Subject: Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) in the Rocky Mountains Summer 2018

Undergraduate research opportunity to work as part of a team exploring the consequences of climate-induced species range shifts on ecosystem functioning (e.g., nutrient cycling) in subalpine ponds in the Colorado Rockies. The position provides a weekly stipend, housing, meals, travel to the site, and participation in a REU Training and Responsible Conduct of Research Program beginning as early as mid May and ending in
mid August.

This research is motivated by the fact that species distributions around the world are shifting in response to a changing climate but we known little about how these shifts in elevation, latitude, or among local habitats will affect ecosystem processes such as nutrient cycling. More than 25 years of continuous study of the distribution and abundance of aquatic animals in high-elevation ponds in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado has revealed that species common at low elevations are moving towards higher elevations, and within elevations, animals are moving into different habitat types (i.e., temporary to semi-permanent pond) as drying regimes become more extreme. The main research project focuses on a guild of case-making caddisflies (see left photo) that vary considerably in their contribution to ecosystem processes and their response to climate- induced changes in pond hydrology.

We are seeking an undergraduate student interested in exploring the contribution of additional animal species to nutrient cycling.  Specifically, the REU will take a lead role in measuring nitrogen and phosphorus excretion rates of animals and nitrogen and phosphorus uptake by water column and benthic plants and microbes in subalpine ponds that differ in hydroperiod and animal community composition to explore the following
questions: 1) How does nutrient supply via excretion by species in the biomass-dominant caddisfly guild compare to excretion by other pond species, such as midge larvae, zooplankton, and salamanders?  2) What proportion of nutrient demand by algae and other microbes is supplied by the focal guild of detritivorous caddisflies versus other pond animals?

The REU will work with a diverse group of undergraduates, graduate students, post-docs, and PIs from North Carolina State University (www.bradwtaylor.com), other universities, and will be immersed in a vibrant research and education community at the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory (see www.rmbl.edu).  The position requires spending 8-10 weeks (mid-May to mid August) at this rustic and remote but premier high-elevation
(3000 m) field station near Crested Butte, Colorado. The ideal applicant should demonstrate interest and experience in field ecology as well as experience or willingness to master meticulous analytical chemical analyses. Applicants should also be comfortable working in remote field settings that can have rapidly changing weather conditions, and that includes hiking 1-2 h to 3400 m elevation study sites.  Preference will also be given to applicants who present a plan to work on writing and analyses as part of an independent study or senior thesis for eventual publication beyond the summer. The REU will have some flexibility to develop additional questions and hypotheses for which they will receive mentoring assistance with methods, data and chemical analyses, and writing.

Send a resume, 1-page statement of current and future scientific interests and experiences, and names and contact information for 3 references included in one PDF file to Brad Taylor: brad.taylor@ncsu.edu by 10 March 2018.  A commitment by 25 March
2018 is required.

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.

LUMCON’s 2018 Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Program:
Interdisciplinary Research Experiences in Changing Coastal Environments

The Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium (LUMCON) (www.lumcon.edu) invites highly motivated undergraduates to apply for Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) positions in our NSF-sponsored summer 2018 REU program in Interdisciplinary Research Experiences in Changing Coastal Environments.
REU participants will spend ten weeks (June 4th – August 10th) at LUMCON conducting independent research projects with guidance from scientific mentors / mentor teams and participate in a series of career and skill- building workshops and activities while interacting with peers participating in other aspects of LUMCON’s summer programs. Each student is paired with a scientific mentor(s) based on mutual research interests. The REU program is designed to give students a meaningful, hands-on research experience that takes advantage of state-of-the-art methods and technologies available at LUMCON. This summer, mentors are interested in supporting interns to conduct research in a number of topic areas, including: biogeochemistry, behavioral ecology, microbial ecology, invertebrate diversity and ecology, aquaculture and fish physiology, ecosystem ecology, coastal geology and hydrology, wetland science, and oil spill impacts. More information on the program and details on potential mentors and projects can be found athttp://lumcon.edu/REU.

Candidates must be available for the entire ten week period.  Successful applicants will receive a $500/week stipend; room and board at the Marine Center in Cocodrie, LA; funds to support transportation to and from LUMCON; and funds to support their research.

The ideal candidate should be interested in pursuing a career in coastal and/or marine science, creative, hard-working, detail orientated, dedicated, and comfortable working as part of research team. Experience with field or laboratory research is a plus but not necessary. To be eligible you must be returning to an undergraduate degree program in the fall (e.g., if you will graduate in May or June, you are NOT eligible). Students from underrepresented groups in sciences, from small colleges, and first generation college students are encouraged to apply.

Application deadline: March 20th 2017.

Instructions for completing application packages which include (an online application form, copies of unofficial transcripts, contact information for two academic references, CV/resume, and a one page statement that describes your interest in the REU position, academic goals, and any previous research
experience) can be found at http://lumcon.edu/REU.

Questions about the program and/or application process should be addressed to LUMCON’s REU Site Program Director, Dr. Brian Roberts, at reu@lumcon.edu.

Subject: Forest Ecology Field Technician Positions at the Teakettle Experimental Forest (Sierra Nevada)

We are hiring 6 to 8 field technicians to work at the Teakettle Experimental Forest. Teakettle is a 1300 ha old-growth, mixed-conifer forest 80 km east of Fresno, CA at 2200 m elevation in the Sierra Nevada. The forest is comprised of both burned and unburned experimental plots and a second entry prescribed burn was implemented in the fall of 2017. Duties will include, but are not limited to mapping forest structure and shrub cover using a surveyor’s total station, basic tree measurements, fuel surveys and assisting visiting scientists with their projects as needed. These projects may include: basic soils work (coring, soil moisture, etc.), seedling inventories, understory plant surveys, and tree coring. Desired skills include plant identification, use of a total station, basic knowledge of tree measurements, and previous experience working as a crewmember. The facilities at Teakettle are rustic due to the remote location of the station. The cabin has solar power, bathrooms, a kitchen and common space; individuals will spend the summer sleeping in tents. The nearest town for supplies is
Shaver Lake, CA, approximately a one hour drive from the field station.

The pay rate is $14/hr and crew members will work four 10 hour days each week. The field season will run from the middle of June to the first
week of September.

To apply, please go to https://unm.csod.com/ats/careersite/search.aspx?
site=14#staff. The reqID is 4037 or you can search for the job title “Forest Ecology Field Technician”.

If you have any trouble with the application process, please contact Marissa Goodwin at mjgoodwin@unm.edu. Review of applications will begin March 9th.

**Please note that a New Mexico Drivers License IS NOT REQUIRED for this
position**

Graduate Student Assistantship (M.Sc.): Ecology of Kit Foxes on White Sands National Monument, NM

Location: New Mexico State University and White Sands National Monument, New Mexico

Website: http://aces.nmsu.edu/academics/fws/

Salary: $22,619/year; Support will be for ~3 years (6 academic semesters and 2 summer semesters) and will include research assistant and teaching assistant support.

Description: The Department of Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Ecology at New Mexico State University is offering a graduate student assistantship to begin fall semester 2018 to explore the ecology of kit foxes (Vulpes macrotis) in the Chihuahuan Desert at White Sands National Monument. The project involves capturing, radio-collaring, and using remote cameras to estimate abundance, resource use, and to apply emerging statistical methods to non-invasive data. During the field season, housing is provided on site in the form of 28 ft. trailer. The successful applicant will be co-advised by Drs. Gary Roemer and Fitsum Abadi Gebreselassie.

Qualifications: Prior experience working in remote locations, driving a 4×4 vehicle, and experience with radio telemetry are highly desired. Fieldwork will be very physically demanding; applicants will often be required to hike 5+ miles/day over rough terrain in a hot, arid environment and must be willing to work at night. Common sense, good orientation and quantitative skills, and experience with the Bayesian Statistical paradigm, GIS applications, and the program R, would be considered strengths.

To apply, please email a single PDF file that contains a cover letter, CV or resumé, GRE scores, a copy of undergraduate transcripts, and the name and contact information of 3 references to Dr. Gary Roemer at groemer@nmsu.edu.

Start date: August 15, 2018

Last date to apply: June 30, 2018

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a suitable candidate is found.

Subject: REU: Chihuahuan Desert Biodiversity – West Texas – Feb 26

REU Opportunity Summer 2018: “Research Experience for Undergraduates in Chihuahuan Desert Biodiversity” DEADLINE – FEB. 26

The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) Department of Biological Sciences invites applicants for the NSF sponsored Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) in Chihuahuan Desert Biodiversity.  This is a
10 week summer program.  The goal of this program is to provide undergraduate students with experience in hypothesis-driven collaborative research utilizing field based and/or laboratory methods and fully engage students in projects associated with the ecology and evolution influencing Chihuahuan Desert biodiversity.

The program provides:
* High quality research experience in ecology and evolutionary biology in the field and/or lab * Research opportunities at the Indio Mountains Research Station (IMRS), a 40,000 acre facility controlled by UTEP as well as other CD field locations * One-on-one and group mentoring from active research faculty in multidisciplinary fields * Training in bioethics and other relevant professional skills

The program includes:
* $5500 stipend for 10 weeks
* Housing in shared apartments and field station * Travel reimbursement of up to $600

For more information on the program, research projects or to apply please visit: http://science.utep.edu/cdb-reu/

Enquiries: CDB-REU@utep.edu

Subject: Research technician in aquatic disease ecology

A full-time lab technician position is available in the Searle lab at Purdue University (https://www.bio.purdue.edu/lab/searle/). The focus of the lab is the ecology of infectious diseases in freshwater systems. The job will involve assisting with and leading laboratory experiments, maintaining lab cultures, field sampling, ordering supplies, and supervising undergraduate research students.

The minimum requirements are a 4 year college degree and prior research experience in ecology, biology, or equivalent field. The successful candidate will be familiar with word processing and data management, independently motivated, and have strong organizational skills. Preferred qualifications include experience working with freshwater systems or infectious diseases, and knowledge of sterile techniques and qPCR methods.

Questions can be addressed to searlec@purdue.edu. Applications must be submitted via the Purdue University employment page (http://bit.ly/2GvyROW, job number 1800224). Review of candidates will begin Feb 28 and continue until the position is filled.

SUMMARY: 1 volunteer research assistant is needed for approximately 3 months beginning April 11th 2018 to assist a PhD student investigating avian seed dispersal in the Dominican Republic.

ORGANIZATION: Avian Ecology Lab, Old Dominion University (Virginia, United States)

RESEARCH LOCATION: Jarabacoa, La Vega, Dominican Republic

POSITION DESCRIPTION: The volunteer field assistant will be trained in numerous sampling techniques for data collection in the field, including avian surveys (point counts & line transects), quantifying reproductive characteristics of native forest plants, focal foraging observations on marked populations of plants, collecting samples from seed traps in abandoned pastures, collecting/identifying fruits and botanical samples, and data entry. Other activities will involve manual labor on such projects as plot fence repair and maintain rustic trails along transects. The field crew will work 5-6 days per week with the sixth day typically devoted to service and conservation projects overseen by local partners. This work may involve work at newly-established breeding bird sanctuary on private lands near Armando Bermúdez National Park with projects involving nest box construction and installation for cavity- nesting species (i.e. parrots, trogons, swallows).

For more information about the project, visit:
https://student.wp.odu.edu/sschu001/

LOGISTICS & COMPENSATION: Accommodations will be provided at a local ecolodge in the town of Jarabacoa. Meals, consisting of typical Dominican food, will be provided to the volunteer at no cost during their stay. Reimbursement will be provided for food expenses for daily field trips to distant sites. All costs for in-country transportation and lodging will be provided by the project (with the exception of recreational trips on off days). Transportation to field sites (rural
farms) will be either by vehicle or as a passenger on a motor-bike. No funds are available for air travel to/from the Dominican Republic, and volunteers are expected to cover these costs. The target start date for this position is April 11th, 2017 (flexible) and the assistant must commit to a minimum of 12 weeks on the project.

FIELD STATION & AMENITIES: Assistants should expect to share a dormitory-style room with a male roommate. Potable water, (cold) showers, and wireless internet are available at the ecolodge.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPECTATIONS: Competitive candidates for this position will have demonstrated experience with botanical or wildlife research in the field. The applicant must be in good physical condition with a willingness to tolerate difficult working conditions. We regularly hike
10 km each day, often carrying 20-30 lbs of equipment. Strong organizational skills are expected for this position to adequately manage data collection and entry as well as the ability to work independently at times. Functional verbal communication skills in Spanish is highly preferred, and applicants will be tested on this ability during the interview. These communication skills are essential, since the volunteer will spend most of the time working in a team setting with a Dominican technician as well as communicating with private land owners and our conservation partners. Additionally, applicants will be tested on recognition of bird calls provided in advance of the interview.

OTHER COMMENTS: This position is ideal for undergraduates or recent graduates looking for experience in field ecology, wildlife/plant sciences, and conservation biology for their careers. Undergraduates considering applying should communicate with their academic advisor to inquire about the possibility of using the experience to count for course credits.

APPLICANT INSTRUCTIONS:
Please send.
(1) A one-page cover letter detailing your interest in the position and summarizing your relevant background and professional goals. I especially want to know how you see this experience benefiting you and moving your career goals forward.
(2) A resume or CV detailing your experiences relevant to the qualifications discussed above (2 page max).
(3) Information for 2-3 references who, preferably, know your work habits in a field or laboratory/office setting. Provide name, title, and email for each of these persons.

DEADLINE & INTERVIEW TIMELINE:
Materials must be received by March 5th 2018 to guarantee consideration, though interviews may begin sooner, so there is an advantage to applying early. Decisions will be made when a qualified candidates is found, following phone/Skype interviews and consulting references.

Email all materials as a single PDF file attachment using the subject header “Volunteer Research Asssistant Application” to:

Spencer Schubert
Department of Biological Sciences
Old Dominion University
Email: sschu001@odu.edu

An MS research assistantship is available in the Ecophysiology lab of Dr.
Heidi Renninger in the Department of Forestry
(http://www.cfr.msstate.edu/forestry/) at Mississippi State University starting in the Fall, 2018.  Broadly, our lab seeks to understand how the physical environment affects plant physiological functioning in terms of productivity and water use and how environmental change will alter plant and ecosystem function in the future.  We are currently working with short rotation woody biofuel crops to determine environmental vs. genetic controls on productivity, water use and nutrient uptake.  The assistantship includes a stipend, full tuition waiver and health insurance.  More information about the graduate school at Mississippi State University can be found here:  http://www.grad.msstate.edu/.  To learn more about the position, please contact Heidi Renninger (Heidi.Renninger@msstate.edu).  Interested students should submit 1) a letter stating their goals for graduate school 2) academic transcripts and
3) a resume/CV to Dr. Renninger prior to submitting an online application to the graduate school. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a suitable applicant is found.

Subject: Field Research Technician for vector ecology project

Job Description:
The Swei lab at San Francisco State University seeks a research technician with field experience to work with graduate and undergraduate students in a vector and pathogen ecology study in San Francisco, California. This research is part of an NSF-funded study to investigate the host and pathogen genetic diversity of tick-borne pathogens such as Borrelia burgdorferi and Borrelia miyamotoi. The successful applicant will conduct animal population surveys and pathogen infection monitoring in small mammal, reptile, and ticks in the San Francisco Bay Area. Specific tasks include small mammal live trapping and handling, tissue collection, lizard noosing, tick drag sampling, and wildlife camera monitoring. Additional tasks include sample processing, data entry and analysis. The position is temporary and is from April 1 through May 31 with the possibility of extension through July 2018.

Payment:
One paid position at $18/hour (40 hours per week) is offered for two months with the
possibility of extension to four months. This position is based in San Francisco, CA but
will involve extensive field work and occasional camping to more remote locations.
Housing is not provided outside of field work involving camping.

Required Qualifications:
Coursework in biology (esp. ecology, entomology, or wildlife biology) and field work
experience are required. A valid driver’s license is required.

Preferred Qualifications:
Experience conducting/assisting field research projects and experience handling and
identifying vertebrates, especially small mammals or ticks is preferred. Experience
working both individually and as a part of a multidisciplinary team, and a demonstrated
ability to problem-solve independently are ideal. Experience working in adverse, outdoor
conditions is also desirable.

Application Instructions:
All interested, qualified persons must contact Andrea Swei at aswei@sfsu.edu with a
letter of interest, resume, and contact information for three references. The deadline for
submitting an application is March 15th, 2018; If you have questions regarding this
position, please email Andrea Swei.