Author: Davis, Miranda L.

Graduate position: UFlorida.GeneticsGenomics

Posted on November 2, 2023 by Davis, Miranda L.

Graduate position: UWyoming.SpatialEcoEvoDynamics

Posted on November 2, 2023 by Davis, Miranda L.

The Weiss-Lehman lab at the University of Wyoming is recruiting a PhD student to join our group in fall 2024. The PhD student will work with laboratory microcosms, computational models, and genomic data to test ecological and evolutionary mechanisms behind the formation of stable range limits as part of a recently funded NSF grant. The student will also be encouraged to develop independent projects based on their own interests as part of their dissertation. Research in our lab largely focuses on spatial eco-evolutionary dynamics, using models and careful experiments to understand how rapid evolutionary changes can impact species’ ranges. This includes factors affecting range limits, but also understanding the dynamics of species spreading via invasions or range shifts in response to climate change.The Weiss-Lehman lab is a highly collaborative group and members are encouraged to work together on group projects while also developing independent projects based on their own interests. Our lab is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive group of researchers in which all lab members feel valued and supported. For more details on the lab and our research, see our website: https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fweisslehmanlab.weebly.com%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7C03d791a382964a5a12cd08dbdb8efc87%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638345179390747117%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Gu8mhF7zwBZXglQGY%2FWamgqyHITiB92fdpC2nPuDXZc%3D&reserved=0The position will be fully funded for 5 years through a combination of research and teaching assistantships and includes tuition, a stipend, and health insurance. Applicants need a bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, evolution, or a related field by the fall of 2024. Additional preferred qualifications include quantitative and/or bioinformatic skills, familiarity with a scientific computing language (R, Matlab, Python, etc.), and previous research experience.To apply, please email Topher Weiss-Lehman (cwiessle@uwyo.edu) with your CV, transcripts (unofficial are fine), a statement of interest, and contact information for 2-3 professional references.

MS position in pollinator ecology at Cal Poly Pomona

Posted on November 1, 2023 by Davis, Miranda L.

The Scordato Lab at Cal Poly Pomona invites applications for a Master’s student to study arthropod ecology in a Southern California agroecosystem. The Scordato lab is part of a research group with faculty from CSU Long Beach, UC Santa Barbara, and UC Agriculture and Natural Resources examining how natural vegetation can support biodiversity in avocado and citrus orchards in Ventura County. We are looking for a student to study how arthropod pollinator and predator populations vary between agricultural and riparian areas, and determine if creating patches of natural habitat in orchards can improve pest control and pollinator services. Coursework will be conducted at Cal Poly Pomona with extensive research guidance from UC Santa Barbara and UC Agriculture and Natural Resources researchers. The Master’s student will be expected to work on all aspects of the research project and lead the preparation of at least one peer-reviewed manuscript. This position is funded for three years, subject to review after the first year. The expected start date is summer 2024, with an earlier start available.

Required qualifications: 1) a Bachelor’s degree in biology, environmental science, agriculture, entomology, plant science, natural resources management, or similar field; 2) strong writing and quantitative skills; 3) a valid US driver’s license.

Preferred qualifications: 1) experience collecting and identifying insects or be willing to learn; 2) experience conducting field research, particularly in challenging conditions; 3) familiarity with the R programming environment.

Competitive applicants will enjoy field and lab work, including sorting, labeling, and archiving samples; be flexible, positive, and communicative during field work, even during long days outside requiring travel and exposure to hot weather; and be passionate about communicating science to broad audiences as there are opportunities to develop blogs, reports, and other media for the farming community involved in this project.

To learn more about Cal Poly Pomona and its Master’s program, visit https://www.cpp.edu/sci/biological-sciences/graduate-studies/about.shtml

Graduate position: UNebraska_Lincoln.EvolutionarySystemsGenomics

Posted on November 1, 2023 by Davis, Miranda L.

Are you excited to find out how changes to the genome shape behavioral differences between species? Have you ever wondered how new sex chromosomes work together to remodel variation in tissues? The Moore Lab (mooregenomicslab.com) at the University of Nebraska Lincoln is recruiting creative and motivated students to join for a PhD position in evolutionary systems genomics to work on these questions, and more! We use beautiful and charismatic Malawi African cichlid fishes to study the mechanisms underlying complex adaptive traits. All projects will focus on generating and integrating different types of genomic data (epigenetics, gene expression, and/or whole genome sequencing), but may also include tissue collection, histology, and/or state-of-the-art, creative behavioral phenotyping.Students of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply, and we are committed to fostering a lab environment where all trainees feel welcome and supported. This position may be funded through RA or TA, and includes stipend support and a tuition waiver.Required qualifications:– Interest in evolution, genomics/bioinformatics, behavior and/or sex chromosomes. You do not need experience in all of these fields but should have a clear motivation for wanting to work towards a PhD on this topic.– A willingness to contribute to a supportive and engaging intellectual environment that includes undergraduate researchers.– UNL graduate program requirements: Minimum standards are a B.A. or B.S.degree (or equivalent) from an accredited institution with a cumulative 3.0 GPA or equivalent. If you are international and English is your second language the program requires a TOEFL score of 565 for paper-based test,225 for computer-based test, or 85 for the internet-based test.Preferred qualifications:– Wet lab skills (nucleic acid extractions, genomic library preparations)– and/or familiarity with bash scripting/R or other programming languages (python, perl, etc)– and/or fish handling and husbandry experience– and/or undergraduate or postbaccalaureate research experiencePlease email Emily Moore (emily.christine.moore@gmail.com) a CV and statement of interest prior to applying to the graduate program in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior in the School of Biological Sciences at UNL ( https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbiosci.unl.edu%2Fgraduate&data=05%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7Ca302a4f8e5b2422b86a208dbdac6c9f5%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638344319552144040%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=cidxohNiiLeUeO335o1M5pjiCVxOo9x0r0mfohqbcRM%3D&reserved=0). Applications are due December 1, 2023.Emily Moore <emily.christine.moore@gmail.com>

Graduate position: UIllinois_UrbanaChampaign.EvolEcolBehav

Posted on November 1, 2023 by Davis, Miranda L.

The Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior (EEB) at the University of Illinois is accepting applications for graduate students for admission in Fall 2024. We accept applications for both the Master’s (M.S.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees. We are an interactive group with expertise in evolution, ecology, behavior, bioinformatics, conservation, genetics & genomics, physiology, neuroscience, endocrinology, and morphology. Students take many approaches to their studies including field work on whole organisms, genomics/bioinformatics, lab experimentation, and theory.The department of Evolution, Ecology and Behavior is housed within the School of Integrative Biology, home to over 30 faculty working in ecology, behavior, conservation and evolution. The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign offers state-of-the-art research facilities such as the Institute for Genomic Biology (IGB), the Beckman Institute (several research themes including bioimaging and Molecular Science andEngineering) and the Grainger College of Engineering. Urbana-Champaign is a pleasant, affordable, university town with good music and restaurants. It has its own airport and is close to three major U.S. cities (Chicago, Indianapolis, St. Louis).Students for the Ph.D. are typically funded for 5-years with a combination of fellowships, research assistantships, and teaching assistantships. The deadline for consideration is December 15, 2023. However, prospective students should contact potential faculty advisors well in advance of applying to discuss research interests and relevant qualifications. For further information, see https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fsib.illinois.edu%2Feeb%2Fgraduate_admissions&data=05%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7C2e2aea9cbac145559de708dbdac6e14e%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638344319937928050%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=CFJJLWCPKFGWzgogT8av93OS%2BvsQWC6jOytuL%2FHcBT0%3D&reserved=0.Please note that we have many types of fellowships including fellowships to help recruit students who come from groups that are under-represented in science.The following faculty are actively recruiting students:Julian Catchen – Population genomics and the evolution of genome architecture. We are a computational group doing work in several organisms including fishes, birds, and honeybees. We have projects comparing ancient and modern DNA, coloration of fishes, and the genome architecture and function of mitochondria. We are also actively at work on several software packages related to RADseq and Stacks as well as conserved synteny. My students typically focus on a hybrid of computational and biological topics in their research aims. Write jcatchen@illinois.edu with questions, also happy to discuss options in an online meeting.Becky Fuller – Evolutionary biology of fishes; evolution of color patterns/color vision; color vision in bass; speciation as a function of adaptation and genomic rearrangements; speciation in darters and killifishDan Miller – Evolution of developmental sensory biology in mammals; biomarkers of brain organization; mechanisms of brain plasticity; evolution of intelligent systems; email millerdj@illinois.edu.Philip Anderson andersps@illinois.edu

Summer 2024 NSF-IRES Argentina

Posted on October 30, 2023 by Davis, Miranda L.

Summer 2024 NSF-IRES (International Research Experience for Students) program in Argentina. The deadline is January 4, 2024. Information can also be found here: https://www.eduardofernandez-duque.com/oportunities

Graduate position: USouthCarolina.Evolution

Posted on October 13, 2023 by Davis, Miranda L.

NH NRCS Internship Announcements for Planners and Engineer

Posted on October 13, 2023 by Davis, Miranda L.

Hi Everyone,

Please help us recruit the next class of Pathway Summer Interns (and potential future NRCS full-time employees) by sharing these vacancy announcements with your alma mater and any other groups or people to help us cast a wide net!

Here are the links for the Student Trainee positions:

Student Trainee (Engineer) – https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/753483300

Student Trainee (Soil Con) – https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/753442300

They opened on 10/11 and close out on 10/26/2023.

UTexasPermianBasin.InsectPlantEvolEcol

Posted on October 12, 2023 by Davis, Miranda L.

The Hembry Lab in the Department of Biology at the University of Texas Permian Basin is recruiting three (3) master’s students to fill paid research positions in the evolutionary ecology of insect-plant interactions, supported by an NSF BRC-BIO grant to Dr. David Hembry. I am expecting to fill 1-2 positions in Fall 2024 and the remaining positions in Spring 2025 and/or Fall 2025.Research in the Hembry Lab primarily focuses on the evolution and ecology of species interactions, with particular focus on brood pollination symbioses between leafflower plants (family Phyllanthaceae) and leafflower moths (genus Epicephala). This relationship is usually mutualistic, with the moths pollinating their host plants and the moths’ caterpillars eating a subset of the host’s seeds. However, this mutualism has also repeatedly evolved to become parasitic, in which the moths cease to pollinate their host plants. All three open master’s positions concern the biology of this mutualism-parasitism transition, and especially focus on the biology of parasitic leafflower moths found in the United States.I am recruiting applicants to work on the following three projects:– Two MS students will conduct research on the population genomics and phylogeography of leafflower moths and their host plants in the southern United States. One student will focus on cophylogeography of a widely distributed species pair (the leafflower Nellica polygonoides and its undescribed moth species) in Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. The other student will examine host-associated population divergence of an undescribed leafflower moth species on its three host plants (native leafflowers Phyllanthus evanescens and Moeroris abnormis and the recently introduced Moeroris fraternus) in Texas, Louisiana, and Florida. Both students will have training visits to the laboratory of Dr. Katrina Dlugosch (University of Arizona). These projects will involve a roughly equal mixture of fieldwork, labwork, and computer-based analyses.– One MS student will conduct research on the bacterial microbiomes of leafflower moths, examining variation in microbiomes among host plant genera and across the mutualism-parasitism transition. This student will be co-advised by Dr. David Hembry and Dr. Athenia Oldham (Department of Biology, UT Permian Basin), and will have a training visit to the laboratory of Dr. Gordon Bennett (University of California, Merced). This project will primarily consist of labwork and computer-based analyses, with some fieldwork.Each of the three master’s projects is designed to result in a single first-authored peer-reviewed manuscript for the student.These are paid positions for which recruited applicants will receive four semesters of stipend, two years of summer salary, and have four semesters of tuition and fees covered. Costs associated with fieldwork, labwork, and the training visits to larger institutions for each student are also covered by the grant. Each student will also have the opportunity to mentor a UTPB undergraduate for at least one summer in research.Desired qualifications:– Interest in evolution, ecology, species interactions, symbiosis, or coevolution– Undergraduate degree (received or expected) in biology or a related field– Prior research experience, especially in biology (fieldwork or labwork) or another natural science– Knowledge of statistics or programming (especially R or Python) is fantastic but neither expected nor required.These are good positions for students interested in:– Evolutionary ecology, species interactions, coevolution, mutualism, parasitism, and evolution– Insects and/or native plants– Fieldwork in the south central and southeastern United States– Pursuing a master’s degree in evolution or ecology in advance of applying to a PhD program– Learning about bioinformatic methods and the use of next-generation sequence data in the lab and on the computer– Mentoring of first-generation undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds in researchThe University of Texas Permian Basin is a public university in the University of Texas System, located in Odessa, Texas where three ecoregions of Texas (the Llano Estacado, the Edwards Plateau, and the Chihuahuan Desert) converge. UT Permian Basin is a master’s level institution with an undergraduate population that is majority-first generation and majority-Hispanic/Latino. Odessa is part of the Odessa-Midland metropolitan area (population 340,000 with a domesticairport) and is located 2.5 hours from Lubbock, 3 hours from Carlsbad Caverns and Guadalupe Mountains national parks, 4 hours from El Paso,5 hours from Las Cruces, New Mexico and Big Bend National Park, and 6 hours from Austin and Dallas/Fort Worth.To apply, please send Dr. David Hembry (hembry_d@utpb.edu) the following via e-mail:(1) a short statement (1-2 paragraphs) explaining past research experiences and reasons for interest in the position;(2) an up-to-date academic CV or resume; and(3) names and e-mail addresses of two references who are prior mentors in biology or other natural sciences.For full consideration, please send these materials by November 30, 2023. Informal inquiries before applying are welcomed, and very strongly encouraged. I am very happy to chat on Zoom with prospective applicants. Please write to Dr. David Hembry at hembry_d@utpb.edu to express interest and to ask questions.

Graduate research position at Utah State University Fall 2024

Posted on October 11, 2023 by Davis, Miranda L.

Graduate research position in above and belowground multi-trophic interactions

The Mundim Lab at Utah State University is looking for enthusiastic graduate students (M.S. and Ph.D.) to begin Fall 2024. Research areas include plant-herbivore/parasite interactions and host-plant optimal defense, at the intersection of plant phytochemistry, entomology, nematology, population and spatial ecology, and evolution of species interactions. Students are welcome to bring/discuss their own original ideas or to work within the scope of the current projects in the lab, which include: the study of how belowground communities shape complex arrays of aboveground interactions; predictability and priority effects of plant responses to multiple herbivores; demographic responses of plant-animal interactions to disturbances/environmental variation.

The lab is highly interdisciplinary and candidates with experience and/or interest in plant-mediated interactions with aboveground and belowground partners/enemies are strongly encouraged to apply. Students will carry field work aimed at collecting insects, plants and soil organisms, conducting lab experiments, metabolomics and genomics analyses exploring chemical traits and genetic variation, and learning how to integrate these data using multiple statistical approaches.

Students will be funded via Teaching Assistantships and PI funds. However, I also strongly encourage applications for graduate research funding and doctoral dissertation improvement grants. In addition, students in the lab will be expected and supported to apply for additional funding opportunities from various sources in order to improve their grantsmanship skills.

To apply: Qualified candidates must contact Dr. Fabiane Mundim (fabiane.mundim@usu.edu) with the following information: 1) a letter of interest (one-page personal statement describing your scientific interests and career objectives), 2) a CV/resume (including GPA; unofficial transcripts are ok), and 3) contact information for two references. Prior to applying, students interested in joining the Mundim lab at USU are encouraged to review admission requirements (https://www.usu.edu/biology/students/graduate/prospective-students).

University, Community, and Lab: Utah State University is a student-centered land-grant and space-grant university. A core characteristic of USU is the engagement with community for economic development, improvements to quality of life, and human capital.

Our Biology Department (https://www.usu.edu/biology/) has a strong culture of collaboration across fields. The selected graduate student is expected and encouraged to interact with researchers from diverse fields as well as the community (farmers and stake holders).

The Mundim lab is a respectful and friendly environment that appreciates and welcomes the differences among us, whether in race, gender identification, sexual orientation, ethnicity, nationality, beliefs, or disabilities. In the Mundim lab we believe that a diverse group is essential to help us query the world from multiple perspectives and in inventive ways