Two funded PhD student positions are available at University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science. Please find details in the following links.

https://www.umces.edu/content/phd-level-graduate-student-environmental-statistics
https://www.umces.edu/content/phd-position-u-maryland-food-and-environment

Review of applications will start from Dec. 10, 2017 and continue until qualified candidates are found.

The Adams lab in the Department of Biology at Brigham Young University (BYU) welcomes applications from students wishing to pursue a PhD in evolutionary ecology, focusing on soil ecosystems, starting Fall of 2018.

Dissertation projects are dynamic, focusing on core hypotheses associated with the McMurdo Dry Valley LTER (http://secure-web.cisco.com/1EpaldHZbBD4XbdR0N7hKHqGwHrm2Vb8JKuP64Ulp8Hwn0oImE9kr8xoNc93_MinTSW_6R_BUSQP5nvcKnytcDNz6cq3Mk4Eavu1DQ-OBk6fLa_2GUvBYp3n5YqiYMLMSC-uGj17riJvsJ-Hbj2WAYf0fTr90RPClL3kl7N4RILD-m20g3ZYH8FcdJWsn6rMHZDB7GyVN8TnilKPLdGG0Ivo4OPvUtgV7Vl8Ww7A6mHyeMU7sqqGgmAjdMLUdca-zMQ4U2rxtTT_HLOAslRFkLcBjBm_ByzSj14-iPvrUu40rR7ajTtD0cTiSqh0ySy_9rzznLJs1ELUaDx3D9HNIkMI1b3fOAQ8pfJxVOqQ-pt3-9c4xQR-KvIfx8n2sy75F4HLYoFdVnnvpS6Wnp8F6dLW4r8s_22nHe61jdDeM4AsfgWbOOjrXZ8FKTx_VIeUq/http%3A%2F%2Fmcmlter.org<http://secure-web.cisco.com/1EpaldHZbBD4XbdR0N7hKHqGwHrm2Vb8JKuP64Ulp8Hwn0oImE9kr8xoNc93_MinTSW_6R_BUSQP5nvcKnytcDNz6cq3Mk4Eavu1DQ-OBk6fLa_2GUvBYp3n5YqiYMLMSC-uGj17riJvsJ-Hbj2WAYf0fTr90RPClL3kl7N4RILD-m20g3ZYH8FcdJWsn6rMHZDB7GyVN8TnilKPLdGG0Ivo4OPvUtgV7Vl8Ww7A6mHyeMU7sqqGgmAjdMLUdca-zMQ4U2rxtTT_HLOAslRFkLcBjBm_ByzSj14-iPvrUu40rR7ajTtD0cTiSqh0ySy_9rzznLJs1ELUaDx3D9HNIkMI1b3fOAQ8pfJxVOqQ-pt3-9c4xQR-KvIfx8n2sy75F4HLYoFdVnnvpS6Wnp8F6dLW4r8s_22nHe61jdDeM4AsfgWbOOjrXZ8FKTx_VIeUq/http%3A%2F%2Fmcmlter.org>), primarily the characterization of soil ecosystem responses to climate variation.  Our hypotheses are informed by approaches including community and autecology, ecological genomics, comparative phylogeography, elemental stoichiometry, molecular evolution, and metagenomics/transcriptomics.  Successful candidates will be required to carry out challenging fieldwork in the McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica.

BYU is located in Provo, Utah, where opportunities for world-class skiing, snowboarding, fly-fishing, kayaking, hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, and many other outdoor recreational activities are less than 20 minutes from the lab.  There are several festivals during the year in different areas of the county and Provo is home to a vibrant music scene.  Salt Lake City is only 45 minutes travel by car or commuter rail.

For full consideration, complete applications should be received by January 15, 2018, but late applications can be considered through the first part of February. Financial support is competitive and comes from a variety of sources, including teaching assistantships, research assistantships, fellowships, and external research funding from the National Science Foundation.

BYU is a private institution run by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Students are required to uphold a standard of personal conduct. For more information on this standard, please visit the Honor Code Office website (https://honorcode.byu.edu/).

Interested students should contact Byron Adams (bjadams@byu.edu<mailto:bjadams@byu.edu>), including a current CV and why our research group might be a good fit for your career and educational interests/goals.  Application information can be found on the BYU Biology website, http://biology.byu.edu/GradAdmissions

Byron Adams
Department of Biology
Brigham Young University

The Dopman lab at Tufts University is seeking to recruit Ph.D. students
interested in evolutionary genetics. The long-range goal of our work is
to understand the evolution of reproductive isolation and ecological
adaptation. Projects on reproductive isolation are using hybridizing
populations of moths to understand the genetic basis of behavioral
and allochronic isolation, and the role of pleiotropy and chromosomal
rearrangements for speciation. Current work on adaptation focuses on
seasonal rhythms in moths and butterflies, and is addressing the genetic
repeatability of phenology, its influence on fitness and population
persistence, and connecting phenology change with spatiotemporal gradients
in climate.

Students must have the ability to work with others and a sense of
humor, both of which are needed to make science fun and worthwhile. An
undergraduate background in molecular genetics, genomics, evolution, or
ecology is preferred, as is prior research experience. Highly relevant
experience includes application of molecular genetic techniques or
computational analysis of genome data.

The Dopman Lab is in the Department of Biology
(http://ase.tufts.edu/biology/) and is a member of Tuftsą Collaborative
Cluster in Genome Structure and Developmental Patterning. The Cluster
focuses on genome to organism research and is located on the main campus
in Medford, MA. With two additional Tufts campuses (Boston and Grafton),
other research universities (Harvard, MIT, BU), and the vibrant city
of Boston all within reach, Medford and Tufts are ideal places to live
and work.

Interested individuals should email Erik Dopman (erik.dopman@tufts.edu)
and provide a CV and brief statement of research interests, relevant
educational background, and prior research experience. Applications to
the graduate program are due on 15 December, with departmental review
occurring shortly thereafter. For more information on the graduate
program, see http://ase.tufts.edu/biology/graduate/.

I am seeking a PhD student to apply trait-based approaches to phytoplankton or other microbial communities, working either in marine or freshwater systems. Trait-based approaches provide a mechanistic framework for understanding the organization and functioning of ecological communities.
Possible research topics include comparing intraspecific and interspecific variation in key functional traits, experimental trait evolution, trait biogeography, community assembly and responses to global environmental change. The research may include field work on local lakes or at different marine locations, laboratory experiments, analyses of diverse datasets and mathematical modeling. The exact project will be developed based on student’s research interests.

The PhD student will be based at the Kellogg Biological Station (KBS) of Michigan State University working under the supervision of Elena Litchman (goo.gl/VwKWgk).

The deadline for applications is December 1, 2017 but late applications may be considered. The applications should be made through the Department of Integrative Biology (https://integrativebiology.natsci.msu.edu/graduate-program/admission-requirements/). Contact Elena Litchman (litchman@msu.edu) for more information on the position and the application process.

The Ernakovich lab (https://mypages.unh.edu/jernakovich) in the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment at the University of New Hampshire is seeking a graduate student at the M.S. level to research relationships between microbial communities and soil health in agricultural and natural systems in New England. The student will use genomics and functional analysis (such as nitrogen mineralization and substrate use efficiency), and possibly stable isotope probing depending on the interests of the student. The student will test the power of various ecological frameworks (e.g. biodiversity-ecosystem function, keystone species) in predicting the role of microbial communities in soil health.

This work is inherently interdisciplinary. The ideal candidate will be passionately curious and have a degree and research experience in ecology, microbiology, chemistry, soil science or related field.

The student will earn an education at a highly respected research institution equipped with state-of-
the-art facilities. The student will matriculate through the Department of Natural Resources and the
Environment (https://colsa.unh.edu/nren), which has multiple tracks to tailor student needs. The student
will live in beautiful Durham, New Hampshire for the duration of the degree. Two years of support is
currently available through a research assistantship.

The preferred starting date is Spring semester 2018, and no later than Fall semester 2018.

To discuss the opportunity, please email Jessica Ernakovich with a single pdf containing a statement of
interest and your CV. Please include “soil health microbiome” in the subject line.

The University of New Hampshire is a public institution with a long-standing commitment to equal
opportunity for all. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age,
national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, veterans status, or marital
status, in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs, activities or services.
Inquiries regarding discriminatory harassment (including sexual harassment) should be directed to: The
Director & Title IX Coordinator, Affirmative Action and Equity, Thompson Hall 305, 105 Main Street,
Durham, NH 03824-3547, Telephone (603)-862-2930, TTY (603) 862-1527, Fax (603) 862-2936 or
Email dms@unh.edu; or to the Boston Office, Office for Civil Rights (OCR), U.S. Department of
Education, 5 Post Office Square, 8th Floor, Boston, MA 02109-3921, Telephone (617) 289-0111, Fax
(617) 289-0150, TDD 800-877-8339. Email OCR.Boston@ed.gov; or to the Executive Director, State of
New Hampshire Commission for Human Rights (NHCHR), 2 Chenell Drive Unit 2, Concord, NH 03301-
8501, Telephone (603) 271-2767, Fax (603) 271-6339, or Email humanrights@nhsa.state.nh.us.

Cetacean Research & Marine Biology Internships in Spain

The Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute (BDRI) <http://www.thebdri.com/>, a marine science and education centre, offers unique hands-on research experiences designed to foster success in both undergraduate and postgraduate fields.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION – This internships program enables aspiring marine scientists to work in conjunction with leading marine biologists as they undertake ground-breaking research on the charismatic marine mega-fauna in one of the most productive oceanic regions on the world (Galicia, North-western coast of Spain). No fewer than 22 cetacean species have been recorded in these waters over the years. Some, such as common bottlenose dolphins, short-beaked common dolphins, harbour porpoises, minke whales, Risso’s dolphins, long-finned pilot whales, humpback whales, beaked whales, sei whales, fin whales, and blue whales have been recorded by the BDRI team in 2017.

BDRI scientists conduct research across a wide range of subject areas that link marine top predators (cetaceans and marine birds) ecology with their physical environment, society and population dynamics; explore their interactions with human activities (such as fisheries, aquaculture and marine traffic); and investigate their behaviour and acoustic communication.

With state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, students will be trained to participate with multiple research projects involving a combination of boat-based surveys onboard research vessels, land-based observations, laboratory work (photo-identification, GIS, bioacoustics, diet analysis, diving behaviour, video analysis, database work, etc), and strandings (response, rescue, necropsy, and data collection).

The BDRI is a very international environment, and the everyday working language is English. Laboratory work days typically last six hours and field days typically exceed seven hours and occur several times per week (weather dependent). There will be two days off per week.

HOW TO APPLY – The internship is open to all applicants 18 years of age or older. An academic background in biology, veterinary or natural science, coupled with motivation and interest in marine research make the most qualified individuals. Internship start and end dates are flexible but the position requires a minimum of 30 days continuous commitment sometime between 8th January 2018 through to end November 2018.

The BDRI is a private and self-funded centre, hence, this internship requires a monetary contribution which is used to off-set the cost of accommodation in an apartment, training, use of research equipment, facilities and research vessels, and other expenses (access to wifi in the apartment, kitchen utensils, electricity, taxes, etc). Successful applicants will be responsible for their own transportation expenses to and from the research centre (O Grove, Galicia, Spain).

Interested candidates should submit an application with the following:
– A cover letter including your availability;
– A resume describing training, experience and relevant skills;
– BDRI’s application form, you can download from <http://www.thebdri.com/resources/downloads/applicationinternships.doc>

Please send these items as e-mail attachments to: severine@thebdri.com

Approved applications are accepted on a first-come, first serve basis. Positions are open until filled.

For more information about BDRI’s research projects, please visit <https://www.thebdri.com> or our Facebook page.

The Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Connecticut (UConn) invites applications from prospective graduate students (M.S. and Ph.D.) to begin in Fall 2017. Research in the department includes a wide range of topics in ecology, evolutionary biology, systematics, computational biology, global change biology and conservation biology in a highly collaborative environment at a leading public research university. Applicants should demonstrate a strong commitment to and potential for academic work in ecology and evolutionary biology. Applications from individuals of groups historically underrepresented in STEM fields are particularly encouraged with scholarships available from the university to promote a diverse and inclusive academic community.

Expected Qualifications and Application Process

A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in any facet of biology is expected although students with unusual backgrounds are also encouraged to apply if they can demonstrate aptitude and commitment to ecology or evolutionary biology. Because acceptance to the program depends on a good match between the interests of faculty members and students, applicants should communicate about project ideas with potential advisers (see
http://eeb.uconn.edu/faculty/) before initiating the on-line application.
Applicants are also encouraged to visit UConn to meet faculty members and current graduate students.

We will start reviewing applications on December 15th 2017. The on-line application process requires submission of the formal graduate school application, transcripts, GRE scores (general test required, biology GRE recommended), three letters of reference, a personal essay, and, for non- native speakers of English, TOEFL or IELTS scores.

Funding
Financial support is available through research assistantships, teaching assistantships and university fellowships. Applicants are also encouraged to seek external funding. The UConn Graduate School has funding opportunities for outstanding applicants and groups that are historically under-represented in science (e.g. the NextGenCT Scholarships, Giolas- Harriott and Crandall Cordero Fellowships and Outstanding Scholars Program).

Inquiries
For general inquiries about the application procedure, please contact the admissions coordinator, Madeline Hennessey madeline.hennessey@uconn.edu .
For more specific questions about research directions, please contact potential advisers directly using the contact information on their webpages (http://eeb.uconn.edu/faculty/).

Multiple opportunities for graduate study in plant ecology and evolutionary biology are available for Fall 2018 in the Department of Plant Biology, Ecology and Evolution at Oklahoma State University.
Teaching assistantships are available for study towards an MS in Plant Biology or a PhD in Plant Science.  Potential areas of research could
include:
*       Trade-offs in drought tolerance among tree species at the
forest-prairie ecotone
*       The roles of drought stress, fungal pathogens, and insects in
tree mortality
*       Tree-ring growth response to climate among species at the
forest-prairie ecotone
*       The role of anthropogenic change in shaping plant-pollinator
interactions and plant reproductive output
*       The role of ecological interactions in plant mating system
evolution
*       Comparative plant genomics, evolution, and systematics
*       Evolution of milkweed-insect interactions
*       Plant taxonomy and biogeography

Assistantships include tuition waivers and health insurance.
Learn more about the OSU Department of Plant Biology, Ecology, and Evolution at http://plantbio.okstate.edu/.  Contact Dr. Henry Adams (henry.adams@okstate.edu, www.henrydadams.com), Dr. Janette Steets (janette.steets@okstate.edu), or Dr. Mark Fishbein
(mark.fishbein@okstate.edu) for more information.
In your email, please include brief description of your research interests, experience, and career goals, and attach a CV or resume.
Applications are due to the OSU graduate college by 2/28/18, but early application is strongly advised for full consideration and support.

Northern Arizona University: PhD positions in Ecological Informatics are available in the School of Informatics, Computing and Cyber Systems (SICCS) at Northern Arizona University. The SICCS mission is to conduct high-impact, innovative research in environmental and ecological informatics with an emphasis on understanding problems and engineering solutions that lead to benefits in human and environmental health.
Research opportunities are available in the following areas linked to specific SICCS faculty:

Chris Doughty: The impact of animal extinctions on ecosystem services, tropical forest carbon cycling, spectroscopy remote sensing and astrobiology.

Scott Goetz: Remote sensing & geospatial analysis of bio-geophysical processes at regional to global scales, with focus on boreal and tropical forests.

Joe Mihaljevic: Infectious disease dynamics in wildlife and human hosts, sequencing multi- pathogen communities, building and parameterizing epidemiological models, fitting models to data, and Bayesian inference.

Kiona Ogle: Plant and ecosystem functioning in arid and semi-arid systems (carbon and water relations in woodlands and deserts) and temperate forests (tree functional traits, tree growth), and applications of Bayesian methods to synthesize data in the context of ecological process models.

Andrew Richardson: Terrestrial ecosystems and global change, biosphere-atmosphere interactions, model-data fusion, sensor networks, near-surface remote sensing, and “big data” in ecology (e.g. PhenoCam, FLUXNET).

Ben Ruddell: Ecology of Complex & Coupled Natural-Human Systems, including cities, Food-Energy-Water (http://fewsion.us), networks, critical infrastructure, health, sustainability, and resilience.

Temuulen “Teki” Sankey: Remote sensing and geo-informatics in the southwest with UAV and lidar applications.

Graduate student benefits include stipends (TA or RA), tuition waiver, health insurance, support for summer fieldwork in a variety of beautiful ecosystems, and winter in the peaks of sunny Flagstaff, AZ. Candidates should explore the SICCS website (www.nau.edu/siccs) and contact the professor whose interests align most closely. Please include a cover letter describing background, research interests, and qualifications, as well as a current resume.
Program applications can be submitted to the School of Informatics, Computing & Cyber Systems OR the Graduate College and are due January 15, 2018 after communicating with a faculty member. Applications received early may be considered for a prestigious NAU Presidential Fellowship.