The Sheldon Lab at the University of Tennessee and Fish and Wildlife Biologists from the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians
(EBCI) are running a summer STEM research program for EBCI high school students and are seeking an Education Coordinator. The Education Coordinator position will run from ~May 21-July 31 and will be located in Cherokee, NC. Housing will be provided on- site in Cherokee, NC and the coordinator will be compensated with a summer stipend ($3,000).

The coordinator will work with a small group of high school students (5-7) from the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians (EBCI). The coordinator will meet with the students 3-4 days a week and will prepare and lead lesson on climate change and native fauna in southern Appalachia, facilitate student field projects using native beetles (this field project is already designed), and facilitate field trips for students to meet with EBCI biologists. The Sheldon lab and EBCI Fish and Wildlife have the expertise and know-how, so students should not be discouraged if they are new to a particular subject—like beetle natural history, for example. Though the coordinator will be in contact with students several days a week, the coordinator will not necessarily have ‘full-time’ responsibility of the students. There will be time during the day for the coordinator to prepare lesson plans etc. and time on weekends to explore the Smoky Mountains and surrounding areas like Knoxville, TN and Asheville, NC.  The position is open to advanced undergrads, recent graduates, or current grad students, and preference will be given to those seeking STEM education degrees with exceptional outreach/teaching experience. The position will require independence and self-motivation, lecturing in front of groups, preparing engaging and creative classroom activities, research and teaching in the field (sometimes in hot and/or buggy conditions), handling beetles, and communicating and organizing with several parties including UTK faculty, EBCI wildlife biologists, and EBCI high school teachers.

Students interested in the Education Coordinator position should contact Amanda Wilson Carter at acarte82@utk.edu with the information listed below. Applications are due no later than May 1, 2018.

If you are interested in the position, please send:

1) Resume or CV

2) Unofficial transcripts

3) A brief description of your teaching/outreach experience with K-12 students. Please describe how these past experiences would enable you to be an effective Education Coordinator.

4) A brief description of why you are interested in the position. Please detail what you could contribute to the program (e.g.
unique skills/passions/experiences), and what you hope to gain from the program.

5) Contact information of 1 professional reference who can speak to your teaching/outreach interests and capabilities

All application materials should be sent to acarte82@utk.edu no later than May 1, 2018.

The School of Informatics, Computing, and Cyber Systems at Northern Arizona Unversity seeks a Research Technician to perform basic and applied research in wildlife disease ecology, epidemiology, and pathogen metagenomics, working in the laboratories of the Pathogen and Microbiome Institute at NAU. PI Mihaljevic will be the supervisor.

The top candidates for this position should have experience with molecular genetic analyses, including DNA isolation, conventional and quantitative PCR assay implementation and data interpretation, and preparation of DNA for sequencing. Tasks will also include the isolation and amplification of pathogens using culturing techniques, cell culture maintenance, and the ability to work in a BSL-2 environment. Top candidates will also have experience with the husbandry of laboratory animals.

Please direct inquiries to Dr. Mihaljevic:
joseph.mihaljevic@nau.edu

Please follow this link for full position description and to apply:
https://hr.peoplesoft.nau.edu/psp/ph92prta/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM.HRS_APP_SC
HJOB.GBL?
Page=HRS_APP_JBPST&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=1&JobOpeningId=603720&
PostingSeq=1

The Richards-Zawacki Lab (http://www.rzlab.pitt.edu/) in the University of Pittsburgh Dietrich School of Arts & Sciences is seeking a Laboratory Technician/Manager that will manage the maintenance of laboratory equipment, purchase supplies, and supervise animal (amphibian) care and undergraduate lab assistants. The incumbent will be responsible for generating and analyzing molecular data for ongoing projects on the topics of amphibian ecology, evolution, and conservation, and providing technical assistance to other personnel involved in these projects who are using similar techniques.

Management experience and excellent communications skills, as well as experience with basic molecular and microbiology techniques, are preferred.
The incumbent will train new personnel who are recruited to the project and supervise the efforts of undergraduates. This includes regular meetings with personnel and supervision of notebook keeping. The incumbent will report to the primary investigator and work in collaboration with the primary investigator to manage laboratory activities.

The Dietrich School of Arts & Sciences is committed to building a culturally diverse staff.

Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of individuals and constituencies in support of a diverse community.

Please see the full position posting for more information and to submit an
application: https://www.pittsource.com/postings/157180

For questions about the position, please contact Corinne Richards-Zawacki
(clz17@pitt.edu)

• Identifying spatial and temporal variation in the carbon, nitrogen and oxygen stable isotope ratios of adult Atlantic salmon spawning in Canadian rivers.
• Ascertaining the trophic ecology of the Inner Bay of Fundy Atlantic salmon population.

Funded Graduate Student Position in Plant Ecology

The Dovciak lab (http://www.esf.edu/efb/dovciak/) at the State University of New York (SUNY ESF) is looking for a highly motivated graduate student (PhD or MS) for a funded position to study vegetation dynamics of Long Island Pine Barrens of New York State. The student is expected to study forest plant communities and examine patterns of regeneration, recruitment, and mortality for pitch pine and oaks on vegetation plots surveyed in 2005/2006.
The data and protocols from this survey are available for use. The position will include (1) resurvey of the vegetation plots, (2) quantification of changes in forest community and tree populations, and (3) building statistical models to relate tree population processes to environmental conditions (including canopy cover, understory vegetation, and soil properties).

The position starts on August 20, 2018, but a later start (January 2019) may be considered. The position is based at SUNY ESF in Syracuse
(http://www.esf.edu/) and field work is based at Brookhaven National Laboratory on Long Island. Collaborative partners include the Central Pine Barrens Commission and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. The position will be supported by research (2 years) and teaching assistantships (1-3 years) that cover a stipend, tuition, and health benefits.

Additional collaborative research opportunities exist in our lab within an NSF-funded project examining ecotone dynamics between deciduous and conifer forests of northeastern United States.

Desired qualifications:
– MS or BS in plant or forest ecology, botany, or a related field
– GPA >3.5 and GRE scores >70% (lower may be acceptable with relevant research experience)
– Basic vascular plant identification skills and familiarity with ecosystems of the northeastern United States
– Excellent time management, interpersonal, and team/collaborative skills
– Ability to work long hours in potentially adverse field conditions over a period of 2-3 months
– Interest in organizing and managing large data sets (e.g., in Excel or Access)
– Ability to use, or willingness to learn, advanced statistical methods and packages (e.g., R)
– Driver’s license and an own car

To apply, send (1) cover letter summarizing your interests, educational goals (MS, PhD), and qualifications, (2) CV, including GPA and GRE, (3) transcripts (unofficial OK at this stage), and (4) contacts for three references to Martin Dovciak (mdovciak@esf.edu), ideally as a single pdf file. Please use “Plant Ecology Research Assistantship” in email subject line. Earlier inquiries are welcome. The review of the applications will start on May 15 and continue until a suitable candidate is identified.
Selected candidates will be asked to submit a full application (with official transcripts, reference letters, and GRE reports) to SUNY ESF
(http://www.esf.edu/graduate/admission.htm) as soon as possible.

Info on Syracuse academic community/environment is here:
http://www.esf.edu/efb/dovciak/Syracuse.htm

Info on Long Island Central Pine Barrens is here:
https://pb.state.ny.us/central-pine-barrens/overview/

Subject: Field Technician for Research on American Pikas, in Northern New Mexico

Job Description:
We are looking to recruit 2-3 individuals interested in alpine research on mountain ecosystems, their wildlife, and their relationship to weather and other environmental conditions. The project focuses particularly on the factors underlying the distribution and abundance of American pikas (Ochotona
princeps) across northern New Mexico, but we collect data on all bird & mammal species we encounter, as well as quantify vegetation cover, microtopography, etc.  We are seeking enthusiastic individuals that are interested in working in high-elevation settings for ~3 weeks this July (starting 3 July).

This work is very strenuous because it involves high-mileage hiking in remote, high-elevation areas
(7,800 – 12,500′), typically off-trail, and involves early mornings and late nights (to match activity peaks in our study species).  However, if you love the mountains, amazing scenery, and searching for charismatic animals, then the payoff is huge! We are seeking three overarching traits in applicants: 1) navigation experience on and off trails, 2) excellent physical condition (6-20+ miles of hiking at high elevations, each day), and 3) positive attitude, solid decision-making skills, and mental stamina under challenging conditions in remote areas. We are looking for applicants with strong, proven leadership skills. Selected applicants *must* have their own transportation to and from Los Alamos, New Mexico.

Required Qualifications:
-Highly motivated individual
-Must possess a current, valid U.S. driver’s license -Can work independently, in addition to as part of a team -Great physical condition, for work in mountainous terrain (2.5-3 mph sustained pace) -Experience hiking/backpacking -Detail-oriented, for data collection -Strong problem-solving skills -Most importantly, energetic and positive attitude under challenging conditions!

Preferred Qualifications:
-Experience in identifying trees and shrubs -Basic hiking gear, such as your own overnight and day packs, strong but comfortable boots, water bladders to carry 3-7 liters, etc.
-Orienteering experience with GPS units & topographic maps

Compensation:
Technicians will receive extensive training on use of all field gear (e.g., compass, clinometer, GPS unit, laser rangefinder) and field methods, as well as a comprehensive discussion and materials explaining the justifications and background for the study.  Technicians will have transportation and lodging expenses covered, and will receive a daily stipend for food and other expenses.  Technicians will also get the rare experience of being in remote areas of Bandelier National Monument and in Valles Caldera National Preserve, the latter of which was recently made an NPS park unit.

To Apply:
Please send a current resume or CV, along with a cover letter describing your experience, skills, and interests and especially how they make you a great fit for the position, as well as information for 4 references (name, email, phone #, how they know you) to Marie Westover at the University of New Mexico (mariewestover@gmail.com). Decisions will be made on a rolling basis, starting 9 May 2018.

Thank you for your interest and we look forward to hearing from you!

Short video about pikas:
https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=cqtm9dkAu4o

The Aquatic Ecology Laboratory at Washington State University Vancouver, directed by Dr. Stephen Bollens and Dr. Gretchen Rollwagen-Bollens, has one paid position available for a new graduate student to contribute to a dynamic program in Aquatic Ecology.

This graduate position is specifically oriented around research in the ecology and potential impact of harmful algal blooms in the Columbia River Basin, with particular emphasis on dynamics of freshwater cyanobacteria blooms.

The successful graduate student will be supported on Teaching Assistantships and/or Research Assistantships, plus full tuition waivers.

We are currently accepting applications to begin study in August 2018.

Degree program:  M.S. in Environmental Science
Deadline:  For August 2018 admission, please apply as soon as possible, but no later than May 1, 2018.

There is potential to continue on to a Ph.D. in Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences depending on progress and availability of funding.

Campus and Facilities:  Washington State University Vancouver is one of five campuses in the WSU system, and is a rapidly expanding institution located within the greater Portland, OR-Vancouver, WA metropolitan area, near the Columbia River, Cascade Mountains and coastal ocean.  The 351-acre campus offers new, state-of-the-art classroom and research facilities, where teaching and research are conducted in an interdisciplinary and collaborative atmosphere.

For more information please visit the WSUV Aquatic Ecology Laboratory website (https://labs.wsu.edu/aquatic-ecology/), or the WSUV Science Graduate Programs website
(https://cas.vancouver.wsu.edu/science-graduate-programs) or contact us
directly:

Research Internships – Evolutionary Biology

Research interns are needed to assist in a multi-disciplinary,
multi-investigator, experimental study of the interactions between
ecology and evolution in Trinidad, West Indies. The research is led by
Professor David Reznick at the University of California, Riverside in
collaboration with Joseph Travis (Florida State), Tim Coulson (Oxford),
Paul Bentzen (Dalhousie U.), and Ron Bassar (Williams).  We seek to
integrate multiple biological fields for the study of these
interactions in experimental populations of guppies in Trinidad. Duties
include assisting in monthly censuses of guppy populations in montane
streams. The monthly censuses include long hours in the field and
laboratory.  There will also be 12 days off between each census when
interns can pursue an independent project.

Qualifications: We seek interns who are entertaining the
possibility of pursuing graduate studies in some area of ecology and
evolution and who wish to gain some additional field research
experience before doing so.  Research will take place in semi-remote
areas of Trinidad sometimes under bad weather conditions. Applicants
must be able to live and work well with others. Research will involve
carrying heavy packs over slippery and steep terrain. Applicants must
be in good physical condition and be able to meet the demands of field
research under these conditions. Ability to drive a standard
transmission vehicle is desirable but not required. Applicants with
first-aid/first responder training, skills in automobile maintenance,
and construction skills are highly desirable. Please address these
skills when applying.

Interns will be required to spend a minimum of 3-months in
Trinidad, with possibility of extension. There are potential start
dates in July 2019 and every month thereafter until early 2019. We will
cover all travel and living expenses and provide housing.

Please see our website <www.theguppyproject.weebly.com> for
more information on the project and access to reprints.  Be sure to
check out our video menu, which includes a “guppy censuses” submenu
that details the main tasks associated with the internship.

Applicants should send cover letter, CV and the names and e-mail
addresses of three or more professional references to David Reznick
(gupy@ucr.edu). At least two of the references should be academics.

Cheers,

Ron

Ron Bassar <rdbassar@gmail.com>

The Phillips lab in the Institute of Ecology and Evolution at the
University of Oregon is seeking a Manager for a Data Coordination Center
(DCC) (Research Assistant/Associate) for the three-institute consortium
project, the Caenorhabditis Intervention Testing Program (CITP). UO
Job #522103.

http://careers.uoregon.edu/cw/en-us/job/522103/data-center-manager-and-developer

The Phillips lab conducts research on the structure and evolution of
the genes and genomic elements underlying complex phenotypic traits
such as behavior, sexual reproduction, life history, stress resistance,
and longevity. Through a consortium with Rutgers University and the
Buck Institute, they form the Caenorhabditis Intervention Testing
Program (CITP). The CITP aims to find robust and reproducible chemical
interventions to extend life by testing the effects of chemical
compounds across may strains of the nematode Caenorhabditis and in
multiple laboratories across the country. This is an opportunity to help
translate discoveries in basic science to help improve the quality of
life and human health.

The key responsibilities of the DCC Manager and Developer include:
– Maintaining and updating the project data pipeline from assorted
lifespan and healthspan experiments at the three institutions to the
centralized Filemaker Pro 16 database.
– Working with the PIs and technicians to simplify data quality control
and metadata validation.
– Working with project scientists to provide reports and output files
for statistical analyses.
– Writing or updating existing scripts that allow smooth exporting and
importing of data from one platform to another, as well as defining
new data types as the project implements new health-related measures.
– Working with the consortium institutes on any system-wide updates to
software, operating systems, or specific experimental needs. We are
testing a major upgrade to our Automated Lifepspan system which
requires updating our operating system to Scientific Linux 7.
– Helping to maintain the systems integrity and integration of existing
laboratory data acquisition systems, including our scanner-based
automated lifespan machines.

The CITP project focuses on screening various compounds for their ability
to extend the lifespan and “healthspan” of 21 isolate strains of three
species of nematode worms in the genus Caenorhabditis.

Minimum Requirements
– BSc, MSc (for Assistant) or PhD (for Associate) in computer science,
engineering, mathematics, biology or a related field.
– Proven competence with Filemaker, MySQL, R and standard data
formats in Excel.
– Experience working with scientific data in a multi-institutional or
multi-department environment.

Professional Competencies
– The ability to work as a member of an exciting, interactive team.
– Excellent communication skills.
– Excellent time management skills requiring little direct supervision.
– An interest in the biology of aging, age-related diseases, or
pharmacology.

The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package
to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement
plans and paid time off. For more information about benefits, visit
http://hr.uoregon.edu/careers/about-benefits.

The University of Oregon is an equal opportunity, affirmative action
institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the
ADA. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply, and
does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including
veteran and disability status.

UO prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national
or ethnic origin, age, religion, marital status, disability, veteran
status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression in all
programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX,
other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by UO
policy. Questions may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, Office
of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity, or to the Office for Civil
Rights. Contact information, related policies, and complaint procedures
are listed on the statement of non-discrimination.

In compliance with federal law, the University of Oregon prepares
an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and
services. The Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is available
online at http://police.uoregon.edu/annual-report.

Patrick C. Phillips, Ph.D.
Acting Executive Director | Professor of Biology
Phil and Penny Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact
https://www.uoregon.edu/accelerate
https://www.uoregon.edu/~pphil
pphil@uoregon.edu | 541-346-0916

Patrick Phillips <pphil@uoregon.edu>