main themes: 1) the impacts of global change on biodiversity and potential management responses, 2) characterization and treatment of uncertainty in ecological models and 3) decision making under risk and uncertainty for conservation. While we seek candidates in any of these themes, we encourage applicants who are interested in applying spatially dynamic population models to address questions about the effects of global change on plants in fire-prone ecosystems. Strong quantitative skills are preferred and an interest in and understanding of conservation ecology is essential. Likewise, the ability and willingness to collaborate with a broad range of researchers is desirable. Most students in the Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology Graduate Program at UCR are funded by fellowships, teaching assistantships, research assistantships, or some combination of the three. Priority deadline for Fall 2012 admission and fellowship consideration is January 5th 2012. More details about the program and how to apply can be found at http://eeob.ucr.edu/. All interested candidates should contact Dr Helen Regan at helen.regan@ucr.edu before they apply. Posted: 11/11/11.
University of California, San Diego: The Cleland lab is seeking exceptional PhD students to start in the Fall of 2012. Research in the lab focuses broadly on plant community responses to environmental change in Southern California terrestrial ecosystems, and graduate student funding is available from a mix of teaching and research assistantships. Ideal members of the lab have a clear vision of their research goals, are enthusiastic, mature, good communicators, flexible and have a strong background in ecology. All students will be expected to apply for fellowships and additional sources of research funding, and to contribute to an atmosphere of collaboration within the lab. Details regarding the application, due December 11th: Prospective Graduate Students. See also the full list of faculty interests in Ecology, Behavior & Evolution. Posted: 11/10/11.
University of California, Santa Cruz: The lab of Jarmila Pittermann is looking for a PhD student interested in plant ecophysiology starting Fall 2012. My research is centered around the evolutionary ecophysiology of plant water transport in basal lineages such as conifers, ferns and lycophytes but I like to explore any number of interesting questions about plant structure and function. I am willing to supervise a mature motivated and independent graduate student who wishes to take advantage of the tremendous floral and habitat diversity that California has to offer, or someone whose creative ideas take them farther afield. The successful applicant will join a dynamic and friendly group of academics with access to marine and terrestrial habitats, the extensive UC Reserve System and a broad network of colleagues at UC and Cal State schools. Our students are supported by a combination of teaching, research assistantships and fellowships, and I am willing to assist serious applicants with NSF pre-doctoral fellowship applications. If interested, please send me letter describing your research/career interests and the type of questions you are looking to answer, a CV/resume that highlights your research experience and contact information for two referees who can comment on your potential to succeed in graduate school. Email to pittermann@biology.ucsc.edu. The application deadline is December 15th, and more information about department and the graduate division can be found at http://www.eeb.ucsc.edu/ and http://graddiv.ucsc.edu/. Posted: 9/16/11.
University of California, Santa Cruz: A graduate student assistantship is available to start in the Summer of 2012 in the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Department. The position is supported by a recently funded NSF grant aimed at understanding the interaction of economics, trade, human behavior and disease transmission. The project involves a large interdisciplinary group including economists, ecologists, and mathematicians. Graduate research will focus on quantitative analysis of ecological, economic, and trade datasets. The most qualified applicants will have a quantitative background and a strong interest in disease ecology/epidemiology, economics, modeling, and interdisciplinary projects. Interested applicants should submit the following items: 1) a C.V. with GPA, GREs, and contact information for 3 references, 2) a 1-2 page description of research interests and experience, and 3) a 1-2 page statement outlining 3 potential research questions for projects aimed at understanding the links between trade and the spread of disease, or the impacts of human behavior on disease transmission. Each of the three proposed thesis ideas should include a testable hypothesis, justification or rationale for its importance, and a brief description of methods for how the research could be carried out to test the hypothesis. Applications should be submitted in a single file (pdf, Word, or .rtf) by email to: Dr. A. Marm Kilpatrick (akilpatr@ucsc.edu) with the Subject line: GRADUATE STUDENT ASSISTANTSHIP – TD. Posted: 12/13/11.
University of Canterbury: PhD Scholarship – Plant Physiology. Does increasing nitrogen availability disrupt the influence of environmental cues on tree growth regulation? We seek a PhD candidate to join a three-year international research program based at the University of Canterbury to investigate environmental and internal regulators of tree growth under field conditions. The international research team is includes Dr Peter Clinton and Dr Jianming Xue at SCION (New Zealand Forest Research Institute), Professor Matthew Turnbull and Professor Paula Jameson at the University and Professor Dick Pharis (University of Calgary, Canada). The successful candidate will be required to have a BSc(Hons), a research Masters, or equivalent, to enrol as a PhD candidate at the University of Canterbury. The candidate will require a background in plant physiology and/or biochemistry. Some background in whole plant physiology and the analysis of plant hormones would be an advantage. The PhD candidate will be required to undertake both field-work and lab-based investigations in the course of his/her research. The PhD stipend will be for three years at NZD20,000 p.a. (tax free) plus payment of tuition fees (approximately NZD8,000). Research costs will also be covered. The research will investigate the physiology and molecular basis of radiata pine responses to N and water stresses in the laboratory and under field conditions by using contrasting genotypes. We will quantify the direct responses of plant hormones and growth to the N and water status of the plant, and the power of plant hormones (e.g. cytokinins, gibberelin and abscisic acid) as predominant signals for growth regulation. This will provide the evidence for the relative importance of direct environmental effect on growth through resource acquisition (source control) versus those mediated by feedforward control (i.e. specific signals modulate sink activity (growth) that then govern rates of resource acquisition). This research will also improve the understanding of how environmental and genetic factors regulate the variation in water and N use efficiency in relation to radiata pine growth. The findings could lead to developing improved N and water management practices for enhancing the productivity of radiata pine plantations adapted to climate change. The proposed start date for the research is mid 2011, although this could be flexible depending on the availability of appropriate candidates. For more information please contact: Prof. Matthew Turnbull, School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand. Tel +64 3 364 2987 (Ext 7040), Fax +64 3 364 2590, Email: matthew.turnbull@canterbury.ac.nz. Applications in writing, including CV, should be sent to the email address above, by May 4, 2012. Posted: 4/10/12.
University of Canterbury: The Stouffer Lab at the University of Canterbury (New Zealand) is seeking applicants for up to three fully-funded PhD fellowships to work on topics related to ecological complexity and understanding the structure and dynamics of ecological networks. Because of the interdisciplinary nature of the projects, we are interested in applicants from ecology, computational biology, computer science, applied mathematics, engineering, physics, or other related areas. Interested applicants should see http://stoufferlab.org/opportunities/ for information on how to apply and for more information about our research group. Applications close 30 November 2011. Posted: 11/3/11.
University of Canterbury: A PhD candidate is sought for a fully funded three year position in New Zealand, researching food web assembly and decay, under the supervision of Dr Jason Tylianakis. More details. Applications close 5 August 2011. Posted: 7/22/11.
University of Cape Town: PhD investigating plumage polymorphism in Black Sparrowhawks - Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology. The Black Sparrowhawk (Accipiter melanoleucus) is a polymorphic raptor that exhibits a common light morph and a rarer dark morph. This species has recently colonised the Cape Peninsula in the Western Cape of South Africa where we have monitored the population for over 10 years. In this population the frequencies of the morphs are reversed with around 80% being dark morph birds. Throughout most of its traditional range in southern Africa the Black Sparrowhawk breeds in the dry winter months, however in the Western Cape the species breeds during the wet winter months. This PhD will test the hypothesis that there is a selective advantage to being dark in these conditions. The project will seek to understand the origin, adaptive function and maintenance of plumage colour variation in this species through two key components: an ecological study, which will test whether the different morphs have a selective advantage in different habitats or under different climatic conditions, and a molecular study to i) establish the role of the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) in the evolution of plumage morphs in Black Sparrowhawks, and ii) to test the alternative hypothesis that plumage polymorphisms are maintained through limited dispersal and genetic drift. Closing date: 10 January 2012 Please contact Dr Arjun Amar (arjun.amar@uct.ac.za) for more details or see the full advert. Posted: 12/15/11.
University of Central Florida: Graduate student opportunities are available in ecology and conservation at the King lab at the University of Central Florida. We are looking to recruit 2-3 new graduate students for Fall 2012. I will consider graduate students (MS or PhD) interested in ecology, conservation science, and natural history. Students interested in working with insects, particularly social insects, will benefit from my expertise on those subjects, but I will consider students interested in working with any organism or ecosystem. Interested applicants can view details of my lab here. If you are interested, email me (joshua.king@ucf.edu) a brief message detailing your research interests and a cv. You must apply by January 15th, 2012. Please see full departmental requirements and details. Accepted students can expect TA support and grant support. The University of Central Florida is a large, major research University located in Orlando, FL with excellent facilities, a conservation and ecology oriented graduate program in the Department of Biology, and its location allows easy access to numerous natural and man-modified ecosystems throughout central, northern, and southern Florida. The Orlando, FL area is a wonderful place to live and work. Posted 10/10/11.
University of Colorado-Boulder: The Ecohydrology Lab is recruiting new, highly-qualified and motivated PhD students to investigate linked carbon and water cycling in the critical zone to further the understanding of ecosystem process variability across complex terrain. The project takes advantage of the unique infrastructure and data from the DOE Niwot Ridge Ameriflux site, the NSF-funded Niwot Ridge Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) site and the Boulder Creek Critical Zone Observatory (CZO) in the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado. The variation in the soil development and topography across an elevation and climate gradient will be used to conduct a natural experiment examining the co-evolution of soil carbon, vegetation, hydrology, and climate. Prospective students should hold a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in hydrology, forest ecology, soil science, or a related field – experience with stable isotopes of water and/or carbon and field skills are strongly desired. Selected student(s) will be part of a highly interdisciplinary research group within the Department of Geography and the Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research (INSTAAR) and will collaborate with researchers from the University of Arizona and Michigan Tech. University. Funding is likely in the form of departmental teaching assistantship or research assistantship depending upon qualifications. Please see: additional details regarding the application process and the Geography department (due in December). The Department of Geography at the University of Colorado is rank one of the top in the U.S. and acceptance is competitive. Interested students are encouraged to contact Dr. Holly Barnard (holly.barnard@colorado.edu) for further details. Application deadline: 12/1 for international students, 12/15 for US students. Posted: 11/11/11.
University of Copenhagen: Ph.D. Graduate Student Assistantship: Bee Health: host-parasite interactions and landscape complexity. The PhD project will aim to achieve an integrated study of key factors that determine the general health of bees. Emphasis will be on honeybees but additional interfaces relevant for bumblebees and/or solitary bees can be considered. Topics to be addressed may include: 1) Multivariate analyses of large-scale monitoring data already collected from Danish apiaries, 2) Assessment of fitness parameters in landscapes of varying heterogeneity, 3) Quantifying parasite pressure in apiaries, 4) Behavioral studies of disease transmission. Contact: Dr. Jensen abj@life.ku.dk. Location: Department of Agriculture and Ecology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark. A full advertisement can be found at: vacancies. Deadline: 2/1/12. Posted: 1/5/12.
University of Copenhagen: The Centre for Macroecology, Evolution and Climate seeks a candidate for doctoral studies in fisheries oceanography in the North Sea. For a project description, qualifications, and to apply, see the full job ad. The employment period is for 3 years, beginning 15 December 2011. Application deadline: 10/23/11. Posted: 10/17/11.
University of Dayton: An opportunity exists for graduate-level training in deciduous forest ecology. The student will work in the laboratory of Dr. Ryan McEwan. This search is focused on applicants for a PhD-level project, applicants with an MS are encouraged to apply and evidence of peer-reviewed publication will be beneficial to the application process. This project will focus on the Biodiversity-Ecosystem Function relationship in temperate broadleaved forest (main focus is the Eastern Deciduous Forest, but international travel is also possible). Some things I am looking for in applicants include familiarity with: forest sampling (for vegetation and CWD), the use of allometric equations to estimate biomass, dendrochronology, using GIS for spatial analysis, and model building within R. The applicant needs to be comfortable working with large, complex, datasets. The student will be supported by a teaching assistantship through the Department of Biology. The assistantship is associated with a stipend of ~$20k/year; however, a portion of this comes in the form of a University summer fellowship which is awarded through a competitive process. The assistantship also comes with 100% tuition remission and health insurance is relatively inexpensive through UD. Support is guaranteed for the life of the project pending satisfactory performance. To being the application process, please send a CV, GPA, GRE scores and PDF reprints to: ryan.mcewan@udayton.edu. Posted: 12/6/11.
University of Exeter, Cornwall: PhD Studentship, Mathematical Ecology - Population Dynamics and Environmental Change. Primary supervisor: Professor Stuart Townley (email s.b.townley@ex.ac.uk) Start date: 1st October 2012. Species evolve. Species invade. Species go extinct. Such biological phenomena have fascinated mathematicians and statisticians for over a century, yielding today’s state-of-the-art mathematical and statistical modelling and analysis tools including: Adaptive dynamics for evolution; invasion exponents for invasions; and meta-population analysis for extinction. But the environment is changing, with patterns of environmental disturbance becoming more intense and temporally and spatially clustered. The project will consider issues such as: How are life histories shaped by environmental disturbance? How do the fluctuating dynamics of one species, population or community act to mitigate, buffer, attenuate or amplify the effects of environmental disturbance on another? How can we untangle the relative importance of competing effects such as transients, diffusion, un-modelled dynamics and density dependence? The PhD project will be located in the University of Exeter Environment & Sustainability Institute, a £30 million centre leading cutting-edge and interdisciplinary research into solutions to problems of environmental change. Three-year studentship: Tuition fees (UK/EU) and an annual maintenance allowance at current UK Research Council rate. To apply see the full job ad. Deadline: 30th March 2012. Posted: 1/17/12.
University of Florida: Applicants are sought for a graduate student interested in a 4-year, funded assistantship to pursue a Ph.D. Funding is secured and is being provided by a USDA National Needs Graduate Fellowship Grant and the University. Funding includes a 0.33 FTE stipend ($16k/yr), tuition waiver, and health insurance via UF's GatorGradCare program. The specific research project is somewhat flexible, but, in the spirit of the programmatic discipline supported by the USDA grant ("Interdisciplinary Sustainable Food, Agriculture, and Environmental Sciences") will focus on sustainable use of natural resources. The student is expected to work closely with his/her major advisor, graduate committee, and collaborators to design and conduct an appropriate research project. Additional funding to support the research project will be targeted via grants submitted by the student and his/her major advisor (e.g., NSF Dissertation Improvement Grant). The student is also expected to complete appropriate coursework, participate in outreach/extension activities germane to the research project, and participate in lab rotations. Opportunities for teaching experience and internships will also be available. These activities are directed at the student obtaining the following core competencies: knowledge of major concepts related to natural resource sustainability; ability to apply quantitative and higher-order research skills; evidence of interdisciplinary collaborations and leadership, effective communication, and problem solving skills; and ability to work in a team. The student will earn his/her doctorate in Interdisciplinary Ecology through the School of Natural Resources and the Environment (SNRE) within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at the University of Florida in Gainesville. Minimum qualifications for the position include a Master of Science degree (thesis option) in an appropriate discipline, upper division/graduate GPA of 3.5 or better, competitive GRE scores (preferably > 1200 (310) V/Q combined), and a sincere commitment to sustainable natural resource management. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, solid quantitative skills, ability to work independently and in a team, and a strong work ethic are also expected. Women, minority, and first-generation college students are strongly encouraged to apply. To be considered for the assistantship, please email the following to Dr. Steve A. Johnson at tadpole@ufl.edu: cover letter, current CV, unofficial transcripts, GRE scores, and contact information for 3 professional/academic references. Please use "Ph.D. Assistantship" as the topic of your email message. The target date for assistantship to begin is Fall 2012, and UF's Fall classes begin August 22. Posted: 6/11/12.
University of Florida: Masters degree opportunity in wetland ecology and animal behavior. Research will be aimed at understanding mutualism, costs and benefits of interactions between alligators, nesting wading birds, and invasive pythons in the Everglades. Funded research, tuition and stipend for 2.5 years, and the ability to build on long term research program. The successful applicant will have an interest in animal behavior, experience in field biology, undergraduate academic background in biology, ecology, wildlife or related field, excellent letters of reference, good writing skills, and a sense of humor. Please send letter of interest, resume including unofficial copies of GRE scores, GPA, and contact information for three references to Dr. Peter Frederick, Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, pfred@ufl.edu (email preferred). Degree program will start August 2012, applications will be processed as they are received until a suitable candidate is found. Posted: 5/30/12.
University of Florida: Are you an undergraduate student interested in a career in modern entomology and microbiology? In bacterial and fungal symbionts of insects? In the diversity and ecology of insects, particularly bark and ambrosia beetles? Do you enjoy hard work outdoors in the forest as well as in a molecular lab? The Forest Entomology and Microbiology lab of Jiri Hulcr at the School of Forest Resources and Conservation is seeking graduate students, starting in the Fall semester 2012. Please send your CV and a no-nonsense motivation letter to jirihulcr@gmail.com no later than March 30, 2012. Students with a knack for bioinformatics are especially encouraged to apply. See www.ambrosiasymbiosis.org for more info. Posted: 2/20/12.
University of Florida: PhD Opportunity in spatial and wetland ecology in the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation. Drs. Peter Fredrick and Robert Fletcher are seeking applicants who are interested in exploring ecological interactions of long legged wading birds, wetland hydrology, and geographically disjunct weather patterns in the southeastern United States. This work will include both modeling and field components, and it will have an over-arching theme of understanding the impacts of large-scale environmental change on wildlife. The successful applicant will have a strong quantitative background including modeling and demonstration of previous field experience, an MS in ecology or related discipline, and a passion for science. Evidence of strong writing and analytical skills, previous experience in wetlands, and a good sense of humor are also very desirable. Phd program to start fall 2012. Send CV, letter of application, unofficial GRE scores, GPA and names of three references, addressed to Dr. Peter Frederick and Dr. Rob Fletcher to pfred@ufl.edu. Posted: 1/17/12.
University of Florida: MS,PhD and postdoctoral positions in Ecosystem Ecology are available in the Department of Biology. I am seeking students interested in the effects of climate warming on the ecology of Alaskan Boreal forests and Arctic tundra. Students will participate in ongoing studies and develop new research on the ecological impacts of changing fire regimes and permafrost thaw on vegetation dynamics, plant-soil interactions, nutrient and carbon cycling, or soil ecology. Candidates with field experience and interests in plant, soil, or fire ecology are encouraged to apply. Benefits include stipend, tuition waiver, health insurance, support for summer fieldwork in some of the most beautiful parts of Alaska, and winter in sunny Florida. Candidates should submit a cover letter describing their background, research interests, and qualifications for the position, as well as a current CV to Michelle Mack (mcmack@ufl.edu) and an application to the Department of Biology (due December 15, 2011). Posted: 12/1/11.
University of Florida: Applications are being accepted for candidates wishing to pursue a PhD examining understory light variability in temperate and tropical forests. Prospective students who are interested in combining intensive field work with quantitative modeling are especially encouraged to apply. A strong background in mathematics and/or computer programming is desired, but is not required. If you are bright, creative, persistent, self-motivated, interested in forest dynamics, and don't mind being attacked by biting arthropods, you are encouraged to apply. Qualifications: Undergraduate degree in biology, environmental science, applied mathematics, computer science, or related field. Funding: Research Assistantship (including living expenses, tuition, fees, and benefits) is available for three semesters (fall 2012, spring 2013, and fall 2013). Five years of summer support and funds for independent field work are available. Additional funding is available on a competitive basis through UF Department of Biology Teaching Assistantships (including living expenses, tuition, etc.) and external funding sources. Advisor: Jeremy Lichstein. Start date: Fall semester (August) 2012. Application instructions: Submit an application to the UF Department of Biology graduate program (deadline December 15, 2011). In addition, you should submit a five-part project application as follows: Email a single pdf file to Jeremy Lichstein (jlichstein@ufl.edu) with subject GRAD-LIGHT with the following contents (1) one to two page statement of research interests and goals; (2) one-half to one full page explanation of your academic preparation to undertake a PhD project that involves field work and modeling; (3) GRE scores; (4) resume or CV; and (5) contact information for three references familiar with your academic work or research potential. Your research statement should describe one or more projects that you would be interested to develop independently as a PhD student. The project(s) you describe could be related to the research described in this ad, but should demonstrate your individual interests and capacity for independent research. It is recommended that you submit your five-part project application at least three weeks in advance of submitting your formal application to the UF Biology graduate program. Posted: 10/19/11, revised: 12/6/11.
University of Florida: A graduate research assistant position is available in the Department of Biology with a focus on modeling the temperature sensitivity of plant respiration. Qualifications: Undergraduate degree in biology, environmental science, applied mathematics, computer science, or related field. Funding: 2.5 years of Research Assistant support are available, including summer support and funds for independent field work. Additional funding is available through UF Department of Biology Teaching Assistantships and external funding sources. Start date: Fall semester (August) 2012. Application instructions: Submit a formal application to the UF Department of Biology graduate program (deadline December 15, 2011). In addition, you should submit a four-part project application as follows: Email a single pdf file to Jeremy Lichstein (jlichstein@ufl.edu) with subject GRAD-RESPIRATION containing (1) cover letter, including a 1-2 page statement of research interests and goals and an explanation of your academic preparation to undertake the modeling project described above; (2) GRE scores, if available (3) your resume or CV; and (4) contact information for three references familiar with your academic work or research potential. Your research statement should describe one or more projects that you would be interested to develop independently as a PhD student. The project(s) you describe could be related to the temperature response of respiration, but should demonstrate your individual interests and capacity for independent research. It is recommended that you submit your four-part project application at least three weeks in advance of formally submitting your application to the UF Biology graduate program. Posted: 10/10/11.
University of Florida: Currently, we have two new graduate student positions available in the Fletcher Lab, one starting Spring 2012 and a second starting Fall 2012. One position will be a Ph.D. position, focused on spatial predator-prey interactions and conservation of the endangered Snail Kite. The Snail Kite is considered to be a key indicator of successful restoration of the Everglades and is a dietary specialist feeding almost exclusively on native and invasive apple snails. Desired qualifications for this position include proficiency with population and landscape ecology, quantitative modeling, demonstrated field experience on birds, wetlands, and/or invertebrates, and supervisory experience. The candidate will be expected to not only leverage nearly 20 years of rigorous demographic and movement data on kites across their geographic range but also develop their own field research themes regarding spatio-temporal population limitation in the kite. Preference will be given to students that can start field work in the spring (Jan 2012) before matriculation into the Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Department in Fall 2012. For those interested in this position, contact Dr. Fletcher at robert.fletcher@ufl.edu. A second position will be at either the MS or Ph.D. level, with a preferable start date of Spring 2012. This position will focus on movement and habitat use of Florida manatees. Intensive telemetry data have been collected (and will continue to be collected) on this charismatic species, allowing for unprecedented approaches regarding fine-scale movements and resource selection in relation to anthropogenic stressors. For this position, Dr. Daniel Slone from the USGS (Southeast Ecological Science Center, Gainesville) will be the primary advisor and Dr. Fletcher will serve as a co-advisor. Desired qualifications for this position include demonstrated aptitude for technological and quantitative skills (e.g., statistical modeling, GIS, database management), and experience with related ecological research such as habitat or movement studies. For those interested in this position, contact Dr. Slone (dslone@usgs.gov; 352-264-3551) and Dr. Fletcher. If you are interested in pursuing one of these graduate positions we highly recommend pursuing the publications from our labs (see links above) to determine if and how our work interests you. Please send a CV, GRE scores and GPA, and a brief statement of your research interests, career goals, and why you would like to pursue a graduate degree in our labs (email preferred). For admission to the department, general minimal requirements for GPA are 3.2 for upper division undergraduate coursework, 3.2 for any graduate coursework, and preferred GRE scores of at least 1200 (Q + V). If English is not your native language, a minimum TOEFL score of 550 (paper based; 213 computer based) is necessary. Yet we emphasize that these are minimum requirements and highly competitive students greatly exceed these minimum expectations. Posted: 8/30/11.
University of Georgia: Doctoral graduate assistantship available in the Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources beginning Summer or Fall 2012. The successful candidate will be the lead researcher on a cooperative project between the US Forest Service – Northeast Research Station and the University of Georgia. The research will investigate effects of landscape heterogeneity on deer herbivory and resulting forest vegetation structure. The research site is on the Allegheny National Forest and surrounding landscapes. Requirements: M.S. in Wildlife Ecology or related field; GPA > 3.0; GRE > 1200. The successful applicant will be motivated; have well developed writing and communication skills, a strong work ethic, and ability to work cooperatively in team setting. Proficiency using ArcGIS for spatial analysis is required. Preferred candidates will have a strong background in conducting large-scale GIS analyses and proficiency with spatial statistical methods used for species-habitat modeling. Experience using program R, SAS, and/or GIS programming and data management skills are a plus. Candidates also should have an interest in deer ecology and forest ecology & management. To be considered, please submit a cover letter, CV (including names, phone numbers and email addresses of 3 references), and copies of transcripts and GRE scores (unofficial OK) to Dr. Nate Nibbelink or Dr. Karl V. Miller, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602 (email: nate2@uga.edu or kmiller@warnell.uga.edu). Review of applications will begin immediately and the position will remain open until filled. The student will join a cohesive team of graduate research assistants investigating various aspects of spatial ecology and white-tailed deer ecology and management and will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of studies. Posted: 4/6/12.
University of Georgia: We are pleased to announce that we are accepting applications for Fall 2012 for our Integrative Conservation (ICON) doctoral program. As global environmental change proceeds at an unprecedented pace, the practice of conservation is adapting to a complex set of challenges. Recognizing that responding effectively to these challenges requires both disciplinary expertise and well-developed tools to work across disciplines, the ICON Ph.D. program is designed to meet that need by ensuring that students gain disciplinary depth while also learning to collaborate across fields of practice by engaging faculty from the natural and social sciences to train students in an integrative and holistic way. At the same time, this program strives to move beyond the paradigm of interdisciplinarity by reaching outside of academia to bring together academics and practitioners. Through internships, collaborative research, and a practitioner-in-residence program, students will interact with conservationists as partners and colleagues. These experiences, along with training modules lead by communications experts, will ensure that students learn to communicate effectively and strategically with those from other backgrounds and disciplines as well as with lay audiences. Funded assistantships are available to outstanding students. Currently the ICON PhD program is open to students applying to one of four "home departments" including the Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources, the Odum School of Ecology, the Department of Anthropology, and the Department of Geography. For more information, please contact Meredith Welch-Devine, mwdevine@uga.edu, or see the Center for Integrative Conservation Research (CICR) website. Please note that prospective students apply to the program from a home department, and departmental application deadlines vary. Posted: 11/29/11.
University of Georgia: Ph.D. Assistantships in Community, Ecosystem, Restoration Ecology. I am accepting applications for two Ph.D. assistantships, available through three possible Ph.D. programs: Ecology, Forestry & Natural Resources, or Integrative Conservation. I am seeking students interested in the following research topics: 1) Dryland Dynamics and Pastoralist Sustainability in East Afica: I am seeking one student to collaborate with our ongoing research program in Kenya. This research agenda focuses on the dynamics of dryland ecosystem function, degradation and restoration. There are opportunities to contribute to this research from a number of different perspectives, including ecohydrology, ecosystem function, landscape ecology, community ecology, restoration ecology, and resource management. Please contact me to discuss how your interests and background may complement the broader research objectives. 2) Legacies of Land Use and Climate Change Responses in Southeastern U.S. Coastal Systems. I will be launching a new research initiative on the Georgia coast, primarily focused on salt marshes. I am offering a Ph.D. assistantship for a student to develop a research program that contributes to some dimension of the the broader initiative's theme and objectives. Contact me, and I would be happy to further discuss the emerging vision for this project and breadth of opportunities it offers. Disciplinarily, there is scope for students with diverse interests, including ecohydrology, ecophysiology, community ecology, and restoration ecology. Deadlines depend on the Ph.D. program you wish to join, but are coming up very soon, so please contact me as soon as possible if you are interested in applying (I will be moving to UGA in January). Students applying through Forestry would receive a TA/RAship, and the application deadline to the School is Jan 1st. Students applying through Ecology would receive a TAship. The Ecology deadline is Jan 1, but to be considered for additional internal funding and for funding to attend the graduate recruitment weekend, you must apply BY DEC 5TH. Those interested in the Integrative Conservation program can apply through Ecology or Forestry, and should talk to me or consult the UGA website for more info. For more information, contact Elizabeth King (egking@princeton.edu, you can email me to set up a telephone/skype appt) Starting Jan 2012: Assistant Professor, Odum School of Ecology and Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA. Posted: 11/28/11.
University of Georgia: We are seeking a highly motivated graduate student (PhD preferred, MS considered) to work on a project assessing the vulnerability of coastal vertebrates to climate change and sea level rise. The successful candidate will employ GIS-based models to assess which vertebrates will be most sensitive to changes in climate and sea level rise, and what habitat management options may exist to enhance the ability of these vertebrates to persist in the coastal region. Qualified candidates will be given flexibility to develop their own interests on this project; however s/he will focus on modeling species occupancy as a function of landscape structure and potential landscape change due to climate and sea level rise. The research will involve field work to address species occupancy across a range of coastal landscape configurations, and will use spatial modeling tools to evaluate both vulnerability and adaptation/mitigation options. Qualifications: The successful applicant will be motivated, have well-developed writing and communication skills, strong work ethic, and ability to work cooperatively in team setting. Experience doing field work in rough conditions is preferred. Proficiency using ArcGIS for spatial analysis, some programming experience, strong quantitative skills, and most of all… creative energy, are required! An MS in an ecological field, or substantial equivalent experience, is necessary for PhD consideration; some relevant experience outside academic programs is required for MS consideration. Minimum entry requirements are 3.0 GPA and combined verbal + quantitative GRE score > 1200 for PhD (3.0 GPA + 1000 GRE for MS). For further information please send a CV and a letter of interest (which should include a description of past research experience and skills) to Dr. Nate Nibbelink (nate2@uga.edu), Warnell School of Forest Resources. Review of applicants will begin immediately and competitive candidates will be invited to submit a full application. Our search will continue until a suitable candidate is found. Last Date to apply: January 1, 2012 for University of Georgia fellowship consideration, otherwise open until filled. posted: 11/22/11.
University of Georgia: The Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources invites applications for a M.S. Assistantship in Forest Entomology starting in Fall 2011/Spring 2012. The research project will deal with determining olfactory attractants for hymenopteran parasitoids of siricids (woodwasps) in southern stands, assessing the efficacy of different trapping designs for these parasitoid species, and determining which types of disturbed forest stands are optimal for capturing the highest numbers and diversity of parasitoids. This work will be conducted in close collaboration with the Southern Research Station, USDA Forest Service, Louisiana and Georgia, and Georgia Forestry Commission. The Forest Entomology laboratory works on a broad range of forest health issues, insect species, and ecosystem-types. We invite applications fromhighly self-motivated and enthusiastic students that are genuinely interested in working at the forefront of forest health issues. Training in forest entomology will be provided. Prior experience in forestry, entomology, and ecology will be an asset. Interested students should submit a letter of interest, current CV along contact information for 2-3 referees, and unofficial transcripts to Dr. Kamal JK Gandhi (kgandhi@warnell.uga.edu; 706-542-4614). Posted: 7/20/11.
University of Guelph: Dr. Rebecca Hallett is currently seeking a motivated graduate student (Ph.D. or M.Sc.) to investigate host plant interactions between the invasive crucifer pest, the swede midge (Contarinia nasturtii (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae)) and spring canola. The graduate student will investigate the relationships between timing and intensity of swede midge populations, canola phenology, damage severity and yield impacts. This project is part of a larger program to develop an integrated pest management program for swede midge in spring canola, including insecticide efficacy, optimal insecticide timing with respect to canola phenology, and the development of comprehensive pest management recommendations for swede midge in canola. Applications due by: 15 Jun. Please see the full application information for details. Posted: 5/30/12.
University of Guelph: The Norris Lab is seeking an MSc or PhD student to work on the population dynamics and evolution of migration in an experimental model system beginning either Sept 2012 or Jan 2013 in the Department of Integrative Biology. Successful candidates will have a strong academic background with a demonstrated knowledge and interest in ecological and evolutionary theory, as well as experience working in a laboratory setting and designing experiments. Candidates should also be comfortable with learning basic mathematical modeling, and must be either a Canadian citizen or have residency status in Canada. The position is fully funded for 2 (MSc) or 4 (PhD) years. Integrative Biology has over 40 Faculty and 100 graduate students conducting leading research in ecology, evolution, and physiology. Please send your CV, a cover letter and unofficial transcripts to Dr. Ryan Norris (rnorris@uoguelph.ca). Posted: 5/29/12.
University of Helsinki: Doctoral position: water balance of boreal arctic areas. The runoff of norther rivers has been increasing over the last decades. It is not well understood what are the hydrological drivers of this increase and to what extend cryosphere and biosphere processes contribute to this. This may have implications for the carbon balance of the north since large quantities of dissolved organic matter are transported to the oceans by these river systems. We sare currently searching a doctoral student for our project "Energy exchange and DOC production in boreal forests in relation to cryosphere processes". The project will use modelling approaches to understand the carbon balance of northern catchments by integrating in innovative ways existing datasources. The student would be based at the University of Helsinki, but would be expected to pass longer periods at the Norwegian University of Applied Sciences and Technology in Trondheim. We search for students with a background in any related discipline. We appreciate good skills to express yourselves in English, understanding of biogeochemical cycles, in particular the water cycle and carbon cycles and the capacity to efficiently analyze large datasets. The positions would be renumerated by a grant of 17000 Euros per year for three years. Applications should be send before the 10. 1. 2012. Tuition is free. The Unversity has been ranked as one of the 100 best research Universities worldwide and the position will be part of the nordic centre of excellence CRAICC. The position would start on at the earliest convenience. Please include a letter of motivation, a short CV and the names and email addresses of three references. Application or enquiries by email to Frank.Berninger@helsinki.fi, +358408532944. Posted: 12/20/11.
University of Houston: The Department of Biology and Biochemistry welcomes applications for its graduate program in Evolutionary Biology and Ecology for Fall 2012. The following faculty in the area of Evolutionary Biology and Ecology have opportunities available for their labs: Blaine Cole (bcole@uh.edu) - Evolution and social behavior, Dan Graur (dgraur@uh.edu) - Theoretical molecular evolution, Dan Wells (dwells@uh.edu) - Evolution of development and behavior, Diane Wiernasz (dwiernasz@uh.edu) - Sexual selection, Elizabeth Ostrowski (eostrowski@gmail.com) - Evolutionary genetics and multicellularity, George Fox (fox@uh.edu) - Experimental evolution and origin of life, Gregg Roman (gwroman@uh.edu) - Evolution of behavior, Rebecca Zufall (rzufall@uh.edu) - Genome and molecular evolution, Ricardo Azevedo (razevedo@uh.edu) - Evolutionary genetics, Steve Pennings (spennings@uh.edu) - Community ecology, Tim Cooper (tcooper@central.uh.edu) - Experimental evolution, Tony Frankino (wafranki@central.uh.edu) - Evolution of complex traits, Yuriy Fofanov (yfofanov@bioinfo.uh.edu) - Evolutionary bioinformatics. See information for prospective students and graduate admissions. The deadline is March 1st, 2012, but students are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Posted: 12/8/11.
University of Idaho: PhD AssistantshipEcological Effects of Forest Bioenergy Harvests. We seek a PhD student with interests in forest ecology, forest management, and ecosystem science for Fall 2012 to help conduct a research project on forest bioenergy management. The goal of the project is to evaluate how the collection of woody residues for bioenergy use following commercial harvests and pre-commercial thinning will affect forest carbon and nitrogen cycling and the flux of greenhouse gases from these forests relative to “business as usual” management practices. The PhD student would be responsible for estimating effects of management activities on pools of carbon and nitrogen in the soil, roots, trees, and woody debris. This would include working with and supervising undergraduate technicians to conduct field sampling and sample processing. The PhD student would also be responsible for developing allometric equations for one or more dominant species. The preferred candidate will have a MS in natural resources, ecology, forestry, or a related field. All candidates should have a BS in one of the fields named above, experience conducting fieldwork in forests or similar settings, and demonstrated organizational and analytical skills. The PhD student will be part of the PhD program in the College of Natural Resources and will be primarily advised by Dr. John Marshall, with additional supervision by collaborators Dr. Alan Talhelm and Dr. Mark Coleman. Funding has been granted for a 3.5 year research assistantship, covering tuition and a stipend. Applicants should send 1) a letter of interest and qualifications, 2) a resume that includes three references, 3) GRE scores, and 4) transcripts to John Marshall (jdm@uidaho.edu) or Alan Talhelm (atalhelm@uidaho.edu). We will begin to review applications on May 16th. Posted: 4/24/12.
University of Idaho: We are currently recruiting a highly motivated PhD student to begin in the summer of 2012 in the Fish and Wildlife Department at the University of Idaho. The project is fully funded by the U.S. Department of Defense and will design and implement monitoring programs for Sonoran pronghorn and coyotes in southern Arizona based on combining non-invasive genetic sampling with capture-recapture modeling. The project will involve developing a spatio-temporal sampling design for collection of fecal DNA, field sampling, laboratory genetic analyses, and mark-recapture modeling. Beyond this, the project offers the opportunity to develop other research topics including, but not limited to, the study of predator prey dynamics, metapopulation dynamics, and population viability. The project is a collaborative effort with U.S. Department of Defense, USFWS, as well as state and university biologists. Graduate stipend is ~$20K/year and will also include payment of tuition and fees. We are seeking applicants who have obtained a Master¹s degree in wildlife sciences, natural resources, conservation biology or a related field. Applicants should have the ability to develop independent research avenues, have strong quantitative skills and have a demonstrated ability to publish research findings. Because some fieldwork will occur on U.S. military installations, applicants must be U.S. citizens. Interested applicants should send CV/resume, cover letter/statement of purpose, transcripts, GRE scores plus names and contact info for three references. Please note that we do not need official transcripts and GRE scores at this stage. If you are selected to join our research group, then we will ask you to send all official documents and 3 letters of recommendation to the University of Idaho graduate school applications office. Email submission of applications is encouraged (jhorne@uidaho.edu) but mail is also fine. Review of applications will begin April 23, 2012 and continue until the position is filled. If you previously applied for a similar position in Dec2011/Jan 2012, your application has been retained and will still be considered. For more information contact Drs. Lisette Waits (lwaits@uidaho.edu) or Jon Horne (jhorne@uidaho.edu). Posted: 4/10/12.
University of Idaho: The Newingham Ecology Lab seeks a highly motivated MS or PhD student to examine ecosystem recovery after extreme wildland fire in the western United States. While post-fire recovery is often measured a few years after fire, little is known about long-term ecosystem responses and what the various ecosystem trajectories are after extreme events. This graduate position will focus on quantifying ecosystem recovery and trajectories based on field soil and vegetation indicators and may include shrubland, grassland and forest ecosystems. Research questions are flexible and may include topics related to community ecology, ecosystem ecology, restoration, and climate change. The candidate will work in an interdisciplinary team in an effort to link concepts on ecosystem and human resiliency. While the student will have a disciplinary focus, collaborations will include remote sensing and social scientists. The University is strong in interdisciplinary endeavors and provides numerous opportunities for the student to interact with others in more formal interdisciplinary programs (i.e. NSF-IGERT). We seek candidates with a high degree of analytical, written, verbal, and collaborative skills. Evidence of the ability to publish research results in refereed journals is highly desired. Applicants should have a degree in biology, ecology, soil science, natural resources, environmental sciences or a related field. The assistantship includes a stipend for 3 years plus instate-fees and insurance. We prefer a start date in April or May 2012 to facilitate a field season this summer. Potential students should contact Dr. Beth Newingham (beth@uidaho.edu) in the College of Natural Resources for more information. Please send the following to Dr. Newingham: 1) a letter of interest and qualifications, 2) resume or curriculum vitae, 3) names, emails, and phone numbers of three references, 4) academic transcripts, and 5) GRE scores. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until filled. Posted: 2/24/12.
University of Idaho: Department of Fish and Wildlife. We are currently recruiting two PhD students for May 2012 to design and implement monitoring programs for (1) Sonoran pronghorn and (2) kit fox based on combining non-invasive genetic sampling with capture-recapture modeling. Both projects will involve developing a spatio-temporal sampling design for collection of fecal DNA, field sampling, laboratory genetic analyses, and mark-recapture modeling. Projects are collaborations with U.S. Department of Defense, USFWS, as well as state and university biologists. Graduate stipend is ~$20K/year and will also include payment of tuition and fees. Interested applicants should send CV/resume, cover letter/statement of purpose, transcripts, GRE scores plus names and contact info for three references to lwaits@uidaho.edu. In your statement of purpose, please indicate which species you prefer to study. Please note that we do not need official transcripts and GRE scores at this stage. If you are selected to join our research group, then we will ask you to send all official documents and 3 letters of recommendation to the University of Idaho graduate school applications office. Electronic (email) submission of applications is encouraged but mail is also fine. Application Deadline: January 15th but earlier submission is encouraged. For more information contact Drs. Lisette Waits (lwaits@uidaho.edu) or Jon Horne (jhorne@uidaho.edu). Posted: 11/21/11.
University of Idaho: We seek a highly motivated PhD student to examine ecosystem recovery after extreme wildland fire in the western United States. While post-fire recovery is often measured a few years after fire, little is known about long-term ecosystem responses and what the various ecosystem trajectories are after extreme events. This PhD position will focus on quantifying ecosystem recovery and trajectories based on field soil and vegetation indicators and may include shrubland, grassland and forest ecosystems. Research questions are flexible and may include topics related to community ecology, ecosystem ecology, restoration, and climate change. The PhD candidate will work in an interdisciplinary team in an effort to link concepts on ecosystem and human resiliency. While the student will have a disciplinary focus, collaborations will include remote sensing and social scientists. The University of Idaho is strong in interdisciplinary endeavors and provides numerous opportunities for the student to interact with others in more formal interdisciplinary programs (i.e. NSF-IGERT). We seek candidates with a high degree of analytical, written, verbal, and collaborative skills. Evidence of the ability to publish research results in refereed journals is highly desired. Applicants should have a degree in biology, ecology, soil science, natural resources, environmental sciences or a related field. The assistantship includes a stipend for 3 years plus instate-fees and insurance. We anticipate a start date of January 1, 2012, which is negotiable. Applications must include 1) a letter of interest and qualifications, 2) resume or curriculum vitae, 3) names, emails, and phone numbers of three references, 4) academic transcripts, and 5) GRE scores. Applications may be e-mailed to Beth Newingham (beth@uidaho.edu). Students must also apply to the University of Idaho College of Graduate Studies. Potential students are encouraged to contact Dr. Beth Newingham (beth@uidaho.edu) for more information. See also: College of Natural Resources Review of applications will begin November 1, 2011 and will continue until filled; earlier applications are highly encouraged. Posted: 8/4/11, revised: 9/29/11.
University of Idaho: The Department of Forest Ecology and Biogeoscience is seeking applicants for a PhD position in forest ecosystem process modeling. The ideal candidate for this position should have a strong interest in developing our understanding of the atmospheric, hydrologic, geospheric, or biological patterns and processes that drive ecological variation and the response of plants to climate change in the Rocky Mountain West. We want to determine how the processes affected by climatic shifts will scale up in mountainous ecosystems since the interactions and feedbacks that define mountainous ecosystems are not fully captured by point observations. Correspondingly, the complexities in mountainous systems are not captured in the research done on more simplified flat terrain where we often evaluate our models. Does climate change merely shift elevational transitions or create changes that can be absorbed in the natural adaptation and feedbacks within the system – or will we see catastrophic and irreversible phenomena? Such questions illustrate the complexity we confront in predicting climate change impacts in mountains and the need to evaluate estimates from process models before we can know whether we are getting accurate answers to fundamental questions for the right reasons. The student with work closely with UI faculty and U.S Forest Service scientists using newly developed high-resolution mountain air temperature and humidity data sets to examine the effects of terrain on climate, and apply that understanding and data to ecosystem models. There is some flexibility in choosing a research focus, and a range of new data and applications are available. Strong quantitative abilities and a background in quantitative computing (or a strong desire to develop skill in these areas) are required. Interested applicants should contact Dr. Kathleen Kavanagh at the University of Idaho (katyk@uidaho.edu). We are looking for someone that could start in Fall 2011 or Spring 2012. Posted: 7/11/11.
[position filled] University of Idaho: A PhD research assistantship is available to evaluate impacts of Pacific Northwest woody energy crop plantations on dynamics of soil productivity and ecohydrology. Feedstocks from large-scale poplar coppice plantations will be used for production of cellulosic biofuels in an interdisciplinary project. Soil productivity research involves assessing soil chemical, physical and biological responses to poplar coppice culture, including soil gas exchange, extracellular enzyme activity, substrate induced respiration, and ion exchange. Ecohydrology will determine storm runoff and soil erosion impacts, including off-site movement of sediments and agricultural products using automated Isco samplers. Impact assessments will compare woody coppice culture relative to traditional agricultural cropping systems. Selected candidate will meet research standards by having good work ethic, strong quantitative skills, demonstrated publication potential, and effective team-membership qualities. Prior soil and hydrology courses and work experiences are highly desirable. Fall 2011 start date is preferred, but spring 2012 will also be considered. Students can apply to graduate programs in Natural Resources or Environmental Sciences depending on interests and professional aspirations. Interested students should first email a letter describing common interests, contact information for three references, and a brief resume (including GRE scores, graduate and undergraduate transcripts, and TOEFL (where appropriate) to Mark Coleman (mcoleman@uidaho.edu). For parallel research activities see websites for Intermountain Forest Tree Nutrition Cooperative and Short Rotation Woody Crops Cooperative Research Program. Posted: 7/21/11.
University of Illinois at Chicago: Advisors: Emily Minor, primary and Kevin Matteson. We are looking for a motivated PhD student to help investigate pollinator ecology, pollination services, and social-ecological variables that might affect urban agriculture as part of NSF funded research (see details in abstract below) at the University of Illinois at Chicago. For the first two years, the student will be supported partially on a research assistantship and partially on a teaching assistantship. The successful candidate will have the ability to influence the future direction of this research and help develop proposals for additional funding. Applicants should be available to start in June of 2012 and have the following qualifications: - A B.S. degree completed by spring 2012. A master's degree is preferred but not necessary. Previous course work in ecology and some undergraduate (or graduate) research experience is mandatory. - A strong interest in urban ecology, urban agriculture, and urban sustainability - Comfort working in heavily populated neighborhoods and interacting with neighborhood residents of diverse backgrounds - A valid U.S. driver’s license - Previous experience is preferred, but not required, in the following areas: - working with bees and other insects - work with pollination biology - plant identification - digital photography (ideally of insects or plants) - use of GIS and statistical analysis - greenhouse work - driving around a large city Interested students should apply to the UIC Department of Biological Sciences, Ecology and Evolution group for fall 2012 admission. Prior to submitting an application, please email a letter of intent and your CV to Emily Minor at eminor@uic.edu. In your letter, please highlight how you meet the qualifications listed above. Project Abstract: Urban agriculture is increasing in the United States, with vegetables and fruits often grown in private and community gardens as well as larger tracts of vacant land. These small-scale agricultural efforts may contribute to urban sustainability and can provide food security for those living in low-income inner city neighborhoods with limited access to fresh produce. Despite the potential social, nutritional, and ecological benefits of urban agriculture, little is known about the pollination services that support such efforts. Many crops grown in urban gardens benefit from or are dependent on pollination by insects, especially bees. However, while studies have found some bees to be prevalent in florally-diverse urban habitats, bee diversity or abundance also has been shown to decrease with increasing urbanization. Therefore, pollinator communities may vary across the urban landscape due to local management of floral resources (e.g., flower plantings along city blocks) as well as development intensity at larger spatial scales; these factors may then influence pollination services across the urban landscape. To determine how pollination services are distributed across the urban landscape, this research will (a) evaluate changes in pollinators and their response to floral resources across a gradient of urban development, and (b) determine how these biotic changes affect the consistency and magnitude of pollination services. The research will take place in Chicago, IL, the third largest city in the United States. In addition to sampling pollinator communities, this study will use an experimental “mobile garden” on the back of a pick-up truck to directly quantify pollination services across the city. An assessment of pollination services in cities will increase understanding of the potential sustainability of urban ecosystems. This knowledge can be applied to increasing yield in urban agriculture, potentially contributing to food security in densely populated neighborhoods. This project will train undergraduate and graduate students through participation in research and educate Chicago residents about the importance of pollinators. Finally, the research will inform urban planners about the ecological attributes—at both neighborhood-block and landscape scales—that affect the ecosystem service of pollination. Posted: 10/24/11.
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign: PhD Graduate Research Assistantship: Fire and plant ecology, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences. I am seeking a highly motivated individual interested in studying plant community and ecosystem response to fire in southern Illinois forests within the Central Hardwood Region. The overall purpose of the project is to evaluate the efficacy of fire-based approaches for meeting management goals in the region in light of heterogeneity in environmental conditions, non-native species invasions, and historical factors (e.g., fire and land-use history). The project will be conducted in collaboration with scientists at the Shawnee National Forest. A similar project being conducted in central Indiana will offer additional opportunities for collaboration with scientists at the University of Florida and the Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge. Desirable qualifications include excellent written and oral communication skills, basic knowledge of quantitative methods in ecological research, an interest in field based research, and experience with GIS. Applicants should have a GPA of at least 3.25 and satisfact ry GRE scores (verbal/quantitative: 1150 combined score, analytical writing= 4.0). Applicants with a Master’s Degree in ecology, botany, forestry, or related field are preferred. Please send a cover letter that states your research interests and provides the names and contact information for three references. Also include your curriculum vitae (with GPA, and GRE scores and percentiles) and any evidence of scholarly activity (i.e., publications). Please email all application materials to Dr. Jennifer Fraterrigo (jmf@illinois.edu). Suitable candidates will be required to apply to the graduate program within the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences. Posted: 3/20/12.
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign: Phd Opportunity in Remote Sensing and Landscape Ecology. I am inviting students for doctoral work in the Department of Geography at UIUC beginning Fall 2012. My research centers on addressing questions of the impacts of climate change and land use/land cover change on vegetated ecosystems using remote sensing data. My research ranges across scales from individual plants to the globe, across many terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, and utilizes state-of-the-art remote sensing imagery including hyperspectral, hyperspatial, multitemporal, thermal, and Lidar data. Prospective graduate students will be expected to develop their own research goals, and should have curiosity, motivation, and independence. Previous research experience, programming, as well as some background or coursework in remote sensing and GIS is highly recommended. Prospective students are encouraged to visit the Greenberg lab website and email a short summary of their research interests as well as a CV to Jonathan A. Greenberg (jgrn@illinois.edu) before applying to the program. Formal applications to the Geography Department at UIUC are due February 15, but applicants who wish to be considered for financial assistance are strongly encouraged to apply by January 15. Funding is available from a variety of sources, including fellowships, research assistantships, and teaching assistantships. More information on the application process and requirements. Posted: 10/28/11.
University of Iowa: IGERT Graduate Study Opportunity - Alpine biogeography and spatial analyses. George Malanson (Geography) and Dale Zimmerman (Statistics) are looking to recruit a graduate student who would develop a research program in spatial analysis of the variation of alpine tundra across the Rocky Mountains. The research will involve analysis of spatial relations, including multiscale modeling, among areas of alpine tundra, with field data to be collected under the direction of Dan Fagre (USGS). A well-qualified candidate could be funded by the University of Iowa's IGERT program in Geoinformatics for Environmental and Energy Modeling and Prediction (GEEMaP) for two years and by a grant from NSF for two years. For more detailed information contact george-malanson@uiowa.edu. Posted: 10/28/11.
University of Kentucky: I am currently recruiting 2 MSc students in the Department of Horticulture for May or August 2012 to work on projects focused on soil quality and plant productivity in organic horticultural systems. One project will focus on developing diverse crop rotations in movable and non-movable high tunnels, and exploring the economic tradeoffs and environmental benefits of incorporating agroecological approaches into intensified organic vegetable production. The second project will focus on optimizing organic conservation tillage across a range of production scales. Both projects will involve field sampling of plants and soils, laboratory analysis of soil nutrients, and analysis of production economics. Students will be encouraged to develop interdisciplinary, systems level approaches and exercise their creative intellect on both of these projects. Work will take place at the University of Kentucky Organic Farming Unit, in collaboration with a vibrant team of students, staff and faculty. The UK OFU is home to the UK Sustainable Agriculture Program Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) project, and is a highly visible venue for teaching, research and extension in sustainable horticultural systems only 5 miles from campus. Students will be expected to work extensively in the field with support staff to maintain their experimental systems, so experience or interest in organic horticultural production is desired. Students with educational background/training/experience in horticulture, ecology, plant and soil science, natural resource management or related areas are encouraged to apply. Strong verbal, written and analytical skills, as well as a strong academic drive are essential. Interested applicants should send their CV, statement of purpose/cover letter, GRE scores (unofficial is acceptable at this phase), and contact information for 3 references. Selection of a student will be based on academic achievements, a passion for sustainable agriculture and organic horticulture, reference letters and applicable previous research experience. Successful applicants will be asked to apply to UK’s Plant and Soil Science Graduate Program. Interested parties should submit their information by January 15th but earlier submission is highly encouraged. For more information contact Dr. Krista Jacobsen at Krista.jacobsen@uky.edu. Posted: 11/22/11.
University of Konstanz: PhD project position in Germany: Testing the relative roles of competition and plant-soil feedbacks in explaining commonness and rarity of alien and native plants. Project supervisors- Prof. Mark van Kleunen, Dr. Wayne Dawson Stabilising mechanisms, such as resource-partitioning and density-dependent soil pests and pathogens, are considered to be crucial for plant species coexistence. The role of these stabilising mechanisms in explaining variation in abundance of plant species has received recent attention, as common species may suffer less from competition, or less from soil pests and pathogens at high density, compared to rare species. This PhD position will involve conducting field and greenhouse experiments, to tease apart the relative roles of soil pests and pathogens and competition in explaining commonness of both native and alien plant species occurring in Germany. The position will start from the 1st May. The successful candidate should ideally have some experimental experience working with plants, as well as experience in analysing ecological data. Applicants should send a letter of application, explaining your motivation, research interests and relevant experience as well as a CV and contact details of at least two referees, to Wayne Dawson (wayne.dawson@uni-konstanz.de) by 31st March. Posted: 2/20/12.
University of Louisiana: Doctoral Fellowships and other assistantships available for entering Ph.D. students in Environmental and Evolutionary Biology. We will be awarding University of Louisiana Fellowships and Board of Regents Fellowships to Ph.D. students entering Fall 2012. UL Fellows are funded for 3-4 years and have limited teaching responsibilities, while BoR Fellows are funded for 4 years at and have no formal teaching duties. Stipends are up to $27k per year (with tuition waiver). Eligibility requirements include US citizenship (or permanent residency) or degree from a US institution. We will also have teaching and research assistantships available for incoming Ph.D. students. Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to directly contact prospective advisors. Their contact information and research interests can be found on the Department of Biology web site, which also has a link to our graduate programs. The Department has approximately 75 graduate students and 25 graduate faculty members conducting research on a wide variety of topics. Posted: 11/1/11.
University of Louisiana: The Department of Biology has fellowships available in January 2012 for doctoral students interested in their degree program in Environmental and Evolutionary Biology. Fellowships carry full tuition waivers and stipends between $16k (9 months) and $26k (12 months). More information about graduate admission and fellowship application and other financial support. Fellowship funding is generally restricted to US citizens and permanent residents. Fellows typically have GPAs above 3.50 and combined GRE scores above 1200 although exceptions can be made for applicants with strong research backgrounds. Other sources of funding are available to international applicants. I am recruiting potential fellows to work in my research program in the genetics of bioenergy crops. Please contact Yi-Hong Wang (yxw9887@louisiana.edu) if you are interested. Posted: 9/12/11.
University of Louisiana at Monroe: Up to two M.S. positions are available in the Department of Biology to study the evolutionary ecology of land snails starting mid-August 2012. Students will take an integrative approach to examining the relationships between niche breadth and shell shape in sympatric land snails using GIS data and geometric morphometrics. The successful applicants will have experience with GIS software (e.g. ArcView) and be comfortable using computers. These projects are lab based; little to no field work is planned. All applicants must have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.5 and a minimum equivalency of 900 on the GRE (M+V) to be eligible for an assistantship. The successful applicant will also have experience manipulating and analyzing GIS data. Pending availability, teaching assistantships pay $8,000 / 9 months plus tuition waiver. Interested students should contact Dr. Russ Minton (minton@ulm.edu; 318-342-1795) immediately so that applications can be received and processed as soon as possible. Posted: 5/7/12.
University of Louisiana at Monroe: MS Assistantship - Carbon Estimation. The Department of Biology is seeking candidates (two) for MS Assistantships beginning in Aug. 2012. The successful applicants will join the Plant Ecology Laboratory to design a study that will enable estimation of carbon budget in Bottomland Hardwood forests - a part of a funded project. Successful candidates will work with Dr. Joydeep Bhattacharjee in, 1) establishing a carbon dioxide - water vapor flux tower, 2) designing and setting up the experiment in a Bottomland Hardwood, and 3) collection of data, both meteorological and vegetation. The candidates will also work closely with faculties in Atmospheric Sciences (at ULM) and State Wildlife and Fisheries personnel. Qualifications: BS in forestry, ecology or related discipline, GPA > 3.3, combined GRE > 1200, excellent writing, communication, and quantitative skills, demonstrated ability to work independently. Submit a cover letter (e-mail preferred) detailing your qualifications, resume, copies of transcripts (unofficial will be accepted during the initial stages of the application procedure) and GRE scores, and names and telephone numbers of 3 references to: Dr. Joydeep Bhattacharjee (joydeep@ulm.edu), Department of Biology, 700 University Avenue, University of Louisiana, Monroe, Monroe, LA - 71209. Salary: $9000 (9 months) + Tuition Waiver + (Funds are available for Summer research support). Apply by: June 1, 2012. Posted: 4/25/12.
University of Louisiana at Monroe: A M.S. position is available to study soil microbe diversity at Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge. The successful applicant will use deep-sequencing methods to identify soil microbes and to compare diversity among collection sites. Applicants should have experience working in a lab setting and should be comfortable using computers. Applicants will be eligible for competitive teaching assistantships paying $8,000 per academic year along with tuition waiver. ULM is located in Monroe, LA, the metropolitan center for the Louisiana delta parishes serving ~400,000 people in the region. Qualifications: Applicants must have completed a B.S. in Biology or related field by summer 2012. Applicants must also have a 2.5 undergraduate GPA and a 900 GRE score at minimum. Individuals already holding a masters degree in Biology or a related field will be given lower priority. Salary: $8,000 + tuition waiver / 9 mo. Summer teaching assistantships may be available. Interested applicants should contact Dr. Russ Minton (minton@ulm.edu). Posted: 4/10/12.
University of Maine: A PhD assistantship (including a stipend, tuition, health insurance) is available in the Department of Wildlife Ecology beginning September 2012 to study relationships between forest bird community composition and forest harvest practices in northern Maine, with a focus on priority species dependent on conifer forests. The research will evaluate if forest harvest approaches used in conifer-dominated stands retain the species composition and structural attributes necessary to support an intact and productive avian community that includes federal priority species. The Ph.D. dissertation will relate avian diversity and abundance to stand composition and structural attributes in forests that have been harvested with a range of intensities along a temporal gradient and quantify relationships between avian community composition and forest harvest pattern in the landscape. Prior experience with forest bird surveys and experience in GIS and spatial analysis are desired. An M.S. degree is required. We seek outstanding applicants with relevant coursework and research experience in the following areas: wildlife biology, ecology, zoology, or forest ecosystems. Stipend level (minimum $18k annually) will be based on relevant experience and coursework. Please send pre-applications of a cover letter expressing interest in the position, CV, and unofficial copies of transcripts to Drs. Cynthia Loftin (Cynthia.Loftin@maine.edu) and Daniel Harrison (Harrison@maine.edu), with subject line Forest Birds Ph.D. Assistantship. Posted: 5/18/12.
University of Maine: A PhD assistantship ($25K stipend plus tuition and contribution to health insurance costs) is available beginning September 2012 to study native bee conservation from a landscape ecology perspective. The grant supporting this research is part of a multi-state, interdisciplinary study examining ecology and conservation biology of native bee pollinators of wild blueberries, apples, selected vegetables, and cranberries to understand relationships of landscape condition and pollination security in Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, and Maryland. The Ph.D. dissertation will focus on spatial analyses and model development to understand relationships between landscape conditions and pollinator communities, with focus on wild blueberries in Maine. The doctoral student will provide GIS support to the multi-state interdisciplinary team. Prior coursework and experience in GIS and ecological or spatial modeling are desired. An M.S. degree is required. Please send a cover letter expressing interest in the position, CV, GRE scores, and transcripts to Dr. Cynthia Loftin (Cynthia.Loftin@maine.edu). Posted: 2/9/12, revised: 3/30/12.
University of Maine: Doctoral Research Assistantship in Sustainability Science. Maine’s Sustainability Solutions Initiative (SSI) at the University of Maine offers unprecedented opportunities for graduate students to experience a truly interdisciplinary learning experience through a $20 million, 5-year program funded by NSF’s EPSCoR program. The SSI’s mission is to create an integrative research program and strong stakeholder partnerships to generate improved solutions to intersecting ecological, social, and economic challenges in and beyond Maine. One SSI project is an interdisciplinary research program focused on the social and ecological aspects of tidal power development. We seek a Social Science doctoral research assistant interested in working on sustainability science research focused on understanding how to effectively link knowledge to action for the responsible development of tidal power. Some key research areas on this project are (1) stakeholder perceptions related to tidal energy development, (2) data collection on the potential social and economic impacts of tidal power development, and (3) the development of stakeholder and community engagement models to effectively link scientific and community knowledge for improved decision-making related to tidal power development. This research is ongoing and a student is needed immediately. Qualifications: A degree (preference given to individuals with an Master’s) in anthropology, human ecology, sociology, geography, communication, or a related social science field; excellent GPA and GRE scores; strong communication and writing skills; and the ability to work collaboratively with a large and diverse group of researchers and stakeholders. Candidates should also have some experience collecting and analyzing social science data. Some background in a natural science is preferred, but not required. Support includes a fellowship of $20-25,000/year for three years, a tuition waiver, subsidy for health insurance, and funds for field research. Application Procedures: Please submit the following information to Teresa Johnson, Assistant Professor, University of Maine, teresa.johnson@maine.edu with subject line “SSI Tidal Power Research Assistantship.” • A letter detailing your interest in this position specifically and the goals of the SSI in general; • A resume; • Scanned GRE scores and transcripts; and • Names, phone numbers, and email addresses of three references familiar with your academic and research history. Posted: 9/1/11.
University of Mainz: The Faculty 10 Biology, Zoological Institute, Department Evolutionary Biology is searching for 2 doctoral Students (3 years - 50-65% TVL E13) in the research area Behavioral Ecology and Evolutionary Biology ants. Application is possible until positions filled, for full consideration, apply by 30th Sept. 2011. We invite applications for the two positions for doctoral students, which are funded by the German Science Foundation (DFG). The projects analyze the evolution of resistance and virulence in structured populations of slavemaking ants and their hosts and natural selection on the behavior and composition ant societies, including the evolution of colony personalities. The scientific projects include the field studies, behavioral observations, genetic, chemical and immunological analyses. Information on our scientific work including recent publications can be found under http://www.bio.uni-mainz.de/zoo/evobio/. For further information, please contact foitzik@uni-mainz.de. Interested candidates should send an application (as a single e-mail attachment) containing a CV, PDF of their Master or Diplom Thesis, a list of publications a motivation letter and two letters of reference to: Prof. Dr. Susanne Foitzik, Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Zoology, Johannes-v.- Müller-Weg 6, 55099 Mainz, Germany, +49 6131 39 27 840, foitzik@uni-mainz.de. Starting date for the position is October 15st 2011, but is negotiable. Posted: 9/6/11.
University of Manitoba: Interested in studying insect ecology at multiple spatial scales? Potential research topics include relationships among landscape structure, natural enemy biodiversity, and herbivore insect control; multi-trophic interactions within natural enemy guilds; and sustainable management of agricultural pests. We combine field and lab experiments to explore these topics. Start summer or fall 2012. For more information see Ale Costamagna, or contact Ale_Costamagna@umanitoba.ca. Posted: 12/22/11.
University of Manitoba: Ph.D. or M.Sc. opportunity in Behavioural Ecology. The Waterman lab is looking for graduate students to study mating tactics, sociality and parasitism in Cape ground squirrels in southern Africa and other species of North American ground squirrels. The purpose of this research is to test critical hypotheses about the evolution of social behavior and sexual selection using a combination of behavioural, physiological and molecular techniques. In the past, we have used field and laboratory methods to examine alternative reproductive tactics, parasitism, mating systems, and the costs and benefits of grouping in Africa ground squirrels. Students with interests in studying sociality, cooperative breeding, sperm competition, interspecific interactions, as well as the impacts of parasites and diseases on sociality are encouraged to apply. The project on the cooperative breeding Cape ground squirrel requires students to spend time at a field site in South Africa. Experience with laboratory techniques and field work would be an advantage but is not required. Interested applicants should email a CV, unofficial transcripts and a preliminary statement of research interests to Dr. Jane Waterman (jane_waterman@umanitoba.ca), Dept. of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB. Posted: 11/9/11.
University of Maryland: open position for a motivated MSc student interested in studying the impacts of sea level rise on coastal ecosystems. The student would join a team of ecologists, geomorphologists, and remote-sensing scientists working to develop novel approaches to quantify how sea level rise could alter patterns of biodiversity in coastal marshes along the Potomac River (see Predicting Vulnerability to Sea Level Rise for details). There are numerous opportunities for a student to extend the broader project objectives to include specific ideas the student is interested in pursuing. This is an ideal project for an individual interested in working at the interface of theoretical and applied ecology, while developing the following set of skills: - statistical modeling generally and species distribution modeling in particular - spatial analysis, including GIS - remote sensing - Computer programming, with an emphasis on the R statistical language. The project is based at the Appalachian Laboratory in Frostburg, Maryland, with Matt Fitzpatrick, Andrew Elmore, and Katia Engelhardt. Student support has been secured through funding from the National Park Service. The student will matriculate through the Marine, Estuarine, and Environmental Sciences Program (MEES) at the University of Maryland, College Park. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled, with an anticipated start date of Fall semester 2012. To apply, please email as a *single pdf* document: (1) a statement of interest, (2) a CV, and (3) contact information for three referees to mfitzpatrick@umces.edu. Posted: 5/2/12.
University of Maryland: We invite applications for either a Master's or a PhD student interested in global change and ecosystem ecology. The student can apply to either the MEES (Marine-Estuarine-Environmental Sciences) or Environmental Science & Technology program. The student will be part of an interdisciplinary team of scientists from the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) and the University of Maryland. Research will primarily be conducted at the Smithsonian Global Change Research Wetland, home to several tidal wetland global change experiments. The student will work closely with Smithsonian Institution and University of Maryland faculty on a newly funded experiment (Maryland Sea Grant) to examine the interactions between invasive plant genetic diversity and global change factors (elevated CO2 & Nitrogen pollution) on plant invasion in tidal wetlands. We seek exemplary students that also have interests in translating the results of his/her research into potential policy and action plans for land managers. The student will also have the opportunity to become involved in a watershed scale restoration project. Potential areas of interest include, but are not limited to: Biogeochemistry, Plant Physiology, Population Genetics, and Restoration Ecology. Pending acceptance, the student will be fully funded by RESEARCH ASSISTANTSHIP for TWO years, with the possibility of an additional two years. Tuition remission at the University of Maryland and full health insurance are also provided. Preferred start date would be June 2012. Applications must be received by February 17th for the MEES Program, and there is some flexibility for students interested in pursuing the Environmental Science & Technology program. Interested students should contact Dr. Thomas Mozdzer (mozdzert@si.edu). Posted: 2/10/12.
University of Maryland: we are seeking a motivated MSc or PhD student interested in modeling patterns of biodiversity in stream ecosystems. The student would join a team of ecologists, remote-sensing scientists, and graduate students working to develop novel statistical methods to map assemblages of fish and benthic macroinvertebrates in Maryland streams and to determine how urbanization has resulted in the loss of stream biodiversity. Within this framework, there are numerous opportunities for a student to extend the broader project objectives to include aspects of stream restoration prioritization, land use change modeling, water quality or stream temperature modeling, analyzing field observations for model validation, or any number of ideas the student is interested in pursuing. A necessary component of the student project involves interfacing with resource managers to ensure project outcomes are of greatest benefit to the conservation of aquatic ecosystems in Maryland. This is an ideal project for an individual interested in working at the interface of theoretical and applied ecology, while developing the following set of skills: - statistical modeling generally and species distribution modeling in particular - spatial analysis, including GIS - remote sensing - Computer programming, with an emphasis on the R statistical language. The project is based at the Appalachian Laboratory in Frostburg, Maryland, with Matt Fitzpatrick and Andrew Elmore. Student support has been secured through a fellowship from Maryland Sea Grant. The student will matriculate through the Marine, Estuarine, and Environmental Sciences Program (MEES) at the University of Maryland, College Park. To apply, please email as a single pdf document: (1) a statement of interest, (2) a CV, and (3) contact information for three referees to Matt Fitzpatrick (mfitzpatrick@umces.edu). Review of applications will begin on February 13th, 2012, with a start date of no later than Fall semester 2012. Full job ad. Posted: 1/18/12.
University of Maryland, Baltimore County: The Department of Geography & Environmental Systems (GES) welcomes applications for its multi-disciplinary graduate program for Fall 2012. GES is a program with an emphasis on examining the dynamic relationship between natural and social processes. We recognize that human-environment relationships encompass a wide range of political, cultural, chemical, biological, economic, and atmospheric phenomena, and are committed to integrative research and graduate training that reflects the current complexity of environmental issues. Our faculty have active research and teaching agendas related to all of these areas. We utilize a broad range of methodological techniques that include field and laboratory studies, modeling, GIS and remote sensing, spatial statistics, historical research, ethnography, interviews, and document analysis. Our research seeks to contribute to cutting edge debates across the natural and social sciences, as well as inform policy through our empirical findings. Our program of graduate study is designed to train graduate students who are able to accomplish these same goals. The Department offers graduate programs leading to the M.S and/or Ph.D degree. Both non-thesis and thesis M.S. options are available. The application deadline for Fall 2012 admission is February 1, 2012. Applications can be completed online. Posted: 12/19/11.
University of Massachusetts - Amherst: PhD Assistantship – Arctic Carbon Cycle Modeling. The Climate System Research Center seeks a PhD student to join a project funded by NASA. The research centers on estimation of carbon dioxide and methane fluxes across tundra and boreal forest regions of northern Eurasia using numerical modeling and remote sensing approaches. It involves collaboration with researchers working in hydrology, ecology, and remote sensing at the University of Massachusetts, the University of Washington, and the City College of New York. The ideal candidate should have quantitative and numerical modeling experience in a linux/unix environment. Ability to analyze large spatial data sets is also desirable. Applicants with a Masters degree in geosciences, hydrology, physical geography, mathematics, computer science, or related disciplines are encouraged to apply. Highly motivated recent BS graduates will also be considered. The candidate research assistant will enroll in the UMass Department of Geosciences PhD program. Research at the Climate System Research Center is focused on the climate system, climatic variability and global change issues, from contemporary climate variations, their causes and consequences, to paleoclimatic and paleoenvironmental changes. Please send a description of your research interests, a full curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references to Michael Rawlins (rawlins@geo.umass.edu). Review of applications will begin in mid February 2012. Posted: 1/27/12.
University of Minnesota: PhD Assistantship in Applied Forest Ecology and Silviculture. The Department of Forest Resources is seeking a PhD-level graduate student to participate in a research project examining the response of lowland black ash forests to simulated emerald ash borer mortality and silvicultural treatments aimed at conferring resilience to this introduced insect. Given the role black ash plays as a foundation species in these systems, mortality due to this introduced insect are likely to have dramatic ecological and hydrologic impacts. The student will join a team of collaborators from the University of Minnesota and USDA Forest Service-Northern Research Station to provide an assessment of these impacts on this regionally important forest type within the Lake States. Within the larger project, the student will be responsible for developing a PhD study to examine how black ash mortality, through both EAB and forest harvesting, affects forest regeneration and understory plant community dynamics. Research will involve extensive field work across northern Minnesota and the student will be responsible for conducting field and lab work in support of project goals, supervising field and lab assistants, analyzing data and preparing peer-reviewed publications. The start date is somewhat flexible, but preferably the student will begin field work in Summer 2012 with classes beginning in Fall 2012. There are four years of funding for this position (stipend, tuition waiver, and health insurance). Qualifications: M.S. in forest ecology, forestry, silviculture, or a closely related field. Applicants should be able to work independently, but also cooperatively with other researchers in the lab and on the larger project. Applicants should also have a strong work ethic, demonstrated writing and quantitative capabilities, and a record of leadership. Deadline for receiving applications is December 15, 2011. Interested candidates should contact: Dr. Anthony D'Amato (damato@umn.edu, 612-625-3733). Posted: 9/6/11.
University of Mississippi: Two graduate assistantships are available to study the microbial biogeography of large rivers in the Mississippi River Basin. The aim of the project is to examine spatial and temporal patterns in microbial community diversity and physiological potential within this large river system. The research will involve field sampling on five large rivers, and molecular analyses of community diversity. Ideal candidates will have basic experience in aquatic ecology and microbiology, however comprehensive training in all techniques will be provided. Additional information can be found here. Positions are available starting January 2012, with the potential to delay until summer 2012 if needed. Assistantships include a stipend, and cover tuition and health insurance. Interested students should contact Dr. Colin Jackson (cjackson@olemiss.edu) or Dr. Clifford Ochs (byochs@olemiss.edu) for more information. Posted: 10/25/11.
University of Mississippi: Graduate fellowships are available for students to pursue a Master of Science or Ph.D. degree in the area of forest restoration ecology and management through the Department of Biology at the University of Mississippi. Participating students would have several unique and exciting opportunities, including a summer internship with a successful forest restoration project in British Columbia, Canada; participation in collaborative research on forest restoration and fire ecology in northern Mississippi; coursework in forest restoration ecology, research methods, and professional development; and supported travel to meetings. Each student will choose to work with one or more faculty advisors (Drs. Steve Brewer, Jason Hoeksema, Colin Jackson, and Brice Noonan) specializing in particular forest ecological processes and organisms. We especially encourage applications from students interested in plant community responses to restoration (Brewer), belowground processes and soil microorganisms (Jackson & Hoeksema), and forest amphibians (Noonan), although all areas of interest will be considered. Collaborative research across more than one research topic is encouraged. Students will receive stipend support of $18,000 (Master¹s) or $24,000 (Ph.D.) per year and a waiver of graduate tuition through a United States Department of Agriculture graduate training fellowship. Fellowships are only available to U.S. citizens and nationals. The University of Mississippi is located in Oxford, Mississippi, a small college town in the forested uplands of northern Mississippi known for its outstanding educational and cultural opportunities. Starting date for the fellowships is August 2012. For more information and instructions on how to apply, please see the website or contact Dr. Steve Brewer (jbrewer@olemiss.edu). Applications for will be accepted until February 1, 2012, or until all positions are filled. Posted: 10/10/11.
University of Mississippi: Two graduate assistantships are available to study the microbial ecology of large rivers in the Mississippi River Basin as part of an NSF-funded research project. The aim of the research is to examine biogeographical patterns in microbial community diversity and physiological potential within this large river system. The research will involve both laboratory analyses and field sampling on five large rivers. Ideal candidates will have experience in aquatic ecology and microbiology, however comprehensive training in all techniques will be provided. Positions are available starting January 2012, with the potential to delay until summer 2012 if needed. Assistantships include a stipend of $18k and also cover tuition and health insurance. Interested students should contact Dr. Colin Jackson (cjackson@olemiss.edu) or Dr. Clifford Ochs (byochs@olemiss.edu) for more information. The university is located in Oxford, Mississippi, a town that is often regarded as one of the best small college towns in the US. The town is affordable and offers a variety of cultural and recreational opportunities. The Department of Biology has a vibrant graduate program that offers both Ph.D. and Master’s degrees in Biology. Posted: 9/23/11.
University of Missouri: The Interdisciplinary Hydrology Laboratory is seeking two Ph.D. graduate research assistants (GRA) to conduct independent studies on water quality (Position 1) and urban forest carbon (C) sequestration and climate mitigation (Position 2) in a dynamic multi-land-use urbanizing watershed of the central U.S. The study takes place in the Hinkson Creek Watershed (HCW) encompassing the city of Columbia and the University of Missouri. The Interdisciplinary Hydrology Laboratory is located in the School of Natural Resources, Department of Forestry of the University of Missouri. For Position 1, primary duties will include every-other-day water sampling, water quality analyses, and maintenance of permanent monitoring sites in the HCW. Other duties will include ordering supplies and overseeing undergraduate technicians who will assist with laboratory work. Position 2 encompasses the quantification of a) total C storage and flux above and below ground in six sites along an urbanization gradient and b) localized microclimate and energy flux variability influenced by the presence, absence, and density of tree canopies. Applicants must possess a master’s degree and have completed at least one degree in natural resources, ecology, environmental sciences, physical hydrology, water quality, or a related field. Experience in stream measurements, data processing, analysis and modeling, water quality monitoring, soil physics, GIS, and computer programming (Position 1) or a background in C biogeochemical cycling and measurement in C pools and fluxes (Position 2) are a plus. Strong verbal, written, and computational skills are essential. Successful applicants will be required to work collaboratively and independently, conduct field work under variable weather conditions, and aid in installation and maintenance of instruments and monitoring sites. Therefore, applicants must possess a valid US driver's license and be able to lift and carry equipment and tools. If interested in applying, please forward by email the following documents: transcript, curriculum vitae, recent GRE scores, recent TOEFL scores (international students only), cover letter (including academic, research and professional goals and interests), and the names and contact information of three references to: Dr. Jason Hubbart, Department of Forestry, University of Missouri, 203-Q ABNR Bldg, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; Tel No. (573) 884-7732; Fax: (573) 882-1979; Email: HubbartJ@Missouri.edu. Posted: 3/27/12, revised: 4/10/12.
University of Montana: One graduate student position (M.S.) will be available beginning in summer 2012 as part of a collaborative NSF-funded research project examining paleoecological, climatic, and genetic evidence for putative glacial refugia in the Pacific Northwest of the U.S. The graduate student will develop and implement methods for modeling tree species distributions using downscaled paleoclimatic data for the region. The graduate student will have the opportunity to develop their own research goals within the larger context of this project. Applicants should have a degree in ecology, climate science, forestry, computer science, or related field and have demonstrated creativity, motivation, andindependence in their previous work. Previous research experience, programming skills (e.g. R or Python), raster analysis skills, and statistical modeling skills are preferred qualifications. Prospective students are encouraged to visit my Forest Landscape Ecology Lab website and should email me their CV, GPA, GRE scores, copy of transcripts, and a short summary of their research interests to solomon.dobrowski@cfc.umt.edu before applying to the program. Details about the College of Forestry and Conservation and application requirements. Posted: 4/11/12.
University of Montana: Graduate Fellowship available to study forest ecology and/or restoration. The successful applicant will develop and implement an independent dissertation research project and will have the distinction of being named the College of Forestry and Conservation Plum Creek Fellow. Responsibilities associated with this position include coordination of the annual Plum Creek Lecture Series. Support package includes tuition waiver and stipend of $16k/yr, renewable for up to 3 years contingent on satisfactory performance and degree progress. Forest Ecology Lab. Required qualifications: excellent academic record; prior research experience. Preferred: publication in a peer reviewed journal; experience with event planning and outreach; field experience in ecology or a related field. Start date: August 15, 2012. Review will begin April 9, 2012 and continue until the position is filled. To apply, please send (1) a letter of interest, including research interests, career goals and relevant past experiences; (2) a resume or CV; (3) GRE scores (must be taken after August 2011); (4) unofficial academic transcripts; and (5) contact telephone numbers and email addresses for three references. Submit application materials as a single pdf file by e-mail. Address applications to Andrew J. Larson, Assistant Professor of Forest Ecology. E-mail: andrew.larson@cfc.umt.edu. Posted: 3/28/12.
University of Montana: One graduate student position (PhD) will be available beginning in July 2012 as part of a collaborative NSF-funded research project examining paleoecological, climatic, and genetic evidence for putative glacial refugia in the Pacific Northwest of the U.S. The graduate student will develop and implement methods for downscaling regional paleoclimatic reconstructions using contemporary climate and terrain data and will develop species distribution models using this downscaled data. The graduate student will have the opportunity to develop their own research goals within the larger context of this project. Applicants should have a degree in ecology, climate science, forestry, computer science, or related field and have demonstrated creativity, motivation, and independence in their previous work. A master's degree, previous research experience, programming skills (e.g. R or Python), raster analysis skills, and statistical modeling skills are preferred qualifications. Prospective students are encouraged to visit my website (Solomon Dobrowski) and should email me their CV, GPA, GRE scores, copy of transcripts, and a short summary of their research interests to solomon.dobrowski@cfc.umt.edu before applying to the program. Details about the College of Forestry and Conservation and application requirements. Posted: 12/15/11.
University of Montana: PhD Graduate Research Assistantship available to study the ecology of whitebark pine and the efficacy and ecological effects of treatments to restore this threatened high-elevation species. The successful applicant will contribute to investigations of the effects of restoration treatments on recruitment, growth, and survival of whitebark pine, in addition to developing independent, complementary dissertation research. Possible focal areas for dissertation include effects of restoration treatments on: (1) whitebark pine seed quality and outplanting success; 2) natural regeneration of whitebark pine; and 3) successional dynamics of whitebark pine ecosystems. Other aspects of the ecology of whitebark are also possible. Applicants should have an excellent academic record; prior field or greenhouse experience; and strong interest in forest ecology and restoration. Support package consists of up to 6 semesters of salary and tuition waiver. Start date: As early as October 1, 2011 and no later than January 15, 2012. To apply, please send (1) a letter of interest, including career goals and relevant past experiences; (2) a resume or CV; (3) GRE scores; (4) academic transcripts; and (5) contact telephone numbers and email addresses for three references. Submission of application materials by e-mail is preferred. Address applications to Andrew J. Larson, College of Forestry and Conservation, University of Montana, 32 Campus Drive, Missoula, MT 59812. E-mail: andrew.larson@cfc.umt.edu. Posted: 9/16/11.
University of Nebraska-Lincoln: M.S. or Ph.D. Graduate Research Assistantship: Behavior of prairie grouse near wind turbines. The successful applicant will begin in August, 2012 and pursue a M.S. or Ph.D. in Natural Resource Sciences and may specialize in Wildlife Ecology, Applied Ecology, or Adaptive Management. The students will be co-advised by Dr. Larkin Powell (UNL) and Dr. Mary Bomberger Brown (UNL) with support from Dr. Edward Walsh (Developmental Auditory Physiology Lab, Boys Town National Research Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska). Other team members include Dr. TJ Fontaine (USGS Coop Unit), Dr. Walter Schacht (UNL), Dr. LaReesa Wolfenbarger (University of Nebraska at Omaha; UNO), Dr. John McCarty (UNO), and Caroline Jezierski, M.S. The project's overall purpose is to provide information to guide wind energy development in areas of concern for species of prairie grouse (prairie-chickens and sharp-tailed grouse). We seek a graduate student who will conduct a field study to identify effects of wind farm infrastructure on behavior of greater prairie-chickens and sharp-tailed grouse. Research may include patterns of female attendance, male signaling on leks, and auditory signal interference by wind and turbines. Applicants should (1) be able to perform moderate physical tasks, (2) show evidence of excellent written and oral communication abilities, (3) have knowledge of basic quantitative methods in ecological research (transcripts should show good performance in quantitative courses), (4) have M.S. in a related field for Ph.D program applicants, or B.S. degree for M.S. applicants), (5) have a GPA of at least 3.25, and (6) have satisfactory GRE scores (verbal/quantitative: 1120 combined score, analytical writing: 4.0). International applications that meet requirements are encouraged; such applicants for whom English is not the primary language must have the following scores on the TOEFL exam (550 paper-based, 213 computer-based, 79 web-based). Other entrance requirements. Preference will be given to applicants with experience in research, animal handling, behavioral and/or auditory data, private land manager and stakeholder relationships, habitat measurements, or wildlife capture and/or surveys. Ph.D. annual stipend: $18k, M.S. annual stipend: $16.5k. Research assistantship includes substantial benefits including health insurance and full tuition waiver. Funding for this project includes research funds, travel funds, publication costs, and 4 years of stipend support, pending satisfactory progress of the student. Review of applications will begin immediately. To apply, please mail or email a letter of interest, CV or resume, unofficial copies of transcripts and unofficial GRE scores (or ranges provided for preliminary scores), and contact information for at least 3 references to: Dr. Larkin Powell (lpowell3@unl.edu), School of Natural Resources, 419 Hardin Hall, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68583-0974; e-mail applications preferred. The selected applicant will be asked to officially apply to UNL's graduate program. Posted: 3/12/12.
University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Ph.D. Graduate Research Assistantship (2): Assessment of demographic and behavioral effects of wind turbines on prairie grouse, to begin in August, 2012. The successful applicant will pursue a Ph.D. in Natural Resource Sciences and may specialize in Applied Ecology or Adaptive Management. The students will be advised by Dr. Larkin Powell (UNL) and may be co-advised or supported by a team that includes Dr. TJ Fontaine (USGS Coop Unit), Dr. Mary Bomberger Brown (UNL), Dr. Walter Schacht (UNL), Dr. LaReesa Wolfenbarger (University of Nebraska at Omaha; UNO), Dr. John McCarty (UNO), and Dr. Edward Walsh (Boys Town National Research Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska). Caroline Jezierski, M.S., will also support this project as the Program Coordinator for the Nebraska Wind and Wildlife Project. The project's overall purpose is to provide information to guide wind energy development in areas of concern for species of prairie grouse (prairie-chickens and sharp-tailed grouse). Our team has been formed to conduct a field study to identify effects of wind farm infrastructure on reproductive ecology and behavior of greater prairie-chickens and sharp-tailed grouse, as well as to identify indirect effects of predator presence on prairie grouse. Requirements: Applicants should (1) be able to perform moderate physical tasks, (2) show evidence of excellent written and oral communication abilities, (3) have knowledge of basic quantitative methods in ecological research (transcripts should show good performance in quantitative courses), (4) have M.S. in a related field (or B.S. degree with extensive experience and aptitude to go directly to Ph.D.), (5) have a GPA of at least 3.25, and (6) have satisfactory GRE scores (v/q: 1120 combined score, analytical writing: 4.0). International applications that meet requirements are encouraged; such applicants for whom English is not the primary language must have the following scores on the TOEFL exam (550 paper-based, 213 computer-based, 79 web-based). See entrance requirements. reference will be given to applicants with experience in research, animal handling, behavioral and/or auditory data, private land manager and stakeholder relationships, habitat measurements, or wildlife capture and/or surveys. Ph.D. annual stipend: $18k plus benefits and full tuition waiver. Funding for this project includes research funds, travel funds, publication costs, and 4 years of stipend support, pending satisfactory progress of the student. Review of applications will begin immediately. To apply, please mail or email a letter of interest, CV or resume, unofficial copies of transcripts and unofficial GRE scores (or ranges provided for preliminary scores), and contact information for at least 3 references to: Dr. Larkin Powell, School of Natural Resources, 419 Hardin Hall, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68583-0974; e-mail applications preferred: lpowell3@unl.edu. The selected applicant will be asked to officially apply to the graduate program. Posted: 1/30/12.
University of Nebraska-Lincoln: The Soil Microbial Ecology Group is seeking a highly motivated M.S. or Ph.D. student to further our understanding of the arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis to the phosphorus nutrition of maize and soybean grown at high yield. To complement our current field research, the student will develop greenhouse based trials to address specific hypotheses related to plant P transporter activity under various abiotic stressors of relevance to high yielding agricultural systems in the face of climate change. Applicants require a BS degree or MS degree in biology, biochemistry, soil science, agronomy or related discipline. Preference will be given to students with a strong biochemistry/molecular biology background. Interested parties should send a statement of research interest, resume, unofficial transcripts & 3 references via email to Dr. Rhae Drijber, Department of Agronomy & Horticulture, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583-0915. rdrijber1@unl.edu, 402-472-0770. Selected applicants will be contacted to submit a formal application (see graduate studies). Posted: 1/6/12.
University of Nebraska - Lincoln: The Aquatic Ecology Lab is searching for qualified M.S. or Ph.D. students to work on an NSF-funded study on the interactions of carbon, nitrogen and sulfur cycling in a recently restored coastal plains wetland experiencing salt water intrusion. This project is a collaboration between UNL (Burgin Lab), Duke University (Bernhardt Lab) and Montana State University (Fluvial Landscape Lab). The student will be advised by Dr. Amy Burgin and enrolled in the School of Natural Resources at UNL, but will be expected to collaborate with the project participants, which will require frequent travel to the field site in coastal North Carolina. Qualifications: The successful applicants will have an outstanding academic background including a B.S. or M.S. degree in Biology, Chemistry, Ecology, Natural Resources, or a closely related field. This project requires an exceptional work ethic, strong interpersonal skills, strong English writing and oral communication skills, and field-based and/or lab-based research experiences. Preference will be given to applicants with prior experiences in one or more of the following: soil and water chemistry, microbial metabolism assays, and stable and/or radio isotopes. Potential candidates who meet the stated qualifications should send a cover letter detailing your research interests and career aspirations, a CV, photocopy or scan of transcripts and GRE scores, and contact information for 3 references to burginam at gmail.com with the subject line “TOWeR student”. Given the on-going nature of the project, the *preferred starting date is January 2012*, though later dates will be considered if the student is available for Summer 2012. For full consideration, please submit application materials by 1 November 2011. Posted: 9/23/11.
University of Nevada, Reno: We are seeking to recruit a highly motivated student to become part of a team of researchers examining the effects of fire on Longleaf Pine forests in the Southern US with a focus on quantifying diversity of trophic interactions. The successful applicant for this position should have a Bachelor's or Master's degree in ecology or evolution. Quantitative experience (statistical models, analytical models, simulations) is a plus. The Research Assistantship would be part of the Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology graduate program. Work would be conducted in the Dyer lab, working closely with Dr. Joe O'Brien at the US Forest Service in Georgia as well as collaborators at UNR and across the Americas. We prefer to fill the position this coming Fall of 2012; but we are also open to a starting date in the subsequent Spring semester (start of 2013). We can offer 5 years of competitive RA support, followed by TA positions. To apply, please send the following: (1) CV including names and contact info for 3 references; (2) GRE scores and GPA from previous programs; (3) cover letter stating your interest in pursuing a PhD and stating your ability to start in either Fall (2012) or Spring (2013). Send materials to: Lee Dyer (ecodyer@gmail.com). Posted: 3/19/12.
University of Nevada, Reno: We are seeking to recruit a highly motivated student to become part of an NSF-funded team of researchers working on tri-trophic evolution and ecology in tropical forests. The project involves molecular phylogenetics and population genetics of a complex and diverse lineage of moths in the family Geometridae. The successful applicant for this position should have a Master's degree in molecular ecology or evolution, and experience generating sequence data from non-model organisms. Experience with next-generation sequencing is a plus, but not essential. The Research Assistantship would be part of the Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology graduate program. Work would be conducted in the Forister lab, working closely with the Dyer and Smilanich labs. We are hoping to fill the position this coming Fall of 2012; but we are also open to a starting date in the subsequent Spring semester (start of 2013). We can offer 2 years of RA support, followed by TA positions; additional RA support pending availability of funds. To apply, please send the following: (1) CV including names and contact info for 3 references; (2) GRE scores and GPA from Master's program; (3) cover letter stating your interest in pursuing a PhD and stating your ability to start in either Fall (2012) or Spring (2013). Send materials to: Matt Forister (forister@gmail.com). Posted: 3/13/12.
University of Nevada, Reno: I (Beth Leger) will have two graduate positions (one Master’s, one PhD) in plant ecology available for Fall 2012. My lab works on the ecology and evolution of native plants, primarily in arid systems, with the aim of solving applied problems with ecological solutions. The first position is at the Master’s level, and will be focused on the plant communities in Joshua Tree National Park in Southern California. This graduate student will work with myself and the Park Service, investigating the evolutionary and ecological responses of four native plants to nitrogen deposition and species invasion within Joshua Tree National Park. Field and greenhouse work will be involved, both at the University of Nevada and Joshua Tree. The ideal candidate would have the capacity for quick learning and independence, and have a strong interest in applied field ecology. A research assistantship is available for 2.5 years, with stipend and partial tuition and fee waiver. A second position is available for a PhD student, developing their own research questions related to cheatgrass invasion in the Great Basin, complementing an ongoing study investigating the effects of repeated burning on cheatgrass-invaded communities. Research assistantship funds (stipend and partial tuition and fee waiver) are available for 3 years, with potential for TA funds or additional RA support for additional years. The ideal candidate for this position would have a Master’s degree, and a demonstrated ability to formulate ideas and carry out ecological research, have experience in field work, data collection, and analysis, and be proficient at writing scientific papers. Both positions will be joining a lab of people interested in the ecology of arid systems, and a group of active graduate students and faculty at the University of Nevada. To apply, please send (1) a cover letter explaining why you would like to be considered for either graduate position, and how your skills match the desired requirements; (2) a CV (with GPA and GRE scores); and (3) names, email addresses and telephone numbers for three references. Please email to Beth Leger, ealeger@gmail.com by January 1, 2012. *Master’s degree through the department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science, application deadline March 1; PhD through the interdisciplinary Graduate Group in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology, application deadline January 15. Posted: 12/5/11.
University of New Brunswick: 2 M.Sc. or Ph.D. positions for studying permafrost characteristics in the Arctic. Position#1: Modelling permafrost extension and occurrence from satellite-derived vegetation and surficial geology maps. A funded graduate position (at the level of a NSERC scholarship) is available in the Faculty of Forestry and Environmental Management, University of New Brunswick, Canada. The project is funded by the Canadian Space Agency and is undertaken in collaboration with the Canadian Centre of Remote Sensing and Parks Canada. The applicant will integrate vegetation and surficial geology maps within a model designed to understand and forecast the long-term implications of climate change for the permafrost extent. The maps will be derived from optical and SAR imagery. Details on the model. The project is best suited to a Ph.D. student, although exceptional M.Sc. applicants will be considered. The successful applicant will need to acquire skills in programming environments like MS Visual C++; thus, candidates with experiences in simulation modelling and computing language will be at significant advantage. Otherwise, the main qualifications for this position are strong quantitative skills and an interest in physical modelling and remote sensing. A working knowledge of GIS would also be an asset. The applicant will have the opportunity to travel to the Northwest Territories for field work. Holders of NSERC PGS or other scholarships are obviously encouraged to apply. The position must commence no later than May 2012. Applicants should submit by email a short statement of interest, a current CV, transcripts and the names of three references before April, 15th 2012. To apply, or for further information, contact: Professor Brigitte Leblon, UNB, (bleblon@unb.ca) Dr. Yun Zhang, CCRS, (Yu.Zhang@NRCan-RNCan.gc.ca). Position#2: Mapping relevant permafrost features on combined polarimetric SAR, optical images and DEM. A funded graduate position (at the level of a NSERC scholarship) is available in the Faculty of Forestry and Environmental Management, University of New Brunswick, Canada. The project focuses on the long-term implications of climate change for permafrost extent. It is funded by the Canadian Space Agency and is undertaken in collaboration with the Canadian Forest Service, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Ontario Ministry of Northern Development, Mines and Forests. The applicant will produce maps of specific permafrost features (mainly pingo, palsa and peat plateau locations) from optical and SAR imagery to be used in estimating rates of permafrost thaw. Some automatic procedures of landform delineation will also be tested. The project is best suited to a Ph.D. student, although exceptional M.Sc. applicants will be considered. The main qualifications for this position are strong quantitative skills and an interest in physical geography and remote sensing. A working knowledge of GIS would also be an asset. The applicant will have the opportunity to travel to the Canadian Arctic for field work. Holders of NSERC PGS or other scholarships are obviously encouraged to apply. The position must begin no later than May 2012. Applicants should submit by email a short statement of interest, a current CV, transcripts and the names of three references before April, 15th 2012. To apply, or for further information, contact: Dr. Armand LaRocque, UNB, (larocque@unb.ca) Dr. Kara Webster, (Kara.Webster @NRCan-RNCan.gc.ca). Posted: 4/2/12.
University of New Brunswick: Ph. D. in Amphibian Ecology. We are looking for a highly motivated, independent and naturally inquisitive Ph. D. student with excellent verbal and written communication skills as well as creative problem solving capability and strong work ethic to work on questions related to amphibian population and community ecology in New Brunswick, Canada. The standard Ph.D. stipend offered through UNB-St. John will be offered from available project financial resources that are guaranteed for 3 years. In relation to provision of this funding, constraints on the successful candidates project must include: (1) detailed work on bioacoustic monitoring including development and application of automated recognizers to detect amphibian community change in relation to multiple long-term monitoring sites under various disturbance regimes and (2) experimental manipulations of some or all of 42 experimental ponds extant at the Long-term Experimental Wetlands Area in New Brunswick, Canada. Working within those constraints the student will be expected and encouraged to develop their own specific hypotheses for testing as a basis of their dissertation research. The only absolute requirements are that you be curious, creative, independent and self-motivated, that you have reasonably good quantitative skills, and that you have a driver's license. Preference will be given to students who already have (1) an M. Sc. (but we would consider exceptional B. Sc. students who believe they are ready to step into a Ph. D. program), (2) some experience with amphibian ecology, (3) training in acoustic monitoring, and (4) field experience. The successful candidate will be enrolled at UNB Saint John in Saint John, New Brunswick under the co-supervision of Dr. Jeff Houlahan(UNB-SJ) and Dr. Dean Thompson (Canadian Forest Service, Sault Ste. Marie and UNB-SJ adjunct). Ideally, we would prefer that you start by May 1, 2012 but delayed startup in the fall of 2012 will be considered for exceptional candidates. Applications for this position must include a Curriculum vitae, graduate and undergraduate academic transcripts, a cover letter and full contact information for a minimum of three academic/research references. Application materials should be sent to Jeff Houlahan at jeffhoul@unb.ca. Posted: 1/19/12.
University of New Brunswick: Drs. Marek Krasowski, John Kershaw (Faculty of Forestry and Environmental Management, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, N.B.) and Michael Lavigne (Natural Resources Canada, Atlantic Forestry Centre, Fredericton, N.B.) are seeking graduate students interested in fine root dynamics of forest trees or in silviculture, productivity, and regeneration of eastern trees in Acadian forests. We are seeking a Masters-level student for a project in the dynamics of fine root biomass in balsam fir (Abies balsamea) and sugar maple (Acer saccharum). The project involves collecting, processing, and analyzing data from minirhizotrons to assess influence of factors such as stand age and silvicultural history on the production, mortality, standing crops, and turnover rates of fine roots. Longer-term data already collected from research sites will be also available. We are also seeking a Masters or Ph.D. student interested in getting involved in a new project on silviculture, regeneration, and growth and yield of eastern hemlock stands in south western New Brunswick. The depth and breadth of the project will depend on the degree sought. Financial assistance may be available for up to 3 years for a Masters student and up to 4 years for a doctoral student. Starting dates: September 2011 or January 2012. Interested persons please contact Dr. Marek Krasowski (marek@unb.ca) with copies to kershaw@unb.ca and mlavigne@nrcan.gc.ca. Posted: 7/11/11.
University of New Hampshire: The Earth Systems Research Center has an opening for a PhD student position in Global Ecology starting in August 2012. This position carries a competitive stipend plus tuition and medical insurance. The PhD student will conduct research in one or more of the following topics related to global ecology at regional, continental, or global scales: terrestrial carbon dynamics, disturbance impacts on carbon cycle, ecosystem modeling, data assimilation (model-data fusion, model-data integration), scaling, drought impacts on carbon dynamics, synthesis of FLUXNET and other ecological data, trends in vegetation productivity and controlling factors, upscaling of FLUXNET data, or other relevant topic. The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary research team at the Earth Systems Research Center, Institute for the Study of Earth, Oceans and Space at UNH, and will also have opportunities to work with collaborators at other institutions. Applicants should be enthusiastic, creative, and highly motivated. A master degree in ecology, ecohydrology, meteorology, or a relevant field and experience in global ecology research at regional, continental, or global scales are highly desirable. Please submit a cover letter, CV, copies of transcripts, copies of TOEFL/GRE scores if applicable, and the names and contact information of three references to Dr. Jingfeng Xiao via email (j.xiao@unh.edu) with the subject line “Application for Global Ecology Position”. Posted: 5/31/12.
University of New Hampshire: We seek a highly motivated graduate student interested in studying aquatic ecosystem responses to land use change and climate variability in New England. Land uses such as suburban development tend to negatively impact receiving waters, but receiving waters also respond to mitigate downstream effects. Research would focus on using field measurements and experiments to understand the capacity of aquatic ecosystems to regulate downstream water quality impairment in watersheds of suburban Boston, MA. The study sites are located on the north shore of Massachusetts (Ipswich R. and Parker R. watersheds) and are part of the Plum Island Long Term Ecological Reseach program. Research would emphasize the role of hydrologic discontinuities (e.g. beaver ponds, road crossings, and human-made dams) in affecting the ability of aquatic ecosystems to regulate downstream fluxes of nitrogen, phosphorus and carbon. Position is available for start in Fall 2012. Applicants should send a curriculum vitae, statement of research interests, and contact information for 3 references to Dr. Wilfred Wollheim (wil.wollheim@unh.edu). Posted: 4/10/12.
University of New Hampshire: PhD Student Position in Remote Sensing and Coupled Natural and Human Systems. The Earth Systems Research Center has an opening for a PhD student position in Remote Sensing and Coupled Natural and Human Systems starting in August 2012 (or as early as May 2012). This position carries a stipend of $23K/yr plus tuition and medical insurance. The PhD student will be responsible for the detection and monitoring of land-cover/land-use change (LCLUC) using satellite data (e.g., Landsat) and the linking of LCLUC data with physical (e.g., ecological, climate, hydrological) and socioeconomic data for the assessment of coupled natural and human systems. The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary research team at the Earth Systems Research Center, Institute for the Study of Earth, Oceans and Space at UNH, and will also have opportunities to work with collaborators at other institutions. Applicants should be enthusiastic, creative, and highly motivated. Experience in remote sensing, particularly image classification and LCLUC detection, is highly desirable. Please submit a cover letter, CV, copies of transcripts, copies of TOEFL/GRE scores if applicable, and the names and contact information of three references to Prof. Jingfeng Xiao via email (j.xiao@unh.edu) with the subject line “Application for PhD Position”. Posted: 2/9/12.
University of New Hampshire: Graduate Research Assistantship in the plant biology graduate program. Research is focused on the ecology, epidemiology, and population genetics of foliar and soil-borne pathogens of forage crops in the Northeastern United States. Potential candidates will be working with an interdisciplinary group of researchers to develop practical strategies for organic dairy producers to enhance the viability of farms by evaluating advanced pasture production techniques. Specifically we will be using multi-cultivar mixtures and annual forage species to extend the grazing season and improve production. The role of the graduate research assistant will be to evaluate the disease severity of foliar and soil-borne pathogens, the population genetics of important foliar pathogen, as well as the effect of cultivar mixtures on the soil microbial community. Requirements: BSc or MSc. Degree in plant sciences, biology or related field; GRE scores. Contact Dr. Kirk Broders (kirk.broders@unh.edu, 603-862-4542) in the Department of Biological Sciences for information on the position. For more information on the Plant Biology graduate program at the University of New Hampshire please contact our administrative coordinator, Diane Lavalliere (dianel@unh.edu). Posted: 2/8/12.
University of New Hampshire: Ph.D. Opportunity in Small Mammal Biodiversity. I (Rebecca Rowe) am currently accepting graduate students interested in the community ecology, landscape ecology and historical ecology of small mammals. Applicants should be independent and highly motivated. Previous field and/or research experience (e.g., Masters Degree or independent research experience) is preferred. Current research in our lab examines the impact of climate change and human land use on species' distributions and community dynamics, and the processes shaping patterns of diversity along environmental and disturbance gradients. We address these topics using a combination of historical museum records, field surveys and experiments, and GIS. Future work will include projects focused on both the New England region and the Great Basin. The Department of Natural Resources and the Environment is part of an interdepartmental Ph.D. program in Natural Resources & Earth Systems Science (NRESS). The program has an emphasis on interdisciplinary training in environmental and earth sciences, life sciences, social sciences, and policy. Interested individuals should email me, Rebecca Rowe, at rebecca.rowe@unh.edu with the subject line: Prospective PhD Student. Please attach a single pdf document that includes a brief description of your research interests and why you would like to join the lab, a CV (including GPA and GRE scores), a scanned copy of your transcript, and contact information for three references. Note that applications for Fall 2012 admission to the NRESS program must be submitted by January 15th, 2012. Posted: 12/5/11.
University of North Carolina at Charlotte: Two PhD research assistantships are available in the Department of Geography & Earth Sciences for highly motivated graduate students interested in landscape ecology and emerging infectious diseases. The assistantships are part of a new award from the National Science Foundation to study interacting disturbances between the emerging forest disease sudden oak death (SOD), wildfire, and drought. Over the past 10 years, our interdisciplinary group from UNC Charlotte, UC Davis, and UC Berkeley has pursued ecological and evolutionary research – across multiple spatial scales – on the generalist plant pathogen Phytophthora ramorum (causal agent of SOD) in coastal forests of California. Two major ecological disturbances recently affected our study sites in the Big Sur region, which have created rare natural experiments to examine interacting disturbances in a disease system: i) during summer 2008 a large wildfire burned half of our long-term study sites and ii) extreme drought conditions variably affected the plant and pathogen communities during 2007-2009. We have collected spatially extensive data on host community structure and disease establishment prior to these disturbances and we have measured post-disturbance changes during and immediately following the major modifications to the biotic and abiotic environment. We are looking to recruit students who demonstrate interests and talents for modeling the spatial and temporal dynamics of ecological feedbacks between the pathogen, its host communities, and environmental heterogeneity in order to understand alternative trajectories of ecosystem function and structure in the context of a complex, interacting disturbance regime. Several possible research topics are available for study, such as: 1) modeling pathogen reservoirs that drive the re-colonization of disease following disturbance and 2) analyzing how the joint impacts of disease and wildfire alter ecological communities and in turn mediate host-pathogen-environment interactions across spatiotemporal scales. Assistantships will begin in fall 2012 in the PhD program in Geography. Working with Dr. Ross Meentemeyer students will join the research community and ongoing projects in the Center for Applied Geographic Information Science. Prior to submitting a formal application, candidates are encouraged to submit an email inquiry to Dr. Ross Meentemeyer including: cover letter summarizing background and research interests, resume, GRE scores, and contact information for three references (no letters needed at this time). Please include “Ph.D. student application” in the subject line of your email. Ph.D. assistantships are available for at least 3 years pending performance at an annual stipend of $18k with health insurance and tuition waiver. Applications received by January 15, 2012 will be guaranteed full consideration. Posted: 11/4/11.
University of North Dakota: The Earth System Science and Policy Department (ESSP) has assistantship positions for students seeking a Masters of Environmental Management (MEM), Master of Science (MS) or Ph.D. Tuition waiver is available for all announcements listed below. Some positions include Research Assistantship funding for 9 months; subsequent funding is dependent on student performance and availability of additional funding. Application deadline is May 1, 2012; early applications will receive top priority for admission. For application instructions, please see the UND Graduate School website. These two projects can be tailored to MS or PhD program requirements. Tuition waiver may be available. 5. Identifying and Mapping Potential Land for Switchgrass Production in North Dakota. Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) is a potential bioenergy crop for the Northern Great Plains regions. The adoption of switchgrass into the traditional cropping system depends on its productivity and economic returns for producers. Economic benefits depend, in part, on the sustained break-even yield of switchgrass, i.e., sustained yield threshold below which switchgrass is not economically competitive with other crop species in much of the Northern Great Plains. This research seek to assess the potential for Switchgrass Biofuel Pellets in North Dakota taking into account the potential productivity, tradeoff with crops and environmental limitations, the technology feasibility, and regional economic and social scenarios. The project would use a new software tool – MCAS-S (Multi-Criteria Analysis Shell – Spatial). This project requires an interest in the interface between humans and the environment. Good spatial data skills or a keen interest in their development is desirable. Some knowledge of crop/grass physiology will be an advantage. For more information, contact Soizik Laguette, laguette@aero.und.edu. 6. Remote sensing to assess switchgrass yield and energy characterization in North Dakota. Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) is as one of herbaceous crops that could be grown specifically for bioenergy supply. When grown for energy purposes switchgrass management practices must take into account both, biomass production and biofuel quality. Monitoring switchgrass and acquiring information about its growth throughout the growing season is important to optimize crop management or get information on energy quality. Crop growth models may be good tools to diagnose switchgrass growing conditions, support management decisions, or predict yield over large areas. This project seeks to investigate remote sensing of switchgrass physiology and biochemistry for assessment of plant development and production, and energy content characterization in order to be used as crop growth model input. Familiarity with remote sensing principle or a very keen interest in learning is desirable. Knowledge of crop/grass physiology and/or crop modeling principle will be an advantage. For more information, contact Soizik Laguette, laguette@aero.und.edu. Remote Sensing and Hydrological Cycle: Students pursuing master or doctoral degrees are sought to conduct research in the general areas of applying remote sensing technology in modeling hydrological cycle. The current research topics include development of remote sensing based algorithm, modeling of evapotranspiration, hydrological modeling of watershed, impact of climate change on water cycle and quality, and validation using cutting-edge field instruments measuring water and energy fluxes. Students with undergraduate training in physical sciences are encouraged to apply. Skills in programming will be a benefit. Tuition waiver and/or graduate assistantship will be available dependent on funding. For information, please contact Dr. Xiaodong Zhang: zhang@aero.und.edu. Environmental Change and Impacts Related to Climate Change Using Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques: Positions are open for graduate students seeking a Master of Science Degree. The primary area of research involves studying changes in North American glaciers and how these changes relate to climate fluctuations, as well as the impacts on downstream water use. This study involves the use of remote sensing and GIS techniques in which ENVI remote sensing and ESRI GIS software will be utilized in analyzing ASTER and Landsat images, Aerial Photography, and Digital Elevation Models. Knowledge of either software and/or the above data types is desirable, but not necessary. Field work is likely to occur during the late summer months and some experience in wilderness travel is desired but also not necessary. These topics can be tailored to fit a M.S. degree and the possibility of tuition waiver and funding in the form of Research Assistantships may be available. Students from a wide range of fields are encouraged to apply, such as Geography, Geology, Environmental Science, Climatology, Hydrology as well as many others in environmental majors. Contact: Dr. Jeff VanLooy (701-777-4755, jvanlooy@aero.und.edu). Local Government Planning for Climate Change. Are local governments across the United States planning for climate change impacts? If yes, how? If no, why not? Students are sought to assist implementation of a survey of local government officials to examine these and other questions. This study will examine attitudes and behavior change, public participation, and environmental policies involved in planning for future climate change. The study will involve telephone interviews, statistical analysis, and some content analysis. Topics within this study may be tailored to fit a Master of Science thesis research project. Students from a wide range of backgrounds are encouraged to apply, including sociology, psychology, ecology, political science, environmental studies, geography, and others with experience in environmental fields. Familiarity with the computer programs SPSS for statistics and/or ARC GIS for spatial-data analysis will be a benefit. A graduate assistantship position and/or tuition waiver will be available dependent on funding. For more information, please contact Dr. Rebecca Romsdahl: rebecca.romsdahl@und.edu. Posted: 3/9/12.
University of Northampton: PhD Studentship: Landscape-scale conservation of pollinating insects in the lowland British countryside. £13590 per annum (including £1000 research expenses budget) and tuition fees for 3 years. We invite applications for a three year full-time studentship in the Landscape and Biodiversity Research Group of the School of Science and Technology. Insects such as bees, flies and butterflies provide an essential ecosystem service by pollinating crops and wild plants. There is growing evidence that pollinator numbers have declined significantly due to rapid environmental change, particularly habitat loss, intensive agriculture and climate change. In order to halt and reverse these declines, effective conservation strategies must be adopted, based on a sound understanding of the ecology of the pollinators and the landscapes on which they depend. The conservation of species requires an understanding of their resource requirements if habitats are to be effectively managed to support those taxa. This project will study how lowland British landscapes support the major groups of wild pollinators in terms of both the floral resources that are provided (particularly by the “core generalist” plants at the centre of communities) and nesting/egg laying sites, larval food plants and other requirements. The study will focus on the landscapes along the River Nene Valley. Applications are welcomed from national or international candidates with a first degree (first or upper second, or equivalent) or a Masters degree in the area of ecology, biology or geography. Due to the significant amount of field work involved applicants must be able to travel effectively. Deadline: 13th February 2012. Interviews will be held in the week commencing 27th February. Informal enquiries can be made to jeff.ollerton@northampton.ac.uk. For an application pack please email: researchdegrees@northampton.ac.uk. Please quote reference UN12POLL. Posted: 1/20/12.
University of Notre Dame: Graduate Program in Ecology, Evolution, and the Environment. The Department of Biological Sciences offers a wide-range of research opportunities and graduate coursework in ecology and evolutionary biology, allowing students to excel in field, laboratory, and mathematical biology. Strengths of the program include: studies on the dynamics and divergence of populations, aquatic community and ecosystem ecology, and the impacts of global changes, including climate change, invasive species, and land use change. Our close-knit faculty provides interdisciplinary research opportunities and excellent research mentorship. Our students take advantage of many resources at Notre Dame, including excellent laboratory facilities in the Hank Family Center for Environmental Studies and state-of-the-art instrumentation in our Center for Environmental Science and Technology (CEST) and the Genomics Core Facility. Other hubs of EEE research include the University of Notre Dame Environmental Research Laboratory (UNDERC) with sites located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and western Montana, the Center for Aquatic Conservation, the Interdisciplinary Center for Network Science and Applications and the new Notre Dame Environmental Change Initiative. Numerous opportunities for interdisciplinary interactions among research areas are available, including our GLOBES graduate training program and potential for collaboration with Notre Dame’s new Department of Applied and Computational Mathematics. The following faculty members are currently training graduate students in diverse areas of ecology: Beth Archie - behavioral ecology, disease ecology, and population genetics Gary Belovsky - terrestrial ecology and modeling, conservation biology Jeff Feder - ecological and evolutionary genetics Jessica Hellmann - terrestrial ecology, global change biology, biogeography Hope Hollocher - population genetics, speciation, evo-devo, and landscape epidemiology Stuart Jones - aquatic microbial and ecosystem ecology Gary Lamberti - stream ecology and plant-animal interactions David Lodge - ecology of freshwater communities, invasive species Edwin Michael - epidemiology and population ecology of disease transmission Jason McLachlan - ecology of forests and plant populations, statistical modeling, paleoecology Mike Pfrender - ecological genomics, adaptation in natural populations, plasticity Matt Ravosa - evolution and pathobiology of the mammalian skull and musculoskeletal system Ben Ridenhour - evolution and ecology of infectious disease Jeanne Romero-Severson – genomics of adaptive variation in natural populations of forest trees Jennifer Tank - stream ecosystem ecology and biogeochemistry. All graduate students are funded with competitive stipends. A variety of fellowship opportunities are open to top applicants. For more information regarding the Biology Graduate Program see http://biology.nd.edu/ and http://graduateschool.nd.edu/. The deadline for receipt of all application materials for the Ph.D. program is January 5, 2012, although earlier submission is encouraged to ensure full consideration for available fellowships. Please begin your application by directly contacting faculty of interest. Posted: 11/14/11.
University of Oklahoma: Two to three Graduate Assistantships in the Department of Geography and Environmental Sustainability within the College of Atmospheric and Geographic Sciences. A competitive stipend is offered plus tuition and health. Qualifications: Minimum: BA/BS in Geography, Natural Resources, Forestry, Ecology, or other Geographic or Remote Sensing-related science. Experience or background in: Geographic and Remote Sensing analysis, Image processing software, Geographic Information Systems, Landscape Ecology, and/or Statistics. The selected students will participate in the Land Cover Land Use Change Group. Potential projects include (1) Decision support tools for sustainable development in the southwestern United States; (2) Modeling land cover changes of the Southern Great Plains in the U.S.; (3) Land use change impacts on water resources in New Zealand; and (4) Land use change in rural Russia. For additional information about this position, contact Dr. Jason Julian (jjulian@ou.edu) or Dr. Kirsten de Beurs (kdebeurs@ou.edu) and see Grad Program. Interested students are encouraged to contact Dr. Julian or Dr. de Beurs ASAP. The Department's full application deadline is January 15. Posted: 12/21/11.
University of Oslo: We are seeking candidates for a PhD position in environmental chemistry dedicated to an interdisciplinary study of chemical catchment processes and the influence of land-use and hydrology on nutrient fluxes into aquatic systems in China Deadline 24.08.11. More information. The demand for candidates with academic training in environmental chemistry is expected to increase in the future due to a general under-recruitment, new environmental regulations such as the Water Framework Directive, and the need to understand what climate changes will lead to. With a PhD degree, new doors open to you, enabling project leadership and to advance in your career without encountering problems due to lack of formal qualifications. As a PhD student at the Environmental and Analysis research group at the Dept. of Chemistry, UiO, you will be a key part of a relatively large and very active interdisciplinary research group with currently 10 PhD students, ~ 10 Masters students, 3 adjunct professors, visiting scientists, and 2 emeritus. Posted: 8/5/11.
University of Picardie Jules Verne: PhD position: Linking plant species diversity to insect functional diversity and ecosystem services in small forest patches embedded in contrasted European agricultural landscapes. A 3-year PhD position in ecology is available in the research group of Guillaume Decocq in Amiens, France, beginning the 1st September 2012. The fellowship is to work in close relationship with a pan-european project dedicated to ecosystem services associated to biodiversity of small forest patches in agricultural landscapes. There is sufficient latitude for the successful applicant to steer the project to align with her/his interests. Climate and land use changes pose severe threats to biodiversity and the services they provide to human societies. In many parts of Europe, the original forest cover has strongly been reduced and in these regions forests presently occur as small fragments, often embedded in an intensively used agricultural matrix. Despite their small size, these forest patches often act as refuges for biodiversity and may provide a wide range of ecosystem services (ES) to populations and human society. Biodiversity and ES of small forest fragments are mutually dependent as they are determined by a similar set of drivers. However, the nature and strength of the relationships between biodiversity and ES will vary, depending on the taxonomic group and ES under consideration, and on the landscape context including the type and intensity of the surrounding land-use and the land-use history. In this context, relationships between plant species diversity on the first hand, and the functional diversity of insects and the ecosystem services they deliver on the other hand, remain largely unexplored, especially in changing landscapes facing climate warming. The main objective of this PhD project is to quantify ES associated to the interaction between plant biodiversity and various guilds of insects in small forest fragments among agricultural landscapes and across different regions in Europe. More specifically, four tasks will be tackled: (i) distribution of Carabidae species and richness in agricultural landscapes and its relationships with vascular plant species richness, landscape structure and history, and local environmental factors; (ii) food diet of dominant Carabidae species among contrasted landscapes with a special focus on Aphids; (iii) landscape genetics of a plant-Aphid pair; (iv) relationships between landscape composition and structure and services to agriculture. The project will build on a unique field experiment 16 5 km x 5 km landscape sampling windows distributed across the entire European temperate forest biome. The PhD project includes a significant amount of field (insect trapping) and lab (insect identification and molecular analyses) work. This research will occur in rural landscapes along a transect ranging from South France to Central Sweden and Estonia, through Belgium and Germany, but most of the field work will be done in North France, where the successful applicant will be based. Applicants should have the following experience and qualifications: - Strong skills in field ecology and/or entomology, statistics and modelling (intimate working knowledge of R is preferable). - Strong background in ecology of plant-animal relationships, landscape ecology and population genetic - Experience in Carabidae taxonomy. - Intimate working knowledge of molecular tools (genetic markers, PCR). - Excellent verbal and written communication skills to facilitate dissemination of results in scientific outlets. - Desire to work closely with other researchers and mentor students - A valid driver's license. The grant is approximately 1375 net per month. Position to begin September 1st, 2012. To apply, please send a cover letter addressing each of the requested qualification, a CV, two or more references (contact information or letters to Prof. Guillaume Decocq (guillaume.decocq@u-picardie.fr) or Jules Verne University of Picardy, EDYSAN, 1 rue des Louvels, F-80037 Amiens Cedex, France. Posted: 2/6/12.
University of Puerto Rico – Rio Piedras: Our Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship (IGERT) program Natural-Human Systems in the Urbanizing Tropics aims to train Ph.D. students in interdisciplinary and collaborative approaches to environmental problems in urbanizing, tropical landscapes. The program is based in the natural sciences, but students receive interdisciplinary training in social science perspectives on environmental issues and apply these to real-world problems. The common element for dissertation research is how human and natural systems interact. Research may cover climate, water, food security, renewable energy, waste management, biodiversity, or urban system services, among other topics. Research topics are developed in collaboration with a government agency, non-profit organization, or community group. Projects can be based in Puerto Rico or elsewhere in the tropics. Puerto Rico has had a dynamic environmental history, with nearly complete deforestation followed by forest recovery, and then urban sprawl as the economy modernized. The environmental problems caused by these shifts, overlaid by changes in climate and vulnerability to catastrophic storms, make Puerto Rico an ideal place to conduct integrative research. This IGERT is based in our Environmental Science Graduate Program, but students in other UPR-RP graduate programs may apply. The deadline for application to UPR-RP graduate programs is January 20, 2012. The deadline for application for these IGERT fellowships is February 27, 2012. Applicants must contact the IGERT program and a prospective advisor before applying. See the website and email addresses below. Benefits: $30k/year for two years; $2k for travel and education materials; office, computer and software usage; reserved space in all special courses and workshops. Contacts: Rafael Rios Davila PhD, Program Director, rafaelrios00936@yahoo.com; Sheila Ward, Program Associate Director, seward@hpcf.upr.edu; Colibrí Sanfiorenzo-Barnhard, Program Coordinator, uprrp.igert@gmail.com. Posted: 12/13/11.
University of Puerto Rico – Rio Piedras: Two NASA-funded graduate assistantships (PhD) are available for three years, contingent on satisfactory progress. Successful candidates will work on geospatial analysis and watershed modeling, such as SWAT, in the context of land use and climate changes and their impacts on ecosystem water service. We seek highly motivated and responsible students, preferably with master degrees in Ecology or Geoscience and having research experience in at least two of the followings: Ecosystem modeling, GIS, remote sensing image analysis, advanced statistics, or field ecological work. If interested, please email the following documents to Dr. Mei YU at meiyu@ites.upr.edu with the title as Research Assistantship: an application letter summarizing your research interests and academic background, CV, unofficial copies of transcripts and GRE, and contact information for two references who can comment on your potential as a motivated and responsible PhD student. Posted: 12/7/11.
University of Queensland: PhD projects available (see http://www.gpem.uq.edu.au/lec-opportunities for more information): (1) Integrating Landscape Genetics into Conservation Planning, (2) Implications of the Link Between Landscape Change and Human Social Systems for Biodiversity Conservation, (3) Monitoring and Managing Difficult to Detect Species. Posted: 8/16/11.
University of Rhode Island: Position available for the Fall of 2012 in the laboratory of Dr. Laura Meyerson, Department of Natural Resources Sciences. Research is in the area of Invasive Species Ecology/Evolution. Specifically, the project focuses the evolution of latitudinal gradients in the interactions between an invasive plant species (Phragmites australis) and its suite of insect herbivores. The work will be based in Kingston, RI but may involve much travel along the Atlantic coasts of North America and Europe/Northern Africa. More details regarding this project. Graduate assistantship is funded by the National Science Foundation. In addition to an annual stipend, the assistantship includes a tuition waiver and health benefits. If you are interested in joining my laboratory, please send me an email (lameyerson@mail.uri.edu). Include with the message a CV containing a brief summary of accomplishments (educational background, GPA, GRE scores, and academic major if applicable) and a statement of potential research interests. Students with a Masters degree are preferred. Please also state your availability for field work spring - summer 2012. Posted: 11/10/11.
University of Saskatchewan: Research positions available: Agricultural Land Management in Prairie Landscapes. The Global Institute for Water Security is launching a field and model-based program to address issues of agricultural land management in prairie landscapes. The goal of this research program is to develop hydrological and process-based biogeochemical models suited to prairie environments. We will then use these models to develop monitoring programs to characterize the effects of agricultural beneficial management practices on hydrology, biogeochemistry, and indicators of ecosystem health. We are seeking 3 masters students, 1 PhD student and 1 postdoctoral fellow to be a part of a project team, led by Drs. Howard Wheater, John Pomeroy, Cherie Westbrook and Helen Baulch. This project will provide excellent opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration with researchers in both academia, and government, and will build upon existing, long-term monitoring programs at two prairie research sites. Applicants should have a background in a relevant science or engineering discipline. To apply, please send a cover letter outlining your background and interests (including which position you are applying for), your CV, and a list of three references (with their contact information) to water.security@usask.ca. Review of applications will begin January 16, 2012. The anticipated start date is May or Sept 2012. Informal inquiries are welcome – please contact Helen Baulch (helen.baulch@usask.ca) for additional information regarding all positions listed. Positions Available: Hydrological and biogeochemical modelling positions: Postdoctoral fellow - with Dr. John Pomeroy/Dr. Howard Wheater (3 years funding available) We are seeking a postdoctoral fellow with strong programming and numerical modelling skills and experience in water quality modelling or hydrological modelling. PhD student – with Dr. Howard Wheater/ Dr. John Pomeroy (3 years funding available) The PhD student should have strong numerical modelling and programming skills, and ideally will have some experience in water quality or hydrological modelling. *Successful students will require admission through the School of Environment and Sustainability or the College of Engineering. Please review eligibility criteria. 1 Masters student - with Dr. Cherie Westbrook and Dr. John Pomeroy (2 years funding available) The masters student will be responsible for setting up and running hydrological models, and should have strong quantitative skills, ideally with some experience in programming. *Successful students will require admission through the Department of Geography and Planning, College of Arts and Science. Please review eligibility criteria. Biogeochemistry & aquatic ecosystem health positions: – with Dr. Helen Baulch We are seeking two enthusiastic masters students interested in stream biogeochemistry, and indicators of aquatic ecosystem health. Students will gain a strong understanding of stream biogeochemistry, experience in several laboratory techniques, as well as expertise in the use of aquatic sensors. Applicants should have strong field and laboratory skills. Two years of funding is available. *Successful students will require admission through the School of Environment and Sustainability. Please review eligibility criteria. Posted: 1/17/12.
University of Sheffield: PhD opportunity: The secret to living fast: why do some plants grow faster than others? Supervisors: Colin Osborne, Mark Rees (Dept. of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, UK) Collaborator: Alistair Rogers (Brookhaven National Lab, USA). Boosting photosynthesis is widely seen as essential for achieving increased crop production, and this has led to numerous research initiatives aiming to achieve a step change in photosynthetic rates. Out in the field, rising atmospheric CO2 linked to human activities is already beginning to boost photosynthesis, but experiments show that the resultant growth responses vary among species and among genotypes within species. The size of growth responses to enhanced photosynthesis depends on the development of ‘sinks’ to utilize fixed carbon, such as more seeds. However, we currently have no adequate framework for quantifying the limitations on sink development, and this significantly hampers our understanding of source-sink interactions. The goals of this project are twofold. First, to develop a unified theoretical and methodological framework for understanding growth in terms of tissue development (sink strength), allometry (allocation to leaves verses roots) and physiological activity (photosynthetic carbon- and root nitrogen-uptake). Secondly, to understand how the physiological activity of leaves and roots scales with growth rate, integrating the latest methodological advances in plant science with classic fundamental insights. Methodology will combine state-of-the-art techniques for measuring metabolic activity and growth, with novel modelling methods, and classic understanding of how growth works. Our international collaborator is a world leader in the application of high-throughput metabolic phenotyping. The student will visit our collaborator to apply these methods. The PhD will also provide training in leaf gas exchange analysis, isotope tracer techniques, light microscopy and mathematical modelling. More details are available on request from Colin Osborne (c.p.osborne@sheffield.ac.uk). For details of how to apply see graduate opportunities. Application deadline: 30 January 2012. Posted: 12/22/11.
University of South Dakota: I am recruiting a Masters or PhD student to begin work this fall on a grant I received from the Fish and Wildlife Service to examine the impacts of agriculture tile drains on wetland habitats. The focus will be on examining contaminant and nutrient impacts to wetland plants, aquatic invertebrates, and amphibians. Preference will be given to candidates that can demonstrate experience in any or all of these taxa. The application deadline for our graduate program is Feb. 15th. See the graduate program for details, and details for my own laboratory can be found on my website (link below). Feel free to contact me with questions concerning the position. Jake Kerby (Jacob.Kerby @ usd.edu). Posted: 2/1/12.
University of South Dakota: I'm looking for a graduate student (PhD or MS) for a 3-year project characterizing the effects of the 2011 flood on floodplain forest vegetation along the Missouri River. Field work will commence in June 2012 and will concentrate on segments of the Missouri River in South Dakota and Nebraska, although opportunities may also exist to work on segments in North Dakota, Montana, and Iowa. The graduate student will lead a vegetation sampling crew during the summer and will be responsible for data analysis and vegetation mapping using GIS for his/her Research Assistantship during the academic year. Precise thesis/dissertation topic is somewhat flexible, but should fit within the broad objectives of the project. Funding is available for 3 years, beginning in May/June 2012 and will include a stipend for the graduate student and funds for several field assistants, travel expenses, and field supplies. The ideal candidate will have strong skills in plant identification, experience in sampling in riparian plant communities, experience mapping land cover using ArcGIS, solid analytical and writing skills, and strong organizational and supervisory skills. The ability to supervise a field crew and to plan and implement field sampling logistics will be an important component of the position(s). Experience operating a motor boat on large rivers would also be a plus. Field work will require work for extended periods of time under sometimes arduous field conditions and in remote locations away from campus. The student(s) will enroll in the graduate program of the Department of Biology, in the lab of Dr. Mark Dixon. Student must be able to begin work by May of 2012, and enroll in the university for the Fall 2012 semester. Interested students should first contact me directly (Mark.Dixon@usd.edu) and then apply to the graduate program in Biology. Applicants will need to provide recent GRE scores and should have an undergraduate GPA over 3.0 for admission to the program. Posted: 1/23/12, revised: 3/5/12, 3/30/12.
University of South Florida: The Department of Integrative Biology is accepting applications for students to enter their integrative graduate education program in Ecology and Evolution, Environmental and Ecological Microbiology or Physiology and Morphology. Our department is committed to train the next generation of graduate students to prepare them for professional success in the fields of biological sciences that mirror our faculty’s expertise, which emphasizes organismal interactions and adaptations to the environment at all scales, from microorganisms to complex plants and animals. Our program of graduate study is designed to foster the development of technical and analytical skills used in existing and emerging fields of discovery. Increasingly, students are given opportunities to include an international experience in their research projects and also be involved in outreach activities. The research and training ongoing in the Department of Integrative Biology contributes to advancements in both basic science and applications to real world problems. Application files must be complete and received by the Biology Graduate Office before January 1, 2012 to be considered for Fall 2012 Teaching Positions or the University Graduate Fellowship. Students can pursue a M.S. or Ph.D degree in Biology. Each of the degrees requires a student to identify an area of concentration. The program offers: • M.S. in Biology, Concentration in Ecology and Evolution (EEV) • M.S. in Biology, Concentration in Environmental and Ecological Microbiology (EVM) • M.S. in Biology, Concentration in Physiology and Morphology (PMY) • Ph.D. in Biology, Concentration in Ecology and Evolution (EEV) • Ph.D. in Biology, Concentration in Environmental and Ecological Microbiology (EVM) • Ph.D. in Biology, Concentration in Physiology and Morphology (PMY). Faculty who are currently accepting students into their laboratories: * Bell, Susan- Marine Ecology * Crisman, Thomas- Freshwater Ecology * Deban, Stephen- Physiology, Biomechanics, and Evolution * Fox, Gordon- Plant Ecology, Conservation Biology, and Population Biology * Harwood, Valerie- Microbial Water Quality * Lajeunesse, Marc- Ecology, Evolutionary Biology and Research Synthesis * Lewis, David- Ecosystem & Landscape Ecology, Biogeochemistry * Martin, Lynn- Ecological Physiology and Immunology * McCoy, Earl- Conservation Ecology * Motta, Philip- Functional Morphology * Mushinsky, Henry- Conservation Ecology * Pierce, Sidney- Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry * Richards, Christina- Plant Ecological Genomics and Epigenetics * Rohr, Jason- Ecology * Scott, Kathleen- Microbial Physiology and Biogeochemistry * Stiling, Peter- Ecology. Posted: 12/6/11.
University of South Florida: The Department of Geography, Environment, and Planning is seeking applicants for a 3-year NSF-sponsored Ph.D. assistantship in environmental hazards (both technological and natural). Full details are available at: http://gep.usf.edu/data/Phd_Position_announcement.pdf. Deadline: January 15, 2012. Posted: 11/30/11.
University of South Florida: I invite applications from motivated students for either masters or doctoral work beginning in fall 2012 in community ecology at the University of Rhode Island. Full funding for 1-2 students will be provided either as research or teaching assistantships, depending on student background and availability. Applicants should be independent, highly motivated, and possess some research and/or field experience. Research in my lab generally addresses predator-prey and/or herbivore-plant interactions; specific research topics have included the impact of interactions between invasive species on eastern forests and the population-level consequences of non-lethal interactions between predators and their prey. Prospective students should contact me (Evan Preisser, preisser@uri.edu) and provide a short description of research interests and accomplishments, a CV (including GPA and GRE scores; the Graduate School requires a 3.0 GPA for admission), and contact information for three references. I will contact suitable candidates to discuss potential graduate projects and to set up an interview. Formal department review of applications will begin January 15, 2012, but interested students should contact me well before the application deadline. Posted: 10/12/11.
University of South Florida: A graduate assistantship in population ecology is available in the Fox lab, Department of Integrative Biology University of Southern Mississippi: Applicants are invited for two highly motivated students (1 M.S., 1 Ph.D.) to join the aquatic insect ecology lab of Donald Yee. These positions will be funded through a National Institutes of Health grant investigating the effects of environmental filters on container mosquito communities. This work will have a significant focus on aquatic systems, nutrient and microorganism dynamics, and invasive species. Projects will be based on a combination of field sampling and field and laboratory experiments to understand what regulates populations and communities of mosquitoes in nature, as well as testing a variety of general ecological questions. Other possibilities for research exist, although students will be expected to participate in grant funded projects. More information concerning the Yee lab can be found here: General requirements: Prior field experience and coursework in ecology, entomology, and statistics is preferred. Preference will be given to applicants who have had experience with mosquitoes or other aquatic insects. Funding: Support is available for 3 years and includes full tuition scholarships along with basic and major medical health coverage to students in good standing academically. Besides grant support, students will also be supported on teaching assistantships at various times. Funding for students will be provided to present their work at scientific meetings. Entrance requirements: Although the Department of Biological Sciences does not have a minimum set of scores to be eligible for entrance into the graduate program, potential applicants should expect to have a GPA of >3.00 and have taken the GRE before application (>1000 combined score). More information. To inquire, submit (via e-mail to donald.yee@usm.edu): • a cover letter with a brief (~ 1 page) review of your research experience • summary of interests and goals (~ 1 page) • CV. Deadline for applications is 15 October 2011. Posted: 8/19/11.
University of Sydney: A PhD research assistantship is available to study the effects of drought on soil carbon and nutrient cycling mediated by rhizosphere processes in the Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources. If you are interested and have an MS degree in soil science, environmental science, ecology, or related field, send an application letter, CV including contact information of two referees, and copies of transcripts to feike.dijkstra@sydney.edu.au. You are particularly encouraged to apply if you have experience using stable C and N isotopes. The University of Sydney is Australia's premier University with an outstanding global reputation for academic and research excellence, and employs over 6,800 permanent staff supporting over 46,000 students. The Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources has established strengths in soil science, physiological ecology of terrestrial ecosystems, plant pathology, plant breeding, precision agriculture, spatial information systems, agroforestry, and agricultural and resource economics. Scholarships covering tuition and living allowance of AU$20k per year are available through the University. For more information about the assistantship contact Feike Dijkstra at: feike.dijkstra@sydney.edu.au. Posted: 9/6/11.
University of Tennessee: Dr. Charles Kwit and Dr. Neal Stewart in the Department of Plant Sciences have an opportunity for a research assistantship-supported M.S. student to work on breeding experiments involving agronomic cultivars of switchgrass and their wild relatives, to begin as early as summer semester 2012. Prior experience in plant breeding preferred. This is a limited opportunity and is contingent on submission of qualifying application materials leading to acceptance by the University of Tennessee Graduate School and the Plant Sciences departmental graduate program. An ‘application procedures’ link can be found at: http://plantsciences.utk.edu/graduate.htm Applicants are encouraged to contact Dr. Kwit ckwit@utk.edu regarding the project, and Dr. Bill Klingeman wklingem@utk.edu for further information on application procedures. Posted: 1/23/12.
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga: M.S. student position - Mammalian sociality. I seek a highly motivated student interested in earning a research-based M.S. degree in environmental sciences at UTC. The prospective start date is in January or August 2012. I am open to different project ideas in the context of my ongoing research on rodent social systems. However, I specifically seek prospective students interested in one of the following research themes: (i) physiological mechanisms of communal care in voles ( Microtus ochrogaster ) or (ii) proximate and ultimate causes of sociality in degus ( Octodon degus ). Research projects may involve lab work at UTC and/or field-work in Chile. Prospective students should have strong writing skills and some research experience. Although GPA (typically 3.0 or higher) and GRE scores are important, I place greater emphasis on previous research experience, writing and analytical skills, and compatibility of research ideas with my research program. I also value the strength of the student’s undergraduate coursework and letters of recommendation. I can offer students working on projects in Chile travel support for one field season (June-October 2012). Research M.S. students are eligible to apply for Teaching Assistantships that provide financial support and tuition waivers from the UTC Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences. Please contact me (Loren Hayes) directly if you are interested in this opportunity (lhayes@ulm.edu). I highly recommend that interested students email me a CV (or resume), unofficial transcripts and a brief summary of research interests (in a single pdf) before submitting a full application to the UTC graduate school. Posted: 8/30/11.
University of Texas at Arlington: A Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA) in Arctic Plant-Arthropod-Bird Interactions is available to participate in an NSF-funded arctic ecology research project with summer field work based at Toolik Field Station (http://www.uaf.edu/toolik/) in northern Alaska, the site of the Arctic Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) project. The position is in the plant ecology laboratory of Dr. Laura Gough. Ideally the student will spend the Summer 2012 field season in Alaska and could begin formal graduate study as early as January 2012. Ph.D. students are preferred. More on our graduate program. This project is focused on determining how migratory songbird species are affected by availability of shrub habitat across several sites on the North Slope; Gough focuses on the vegetation and interactions with the arthropod community as well as the birds. The overall goal is to predict how ongoing changes in vegetation associated with climate warming may affect bird mating success and population viability [in collaboration with Natalie Boelman (Columbia University) and John Wingfield (University of California, Davis)]. Applicants must be in good physical condition, be able to hike over uneven terrain carrying heavy packs, and be available to spend summer field seasons (up to three months) in a remote location. To apply for this position, please e-mail a c.v., names and contact information for three references, and a brief statement of interest to gough@uta.edu. Review of applications will begin August 15 and continue until the position is filled. For additional information about the Summer 2011 field season, see Boelman’s blog on the New York Times. Posted: 7/12/11.
University of Texas-Brownsville: I am seeking a MS-level graduate student to conduct research in plant and ecosystem ecology within boreal forests of Alaska/Siberia or in coastal ecosystems (prairies, brushlands, salt marshes, palm forests, etc) in south Texas. The student will be employed as a teaching assistant and will be expected to work 8-9 hours/week as assistant instructor in undergraduate biology laboratory classes, assist his/her faculty teaching mentor with laboratory preparation and grading, and participate in departmental outreach events. The research component is flexible, but specific research areas could include: 1) Consequences of increased fire activity on tree regeneration and carbon accumulation in Siberian and/or Alaskan boreal forests 2) Fate of Sargassum along Texas beaches: balancing inputs and outputs and implications for carbon storage 3) Role of fire disturbances in maintaining Texas coastal prairies 4) Effects of native and exotic tree and shrub species of south Texas on nitrogen and carbon cycling 5) Response of coastal vegetation to changing fresh and saltwater flooding regimes The appointment is to begin fall 2012 or spring 2013 in the Biological Sciences Department Applicants must have a Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, or a related field. Successful candidates must demonstrate an aptitude for research and ability to work independently. Prior experience in plant and ecosystem ecology is preferred, as is the ability to conduct fieldwork occasionally under hot weather conditions. A current, valid U.S. driver's license and good driving record is also preferred. The successful applicant will be expected to enroll full time in either the UTB Biology or Interdisciplinary Sciences Masters program (emphasis in Biology) pursuing the thesis option. The available teaching assistantship has $1100 per month, is benefits eligible, and includes a waiver for in-state-tuition for out-of-state students. Additional summer salary is likely available. Please note that tuition is the student's responsibility, and is ~$2500/semester. Interested applicants should send to Dr. Heather Alexander (hdalexander@ufl.edu) a copy of their CV or resume, GPA and GRE scores, a written statement of graduate research interests, and contact information for two references. Posted: 6/6/12.
University of Texas-Brownsville: We are inviting applications for a graduate position (MSc) that includes 8-9 hours/week as assistant instructor in undergraduate biology laboratory classes. The appointment is to begin Fall 2012 in the Biological Sciences Department. This position additionally includes a research component investigating the ecology and conservation of wildlife species in south Texas thornscrub and coastal communities. Research opportunities include population dynamics and movement of mammals & reptiles species, impacts of habitat fragmentation and land-use practices, and foraging ecology and reproductive biology of avian species. Applicants must have a Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology or a related field. Successful candidates must demonstrate an aptitude for research and ability to work independently. Prior experience in vertebrate and/or wildlife ecology is preferred, as is the ability to conduct fieldwork occasionally under hot weather conditions. A current, valid U.S. driver's license and good driving record is also preferred. The successful applicant will be expected to enroll full time in either the UTB Biology or Interdisciplinary Sciences Masters program (emphasis in Biology) pursuing the thesis option. The available teaching assistantship has $1100 per month, is benefits eligible, and includes a waiver for in-state-tuition for out-of-state students. Interested applicants should send to Dr. Kenneth Pruitt (kenneth.pruitt@utb.edu) a copy of their CV or resume, GPA and GRE scores, a written statement of graduate research interests, and contact information for two references. Posted: 5/14/12.
University of Texas-Brownsville: Freshwater Restoration Ecology. We are inviting applications for a graduate position (MSc) that includes 8-9 hours/week as assistant instructor in undergraduate biology laboratory classes, in addition to assist his/her faculty teaching mentor with laboratory preparation and grading, and participate in departmental outreach events. The appointment is to begin Fall 2012 in the Biological Sciences Department. We are seeking a motivated student interested in graduate research assessing ecosystem development following the reflooding of a resaca (oxbow lake). Research site is within the Sabal Palm Sanctuary which borders the Rio Grande, and in a nearby reference site. Opportunities exist for complementary activities with other on-going research projects in transitional wetlands linked to the Lower Laguna Madre, south Texas. Applicants must have a Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology or a related field. Successful candidates must demonstrate an aptitude for research and ability to work independently. Prior experience in ecosystem ecology and/or wetlands is preferred, as is the ability to conduct fieldwork occasionally under hot weather conditions. A current, valid U.S. driver's license and good driving record is also preferred. The successful applicant will be expected to enroll full time in either the UTB Biology or Interdisciplinary Sciences Masters program (emphasis in Biology) pursuing the thesis option. The available teaching assistantship has $1100 per month, is benefits eligible, and includes a waiver for in-state-tuition for out-of-state students. Additional summer salary likely available. Interested applicants should send to Dr. Alejandro Fierro (alejandro.fierro@utb.edu) a copy of their CV or resume, GPA and GRE scores, a written statement of graduate research interests, and contact information for two references. Posted: 5/7/12.
University of Toronto PhD position: forestry, bioenergy, remote sensing. A fully-funded Ph.D. position is available in Faculty of Forestry. The Ph.D. candidate will assess the potential for using unmerchantable wood as feedstock for the production of bioenergy. In particular, the candidate will: 1) determine how much logging residue can be recovered from partially harvested stands; 2) develop new inventory methods for estimating how much of this unmerchantable wood is available in central Ontario. To achieve both of these objectives, the candidate will use ground-based harvest trials to inform the development of aerial inventory methods, including light detection and ranging (LiDAR). The candidate may also participate in a larger effort to examine how the production of wood, fibre and fuel can be balanced with the continued provision of other ecosystem services, including the maintenance of biodiversity and storage of carbon. Qualifications: 1) sincere interest in forest ecology, forestry, or remote sensing, 2) strong quantitative skills, 3) remote sensing and GIS skills, or the ability to learn them quickly, and 4) excellent oral and written communication skills in English. Applicants should send a letter of enquiry and curriculum vitae to John Caspersen (john.caspersen@utoronto.ca). Applications will be reviewed beginning January 15th, but the positions will remain open until a suitable candidate is selected. Posted: 12/1/11.
University of Tübingen We are looking for an ecologist with excellent theoretical and practical knowledge in the field of plant ecology, with a focus on population ecology, population genetics and/or climate change biology. The candidate should hold a M.Sc., Diploma or similar degree in biology or a relatd subject. He/she should have a strong conceptual approach to ecological questions and a profound knowledge of biostatistics and experimental design. The project deals with the evolution of adaptive traits in a dryland annual plant species and is embedded in a priority program entitled 'Adaptomics' funded by the German Research Foundation. This programme investigates genetic and phenotypic variation within the Brassicaceae family. In this particular project, we will collaborate with molecular biologists (D. Weigel, MPI Tübingen) and population geneticists (C. Schlötterer, University of Vienna) with the aim of identifying, on a phenotypic and genetic level, patterns of selection on traits related to climatic conditions along a steep aridity gradient in Israel. The work includes extensive greenhouse studies in Germany and a large field experiment in Israel. The main working place is Tübingen, a lively and pretty university town in South-West Germany. Our working group is very international and excellent knowledge of English is needed to survive. The salary is based on the German public tariff E13 TV-L (65%) and includes social benefits. Please send applications including a letter of interest and CV, as well as names and addresses of at least three references to Katja Tielbörger (katja.tielboerger@uni-tuebingen.de), to whom also inquiries should be addressed. Deadline for applications is November 30, 2011 or until position is filled; starting date is January 1st. Posted: 10/21/11.
University of Turku, Finland. Positions for one PhD-student and one Postdoc are open in the project focusing on regulation of the rocky littoral communities of the Baltic Sea, funded by the Academy of Finland. Objectives are two-fold reflecting the nature of community regulation arising on one hand from the characteristics of the foundation species and through interactions with the higher trophic levels on the other. First, community genetics will be applied to ask how genetic characteristics of the foundation species, the brown alga Fucus vesiculosus may extend to community assembly and to the strength of ecological interactions. This includes characterization of community phenotypes of periphyton, macroalgae and invertebrates as well as experiments on consequences of genetic variation of the foundation species on the associated communities. Second, the strong link between herbivores and producers in marine benthic communities opens up a possibility for trophic cascades. Top-down regulation will be studied by taking advantage of the rapid increase of the fish-feeding sea-bird Great Cormorant in the northern Baltic Sea. Bird predation may form a cascade, which by depressing fish predation allows crustacean and gastropod mesograzers to control the structure and function of the littoral producer assemblage. The PhD student position will be available from 1st Sep 2011 (starting time negotiable) to 31st Aug 2015. A successful applicant is expected to have (or obtain promptly) an MSc degree in ecology, evolutionary biology or marine sciences. The doctoral study may focus either on community genetics or trophic cascades, or combine both aspects. Ideal candidate shows high motivation and enthusiasm for research, creativity and ability to independent (though supervised) work. Experience in statistical analysis, underwater field work and maritime boating are assets. The Postdoc position will be available from 1st Jan 2012 (starting time negotiable) to 31st Aug 2015. Require-ments include a PhD degree with relevant experience, a promising publication record, abilities for both self-initiative and team-oriented scientific work (including strenuous field/lab work), and willingness for student supervision. Applications for the PhD position will be reviewed starting at 22th August 2011 and those for the Postdoc position starting at 30th Nov 2011; however candidates will be considered until the positions are filled. The salary will be in accordance with the Finnish university norms, about 1900-2700 €/mo for the PhD student and about 3000-3700 €/mo for the Postdoc, the exact level depending on competence. The application documents should include: 1.Motivation letter explaining why you are interested in and why you are suitable for the position. 2. CV including education and prior research experience. 3.List of relevant publications (for PhD and Postdoc positions) or one-page summary of the MSc thesis (for PhD position) 4.Name and contact information for two academic referees Send the above by email to me, preferably as a single pdf file. Feel free to contact me for further enquiries: Dr. Veijo Jormalainen (veijo.jormalainen@utu.fi), Department of Biology. Posted: 8/19/11.
University of Utah: I am seeking to recruit a talented graduate student to work on a new NSF-funded project entitled "Chemical Ecology of Host Specialization in Phorid Parasitoids of Ants: An Experimental Analysis." The student would have the opportunity to work at a variety of field sites in Latin America and learn experimental techniques of behavioral assays under field conditions, phylogenetic reconstruction and comparison, and the analysis of ant pheromone chemistry. Our research group, consisting of a natural products chemist, an evolutionary biologist and a behavioral ecologist, will focus on the chemical signals host ants use in communication (pheromones) as the primary cue by which the parasitoids locate hosts and lay their eggs in them. Once the chemical signals parasitoids use to find hosts are identified, we will experimentally quantify the limits of host specificity by attracting parasitoids and inducing them to oviposit on novel hosts to see if they develop normally. These chemical signals will then be mapped onto the phylogenetic tree of hosts and compared to the phylogenetic tree of the parasitoids to determine how the distribution of chemical signals shape the evolution of host specificity and shifts to novel hosts. Successful doctoral candidates will 1) have a solid undergraduate training (and good academic record) in ecology and evolutionary biology; 2) be highly motivated to pursue graduate research; 3) be a self-directed learner, able to problem solve and work independently; 4) have interpersonal and communication skills that allow he/she to be an effective part of a larger team; 5) have developed analytical and writing skills; 6) be willing to spend extended research time in the field, including Central and South America (fluency in Spanish would be an asset). Stipend support of $20k per year and research expenses in the field will be provided. Interested candidates should contact Donald H. Feener (donald.feener@utah.edu). Posted: 12/6/11.
University of Utah: I (Cagan Sekercioglu) am accepting applications from highly-motivated Ph.D. students interested in joining my lab in the Department of Biology. Application deadline: January 6, 2012. Prospective applicants should visit my website for more information and to apply. The Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology program provides 5 years of Ph.D. funding and has strengths in various fields. Our Global Change & Ecosystem Center provides opportunities for broad interdisciplinary research, education and outreach. In my lab, in addition to the possibility of conservation ecology field research in a range of ecosystems in Costa Rica, Ethiopia, Turkey, and Utah, Ph.D. students can undertake conservation, ecology, biogeography, life history, and evolutionary meta-analyses of our global bird database, covering all the world's bird species and updated continuously. Besides conducting long-term bird banding and telemetry projects, we also study the conservation ecology and population biology of carnivores (brown bears, lynx, and wolves) in eastern Turkey and are working to create and monitor Turkey's first wildlife corridor. Highly-motivated students with interest in other taxa and prepared to take initiative should note that past collaborations included taxa ranging from plants to bird lice to amphibians. Students are encouraged to seek external Ph.D. funding opportunities such as NSF Graduate Fellowships or EPA-STAR Fellowships, and will have much better chances of acceptance with one. Posted: 12/5/11.
University of Utah: PhD Assistantships: Forest Canopy Ecology and Responses to Human Disturbances in Tropical Cloud Forest Landscapes. The Department of Biology seeks graduate student applicants who wish to start a Ph.D. program in Fall 2012. Fellowships provide $18K per year and tuition for up to five years to pursue a PhD in Biology with Dr. Nalini Nadkarni, a Full Professor interested in forest ecology. Research will be part of NSF-supported studies of forest canopy biota – their ecological roles and responses to a variety of human effects, including forest fragmentation, climate change, and ecotourism. Long-term research sites are in Monteverde, Costa Rica, a small Quaker community that supports one of the best remaining pieces of montane cloud forests in the world. We are looking for highly motivated, self-directed students who have experience conducting research and can express themselves clearly in writing and orally. In addition to research interests in tropical forest ecology, candidates should also be strongly interested in actively contributing to public engagement of science. Selection will be based on: academic excellence, as evidenced by rigor of previous coursework, GPA, and GRE scores; innate curiosity about the natural world; research experience, as evidenced by publications and presentations; commitment to public engagement; letters of recommendation; and the statement of purpose, which should detail the applicants general and specific goals. The Department of Biology has an internationally recognized graduate program, and is ranked among the top 35 research institutions in the nation by NSF. The Biology Department encompasses research from molecular biology to landscape and global ecology. We provide students with opportunities for practical experience and course credit in research, teaching, extension, and outreach. Our seminar series brings nationally recognized scientists to the department. Students have opportunities to develop outreach skills by participating in innovative programs of the Center for Science and Mathematics Education. See Graduate Program in Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology for application instructions and more information. Applications are due January 7, 2012. Note in your cover letter that you are applying for a position in Dr. Nadkarni’s lab. For more information, contact: Nalini.nadkarni@utah.edu. Posted: 11/17/11.
University of Utah: Graduate (MS/Ph.D) fellowships in urban ecology at the University of Utah
in Salt Lake City will be available for the 2012-2013 academic year. Topics include interactions between human-dominated landscapes and climate, urban ecohydrology, urban metabolism and material/energy budgets, and environmental costs and benefits of greenspace in semi-arid environments. Studies will involve measurements of plant and ecosystem function, land-atmosphere interactions, and ecohydrology in and surrounding western U.S. cities, particularly Salt Lake City and Los Angeles. Candidates are encouraged to consider a joint program in Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology (EEOB) with a graduate certificate in Urban Planning or Urban Design. Applications to the graduate program are due January 6, 2012; prospective applicants should contact D. Pataki at dpataki@uci.edu before applying. Posted: 10/27/11.
University of Utah: Support for two graduate student research positions (MS or PhD level) in isotope ecology and hydrology is available through the Univ. of Utah Department of Geology & Geophysics. Projects will focus on 1) characterizing the bio-physio-chemical environment of river plumes and utilization of this habitat by fish and benthic invertebrates in Lake Michigan, and 2) deploying and using data from a new network of water isotope lasers to quantify the impact of urbanization on land/atmosphere water cycles in the western USA. Both positions are available starting in the summer/fall 2012. Please contact Gabe Bowen (gabe@purdue.edu) with questions or inquiries. Posted: 10/24/11.
University of Vermont: The Rubenstein Ecosystem Science Laboratory is accepting applications for a PhD Assistantship in Mysis Ecology Responsibilities: Successful applicant will develop dissertation to experimentally test hypotheses about the evolution of diel vertical migration in the opossum shrimp /Mysis diluviana/. Research will focus on experimental approaches, supplemented with modeling and/or fieldwork. Qualifications: BSc and MSc in relevant fields and a strong interest in experimental ecological research. Strong quantitative and organizational skills required. Salary: Stipend plus tuition Closing date: until filled Contact: Submit cover letter, CV, unofficial transcripts, GRE scores, and contact information for three references to Dr. Jason Stockwell at email below. Contact Email: jason.stockwell@uvm.edu. See webpage for more details. Posted: 10/10/11.
University of Victoria: I am seeking a graduate student (MSc or PhD) to join my paleoecology lab in the Dept of Biology, starting September 2012 or January 2013. Research expenses are fully covered and funding for salary is guaranteed through a combination of fellowships, research assistantships, and teaching assistantships. Funding is not tied to a specific research project, so students are encouraged to develop their own projects. Research in my lab usually focuses on the development and dynamics of forest communities since the last glaciation and the climatic and non-climatic factors that drive vegetation dynamics. We are also beginning to combine paleoecological techniques such as fossil pollen analysis with molecular approaches i.e., paleogenetics. The main geographical focus of the lab is the Pacific coast of Canada, a region characterized today by temperate coniferous rainforest. Applicants should be highly-motivated, with a solid background in plant ecology and/or Quaternary science and excellent academic standing. Interested students are encouraged to contact me as soon as possible via email (tlacours@uvic.ca) and to send a CV, unofficial university transcripts, a brief statement of general scientific interests, and the names and contact information for two references. Further information about graduate studies. Posted: 3/9/12.
University of Victoria: The School of Environmental Studies has an opening for a PhD student to join a collaborative team studying the interior and high-elevation biodiversity of sites in the Great Bear Rainforest and the Coast Range of British Columbia. The successful PhD student will be supervised by Brian Starzomski. This PhD position is part of a large collaborative project that seeks to understand the importance of, and processes structuring, interior and high-elevation biodiversity within the Great Bear Rainforest, BC, as well as in the Coast Range. The large trees and near shore regions on the BC Coast are well known and studied, but in fact much of the interior in this region is characterized by stunted vegetation in bogs and on mountaintops. Little is known about it. Further, climate change predictions for BC show significant impacts on biodiversity in these environments. The PhD student will be responsible for studying the drivers of diversity in, for example, plant, pollinator, or soil communities. Field sites for comparison studies include those surrounding the Hakai Beach Institute on Calvert Island, BC, and high-elevation sites in the Coast Range north of Whistler, BC. The anticipated start date is September 1, 2012, negotiable. Early entry may be available to have a field season in Summer 2012. Compensation will be at NSERC rates ($21k per year) and the position will extend for 3 years, pending successful progress. Qualifications: An MSc degree in Biology or Environmental Studies with a specialization in community, population, or landscape ecology, or conservation or management (or a related discipline) is required. Exceptional undergraduate candidates will also be considered. The successful candidate will have a strong quantitative background, excellent grounding in population and community ecology experimental design, or a demonstrated capacity to learn such these skills. An individual who is excited to work with First Nations partners on this project will have an advantage in the selection process. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. For more information email starzom@uvic.ca. Applications (including a CV, transcripts, the names of 3 references, and a letter of interest) can be sent to the same address. Review of applications will start December 1, 2011 until a suitable candidate is found. Note that the deadline for graduate applications to the School of Environmental Studies is January 15, 2012. All candidates should read the details at this link: prospective students. Posted: 11/30/11.
University of Washington: I am soliciting applications for a doctoral position in the School of Environmental and Forest Sciences exploring the influence of gray wolf (Canis lupus) recolonization on the foraging and anti-predator behavior of two sympatric prey species – mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) and white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) – in Washington state. Fieldwork will involve deploying animal-borne cameras on both deer species at sites with and without wolves over the course of three winters in order to contrast interspecific responses to predation danger. The student will benefit from existing research infrastructure and collaboration with agency biologists as part of an ongoing study of the ecological impacts of wolves in Washington. Applicants should be highly motivated with a strong work ethic, well-developed oral and written communication skills, and an excellent academic background. Academic preparation must include either (1) a MS in wildlife biology, ecology, or related fields with evidence of peer-reviewed publication or (2) a BS in wildlife biology, ecology, or related fields with evidence of both peer-reviewed publication and extensive independent field-based research. Preference will be given to applicants who have worked in remote field conditions, especially during winter; experience with radio-telemetry, predator-prey field studies (especially wolves and their prey), and handling cervids will also be considered to be a plus. Applicants should create a single document (e.g., a pdf) that includes a brief letter of interest (1-2 pages), CV, unofficial transcripts, unofficial general GRE scores, and a list of 3 references and their contact information. The name of the file should contain the first and last name of the applicant. This file should be sent to Dr. Aaron Wirsing (wirsinga@u.washington.edu) via e-mail with “Deer anti-predator behavior” in the subject line. Applications will be screened until January 6, 2012, at which time we will contact references for those on the short list. Salary: Stipend, fringe benefits, tuition. Posted: 12/19/11.
University of Washington: I (Julie Keister in the School of Oceanography) am seeking a highly motivated Ph.D. student for a graduate assistantship in Biological Oceanography to develop a research program within the framework of an NSF-funded study of the effects of hypoxia on predator-prey interactions, energy flow through food webs, and ecosystem dynamics with a focus on marine meso-zooplankton. The position will begin in Summer (preferably) or Fall 2012. The successful candidate will develop interdisciplinary research focused on biological oceanography, do field and laboratory work, and collaborate closely with a team of researchers at the UW (Oceanography and Fisheries departments). The successful candidate will be encouraged to present their research at international conferences and prepare their work for publication in highly-ranked peer-reviewed journals. Interested students should have a strong background in science and a proven record of excellent written and quantitative skills. The assistantship will have an excellent stipend relative to the cost-of-living, full tuition remission, health insurance, and guaranteed funding as long as successful progress towards the degree is maintained. The School of Oceanography at the UW in Seattle is a national leader in oceanographic research and the education of graduate and undergraduate students. Locally, numerous opportunities for collaboration exist with agencies such as NOAA, Washington Fish and Wildlife, and the Washington Department of Ecology, as well as other University departments. Seattle is a vibrant city located on Puget Sound between the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges with abundant outdoor recreation opportunities, a diverse urban culture, and an outstanding standard of living. Interested applicants should begin by sending a cover letter outlining your interests and experience as pertain to this position, CV, and copies of recent GRE scores and college transcripts (if available) to: jkeister@u.washington.edu. Applications must officially be submitted through the UW Graduate School by Jan. 18, 2012. Posted: 12/9/11.
University of Washington: The Freshwater Ecology and Conservation Lab in the School of Aquatic and Fishery Science at the University of Washington is looking for a highly motivated MS or PhD student to explore the freshwater ecology of desert streams in the American Southwest. Potential themes of study include food web ecology, dam-induced alterations to riverine flow/thermal regimes, patterns and drivers of biological invasions, and ecosystem resilience and resistance to droughts. Focal study organisms will be fish and crayfish. The successful applicant will be advised by Dr. Julian Olden, and will work closely with researchers from Oregon State University and partners in Arizona including the Department of Defense, AZ Game and Fish Department, and The Nature Conservancy. The Freshwater Ecology and Conservation Lab contains an extremely cohesive mix of graduate students and post-docs. We play hard and work even harder … and are looking for same in the applicant. Qualifications: MS and/or undergraduate degree in ecology, zoology, or related field with a competitive GPA and GRE scores. Priority will be given to applicants with previous experience working in desert ecosystems, particularly with regard to the study of freshwater fish, stream ecology, and demonstrating strong quantitative and communication skills. A demonstrated ability to publish in peer-reviewed journals is an asset. Location: The position will be located within the School of Aquatic and Fishery Science (SAFS) at the University of Washington, Seattle, Washington. SAFS includes 30 faculty, 125 graduate and 100 undergraduate students, and about 90 administrative and research staff. The breadth and scope of SAFS encompasses programs for undergraduate and graduate teaching, research and service in basic and applied aquatic sciences with an emphasis on aquatic resource conservation. Faculty, staff and students have access to myriad aquatic habitats and rich biological resources, and are involved in interdisciplinary partnerships with other academic programs, as well as public and private organizations and environmental and regulatory agencies. Seattle is a vibrant and progressive city with ample opportunities for recreation and city-living. Salary: Stipend will be $20,100-21,400 annually plus benefits (health insurance) and tuition; funded for 2 (MS) or 4 (PhD). Start date: Fall 2012 (opportunity to start fieldwork in summer 2012). Contact: To apply email a cover letter that addresses your interest and experience, curriculum vitae, unofficial transcripts, and contact information for three references to: Dr. Julian Olden, School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington at olden@uw.edu. Screening of applicants will occur immediately (but end by Dec 15, 2011) and selected applicants will be asked to apply for graduate school at SAFS. More information on the application process is available here. Posted: 10/19/11.
University of Waterloo: Graduate positions in ecology: Plant shape, microclimate and pest species dynamics. Funding is available for the investigation of plant morphology on microclimate conditions and insect population dynamics. Using a pea/pea aphid system, the successful applicant will develop equipment to measure microclimate at fine spatial scales, and measure microclimate impacts on aphid populations. The ideal candidate will combine experimental and computational approaches to produce powerful conclusions regarding insect dynamics in plant canopies. A background in either ecology related disciplines (e.g., agricultural science) or quantitative science (e.g, computer science) is required. To be considered, candidates must be eligible for admission to the Biology graduate program. Note: The latest start date for this position is September 2012. Stipend: Candidates receive financial support through a combination of teaching and research stipend. Travel funds to attend scientific conferences are available. Contact: Dr. Kim Cuddington (kcuddingATuwaterlooDOT.ca). Posted: 2/21/12.
University of Waterloo: Graduate positions in ecology: Dragonflies, ecosystem engineering and extinction risk. Investigation of the role of species modification of the abiotic environment (ecosystem engineering) on population and community dynamics. We are particularly interested in the effects on invasive and endangered species. Field-based project will examine role of crayfish burrows, and water table fluctuations of the extinction risk of a small population of Hine’s emerald dragonfly. The ideal candidate will combine experimental and computational approaches to produce powerful conclusions regarding insect dynamics in plant canopies. A background in ecology is required. To be considered, candidates must be eligible for admission to the Biology graduate program. Note: this position requires an April or May start date. Stipend: Candidates receive financial support through a combination of teaching and research stipend. Travel funds to attend scientific conferences are available. Contact: Dr. Kim Cuddington (kcuddingATuwaterlooDOT.ca). Posted: 2/21/12.
University of Western Australia: We seek outstanding candidates to undertake field and laboratory research in to the functional and adaptive ecology of Triodia (spinifex). The PhD student will undertake research focused on understanding morphological and anatomical characteristics key Triodia species and how these relate to their extreme drought tolerance, and the distribution of Triodia at local and regional scales. There is additional scope to examine nutritional physiology of spinifex ecotypes, particularly in relation to phosphorus and nitrogen, including possible rhizosphere interactions with autotrophic N-fixing microbes; or undertake more detailed fine-scale analyses of genetic structure, possibly with the development of genomic markers (genetic markers linked to adaptively significant traits). Field sites will be focussed in the beautiful Pilbara region of northwest Australia. The scholarship is supported by an Australian Research Council Linkage grant in collaboration with Rio Tinto, Chevron, the Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority and the Department of Environment & Conservation. The student will thus work closely with research partners from UWA as well as the mining and conservation sectors. Applicants should be highly motivated, be passionate about fieldwork in the arid zone,enjoy working as part of a team and have a proven ability to write well. Prior to application, potential candidates should contact Associate Professor Grierson to discuss the project. Please send a cover letter outlining your interests, why you believe you are suited to the project, your academic transcripts and a detailed CV outlining any relevant experience. Enquiries are welcome! Associate Professor Pauline Grierson, School of Plant Biology, UWA. Perth Australia. Tel (61-8) 6488-7926, or E-mail pauline.grierson@uwa.edu.au. You can also contact Dr Chuck Price on charles.price@uwa.edu.au. Stipend: The scholarship will be for 3.5 years, commencing as soon as possible and has astipend of AUS $27,651 per annum (tax exempt). Posted: 4/2/12.
University of Western Sydney: The Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment (HIE) is seeking a PhD candidate to work on a project funded by the Australian Research Council, entitled: Using telomere dynamics to detect a physiological constraint on the pace of life-histories. The PhD candidature is anticipated to commence in the (Austral) autumn semester of 2012. The project broadly seeks to understand the physiological basis of trade-offs in life history ecology. The student will design and conduct experiments to determine how variation in key life-history traits affect rates of telomere shortening and other indices of oxidative stress. These experiments will take advantage of the potential for individual mice to make physiological adjustments in response to environmental conditions that provide fitness benefits but also affect rates of decline in physiological function. The task of the PhD candidate include: contribute to the innovation, design and day-to-day running of experimental treatments; DNA extraction and amplification using real-time (quantitative) PCR; development of other molecular assays (i.e. immunoassay kits, GC-MS) of oxidative stress; measurement of physiological variables using telemetry and respirometry techniques. The student will be advised by Dr Christopher Turbill (HIE) and work in collaboration with Professor Rob Brooks, Director of the Evolution and Ecology Research Centre at the University of New South Wales. See HIE Scholarships for more details, and instructions for applying. Contact: Christopher Turbill (c.turbill@uws.edu.au). Posted: 5/7/12.
University of Western Sydney: EucFACE is a newly-opened free-air CO2 enrichment (FACE) facility, simulating the future with a higher-CO2 atmosphere. Will you come join us and be a part of the experiment? Apply now for August or February postgrad study. Ph.D. student assistanship available through 25th May. Contact Prof. D. Ellsworth, University of Western Sydney and apply. Further information. EucFACE is an interdisciplinary experiment simulating the future with a higher-CO2 atmosphere. It is the first full FACE experiment in naturally-occurring old-growth woodland, built in 2011 at the University of Western Sydney. There are opportunities for postgraduate study in plant ecology and plant physiology offered in Prof. Ellsworth’s group to join this research effort. Contact D.Ellsworth@uws.edu.au. Posted: 5/2/12.
University of Western Sydney: The Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment (HIE) currently has funding available for competitive scholarships (incl. research funds) and are seeking excellent doctoral candidates to undertake research within the broad areas of: - Ecology, biodiversity, and sustainability of terrestrial ecosystems, particularly forests, savannas and grasslands - Soil science and molecular microbial ecology including plant-microbe interactions, soil biogeochemistry and ecological genomics - Plant-animal and plant-insect interactions, including animal ecology, insect herbivores and their multitrophic interactions - Ecology, physiology, biochemistry and genetics underpinning adaptation of plants to a changing environment. Approaches could include laboratory, controlled environment and field-based experiments, genomics, observational studies, and computer modelling and simulation. During the course of the project, you will have access to some of the best known Australian and international scientists in their fields of research for consultation and advice. There is a possibility of the successful candidate spending a period of time at collaborating Institutions overseas to further the scope of their research training. Applicants should discuss their research aspirations and eligibility with potential supervisors and contact HDRscholarships@uws.edu.au to discuss enrollment and scholarships. Applications close 25 May 2012. Further information. Posted: 4/10/12.
University of Western Sydney: The Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment (HIE) is seeking a PhD candidate to work on a project funded by the Australian Research Council. The PhD candidate is anticipated to commence in September 2012. Plant water use efficiency (WUE), the amount of carbon gained per unit water transpired, is a fundamental determinant of plant and ecosystem function. Controlled by stomatal behaviour, it governs plant productivity, ecosystem hydrology, and vegetation distribution. It has been frequently measured, at scales ranging from instantaneous leaf-level to annual ecosystem-scale. The task of the PhD candidate will be to collate major data sets across a wide range of scales, and interpret the data sets with a new model of WUE based on optimal behaviour of stomata. Specifically, the tasks are: 1) to collect and analyse leaf-level datasets on WUE, and/or 2) analyse existing ecosystem-scale flux measurements of CO2 and H2O from FLUXNET. See HIE Scholarships for more details, and instructions for applying. Contact: Remko Duursma (remkoduursma@gmail.com), Research Lecturer. Posted: 3/22/12.
University of Western Sydney: Ecosystem Function and Environmental Change (multiple PhD positions). Please follow this link to find details for PhD scholarships within the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment at the University of Western Sydney, Australia. Deadline: 29 July 2011. The HIE is a new multi-million dollar research institute offering comprehensive field and laboratory based facilities for research from genes to ecosystems. Dedicated to answering crucial questions about the impact of environmental change on terrestrial ecosystems, the Institute’s multidisciplinary research team is exploring how these ecosystems, and their components, respond to changes in atmospheric CO2 concentration, temperature, drought, land use, fire and biotic invasion. We are seeking excellent doctoral candidates to undertake research within the broad areas of: • Ecology, biodiversity, and sustainability of terrestrial ecosystems, particularly forests, savannas and grasslands; • Soil science and molecular microbial ecology including plant-microbe interactions, soil biogeochemistry and ecological genomics; • Plant-animal and plant-insect interactions, including animal ecology, insect herbivores and their multitrophic interactions; • Ecology, physiology, biochemistry and genetics underpinning adaptation of plants to a changing environment. Applicants should discuss their research aspirations and eligibility with potential supervisors in the Hawkesbury Institute. Contact the Research Training, Policy and Programs Officer to discuss enrollment and scholarships: Ms Sandra Lawrence (sg.lawrence@uws.edu.au). Posted: 7/7/11.
University of Wisconsin-Madison: Forestry, Climate Change, and Society -2-year Graduate Student Research Assistant Position for MS or PhD student, starting Fall 2012: Forests provide important economic, social, and ecological benefits. While much attention has focused on the effects of climate change on trees and forest ecology, this position will examine how climate change may affect forestry operations, and the relationship between forestry and local communities in the upper Midwest. Snow and frozen ground conditions affect access to forest stands, local road closures and weight limits, timing of forest harvest, and environmental impacts of harvest. Local governments make decisions about road closures that can have important implications for forestry operations. Yet, climate change is one of many factors and stressors affecting the forest industry and its role in local communities. The student in this position will work on two aspects of this issue: 1) analysis of historic weather conditions, roads, and harvest records, and 2) interviews with loggers, mills, foresters, policymakers, and local community representatives to provide context for the impact of weather on harvest operations, finances, and land management decision processes. Desired Qualifications: • Social science or environmental research experience • Undergraduate degree in forestry, environmental studies, geography, sociology, political science, regional planning, or relevant degree • Excellent oral and written communication skills • Depending on student aptitude and interest, the position could focus on quantitative statistical analysis or qualitative interview data, or both. Please indicate your primary area of interest. --A quantitative focus requires interest in or experience with advanced quantitative modeling (e.g., mixed-effects models, Bayesian models), management of large datasets, and software programs for data analysis, such as R. --A qualitative focus requires interest in or experience with in-depth interviews and participant observation, and hierarchical coding of interview transcripts. To apply: This position is available for an incoming Master’s student or a currently enrolled MS or PhD student. It provides a two-year research assistantship with tuition remission. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis starting in June, 2012. Please send a cover letter, CV, and contact information for 3 references in a single PDF document, along with an unofficial undergraduate transcript, to: Dr. Adena Rissman (arrissman@wisc.edu). Posted: 6/14/12.
University of Wisconsin-Madison: A MS research assistantship is available to determine the current southern range boundary of snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus) in Wisconsin, identify the ecological factors most important in shaping this range limit, and quantify the shift in the southern range boundary over time.The study would involve revisiting over 200 historic survey points throughout Wisconsin, designing and implementing a winter occupancy study using snow track surveys, and the analysis of climatological and remote sensing data sets. Current annual stipend levels are $20,400 per year before taxes, plus tuition remission and health care benefits. Financial support is available for two years. The start date for the project is September of 2012. A BS or BA degree environmental science, forestry, wildlife ecology, or other related disciplines is required. The preferred candidate will have experience in conducting field studies and collecting data in adverse weather conditions. Especially desirable are applicants with knowledge of Wisconsin’s ecosystems, experience in conducting winter studies, collaborating with natural resource agencies, and a high level of self-motivation. In addition, applicants should have a strong interest developing quantitative skills and working with climate and remote sensing data products. Excellent writing and verbal communication skills, as well as the ability to work in a team, are essential. The application deadline is June 01, 2012. E-mail the following documents listed below to our Student Services Coordinator Sara Rodock (rodock@wisc.edu) (in ONE PDF file please). Please specify when you would be available to start. Required Documents: - The Cover Sheet (.doc) - A well-crafted cover letter outlining research interests, academic and professional backgrounds - Resume/CV - Copies of transcripts (unofficial copies acceptable at this point) - GRE scores if available - Names and contact addresses of three references. Posted: 5/10/12.
University of Wisconsin-Madison: We seek a motivated PhD or MS student to pursue research in the social sciences related to bio- and sustainable energy. This project will investigate public perceptions and values associated with emerging sustainable energy platforms across Wisconsin. It also will engage the public in dialogue about those values and preferences toward helping communities and others better plan their energy future. More information. Applications received before Feb 1, 2012 are guaranteed consideration. Posted: 1/12/12.
University of Wisconsin-Madison: A PhD research assistantship will be available to initiate a study of the behavior and survival of wintering birds in relation to microclimates and habitat fragmentation. The project will involve the use of Radio-frequency Identification (RFID) to track individual birds throughout the course of the winter season. Research questions will focus on how the use of supplemental food by wintering birds varies as a function of weather events (such as cold snaps) and how these relationships are altered by landscape context and microclimatic conditions. This project will be supported in the in the Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology and under the supervision of Dr. Benjamin Zuckerberg. Stipend $20,400 per year before taxes, plus tuition remission and health care benefits. A start date by September of 2012 at the latest is strongly preferred. Qualifications: A BS or BA degree in geography, environmental science, forestry, wildlife ecology, or other related disciplines is required. To apply as a PhD student, the department requires a MS in wildlife ecology or related discipline is required. Applicants with a BA degree will only be considered if substantial relevant experience can be shown. Prior avian research experience is required including handling and mist netting/banding of birds. Especially desirable are applicants with an interest in developing quantitative skills and a high level of self-motivation. Experience with developing field-based projects is preferred. Good English writing and verbal communication skills, as well as the ability to work in a team, are essential. Applications received before February 1st 2012 are guaranteed consideration. Interested applicants are asked to e-mail the following documents listed below to our Student Services Coordinator Sara Rodock (rodock@wisc.edu) (in ONE PDF file please). Please specify in your letter when you would be available to start. Required Documents: 1. The “Forest and Wildlife Ecology; University of Wisconsin-Madison Graduate Application Cover Sheet” 2. Cover letter outlining research interests, academic and professional backgrounds 3. Resume/CV 4. Copies of transcripts (unofficial copies acceptable at this point) 5. GRE scores if available 6. Reprints if available 7. Names and contact addresses of three references. Posted: 12/21/11.
University of Wisconsin-Madison: Tropical Land Use Change in Brazil & Indonesia. The Gibbs Lab group has funding for a Graduate Research Assistant starting Fall 2012. The student will focus on mapping and understanding changing land use patterns and processes in response to global economic drivers such as bioenergy mandates and demand-side pressures from Greenpeace and other NGOs. The research will likely involve a combination of GIS and statistical modeling, along with stakeholder interviews in country. Specifically, the student will investigate the impact of demand-side policy levers such as Zero-Deforestation Agreements (e.g., Soy Moratorium) and Roundtables for Responsible Production (e.g., RSPO, RTRS, RSB) on tropical deforestation and agriculture as well as institutional changes along the value chain. Candidates with expertise working in Brazil and Indonesia - especially those with strong Portuguese language skills - are encouraged to apply. Applicant must be accepted into the Department of Geography or the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies M.S. or Ph.D. graduate programs. Typically, graduate students in our research programs have undergraduate GPAs above 3.5, and GRE scores in the 80th percentile or higher. Benefits include stipend, tuition remission and eligibility to participate in the Graduate Student Health Insurance Program. This position is for one year and renewable upon satisfactory progress. Candidates should submit a cover letter detailing qualifications and research interests, CV, and names of three references to Holly Gibbs hkgibbs@wisc.edu Candidates should also submit an application to the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies (due Jan 15, 2012) and/or the Department of Geography (due Dec 15, 2011). Posted: 11/28/11.
University of Wisconsin-Madison: Ph.D. CANDIDATE (Landscape change and ecosystem services in the southern Appalachian Mountains) is sought for research focused on the future of ecosystem services in the Southern Appalachian Mountains of western North Carolina. We seek an ecology student interested in sustainability science, synthesis, and the development of spatially explicit landscape models in the context of regional change. The student will build on a foundation of research in this forested region, which is noted for its high biodiversity, and also collaborate with Dr. Scott Pearson (Mars Hill College) and other researchers at the Coweeta LTER site. For information about graduate study at UW-Madison, please visit Wisconsin Ecology and the Turner lab. The successful applicant will be funded by a combination of teaching and research assistantships. Interested students are encouraged to contact Monica Turner in advance (turnermg@wisc.edu), but candidates must apply to the Department of Zoology, UW-Madison Graduate School by December 31, 2011. Posted: 11/21/11.
University of Wisconsin-Madison: Adaptive governance: water, land use and climate
change. One PhD position is available in Fall 2012 with the Rissman research group at the as part of a new five-year project funded by NSF's Water Sustainability and Climate program. The geographic setting for this project is the Yahara Watershed, an urbanizing agricultural watershed in southern Wisconsin, containing the city of Madison. Here and elsewhere, human needs for freshwater are growing as changes in climate, landscapes, the built environment and institutions alter water flows and quality in sometimes unpredictable ways. These changes affect ecosystem services related to freshwater, such as flows of freshwater for domestic, agricultural, industrial, recreational and other uses; regulation of floods; water quality; and aspects of human health. To strengthen conceptual frameworks and improve predictive capacity, our interdisciplinary project will integrate biophysical and social-economic aspects of regional water systems. We ask: How will ecosystem services related to freshwater vary and how can they be sustained in regional watersheds as climate, land use and land cover, land management, the built environment and human demands change? In what ways are regional human-environment systems resilient and in what ways are they vulnerable to potential changes in climate and freshwaters? How have interventions to enhance ecosystem services produced expected and unexpected social and ecological outcomes? This position will focus on regional governance; adaptive management and decision making under uncertainty; spatial analysis and geovisualization; and the historical development of policy, politics, science and conservation interventions. Applicants should have a prior degree in natural resources, geography, political science, planning, environmental policy, or related field. Previous research experience, social science background, and experience with coupled social and environmental systems are preferred. Experience with quantitative research methods is preferred. Experience with ArcGIS, spatial analysis, statistics, and geovisualization desired. Strong GPA, GRE scores, and oral and written communication skills are required. Applicants bringing diverse backgrounds and perspectives to the research program are encouraged to apply. The PhD position will start Fall, 2012. Review of applications will begin January 2, 2012 and continue until an applicant is selected. To apply, email to Dr. Adena Rissman (arrissman@wisc.edu) the following in a single PDF document: cover letter, CV with undergraduate/graduate GPA and GRE scores, unofficial undergraduate/graduate transcripts, and contact information for three references. Prospective PhD students should refer to the webpage for further information on applying to UW-Madison. Posted: 11/21/11.
University of Wisconsin-Madison: A Graduate Research Assistantship (M.S.-Ph.D. or Ph.D.) is anticipated for work with Rick Lindroth and Liza Holeski. The Research Assistant will pursue research at the intersection of plant-insect interactions, genomics, and chemical ecology, using aspen (Populus tremuloides) as an experimental system. Primary objectives of this research include: 1) identification of the genetic basis of aspen traits, including those related to the sustainable production of aspen as a biofuel crop, 2) evaluation of genetic correlations between aspen productivity and susceptibility to herbivores, and 3) characterization of environmental effects on the expression of traits influencing productivity and susceptibility. Genomics work will be conducted in collaboration with scientists in Umeå, Sweden. The Research Assistant will also be encouraged to develop and pursue her/his own novel research interests. Applicants must be interested in investigating both genetic and chemical aspects of plant-herbivore interactions, and may pursue admission to UW graduate programs in either Entomology (Jan. 31, 2012 deadline) or Zoology (Dec. 31, 2011 deadline). Graduate students have the opportunity to participate in the thriving Ecology and Evolutionary Biology communities at UW-Madison. Qualifications: Highly motivated individuals with superior academic credentials and strong communication skills are encouraged to apply. Well-developed interpersonal skills are essential. Candidates must be able to work independently as well as part of a collaborative research team. Stipend/benefits: 50% Research Assistantships currently provide a stipend of $20,400 (12 mo.), tuition waiver, and excellent medical/dental health plans at minimal cost. Position available beginning in summer or fall of 2012. Inquiries: Send preliminary e-mail letter of inquiry, describing research interests and academic qualifications, to: Dr. Rick Lindroth (lindroth@ wisc.edu) and/or Dr. Liza Holeski (holeski@wisc.edu), Dept. of Entomology, 237 Russell Labs, 1630 Linden Drive, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706 U.S.A. More information and instructions for
application. Posted: 10/26/11, revised: 10/31/11.
University of Wisconsin-Madison: A position is available for a highly motivated PhD student with interests in ecology and evolution of infectious disease. The student will join a dynamic team of PIs, post-docs, and other students on a project recently funded by the National Institutes of Health through the joint NSF/NIH Ecology and Evolution of Infectious Disease Program. The project is part of a long-term research effort in Uganda focused on understanding the dynamics of disease transmission in anthropogenically altered landscapes. The project combines approaches from the biological and social sciences to understand the ecology, epidemiology, and social drivers of primate viral transmission. The position is fully funded for at least 4 years, beginning in the Fall semester of 2012. The student may enroll in any suitable PhD program at University of Wisconsin-Madison, including (but not limited to) the following: School of Veterinary Medicine, Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies, Dept of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, Population Health Sciences. Students should have a strong background in research (a Masters degree or equivalent with publications is preferred), laboratory experience in molecular biology and infectious disease, interest in international fieldwork, and a desire to pursue a career in research. Prospective students should send an unofficial transcript, unofficial GRE scores, and a statement of interest to Dr. Tony Goldberg, tgoldberg@vetmed.wisc.edu. Posted: 10/24/11.
University of Wisconsin-Madison: We are looking for candidates for a Research Assistantship who are interested in pursuing a PhD at the UW-Madison as part of an interdisciplinary group studying the aquatic and terrestrial ecology of Lake Myvatn, Iceland. The group consists of Claudio Gratton (Entomology), Tony Ives (Zoology), Randy Jackson (Agronomy), Phil Townsend (Forestry and Wildlife Ecology), and Jake Vander Zanden (Center for Limnology/Zoology). To be competitive, candidates will need to have fieldwork experience. For more information, contact Tony Ives (arives@wisc.edu University of Wisconsin-Madison: The Orrock Lab is accepting applications for a highly motivated Master’s or Ph.D. graduate student to begin Fall 2012. Our research interests broadly include conservation, restoration ecology, behavioral ecology and spatial ecology. Students with an interest in apparent competition, plant-herbivore interactions, post-dispersal seed predation, metapopulation dynamics, and/or small-mammal ecology are particularly encouraged to apply. Locations for ongoing research in the lab include California, Wisconsin, and the southeastern U.S. Interested applicants should first review our lab website, then send a CV and cover letter to John Orrock at jorrock@wisc.edu. The cover letter should describe your skills, goals, and interest in working in the Orrock Lab, and include your GPA and GRE scores (unofficial scores are acceptable). Teaching assistantships are the primary means of student support, although two years of research assistantship funding are available for work on a large-scale plant restoration project in the southeastern U.S. Please refer to the UW-Madison Zoology website for additional information regarding graduate study and formal application. Posted: 9/9/11.
University of Wisconsin-Madison: 2 Postdoc and 1 PHD position available to study the effects of extreme climate events on avian demographics: the role of habitat refugia in mitigating climate change. Our NASA funded study has two major goals. The first is a basic science question: we seek to predict the effects of extreme climate and weather events, including droughts, heat waves, and cold snaps during the breeding season, on bird demographics, focusing especially on waterfowl and forest birds. As part of this question we will test four alternative hypotheses to explain observed abundance declines: (1) the lower recruitment hypothesis, (2) the adult mortality hypothesis, (3) the long-distance dispersal hypothesis, and (4) the refugia hypothesis. Our second goal is an applied research question: we seek to quantify the role of National Wildlife Refuges and National Forests as refugia for waterfowl and forest birds respectively during extreme events, and to identify management actions to enhance this function. The project is a collaboration between the USFWS (La Crosse, Wisconsin, P. Heglund) USGS (La Crosse, Wisconsin, W. Thogmartin), the USFS (Ft. Collins, Colorado, C. Flather), UW-Madison (Madison, Wisconsin, A. Pidgeon, V. Radeloff, and S. Vavrus), and Stony Brook University (Stony Brook, New York, R. Akcakaya). At this point, we are filling three positions that will all be based in Madison, Wisconsin. A fourth position for a PhD student with R. Akcakaya focusing on population modeling will be filled in 2012. Three positions (one PhD and 2 Post-doc positions) will be based in the Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology. We are offering each as a fully funded 3-year position, with the potential for a fourth year depending on performance and project objectives. In terms of the different work tasks, we envision the following team composition: - One person (either PhD or post-doc) will focus on changes in forest bird populations in response to extreme climate events under the supervision of A. Pidgeon. - One person (either PhD or post-doc) will focus on changes in waterfowl populations in response to extreme climate events, and will be under the joint supervision of A. Pidgeon and V. Radeloff. - One position (either PhD or post-doc) will assess and predict extreme events, and will work under the supervision of V. Radeloff and S. Vavrus. PhD students would be appointed as 12-month research assistants, with an annual salary of $20k, tuition remission, and full benefits including health insurance. Postdocs would be appointed as 12-month research associates, with benefits. Start date for all positions is flexible, funding is in hand, and an early start date is preferred. The positions are open to both U.S. citizen and non-residents. We are especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community. For applicants at the PhD level, a MS degree in ecology, wildlife ecology, atmospheric science, geography, environmental science, or related disciplines is required. Applicants with a BS degree will only be considered if substantial relevant experience can be shown. A solid working knowledge of remote sensing, GIS, and statistics is required. For applicants at the postdoctoral level, we expect a completed Ph.D. in an appropriate field (see list in previous paragraph) prior to appointment. Candidates should have a strong background in spatial/landscape ecology; intimate working knowledge of GIS; and strong quantitative skills. For the person filling the position focusing on extreme events, experience in working with climate data is desirable. For all three positions, we seek candidates who work well in a collaborative setting and have excellent communication and writing skills. Good English writing and verbal communication skills, and a demonstrated ability as a team member, are essential. To apply: send a cover letter summarizing research interests, a CV that spells out skills, and the contact information for three references. Please indicate in your cover letter explicitly which topical area you are interested in, and at which level (PhD or postdoc) you are applying. All applications received on or before August 1st 2011 are guaranteed consideration. Application packages (e-mailed as a single PDF file) should be sent to apidgeon@wisc.edu and vradeloff@wisc.edu. Posted: 7/18/11.
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point: A 2-year Graduate Teaching Assistantship is available in the College of Natural Resources. You will earn a Master of Science in Natural Resources and may choose an emphasis from a diverse array of areas including: forestry, wildlife, resource policy and management, soil science, and human dimensions. This teaching assistantship provides opportunities to teach and mentor undergraduate students by teaching an introductory natural resource course entitled People, Resources, and the Biosphere and related discussion sections. The assistantship also allows for completing a thesis from a diverse array of potential topics related to some social, political, policy, economic, or environmental dimension of an energy or natural resource issue from a social-ecological systems sustainability perspective. Students interested in using a systems approach to examine how sustainable development of renewable energy resources and energy efficiency and conservation can revitalize the natural, human, social, political, and institutional capital of Wisconsin and the Midwest and enhance the resilience and adaptive capacity of these social-ecological systems are especially encouraged to apply. Two potential specific research topics include: (1) working with a county to use a trans-disciplinary approach to develop and implement a plan to ensure 25% of their energy needs are from renewable energy sources by 2025 or (2) developing an implementation plan to meet the UWSP commitment to be carbon neutral by 2050. Graduate assistants are paid approximately $13,124 for 12 months. This includes health insurance (with required student paid premiums) and an out-of-state tuition waiver (in 2010, tuition and fees for Wisconsin graduates was $4,028 compared to $8,913 for out-of-state). Minnesota residents pay the reciprocity tuition rate. Depending on the thesis topic, there may be additional potential funding opportunities. To Apply: By February 15, send a cover letter indicating your interest in the position and your specific area of research interest for the thesis and a resume to mreisner@uwsp.edu Interested students must also complete the UWSP graduate application and College of Natural Resources application processes by March 1, 2012. If you have questions, please contact Professor Michael Reisner, Assistant Professor of Energy and Natural Resource Policy, at mreisner@uwsp.edu. Posted: 1/30/12.
University of Wyoming: I am recruiting a MS student to investigate recovery strategies for the Wyoming toad. Currently the population is critically endangered and information is needed to define short and long term recovery strategies. The project will include both experimental release strategies and landscape-level analysis to identify suitable Wyoming toad habitat. Prospective students with a background in natural resources, ecology, and/or spatial analysis are encouraged to apply. Evidence of robust analytical skills, scientific writing, strong work ethic, passion for scientific inquiry, ability to work under harsh field conditions and aptitude for collaborative research on a highly endangered species. My spatial ecology and landscape genetics research group is focused on understanding fine-scale distribution and functional connectivity of animal species in ecological systems. University of Wyoming is ideally located in Laramie, Wyoming with easy access to varied field sites and outdoor recreation opportunities. In addition, the campus is only 1 hour from Fort Collins and 2 hours from Denver, CO. Requirements: GRE 1100 (verbal + quantitative, 4 writing), GPA 3.0 (BS). Closing date: April 15, 2012 (review will begin immediately). Send materials (CV, cover letter, GPA, GRE scores) to Dr. Melanie Murphy (melanie.murphy@uwyo.edu). Also complete a Department of Renewable Resources application. Position can start in either June 1 or late August 2012. Posted: 4/3/12, revised: 5/16/12.
University of Wyoming: We are seeking to recruit two highly motivated graduate students (one M.S. and the other Ph.D.) to study ecological genetic and landscape approaches to plant community restoration. Research will investigate genotype-environment interactions relevant for plant establishment at restoration sites in high elevation ecosystems. Prospective students with a background in natural resources, ecology, and/or population genetics are encouraged to apply. Qualifications include a strong academic record and interest in evolutionary ecology and ecological restoration. Evidence of excellent written and analytical skills, as well as enthusiasm for field and laboratory research will be a plus. Applicants for the Ph.D. assistantship should have completed a Master's degree by summer 2012. Each graduate assistantship includes a generous annual stipend, tuition and fees, health insurance and research support for either two years (M.S.) or three years (Ph.D.). To apply, please send application materials, including a cover letter and copies of transcripts, GRE scores, resume and contact information for 3 references to Dr. Kristina Hufford: khufford@uwyo.edu. Posted: 3/7/12.
University of Wyoming: We are recruiting a Ph.D. graduate student to study ecological genetic and landscape approaches to mountain mahogany shrubland restoration in the labs of Dr. Kristina Hufford and Dr. Pete Stahl at the University of Wyoming. Research will investigate genotype-environment interactions and molecular marker divergence along a latitudinal transect of the mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus montanus) range to test predictions for appropriate seed collection zones for restoration. There will be opportunities for the Ph.D. student to develop novel research directions within the framework of the study program, and we encourage applications from prospective candidates with a background and interest in restoration ecology and population genetics. Evidence of excellent written and communication skills and enthusiasm for field and laboratory research are a plus. Qualifications for the position include a strong academic record and an MS degree. The graduate assistantship includes stipend, tuition and research support for 2.5 years and opportunities will exist to apply for additional funding. Enhanced stipend funding may be available for applicants with a minimum GRE score of 1200 (310 under the new scoring system) and GPA 3.0 (BS)/ 3.3 (MS). We are interested to fill this position as soon as possible and applications should be received by January 12, 2012 for full consideration. An opportunity to visit the University may be possible during the graduate recruitment period. Please send application materials, including a cover letter and copies of transcripts, GRE scores, resume and contact information for 3 references to: khufford@uwyo.edu. Also complete a departmental application. Posted: 12/14/11.
University of Wyoming: Graduate Assistantship: Climate Change, Water, and Ecosystem Services. I am recruiting a MS or PhD student to investigate how long-term changes in climate will impact water (distribution, abundance, quality) and ecosystem services (e.g., biodiversity and livestock production) in Wyoming range systems. The effects of climate change are critically important in semi-arid systems where water is the ultimate limiting factor. Water availability is predicted to decrease in Wyoming rangelands regardless of precipitation due to temperature-related increases in vegetative evapotranspiration rates. In addition, annual water supply in high elevation systems is dependent on spring snowmelt from the mountains which may be significantly impacted by shifts in precipitation timing. Water shortage has negative consequences for both biodiversity and human resource use. Semi-permanent wetlands are indicators of surface water availability. The selected student will use field-based and remotely-sensed data to characterize wetlands and quantify biodiversity. The student will then link these components with human resource use under alternative scenarios of climate change. Student will also have the opportunity to incorporate molecular methods to quantify biodiversity and landscape connectivity (landscape genetics approaches). Prospective students with a background in natural resources, ecology, and/or population genetics are encouraged to apply. Evidence of robust analytical skills, scientific writing, strong work ethic, passion for scientific inquiry, ability to work under harsh field conditions and aptitude for collaborative research are expected. My spatial ecology and landscape genetics research group is focused on understanding fine-scale distribution and functional connectivity of animal species in ecological systems. University of Wyoming is ideally located in Laramie, Wyoming with easy access to varied field sites and outdoor recreation opportunities. In addition, the campus is only 1 hour from Fort Collins and 2 hours from Denver, CO. Requirements: GRE 1200 (v+q, 4 writing), GPA 3.0 (BS)/ 3.3 (MS). Closing date: Dec. 10, 2011 (review will begin immediately). Send materials to Dr. Melanie Murphy (melanie.murphy@uwyo.edu). Also complete a departmental application. PhD students are encouraged to apply to the innovative Program in Ecology, an integrated, interdepartmental PhD program in ecological science. Position starts August 2012. Posted: 11/18/11.
University of Wyoming: One graduate student position (PhD only) will be available beginning in July 2012 in the Tinker lab to study landscape variability in forest structure, function, and fuels 25 years following the Yellowstone fires, as part of a Joint Fire Science Program-funded research project. This study will build upon and compliment an ongoing, long-term study of postfire succession in Yellowstone. The ideal candidate will be broadly trained in terrestrial ecology, but should have some background in plant ecology and landscape ecology; a candidate with experience and interest in forest fuels modeling is preferred. The position would begin with field work during summer 2012, and formal enrollment in the University of Wyoming would follow in the fall. If interested, then please contact Dr. Dan Tinker (tinker@uwyo.edu, 307-766-4967) in the Department of Botany and Program in Ecology. Applications should be received by December 31, 2011. Posted: 11/11/11.
University of Zurich: PhD Position on Arctic vegetation and energy balance. The spatial ecology and remote sensing group of the Institute of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies is seeking a PhD student to conduct a fully funded project (36 months, Swiss National Science Foundation) in the north- eastern Siberian Arctic to increase the understanding of feedbacks of tundra vegetation to the atmosphere and permafrost soil through energy fluxes The project will require extensive fieldwork in the NE Siberian tundra, and modelling of radiaton in the vegetation canopy. The ideal applicant will have a strong background in natural sciences (remote sensing, climatology, ecology, or closely related field), experience with programming (IDL, C++) and statistical software is an asset. The position will start by September 1st, 2012. Please send your application as one pdf-file (including application letter, CV, transcript/grades of MSc, publication list, names and contact details of three referees) to maja.weilenmann@ieu.uzh.ch. Screening of applications will start on May 13, 2012 and continue until the position is filled. Posted: 4/23/12.
University of Zurich: Two Ph.D. student positions in microbial diversity and ecosystem functioning are available, one in the research group "Ecological Farming" at Agroscope and one at the institute of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies of the University of Zurich. Soil microbes represent the unseen majority of life on Earth and are essential for the functioning of terrestrial ecosystems as they catalyse unique and indispensable transformations in the biogeochemical cycles of the biosphere. The significance of soil microbial diversity for the functioning of agricultural and natural ecosystems is still poorly understood and soil microbial communities can be considered as a black box. Unraveling what soil microbes are doing in this black box has been identified as one of the major research areas in science, comparable to the search for life on Mars. The significance of microbial diversity for the functioning of agro-ecosystems will be investigated in this project. Key questions include: 1. Is plant productivity and ecosystem sustainability enhanced by microbial diversity (PhD 1 and 2)? 2. Are there differences in microbial diversity between different agro-ecosystems (PhD 2)? PhD 1 focuses on the importance of microbial diversity for ecosystem functioning. Experiments are performed under controlled conditions in the greenhouse using already established advanced microcosms with experi-mental grassland communities. The second PhD characterizes microbial communities in a wide range of field sites using state of the art pyrosequencing techniques. This work will be followed by experiments with experi-mental plant communities and investigating the role of specific groups of soil microbes. Selected References: Petermann et al. 2008, Ecology 89: 2399-2406. van der Heijden et al. 1998, Nature: 396, 72-75. van der Heijden et al. 2008, Ecology Letters: 11: 296-310. Verbruggen et al. 2010, New Phytologist 186: 968-979. Wagg et al. 2011, Ecology Letters (in press, published on line). Requirements: We seek enthusiastic students with a Masters in ecology, microbial ecology, soil ecology, molecular ecology or agronomy. For PhD1 experience in soil-, microbial- or plant community ecology is an advantage. For PhD 2, use of molecular biology tools (e.g. pyrosequencing and bio-informatics) is an advantage. Scientific work will be performed in a team consisting of experts from various disciplines (major supervisors are Prof. Bernhard Schmid, University of Zurich and Prof. Marcel van der Heijden, ART). Excellent knowledge of spoken and written English is required. We offer the opportunity to work in a young, multidisciplinary research team addressing a variety of topics in agronomy, ecology and environmental biology. Well equipped state-of-the-art analytical, microbiological, and molecular biology laboratories as well as climate chambers, greenhouses and experimental fields are available. Conditions: The duration of the positions are three years. The salary is according to the guidelines of the Swiss National Science Foundation. The working place will be at the Institute of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies at the University of Zurich (PhD 1) and at the Swiss Federal Research Station Agroscope ART at Zurich-Affoltern, Switzerland (PhD 2). The projects will start in Autumn/Winter 2011/2012. Application Deadline for application: 31 August 2011. Please mention the keyword "PRODOCPhD" on your letter of application. Applicants should submit a complete academic record, CV, certificates and a short description of research interests to: Agroscope Reckenholz-Tänikon ART, Fachgruppe Personal, Thomas Zehnder, Reckenholzstrasse 191, 8046 Zürich, Switzerland or e-mail to human_resources@art.admin.ch. For further information please contact: Prof. Dr. Marcel van der Heijden, Head of the Ecological Farming System Group, phone +41 44 377 72 78, or e-mail: marcel.vanderheijden@art.admin.ch.(Do not send applications to this e-mail). Posted: 8/12/11.
Uppsala University: I am looking for a motivated PhD student interested in floral evolutionary ecology to join my lab at Uppsala University, Sweden. The studies will focus on the evolutionary ecology of floral scent and understanding male reproductive success. You will have the opportunity to do field work in both North America and in Sweden and to develop research projects base on your interests. Please feel free to contact me for more information. Applications will be accepted until March 15, 2012. Contact information: Amy Parachnowitsch (amyparachnowitsch@gmail.com or amy.parachnowitsch@ebc.uu.se). More details about the position and the application (you must apply through the university). Deadline: 3/15/12. Posted: 2/14/12.
Utah State University: The Ramirez Lab in the Department of Biology has an opening for a PhD student with interests in arthropod-plant interactions and applied entomology beginning Fall 2012. The project is in collaboration with Texas A&M University-Entomology to examine how systemic insecticides impact plant defenses and alter plant-herbivore and predator-prey interactions in agro-ecosystems. The graduate assistantship will include an annual stipend of ~$20K/year (8 months RA and 1 semester (4 months) TA/yr), a tuition waiver, and research support. Prospective students with a background in entomology, ecology, plant sciences, or biology are encouraged to apply. To apply, send an email to Ricardo Ramirez (ricardo.ramirez@usu.edu). Please provide a CV/resume (include GPA and GRE scores), unofficial transcripts, a statement of purpose, and contact information for three references. See also: USU Ecology Center. For more information contact Dr. Ricardo Ramirez (ricardo.ramirez@usu.edu). Posted: 4/16/12.
Utah State University: I (Peter Adler) am seeking a talented MS or PhD student interested in studying plant water use as a means to predict climate change impacts on semi-arid plant communities. The research will involve both field work and simulation modeling, and will be conducted in collaboration with other grad students, a post-doc, and myself. To apply, please email me (peter.adler@usu.edu) a statement of interest, a CV, and contact information for three references. I will give special consideration to applications from women and minorities. Posted: 1/13/12.
Utah State University: The Ernest Lab has an opening for a Ph.D student in the general areas of Community Ecology or Macroecology to start fall 2012. Active areas of research in the Ernest lab include long-term dynamics of communities, processes generating macroecological patterns, and the role of body size in the ecology and life-history of animals. While students interested in one of the general areas listed above are preferred, students are free to develop their own research projects based upon their interests. Graduate students in the Ernest lab are funded through a combination of research assistantships, teaching assistantships, and fellowships. USU has an excellent graduate program in ecology with over 50 faculty and 80+ graduate students across campus affiliated with the USU Ecology Center. Interested students should contact Dr. Morgan Ernest (morgan.ernest@usu.edu) by Nov 30th, 2011 with their CV, GRE scores, and a brief statement of research interests. Posted: 10/27/11.
Utah State University: I am recruiting an MS student for a restoration project in sagebrush steppe, to begin January 2012. The project is investigating the efficacy of targeting sagebrush understories and interspace gaps as sites for grass and forb seedling establishment. The student will have the opportunity to develop his/her own sub-project that complements the overall project goals. This work is in collaboration with the US Geological Survey, funded primarily by the Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase Project. The student must be able to work effectively both independently and as part of a field team. A bachelor's degree in ecology, botany, biology or a related field is required. Past field experience is strongly preferred. Students can be affiliated with both the Department of Wildland Resources and the Ecology Center. Minimum requirements for entry into USU's Graduate Program are a cumulative 3.0 GPA, and 1100 combined GRE scores. Utah State University has a strong natural resources program, and its location in the beautiful Cache Valley provides easy access to world class outdoor recreation. If interested please email a C.V. (including GPA and GRE scores), a statement of research interests, unofficial transcripts, and contact information for three references, to Kari Veblen kari.veblen@usu.edu. Posted: 8/30/11.
Utah State University: The Department of Wildland Resources, in the College of Natural Resources at Utah State University, will award a S. J. and Jesse E. Quinney PhD Fellowship to start fall 2012. The Fellowship provides four years support of $20,000 per year as a Graduate Research Assistant, plus tuition, student fees, and health insurance. The Department of Wildland Resources (http://www.cnr.usu.edu/wild/) has a diverse faculty and a large, dynamic graduate student body. Research focuses on basic and applied aspects of the ecology, conservation, restoration, and management of a wide breadth of wildland ecosystems. The Department is an integral part of the three-department College of Natural Resources and the inter-collegiate Ecology Center, and houses the USDA Predator Ecology Lab, part of the USGS Utah Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit. We also have important links with the USDA Forage and Range Research Lab and Poisonous Plants Research Lab, the USDA Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station, and the Center for Integrated Biosystems. Applicants should work with a potential faculty PhD advisor that will strongly support the application and apply for admission to the School of Graduate Studies. In addition to the graduate application, applicants should submit (1) a letter of interest explaining why he or she would like to join the potential advisor’s research group and (2) a complete curriculum vitae. These materials should be sent to Marsha Bailey (marsha.bailey@usu.edu). Review of complete applications will begin 27 January 2012. Posted: 10/5/11.
Villanova University: we invite applications for a Masters student interested in Forest and Ecosystem Ecology. Pending acceptance, RA funding is available for one year (plus summer funding) with other support available for a second year. The interested student will work closely with Villanova faculty and Forest Service scientists to examine the interactions between fire, herbivory, and climate change in Pinelands forests. This project will allow for flexibility in a thesis topic. Preferred start date would be September 2011. Interested students should contact Dr. Samantha Chapman at samantha.chapman@villanova.edu. More info: Samantha’s research group. Posted: 9/30/11.
Virginia Commonwealth University: The Johnson Lab is seeking motivated graduate students with interests in population ecology of insects. Research in the lab ranges from empirical field studies to theoretical modeling. Current research in the lab is focused on understanding the complex population dynamics of forest insects (e.g gypsy moth), but other systems will be considered. Graduate students may apply through the Biology Masters in Science or Integrative Life Sciences Ph.D. programs. Competitive funding and tuition waivers are available to qualified students in both programs, and may include fellowships, and research/teaching assistantships. Please visit VCU Biology to find information about both programs. VCU is the largest public university in Virginia. We are located in Richmond, VA on the James River, within easy reach of the Virginia coastal plain, Chesapeake Bay, Virginia barrier islands and Blue Ridge Mountains, providing excellent opportunities for research in diverse natural systems. VCU’s Rice Center for Environmental Life Sciences, located 30 minutes from campus, encompasses 342 acres of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems along the James River and provides an outstanding resource for field-based research by both faculty and graduate students. Facilities include new office and lab space, conference center, and boat house. On campus research facilities include the Trani Center greenhouse. Please contact Dr. Derek M. Johnson (dmjohnson@vcu.edu, 804-827-0274) if interested. Posted: 1/13/12.
Virginia Commonwealth University: Graduate studies in ecology and evolution. The Department of Biology invites applications from prospective graduate students for Fall 2012. We have a diverse Ecology and Evolution faculty engaged in research in Virginia and around the world. Emerging research clusters include population and community ecology, evolutionary genetics, computational biology & river science. Graduate students may apply through our Biology Masters in Science or Integrative Life Sciences Ph.D. programs. Competitive funding and tuition waivers are available to qualified students in both programs, and may include fellowships, and research/teaching assistantships. Competitive students have GPAs >3.0 and combined GRE scores 1,100 or greater. Experience, reference letters, and rationale for applying to the program are important elements of the application. Prospective students must apply through VCU's graduate school or through the Office of International Education. For full financial consideration, applications must be received by January 15. Applicants that have identified faculty sponsors are more likely to be accepted and to receive financial support. Interested students are strongly encouraged to contact prospective mentors directly for more information, or graduate studies directors Dr. Jennifer K. Stewart (Biology MSc) or Dr. Robert Tombes (Integrative LS PhD). Posted: 12/15/11.
Virginia Commonwealth University: Dr. Lesley Bulluck in the Department of Biology invites applications from prospective graduate students (Master's level) for Spring 2012 – estimated start date of April 10, 2012. The successful applicant will collaborate on a project involving a conspecific attraction experiment with golden-winged warblers in the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia. Competitive teaching assistantships, tuition waivers, and support for field work are available. VCU, located in Richmond, VA, is the largest public R1 university in Virginia and has an active and diverse Ecology and Evolution faculty that are engaged in research around the world. Successful applicants should have a BS in biology (or related field), GPA >3.3, GREs >1200, some prior avian research experience, an interest in developing quantitative skills, and a high level of self motivation. Especially desirable are applicants with prior experience with nest monitoring and mist netting/banding of birds. Experience with leading field crews is preferred. Interested persons should initially email a letter that summarizes their background, educational goals, and research interests, along with curriculum vitae (include GPA and GRE scores) with contact information for three references to Dr. Lesley Bulluck (lpbulluck@vcu.edu). Applications will be reviewed as they are received, but no more will be accepted after December 20. The deadline to apply to our Masters program is January 15. Posted: 11/4/11.
Virginia Commonwealth University: The laboratories of Andrew Eckert and Chris Gough, located in the Department of Biology at VCU, are recruiting an M.S. level graduate student for a research project examining the genetic basis of photosynthesis and growth related traits in loblolly pine. Our preference is for a student to begin during the summer of 2012. Work would involve phenotyping hundreds of loblolly pines established in a common garden and carrying out statistical tests for associations between genetic markers and these traits. This interdisciplinary project would be a nice introduction to tree physiology, quantitative and population genetics and association mapping of complex phenotypes. For additional information, please contact Dr. Andrew Eckert (aeckert2@vcu.edu) and see the information about the M.S. program at VCU, which has an application deadline of January 15th, 2012. Posted: 11/3/11.
Virginia Commonwealth University: An M.S. graduate position is available to conduct Department of Energy supported forest ecology research at the University of Michigan Biological Station (UMBS). Graduate investigators will join a team of researchers examining forest carbon cycling in relation to disturbance, ecological succession, and climate change. This research has implications for how forests are managed to sustain carbon storage, a key ecosystem service that helps to offset greenhouse gas emissions. UMBS is ideally positioned for research and recreation on Douglas Lake in the forested region of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, within 10 miles of Lakes Michigan and Huron. Student researchers at UMBS benefit from interaction with investigators from multiple disciplines in a friendly scholarly environment, and have access to state-of-the art research facilities. For more information, contact Dr. Chris Gough (cmgough@vcu.edu). Applications are due January 15, 2012. For more information: VCU biology graduate program. Posted: 11/3/11.
Virginia Tech University: The Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation and the Virginia Water Resources Research Center are seeking applicants for a graduate research assistantship position in Forest Soil Science and Biogeochemistry at the M.S. level. An applicant is sought for research on soil properties and processes under conditions created by varying degrees of logging residue removal ten years ago at two established research sites in western Oregon and Washington. This is part of an ongoing collaborative research project with the USFS PNW Research Station and the College of Natural Resources at the University of Washington to study forest management effects on long-term site productivity and soil biogeochemistry. Position is available beginning August 2012. Annual stipend $19-20k plus full tuition waiver and a health insurance premium subsidy. Minimum qualifications: a B.S. degree in forestry, soil science, ecology, or a related natural resources field; good written and oral communication skills; and willingness to conduct field research under sometimes demanding conditions in the Pacific Northwest. For more information contact: Dr. Stephen H. Schoenholtz (Stephen.Schoenholtz@vt.edu, 540-231-0711), Virginia Water Resources Research Center and Dr. Brian D. Strahm (Brian.Strahm@vt.edu, 540-231-8627), Department of Forest Resources. Posted: 3/20/12.
Virginia Tech University: A graduate student assistantship is available to start fall semester in the Fisheries and Wildlife Conservation Department at Virginia Tech. The position is supported by a recently funded NSF grant aimed at understanding the interaction of human and coupled environmental systems on water quality and health in Africa. Graduate research will focus on application of molecular genetic tools and field studies to understand human-environmental coupled dynamics, water quality and health. The most qualified applicants will have a quantitative background, expertise in statistical computing, a strong interest in water quality and environmental health, strong demonstrated skills in molecular genetics and data assessment (REP PCR, MLST and other similar techniques). Experience in spatial data analysis will be an added advantage. Applicants must have an MS degree for entrance to the program. Interested applicants should submit the following: 1) C.V. with GPA, GREs, and three references 2) Unofficial transcripts (undergraduate and an MS degree), 3) 1-2 page description of research interests and experience. Contact: Email your applications as a single file (pdf, or Word) to: Dr. Kathleen Alexander, Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0321; Phone: 540-231-5059; email: kathyalx@vt.edu. Salary: Tuition + Stipend. Last Date to apply: April 15, 2012. See also: http://www.caracal.info. Posted: 1/9/12, revised: 3/6/12.
Virginia Tech University: Water-restricted environments that experience strong seasonal changes are extremely vulnerable to human landscape alteration and pollution. Increasingly, pollution of limited water resources is identified as an important and urgent problem facing much of the world and, in particular, Africa. This NSF supported project will evaluate coupled human and ecological drivers influencing water quality and the health of human and animal populations in the Chobe River Region of Botswana, a location where human health is seriously impacted. Using predictive models calibrated with field samples, existing and potential long-term effects of climatic changes, seasonal variation in hydrology, increases in human populations and landscape modification on human and animal health will be investigated. Project outcomes will contribute to theory and methods for assessing the effects of coupled socioecological systems on water quality and environmental health. Project and Responsibilities: Support is available for an academically outstanding and professionally motivated student to pursue a MS in the Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation at Virginia Tech. The student will be funded through the above multidisciplinary National Science Foundation (NSF)-sponsored project. The student will contribute to the development of hydrological models designed to contribute to our understanding of system dynamics and the impact of water quality on human and animal health in the system. The incumbent will work with hydrological models, manage and analyze data, prepare reports and manuscripts, present research at professional meetings, help with other projects in the lab, and complete coursework pursuant to the MS degree. Required qualifications: The applicant should have a BS in an environmentally related field of science. The incumbent will also need to have strong mathematical skills to successfully complete the project. The candidate should have an interest in water quality, public health and the environment; expertise in statistical computing and geographic information systems is desired. Stipend: $19,177 per year plus tuition. Closing date: November 15 - selection will begin immediately and applicants should apply as quickly as possible. Starting date: January, 2012 or earlier. Contact: Email letter of interest, academic resume (with names and contacts of three references, GRE scores, unofficial transcripts to: Dr. Kathleen Alexander, Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0321; Phone: 540-231-5059; email: kathyalx@vt.edu. Posted: 10/21/11.
Virginia Tech University: The Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation in affiliation with the Virginia Water Resources Research Center at Virginia Tech is seeking applicants for a graduate research assistantship position to study stream ecology and water quality at the Ph.D. level. An applicant is sought for research assessing factors within stream ecosystems occurring in Central Appalachian Coalfield watersheds with current and/or past mining activities that have the potential to significantly influence aquatic biota, particularly benthic macroinvertebrate communities. This effort will build upon our ongoing research program using more than 30 established study streams, which has evaluated associations between total dissolved solids (TDS) and benthic macroinvertebrate community composition in stream ecosystems located in the Central Appalachian region. Position is available beginning January 2012. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Minimum qualifications include: an M.S. degree in watershed science, hydrology, stream ecology, biology, or a related natural resources field; good written and oral communication skills; and willingness to conduct research in the field under a variety of conditions. For more information please contact: Dr. Stephen H. Schoenholtz, Virginia Water Resources Research Center, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061. e-mail:stephen.schoenholtz@vt.edu. phone: (540) 231-0711 http://water.vwrrc.vt.edu/ Inquiries by e-mail or telephone are welcomed. For more information about the Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation and the VWRRC at Virginia Tech, please visit our web sites. Posted: 10/17/11.
Virginia Tech University: M.S. Graduate Research Assistantship, Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Blacksburg, VA. Responsibilities: The successful applicant will carry out a research project linking fish production to habitat and climate variability in southern Appalachian mountain streams (from Baltimore, MD south to north Georgia). This project will involve extensive collaboration and cooperation with Dr. C. Andrew Dollof of the US Forest Service and his scientific team in Blacksburg, VA. Data collected will serve as an important link to a larger US Forest Service and USGS study on effects of climate change on southeastern fishes. Qualifications: Applicants of particular interest will be self-motivated, field-oriented, creative thinkers who can sustain extended periods of field work in variable weather conditions throughout the southern Appalachian range. Applicants must also be good communicators and team-oriented, as they will need to work with scientists across multiple agencies, US states, and within the Rypel Lab team at VT. Evidence of previous work experience or research in fisheries or ecology is a major plus. Quantitative skills are also highly desirable. Compensation: ~$19k/yr stipend plus tuition. Closing: 11/1/2011. Anticipated start date: Negotiable, but January 2012 is preferred. Contact: Submit cover letter, resume, unofficial transcripts, GRE scores, and contact information for three references to Dr. Andrew L. Rypel at rypel@vt.edu. Posted: 9/23/11.
Washington State University Vancouver: We are looking for two new students to join our research group in butterfly ecology and conservation. A Ph.D. student will work jointly with Cheryl Schultz at WSU Vancouver and Elizabeth Crone at Harvard Forest. The position is part of a grant funded by SERDP (Strategic Environmental Research and Defense Program) to investigate source-sink dynamics of at-risk butterflies and includes collaborators at WSU, Harvard, Duke, North Carolina State University and the Institute for Wildlife Studies. The student will investigate butterfly ecology in the context of management actions that potentially trigger source-sink dynamics. A second position for an MS or PhD student is available in general butterfly ecology and conservation. This research will build on current research in the Schultz lab. The students will be enrolled in the Sciences Program at WSU Vancouver. The Program provides students with an interdisciplinary, applications-oriented education in environmental science where students can select to pursue PhD in Biology or Environmental Science. Students will be financially supported through a combination of teaching and research assistantships. WSU Vancouver is a new and rapidly growing campus in the WSU system located in Vancouver, Washington just north of Portland, Oregon. All teaching/research assistantships include tuition waivers as part of their stipends. We anticipate that the PhD/SERDP position will spend ~1 semester/year at Harvard Forest. Interested students should send a CV/resume, transcripts and a letter describing past research experience and future research interests to Cheryl Schultz, schultzc@vancouver.wsu.edu. We will do an initial review of applications starting on April 15, 2012, and continue reviewing applications until the positions are filled. We are open to students interested in starting in Fall 2012, Spring 2013 or Fall 2013. We encourage all interested students to contact Cheryl Schultz (schultzc@vancouver.wsu.edu) or Elizabeth Crone (ecrone@fas.harvard.edu) to learn more about the program and research in our labs. Posted: 4/2/12.
Washington State University: PhD Fellowships for N cycling research and policy. Nitrogen Systems: Policy-oriented Integrated Research and Education (NSPIRE). Interdisciplinary research focused on nitrogen cycle processes in the environment integrated with experiential learning of public policy. Up to 8 PhD research assistantships will be available to join a collaborative team working on understanding environmental aspects of the nitrogen cycle and putting that information into context for policy development. With funding from the National Science Foundation’s Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship program (IGERT), the individual fellows will pursue disciplinary research important for the overall theme, and work together to identify and address interdisciplinary issues critical for development of effective public policy related to environmental nitrogen. Research Topics (regional modeling, measurements and analyses) • Hydrological N transport and fate, • Crop N use and soil N cycling, • N dynamics in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, • Atmospheric N transport and fate, • Biosphere/atmosphere interactions, • Subsurface N fate and transport, • Animal systems and nitrogen dynamics, • Analysis of climate and land use change impacts. Benefits of the Program • Full graduate support including two years of NSPIRE support with $30k/year stipend • Integrated graduate curriculum • Paid policy internship for 3 months with a US or International organization. Applicants are encouraged to apply to one of the following colleges within Washington State University: College of Agricultural, Human and Natural Resources, the College of Engineering and Architecture, or the College of Sciences. To apply, see the link above. Applicants must be a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident. Successful applicants must be entering or within their first year of a PhD program at Washington State University and join the program in the fall of 2011. Deadline for receipt of applications is January 27, 2012. Posted: 11/28/11.
Washington State University: PhD positions are available to explore relationships between biodiversity and natural pest control. Possible research topics include impacts of pathogen/predator species richness (Science 321:1488-1490, 2009) and evenness (Nature 466:109-112, 2010) on prey populations in natural or sustainable-farming systems. A combination of field experiments, theory, and/or molecular approaches encouraged. Start summer or fall 2012. See the Snyder lab web site for more information. Contact Bill Snyder, Department of Entomology, wesnyder@wsu.edu. Posted: 10/20/11.
Washington State University Vancouver: Ph.D. Assistantships in Watershed Modeling. The Global Change and Watershed Biogeochemistry research group seeks motivated, independent Ph.D. students to develop and apply an aquatic biogeochemistry component of a regional Earth Systems Model. Prospective students should have a strong background in the physical sciences (including at least a year of undergraduate chemistry), an interest in environmental modeling, and a dedication to research that improves understanding and management of aquatic and land-based resources. Funding is available to support the successful candidate(s) and, all teaching and research assistantships include tuition waivers as part of their stipends. See admission requirements for PhD programs in Environmental Science or Geology. Application materials and instructions: M.S. Environmental Science. Despite the focus on MS degrees, Ph.D. degrees are offered at WSU Vancouver. More information on the application process. Interested parties should either apply directly to WSU Vancouver or contact John Harrison (john_harrison@wsu.edu) for additional information. To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by January 10, 2012. Posted: 11/28/11.
Washington State University Vancouver: We seek a MS or PhD student to assist with a study on the potential impact of herbicides on at-risk butterflies. Invasive species are one of the leading threats for several at-risk butterfly species in Pacific Northwest Prairies. Selective herbicides are increasingly a preferred management tool because of their ability to target problem species with minimal impact on most native plant species. However, the impact of these herbicides on at-risk butterflies is virtually unknown. Studies in our lab to date suggest impacts on survivorship, development, morphology, and behavior. We are working with USFWS and other agencies working in these prairies to investigate herbicide impacts by using a mix of field, lab and quantitative techniques. We seek a MS or PhD student to take the next steps in this research. Please see our website for overview of our research approach, list of publications, and letter to prospective graduate students. MS and PhD students can pursue a degree in Environmental Science or Zoology. In environmental science, our program in Vancouver provides students with an interdisciplinary, applications-oriented education. Students will be financially supported through a combination of teaching and research assistantships. All teaching/research assistantships include tuition waivers as part of their stipends. For more information please see WSU's Graduate Page. Washington State University Vancouver is a new campus in the WSU system located in Southwest Washington just across the Columbia River from Portland, Oregon and is close to Willamette Valley and South Puget Sound prairies. Currently with about 3000 students, it is a new and rapidly growing campus in the WSU system. Students benefit from outstanding faculty, world-class research, state-of-the-art facilities and small class sizes. Interested students should look at the Letter to Prospective Graduate Students and send a CV/resume and a letter describing past research experience and future research interests to Cheryl Schultz, schultzc@vancouver.wsu.edu or call 360-546-9525 for more information. Graduate applications receive priority consideration if received by January 10, 2012 for Fall 2012 admission. I encourage all interested students to get in touch to learn more about the program and research in our lab. Posted: 10/21/11.
Washington State University Vancouver: Graduate student positions are currently available for MS and PhD students at Washington State University Vancouver (WSU Vancouver). We anticipate accepting new students in Environmental Sciences, Botany, Zoology and Mathematics. Most positions are funded with a combination of teaching and research assistantships that include tuition waivers. WSU Vancouver Science Faculty focus on conservation ecology and genetics, disturbance ecology, marine ecology, agroecology, molecular biology, oceanography, environmental physics, biogeochemistry, animal behavior, mathematical biology, and neuroscience. We do not accept students without a Faculty advisor so please contact a Faculty member in an area of research similar to your own about the potential for admission to graduate school at WSU Vancouver. Visit us on the web for more information about our Faculty and our graduate programs. WSU Vancouver is located in southwest Washington across the Columbia River from Portland, Oregon and is close to the Cascades, Puget Sound, and the ocean, and thus offers significant opportunities for research, a variety of neighboring institutions and agencies for collaboration, and an excellent quality of life. Degree programs are offered across all WSU campuses and students in Vancouver may participate in activities in Pullman. Priority applications are due January 10, 2012. Please contact Cheryl Schultz for additional information. Cheryl Schultz, Graduate Programs Coordinator, Washington State University Vancouver 14202 NE Salmon Creek Ave. Vancouver, WA 98686, schultzc@vancouver.wsu.edu. Posted:10/12/11.
Washington State University Vancouver: The Aquatic Ecology Laboratory at Washington State University Vancouver, directed by Dr. Stephen Bollens and Dr. Gretchen Rollwagen-Bollens, has paid assistantships available for new MS and PhD graduate students to contribute to a growing and dynamic program in Aquatic Ecology. We are currently accepting applications to begin study in January 2012, or August 2012. Specific research opportunities exist in the following areas: 1) aquatic invasive species (e.g. zooplankton, crayfish, fish), 2) harmful algal blooms, 3) fish and invertebrate response to wetland restoration, and 4) diel vertical migration of plankton. Graduate students are supported on a combination of Research Assistantships and traditional Teaching Assistantships. Students who begin in January 2012 are also eligible to apply for one-year “GK-12” Teaching Fellowships which pay a $30,000 annual stipend with the expectation of 15 hours/week collaborating with a middle school science teacher in a local school district. Degree programs: M.S. and Ph.D. in Environmental Science; M.S. and Ph.D. in Zoology. Application deadlines: For January 2012 admission, apply as soon as possible. For August 2012 admission, applications will be accepted through March 2011; but priority will given to those who apply by January 10, 2012. For more information please visit the WSUV Aquatic Ecology Laboratory website, or the WSU Vancouver Science Programs website or contact us directly: Dr. Stephen M. Bollens (sbollens@vancouver.wsu.edu) Dr. Gretchen Rollwagen-Bollens (rollboll@vancouver.wsu.edu), Washington State University Vancouver, 14204 NE Salmon Creek Avenue, Vancouver, WA 98686-9600 USA. Posted 10/5/11.
Western Carolina University: What is the minimum forest gap size needed to create early successional habitat in the Southern Appalachians? This project needs an energetic graduate student who likes ecological field work and is interested in answering this question as part of their M.S. thesis project. An assistantship is available beginning fall, 2012. Interested students should contact Beverly Collins (collinsb@email.wcu.edu), Laura DeWald (ldewald@email.wcu.edu) or Jeremy Hyman (jhyman@email.wcu.edu) in the Biology Department. Posted: 1/30/12.
Western Kentucky University: The Department of Biology is seeking a motivated, qualified individual with appropriate prior experience in the field of ecology to conduct independent research towards the completion of a Master’s of Science Degree while acting as a graduate teaching assistant for our undergraduate Ecology course and possibly other ecologically based courses as needed.. The successful candidate will conduct research in the areas of conservation ecology or restoration ecology of forest herbs. While enrolled in the MS in Biology program students are expected to develop, implement, and analyze independent research projects, prepare scientific manuscripts, and present research at regional and/or national meetings. Teaching Assistant responsibilities for the Ecology course include: instruction of two 12-student laboratories once a week, preparation of laboratory materials, grading and evaluation of student performance, and weekly TA meetings with the course instructor. Instruction responsibilities include a brief pre-lab lecture describing concepts and protocols followed by hands-on demonstration of appropriate techniques. Prior teaching experience is not required. A B.S. degree in biology, or closely related discipline is required. Additional requirements include: competitive GRE scores, prior independent research experience, demonstrated excellence in course work, excellent written and oral communication skills, and ability to work independently and as a team member. Please see the full list of requirements for admission into the graduate college and the department of Biology on the respective websites at WKU. The successful applicant receives a TA stipend, a partial tuition waiver, and contributions towards health insurance benefits. Renewal of this offer for the second year is contingent upon satisfactory performance. For further details about the position contact Dr. Albert Meier: albert.meier@wku.edu. Further information about the graduate program in Biology: Dr. Larry Alice, graduate Program Coordinator in Biology: lawrence.alice@wku.edu. To apply please submit a letter of interest, CV, unofficial transcripts and GRE scores, and contact information for three references to albert.meier@wku.edu. Formal acceptance to the M.S program at WKU is required. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a suitable applicant is selected. Posted: 3/5/12.
Western Kentucky University: M.S. Graduate Assistantship, Department of Biology & Center for Biodiversity Studies. The Aquatic Ecology and Systematics Lab is seeking one qualified M.S. student to contribute to a food web dynamics research project addressing the interactions between nutrient flux, sestonic algae, seasonal filamentous algal growth, macroinvertebrates (including mussels), and fish. The research will be conducted on the mainstem Green River at the WKU Upper Green River Biological Preserve, a ca. 1,200 acre landscape that is easily accessed within a one hour drive from campus. The Green River is one of the top four rivers in the U.S. according to fish (150+ species) and mussel (70+ species) diversity. Frequent travel to conduct fieldwork during summer and autumn are expected. Qualifications: The successful applicant will have a strong academic foundation, with a B.A. or B.S. in Biology, Ecology, or closely-related field. This project requires a strong work ethic, the ability to work both independently and in a team environment, solid English writing and oral communication skills, and field-based and/or lab-based coursework or research experiences. Preference will be given to applicants with experience with stream/riverine macroinvertebrates and/or fish. Candidates who meet the stated qualifications need to submit the following materials to Scott Grubbs (scott.grubbs@wku.edu) with the subject line “GREEN RIVER”: (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 provide a prospective student with two low-water seasons to conduct research, the preferred starting date is January 2012. For full consideration, please submit application materials in full by 1 November 2011. Posted: 9/23/11.
Western Michigan University: I have a Teaching and Research Assistantship position for 1 Master’s student to work full-time examining the effects of multi-factor global change and grassland fire on soil microbial community structure and processes. PhD positions may also be available. Location: Kalamazoo, MI with field travel to Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve, Palo Alto, CA. Preferred Start Time: July – September 2012. Required: B.S. degree in Biology, Environmental Science, Geology or Chemistry. Preferred: experience performing PCR, high throughput sequencing data analysis, experience with QIIME or mothur bioinformatics pipelines, experience with nutrient analyses, field sampling Project: Anthropogenic influences continue to alter the global environment and future climate scenarios, including all Earth’s major biogeochemical cycles. Microbial communities are involved in all biogeochemical cycles, but very little is known about how microorganisms respond to these impacts, and how their responses will affect nutrient cycling. This project focuses on soil microbial communities in a grassland system located near Palo Alto, CA at the Jasper Ridge Global Change Experiment (JRGCE). This long-term experiment has manipulated 4 global change treatments (CO2, Temp, Precip and N-deposition) for over a decade. Recently, fire was added as a 5th manipulation to investigate the effects of fire as a secondary global change influence in response to drought. The MS or PhD student involved in this project will investigate the responses of soil microbial community structure and function within the context of the JRGCE treatment manipulations. The student will travel to the JRGCE, perform field sampling, and use cutting-edge molecular techniques to examine microbial communities and nutrient cycling rates. This project also involves unique opportunities for interdisciplinary and international research collaborations. For further inquiries send questions, a CV and writing sample to: Kathryn Docherty, Assistant Professor, Western Michigan University, Dept. Biological Sciences 1903 W. Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo MI 49008, kathryn.docherty@wmich.edu, 269-387-5654. Close Date for Applications to WMU Graduate School: February 15. Please contact me before you apply. Posted: 1/23/12.
Western Washington University: Opportunity for the Fall 2012 M.S. Environmental Science program. Financial support is through an academic-year teaching assistantship, which includes partial tuition & fee waiver. Teaching assistants help in a broad range of environmental science courses and are assigned diverse responsibilities. Thesis research will focus on effects of wildfire on soil chemistry. The 2002 Biscuit Wildfire burned 200,000 ha of Oregon forest, including a previously established Long-term Ecosystem Productivity site. Comparison of soil samples taken before and after the fire have documented substantial losses of soil C and N, with the variation in losses related to prefire forest management (P.S. Homann et al. 2011. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J 75:1926-1934; B.T. Bormann et al. 2008. Can J. For. Res. 38:2771-2783). The thesis project will investigate soil properties other than C and N, using a soil archive consisting of soil samples taken before the fire, 1 year after the fire, and 8 years after the fire. Knowledge of soils and experience in laboratory methods are assets for this project. For graduate program description and admissions information, see prospective-graduates and grad programs and also see teaching assistantship stipend and tuition & fee expenses for “full-time” TA. Application deadline: February 1. Please address questions to Peter Homann, Professor of Environmental Sciences, Western Washington University, Bellingham WA 98225-9181, Email: Peter.Homann@wwu.edu. Posted: 12/2/11.
Wilfrid Laurier University: Two Graduate Student Positions Available on the Effects of Permafrost Thaw on Forest Dynamics in the Taiga Plains, Northwest Territories There are two graduate (MSc or PhD) positions available through the Cold Regions Research Center as part of an ongoing partnership with the Government of the Northwest Territories. We are rapidly expanding our integrative research program to better understand coupled ecological and hydrological responses of permafrost-impacted systems to warming. Our region of focus is the Taiga Plains Ecoregion, which spans the length of the MacKenzie River Valley in the Northwest Territories, Canada. This ecoregion covers a wide latitudinal range and therefore a wide range of permafrost ecosystem characteristics, including boreal, taiga and tundra systems. 1) Examination of permafrost dynamics using dendrochronology Field Location(s): Scotty Creek and possibly Havikpak Creek/Trail Valley, NWT, Canada. 2) Impacts of permafrost, climate and disturbance on vegetation community composition and structure across the Taiga Plains Field locations: Scotty Creek, Havikpak Creek/Trail Valley, NWT, Canada. Students will enroll in the graduate program of the Department of Biology in Dr. Jennifer Baltzer’s research group. Student must be able to begin work between May and August 2012, and enroll in the university for the Fall 2012 semester. Interested students should contact me directly (jbaltzer at wlu dot ca) for more details. Please send a resume, transcript (unofficial is fine) and, if possible, a piece of your own written work. Posted: 4/3/12.
Wright State University: The Environmental Sciences Ph.D. program at Wright State in Dayton, Ohio invites applicants for Fall 2012 admission. The program provides courses, research opportunities and training to students to better understand and solve complex environmental problems affecting human and ecosystem health, such as those caused by anthropogenic pollutants, increased greenhouse gas emissions, invasive species, habitat fragmentation and loss of biodiversity. Our students receive training in preparation for careers in academia, state and federal agencies, industry, and non-profit organizations. Through a rigorous core curriculum and dissertation research, our interdisciplinary program is designed to expose students to both traditional and emerging areas of environmental sciences, and offers the ability to focus on research in a more defined area. Our program includes faculty in the departments of Biological Sciences, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Chemistry, Physics, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, and Mathematics and Statistics. Current research ranges from issues of importance to aquatic, terrestrial and atmospheric environments and from levels of organization from the subcellular to the ecosystem level. Research approaches ranges from data mining and modeling to lab- and field-based research. The program offers stipends on a competitive basis to qualified applicants ($22,660 for Fall 2012) along with a waiver of tuition costs. Highly qualified applicants are also eligible to receive a Yellow Springs Instruments Fellowship supplement for the first year in the program. Applicants are encouraged to contact program faculty in their areas of interest prior to completing the application to determine fit with a program faculty member. To apply online and for more information, see the program link above. Questions: Ms. Cathy Kempf, Administrative Specialist (937-775-3273, director.envsci@wright.edu). Posted: 11/30/11.
Yale University: A Ph.D. position in Terrestrial Ecosystem Ecology is available for a well-qualified, post-Masters student to join the Bradford Lab at the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies in the fall of 2012. We seek a graduate student with a strong background in ecology, biology, biogeochemistry, or related disciplines. Our research primarily involves the integration of observational and experimental approaches in field-settings to understand global change impacts on plants, animals and microorganisms in grasslands and forests, and what the consequences are for ecosystem carbon cycling and storage.Much of this work involves the application of stable carbon and nitrogen isotope, tracer techniques and, where necessary, the use of controlled-laboratory manipulations to tease apart competing mechanistic hypotheses. Existing expertise in these techniques, or a willingness to develop new skills, is important. The student will have the opportunity to conduct field research at our research sites in Connecticut, North Carolina, Georgia, New York City, and New Hampshire, with possibilities to visit and work with collaborators in other parts of the world. Application details. Contact: Dr. Mark Bradford (mark.bradford@yale.edu). Posted: 11/29/11.
Yale University: 1-2 fully-funded PhD positions are available in the Jetz Lab starting fall 2012. We are interested in students with strong research experience who are excited about interdisciplinary work spanning a range of ecological scales. Applicants should have a strong interest in combining theory, data analysis, modeling, and potentially fieldwork to address questions in macroecology, comparative community ecology, community phylogenetics, macroevolution, comparative phylogeography, movement ecology, biodiversity informatics and/or global change ecology. Our preferred study system is terrestrial vertebrates, but work on other groups (including plants) is possible. For ongoing or planned projects in East Africa and Central/South America there are particular opportunities for someone with strong fieldwork experience in birds. There are also opportunities for macroevolutionary and phylogeographic work, connected with the Labs of e.g. Tom Near, Micahel Donoghue and Gisela Caccone. The student will be integrated in the department’s thriving graduate program in ecology and evolution and will be able to interact closely with related programs in the neighboring Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies. There are excellent additional training opportunities in the Dept of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EEB), the Yale Institute for Biospheric Studies, the Peabody Museum (both physically connected to the EEB Department), and the Yale Forestry & Environment School - e.g. in GIS and remote sensing, phylogenetics, phylogeography, landscape genetics, climate change science, and more. Applications: For further information see EEB program and Graduate Admissions. Applications are due Dec 15, 2011. Posted: 11/18/11.
York University: The Tank lab has had a recent opportunity for an MSc student to study carbon cycling in the Mackenzie Delta region of the northwestern Canadian Arctic. The research will link to past and ongoing work in the lab that has examined the importance of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in Delta lakes and river channels, the interplay between DOC, bacteria, and greenhouse gas production, and the importance of the constituent flux from large northern rivers for processes occurring in the Arctic Ocean nearshore. This work will have both laboratory and field components. Students will be expected to develop and conduct a research project, with supervision, master a range of laboratory and field techniques, and spend several months conducting field research based out of the Aurora Research Institute in Inuvik, NT, Canada. Canadian applicants are particularly encouraged. The Tank lab is housed within York's Geography Department. York University is located in north Toronto; as Canada's third largest university, it offers significant analytical and research facilities and houses a vibrant and multi-disciplinary university community. Candidates should have a background in physical geography, ecology, environmental science or biogeochemistry. For more information or to apply, please send a CV, letter of application, and the contact names for 3 references to Dr. Suzanne Tank (tanks@yorku.ca). Interested applicants should also familiarize themselves with the formal procedures and requirements for an application to the Geography Graduate Program. Review will begin February 3, 2012; the deadline is February 15. Posted: 2/1/12.
York University: PhD positions available in community ecology. Two great opportunities have come up at my school for PhDs in ecology and biogeography. The first is fully paid for 3 years at $50k per year (wow) whilst the second is regular levels of funding which is $21k with a bit of teaching for 5 years. Previously, only Canadians could apply for full-funding packages but things have fortunately changed. Both Canadian and international students are now eligible. I am a tenured professor at YorkU appointed in both the Geography and Biology Departments. My research interests and publications can be found at http://www.onepoint.ca. I am looking for 2 PhD students - one to lead a project in BC, Canada in the alpine and the second to lead a project in Ontario in forest systems. The research is very independent but is linked to two other PhDs - one in grasslands and one in deserts. You would be able to work independently, but also collaborate as part of a larger team on some papers using cross-system datasets. If interested, please send me an email, and we can chat a bit. cheers, Dr Christopher Lortie (lortie@yorku.ca). Posted: 8/3/11.
Assistantships and Fellowships | Fellowship Program Links | Short Courses | Summer Jobs Assistantships and Fellowships | Fellowship Program Links | Short Courses | Summer Jobs Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation Graduate/Professional Training Courses: FALL 2012/SPRING 2013 Front Royal, VA. Individual courses offer graduate credit or continuing education units. Visit http://conservationtraining.si.edu for more details about each course, course costs, and credits earned. Applied Climate Change October 15-26, 2012; Spatial Ecology, Geospatial Analysis & Remote Sensing October 29-November 9, 2012; Effective Conservation Leadership November 4-10, 2012; Designing and Implementing a Biodiversity Action Plan for Conservation and Development December 3-7, 2012; Statistics for Ecology and Conservation Biology March 3-14, 2013; Estimating Animal Abundance and Occupancy April 1-12, 2013; Species Monitoring & Conservation: Terrestrial Mammals April 29-May 10, 2013. Posted: 6/25/12.
Climate Change in Spain: The Estacion Biologica de Doñana (Sevilla, Spain) invites applications for its third international course on climate change entitled ‘Ecological Consequences of Climate Change: Integrating Research Approaches’ taking place from 24 September to 5 October 2012 in the heart of Doñana National Park. The course is open to students at the early postdoc, PhD and Master/advanced Diploma levels who are involved in global-change research. Its aim is to provide a synthetic overview upon different research perspectives ranging from paleoecology to population genetics, ecophysiology and bioclimatic modeling. The course will include lectures and practical exercises provided by an international panel of high-profile researchers, as well as field trips within the National Park. Invited teachers: Miguel Araújo, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), Madrid, Spain Keith Bildstein, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, Pennsylvania, USA Isabelle Chuine, CNRS-CEFE, Montpellier, France Arndt Hampe, UMR1202 BIOGECO (INRA), Cestas, France Fernando Valladares, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), Madrid, Spain Katherine Willis, University of Oxford, UK Clive Finlayson, Gibraltar Museum, Gibraltar, UK Miguel Tejedo, Estacion Biologica de Doñana (CSIC), Sevilla, Spain. Organizers: Juan José Negro, scientific deputy of Estacion Biologica de Doñana (CSIC), and Arndt Hampe (INRA). The course language will be English. Support from the Gas Natural Chair ‘Biodiversity Conservation under Climate Change’ enables us to limit registration fees to 100 Euros and to cover all costs for transportation between Sevilla and Doñana National Park, accommodation and meals during the 2-weeks course. Applicants should provide a brief CV (max. two pages) as well as a statement (max. 500 words) about their research interests/current projects and why they would like to attend to the course. Application deadline is 05 July. Please send applications in a single pdf file and any related questions to Begoña Arrizabalaga (bego@ebd.csic.es). Posted: 6/15/12.
Summer offerings at the Highlands Biological Station: The Highlands Biological Station, an inter-institutional research center of the University of North Carolina, is offering its 2012 series of summer courses and workshops that can be taken for undergraduate OR graduate credit toward your academic program. The following list of field-based courses and workshops are focused on the diversity of organisms in the region with special emphasis on identification and collection techniques as well as principles of evolution, ecology and conservation. Scholarships, Grants-in-aid of research for graduate students, and summer internships also available. Highlands, North Carolina, is located in the southern Blue Ridge Mountains, at an average elevation about 3,800 feet, and situated near the Nantahala National Forest, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cherokee Indian Reservation, Appalachian Trail, and the Blue Ridge Parkway. For more information and to apply, visit 2012 Schedule of Summer Courses and Workshops, e-mail hbs@email.wcu.edu, or call 828.526.2602. Posted: 1/23/12, revised: 4/24/12.
Science Communication: The Integration and Application Network is providing a 3-day course on effectively communicating science from Tuesday, May 1st through Thursday, May 3rd at the Horn Point Laboratory, Cambridge, MD. This three day course provides participants with science communication tools needed to effectively present scientific findings and data. By the end of the course, participants will have been introduced to the principles of effective science communication, used hands-on sessions to create their own science communication products (conceptual diagrams, presentations, newsletters, posters), and gained experience using the IAN Symbols Library, online Diagram Creator, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe InDesign. The cost of the course is $150. Full course information. If you have specific questions feel free to email Alexandra Fries (afries@umces.edu). Posted: 4/24/12.
Applied Ecology and Outreach: Here is another option for summer coursework, at a field station that is not in a glamorous location, but still a beautiful one, with lots of opportunity for learning about outreach and ecology simultaneously. Hands-on learning experiences are available this summer at LUREC, Loyola University of Chicago's field station in rural Illinois. It spans more than 100 acres of prairies, savannas, woodlands, wetlands and ponds. A variety of courses are available, many emphasizing outreach and applied ecology because of the mosaic of natural and agricultural land found in McHenry County, IL. For details about registration, visit http://www.luc.edu/summer/courses/lurec or send an email to btaft@luc.edu The courses offered this summer include: Wetland Ecology May 21-June 8, Field Ornithology May 21-June 8, Environmental Advocacy May 21-June 8, Fieldwork in Ethnobotany and Ethnoecology June 11-29, Archaeology Field School June 11-29, Sustainable Agriculture June 11-29 or July 9-27, Environmental Chemistry July 9-27, Drawing I July 16-Aug 3. Posted: 4/23/12.
Modeling Patterns and Dynamics of Species Occurrence Workshop: 9-13 July 2012, Calgary Zoo, Calgary, Canada. Instructor: Darryl MacKenzie. Cost: CAD$750. This course will cover many of the appropriate methods that could be applied to model the patterns and dynamics of species occurrence, or distribution, while accounting for the important field consideration of imperfect species detection. For further details on the course, and to register, visit http://www.proteus.co.nz/home.html and follow the workshop links. Enquiries should be directed to darryl@proteus.co.nz. Please note this course coincides with the Calgary Stampede. Posted: 4/11/12.
Analysing Palaeolimnological Data with R: 16th - 20th August 2012, University Marine Biological Station Millport, Isle of Cumbrae, Scotland. Steve Juggins and Gavin Simpson will be running a 4-day residential R course to coincide with the International Paleolimnology Symposium this August. The course will be held at the University Marine Biological Station Millport on the Isle of Cumbrae, within easy reach of Glasgow and the IPS2012 venue. The course costs £300 + VAT and includes food, accommodation and course materials. We have support from PAGES to assist with costs for young researchers from developing countries (see below). Please note that you do *not* need to register for IPS2012 to attend the R course; it is open to anyone. The course will cover many topics of particular interest to palaeolimnologists and palaeoecologists. Details can be found on the course website. Posted: 4/10/12.
Radiocarbon in Ecology and Earth System Science: July 16-21, 2012. This course will expose students and postdocs to the uses of radiocarbon in ecology and earth system science, especially in relation to ecosystem and global carbon cycling. The course design is modeled after the stable isotope class at the University of Utah. There will be morning lectures on the theory of radiocarbon by various instructors, followed by exercises in data interpretationand modeling and laboratory experience with preparing samples for Accelerator Mass Spectrometry analysis in the afternoon. We seek participants with broad interests in ecology and earth system science who are planning on, or are currently, using radiocarbon techniques as part of their research, and wish to expand their understanding of this important and useful tool. Please note: the 2012 course will be held at the Max-Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry in Jena, Germany while the 2013 course will be held at UC Irvine as in the past. More information and the application form: Radiocarbon School. Applications should be submitted by April 30, 2012 and we will inform participants shortly thereafter. Students will be responsible for their own transportation costs to and from Jena, Germany, and for their own food and lodging costs (we will attempt to minimize these by arranging for shared housing; costs will range from about 40-70 Euro per night. Housing reservations will be handled by the course organizers. In addition, there is a lab fee of 500 Euro. Course Organizers: Ted Schuur (tschuur@ufl.edu) Susan Trumbore (trumbore@bgc-jena.mpg.de). Posted: 4/5/12.
Mountain Biodiversity for Science Educators: The Highlands Biological Station offers field-based courses every summer and is pleased to offer as part of that series “Mountain Biodiversity for Science Educators” this June 25 – 29. Science educators may take the course for three CEU’s or two graduate credits through Western Carolina University, or just for fun! We invite educators of all levels to enroll in this engaging study of the biogeography and biodiversity of the southern Appalachian Mountains. Mountain Biodiversity focuses on the theory and practice of conservation biology as it relates to this unique regional environment. Topics include southern Appalachian historical geology, regional biogeography, principles of ecology and evolution, biodiversity assessment, and conservation biology. Prerequisites: none. Course credit: can be taken for two graduate credits or three CEU’s. Registration and credit fees: The registration fee for teacher education courses at the Highlands Biological Station is $150. Graduate credit may be obtained through Western Carolina University (WCU) for an additional $85 per course. Non-WCU students will also be charged an additional $50 application fee. For more information, or to register, visit highlandsbiological.org or call (828) 526-2602. Posted: 3/28/12.
Natural History Workshops: The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Field Station conducts a series of Natural History Workshops. These workshops offer an opportunity to study focused topics at college-level instruction under the guidance of noted authorities. We offer two-day and week-long workshops, 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. Fees vary. Please contact the Field Station for more information and a registration form, or visit http://www4.uwm.edu/fieldstation/workshops/ for full descriptions of each course, fee information, and a downloadable Registration Form. Posted: 3/27/12.
GIS Applications in Aquatic Ecology and Evolutionary Biology: An NSF supported three day aquatic GIS training workshop will be offered at Saint Louis University on June 20-22, 2012. A general goal of this workshop is to train and establish an interactive group of researchers and educators applying GIS techniques in aquatic systems. Applicants with all levels of GIS experience are welcome; however, the workshop will be presented for aquatic biologists with little to no background in GIS techniques. The tentative schedule of topics includes: 1) basic acquisition and manipulation of GIS data, 2) GIS data sources for aquatic research, 3) quantification of species’ habitat use at multiple spatial scales, 4) species distribution modeling, and 5) development and application of hydrologic data to studies of aquatic systems. More details on the specific schedule will be provided in the near future. The majority of the training will be conducted using ArcGIS 10.0; however, other software options will be presented. Computer space will be provided for each attendee. The workshop is open to Faculty, Research Scientists, Postdoctoral Researchers, and Graduate Students conducting research in aquatic systems. There is no cost for the workshop; however, participants will be responsible for meals, travel, and lodging. More information. To apply, please email a statement of application including a description of your research interests (maximum 1 page) and a CV to Dr. Jason Knouft at aquaticgis@slu.edu. Review of applications will begin on April 30, 2012. GIS experience is not a prerequisite for the workshop. Posted: 3/16/12.
North American Invasive Plant Ecology and Management Short Course: The second annual North American Invasive Plant Ecology and Management Short Course (NAIPSC) will be held June 26-28 at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln West Central Research & Extension Center in North Platte, NE. The NAIPSC is three days of intense instruction and learning for those interested in the basics of invasive plant ecology and management. The format of the NAIPSC includes a wide variety of venues and settings to engage participants in learning and applying the course material. Over a dozen instructors with expertise in restoration, GPS/GIS applications, plant identification, and many other topics related to invasive plants have been invited from all across the US. The presentations, hands-on workshops, site visits and instructor-led discussion sessions will allow for participants to interact with instructors on issues or challenges they might be addressing related to invasive plants. For the 2012 NAIPSC, a special session has been planned on the topic of water use by invasive plant species and will include research related information specific to introduced common reed ( Phragmites australis) and eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana). The NAIPSC is open to graduate students, researchers, land managers, and policy makers and has been approved for CEU and CCA credits, and graduate student credits through the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. For more information and registration details, go to the NAIPSC website, linked above. Register now. Space is limited. Posted; 3/16/12.
Hancock Biological Station summer field courses: The Hancock Biological Station on Kentucky Lake announces its summer field course schedule for 2012. Courses will be offered in two sessions and are designed for advance undergraduate and graduate students. See the 2012 Summer Class Schedule. Fellowships including housing are available. Two week session - May 14 - 25: Field Biology of Amphibians and Reptiles, Restoration Ecology. Five week session - May 29 - June 29: Principles of Ecology, Field Botany, Entomology, Limnological Analysis. Scanning Electron Microscopy Applications, Undergraduate Research Topics, Graduate Topics in Biology. Posted: 3/15/12.
Collaborative Exchange Program: Integrated Network for Terrestrial Ecosystem Research on Feedbacks to theAtmosphere and ClimatE (INTERFACE) is an NSF-funded network that aims to improve projections of climate change by bringing together researchers working on climate models, ecosystem models, and on field based climate change experiments. To further facilitate collaboration in the research community, INTERFACE plans to sponsor a limited number of ?collaborative exchanges? for US-based graduate students, in which students who primarily work with models spend a brief period (up to one month) working in an experimental setting, or students who primarily work on global change experiments spend a brief period (up to one month) working in an ecosystem or Earth system modeling setting. These exchanges should ideally allow the student to continue working on a similar topic, but from a different perspective. Interested graduate students should identify a laboratory in which they would like to work, and should secure approvals from their advisor and the exchange lab?s PI. To apply, students should submit as a SINGLE PDF file that contains (in this order): (1) a two-page proposal explicitly stating the questions being addressed and why the collaboration will facilitate answering them, (2) an NSF-style CV, (3) a one-page budget justification, and (4) brief letters of support from the advisor and the PI of the lab the student will visit. Files should be saved as APPLICANTS LAST NAME_FIRST NAME. Applications should be sent to Aimee Classen (aclassen@utk.edu). Applications will be reviewed starting on the fourth Monday of April and travel is expected to happen between May and September. Allowable expenses include airfare, meals while traveling to and from the exchange location, and housing. These funds cannot be used to cover classes at the host institution or student/ PI salary. Exchanges may be partially or fully sponsored by INTERFACE. Posted: 3/14/12.
Course on Sustainable Development: August 5 - 17, 2012, Iracambi Atlantic Rainforest Research Center in Minas Gerais, Brazil. This two week course gives an introduction to Sustainable Development in a fragile environment. It focuses on practical insights into the real world situation where the demands of economic development and environment conservation have to be reconciled. The course is intended for undergraduates studying environmental science, international studies, economic development, and more. The cost is $485, which includes tuition, board and lodging. It does not include transport to or from Iracambi. For more details, Posted: 1/13/12, revised: 3/12/12.
Tropical Ecology Summer Courses: The Institute for Tropical Ecology and Conservation (ITEC) offers a number of summer courses at the Bocas del Toro Biological Station, Boca del Drago, Isla Colon, Republic of Panama. The biological station is located on a beach facing the Caribbean Sea. Coral reef and seagrass ecosystems lie out in front of the station and lowland tropical rain forests lie directly behind. This juxtaposition of the two most biologically diverse ecosystems provides tremendous opportunities for education and research. See http://www.itec-edu.org/ for details.
Training for canopy research tree climbing: Researchers wishing to do "hands on" research in the forest canopy need to receive adequate training in techniques and safety protocols before going aloft. The Institute for Tropical Ecology and Conservation (ITEC) offers such courses. While there are many venues for learning to climb, ITEC offers this training in a field/research environment that goes beyond the training offered elsewhere. Most climbing courses do not take place in the same environment where tropical research will take place and students who have not been familiarized with climbing under tropical forest conditions will be at a disadvantage when the time comes to go aloft. Our course runs from mid-June through early July, but for those with scheduling issues, the course can be arranged for other dates. This course is also offered during ITEC's winter session. The course will take place in the rainforest environment and students will learn to climb while experiencing conditions relative to what they will actually encounter while performing research. To learn more go the http://www.itec-edu.org/ or contact Joe Maher jmaher@treeclimbercoalition.org. It's the chance to learn a new way to study the forest while engaging in real adventure. Posted: 3/5/12.
Distance Sampling Workshops: The Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling (CREEM) is hosting three linked workshops in the summer of 2012 in our purpose-built facilities at the University of St Andrews, Scotland. The aim of these workshops is to train participants in the latest methods for design and analysis of distance sampling surveys, including line and point transects. The workshops are taught by leading researchers in the field, using industry-standard software. The first workshop (21-24 August) will run at an introductory level, and will focus on "conventional" distance sampling methods, as described in the standard reference book "Introduction to Distance Sampling." The workshop will be a blend of theory and practice and participants will learn how to use the program "Distance." Participants will gain a solid grounding in both survey design and methods of analysis for distance sampling surveys. Note that we have moved the 'automated survey design' topic out of the advanced workshop into the introductory workshop. The advanced distance sampling workshop (27-30 August) will include advanced treatment of: incorporating covariates in detection function modelling, analyses in which detectability on the transect line is not assumed to be perfect (the so-called g(0) problem) and spatial (or density surface) modelling. The aim of this workshop is to bring participants up to date with the latest developments in distance sampling methods and software. It is also an opportunity for those actively engaged in the design, analysis and execution of distance sampling surveys to discuss common issues and problems, and set future research directions. The workshop will be a combination of lectures and computer sessions, with considerable time for discussion. In addition, this year we are running a one-day introduction to density estimation from passive acoustic data (25 August). Passive acoustic monitoring is often used to obtain indices of relative abundance, such as number of detections per unit time. However, for many applications, the quantity we really want to estimate is absolute population abundance (i.e., the number of animals in the population) or density (number of animals per unit area). This day-long tutorial will give an insight into methods to achieve this. For all workshops, participants are encouraged to bring their own data sets, and can expect to do some preliminary analyses with their data. Computer sessions take place in our modern computer classroom (attached to the seminar room); participants can use our computers or bring their own laptops. Additional workshop details. Posted: 3/1/12.
Ecology and Conservation Biology Field Course in Panama: Focus – Island Biogeography and birds as model animals for learning to use statistical tools to analyze animal abundance, within the context of the Bocas del Toro Archipelago. Instructor – James J. Roper (jjroper@gmail.com). Dates: 23 July to 9 August 2012. We are offering a multi-cultural field course that will start with training the student in the local avifauna of the island of Colon, in the Bocas del Toro Archipelago, AND, the using three very useful and interesting statistical programs for studying animal diversity and abundance – EstimateS, PRESENCE and DISTANCE (all free programs that you can download and install prior to the course). We will quickly put those tools to work on the island where we will carry out many transects in different habitats to apply those data to the use of these programs. To do so, we will divide ourselves into smaller teams so that we may cover more ground. We will then proceed to other islands (once we are all up to running speed) and do several transects on as many islands as possible. We will close the course by combining these data into a coherent and interesting study of diversity and abundance of these birds on the island, putting this into a context of island biogeography. Additional statistical analysis may use the program R, and within it, the BiodiversityR package (also free). Throughout the study, we will use the relevant literature and have many discussions about the theory and application of these ideas. Prior to the course, the instructor will communicate with the students providing a list of reading, mostly PDF files that can be shared among those in the course. The course will be somewhat advanced, so students who wish to take the course should have already taken at least one course in statistics, and be interested in learning birds (while the methods can be applied to a whole variety of taxa, birds are probably the easiest models to use in a quick field course). In addition to graduate students, we will consider advanced undergraduate students who can convince the instructor with a well-written objective letter that they deserve to take the course. Also, as we feel as an institute that it is very important to have cross-cultural interactions while studying conservation and ecology in a tropical environment, Spanish and Portuguese speaking students are welcome to attend. Clearly, if everybody speaks some English, and some Portuguese or Spanish, communication will be much easier. The instructor, Jim Roper (Ph.D.), is fluent in all three languages, and wants to carry out this experiment in a multicultural multispecies interaction. We will work together to develop teams that will combine their interests and skills so that all teams work well together and have a fascinating time learning. See the web site for tuition rates. Students from Central and South America, who attend shools in Central and South America, and are accepted for the course, will all receive the same scholarship – the course at half price. By this scholarship, we recognize that with the exchange rate and local economies being what they are, this scholarship pursues our goals and interests in collaborating with students in these countries and contributing to the general state of education and conservation. Also, because we will be going to the islands as often as possible, we will have a small surcharge of $5 from each student for each boat trip. Additional information: Please contact Jim Roper with any questions. Please see ITEC as well to better understand the field station and situation in Panamá. Posted: 2/29/12.
Tropical Ethnobotany Field Course: Institute for Tropical Ecology and Conservation (ITEC), Bocas del Toro, Panama, July 15 – August 9, 2012. For more information, see the course website. This 4 week course will emphasize Tropical Ethnobotany in the context of rainforest and island ecosystems. The material covered is equivalent to an upper level university course in Ethnobotany. Readings and lectures will focus on the plant use and traditional cultures of Panama and the surrounding regions of Central and South America and the Caribbean, as well as innovative methodologies and current theory in the discipline. Much of the course will be spent learning field techniques and carrying out various class activities and exercises in the surrounding rainforest and local communities. The course will include demonstrations by local healers, artisans and other specialists who utilize plants. Students will each complete a course research project, based on their individual interests, in local Ethnobotany and Ethnoecology. The field work for these projects will be carried out with a small group of other students, with each student having their own focus. Posted: 2/23/12.
Summer workshops at the Southwestern Research Station in Portal, Arizona: NEW!! ANTS OF THE SOUTHWEST – 21 August to 31 August 2012. NEW!! GUIDELINES FOR THE USE OF AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES IN FIELD AND LAB RESEARCH – 17-24 June 2012. HERPETOLOGY FIELD COURSE – 22-31 July 2012. LEPIDOPTERA COURSE – 11-20 August 2012. NEW!! WEEVIL COURSE – 1-8 August 2012 For other courses offered at the SWRS please visit http://research.amnh.org/swrs/education. Posted: 2/21/12.
Summer Institute in Statistical Genetics: Details for the 17th Summer Institute in Statistical Genetics are available at the "Summer Institutes" tab of http://www.biostat.washington.edu. The 2012 dates have changed to July 9-27. New modules include "Systems Genetics for Experimental Crosses," "High Dimensional Omics Data," and "Network and Pathway Analyses of Omics Data." There are 19 othe rmodules covering a wide range of topics in population, quantitative and statistical genetics. Scholarships are available for graduate students. A subset of the modules will be offered in Edinburgh, June 13-15 and June 25-29, adjacent to the 4th International Conference on Quantitative Genetics. Bruce Weir (bsweir@u.washington.edu). Posted: 2/20/12.
Field Course in Tropical Rainforest and Canopy Ecology:
2012 Summer Course (May 15 - June 9, 2012) at Bocas del Toro Biological Station, Boca del Drago, Isla Colon, Republic of Panama. This field course is designed to provide the student with a foundation in ecological concepts and field techniques as applied to tropical rainforest ecosystems. The material covered is equivalent to a university upper level course in tropical ecology. The course is divided into three parts. During the first few days students will become familiar with the many ecosystems found in our area and with the trail systems during "orientation" walks. The bulk of the first 10 days will be spent learning field techniques and carrying out various group projects or exercises. It is during this time period that students will learn to access the canopy using various rope techniques (Climbing Certification is available, please contact Joe Maher for details). Midway through the course the entire station community takes a 3-day field trip to cloudforests of Boquete. On returning to the field station, students work on their individual research projects and continue to receive lectures in the evening. More information | other field courses. Posted: 2/14/12.
Flux Measurements and Advanced Modeling: The 5th Annual Summer Course in Flux Measurements and Advanced Modeling will be held July 16-27, 2012 at the University of Colorado Mountain Research Station, near Boulder, Colorado, USA If you wish to attend the course please submit an application by: March 30, 2012 (details below). Organizers: Dave Moore (University of Arizona), Paul Stoy (Montana State University), and Russ Monson (University of Arizona). The course will be offered to 24 graduate students, post-docs and faculty members and will cover: flux measurements at the leaf level; modeling leaf CO2 and H2O fluxes; eddy covariance measurements; use of stable isotopes to infer ecosystem-atmosphere fluxes; predictions of fluxes from satellite observations; canopy flux models; assimilation of flux observations and satellite remote sensing data into ecosystem process models; and Bayesian approaches to modeling. Participating Faculty: Dennis Baldocchi (University of California), Carl Bernacchi (Univ Illinois), Dave Bowling (University of Utah), Rosie Fisher (NCAR), Deborah Huntzinger (University of Michigan), Larry Jacobsen (Campbell Scientific, Inc.), Ray Leuning (CSIRO, Australia), Hank Loescher (NEON, Inc.), Pat Morgan and George Burba (LI-COR Biosciences), Marcy Litvak (Univ New Mexico), Russell Monson, David Moore and Shirley Papuga (University of Arizona), Tristan Quaife (Univ College London), Dave Schimel (NEON, Inc.), Paul Stoy (Montana State), Ed Swiatek (Campbell Scientific, Inc.), Dan Yakir (Weizmann Institute), John Zobitz (Augsburg College) Location: University of Colorado Mountain Research Station, near Boulder, Colorado, USA. Fees: $2500 for course fees, room and board; NOTE: You must provide your own means of transportation to Boulder, Colorado Applications by email: Please include a CV, a statement as to why you want to participate in the course and how you anticipate it helping your research, and arrange to have a letter/email sent from your major advisor supporting your application. Send applications to: Dr. Dave Moore School of Natural Resources and the Environment, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721 Email: fluxobsandmodels@gmail.com. Posted: 2/14/12.
Wetland Workshops: The Swamp School has a several workshops and webinars coming up this Spring to keep you up to speed on all of the latest developments in wetland delineation and regulation. Live Webinars Include February 15, 2012 2012 Wetland Regional Supplement Updates This live webinar offered in 3, 2 hour sessions presents the latest updates to the US Army Corps of Engineers Wetland Regional Supplements. March 1, 2012 2012 Nationwide Permit Updates This live webinar will present the new 2012 Nationwide Wetland Permits and General Conditions. This a great way to get up to speed on the new permits. March 15, 2012 Making Jurisdictional Determinations Ever wonder how the Corps and EPA make Jurisdictional Determinations? This live webinar will present the latest rules, regulations and policies on this important aspect of wetland delineations. Can't make a session or missed a session? No problem. All of the webinars are recorded for playback. Live Workshops February 20-24, 2012 - Columbia, South Carolina Wetland Regional Supplement Delineation Training March 27, 2012 - Baltimore, Maryland This one-day seminar will get you up to speed on all of the latest changes and updates to the US Army Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation methods. March 19-23, 2012 - Raleigh, North Carolina Wetland Regional Supplement Delineation Training April 16-20, 2012 - Bucks County, Pennsylvania Wetland Regional Supplement Delineation Training You can take the wetland delineation class live or online. The field days are the Wednesday and Thursday of the workshop week. For more information, please visit http://SwampSchool.org or call 1-877-479-2673. Posted: 2/14/12.
Hymenoptera Course: We are pleased to announce the fourth offering of HYM Course, scheduled for August 5–12, 2012 at Tovetorp Zoological Research Station, Sweden. The main objective of HYM Course is to provide participants with knowledge and experience in identifying parasitic and predatory wasps, sawflies, wood wasps, bees, and ants. Information on natural history is also presented, and that information is reinforced with fieldwork. Techniques used to collect, rear, preserve, and curate specimens are presented in a hands-on manner to allow participants to learn directly by doing. The course is limited to 25 participants. Financial aid is available to eligible applicants from Sweden and Norway through the Swedish Taxonomy Initiative and ForBio (Research School in Biosystematics), respectively. Please visit the HYM Course website for details, including information on how to apply, costs for taking the course, and logistics of travel to and within Sweden. Applications are due March 2, 2012. Posted: 2/13/12.
Dendroecology: We are pleased to announce that we will be teaching a two week summer course on Dendroecology (May 14 to May 25, 2012) at the University of Arizona, Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research in Tucson, Arizona and at the Valles Caldera Science & Education Center in Jemez Springs, New Mexico. [The Dendroarchaeology and Dendroclimatology summer courses at UA will not be offered this year.] The Dendroecology summer pre-session course is a combination of lectures and workshop sessions aimed at introducing basic dendrochronology principles and methods and their applications in ecology. The course is intended primarily for advanced undergraduate students, graduate students, and scientists or others who are currently using or plan to use dendrochronology in future ecological studies. Apply by: February
15, 2012. Posted: 2/9/12.
Bee Course: The Bee Course 2012 will be held again at the Southwestern Research Station, Portal, AZ, September 10--20, 2012. Deadline for applications will be March 1, 2012. Full information and application forms can be found at http://research.amnh.org/invertzoo/beecourse/. Posted: 2/3/12.
Plants of Tropical Asia: XTBG Field Botany Course 2012. Venue: Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (near Jinghong), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Menglun, Mengla, Yunnan, China. Dates: 28 March – 14 April 2012 (19 days) Why take a course on the flora of Southeast Asia? Southeast Asia is one of the hottest hotspots of global biodiversity. There are over 40,000 vascular plant species, with a species density ten times that of the European flora, and the region is home to many well known and economically important plant taxa, such as rice, rattan, bananas, rambutan, nutmeg, meranti and yam. Being able to recognize plants is an essential skill for many aspects of ecology and conservation biology, but is problematic when the species diversity is so high, only a few plants are flowering at any one time, and regional floras are incomplete. This course will arm students with an ability to identify plants in the field, thereby enhancing the quality of observations they may make in the course of their research. It is a course for non-plant taxonomy majors. Everyday we will collect plant material from the field and learn the field characters for identifying them. As we are collecting plants directly in the field, we will be dealing mainly with sterile material and sterile characters. This is deliberate since this is how plants are most often encountered. More information and registration. Posted: 2/3/12.
Summer Course: Assimilating Long-Term Data into Ecosystem Models: August 12-18, 2012. Estimating the impact of global change processes like land-use and climate on terrestrial ecosystems requires an integration of long-term data and ecosystem models. This course will provide 20 graduate students and postdocs with intensive training in the emerging tools that allow us to: -estimate the signal and uncertainty in historical and paleoecological data -assimilate both signal and uncertainty into the current suite of terrestrial ecosystem models. The course has a hands-on, integrated curriculum emphasizing the data/model process from design through data collection, analysis and back to design. We will collect tree-rings, historical survey data and sedimentary data (e.g., pollen, charcoal, and macrofossils). Analysis of these data will take place in a Bayesian mode of inference addressing uncertainty in age-models, calibration of proxy data, and integration of diverse historical data. After an introduction to inference from ecosystem models in traditional "forward" mode, participants will integrate ecological parameters estimated from their data sets into these ecosystem models using formal Bayesian data assimilation. Participating faculty: Mike Dietze (University of Illinois); Steve Jackson (University of Wyoming); Jason McLachlan (University of Notre Dame); Chris Paciorek (University of California Berkeley); Jack Williams (University of Wisconsin) Location: University of Notre Dame Environmental Research Center, Land O'Lakes, WI, USA. Fees: This workshop is funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation. You must provide your own means of transportation to Chicago, Illinois, or Madison, Wisconsin. There are a limited number of travel grants available to applicants from NEON, Inc., member institutions (see www.neoninc.org/content/paleon-data-assimilation-course). We are seeking students with interests and backgrounds in paleoecology, terrestrial ecosystem modeling, and/or statistics. Send a CV, a statement detailing why you want to take the course and how you anticipate it helping your research, and arrange to have a letter sent from your major advisor supporting your application. Apply to: Jason McLachlan at jmclachl@nd.edu. Deadline: March 30, 2012. Selections announced by April 15, 2012. Posted: 1/27/12.
Borneo Tropical Ecology Field School Summer 2012:
June 10th - July 14th, 2012. Wehea, East Kalimantan, Indonesian Borneo. The Ethical Expeditions Borneo Field School is designed for undergraduate students to gain practical Ecology research experience in one of the world's environmental hotspots. Students of the 2012 Borneo Field School have the unique opportunity to live in a Wehea Dayak community and explore the flora and fauna of the remote Wehea Forest. For five weeks, a group of students will explore the pristine Wehea Forest, a biodiversity hotspot, home to Miller’s Grizzled langur, orangutan, clouded leopard, and sun bear. Students start the field school in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan and travel overland to Wehea, where they learn about real-world conservation issues. While in the field, students will learn directly from scientists, local leaders, rangers and NGO's who are working to solve the complex challenge of protecting the remaining biological and cultural diversity on our planet. Course Description: Field Techniques in Tropical Ecology Research (4 credits). Posted: 1/23/12.
Summer 2012 Courses at the Oregon Institute of Marine Biology: Courses are designed for upper division undergraduates. Please pass this information along to any undergraduates who might be interested or the undergraduate biology adviser in your department. For further details – http://pages.uoregon.edu/oimb/. 8 WEEK COURSES (June 25 - August 17, 2012): INVERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY INSTRUCTORS: Patrick Baker BIOLOGY OF FISHES Instructor: TBA MARINE ECOLOGY Instructor: Cynthia Trowbridge MARINE BIRDS AND MAMMALS Instructor: Jan Hodder and Doug Warrick 2 WEEK COURSES: COASTAL BIOLOGY July 16-19 and 23-26 Instructor: Stewart Schulz INTRODUCTION TO EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN AND STATISTICS August 20 - 24 and 27 – 31 Instructor: Brian Bingham WEEKEND WORKSHOPS: MARINE PARASITES: June 23-24 And 30 – July 1 Instructor: Armand Kuris BIOLOGICAL ILLUSTRATION July7-8 and 14-15 Instructor: TBA SYMBIOSIS IN THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT July 21 - 22 and 28 - 29 1 Instructor: Chuck Wimpee. Scholarships and dormitory housing are available. Posted: 1/13/12.
Pollination Biology Field Course: The Canadian Pollination Initiative (NSERC-CANPOLIN) is pleased to once again offer a 12-day intensive pollination biology field course at the historic and internationally-renowned Missouri Botanical Garden (MBG) in St. Louis, MI. The course includes daily lectures and discussions, field excursions, lab activities, and completion of an individual research project. Topics to be covered include zoological diversity of polinators, botanical basis and diversity of floral classification, floral advertisement, floral rewards, pollinator foraging, abiotic pollination, evolutionary ecology, breeding systems, and agricultural applications. Dates: April 16-27, 2012. Cost: CDN $500 (includes shared accommodation with cooking facilities, field trips, and use of equipment). Participants will be responsible for transportation to and from the course (a van will be travelling from the Guelph area and participants from the area can carpool), food, and other incidentals. Cost for local participants not requiring accommodation is $100. Instructors: Dr. Peter Kevan (U of Guelph) and Dr. David Bolger (MBG), with guest lecturers (TBA). Who is eligible: This course is available to grad students, post docs, faculty and anyone else interested in pollination biology. A pollination background is not required. Priority will be given to CANPOLIN and MBG students and other biologists for whom the course will have significant impact on their research and/or teaching. For more information or to enroll, please contact Sarah Bates (sbates@uoguelph.ca) or visit the link above. Deadline to enroll is February 15, 2012. Posted: 1/12/12.
Coastal Herpetology: The Gulf Coast Research Laboratory in Ocean Springs, MS is pleased to offer this course – from May 14-25, 2012. The coastal plain of the Southeast boasts an outstanding diversity of amphibians and reptiles, making the region an excellent place to study these often reclusive and elusive creatures. This course will provide students with an introduction to herpetology through lectures and associated readings, discussions of original research papers, and a class project. Topics covered will include the ecology, evolution, life history, diversity, behavior, and conservation of amphibians and reptiles. There will also be many field excursions highlighting the methods and techniques for capturing and studying amphibians and reptiles. Be prepared to get wet and muddy since we will be exploring the marshes, pine woods, bayous, and other habitats as we search for and learn about the amphibians and reptiles of the northern coast of the Gulf of Mexico. College credit is available through the University of Southern Mississippi or one of many affiliated universities. For more information, visit us at www.usm.edu/gcrl or contact the instructor, Dr. Matthew Chatfield, at mattchat@tulane.edu. Deadline: 5/1/12. Posted: 1/12/12.
Spring/Summer 2012 Graduate/Professional Training Courses and Certificates: Smithsonian-Mason Global Conservation Studies Program, Front Royal, VA. For more information, visit http://conservationtraining.si.edu or e-mail SCBItraining@si.edu. Individual courses offer graduate credit or continuing education units. Follow the links below for more details about each course, course costs, and credits earned, and to learn about our Graduate and Professional Certificates in Applied Conservation Science. Statistics for Ecology and Conservation Biology March 5-16, 2012. Gain in-depth knowledge of analysis techniques for cutting-edge conservation and ecological research, employing R. Course focuses on linear models, mixed models, generalized linear models, and how to deal with the limitations of real datasets in the conservation science context. Species Monitoring & Conservation: Amphibians March 26- April 6, 2012. Gain hands-on experience in the various in-situ and ex-situ practices being applied to monitoring amphibians and addressing their critical decline, including captive breeding, land management, monitoring and assessment, collections and vouchers, and data analysis as well as the applications of genetics and disease testing. The focus of the course is on frogs, toads and salamanders. Species Monitoring & Conservation: Terrestrial Mammals April 16-27, 2012. This course teaches current techniques in assessment and monitoring of wild mammal populations, including bats. Participants learn principles of study design; current field assessment methods; data analysis techniques including MARK and DISTANCE software; application of monitoring data to decision-making and population management; and collection and preparation of museum voucher specimens. Non-Invasive Genetic Techniques in Wildlife Conservation May 19-25, 2012. Learn how new developments in non-invasive genetics allow biologists and managers to answer questions in animal behavior, population biology and population management. Course participants will work through directed research projects, from study design through field data collection, sampling protocols, and DNA extraction and amplification, to analysis of microsatellite and sequence data. Adaptive Management for Conservation Success June 11-22, 2012. This course is taught in partnership with Foundations of Success (FOS). Working in teams on a real conservation project, participants practice conceptualizing projects, formulating objectives and providing evidence of conservation results. The course builds skills in designing and planning effective projects that provide clear evidence of conservation impact, and in use of Miradi adaptive management software. Posted: 1/12/12.
Microbial Metagenomics: Summer Course, June 3-16, 2012, Michigan State University. Learn state-of-the-art genomic methods to identify relationships between the structure and function of microbial communities. This intensive two-week course will provide hands-on experience with all aspects of a metagenomic study. You will formulate hypotheses and design experiments to test them. You will isolate and sequence environmental DNA. You will perform computational and statistical analyses to test your hypotheses. Your system will be an ongoing study of the effects of land use on the production of the greenhouse gas nitrous oxide at the nearby Kellogg Biological Station Long Term Ecological Research Site. Morning lectures will discuss microbial and ecological principles underlying experiments that you will conduct during the afternoons. The wet lab sessions will include purification of DNA from soil for clone libraries and 454 pyrosequencing and for quantitative PCR. In the computer lab you will analyze your sequences and metagenomic data with a suite of contemporary programs to measure community diversity, and use multivariate analyses to relate community composition to ecosystem function. The course will be taught primarily by Drs. Thomas Schmidt, Jay Lennon and Clegg Waldron of MSU. Other researchers (from MSU and elsewhere) will be contributing their expertise in both lectures and lab sessions. Who can attend? This course is primarily for graduate students, postdocs and faculty. Advanced undergraduates and other researchers will be considered. This year, for the first time, the course can be taken as a workshop or for credit. We encourage diversity of backgrounds. The primary prerequisite is a keen interest in adding molecular methods to your research. Lectures and laboratory sessions will be held on the main campus of Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan, USA. Single-room accommodation is available on campus. Application is open now until March 16th, 2012. Additional information and application forms are at http://metagenomics.wikidot.com/. Posted: 1/12/12.
Mountain Lake Biological Station Summer Courses: MLBS (University of Virginia) is pleased to announce its summer program of field-based undergraduate and graduate-level credit courses offered by nationally recruited faculty. Work at MLBS focuses on field-based ecology, evolution, physiology, and behavior. Learn more about the programs and apply on-line at http://www.mlbs.org/summercourses. Summer Courses: Plant Conservation, Field Biology of Sex, Biology of Fishes, Ethnobotany, Stream Ecology, Sculpture and Drawing. Posted: 1/6/12.
Reelfoot Lake Enivironmental Field Station summer 2012 courses: The University of Tennessee at Martin's Reelfoot Lake Environmental Field Station(RLEFS) is pleased to announce its Maymester and Summer 2012 course schedule. Courses being offered: Aquatic Macroinvertebrates – May 14-June 1(Mon.-Thur., full day) ZOOL 326 – 3 semester hours Dr. Tom Blanchard (UTM) tblanch@utm.edu An introduction to the study of freshwater macroinvertebrates including structure, classification, ecology and identification. Prerequisites: introductory biology or permission of instructor. Freshwater Algae – June 4-July 6 (Mon., Wed., and alternate Fridays, full day) BOT 305 – 3 semester hours Dr. Jennifer Greenwood (UTM) jgreenwood@utm.edu A study of the identification, classification, diversity and ecology of freshwater algae. Prerequisites: introductory biology or permission of instructor. Field Ornithology – June 4-July 6 (Tue., Thur., and alternate Fridays, full day) ZOOL 323 – 3 semester hours Dr. H. Dawn Wilkins (UTM) hwilkins@utm.edu A study of the identification, classification, diversity and ecology of birds. Prerequisites: introductory biology or permission of instructor. *Aquatic Algae and Field Ornithology may be taken concurrently Reelfoot Lake, the largest natural lake in Tennessee, was formed by the New Madrid Earthquakes of 1811-1812. The lake and its surroundings include many unique aquatic, terrestrial and wetland environments as well as distinctive geological phenomena. For questions about registration, tuition and fees, or housing options, contact Tom Blanchard, Director; tblanch@utm.edu; 731.881.7594. Posted: 1/5/12.
Plant Breeding for Drought Tolerance: Moisture deficits loom as one of the greatest challenges to future crop production, both in rainfed and irrigated agriculture. Enhancing the genetic tolerance of crops to drought stress, is considered an essential strategy for addressing these deficits. To respond to the need for more plant scientists trained in developing drought tolerant cultivars, Colorado State University will offer a short course in Plant Breeding for Drought Tolerance June 11-22, 2012. The course will end with a two-day symposium on Plant Breeding for Drought Tolerance, which will be given June 21-22, 2012 and is open to the public. Confirmed speakers include Drs. John Boyer, John Passioura, Eduardo Blumwald, Tom Juenger, Amelia Henry, Sean Cutler and Jill Deikman. The course is targeted to graduate students in the plant sciences, as well as to professionals in the public and private sectors. It will provide three transferable graduate-level credits. The course will consist of classroom lectures, hands-on lab exercises, and field research activities appropriate for a drought breeding and genetics program. Course activities are designed around three modules: 1) Whole Plant Physiology of Drought Stress, 2) Plant Breeding for Drought Stress Tolerance and 3) Genomic Approaches to Drought Stress Tolerance. The course will be given in English. Participants should have a solid understanding of basic plant physiology and genetics. Prior to the short course, students will review online material on these topics to provide a common background in breeding and physiology concepts. The cost of student tuition and fees is $1,800. Accommodations for room and board are available on-campus for either $850 (double occupancy) or $1,150 (single occupancy). This cost includes three meals daily. Guests are also welcome to make their own arrangements for room and board. All foreign visas and travel arrangements are at students' initiative and expense. Partial funding to develop the course was provided by a grant from USDA-NIFA. No scholarships are available for the course. Participants may apply at http://www.droughtadaptation.org through February 1, 2012. Posted: 12/20/11.
Mathematical Biosciences Institute Summer Workshops: (1) Joint 2012 MBI-NIMBioS-CAMBAM Summer Graduate Workshop Stochastics Applied to Biological Systems (June 18-29, 2012). This Workshop will have instructors from across North America whose research expertise is stochastic modeling in biological systems. Some of the topics to be covered include Markov chains, birth and death processes, branching processes, Brownian motion and diffusion processes, stochastic differential equations, and agent-based models. Applications of stochastic processes will come from epidemiology, ecology, phylogenetics, microbiology, evolutionary biology, and genetics. The workshop will consist of lectures on mathematical and statistical methods for stochastic processes in biological systems and daily computer and analysis activities. In addition, each student will work on a research project over the duration of the program with a team of four or five participants. Members of the organizing committee are: Linda Allen (Texas Tech), Laura Kubatko (Ohio State University), Suzanne Lenhart (University of Tennessee, Knoxville); Libby Marschall (Ohio State University), and Lea Popovic (Concordia University). To receive full consideration, completed applications must be received by January 31, 2012. Complete description and application. (2) MBI BioSciences Problem-Solving Workshop (July 16-20, 2012). PSW@MBI is a week-long workshop where participating mathematical modelers tackle questions proposed by life science researchers. Similar workshops have provided fresh perspectives and new ideas to proposed questions and established new interdisciplinary collaborations between theoreticians and life scientists. The workshop gives the opportunity to practitioners and researchers in medicine and the biosciences who present problems to exploit the expertise of applied mathematical faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students in working toward solutions to their problems. Applications received before April 15, 2012 will receive full consideration. Complete description and application. Posted: 12/20/11.
Summer Fellowships at the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, Austria: Funding is available for PhD students interested in three months of collaborative research during June-August 2012 on Evolutionary and Ecological Modeling at IIASA in Laxenburg, Austria. Young scientists from all countries are eligible for stipends provided by IIASA's Evolution and Ecology Program (EEP) that contribute to travel and accommodation costs. Students from Austria, Brazil, China, Egypt, Finland, Germany, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Norway, Pakistan, Russia, South Africa, Sweden, and the USA are eligible for fellowships that provide full coverage of travel, accommodation, and living expenses. Model-based summer research projects are invited in the following indicative areas: Evolutionary Community Ecology, Food-Web Evolution, Vegetation Dynamics, Adaptive Speciation, Evolutionary Conservation Biology, Fisheries Management, Fisheries-induced Evolution, Evolution of Cooperation, Governance of Common Goods, Systemic Risks and Network Dynamics, Eco-Evolutionary Dynamics, Adaptive Dynamics Theory and Models, Spatial Models in Ecology and Evolution. Applicants prepare a research proposal that corresponds to their scientific interests and to the research agenda of their hosting IIASA Program. Accepted applicants begin work before the summer by planning their research in close collaboration with their IIASA supervisors. Previous experiences with implementing and studying evolutionary or ecological models are important assets for working in EEP. To improve chances of being selected, potential applicants are encouraged to sent informal inquiries regarding their specific research interests and plans to EEP's program leader Ulf Dieckmann (dieckmann@iiasa.ac.at). Online applications will be accepted until Monday, January 16, 2012 (24:00 CET). Since 1977, IIASA's annual Young Scientists Summer Program (YSSP), has attracted 1500+ students from 80+ countries. The YSSP 2012 will take place from June 1 to August 31. IIASA is located in the former summer palace of Austria's royal family, ca. 15 km south of Vienna. IIASA's summer program offers exceptional opportunities for acquiring experience in an international and interdisciplinary research environment. Research training is based on regular personal interaction with advising scientists, and typically leads to a publication in an international journal, as well as to a chapter in a candidate's PhD thesis. Details about the summer program, and online application Posted: 12/14/11.
Stable Isotope Biogeochemistry and Ecology: We are pleased to open the application period for the 17th annual Stable Isotope Biogeochemistry and Ecology Courses, also known as Iso-Camp. These will be multi-instructor lecture (Biology 7473, morning) and laboratory (Biology 7475, afternoon) short courses offered to 27 graduate students and postdoctoral investigators interested in learning more about the applications of stable isotopes at natural abundance levels to environmental, biogeochemical, marine, and ecological studies. We will set aside an additional 5 openings for the lecture course only (Biology 7473) for postdocs and faculty wishing only the lecture and an introduction to the lab. The courses will: 1) be offered June 11-22, 2012 at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, 2) be limited to 27 participants (Biology 7473/7475) in order to maximize laboratory and instrument access; an additional 5 openings will be available for the lecture course (Biology 7473) will be made available for postdocs and faculty, 3) consist of a morning lecture-discussion course and an afternoon laboratory course; there will be 17 course instructors, experts selected from across the country for their breadth and for their interest in teaching and interacting with students, 4) include a hands-on laboratory experience each day, including full access and use of all SIRFER ThermoElectron isotope ratio mass spectrometers and Picarro cavity-ring down spectrometers; the IRMS is equipped with elemental analyzers, continuous flow capacities, GC, TCEA, pre-con, laser, common-acid-bath; available also are vacuum preparation lines for organic and inorganic compounds of biological and environmental interest Many of the evenings will be set aside for discussions of current research interests, group dinners, additional talks, and also there will be opportunities for social events in the nearby Wasatch Mountains. Typically our applicants have come from all across the United States as well as from many different foreign countries. We select students with a diversity of academic interests, geographical diversity, and research experiences in mind. We seek students with broad interests who are interested in learning broadly about stable isotope applications and in interacting with both other students and faculty. We encourage applications from underrepresented groups. Past participants have had backgrounds in different disciplines, including animal and plant physiology, ecology and ecosystem science, biogeochemistry, anthropology, atmospheric science, marine science, oceanography, paleontology, forensic science, industry, and geology. Applications will be accepted until February 15, 2012. For details, please see http://stableisotopes.utah.edu. Posted: 12/13/11.
2012 Belize Field Course: 8th Annual Ecology, Behavior, and Conservation of Manatees & Dolphins: A Unique Field Course in the Belize Barrier Reef Lagoon System. Want to be a Conservation Biologist, Behavioral Ecologist or Marine Mammalogist? Here's your chance to join our research team for two intense weeks of total immersion into the world of animal behavior, ecology & conservation, Antillean manatees, bottlenose dolphins, coral reefs, mangroves and seagrass beds in Belize! Dates for 2012: Session I ~26 May - 8 June | Session II ~16 June - 29 June | Session III ~7 July - 20 July. Lead Instructor & Principal Investigator: Caryn Self-Sullivan, Ph.D., Nova Southeastern University, Sirenian International; Co-PI: Katie LaCommare, Ph.D., Lansing Community College. Posted: 12/13/11.
Stochastics in Biology Summer Graduate Workshop: The 2012 Summer Graduate Workshop on Stochastics Applied to Biological Systems will be held June 18-29, 2012, at the Mathematical Biosciences Institute (MBI) at Ohio State University in Columbus, OH. The workshop is co-sponsored by MBI, NIMBioS and the Centre for Applied Mathematics in Bioscience and Medicine (CAMBAM). The workshop features instructors from across North America whose research expertise is stochastic modeling in biological systems. Some of the topics to be covered include Markov chains, birth and death processes, branching processes, Brownian motion and diffusion processes, stochastic differential equations, and agent-based models. Applications of stochastic processes will come from epidemiology, ecology, phylogenetics, microbiology, evolutionary biology, and genetics.Graduate students from the mathematical, physical and life sciences are encouraged to apply. Dates: June 18-29, 2012. Application Deadline: January 13, 2012. Posted: 12/9/11.
Environmental Palaeoecology and Aquatic Ecology: I would like to draw your attention to the 2011/2012 short-course programme being offered by the Environmental Change Research Centre, University College London. Registration is open and the courses available include: 9th- 13th January 2012 - Chironomids: Water Quality and Climate Change 23rd- 27th January 2012 - Introduction to Pollen Analysis, 13th- 17th February 2012 - Stable Isotopes and Environmental Change, 20th- 24th February 2012 - Ostracod Analysis, 27th Feb - 2nd March 2012 - Introduction to Diatom Analysis, 14th-25th May 2012 - Numerical Analyses of Biological and Environmental Data. For full details, dates and an application form for the courses please visit http://www.ecrc.ucl.ac.uk/shortcourses or contact the course co-ordinator Fiona Mannion at ecrc-admin@geog.ucl.ac.uk. Posted: 12/8/11.
Taxonomy and Ecology of Caribbean Sponges: Dates: July 16 – 30, 2012. Location: Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Bocas del Toro Research Station, Panama Registration Fee: $800 (includes room and board, STRI registration fee, etc.) Some need-based fellowships are available. Instructors: Dr. Cristina Diaz, Museo Marino de Margarita, Venezuela; Dr. Robert Thacker, University of Alabama at Birmingham. Application: This course is directed towards advanced international graduate students, post-docs, and young investigators, and will be conducted in English. Please e-mail your CV, 1 letter of recommendation, and a 1-2 page statement explaining your background and reasons for taking the course, to Rebecca Rissanen at RissanenJ@si.edu before February 1, 2012. To be considered for a need-based fellowship, applicants should send a description of their need, their efforts to obtain funding from other available sources, and a travel budget. For more information see taxonomy training. Posted: 12/2/11.
Summer Soil Institute: Announcing the 3rd Annual Summer Soil Institute at Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, July 8-21, 2012. Interested in Soil Ecology and Biogeochemistry? Gain an integrated perspective with world-renowned faculty to address critical questions using current analytical techniques, experimental approaches, and instructional models. What are the physical, chemical and biological components of soil? What do molecular techniques tell us about soil biodiversity? How does soil chemistry affect carbon and nutrient cycling? How are soil processes affected by global change? 2012 Faculty: Thomas Borch, Francesca Cotrufo, Gene Kelly, John Moore, Mary Stromberger, Joe von Fischer, Diana Wall, Matthew Wallenstein. Featuring honored guest Dr. Eldor Paul, author of Soil Microbiology, Ecology, and Biochemistry. The Summer Soil Institute is designed for graduate students,post-docs, professionals, faculty, and K-12 teachers. Located at the confluence of the Rocky Mountains and the Great Plains. Hands-on experience with lab, field, and modeling techniques including: Soil physics and biochemistry: • pedology • organic matter fractionation • stable isotopes • soil respiration • trace gas fluxes • NMR, FT-ICR-MS, and XRD. Soil biology-microbes and fauna: • DNA extraction • quantitative PCR • enzyme activities • microscopy-based identification • soil food web modeling. For more information and to apply, please visit http://soilinstitute.nrel.colostate.edu/, Email: soil@nrel.colostate.edu. Posted: 11/14/11.
African Ecology & Conservation The Fisheries, Wildlife & Conservation Biology program in conjunction with the Study Abroad Office at North Carolina State University offers a 3 week study abroad program to Namibia (south western Africa) from May 13 to June 01, 2012. Namibia is one of Africa’s most stable and safest countries to travel to with a good infrastructure and a well-developed tourism industry. This is a unique opportunity for students to explore and experience Africa while studying and gaining valuable knowledge about African wildlife-, savanna- and desert ecology, park management, conservation, ecotourism and ecological sampling techniques. Students will explore various ecosystems, conduct field work, participate in discussions and field lectures, track desert elephants, enjoy game drives and bushwalks. The highlights of this trip are a stay at a wildlife center, the Namib Desert, Damaraland, and the Etosha National Park. The program will be directed by Dr Dörgeloh, a wildlife ecologist with extensive knowledge and many years experience in southern Africa. The program is also open to out-of-state and international students. Online applications are available through the NCSU Study Abroad Office. Further information about the program. Please note that there are a limited number of seats available (max 15). The deadline for applications is Dec. 09, 2011. Posted: 9/27/11.
Workshop: Modeling Patterns and Dynamics of Species Occurrence: 28 November - 2 December 2011, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Laurel, Maryland, Instructors: Darryl MacKenzie, Jim Nichols and Jim Hines, Cost: US$750. This course will cover many of the appropriate methods that could be applied to model the patterns and dynamics of species occurrence, or distribution, while accounting for the important field consideration of imperfect species detection. For further details on the course, and to register, visit http://www.proteus.co.nz/home.html and follow the workshop links. Enquires should be directed to darryl@proteus.co.nz.
Fundamentals Of Ecosystem Ecology: Winter 2012 Intersession Course. The Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies will once again offer a short course in ecosystem ecology during the January 2012 Intersession (January 5 through January 20, 2012). The course has been taught 15 times starting in 1984 This intensive course covers the concepts, theories, approaches, utility and history of ecosystem ecology, biogeochemical cycles and budgets, ecosystem energetics and trophic structure, and the response of ecosystems to stress and disturbance. The course will include lectures by members of the Institute's scientific staff and will emphasize critical examination of ideas through extensive readings, group discussions and exercises. Class size will be limited to ~30 students. The course will be held at the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, in rural Dutchess County's Millbrook, New York. Students should plan to be in residence during the entire course and to devote their full time to this course. The cost of the course is $1,500. Included are: course fees, materials, dormitory fees, daily snacks, and two group dinners. Students will need to provide their own transportation to and from the Institute and their own meals. Kitchens are available in the dormitories. A limited number of scholarships (up to $1,000) are available to students who can demonstrate that they do not have grant or institutional resources to pay for the course. Many universities have money available to help students pay for courses such as this one; the Cary Institute is willing to provide documentation to help applicants apply for such university funds, if necessary. Applying to your institution for funds is necessary to be eligible for a Cary scholarship. The course is intended for graduate students in ecology, environmental studies, or related fields. Advanced undergraduates with appropriate background may be accepted if space permits. The course is listed by Rutgers University for 4 credit hours; students may wish to arrange to receive credit for the course through their universities under "special topics," "seminar," or a similar heading. For further information about the course content and eligibility, contact Dr. Jon Cole at ColeJ@caryinstitute.org For other information, please contact Claudia Rosen at RosenC@caryinstitute.org. To apply for the FEE course please use the online application at: http://www.caryinstitute.org/fee_course.html Application deadline is October 28, 2011. Decisions about admission to the course will be made by November 11, 2011. Posted: 9/19/11.
National Science Foundation East Asia and Pacific Summer Institutes for U.S. Graduate Students: NSF EAPSI is a flagship international fellowship program for developing the next generation of globally engaged U.S. scientists and engineers knowledgeable about the Asian and Pacific regions. The Summer Institutes are hosted by foreign counterparts committed to increasing opportunities for young U.S. researchers to work in research facilities and with host mentors abroad. Fellows are supported to participate in eight-week research experiences at host laboratories in Australia, China, Japan (10 weeks), Korea, New Zealand, Singapore and Taiwan from June to August. The program provides a $5,000 summer stipend, round-trip airfare to the host location, living expenses abroad, and an introduction to the society, culture, language, and research environment of the host location. The 2012 application is now open and will close at 5:00 pm proposer’s local time on November 9, 2011. For further information concerning benefits, eligibility, and applying, visit www.nsf.gov/eapsi or www.nsfsi.org. NSF recognizes the importance of enabling U.S. researchers and educators to advance their work through international collaborations and the value of ensuring that future generations of U.S. scientists and engineers gain professional experience beyond this nation's borders early in their careers. The program is intended for U.S. graduate students pursuing studies in fields supported by the National Science Foundation. Women, minorities, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply for the EAPSI. Applicants must be enrolled in a research-oriented master's or PhD program and be U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents by the application deadline date. Students in combined bachelor/master degree programs must have matriculated from the undergraduate degree program by the application deadline date. The first Summer Institutes began in Japan in 1990, and to date over 2,400 U.S. graduate students have participated in the program. Should you have any questions, please contact the EAPSI Help Desk by email at eapsi@nsfsi.org or by phone at 1-866-501-2922. Posted: 9/16/11.
Winter 2011 Field Course in Tropical Rainforest and Canopy Ecology: December 20th- January 9th at the Institute for Tropical Ecology and Conservation (ITEC) Bocas del Toro Biological Station, Boca del Drago, Isla Colon, Bocas del Toro, Panama. See the ITEC link above for more details. Posted: 11/2/11.
Winter 2011 Field Course in Coral Reef Ecology: December 20th- January 9th at the Institute for Tropical Ecology and Conservation (ITEC) Bocas del Toro Biological Station, Boca del Drago, Isla Colon, Bocas del Toro, Panama. More details. Posted: 9/1/11.
Smithsonian-Mason Global Conservation Studies Program: Spring/Summer 2012 Graduate/Professional Training Courses and Certificates, Front Royal, VA For more information, visit http://conservationtraining.si.edu or e-mail SCBItraining@si.edu. Individual courses offer graduate credit or continuing education units. Follow the links below for more details about each course and to learn about our Graduate and Professional Certificates in Applied Conservation Science. Conservation Conflict Resolution January 16-20, 2012 Spatial Ecology, Geospatial Analysis, & Remote Sensing for Conservation February 6-17, 2012 Statistics for Ecology and Conservation Biology March 5-16, 2012 Species Monitoring & Conservation: Amphibians March 26- April 6, 2012 Species Monitoring & Conservation: Terrestrial Mammals April 16-27, 2012 Non-Invasive Genetic Techniques in Wildlife Conservation May 19-25, 2012 Adaptive Management for Conservation Success June 11-22, 2012 Effective Conservation Leadership 2012 dates to be determined See also: Applied Conservation Science Graduate Certificate and Applied Conservation Science Professional Certificate. Posted: 8/11/11.
Field Course In Neotropical Herpetology: June 15-July 10, Bocas del Toro Biological Station, Boca del Drago, Isla Colon, Republic of Panama. The biological station is located on a beach facing the Caribbean Sea. Coral reef and seagrass ecosystems lie out in front of the station and lowland tropical rain forests lie directly behind. This juxtaposition of the two most biologically diverse ecosystems provides tremendous opportunities for education and research. See: http://www.itec-edu.org/herpetology2.html for details. Posted: 5/31/11.
Dive GIS summer course: 31 July - 10 August in Crotone at the Capo Rizzuto Marine Protected Area. The enrollment deadline is extended to the 8th of June. Seats are still available. Dive GIS course is for you if you wish to: 1. Learn state of the art GIS and Remote Sensing methodologies used for marine applications 2. Learn to use the ArcGIS software 3. Become a certified diver 4. Collect scientific data in the field and underwater 5. Identify marine flora and fauna 6. Be passionate about the marine environment and the conservation of its resources 7. Network and socialize in an international environment The course, organized by Mappamondo GIS in collaboration with the MPA, represents a unique training initiative that offers the chance to learn Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing methodologies while becoming a certified SCUBA diver. Participants learn to use state of the art technologies and to combine them with passion oriented sport and field activities in the context of marine environment management and science. The challenging objective of the organizer is to provide the bases for a multi-skill career. For further information about the course and online registration for the 2011 edition please visit www.mappamondogis.it/divegis.htm. Posted: 5/25/11.
Data Analysis II: Ecological Modeling using R: (CSP4210) July 25-29, 2011, National Conservation Training Center (NCTC) Shepherdstown, WV. The purpose of this course is to build a suite of tools for the purpose of modeling biological and environmental data. To achieve effective conservation planning or evaluation of management actions, it is becoming increasingly important to monitor and model wildlife populations and the habitats/environments in which they live. We begin the course discussing simple linear regression with independent observations. Then progress into the use of multiple linear regression, generalized linear models (Logistic, Poisson, and Negative Binomial regression) for modeling presence/absence and count data, trend analysis via linear and generalized linear mixed models, and mean separation techniques. Other topics include variable selection and screening, and model comparison techniques using AIC, BIC and cross-validation. Emphasis is placed upon model development and interpretation as it relates to informing management decisions, understanding model assumptions and critical evaluation of competing models. The general approach is a topic presentation by an instructor, followed by an instructor-led computer exercise, followed by an “independent” class computer exercise applying the concepts learned on biological data using R. Consequently, the purpose of this course is to enhance the scientific and analytical capacity of participants. Participants are encouraged to discuss data in which they are currently engaged with. Although this interaction is encouraged, the purpose of the course is not of a ‘consulting’ nature. Instructor: Dr. Timothy J. Robinson (University of Wyoming). The course is designed for individuals who are competent in basic biology and are interested in strengthening their ability to utilize statistical tools in research, management, and decision-making. Participants in this course should have working knowledge of topics taught in Data Analysis I (CSP4200). Applicants that have not taken Data Analysis I must contact the course leader for approval. Course Length: 4 ½ days/36 hours. The objectives of this course are to (1) develop skills for analyzing multiple linear regression, variable selection, handling of multicollinearity, data transformation, and outlier diagnostics; (2) develop skills to use logistic regression as a means of modeling presence-absence data; (3) interpret results of statistical procedures; and (4) provide participants the necessary background to be successful in Data Analysis IIIA: Species Distribution Modeling using R. Cost: There is no tuition fee for FWS, NPS, and BLM personnel. Tuition is $1150 for non-FWS participants. Register online at DOI Learn. Non-DOI employees should contact Barbara Evans at 304-876-7451 or (barbara_evans@fws.gov). Questions: Please contact Dr. Joe W. Witt (joe_witt@fws.gov) or So Lan Ching (solan_ching@fws.gov), Division of Conservation Science and Policy, at 304/876-7447 or 304/876-7771. Posted: 5/25/11.
Online Ecology and Plant Courses: University of Illinois Summer courses in the University of Illinois online M.S. programs begin soon, and non-degree seeking students are welcome! The M.S. programs in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences and Crop Sciences include a variety of courses likely to be of interest to people on this list. The online courses in these programs include online class meetings via Elluminate so that students engage in real time with the faculty member and each other. This summer, we are offering: * NRES 472 Environmental Psychology taught by Dr. Joanne Vining (4 credit hours) Mondays 6:30-9:45 pm from June 6th to August 15th * NRES 499 Ecology of Urban Wildlife taught by Dr. Mike Ward (3 credit hours) Thursdays 6:30-9:45 pm from May 26th to June 30th * HORT 499 Children and Nature taught by Dr. Andrea Taylor (2 credit hours) Tuesdays 7:00-8:30 pm from June 14th to August 2nd * HORT 442 Plant Nutrition taught by Dr. Margaret Norton (4 credit hours) Thursdays 6:30-8:30 pm from May 26th to July 14th * CPSC 499 Organic Chemistry for Plant Sciences taught by Dr. Don Briskin (4 credit hours) Tuesdays 6:30-9:45 pm from May 17th to July 19th (There has been one meeting of this class, so immediate enrollment is advised.) * AGED 545 Research Methods and Design taught by Dr. James Anderson (3 credit hours) Thursdays 7:00-8:45 pm from June 16th to August 11th Tuition and fees for these courses are $389 per credit hour for graduate credit and $354 per credit hour for undergraduate credit. Non-degree seeking students can register here. Posted: 5/20/11.
Plant Breeding for Drought Tolerance: Moisture deficits loom as one of the greatest challenges to future crop production, both in rainfed and irrigated agriculture. Enhancing the genetic tolerance of crops to drought stress, together with improved agronomic practices, is considered an essential strategy for addressing these deficits. To respond to the need for more plant scientists trained in developing drought tolerant cultivars, Colorado State University and University of Nebraska-Lincoln will offer a one-credit online course in Plant Breeding for Drought Tolerance Sept. 26 to Oct. 28, 2011. The course is targeted to graduate students in the plant sciences, as well as to professionals in the public and private sectors. It will provide one transferable graduate-level credit. The course will focus on plant breeding strategies and practices directed toward improving plant performance under drought stress. Concepts for this intensive, one-credit graduate level course include: * Understanding the target environment * Determining which phenotypic traits to use in selection practices * Understanding transgenic approaches and quantitative trait locus analysis for improving drought tolerance * Learning from successful examples of improving drought tolerance in a variety of crops * Integrating techniques learned in the course into a breeding or research program strategy. The 5-week curriculum is divided into 15 lessons. Each lesson’s content will be delivered via a voice-over PowerPoint presentation, a video, a relevant reading assignment, or combinations of these media. Some lessons will require student participation in an online discussion or completion of a homework assignment. The 15 lessons will be followed by a proctored final exam. Throughout the course students will work on creating a portfolio of documents describing an analysis and breeding strategy for a specific crop and environment. The course will be given in English. Prerequisites: Participants should have a solid understanding of genetics, plant breeding, and basic plant physiology. Prior to the beginning of the course, students will review online material on these topics to provide a common background in breeding and physiology concepts. Program Costs and Requirements: The cost of student tuition is approximately $550 (amount to be finalized in June 2011). Word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) is required, as is Adobe Reader (available for free online). Students are required to have access to a computer and Internet access that meet the general CSU recommendations. Partial funding for the course is provided by a grant from the USDA-AFRI Plant Breeding and Education program. More information and applications are available online at http://www.droughtadaptation.org/onlinecourse.html. Interested students are encouraged to visit the course website for more details, or send an email to the Program Assistant, Annie Heiliger, at Annie.Heiliger@ColoState.edu with questions. Posted: 5/19/11.
Indonesia: Environmental and Ecological Education Field School: September 6th to November 16th, 2011. From volcano geology to highland agriculture studies to coral reef ecology, students can look forward to a range of coursework about the environment. With the current trends in sustainable development, the main objective of this field school will be to develop students' environmental perspectives through hands on field work in an international setting. Also, the program introduces methods for promoting environmental and ecological thinking across all grade levels and all subject areas. This program is designed for students who are interested in pursuing a career in education (PDP), specifically exploring the environment in relation to international education. Partnered with Sam Ratulangi University ( UNSRAT), located in the Manado region, students will be studying near an epicenter of marine biodiversity. Application deadline: June 15th, 2011. More information. For any additional questions please email cormond@sfu.ca. Posted: 5/18/11.
Environmental Information Management: The University of New Mexico and DataONE are sponsoring a three week course, May 23 - June 10. It's 6 credit hours, and has three components. The Environmental Information Management Institute is currently offering a series of three courses (INFO 530, INFO 532, and INFO 533) which will provide MS and PhD students and professionals with the conceptual and practical hands-on training that will allow them to effectively design, manage, analyze, visualize, and preserve data and information. Participants completing the three-week Training Institute, 23 May-10 June, will be at a significant competitive advantage as they pursue further academic and professional efforts. They will gain invaluable experience with all aspects of the data life cycle, from managing data files and creating databases and web portals through state-of-the-art analysis and visualization techniques, as well as managing, analyzing, and visualizing geospatial data. The cost has purposely been kept low to meet the needs of both in-state and out-of-state graduate students and professionals. We still have a few slots available and encourage you to register ASAP. Posted: 5/13/11.
Climate Change Field Course in Arizona: BIO571: Field Biology: Class Number 1717, Field Education in Climate Change at Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ. Learn about climate change impacts in scenic Northern Arizona: 1)Conduct novel scientific research along C. Hart Merriam’s elevation gradient. 2) Interact with land managers who are working on climate change issues. 3) Learn to present scientific information to a broad range of audiences. When: June 6-24, 2011…REGISTER NOW! Location: This course will meet on-line starting June 6, 2011. Students will stay at the Merriam-Powell Research Station, in Flagstaff, Arizona for one week, June 13-19. The week at the field station will be followed by another week of on-line coursework. Details: This course is designed for advanced undergraduates who are interested in pursuing careers in science, technology, or science education; graduate students who are beginning their degree program; and K-12 teachers seeking graduate credit. You will examine how science and technology can be used to understand and mitigate the impacts of climate change on natural ecosystems. Your research will focus on climate change impacts at sites ranging from mixed conifer vegetation on the San Francisco Peaks to desert habitat at Wupatki National Monument. The use of GPS and long-term weather data will be used to examine the responses of plants and animals to climate change. You must stay on site and be a full-time participant. Housing, in a bunkroom, and food during the field station stay are provided. Stipends are available to offset tuition for the class. To apply for the stipend, or get more details, please e-mail a resume and letter of interest to: Dr. Amy Whipple Amy.Whipple@nau.edu. Posted: 5/5/11.
Ecology of Animal Migration: International PhD-student course Centre for Animal Movement Research, Lund University, 18 - 28 October 2011. Animals move across different spatial and temporal scales either as part of their daily life or as part of seasonal migrations to exploit resources in the environment. Well known examples are the global scale seasonal migrations in birds, sea turtles, fish and mammals, such as whales and wildebeests. Also movements at smaller scales occur, such as the vertical movements in plankton, the dispersal in soil collembolans and movements of pollinating insects. But what are the ecological causes and evolutionary consequences of animal movements? During this two-week course you will get insight in a number of different methods and approaches to study the migration of birds, insects, fish, amphibians and mammals, ranging from experimental studies in the laboratory to tracking long-distance migration in wild animals. Lectures will be given by international authorities in the field as well as by researchers in the CAnMove Group at Lund University covering the following areas: * Locomotion * Bird Ringing * Migration & Dispersal * Orientation & Navigation * Ecophysiology * Genetics of Migration * Migration & Population Ecology * Evolution & Patterns of Migration * Migration & Conservation * Ecophysiology * Modelling Migration. In addition to lectures, there will be time for own projects, an excursion to the bird migration station at Falsterbo, demonstrations of bird ringing and orientation experiments as well as tracking and radar techniques and a tour to the wind tunnel. During the time of the course we will also have literature seminars, and you will have ample opportunities for discussion and further gain experience in presenting your research to fellow students. Application deadline 31 August 2011. Maximum enrollment 40 persons. The course fee: 3000 SEK. Find the program and online application at: http://canmove.lu.se/node/537. Posted: 5/4/11.
Assistantships and Fellowships | Fellowship Program Links | Short Courses | Summer Jobs
The jobs below are open ONLY to graduate students. For many more summer jobs, see the Seasonal Tech/Intern page.
Ecological Society of America: Publishing Internship at Frontiers. ESA is looking for an intern, to be based at its Washington, DC, office, to help with the production of its journals, Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment. The internship is a great opportunity to learn about scientific publishing. Depending on experience and aptitude, the intern will be involved in many different aspects of journal production, including editing/proofreading, news writing, podcasting, and image research, as well as other day-to-day activities of the editorial office. The internship includes a small stipend. The successful applicant should be a graduate student with a knowledge of ecology and/or environmental science; an interest in, or experience with, publishing or science writing would be an advantage. Resume and cover letter, together with letters from two referees, should be sent electronically to Dr Sue Silver, Frontiers Editor-in-Chief (suesilver@esa.org). Please specify availability between mid-May and end of August. Closing date for applications is May 21. Posted: 5/7/12.
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