Write “Hammerschlag, Neil” <nhammerschlag@RSMAS.MIAMI.EDU>

Summer Research Internships 2017

Are you interested in gaining field research experience and learning about the
ecology and evolution of plants and plant-animal interactions in fragmented
prairie? The Echinacea Project is offering several summer research
internships for students and soon-to-be graduates. We have diverse
potential projects for students with backgrounds or interests in plant
ecology, pollination biology, evolution, statistics, conservation, and
computer science. In the past, interns have completed projects on a variety
of topics including pollination biology, prairie restoration, and
plant-herbivore interactions. Housing in western Minnesota is provided and
there is a stipend. Undergraduate students have the opportunity to do an
independent project as an REU participant.

QUALIFICATIONS
No experience is necessary, but you must be enthusiastic and hard-working. You
will survey natural plant populations, measure plant traits in experimental
plots, hand-pollinate plants, observe & collect insects, and assist in all
aspects of research. Applicants must be available to begin in Minnesota in
early June. The exact end date of the position in late August or early
September is flexible. We welcome and encourage scientists of all
backgrounds, particularly those underrepresented in science, to apply to
work with us!

MORE INFORMATION
Information about our offerings for summer 2017 and the 2017-2018 year are
here: http://echinaceaproject.org/opportunities/.

APPLICATION DEADLINE
Review of applications will begin on February 23rd for REU internships and
on March 2nd for other internship positions.

The team and I are happy to answer any further questions.

Stuart Wagenius, Ph.D.
Conservation Scientist
Division of Plant Science and Conservation
Chicago Botanic Garden
1000 Lake Cook Road
Glencoe, IL 60022
phone: 847 835 6978
fax: 847 835 6975
email: echinaceaproject@gmail.com

Echinacea angustifolia <echinaceaproject@gmail.com>

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Research Experience for Undergraduates in Computational Biology –
Dartmouth College – Summer 2017
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The Zhaxybayeva lab in the Biology department at Dartmouth College
(http://www.dartmouth.edu/~ecglab/) is pleased to announce an NSF
Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) position to study the
evolutionary history of enigmatic, virus-like entities called Gene
Transfer Agents (GTAs). As their name implies, GTAs are hypothesized to
be used by bacteria as gene delivery systems. The Zhaxybayeva lab uses
comparative genomics, phylogenetics, and mathematical modeling to learn
more about this fascinating biological system. This internship is ideal
for candidates with background in mathematics, statistics, computer
science, or engineering interested in exploring how computational
approaches are used in solving biological problems. The student is not
expected to have prior experience working with biological systems. The
student will work closely with Dr. Olga Zhaxybayeva and Dr. Shannon
Soucy and will learn the basics of genomic analyses, how to utilize high
performance computing facilities, read primary scientific literature,
and present scientific research. The candidate must be a citizen or
permanent resident of the United States of America or its possessions,
and enrolled as an undergraduate student in the Fall 2017. Individuals
of underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. The 9-week
internship is tentatively expected to begin on June 21, 2017 and end on
August 18, 2017. The candidate will receive $4,500 stipend, and will be
reimbursed for the costs of lodging and travel to Dartmouth College.

To apply, please e-mail the following application materials in a single
PDF file to Shannon Soucy (Shannon.Soucy@dartmouth.edu) with the subject
line “REU” no later than March 10, 2017:
1.    A statement with the following information:
a.    Why you are interested in this position.
b.    Your future plans after graduation from college.
c.    Confirmation of your eligibility for the REU program.
d.    Dates you are available to start and end this position.
e.    The name and contact information of one person who will serve as
your reference. Please arrange the letter of recommendation to be sent
to Shannon.Soucy@dartmouth.edu directly by your reference.
f.    Your email address and phone number.
2.    Curriculum Vitae (or resume).
3.    Transcript (unofficial is acceptable).

Dartmouth College is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer
with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. We prohibit
discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national
origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability,
veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected status.

RESEARCH ASSISTANT POSITION
EVOLUTIONARY ECOLOGY OF INFECTIOUS DISEASE

The Hood Lab (https://www.amherst.edu/people/facstaff/mhood) in the
Biology Department at Amherst College is seeking to fill a full-time
research assistant position.  The position is for one year, and there
is the possibility to reappointment for a second year.  Ongoing
projects address the evolutionary ecology of infectious disease in
natural plant populations and evolutionary genomics of the pathogen’s
mating compatibility genes.  Activities in this lab span a wide range
of approaches, including molecular genetics, population biology, and
greenhouse/field work.  The research assistant will gain experience and
participate in each of these activities as well as in general lab
maintenance and operation.  Start date will be as early as April, 2017.

Qualifications:  Bachelor’s degree in biology or related field,
previous laboratory experience, and motivation to engage in biology
research are expected.

To apply online, please visit our web site at https://jobs.amherst.edu
and https://apply.interfolio.com/40429

Amherst College is an equal opportunity employer and encourages women,
persons of color, and persons with disabilities to apply. The College
is committed to enriching its educational experience and its culture
through the diversity of its faculty, administration, and staff.

http://www.samford.edu/programs/undergraduate/research-experience/

With funding from the National Science Foundation, the 2016 Samford

University REU program will offer hands-on, field- and laboratory-based

research experiences to US undergraduates.  In this 9-week residential

experience, students will work one-on-one with experienced researchers in

biology and chemistry to design, conduct, and present research related to

the chemistry, genetics, and ecology of organisms, populations, and

communities of Oak Mountain State Park, a large and diverse suburban park

located in the southern Appalachians.  Potential research topics include

plant and animal ecology, microbiology, fire ecology, water quality,

biochemistry, plant and fungal natural products chemistry and bioactivity,

plant taxonomy, and aquatic community ecology.

Quick Facts

Application Deadline: February 14, 2017

Program Timeline: May 29=96July 29, 2017

=95 $525 per week stipend

=95 Travel, room, board and research expenses covered

=95 12 students will be accepted into the program

Reasons to Apply

=95 Explore the worlds of field and laboratory research

=95 Explore your career opportunities as a working scientist

=95 Work closely with expert scientists to develop your own project

=95=09Develop your understanding of scientific ethics and social justice

=95 Spend the summer at Oak Mountain State Park, Alabama=92s largest state park

Application Process

All application materials should be submitted electronically to reu@samford.edu.

Deadline: February 24, 2017

Students must be US citizens or Permanent Residents and have completed two

years of undergraduate study by May, 2017, including one year of

college-level biology.  Students must be enrolled in an undergraduate

program at accredited institutions in the United States at the time the REU

program is held.  Please submit:

=95 Application Form

=95 Transcripts

=95 Letters of Recommendation

=95 Personal Statement

For more information, go to

http://www.samford.edu/programs/undergraduate/research-experience/ or email

reu@samford.edu.

Term: Seasonal position from approximately June 1 to October 31, 2017.

(Start date is dependent on spring snow pack and trail access. End date is

subject to change due to cold weather and snow.)

Schedule: The schedule is typically a 40-hour work period but is dependent upon

weather, work load, etc. A 40-hour period is generally Mon =96 Thursday, 10

hours per day with 3 days off, but may include Mon-Friday, 8 hours per day.

Hourly pay rate: $12.11 =96 $14.36

Work Duties: The successful applicant will serve as a member of a 2-person field crew for

extended trips in backcountry and front country terrain. Primarily, the team

will work at restoration sites focused on the removal of non-native trout to

benefit Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog populations (Rana sierrae). Gill

nets, and occasionally backpack electrofishers, will be used for fish

removal. The restoration sites are in three northern California wilderness

areas, range in elevation from 6,000 to 9,000=92, and will require a

combination of backpacking and 4WD to access. The team will also conduct

surveys of nearby Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog populations. In addition

to these duties, approximately 10% of the job will consist of monitoring and

resource assessment of backcountry fisheries throughout the northern Sierra

Nevada, therefore the ability to implement multiple survey protocols to

collect fish, amphibian, and habitat data for lakes, streams, and meadows in

the Sierra Nevada is necessary for success.

Physical Demands: Field work often involves extended travel with a backpack over rugged, high

elevation terrain, both on trail and off trail. There is potential for

exposure to all types of weather, slippery rocks, insects, poison oak, rough

or fast-moving water, and cold water temperatures. Long periods of hiking,

carrying equipment, swimming, and/or standing may be required. All survey,

backpacking, and camping equipment is provided

Minimum Qualifications: The successful applicant must possess the following minimum qualifications:

– Must possess a valid California driver=92s license, Class C.

– Education equivalent to completion of two years of college with a minimum

of 10 semester hours in science (transcript required) OR one year of

equivalent work experience surveying, studying, or evaluation fish or

wildlife populations, data, habitats, or other related work experience.

– Ability to lift and carry heavy loads over rugged cross-country terrain

for extended periods of time in a high elevation wilderness setting.

– Ability to live and work safely in a remote wilderness setting.

Desired Qualifications: Ideally, the successful applicant will possess the following skills:

– Experience with fish survey techniques, including gill-netting,

electrofishing, snorkeling, or similar techniques.

– Experience and aptitude operating handheld electronic equipment, such as

digital cameras, GPS units, radios, PDAs, etc.

– Experience backpacking, traveling, or working in high elevation

backcountry wilderness settings is highly desirable.

– Sufficient experience with computer applications to input and manage data,

including MS Word, MS Excel, and MS Access.

– Ability to be well organized and handle occasionally challenging field

logistics.

– Ability to thoroughly collect data.

– Ability to effectively communicate with field crew members and the public.

Contact information:

Please e-mail a resume, including 3 professional references (and copy of

your transcripts, if applicable) to Isaac.Chellman@wildlife.ca.gov. Cover

letters are not required.

Term: Seasonal position from approximately June 1 to October 31, 2017.

(Start date is dependent on spring snow pack and trail access. End date is

subject to change due to cold weather and snow.)

Schedule: The schedule is typically a 40-hour work period but is dependent upon

weather, work load, etc. A 40-hour period is generally Mon =96 Thursday, 10

hours per day with 3 days off, but may include Mon-Friday, 8 hours per day.

Hourly pay rate: $12.11 =96 $14.36

Work Duties: The successful applicant will serve as a member of a 2-person field crew for

extended trips in backcountry and front country terrain. Primarily, the team

will work at restoration sites focused on the removal of non-native trout to

benefit Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog populations (Rana sierrae). Gill

nets, and occasionally backpack electrofishers, will be used for fish

removal. The restoration sites are in three northern California wilderness

areas, range in elevation from 6,000 to 9,000=92, and will require a

combination of backpacking and 4WD to access. The team will also conduct

surveys of nearby Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog populations. In addition

to these duties, approximately 10% of the job will consist of monitoring and

resource assessment of backcountry fisheries throughout the northern Sierra

Nevada, therefore the ability to implement multiple survey protocols to

collect fish, amphibian, and habitat data for lakes, streams, and meadows in

the Sierra Nevada is necessary for success.

Physical Demands: Field work often involves extended travel with a backpack over rugged, high

elevation terrain, both on trail and off trail. There is potential for

exposure to all types of weather, slippery rocks, insects, poison oak, rough

or fast-moving water, and cold water temperatures. Long periods of hiking,

carrying equipment, swimming, and/or standing may be required. All survey,

backpacking, and camping equipment is provided

Minimum Qualifications: The successful applicant must possess the following minimum qualifications:

– Must possess a valid California driver=92s license, Class C.

– Education equivalent to completion of two years of college with a minimum

of 10 semester hours in science (transcript required) OR one year of

equivalent work experience surveying, studying, or evaluation fish or

wildlife populations, data, habitats, or other related work experience.

– Ability to lift and carry heavy loads over rugged cross-country terrain

for extended periods of time in a high elevation wilderness setting.

– Ability to live and work safely in a remote wilderness setting.

Desired Qualifications: Ideally, the successful applicant will possess the following skills:

– Experience with fish survey techniques, including gill-netting,

electrofishing, snorkeling, or similar techniques.

– Experience and aptitude operating handheld electronic equipment, such as

digital cameras, GPS units, radios, PDAs, etc.

– Experience backpacking, traveling, or working in high elevation

backcountry wilderness settings is highly desirable.

– Sufficient experience with computer applications to input and manage data,

including MS Word, MS Excel, and MS Access.

– Ability to be well organized and handle occasionally challenging field

logistics.

– Ability to thoroughly collect data.

– Ability to effectively communicate with field crew members and the public.

Contact information:

Please e-mail a resume, including 3 professional references (and copy of

your transcripts, if applicable) to Isaac.Chellman@wildlife.ca.gov. Cover

letters are not required.

We seek two MS students with interests in aquatic ecology, limnology and ecotoxicology to pursue research projects at Michigan Technological University. Research topics include 1) The importance of overwintering on yellow perch proximate composition, persistent organic pollutant bioaccumulation and stable isotope (d13C & d15N) ecology and 2) Mapping water quality metrics in a north temperate dimictic lake over an annual growing season. Each of these projects represent a combination of laboratory and field work with sampling efforts focused in Michigan=92s Upper Peninsula region.

Preferred candidates will have strong backgrounds in aquatic ecology and limnology in addition to good lab techniques associated with working in a chemistry lab environment. Additional experience and background in ecotoxicology, field work, and familiarity with operating small watercraft are beneficial, however, these skills are not essential to apply. Interested applicants are encouraged to contact Dr. Gord Paterson (gpaterso@mtu.edu) for specific project details and application instructions. Both of these positions are supported by graduate teaching assistantships in the Biological Sciences Department at Michigan Technological University. We anticipate potential candidates to officially apply to enroll for the fall semester, starting August 2017. Applications will be reviewed as they are received and review will continue until suitable individuals are selected.

Curious about how human related disturbance impacts vegetation and soil in a fragile desert ecosystem? The Jornada Basin LTER in collaboration with New Mexico State University invites applications for a NSF sponsored Research Experience for Undergraduate (REU) in summer 2017. This 10-week experience enables you to investigate long-term impacts of different disturbance types on the resistance and resilience of desert vegetation, biological soil crusts and soil properties. As an REU you will complete final (20th year) measurements on a unique study designed to determine how resilience is affected by disturbance type, frequency, intensity, and soil/geomorphic surface/plant and biological soil crust community. The study is replicated at 5 locations in southern New Mexico on and near the Jornada Basin LTER. You will work as part of a team collecting data on plant and biological soil crust community composition, soil aggregate stability and carbon flux rates. Additional measurements of soil hydrology may be included depending on time and interest. You may have the opportunity to serve as a co-author on one or more publications resulting from this 20-year dataset.

This REU experience provides you with:

=95 High quality research experience in desert ecology

=95 Skills in field biology and laboratory methodologies

=95 Opportunity to work alongside researchers from interdisciplinary fields at a NSF funded LTER facility

=95 Participation in the 1-day Desert Ecology short course taught by Jornada LTER scientists

=95 Opportunity to disseminate results in presentations and scientific publications

=95 A stipend of $8000 for 10 weeks

Requirements:

=95 You must be enrolled as an undergraduate at an approved university for spring and fall of 2017.

=95 Valid US driver=92s license is required.

=95 Ability to work full days outside in the sun, wind, and low humidity.

=95 Interest and ability to stay overnight in field station lodging. Accommodations will be provided on-site with other researchers at the remote Jornada field station located 40 miles north of Las Cruces, NM.

=95 Your travel to and from Las Cruces from your home will need to be paid from your stipend

Your application should include:

=95 Letter of intent including statement of interest and previous research experience

=95 Resume or Curriculum Vitae

=95 Unofficial undergraduate transcripts

For more information on the Jornada Basin LTER please visit https://jornada.nmsu.edu/lter. You can find information on the research mentors here:

Nicole Pietrasiak http://aces.nmsu.edu/academics/pes/nicole-pietrasiak.html; and

Jeff Herrick https://jornada.nmsu.edu/lter/user/10156/view.

Applications due: March 1, 2017. Please send your applications to Nicole Pietrasiak (npietras@nmsu.edu<mailto:npietras@nmsu.edu>) and Jeff Herrick (jeff.herrick@ars.usda.gov)<mailto:jeff.herrick@ars.usda.gov)>

For complete position descriptions and to apply, please follow the links

below.

*Botany Field Team Lead*

http://crcareers.thegreatbasininstitute.org/careers/careers.aspx?rf=3DECOLOG&req=3D2017-ACI-009

In cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service Humboldt-Toiyabe National

Forest, the Great Basin Institute is recruiting a Botany Field Team Lead to

join our AmeriCorps program. Working cooperatively with a GBI/USFS Research

Coordinator as part of a larger crew (consisting of 3 Botany Field

Technicians, and occasionally 1 Wildlife crew lead and 2 technicians). The

Field Lead will help to coordinate and implement a variety of

project-specific biological surveys and habitat restoration projects. The

Field Lead will be responsible for the working directly with the Research

Coordinator conducting project activities, including ensuring adherence to

agreed-upon protocols and procedures, serving as a positive role model for

other field team members, and facilitating accurate completion and

documentation of project efforts.

*Botany Field Technician*

http://crcareers.thegreatbasininstitute.org/careers/careers.aspx?rf=3DECOLOG&req=3D2017-ACI-010

In cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service Humboldt-Toiyabe National

Forest, the Great Basin Institute is recruiting three (3) Botany Field

Technicians to join our AmeriCorps program. The Technicians will work

cooperatively as part of a team to support a variety of botany,

restoration, and avian biology projects. Project work will occur primarily

on the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area (SMNRA). The Technicians

will work on a number of projects, including surveys for plant and animal

species of interest to determine presence and minimize impacts to these

species. Primary foci for surveys will include rare plants and butterfly

habitat. Restoration and enhancement activities may include: identification

and documentation of disturbed locations in sensitive habitats; collecting

seed of local genotypes of native plant species; closure of unauthorized

motorized routes and recreation concentrated use areas; monitoring of past

restoration projects and recommendations for sites not progressing as

anticipated; burned area rehabilitation; and riparian and spring

restoration.

*Lead Biological Field Technician (Wildlife) *

http://crcareers.thegreatbasininstitute.org/careers/careers.aspx?rf=3DECOLOG&req=3D2017-ACI-011

In cooperation with Forest Service=E2=80=99s Spring Mountains National Recreation

Area (SMNRA), the Great Basin Institute is recruiting a Lead Wildlife

Technician to join our AmeriCorps program and lead two technicians in

multiple wildlife field surveys. The Field Lead will help to coordinate and

implement a variety of project-specific wildlife surveys and assist with

restoration projects. The Lead technician will direct crews while

conducting acoustic callback surveys and nest searches for two sensitive

raptor species, Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) and Flammulated Owl

(Psiloscops flammeolus), that are both known to occur in the region. Early

morning point count and nest surveys for migratory bird species will also

be conducted for two projects. Passive bat detection will be conducting by

setting and moving equipment throughout the project area. Wildlife

technicians will work with botanical technicians on habitat surveys for

sensitive butterfly species by identifying larval host and nectar plants.

Native seed collection for ongoing restoration projects will also be

conducted during the field season. On-the-job training in plant

identification will be provided. Opportunities to participate in training

(e.g. GIS, Wilderness 1st Aid) during the season may be available. Lead

Technicians will also be responsible for facilitating accurate completion

and documentation of project efforts.

The Field Technician must be able to work in difficult terrain that may

include steep, rocky slopes, areas of dense trees, and lower elevation

desert. Exposure to a variety of adverse weather conditions are likely with

average day time temperatures above 100 degrees, night time temperature as

low as 30, extreme sun exposure, and monsoonal rain events should all be

expected. This work is physically demanding and requires long hours of

off-trail hiking while conducting surveys. Survey protocols and times will

vary throughout the field season and crews must be able to adapt quickly to

working a variety of hours (night surveys for the Flammulated owl, dawn

surveys for nesting and breeding birds, daytime surveys for butterfly

larval host and nectar plants), while learning a variety of survey

protocols. Overnight camping will be required in some cases. Travel to

survey sites may require driving on narrow, winding, dirt roads for

distances up to 20 miles. While driving to and from survey sites, frequent

encounters with vehicles, hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders

should be expected on backcountry roads. Radio communication will be

necessary for emergencies and for communication with the Project Manager.

*Biological Field Technician (Wildlife) *

http://crcareers.thegreatbasininstitute.org/careers/careers.aspx?rf=3DECOLOG&req=3D2017-ACI-012

In cooperation with Forest Service=E2=80=99s Spring Mountains National Recreation

Area (SMNRA), the Great Basin Institute is recruiting a 2 Wildlife

Technicians to join our AmeriCorps program conduct multiple wildlife field

surveys. The Field Technician will assist the crew lead on a variety of

project-specific wildlife surveys and restoration projects. Crews will

conduct acoustic callback surveys and nest searches for two sensitive

raptor species, Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) and Flammulated Owl

(Psiloscops flammeolus), that are both known to occur in the region. Early

morning point count and nest surveys for migratory bird species will also

be conducted for two projects. Passive bat detection will be conducting by

setting and moving equipment throughout the project areas. Additionally

technicians will work with botanical technicians on habitat surveys for

sensitive butterfly species by identifying larval host and nectar plants.

Native seed collection for ongoing restoration projects will also be

conducted during the field season. On-the-job training in plant

identification will be provided. Opportunities to participate in training

(e.g. GIS, Wilderness 1st Aid) during the season may be available.

The Field Technician must be able to work in difficult terrain that may

include steep, rocky slopes, areas of dense trees, and lower elevation

desert. Exposure to a variety of adverse weather conditions are likely with

average day time temperatures above 100 degrees, night time temperature as

low as 30, extreme sun exposure, and monsoonal rain events should all be

expected. This work is physically demanding and requires long hours of

off-trail hiking while conducting surveys. Survey protocols and times will

vary throughout the field season and crews must be able to adapt quickly to

working a variety of hours (night surveys for the Flammulated owl, dawn

surveys for nesting and breeding birds, daytime surveys for butterfly

larval host and nectar plants), while learning a variety of survey

protocols. Overnight camping will be required in some cases. Travel to

survey sites may require driving on narrow, winding, dirt roads for

distances up to 20 miles. While driving to and from survey sites, frequent

encounters with vehicles, hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders

should be expected on backcountry roads. Radio communication will be

necessary for emergencies and for communication with the Project Manager.