Month: June 2018

Research Assistant Position, Available June 25

Research Assistant Position Available, June 25- September 30, with extension contingent on available funding Archbold Biological Station-University of Florida, Long Term Agroecosystem Research

Archbold Biological Station and its partner site University of Florida Range Cattle Research Center (UF RCREC) are part of the Long-term Agroecosystem Research Network (LTAR https://ltar.nal.usda.gov  ), a network of 18 agroecosystems across the United States that seek to address the grand challenge of maintaining multiple ecosystem services in food production systems.

The Archbold-UF RCREC sites (www.maerc.org; rcrec-ona.ifas.ufl.edu) have a
>70-year history of research, conservation, and education programs
>focused
on enhancing agricultural production and preserving natural resources associated with subtropical humid grassland and shrub landscapes in Florida. Interdisciplinary research at the Archbold-UF RCREC address the complex functioning of agricultural and natural lands within the region.
Educational programs provide science-based information that supports decision-making strategies to maintain the sustainability of agroecosystems. Climate is characterized by subtropical conditions with an average annual precipitation of ~ 1650 mm (> 65% occurring from June to
October) and average minimum and maximum daily temperatures ranging from
16.9 to 28.2o C. http://www.maerc.org/html/research/ltar.html#.WxaDT0xFyM8

We are in search of one motivated individual to fulfill a research assistant position located at Archbold’s working ranch, Buck Island Ranch.
The research assistant will join the MacArthur Agroecology Research Center, led by Dr. Elizabeth Boughton, consisting of a diverse and fun team of post- docs, environmental scientists, research assistants and interns.

The Archbold-UF LTAR Research Assistant will collect and manage data in support of LTAR activities.
General Tasks:
*       Responsible for collection and processing of plant, soil, and
greenhouse gas samples.
*       Responsible for plant aboveground biomass collection and processing
on a monthly schedule.
*       Responsible for drying, sorting (live and dead biomass), and
weighing biomass and entering data into excel spreadsheets in an organized manner.
*       Responsible for assisting with plant diversity and composition data
within different grazing land types:  improved pasture, semi-native pasture, and native rangeland.
*       Prepare samples and documentation for shipping samples and ships to
the analytical laboratory,
*       Responsible for assisting and/or performing laboratory analysis of
soil, plant, and gas samples
*       Maintains excellent records of all activities and data files.
*       Performs other reasonable duties in cooperation with the LTAR
Research Scientists, as needed.

It is expected that the research assistant will be able to perform most tasks independently as needed after initial training. The research assistant will be willing to collect data in the field, drive field trucks between data collection sites, organize data into required formats, and perform all task in a highly professional manner. Travel between the cooperating sites is expected.

Minimum Requirements:
1.      A bachelor degree in science, biology, agro-ecology, agriculture or
equivalent.
2.      A valid driver license
3.      Willingness to work long hours in the field in sub-tropical Florida
environment
4.      Must have authorization for US employment.

Start-Date:
On or around June 25

To apply send cover letter, a resume, and contact information for three references to Dr. Elizabeth Boughton at eboughton@archbold-station.org.
Competitive salary with full benefits. Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, Minorities, Veterans and Disabled Persons are encouraged to apply.
Applications due by June 18th.

Accepting Apps for MS Environmental Biology in Denver CO

We are still accepting applications for fall, 2018 admission to the MS Environmental Biology program at Regis University in Denver, CO! The M.S. in Environmental Biology is a degree program that emphasizes skills crucial for success in the environmental and ecological workforce.

TOP FEATURES of our PROGRAM

-Focus on RELEVANT SKILLS demanded by environmental employers:
statistical computing (R), GIS, NEPA, grant writing & field work in the Rocky Mountains & elsewhere

– EARN A MASTER’S DEGREE in an intensive one-year program or up to 2 years as it fits with each student’s schedule/goals.

– HANDS-ON internship at local agencies or research experience with faculty members

– SMALL CLASS SIZES that allow students to build close relationships with faculty and other students

– KNOWLEDGABLE FACULTY focused on individual student goals and success

Go to: REGIS.EDU/ENVIRONMENT for more information on admission

Graduate Position: TexasTechU.BighornSheepMicrobiomes

The Phillips Laboratory (Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech
University) is accepting applications from highly motivated individuals
interested in pursuing a graduate degree in Biology, with a research
project focusing on the dynamics of microbiomes in wild populations of
bighorn sheep.  The successful applicant will be an individual that is
excited about the opportunity to integrate bioinformatics, biostatistics,
ecology, and evolutionary biology to understand and publish results about
complex biological systems.  No prior experience in scripting (mainly
bash and R) is required, but only applicants that are serious about
the opportunity to develop advanced scripting capabilities and strong
foundations in biostatistics and ecological principles need apply.
This position is available at the master’s or PhD level, but only
individuals currently holding a master’s degree or with experience
in microbiome research will be considered to enter at the PhD level.
The position will be supported by a Research Assistantship funded by the
Texas Bighorn Society and the Wild Sheep Foundation.  The position also
provides teaching experience in the form of Teaching Assistantships.
Collaboration with researchers in Tech’s Department of Natural Resource
Management will be a part of this position, and research findings may
inform disease risk across portions of bighorn sheep range in Texas.
This position will provide career development through a diverse and
technical training experience.

Applicants should send their CV and a Statement of Interest to Caleb
Phillips (caleb.phillips@ttu.edu, subject line = bighorn microbiome).

Graduate position: LouisianaTechU.MicrobialEvolution

The Maness Organismal Biology Lab in The School of Biological Sciences at
Louisiana Tech University is accepting applications for a Masterขs/PhD
student interested in environmental microbiology/microbial ecology. The
student will develop a research project investigating microbes with the
ability to degrade environmental toxins or pollutants. Applicants should
have an interest in environmental science, genetics, enzyme kinetics,
and/or geographical information science as well as undergraduate STEM
education. Student support is ~$27,000/yr from a graduate assistantship in
the School of Biological Sciences and an NSF grant. Duties for the
assistantship will be to assist with teaching the lab component of one of
the School of Biological Sciences courses. The position will begin in the
Fall 2018-19 academic term.

Applicants should be motivated, creative, organized, and have strong
communication skills. Coursework in Genetics or Geographic Information
Science is recommended, but not required. Students of diverse backgrounds
are encouraged to apply. Successful candidates will have an undergraduate
degree in Biology, Environmental Science, or related field. Students must
meet admission requirements for the M.S. in Biology Program/PhD in
Molecular Sciences and Nanotechnology at Tech and be accepted into that
program to be eligible for the assistantship.

To apply send: (1) a statement of research interests and goals, (2)
unofficial transcripts, (3) CV, and (4) list of three references with
contact info to Terri Maness: tmaness@latech.edu. Application deadline is
5pm CST June 15, 2018.

Last Call for Applications: Professional Masters in Conservation and Restoration

UC Irvine – Masters in Conservation and Restoration Science

The Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and the Center for Environmental Biology (CEB) at the University of California, Irvine are accepting applications for the Masters in Conservation and Restoration Science (MCRS) graduate program providing training for students interested in careers in the research and management of natural resources. Is accepting applications for the second cohort of MCRS students for Fall 2018! Sectors and potential careers for MCRS graduates include: non- profit land management sector, local and federal government agencies, and environmental consulting firms. For more information, visit the MCRS webpage (http://mcrs.bio.uci.edu), or contact program administrators at uciconresscience@uci.edu.

The MCRS degree will provide students with the academic and professional skills needed to study, protect, and conserve natural resources, and to hold leadership and management positions in environmental fields related to conservation, restoration, and sustainability. Potential applicants will need a B.A. or B.S. degree, preferably in the natural sciences (biology, conservation biology, ecology, environmental science, forestry, wildlife biology, horticulture, or similar degree title) from a fully accredited academic institution. Applicants with undergraduate degrees in other areas will be considered, but must demonstrate proficiency in the natural sciences and/or practical experience working in this professional field.

The program includes two years of coursework and activities, including 18 units of core courses (e.g., ecology, conservation science), 16 units of topical electives (e.g., environmental policy, land use policy), 18 units of technical and professional skills courses (e.g., technical writing, GIS), and 8 units associated with technical and professional workshops (e.g., regional professional gatherings). A collaborative, year-long group capstone project (12 units), aligned with community partners, integrates the program’s learning objectives and applies student’s new skills to key environmental challenges facing society.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

The last round of applications will be reviewed for admission on July 1, 2018.