Starting Date: Preferably end of May 2017

Pollinator service is globally associated with increased crop yield. Furthermore, flowering field crops (i.e., oilseeds, legumes) contribute to the maintenance of ecosystem services, providing nectar and pollen resources for pollinators. The student opportunity is to participate with a team to investigate the role of pollinators in yield of a new crop, Brassica carinata and how that crop can impact bee health. This team, in addition to myself, includes insect ecologists (Jon Lundgren), plant landscape ecologists (Henning Nottebrock), economists (James Stone, Heidi Sieverding) and extension personnel (Amanda Bachmann). More specifically, we will quantify plant-pollinator interaction at different scales to understand the contribution of carinata to sustaining native pollinators, honey bees and honey yield. Finally, we will determine parameters to estimate the economic impact of carinata in terms of yield, honey production, and sustainability of native pollinators.

Location: Department of Biology and Microbiology, South Dakota State University, Brookings, South Dakota. Brookings is a small, but vibrant community with easy access to culture and the outdoors. More information about the Department of Biology and Microbiology at SDSU can be found at:

http://www.sdstate.edu/biology-and-microbiology

Requirements: The ideal student should embrace field-based research as well as have some background or interest in large data and or landscape approaches. Most importantly, you should be passionate about biology and the questions being pursed at the CBFenster lab. Specifically for this project, one should have an interest in sustainable agriculture and the consequences of various land-use polices for ecosystem services. Generally, students who work with me either have or develop a broad understanding of statistics. Foreign students need to meet English language requirements.

I encourage you to contact me, if interested at: charles.fenster@sdstate.edu

More information can be found at the CBFenster lab website:=20

and here you can also find links to all of the collaborators.

Please include in your email: =95=09brief description of your research interests

=95=09concrete evidence of interest in this project

=95=09experience related to this project =95=09CV

Funding options are available for both US and International students.

A research assistant position is available in my lab at KU to work on flies and complex traits. The position will involve both fly work and molecular biology (including approaches using high-throughput sequencing), and might be great for someone interested in gathering more research experience before going to graduate school. Experience with flies would be a plus, but isn’t required. The formal announcement, and links to the institutional employment website are provided below. Feel free to email me with any questions. Stuart Macdonald (sjmac@ku.edu)

A research assistant position is available in the Macdonald lab in the Department of Molecular Biosciences at KU. The Macdonald group explores the genetic basis of complex phenotypic variation using Drosophila as a model system. The successful candidate will help maintain a panel of fly lines, supervise and carry out large-scale phenotyping screens, and generate next-generation sequencing libraries for various genomics applications. We are looking for an enthusiastic and organized individual who is willing to learn new skills, and has excellent oral and written communication skills. Previous research assistants in the Macdonald group have undertaken independent research projects and been authors on research publications from the lab. The position is funded through a multi-year NIH grant and has an anticipated start date of July 1, 2017 (although this is negotiable).

Required qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree in biology (or a related field) by the time of appointment, and some experience with laboratory molecular biology techniques. Prior experience with flies and/or next generation sequencing library construction would be a plus.

For a complete announcement and to apply online, go to https://employment.ku.edu/staff/8336BR

Please direct any questions about the position to Stuart Macdonald (sjmac@ku.edu).

A complete online application includes the following materials: A CV/resume, a cover letter outlining relevant experience, and contact information (phone/email/address) for three referees. Initial review of applications begins 1 May 2017 and will continue until the position is filled.

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information and retaliation in the University’s programs and activities. Access to information regarding equal opportunity and diversity worksite posters is available at http://www.humanresources.ku.edu/policies_procedures/category_details/index.aspx?category=8 or you may contact 785-864-4946 or employ@ku.edu for alternate access options. Any inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies should be directed to: Executive Director of the Office of Institutional Opportunity and Access, IOA@ku.edu, 1246 W. Campus Road, Room 153A, Lawrence, KS, 66045, (785)864-6414, 711 TTY.

Research Laboratory/Field Technician Position in Ecology/Entomology

Department of Entomology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN

Position Summary:

Salary: $10/hour. End-date: August 2017 with the possibility of extension.

Full-time field/laboratory technician position available starting end of April or first week of May 2017 in the Kaplan Lab at Purdue University. The research technician will assist graduate students and post-

doctoral scientists with research focused in ecology and entomology.  Specific position activities include data collection and analysis of an experiment examining the trade-off in pest management and pollinator health in watermelons. The position may also include work on many other insect ecology projects within the lab. The candidate will be responsible for organizing and managing field work, data collection, sample preparation, data compilation and overall maintenance of laboratory and field supplies. The technician must hold a valid driver=92s license so that they can travel between the lab and field locations; a vehicle will be provided.

Successful candidates will have demonstrated organizational skills, the ability to work independently and collaboratively, pay close attention to detail and ask questions for clarity. Previous experience in field-based research, especially insect identification, is desired but not required. To apply please e-mail the following materials to John Ternest, jternest@purdue.edu 1) statement of interest, 2) CV, and 3) list of three references (names, email addresses, and phone numbers). Include all materials in one Word or PDF file, and include your last name in the file name for immediate consideration.=20

Application deadline April 7 or until the position is filled.

BOWEN LAB, Marine Science Center, Northeastern University REU POSITION AVAILABLE

The Bowen lab focuses on how the structure and function of microbial communities are affected by human activities as well as how microbial communities alter their environment, from whole ecosystems like salt marshes to oysters, lobsters and plants. You can learn more about our research here:

https://www.northeastern.edu/bowen_lab/

We are hiring one REU student for the summer to work on a project focused on salt marsh nutrient cycling.  The REU will be trained in both molecular and biogeochemical techniques.  Two possible projects for the REU to tackle include, though we are also happy to consider other project ideas that facilitate the student=92s interests:

1)=09investigate the effects of sulfide on nitrate reduction pathways and microbial communities involved in these pathways in salt marsh sediments.=20 2)=09investigate the response of salt marsh fungal communities to nitrate addition.

The REU duration is 10 weeks, but timing is flexible.  The student will be based at Northeastern University=92s Marine Science Center in Nahant, MA.  Public transportation from Northeastern Main Campus is available by shuttle (departs 9 AM, returns 5 PM) or students can drive to Nahant directly.  Work outside of those windows of time will be necessary so having independent transportation, while not imperative, is desirable.  The position comes with a $5000 stipend and $1500 to cover the cost of research.

We are particularly interested in mentoring students who are looking to pursue graduate education in the fields of ecology or environmental science, that have excelled in coursework at their home institution, and have expressed interest in academic research. Priority will be given to underrepresented and/or first-generation college students from under-resourced families and communities.  If you are interested in applying for this position please send a resume, unofficial copies of your transcript, and a cover letter that describes your research interest and experience, and your future goals, along with the names and contact information for two letters of reference to Jennifer Bowen at je.bowen@northeastern.edu by April 15, 2017.

We are seeking enthusiastic undergraduate researchers interested in summer

field research in Alaska for two REU positions in the Bret-Harte and Ruess

labs at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.  Our overall research objective

is to understand the ecosystem and global consequences of potential future

changes in arctic vegetation.  In this project, we are focusing on the

mechanisms by which increasing abundance of large deciduous shrubs in tundra

ecosystems may alter the near-surface cycling of C and N, and feedbacks to

further vegetation change. You will assist with fieldwork in arctic tundra

and laboratory work consisting of tasks such as plant sorting and data

entry. You will collaborate closely with the principal investigators,

graduate students, and technicians to develop an independent research

project of your own that will build on the ongoing research, and will

present your work at an informal symposium at the Toolik Field Station. In

addition, you will attend weekly seminars on the research at the station. You will be based at the Toolik Field Station, north of the Brooks Range in

arctic Alaska (http://toolik.alaska.edu), which is the focus of research by

nearly >100 scientists who work on a variety of terrestrial and aquatic

ecology projects.  The positions will last approximately 10 weeks, starting

in mid-June, though there is some flexibility.=20

Class background in plant ecology, botany, ecosystem ecology, statistics,

and computer science would be an advantage.  Experience in field or

laboratory, experience with data analysis, and experience working in a

remote field site is preferred.  You should have skills with plant

identification, data collecting and recording, data manipulation in Excel,

and data analysis. You must be willing to work in the field, occasionally

under adverse weather conditions.  A valid U.S. drivers=92s license is

preferred.  Competent, careful, emotionally mature, and enthusiastic people

desired!  We want the work to be both fun and challenging.  You must be a

U.S. citizen or permanent resident and currently enrolled in an

undergraduate degree program, with graduation expected no sooner than fall

2017.  You must provide a copy of your social security card at the time of

employment.  Women and minorities are especially encouraged to apply.

If you are interested in this position, send 1) a copy of your resume,

including the names and contact information for 3 references, 2) a list of

your coursework in biology, ecology, chemistry, and math/statistics, and 3)

a cover letter than explains why you are interested, describes your

background and research experience, and includes anything that you think

would convince us that you are the most appropriate person for this

position, to Syndonia Bret-Harte, msbretharte@alaska.edu by April 10, 2017.

We will contact you to discuss the position.

Graduate Student-PhD, forest pathology (genetics/genomics)

Position Description:

The Forest Pathology Lab at Michigan State University (East Lansing,
MI) is accepting applications for a graduate student (PhD level) to
start as a research assistant in the Summer of 2017 and to enroll for
Fall 2017. We are looking for a highly-motivated individual to study
the population genomics of Ceratocystis fagacearum, the pathogen behind
the devastating disease of oaks “oak wilt”.  This is a unique
opportunity to combine traditional plant pathology research
(microscopy, field and culture work) with molecular and bioinformatics
approaches (PCR, qPCR and genome resequencing analyses). The candidate
will identify the population structure of C. fagacearum in the US and
evaluate known assays and, if required, develop novel molecular assays
to detect the pathogen. Furthermore, the candidate will investigate
seasonal variation in infection of red oak by C. fagacearum and
seasonal variation in red oak susceptibility. The candidate will be
part of a larger project focused on identifying high-risk periods of C.
fagacearum transmission and infection in Michigan. For further
information please go to the following web link:
https://forestpathology.msu.edu/research/oak-wilt/.

The Graduate student will have the option of a degree from either the
Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences or the Department of
Forestry, depending on their interests. The student will be supported
with three years of stipend, tuition waiver and health insurance.
Additional fellowship opportunities for graduate students at Michigan
State University are also available.

Position Requirements:

The ideal applicant will have an MSc and experience and interest in
molecular biology of tree pathogens, particularly in population
genetics/genomics and detection assays. Applicants must have a degree
in a relevant area, including plant pathology, forestry, mycology,
genomics, bioinformatics, physiology, biochemistry, microbiology,
botany, or other biological sciences. They should be self-motivated,
have strong interpersonal skills and be capable of working in a
multidisciplinary team. They must be able to perform experiments
independently and write scientific publications and other documents.
Applicants with prior experience in next-gen sequencing,
bioinformatics, pcr and qPCR are encouraged to apply. Excellent
communication, reading, and writing skills in English are also desired.
The selected candidate must meet eligibility requirements for work in
the U.S. by the start date. Additionally, candidates will need to meet
the minimum requirements outlined by Michigan State University’s
Graduate program (https://grad.msu.edu/).

Instructions For Applying:

If you are interested in this position please contact Dr. Monique
Sakalidis via email at sakalidi@msu.edu. Include a short statement of
interest, your CV and the contact details of three references. To be
accepted into the graduate program you will need to apply through the
MSU Graduate School https://grad.msu.edu/apply. Applications must be
received by April 20^th, 2017 to receive full consideration.

Specific information regarding the Plant pathology graduate program
please see http://www.psm.msu.edu/degree_cerficate_programs.

Specific information regarding the Forestry graduate program please see
http://www.for.msu.edu/graduate/important_information_for_graduate_appl
icants.

Organization Description:

MSU is an equal opportunity employer and the Department Plant, Soil and
Microbial Sciences and the Department of Forestry is committed to
promoting diversity in research.

Organization Website: www.msu.edu

Closing Date: April 20^th 2017

Monique Sakalidis <sakalidi@msu.edu>

Graduate Research Assistant

Institution: Saint Louis University

Location: St. Louis, Missouri

Closing date: 14 April 2017

Research assistantship is recently available for a person seeking Ph.D.
degree and interested in studies of the diversity and evolution of
freshwater fishes globally.  Projects involve both molecular and
morphological taxonomic and/or systematic studies, as well as many
other areas that make use of uncovering previously unknown diversity
and phylogenetic relationships.  Student will be working in fully
developed laboratories for molecular and morphological studies,
curation of specimens and tissues, and a full array of microscopes of
different types, multiple camera systems, and full molecular
laboratory.

Applicants must have a baccalaureate degree and preferred applicants
will be those with experience with fieldwork with fishes, laboratory
experiences in molecular and/or morphological studies, statistical
background, and willingness to learn and adapt to new ideas,
techniques, and ideas.  Saint Louis University offers research
assistantships as 11-month appointments, full healthcare benefits. This
position will be for 12 months/year and with healthcare benefits. There
exists plenty of affordable housing within walking distance to campus.
Visit www.slu.edu.

Interested parties please contact Dr. Richard Mayden at
maydenrl@slu.edu or 314-977-3494.

Richard Mayden <maydenrl@slu.edu>

I am seeking a highly motivated M.S. student to join the University of Flor= ida, starting in August 2017. This student will join a research team invest= igating the ecology of bats in the Southeast. The student will characterize=  diets of bats in FL, GA, and AL, using molecular techniques. The second co= mponent of investigation could include spatial modeling of bat activity at = a landscape scale, or calculating the economic impact of bats as controller= s of insect pests.

The candidate must have an avid interest in genetic laboratory methods, and=  must be willing to work unusual hours in the field as demanded by the biol= ogy of the bats. An M.S. degree is possible in either ‘Wildlife Ecology and=  Conservation’ or ‘Interdisciplinary Ecology’.

Required credential include a B.S. in wildlife, ecology, natural resource c= onservation, environmental studies, or a related field; strong quantitative=  skills and demonstrated writing ability; competitive GPA and GRE scores. A= pplicants should be highly motivated, willing to work independently and as = part of a team, have experience using molecular techniques, experience with=  GIS, and field experience handling bats and extracting them from mist nets= .

If interested, send the following materials to holly.ober@ufl.edu<mailto:ho=
lly.ober@ufl.edu>: (1) a cover letter briefly describing your research inte= rests, career goals, and why you would like to pursue a graduate degree; (2=
) a resume; (3) unofficial copies of GRE scores and academic transcripts; a= nd (4) name, phone number and email address of 3 references. There is no ne= ed to pursue the official application process through the university until = candidate selection is complete.

The student will enroll in August 2017. Tuition, stipend, health insurance,=  and field expenses will be covered for two years from the date of hire. De= adline to apply is 15 April 2017. For more information, contact Dr. Holly O= ber (holly.ober@ufl.edu<mailto:holly.ober@ufl.edu>).

Please find attached an employment announcement for a partner biologist with the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources and The National Resources Conservation Service.  The successful candidate will be working to implement pollinator and monarch butterfly habitat enhancement on private and public lands, building up outreach contacts and programs, and assisting in lepidoptera research and developing a pollinator conservation plan for West Virginia.  The position is for two years, 1733 hours per calendar year,  with potential for extension.
This would be a good entry level job for a new graduate.  Please post at Patuxent if possible, and feel free to forward to additional colleagues and students who would be interested.  The closing date is April 24,
2017.  Thank you for your time and consideration.   Best,  Susan Olcott

https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/beemonitoring/attachments/531172031;_ylc=X3oDMTJyYmFicDdyBF9TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzE3NTk4NTQ1BGdycHNwSWQDMTcwNTA4MzEyNQRzZWMDYXR0YWNobWVudARzbGsDdmlld09uV2ViBHN0aW1lAzE0OTA0NTM5Mzc-

Professor Ross K. Meentemeyer at North Carolina State University seeks a Ph.D. student to join NSF- and USDA-sponsored research projects focused on the landscape dynamics of invasive pests and pathogens. The research projects will contribute to applied goals of developing geospatial approaches to modeling and managing the spatial spread of outbreaks, with a special emphasis on the problem of long-distance dispersal. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to join an interdisciplinary team of researchers in the Center for Geospatial Analytics (www.geospatial.ncsu.edu) developing open source data, models, and interactive decision-making tools designed to engage stakeholders and collaboratively solve complex problems. Ideal candidates will demonstrate desire and capacity for leveraging theoretical and applied advances in landscape ecology and modeling.

To learn more, please send a CV and brief letter of interest outlining your qualifications to Ross K. Meentemeyer (rkmeeente@ncsu.edu) by Friday April 7th. Please insert the following in the subject line of the email: =93Ph.D. Position in Landscape Ecology & Invasive Species.=94