Month: December 2017

M.S. Student Positions

Two M.S. graduate student positions are available for highly motivated students in the Houseman lab at Wichita State University.

1. Soil Heterogeneity and Plant Diversity.  This NSF funded project examines the role of soil heterogeneity and aggregated seed arrival on plant community assembly in tallgrass prairies.  This field experiment tests underlying explanations for species coexistence and diversity and has direct implications for the restoration of plant communities.  The field station for WSU includes several grassland sites as well as a 4700-acre site in the Flint Hills of Kansas, which is the largest remaining, intact tallgrass prairie in North America.

2. Field-based Bioeconomic Model for Invasive Species Control.  This USDA funded project is designed to integrate the demographic details of sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata) into an optimization model designed to forecast invader spread under different soil and cattle management scenarios.  Most of the field work will occur on cattle ranches located in
the scenic Flint Hills of Kansas.   When managed well, these sites are
remarkable locations of grassland plant and animal diversity.  The Houseman lab will focus on the quantification of ecological interactions while the Buyuktahtakin Lab (New Jersey Institute of Technology) with take the lead on
the optimization modeling.

Application Details: Interested students should contact Greg Houseman to
determine suitability before applying to the graduate program in Biology.

Gregory R. Houseman
Associate Professor
Biological Sciences
Wichita State University
greg.houseman@wichita.edu
website: www.wichita.edu/biology/ghouseman
ResearchGate: www.researchgate.net/profile/Gregory_Houseman2

Graduate position: IowaStateU.EyeEvolution

PhD position in the evolution of visual systems: the origin of eyes and
how proteins gain and lose functions and interactions

The Serb lab at Iowa State University is looking for motivated
graduate students interested in the evolution of sensory systems
and their influence on biological diversity.  We focus on two
broad topics: (a) evolutionary origin of eyes and the proteins
underlying vision, and (b) the evolution of visually-mediated
behaviors and shell shape in different habitat types among diverse
bivalved mollusk species.  We use a variety of approaches including
comparative genomics, fieldwork, protein expression experiments, and
phylogenetics. https://www.eeob.iastate.edu/people/jeanne-serb

Access to recent publications from the Serb lab can be found here:
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jeanne_Serb/contributions.

Interested students should email Dr. Jeanne Serb (serb@iastate.edu)
for more information.  Students can apply through the Ecology and
Evolutionary Biology (EEB) graduate program (https://eeb.iastate.edu/ ).
Applications for full consideration for graduate college fellowships and
the deadline for general consideration is 1 January 2018.  ****I will
be attending the SICB meeting in San Francisco (3-7 January), and would
be happy to meet any interested student.****

EEB is an interdepartmental program of 50 faculty embedded in a highly
integrative and collaborative campus (https://eeb.iastate.edu/dir/faculty/
). Iowa State University is located in Ames, Iowa, a community of nearly
60,000, recently ranked as one of the most livable small cities in the
nation. The University enrolls more than 33,000 students and is committed
to achieving inclusive excellence through a diverse workforce. Iowa
State University values diversity and is an AA/EEO employer with an
ADVANCE program.  The Serb lab is committed to a diverse workplace,
and prospective students of all races, genders, and sexual orientations
are encouraged to apply.

X
Jeanne M. Serb, PhD
Associate Professor

Director, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EEB) Graduate Program

Dept Ecology, Evolution & Organismal Biology
Iowa State University
2200 Osborn Dr.
Room 251 Bessey Hall
Ames, IA 50011

Office: 245 Bessey Hall
Phone: 515-294-7479
Email: serb@iastate.edu<mailto:serb@iastate.edu>

http://www.eeob.iastate.edu/people/jeanne-serb

“Serb, Jeanne M [EEOBA]” <serb@iastate.edu>

 

Ecological Monitoring Field Technicians – Ridgecre st and Bishop, California (February – October)

Ecological Monitoring Field Technicians – Ridgecrest and Bishop, California
Great Basin Institute and Bureau of Land Management
The Ecological Monitoring program at GBI serves as an excellent professional development opportunity for natural resource professionals looking for experience in botanical, soil, and rangeland surveys.
As an element of this program, participants will implement the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) terrestrial Assessment, Inventory, and Monitoring (AIM) strategy, which is targeted at collecting standardized inventory and long-term ecological data at multiple scales across western public lands. In many locations, participants will also implement the BLM Habitat Assessment Framework (HAF), which is aimed at collecting habitat assessment data on public lands with the purpose of informing conservation approaches for sage-grouse habitat.   Extensive training and technical field skills development provides employees a unique opportunity to obtain valuable experience in executing monitoring protocols that will increase their employment success.  University credit may be available at host institutions for internship or practicum purposes.
 
In accordance with these strategies and through partnerships with multiple agencies, GBI’s Ecological Monitoring Program is dedicated to supporting resource management while providing college graduates and emerging professionals with hands-on survey, inventory, monitoring, and reporting experience in natural resource management.
 
This video highlights the national BLM AIM strategy for landscape-scale data capture across western states.  
 
Description:
 
In partnership with cooperating agencies, GBI is recruiting Ecological Monitoring Field Technicians to work with agency staff, GBI staff, and a GBI Ecological Monitoring Field Lead. Each Field Technician will participate in a field crew (one Lead and two Technicians) to characterize vegetation using the terrestrial AIM protocol, Describing/Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health (D/IIRH), the Habitat Assessment Framework (HAF) protocol, and/or the Proper Functioning Condition (PFC) protocol, for which training will be provided.
 
Duties include following established field protocols to conduct vegetation sampling and field data collection on new and existing monitoring sites. Field data will be used by resource specialists and land managers to inform decisions regarding range management and other resource management issues of the area. During periods of field work, camping will be required.
 
Field work will include:
·         Maintaining safety awareness and practices;
·         Navigating off-trail to sampling sites;
·         Establishing sampling plots and transects;
·         Identifying and describing soil horizons;
·         Collecting vegetation data (including species inventory, forb frequency, sagebrush shape, foliar cover, canopy gap, and herbaceous and woody heights);
·         Making qualitative range assessments; and
·         Taking photo-points.
 
Additional duties include:
·         Participation in GBI and agency trainings;
·         Entering data into and managing an Access-based database;
·         Identifying plants to species using dichotomous keys;
·         Employing extensive QA/QC data checks; and
 
Location:
Ridgecrest, California is located in the southern portion of the Indian Wells Valley and in the northeast corner of Kern County, surrounded by four mountain ranges; the Sierra Nevada on the west, the Cosos on the north, the Argus Range on the east, and the El Paso Mountains on the south. It is approximately an hour and quarter from the Lancaster/Palmdale area and approximately two hours from both Bakersfield and San Bernardino, as well as premier coastal locations found in the southern California region.
 
Timeline:
·         February 12th, 2017 – October 1st, 2018
 
Compensation:
  • $15.00/hour
  • $15/night Camping per diem
·         $75/week Housing stipend
·         Paid holidays and personal leave
·         Paid health insurance (medical, dental and vision)
 
Qualifications:
Technical requirements:
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Life Sciences, such as: Botany, Wildlife Biology, Range Ecology, Natural Resources Management, Environmental Resources or related subject;
  • Coursework or equivalent experience in plant taxonomy and/or systematics;
  • Experience identifying plants in the field and using a dichotomous key;
  • Familiarity with native and invasive plants of the sampling area and associated natural resource issues preferred;
  • Experience in describing and identifying soil horizons preferred;
  • Experience conducting plant surveys using various monitoring protocols, including standard rangeland monitoring protocols, photo plots, and site observations;
  • Experience with data entry and management;
  • Ability to read, interpret and navigate using topographic maps;
  • Experience safely operating 4WD trucks on paved and unpaved roads, often in remote areas on unimproved roads;
  • Experience navigating and collecting coordinates with hand-held GPS units;
  • Experience creating maps and performing basic functions with GIS software (ArcMap), preferred; and
  • Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access).
 
Additional requirements:
  • Willingness and ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic setting, and to consistently enact high performance standards and a strong work and team ethic in support of the goals and objectives of the AIM program and the mission of GBI;
  • Valid, state-issued driver’s license and clean driving record;
  • Ability to complete a Department of Interior (DOI) Background Investigation (BI) and submit paperwork to BLM human resources prior to beginning position indicating that an active and fully adjudicated BI has been started or completed;
  • Ability to work productively as part of a team to accomplish mutual goals;
  • Ability to work independently;
  • Ability to communicate effectively with team members, agency staff, and a diverse public;
  • Excellent organizational skills;
  • Familiarity with best practices for field safety and Leave No Trace principles;
  • Experience in and willingness to spend multiple days camping in the field;
  • Flexibility with position location within field district offices
  • Willingness to work irregular hours (e.g., early mornings, late nights); and
  • Ability to work in harsh and rapidly changing environments, work in all types of weather conditions, traverse uneven terrain, carry upwards of 40 pounds in a backpack, and otherwise maintain good physical condition.
 
How to Apply:
Please visit our employment web page at: http://crcareers.thegreatbasininstitute.org/careers/careers.aspx?rf=CONSBOARD &req=2017-RAP-085 to locate the position(s) you are most interested in and apply online directly from our website.
 

Phd Position in Ecological Forecasting at Boise State University

GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIP (Ph.D. in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior) – at Boise State University. A position is available for a Ph.D. student to model plant population dynamics at landscape scales. This multidisciplinary project will forecast impacts of environmental change (including climate, human disturbance, and biotic interactions) on the distribution of plants in shrubland ecosystems, including sagebrush steppe in the American west. The Ph.D. student will join our collaborative team of universities who work closely with agencies in the US including the Bureau of Land Management, the US Geological Survey, and the US Forest Service.

The student will participate in: 1) field work that involves remote sensing of landscapes and monitoring plant populations across the Great Basin region and 2) modeling plant population dynamics using a combination of statistical and mathematical approaches, including hierarchical Bayesian methods, spatially-explicit models, and agent-based modeling.
Training in these methods will be provided by team members who offer a diverse range of expertise in ecology, remote sensing, quantitative ecology, and restoration ecology.

Qualifications
Competitive students will have: 1) strong writing and quantitative skills;
2) previous experience in a programming language, such as R or Python; 3) a background in quantitative approaches in ecology; 4) interest in landscapes of the American West. Please address your qualification for each of these points in your cover letter. The position starts Fall
(August) 2018.

Stipend and tuition and fees
This position includes support in the form of a graduate assistantships (renewable, 12-month at $25,000), tuition and fee waiver, and health insurance.

About the program and Boise
The Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior PhD is a new and modern graduate program at Boise State University. This program brings together faculty from across multiple academic departments including biological sciences, geosciences, anthropology, and the human-environment systems group to offer relevant courses and provide unique mentorship and training opportunities.  This particular project will draw on molecular, chemical and bioinformatic resources and expertise available through the Biomolecular Research Center (https://brc.boisestate.edu/) and affiliated NIH supported INBRE and COBRE programs and remote sensing expertise through the Boise Center Aerospace Laboratory (https://bcal.boisestate.edu/). Further, we have created a network of valuable connections in academia, local relationships with federal and state agencies, nonprofits and NGOs, as well as partnerships with international organizations all dedicated to providing students with transformative research and educational experiences for diverse career opportunities. These centers and established networks help students gain diverse skills sets and collaborators to prepare them for broad career opportunities. To learn more about the EEB program, please visit:
http://eeb.boisestate.edu/.

Students in this program enjoy living in the beautiful city of Boise, which strikes a perfect balance with close-by outdoor recreational activities as well as a vibrant downtown life. Nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and the capital of the State of Idaho, Boise is frequently featured as a top-ranked metropolis. The city has ample opportunities for world-class outdoor activities year round and a thriving arts and entertainment culture. In 2017, US News and World report ranked Boise the 12th best city to live in the United States. To learn more, please view “Visit Boise” link at: https://www.cityofboise.org/

To Apply
Please send via email in a single file attachment (include your last name in the file name): 1) a cover letter that states qualifications and career goals; 2) a CV with the names and contacts for 3 references (they do not need to provide a letter of recommendation at this time); 3) copies of transcripts (unofficial are okay); and 4) GRE scores and percentiles (not
combined) to Dr. Trevor Caughlin (email: trevorcaughlin AT boisestate.edu). Please put “PhD application” in the subject line.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received until 10th of January 2018. If you do not have GRE scores by this deadline your application cannot be considered.  Top candidates will be interviewed in early December and asked to formally apply to Boise State’s EEB program by 20th of January 2018.  All admission decisions must be approved by the Graduate Dean.

Boise State University embraces and welcomes diversity in its faculty, student body, and staff. Accordingly, applicants who would add to the diversity and excellence of our academic community are encouraged to apply.

M.S./Ph.D. positions in Biogeography and Ecology of Infectious Diseases at Virginia Tech

M.S./Ph.D. positions in Biogeography and Ecology of Infectious Diseases
 
Agency: Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation at Virginia Tech
Location: Blacksburg, VA
Job Category: Graduate Assistantships
Salary: Stipend, tuition, and student health benefits.
Start Date: 08/10/2018
Last Date to Apply: 01/15/2018
 
Description
 
Many studies have shown that infectious diseases do not occur at random; outbreaks occur under specific environmental conditions and are promote by specific human behaviors. In order to effectively control and anticipate epidemics, research is needed in current analytical methods used to analyze epidemiological data and develop new theoretical frameworks to understand the complex links among epidemics humans behavior and the environment. MS and/or PhD student positions are available for Fall 2018 to conduct research in the areas of biogeography, spatial ecology, and disease ecology. The intended research will use epidemiology ecological niche modeling and other analytical tools to study infectious diseases affecting humans, plants, and domesticated and non-domesticated animals in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. In addition to research work, responsibilities may include acquiring teaching experience, international internships, raising extramural funding, and mentoring of undergraduate students. We are seeking highly motivated students to be part of a research team investigating diseases using theory and methods from ecology and biogeography. Preference will be given to candidates with evident passion for these topics and strong quantitative and writing skills. 
 
The positions are based within Dr. Luis Escobar’s Laboratory in the Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, which is affiliated to the Global Change Center and part of the College of Natural Resources and the Environment, the No. 1 ranked natural resources program in the US (by USA Today) for three years running. he Escobar’s Laboratory is a highly collaborative lab that works with researchers in universities across the US, Asia, Europe, and Latin America, as well as state, federal, and non-governmental agencies. 
 
Full job description may be found at http://www.fishwild.vt.edu/positions_avail.htm.
 
Qualifications
 
The Escobar Laboratory has a long history of multidisciplinary research. Students from diverse backgrounds with interest in joining the lab are encouraged to apply. A B.S. in wildlife, ecology, computer sciences, statistics, mathematics, or related fields are welcomed. Applicants must have a strong work ethic; excellent quantitative and oral and written communication skills; high attention to detail; the ability to work independently and collaborative within a culturally diverse team; and the physical and mental capacity to work long hours. Preference will be given to candidates who have previously conducted research. A prior DVM or a M.S. in ecology, epidemiology, or related biological or health sciences would be a plus for the Ph.D. position, although not required.
 
To apply, please send a single pdf including: 1) a cover letter of no more than two pages that highlights your research interests, interest in graduate school, and interest in infectious diseases; 2) curriculum vitae; 3) unofficial transcripts; 4) sample of scientific writing (e.g., a manuscript in preparation, an undergraduate thesis); and 5) contact information for 3 references. Application consideration will begin January 15, 2018 and continue until the positions are filled. References will only be contacted after applicants are notified. Contact Dr. Luis Escobar at escobar1@vt.edu for additional questions.
 
Contact Person: Dr. Luis Escobar
Contact email: escobar1@vt.edu

Harvard Forest Summer 2018 Research Program for Undergraduates

We are offering an exciting summer program for undergraduate students to collaborate with scientists conducting ecological research.

Explore Harvard’s 3,700-acre outdoor laboratory & classroom in Petersham, Massachusetts.

A summer of mentored research in:

-Forest Ecosystems & Disturbances
-Wildlife Dynamics & Invasive Species
-Computer Science Solutions for Big Data -Agricultural Grazing and Plant Communities -Atmospheric Chemistry of Forest Canopies -Community Dynamics & Global Climate Change

11 weeks residential program

$5775 stipend and travel

Full room & board and meal plan

Program dates for 2018 are May 21 – August 3, 2018.

Applications are currently being accepted on-line and complete details are listed on our
website: http://harvardforest.fas.harvard.edu/other-tags/reu

The strict deadline for this program is Friday February 2nd, 2018 @ 9:00am.

Questions? Contact Manisha Patel, Summer Program Coordinator:
manishapatel@fas.harvard.edu, 978-756-6148

WILDLIFE TECHNICIANS (2) FOR SEABIRD PROJECT

Humboldt State University Sponsored Programs Foundation Job Announcement

This is not a state position

Job Title: WILDLIFE TECHNICIANS (2) FOR SEABIRD PROJECT

Wage: Range $18.46 to $22.83 per hour depending on experience and responsibilities.
Housing at the field site will be provided. This is a full-time, benefited position.

Project Name: Common Murre Restoration Project

Supervisor: Richard Golightly Ph.D.

Background and duties: The Common Murre Restoration Project is seeking up to two (pending available funding) Wildlife Technician positions to conduct monitoring of breeding seabirds including Common Murre, Brandt’s Cormorant, Pelagic Cormorant, Western Gull, Black Oystercatcher and Pigeon Guillemot along the central California coast. This project is conducted cooperatively by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge Complex) and Humboldt State University. The purpose of the project is to aid in the recovery of murre colonies that were depleted as a result of oil spills, human disturbance and other anthropogenic factors.

Primary duties will include conducting seabird population and productivity surveys, documenting and reporting human disturbances to seabirds, and database entry. Other duties may include counting seabirds from aerial photographs, conducting surveys of nesting seabirds, or other related tasks as assigned. Multi-day travel between multiple sites at a distance from the primary duty station may be required. Preference may be given to applicants with prior field experience with seabird or other wildlife monitoring or census techniques. Additional evaluation may be based on the applicant’s knowledge and experience with computer use and databases.

Duration: Early to mid-April to mid-August 2018 depending on project need.

Minimum Qualifications: 1) Bachelor’s degree in wildlife, biological sciences or related discipline with an emphasis in wildlife biology, restoration or behavior; 2) current driver’s license with a good driving record;
3) ability to sufficiently move and lift equipment up to 50 lbs; 4) ability to regularly hike up to 3 miles in steep/narrow/uneven terrain while carrying up to 50 lbs of gear; and 5) ability to work at the tops of high, steep cliffs.

Application must include:
1) A SIGNED cover letter which includes the exact job title listed above
2) Résumé
3) Names and phone numbers of two professional references
4) Completed Employee Information Form (https://goo.gl/25WmnK)

**Please do not staple application packet**

NO EMAIL APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED

For questions please contact Cassie Bednar at (510) 792-0222 x225 or Cassie.Bednar@humboldt.edu.

Closing Date: Applications must be post marked by January 13, 2018 to receive full consideration. Late applications may or may not be considered.

Mail completed application to:

Cassie Bednar
ATTN: Wildlife Tech
San Francisco Bay NWRC
1 Marshlands Road Fremont, CA 94555 USA

Humboldt State University Sponsored Programs Foundation is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, medical condition, disability, marital status, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status. More information about HSU SPF’s Equal Employment Opportunity hiring can be found here.
For assistance with the application process, please submit an Accommodation Request Form which can be found here or call the SPF Interim Compliance Support Coordinator at (707) 826-5159.

Graduate position in conservation ecology: Ohio University, Athens, OH

Graduate position in conservation ecology: Ohio University, Athens, OH
 
A masters position in conservation ecology is available starting August 15, 2018. The project will examine the effectiveness of wildlife mitigation measures installed following the construction of a highway, with a focus on migratory amphibians. This student will be in the Department of Biological Sciences at Ohio University, in the lab of Dr. Shawn Kuchta (https://kuchtalab.weebly.com)
 
The construction of roads to accommodate faster transportation, and the increasing number of cars on roads, has had a serious impact on wildlife populations, especially as previously isolated regions are developed and made accessible to vehicular traffic. Organisms with migratory behavior, such as frogs and salamanders, frequently encounter roads during their movements to reach breeding, feeding, aestivation, or hibernation sites. Road mortality during amphibian migrations can be particularly high. Recently, a highway bypass was installed near Nelsonville, Ohio, including substantial investment in various mitigation measures. However, our studies have shown that the mitigations designed to facilitate amphibian migrations were not as successful as hoped, and thus new mitigations (ecopassages under the highway) will be install in the spring of 2018. This project is to evaluate the effectiveness and operation of these new mitigation measures. In addition, there is opportunity to design a second, independent project on road ecology. This project will be heavy on field work.
 
The student will be supported on a research grant for 1.5 years, and will work as teaching assistant for one semester.
 
The candidate should hold degree in biological sciences. Applicants must apply to the graduate program in Biological Sciences at Ohio University. Information about the application process can be found here: https://www.ohio.edu/cas/biosci/grad/bios-grad-admissions.cfm.  The application process includes a cover letter, curriculum vitae, GRE scores, college transcripts, and other usual application materials.
 
Ohio University is located in Athens, a small college town along the Hocking River in southeast Ohio. Athens is commonly ranked among the best college town in the country. The landscape is hilly and forested, and the community includes a vibrate music and arts scene. Living costs are relatively affordable.
 
Send questions to Dr. Kuchta (kuchta@ohio.edu). The closing date for application is January 8, 2018.

Field and laboratory technician – invasive ants

The Invasive Species lab at the University of Texas at Austin’s Brackenridge Field Laboratory is seeking a technician for a mixed field and laboratory position working on invasive ants.

Please see a more detailed job description and apply at:

https://utdirect.utexas.edu/apps/hr/jobs/nlogon/171115014480

General Position Notes: Job is a mixture of field and laboratory based investigation. Job requires frequent overnight travel to field sites in remote regions of Texas. Camping out will be required at some sites. Work will be outside during Texas summer. Experimental protocols will require a non-standard work schedule. Work will often involve long days and short weeks, working evenings, mornings and/or weekends.

Purpose: Technician will follow the direction of the lead investigator to carry out studies examining the biology and ecology of tawny crazy and natural enemies of this ant, including microsporidian pathogens and phorid fly parasitoids.

Driving a UT vehicle is an essential function of the position.

Preferred Qualifications
Bachelors or masters degree in biological science. Strong background and interest in entomology and ecology. Experience in field ecological studies and experiments. Experience with insect identification. Experience with micro-dissection and microscopy. Laboratory experience in chemistry.
Experience with molecular lab procedures. Computer skills including familiarity with spreadsheet manipulation, analysis and graphing in Microsoft Excel. Experience using GPS. Excellent organizational, interpersonal and communication skills needed. Ability to perform as a
member of a dynamic research team.

Start Date
On or around January 2, 2018

Duration of Appointment
Appointment will last for 1 year.  Provided additional funding can be secured and applicant performs well, appointment may be renewed.

Announcing 2018 Summer Programs at MLBS

Mountain Lake Biological Station
Announcing 2018 Summer Programs
Field-based courses are UVA Summer Session classes offered by nationally-recruited faculty, and offered at the undergraduate and graduate level. Our NSF REU undergraduate research internship program is now in its 26th year.
Field Courses

Field Biology of Fishes
Summer Session I: May 21-June 15
Field Herpetology
Summer Session I: May 28-June 15
Wildlife Disease Ecology
Summer Session II: June 18-July 6
Stream Ecology
Summer Session III: July 16-August 3

Financial aid is available. 
MLBS courses are field-intensive, research-based experiences. Courses earn 3 UVA Biology credits. Non-college students are welcome to enroll.
 
 
Research Experiences for Undergraduates (NSF-REU)

Become a National Science Foundation REU. Join undergraduates from around the country for a unique 10-week learning and living research experience in the southern Appalachians. Students conduct independent research in field ecology, evolution, behavior, and physiology under the supervision of resident scientists. REUs are internships that include all station costs, travel, and a $5,500 stipend.

Program dates:  May 28 – August 3
Application deadline:  February 20