M.S. Assistantship in Tropical Ecology and Evolution

A Masters assistantship is available in the Department of Biology at Georgia Southern University (GSU), with an intended start date in August 2018.The student will be expected to contribute to and develop a thesis project on the evolution of coral snake mimicry. Briefly, this project (funded by Operation Wallacea) will study the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of coral snake mimicry in Honduras.  The successful applicant will be based in the Cox laboratory
(http://www.coxevolab.org) in the Department of Biology at Georgia Southern University.

This project will consist of traveling to and living at the Operation Wallacea field stations in Honduras during the summer (beginning summer 2019). Candidates will be expected to conduct field research, mentor and train undergraduates for their research projects, and interact with the Operation Wallacea team. Duration of the project is 8-10 weeks, and will typically be from late May/early June until August. All costs for traveling to Honduras and housing in Honduras will be covered, as well as the logistics for travel to and from field sites.

The successful applicant must be accepted to the Masters of Biology program at Georgia Southern University and awarded a graduate teaching assistantship. This assistantship includes a tuition waiver and stipend for two years to be funded through teaching duties. The applicant will complete course work and graduate with a M.S. degree in Biology. The student also will assist in the field and lab activities of other members of the Cox laboratory (http://www.coxevolab.org/). More information about the graduate program can be found at the Biology department’s web page (http://cosm.georgiasouthern.edu/biology/graduate-
program-2/). Georgia Southern University is a 27,000-student comprehensive research university located in one of the most biodiverse regions of the southeastern U.S. (http://www.georgiasouthern.edu/).

Required qualifications include (1) a B.S. in Biology or a related field, (2) excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills, and (3) strong self-motivation and ability to work well independently and with a team. Preferred qualifications include (1) previous field experience (Latin American tropics would be a plus), (2) Spanish language experience and ability,  (3) strong analytical skills and (4) demonstrated scientific writing ability, such as authorship of a scientific publication, report, or senior thesis.

To apply, email the following as a single pdf file: (1) statement of research background and interests, (2) curriculum vitae or resume, (3) names and contact information for three academic or professional references, (4) GRE scores, and (5) an unofficial copy of your college transcript. Review of applications will begin on 2 March 2018 and continue until the position is filled. Inquiries can be addressed to Dr.
Christian Cox (email: clcox@georgiasouthern.edu).

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We have one REU position available for a student to conduct a research project within a large-scale, replicated experiment on conservation corridors in South Carolina.  The REU will be mentored by Dr. John Orrock (Associate Professor at UW-Madison) and Savannah Bartel (PhD student at UW-Madison). We will work with the student to develop a project centered around the general question: “What is the role of small mammals in the dispersal of seeds through connected habitats?” Within this general framework, the REU will have the opportunity to select specific questions and hypotheses to test, such as: 1) How do corridors affect small-mammal activity and community composition? 2) How do corridors affect predator activity? 3) How do corridors alter seed preference by small mammals?

The REU will conduct fieldwork over the summer of 2018 (~May-August). The student will receive a stipend ($6000), along with an offset to living expenses ($600). All research expenses will be covered. The student will live close to our field station (USFS Savannah River), near New Ellenton, SC.

Interested undergraduates should contact Savannah Bartel (bartel2@wisc.edu) with a copy of their CV or resume and a brief statement of interest (~1 paragraph).
Applications are due by March 15th.

Dear Colleagues:

I am writing to let you know about a summer research opportunity for
undergraduate students in the Department of Biological Sciences at the
University of Cincinnati – the National Science Foundation-sponsored
Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Site in Sensory Ecology. Our
program is focused on research at the intersection of neurobiology,
behavior, ecology and evolution, and is directed at understanding
how animals sense and respond to their environment at functional and
evolutionary levels. Sophomore and junior Biology major students will be
chosen to join active lab groups for the summer and conduct cutting edge
research over a broad spectrum of topics in sensory ecology, including:

– Genomics and development of sensory systems
– Neural mechanisms of sensory system function
– Sensory perception and behavioral influences of the physical
environment
– Neuroethology
– Animal communication
– Behavioral ecology of animal movement and dispersal

An educational program will develop student research and professional
skills and prepare them for graduate school or careers.

– 10 weeks in summer (May 29- Aug 3, 2018)
– Students will receive a summer stipend plus dorm and meal expenses
– Students will work in labs, interact w/ faculty mentors, post-docs and
grad students

– Weekly group seminars and meetings for students (e.g., career
development, responsible research conduct, panel discussions)
– Social events for students (e.g., trips to Cincinnati Zoo, Reds
baseball)
– Concluding student research “mini-symposium” presentation session

Student applicants will be selected based on multiple
criteria. Applications for the REU program will be screened by a committee
to select individuals whose interests are well-matched with faculty
in the program. Emphasis will be placed on faculty recommendations and
student statements, along with academic performance and other indicators
of future research success. Note: Implementation of the REU program is
contingent on National Science Foundation funding.

The application deadline is March 15, 2018.  Students can apply online
at:http://www.artsci.uc.edu/departments/biology/undergrad/REU.html We
hope you will encourage your students to visit our website and consider
applying.

Thank you.

Stephanie Rollmann, PhD
(stephanie.rollmann@uc.edu) and John
Layne, PhD (john.layne@uc.edu)

“Layne, John (laynejn)” <laynejn@UCMAIL.UC.EDU>

A research assistantship for a PhD student is available at the Department
of Entomology at Michigan State University beginning in May or June
2018. Research will focus on testing the roles of demography and genetics
in the establishment and impact of biological control agents in the
field. The project will involve lab rearing of a moth classical biological
control agent, and experimental releases and monitoring of agent and
target populations in the field in southern Michigan over multiple years.

Candidates should possess an M.S. in entomology, ecology, evolution or
related field and have valid driver’s license. The ideal candidates have
experience working with insects and/or weeds and interest in understanding
ecological and evolutionary mechanisms underlying demography and genetics
of populations.

Applicants should send a CV, cover letter, unofficial transcripts,
contact information for three references and a sample of scientific
writing (e.g. thesis, published or in preparation manuscripts) to
Dr. Marianna Szucs (szucsmar@msu.edu). The position comes with a generous
stipend, tuition waiver and health benefits. Applicants will have the
opportunity to graduate with a dual degree of Ecology, Evolutionary
Biology, and Behavior and Entomology. Screening of applications will
begin immediately and the position will be filled as soon as a qualified
applicant is identified.

Subject: Research Technician Position in the Rocky Mountain Stream and Wetland Ecology

The Freshwater Ecosystem Ecology Lab (www.bradwtaylor.com North Carolina State
University) is accepting applications for two technician positions to assist with research projects at the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory (www.rmbl.org) during summer 2018.  The position will require working independently or in small teams at elevations of
9,000 to 11,000 feet in remote settings with potential for inclement weather conditions.
The positions will also require careful collection of samples and precise field measurements using specialized field and lab equipment.  Applicant should be comfortable in laboratory settings and prior experience with nutrient analyses, stable isotopes, invertebrate, microscopy, or other lab analysis is preferred.  The position will begin as early as late April to may be extended to the end of October but applicants that can only meet part of that duration will also be considered.
The technicians will be expected to assist with at least a subset of the following projects:
1. What are rates of carbon dioxide efflux from soils of drying ponds?  We will require careful use of a PP Systems EGM 5 (similar to a Li-Cor) and prior experience using field instrumentation is desired but not necessary.  It will also require spending extended periods of time working at a 11,200 feet in elevation remote field site.
2.  How do macroinvertebrates survive in the shallow aquifer environment of river floodplains?  How do they make use of methane-derived carbon resources?  We will require assistance with installation of shallow wells (can be physically demanding), carrying of heavy equipment (up to 50 lbs) for distances <1 mile, collection and preservation of aquatic insects, and collection and analysis of water and dissolved gas samples.
3.  How do climate-induced shifts in the timing of peak streamflow hydrology affect nutrient cycling? We will require assistance in the field sampling water column nutrients, benthic algae, and whole-stream nutrient uptake measurements. Remote streams will be accessed by vehicle and on foot (hiking <4 miles). We will also require assistance in the laboratory processing nutrient, invertebrate, and algal samples. Experience with one or more of the sampling procedure is preferred. A strong chemistry background, course record, previous experience with wet chemistry or willingness to master meticulous analytical chemical analyses is also strongly desired.
4. How does climate-induced variation in light or temperature affect the development of stream algae? We will require assistance maintaining stream microcosm experiments.
Upkeep duties will include periodically cleaning filters, tanks, and backflushing water lines to maintain water flow in experimental flow-through stream channels. Sampling duties will collecting water samples, stream invertebrates, scrubbing algae from rocks and tiles.
5. What are the causes and consequences of Didymosphenia geminata blooms.  We will need assistance maintaining flow-through stream channel experiments, as well as weekly field sampling of invertebrates and algae from rivers and identifying and counting invertebrates and algae in the laboratory using a microscope.
Housing and station fees at the RMBL will be included.  Wages will be commensurate with experience and range from $12 to $18/hour.

To apply, please visit our website at: http://jobs.ncsu.edu/postings/97207 and attach the following documents:
* 1-2 page cover letter describing your suitability for the position, reasons for applying, and earliest start and latest end dates. Detail any prior experience directly related to the requirements of the position and any relevant coursework in your letter or other materials.
* Curriculum Vitae or Resume
* Contact information for 3 references

Please email any questions to Amanda DelVecchia at amanda.delvecchia@gmail.com or Brad Taylor brad.taylor@ncsu.edu by March 25, 2018.

NC State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Subject: Seasonal Research assistant-Entomology: UW-Madison

We are recruiting a research assistant to help with various projects in the Guédot fruit crop entomology lab. Depending on the needs of a given project, the research assistant would help with field and lab work on Spotted-Wing Drosophila, Japanese Beetle, Cranberry Flea Beetle, Brown Marmorated Stink bug, and developing pollinator gardens for cranberry pollinators. For more information on our lab please visit:

http://labs.russell.wisc.edu/fruitcropentomology/christelle-guedot/

The position is for 40 hrs/week from May-August ($10/hr) with occasional weekend and long days as dictated by the research demands.

Start and end date are negotiable.

Basic requirements:

· Interest in entomology, agriculture, and/or ecology

· Clean driving record and ability to drive automatic trucks & vans

· Dependability and flexibility in daily schedule as fieldwork may require early mornings/late days

· Ability to do physical and repetitive work, including microscopy, fruit/specimen dissections, and insect identifications

· Ability to take the lead and troubleshoot in the field, while working as a team and assisting on other projects as needed

To apply:

Please contact Jacob Henden at jlhenden@wisc.edu with a résumé/CV and a brief statement explaining how these projects align with your interests and qualifications. Please note any schedule constraints.

Application deadline is March 19th. Applications will be accepted until position is filled.