The Marcarelli Aquatic Ecosystem Ecology Lab is searching for a motivated

student in Ecology, Biology, or Environmental Science for a NSF Research

Experience for Undergraduates (REU) position. The student will work closely

with Dr. Marcarelli and her graduate students to study the balance between

nitrogen fixation and denitrification in streams and rivers.  The REU

student will design a research project, conduct field work, analyze samples

and data, and synthesize findings related to the core questions of this

project:

1. How do nitrogen cycle processes co-exist in small streams, large rivers,

and adjacent wetlands?

2. How does nutrient enrichment shift the balance among nitrogen cycle

processes?

3. How does community composition of algae and microbes relate to rates of

nitrogen cycle processes?

There will be opportunities to conduct field work in the Upper Peninsula

of Michigan, participate in undergraduate research workshops, and present

research results to the Michigan Tech community and possibly at a national

conference.

The candidate must be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States

and enrolled as an undergraduate student in Fall 2017.  The REU is expected

to last 10 weeks (start/end date negotiable but should occur between June 1

and August 31 2017) with a total stipend of $5,000 and an additional $1,000

to offset the cost of summer lodging, which is available on campus at

Michigan Tech.

To apply, please submit a cover letter (include a statement of interest,

future plans, confirmation of eligibility, and preferred start/end dates),

an up-to-date CV or resume, a recent transcript (unofficial is fine), and

names and contact information for two references to Dr. Amy Marcarelli (

ammarcar@mtu.edu).

Application review will begin immediately and continue until position is

filled.

*Visit our lab webpage for a more in-depth view of our research and to meet

the members of our team. **http://marcarelli-lab.bio.mtu.edu/home*

<http://marcarelli-lab.bio.mtu.edu/home>

— Amy Marcarelli

Associate Professor, Department of Biological Sciences

Michigan Technological University

1400 Townsend Dr., Dow 740

Houghton, MI 49931

Phone: 906-487-2867

ammarcar@mtu.edu

http://www.bio.mtu.edu/faculty/Marcarelli.htm

Seasonal Field Technician Positions Studying Vegetation and Pollinator Networks in Longleaf Pine Savanna

The Savannah River Site, South Carolina

We seek to fill multiple field technician positions for a large-scale experiment testing how the restoration of longleaf pine ecosystem in the Southeastern United States impacts pollinator networks and the vegetation community. Primary job duties will include field, laboratory, and office tasks required for vegetation and pollinator sampling. The research for this field season has 2 major goals: 1) conducting a survey of diverse ground cover plant species across many experimental plots in the field and 2) collecting, processing, and identifying insect pollinators from blooming plants in order to construct plant-pollinator networks. The ideal start date for this position would be in early June 2017, and it will last for approximately 6 months. Pay rate will be $10-12 per hour, commensurate with experience.  The technician will work at the Savannah River Site, live in a town near the site (Aiken or New Ellenton, SC, or Augusta, GA), and will join a team of Lars Brudvig , Rufus Isaacs, Jason Gibbs, and the lead technician (Sabrie Breland) based at The Savanna River Site. Housing is not provided, but low-cost options are available. Successful candidates will have, or be working towards, a bachelor=92s degree in ecology, biology, or a related discipline. Previous field research experience is required, previous entomological or botanical field experience is highly desired. The successful applicant must be able to endure hot, humid conditions and long hours in the field.

Michigan State University is an equal opportunity employer. Women and minorities are strongly encouraged to apply.

It is important to note that the research site is a highly secure area run by the federal government, so non-United States citizens may have difficulty gaining clearance to work there.

To apply, please email a resume and a letter including descriptions of past experience that highlight entomology/botany/ecology experience, why this position is interesting or important to you, dates of availability, and contact information with email addresses for three references to Sabrie Breland (sabriejrb@gmail.com) with subject line =93Seasonal technician application=94.  Review of application materials will begin immediately; applications received after March 31 will not be considered.

Carbon dynamics of overlapping consumer hotspots in stream ecosystems. A research experience for undergraduates is available at the University of Oklahoma for the summer of 2017 with Drs. Caryn Vaughn and Thomas Parr to study stream consumer contributions to carbon biogeochemistry. This REU is part of our NSF funded project =93Shifting hotspots – How do consumer aggregations interact to influence resource heterogeneity and fluxes in streams?=94=20

The successful candidate will join a team of researchers looking at the effects of overlapping fish and mussel consumer aggregations on nutrient recycling rates, flux, and stoichiometry, and their implications for ecosystem functions like primary production. The student will work as part of this team in a greenhouse facility on the OU campus in Norman, OK and in the field in Southeastern Oklahoma. The student will also develop an independent project leveraging existing field sites and resources to complement this ongoing research.

The ideal candidate should be broadly interested in pursuing a career in Ecology or a related field, eager to learn new skills, hard-working, and detail oriented. The student will start on June 1st, 2017 at OU in Norman, OK (earlier start dates are negotiable). We will provide a stipend of $500/wk for 12 weeks ($6,000/summer) and funding to attend and present the work at one conference.=20

Eligibility:

Students must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Students who have received their bachelor=92s degree or who are not currently enrolled as students at an institution are not eligible.

Students interested in this position should apply by March 31st 2017, but we will accept applications until a suitable candidate is identified. To apply, please send the following:

1. Resume or CV

2. A 1-2 page statement describing your interest in the position, career goals, and previous research experience. 3. Contact information for 2-3 references.

4. Unofficial copy of transcripts (including courses in progress).

Please send applications to:

Thomas Parr (thomas.parr@ou.edu)

Contact: Dr. Thomas Parr or Dr. Caryn Vaughn (cvaughn@ou.edu) with any questions. http://carynvaughn.com/research/

The role of birds and rodents in Lyme disease ecology

Dept of E3B, Columbia

May 15 to August 29, 2017

Description: A paid opportunity is available to participate in research related to the role of birds and rodents in the ecology of Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases The intern will gain knowledge and field experience while working on a long-term project studying the dynamics of infection in birds and mice on Block Island, RI. Responsibilities and learning opportunities include: bird mist netting, conducting bird point count surveys, small mammal trapping, collecting ticks from animals and the environment.

Requirements: Ability to identify common northeastern birds by sight and sound and previous experience doing bird point count surveys are required. Candidates must have completed, or be in the process of completing, a Bachelor=92s degree in a biological science; must possess a valid driver=92s license; and be able to hike outdoors while carrying equipment.

Logistics: The position will be based on Block Island, RI. Housing and transportation will be provided.

Project PI: Maria Diuk-Wasser. If interested please send a resume, cover letter, and the names and emails of two references to mad2256@columbia.edu

PhD student opportunity in population modeling starting Fall 2017 at the University of New Hampshire.

Seeking a highly motivated PhD student for Fall 2017 to conduct research in population modeling of a threatened lagomorph. The student will join an effort to develop and implement a new monitoring protocol to assess occupancy and abundance of New England cottontails in a metapopulation context. A focus will be on monitoring trends and factors that influence extinction/recolonization patch dynamics, and applying spatially explicit mark-recapture abundance estimation with noninvasive genetic sampling approaches. In addition, the student will develop dissertation research questions of his/her own design related to population viability, and which may entail evaluating restoration strategies, including habitat management, translocations, and releases of captively bred rabbits, as well as considerations of genetic diversity and landscape connectivity. Applicants will have a strong interest in population ecology, conservation management, and the application of diverse disciplinary tools. The position will be in the Kovach lab (http://unh.edu/kovach_lab/) at the University of New Hampshire. The student will work closely with natural resource managers engaged in the New England Cottontail Conservation Initiative.

The most qualified candidates will have competitive GPA and GRE scores, strong analytical and quantitative skills, and experience with analyzing population-level data. Experience with occupancy modeling, abundance estimation, population modeling, and noninvasive genetic sampling are desirable. Opportunities for molecular work exist, but are not a requirement of this position. A Masters degree is preferred but not required. Interest and ability to work in the field is also preferred.  Strong interpersonal skills and the desire to work collaboratively are important.

Admission will be through the Natural Resources and Earth Systems Sciences Program at the University of New Hampshire (http://www.unh.edu/nressphd). Interested applicants should submit their application materials to the program as soon as possible. Interested applicants should also contact Adrienne Kovach with further questions, and send the following materials to akovach@unh.edu, simultaneously with their application to the program: — letter explaining research interest and experience

— CV with GRE scores and GPA

— unofficial transcripts or a list of relevant courses taken Review of applicants will begin immediately and continue until position is filled.

The New Jersey School of Conservation is offering its 6th annual herpetology workshop.  Please distribute this information to undergraduates in need of research/elective credits or anyone wishing to gain herpetological field experience.

Dates: June 12-23, 2017 (weekend attendance is optional)

Location: New Jersey School of Conservation (NJSOC) in Stokes State Forest, Sussex County, New Jersey

Description: This workshop is an introduction to the reptiles and amphibians of the Northeast United States and the techniques that are used to conserve and study them in the field.  Through numerous field activities, participants will acquire vital research skills and hands-on experience with the salamanders, frogs, toads, turtles, lizards, and snakes that call the Northeast home.  A small number of classroom lectures and active learning discussions will also contribute to the learning experience.

The workshop includes:

  *   Discussions of reptile and amphibian natural history: their basic biology, life histories, and habitats

  *   Discussions on the conservation and management of reptiles and amphibians

  *   Discussions concerning research design

  *   Reptile and amphibian identification and taxonomy

  *   Identification of calling amphibians by ear

  *   Habitat, plant, and non-herp animal identification

  *   Reptile and amphibian sampling, trapping, and marking/tagging techniques

  *   Radiotelemetry

  *   Reptile and amphibian tissue sampling for DNA analysis

  *   Collection of occupancy, relative abundance, mark-recapture, physical, environmental, and geographic data

  *   Field note recordation and organization

  *   A primer in nature photography

  *   Day and night surveys for reptiles and amphibians

  *   Hikes through several diverse northeastern habitats

  *   Off-site field trips to the New Jersey Pine Barrens and urban habitats

  *   Participation in ongoing herpetological studies at the NJSOC and elsewhere

Qualifications: No experience is necessary but participants should be capable of college-level work and have strong interests in field biology, ecology, natural history, etc.  Participants should also be in relatively good health and capable of hiking several miles in a range of conditions over moderate-difficult terrain.

Cost: The workshop will be divided into two one-week sessions, with each week-long session involving different schedules, activities, and learning experiences.  Participants will have the option of taking the workshop for either one week (5 days) or two weeks (10 days).  Cost is $750.00 per person for one week and $1000.00 per person for two weeks (discounts available for early registrants; see registration below).  These fees include instruction, meals, and lodging at the NJSOC.

Credit: One to three (1-3) transferable, undergraduate credits are obtainable through Montclair State University for an additional fee.  Non-credit options and course completion certificates are also available upon request.

Registration: Class space is limited and participants will be admitted on a first come, first served basis.  To reserve a seat, each participant must pay a non-refundable $250 deposit by May 1st 2017.  Participants who pay in full by May 1st will receive a 10% discount on their registration.  Late registrations will be welcome after May 1st if space is still available (please inquire).  Full registration must be paid by June 1st 2017.  Refunds will not be issued after June 1st.

Contact: Thomas.J.Duchak@hofstra.edu

More Information: http://www.montclair.edu/csam/school-of-conservation/summer-workshops/herpetology/

We seek an energetic, motivated research technician to participate in

experiments on the ecology, physiology, and genomics of switchgrass. This

is an exciting opportunity to participate in integrative research studying

the genetic basis of ecological processes in an important native grass

species. The position will be administered through the University of Texas

at Austin (www.utexas.edu) and stationed with Philip Fay=E2=80=99s group at the

USDA Grassland, Soil, and Water Lab in Temple, TX (

https://www.ars.usda.gov/plains-area/temple-tx/grassland-soil-and-water-research-laboratory/people/philip-fay/).

Visit https://utdirect.utexas.edu/apps/hr/jobs/nlogon/170109014222  for

more information and to apply. Please direct any questions about the

position to Robert Heckman (robert.heckman@utexas.edu).

The Dept. of Life Sciences at Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi is recruiting motivated and talented students for its graduate programs. For application details and more information about the programs visit:  sci.tamucc.edu/lsci/    and   facebook/lsci.tamucc/

The “Island University” is located on the shore of Corpus Christi Bay, and is very near the unique, hypersaline Laguna Madre estuary. A list of degree programs and some example topics that faculty and students here are working on are below.

*       Undergraduate degrees:  Biology (tracks: ecology, marine biology, cell/molecular, microbiology, organismal, integrative); Biomedical (options: Forensic sciences, Pre-clinical, pre-professional)

*       Graduate degrees: Marine Biology (MS and PhD); Fisheries and Mariculture (MS); Biology (MS)

*       Note 1: Marine Biology is an integrated program that includes students and faculty from Texas A&M College Station and Galveston

=FC  Blue Water fish and coral studies

=FC  Estuarine and coastal ecology and biology; and also watersheds and coastal dune systems

=FC  Population connectivity and genetics

=FC  Microbial ecology

=FC  Chemical ecology

=FC  Phytoplankton and algal mat studies

=FC  Biogeochemistry

=FC  Intersection of human health, social sciences, and marine ecology

=FC  Restoration ecology

=FC  Wetland ecology and plant-animal interactions

*       Note 2: Fisheries & Mariculture partners with the Peace Corps to offer Coverdell Fellowships to returning volunteers

=FC  Biofuels from algae

=FC  Oyster culture

=FC  Fish populations and genetics

=FC  Fisheries biology and economics

=FC  Partnerships & internships with Agri-Life and other agencies

*       Note 3: Biology

=FC  Nesting ecology of birds and diamondback terrapins

=FC  Water quality influences on estuarine plants and animals

Dr. C. Edward Proffitt

Professor & Chair

Department of Life Sciences

Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi

Eng. 319 E

6300 Ocean Drive, Unit 5800

Corpus Christi, Texas 78412

361 825 2358

edproffitt.wixsite.com/coastal-ecology

Dept. of Life Sciences web site:  http://sci.tamucc.edu/LSCI/

Like us on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LSCI.TAMUCC/

M.S. Graduate Research Assistant: The role of understory nitrogen metabolism in watershed-level nitrogen retention in an Appalachian hardwood forest

The Division of Forestry and Natural Resources, in the Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design, invites applications for a graduate research assistant (GRA) to conduct research on the role of the herb layer in nitrogen cycling in an Appalachian hardwood forest. The study is situated in and takes advantage of the data-rich environment of the Fernow Experimental Forest operated by the U.S. Forest Service’s Northern Research Station. West Virginia University is the state=92s flagship research-one institution, and is among the top universities in the nation, with demonstrated excellence in teaching and research.

The successful applicant will conduct field work and sample collection, processing, and analyses to: 1) assess whether particular herbaceous species are disproportionally found under tree species associated with either high N or low N availability,  2) assess the relative importance of overstory and understory plants in watershed nitrogen retention, and 3) to assess how the composition of different soil nitrogen compounds is influenced by tree species associated with high vs low N availability. Other duties include (but are not limited to) various field and lab work, maintenance of field equipment, coursework and publication. The production of an exemplary thesis is expected.

Applicants must possess a bachelor=92s degree completed in natural resources, ecology, biology, environmental sciences, or a closely related field. Experience in forest plant identification, data processing, analysis, and GIS are a plus. Strong verbal, written, and computational skills are mandatory. Successful applicants will work collaboratively and independently, and conduct field work under variable weather conditions in steep, mountainous terrain. Applicants must possess a valid US driver’s license.

The preferred start date of the position is May or June of 2017. However, this position remains open until filled. If interested in applying, please forward by email the following documents (incomplete applications will not be reviewed): transcript, curriculum vitae, recent GRE scores, recent TOEFL/IELTS scores (international students), cover letter (including academic, research and professional goals and interests), and the names and contact information of three references to: Dr. Kirsten Stephan, Division of Forestry and Natural Resources, 337D Percival Hall, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA; Tel: (304) 293-0024; Email: Kirsten.Stephan@mail.wvu.edu.

B4WARMED (Boreal Forest Warming at an Ecotone in Danger) is a manipulative experiment that warms plants and soil in the field to examine tree seedling response to warming with respect to physiology, phenology, growth, and survival.  For more information: http://forestecology.cfans.umn.edu/Research/B4WARMED/.

Position overview:

We seek one independent and mature field assistant with a background in biology, ecology, environmental science, forestry, or a related field for a paid field research internship ($10/hr).  The positions start in late March and go until early November start dates are flexible. In general, an internship lasts about 4 months. Typical workdays are eight hours Monday through Friday, however tasks may require early morning, evening, or weekend work. A valid driver=92s license is required. The intern will work and travel mostly independently and occasionally in a pair or small group. Maturity to work autonomously and for long hours is required.=20

Responsibilities: =95=09Work independently to collect biotic and abiotic data in field and lab settings in accordance with established protocols =95=09Measure seedling growth, germination, physiology, and phenology

=95=09Measure soil characteristics and microbe activity

=95=09Routine maintenance of field sites and research equipment.

=95=09Data entry using Excel and Google Drive

=95=09Travel frequently between sites

=95=09Employ experimental drought treatment

=95=09Aiding principle investigators and graduate students as needed.

Desired qualifications: 1) Eagerness to work hard in an outdoor setting. 2) Capacity to collect data following established protocols. 3) Familiarity with plant and tree species of northern Minnesota. 4) Willingness to work well and live with alone and with others in a remote area. 5) Demonstrated ability to work under changing weather conditions and with large swarms of insects. 6) Ability to adapt to a frequently changing schedule with frequent travel.

Research sites: Field work will be split between research sites at the Cloquet Forestry Center in Cloquet, MN (http://cfc.cfans.umn.edu/) and the Hubachek Wilderness Research Center near Ely, MN.  Both research sites are in beautiful forested settings and provide access to the natural areas of northern Minnesota including the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. An individual=92s home base will be at either of these locations, though travel between sites will be required depending on project needs. University vehicles are used for such travel. On-site housing with furnishing and a kitchen will be available for $150/month.=20

Contact:

Please send cover letter (including available working dates), one-page resume, and contact information for two references electronically to:

Artur Stefanski

stefa066@umn.edu  =09=09=09 University of Minnesota

1530 Cleveland Ave N.

St Paul, MN 55108 USA

Highest priority will be given to applications arriving by April 1.