Subject: Graduate Research Assistantship: Plant-Insect Interactions in Human-Modified Ecosystems

I am seeking a highly motivated graduate student (PhD preferred, but MS applications considered) to join the Kim Lab in the Department of Entomology at Kansas State University. I study the ecology of plant-insect interactions (e.g. pollination, plant-herbivore) and how these interactions vary with land management and land-use change. Potential project topics include examining how disturbance (e.g. fire, grazing) affect plant-insect interactions, modelling how land-use change affects insect biodiversity and ecosystem function, and IPM effects on non-target insects and plants.
Students interested in the fields of community ecology, agroecology, landscape ecology, and food web interactions are encouraged to apply.
Projects will involve a combination of field work, laboratory/greenhouse work, and spatial modeling. For more information about current work in the Kim lab, please visit my website: taniakimecology.com. Positions will be competitively funded through four-year research assistantship (tuition and stipend). Students are also encouraged to apply for external fellowships such as the National Science Foundation Pre-doctoral Fellowship (https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nsfgrfp.org&data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7C58047632cda54d639e7408d61581f32d%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636720045222965695&sdata=WGHpr%2FAJE0J4lwFiJJwRcEgWCqIfC9tRhr%2FRRCK20BA%3D&reserved=0).

Requirements: Competitive applicants will have backgrounds in biology, ecology or entomology with an interest in conservation and insect ecology.
Prior experience conducting field work and independent research is desirable.  Strong quantitative skills (statistics, programing) are also desirable. Teamwork and good communication skills (oral and writing) are important.

To apply: A start date of Fall 2019 is preferred, although earlier start dates (as early as January 2019) may be considered. For consideration please email a cover letter stating your research interests and qualifications, your CV with names and contact information for 3 references, and unofficial transcripts to Dr. Tania Kim (tkim@ksu.edu). I will begin screening applications in mid-October 2018, have initial online or phone interviews in late October/early November, and extend an invitation for an on-campus visit in December. Final decisions will be made by late December 2019.  Please contact me with any inquiries for additional information or to arrange a phone call. I will also attend the Entomological Society of America Conference in Vancouver, Canada (November 10-15) so interested students can arrange to talk to me then as well.

Information about the Department:

The Department of Entomology maintains excellent research facilities with state-of-the-art equipment and a research insect collection. It was recently ranked the 4th best Department of Entomology in the world by the Center for World University Rankings; these rankings are based on the number and quality of professional publications produced by the department and quality of faculty research. In the most recent rankings of PhD programs in US Departments of Entomology, we were ranked 8th nationally for overall quality by the National Research Council (https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.phds.org%2Frankings%2Fentomology&data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7C58047632cda54d639e7408d61581f32d%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636720045222965695&sdata=7P5FYty4%2Fh5C2oSR%2FrZkK55NWpYvzN4f95CT1cxghZk%3D&reserved=0).
Our mission is to: 1) provide entomological knowledge for a safe, sustainable, and competitive food, feed, and fiber system through integrated research and education; 2) maintain a stakeholder/clientele-driven focus to research, extension, and teaching activities; 3) generate fundamental information for the advancement of science and for applied uses; 4) train students for professions in education, government, business and industry; and 5) disseminate useful, unbiased information.

Diversity and Inclusion:

Kansas State University embraces diversity and promotes inclusion in every sector of the institution. The university established the Office of Diversity, led by the associate vice president for diversity and a dedicated staff. Additionally, each college has a designated Diversity Point Person to provide insight and guidance. Kansas State University received the prestigious Higher Education Excellence in Diversity, or HEED, award from Insight Into Diversity magazine for the past three years. Multicultural students account for 15 percent of our student population, a university record, and continue to trend higher.

PhD position in Snake Venom Evolution

The Gibbs Lab in the Department of EEOB at Ohio State University is recruiting a Ph.D. student, to begin in Fall 2019, to develop a dissertation project on the evolution of venom diversity at the molecular level among closely-related species of New World snakes. The student will join a group that uses genomic, transcriptome and proteomic data to study snake venom proteins as models for the evolution of adaptations at the molecular level. The project would be part of an ongoing NSF (US)-FAPESP (Brazil) Dimensions of Biodiversity grant on snake venom evolution that involves institutions in the US (Ohio State, Florida State University, and Clemson University) and Brazil (Instituto Butantan). There would be the opportunity for training visits to these institutions.

The ideal applicant would have strong quantitative skills and proficiency or interest in learning bioinformatics techniques and experience in using molecular data to examine evolutionary questions. A Master’s degree is preferred but not required. This is primarily a lab-based project but with the possible opportunity for limited fieldwork.

The student would join an active lab that applies genomic techniques and bioinformatics analyses to a wide range of questions in the evolutionary biology and conservation genetics of vertebrates. The Department of EEOB provides year-round financial support (~ $28K/yr plus benefits and tuition) for PhD students for the duration of their program.

Interested students should contact Dr. H. Lisle Gibbs, Department of EEOB, Ohio State University at gibbs.128@osu.edu with a statement of interest, a CV, transcripts and GRE scores if available. I will start reviewing applications on 15 October.  Please see the lab (https://u.osu.edu/gibbslab) and department (http://eeob.osu.edu/) websites for more information.

Dr. H. Lisle Gibbs
Professor, Department of Evolution,  Ecology, and Organismal Biology
Director, Ohio Biodiversity Conservation Partnership
300 Aronoff Laboratory
Ohio State University
318 W. 12th Avenue

Columbus, Ohio 43210-1242 USA
T: 614 688 3861
F: 614 292 2030
E: gibbs.128@osu.edu<mailto:gibbs.128@osu.edu>
https://u.osu.edu/gibbslab/

•  
•  
• Familiarity
• with ArcGIS, R, and Landsat products.

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•  
• Prior
• research experience.

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Subject: Graduate (MSc) Positions in Wetland Fire Ecology – Deadline Oct 1

Graduate (MSc) positions are available to pursue research in fire science and ecology of the Everglades in the Plant Ecology Lab at Florida Atlantic University. Research will focus on quantifying fire behavior and its consequences for landscape structure and ecosystem function in wetlands. This research is being done in cooperation with Everglades National Park, A.R.M. Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, and other regional agency and university collaborators. Positions will start for the Spring 2019 semester through either the Environmental Science or Biological Science Master’s degree programs (links below) and will be supported by a combination of teaching and research assistantships. The lab is located on the FAU campus in Davie, Florida.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Undergraduate degree (BS or BA) in a related field (e.g., forestry, biology, environmental science, etc.)
• Eligibility and acceptance into the graduate program
• Valid US driver’s license and willingness to operate full-size pickup trucks
• Ability and willingness to work in difficult field conditions (high heat and humidity, stinging insects, dense and abrasive vegetation, wildlife) accessed by airboat or helicopter
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team setting
• Must pass a background check

Preferred (but not mandatory) Qualifications:

• Demonstrated ability for independent scientific research
• Prior field work experience, especially for related activities (e.g., wetland, plant, or fire ecology)
• Red Card wildland fire certification
• Motorboat (MOCC) and/or airboat (AOCC) operator certification

The application deadline for both graduate programs is October 1^st. Interested applicants must contact Dr. Brian Benscoter (bbenscot@fau.edu) prior to applying to discuss their candidacy (a letter of sponsorship is required for the application) by emailing a letter discussing your interest and qualifications, a list of relevant completed coursework (or unofficial transcript), resume/CV, GRE scores, and contact information for professional references (min. 2 references).

Plant Ecology Lab Website: www.science.fau.edu/benscoterlab

Environmental Science MS Program: http://www.science.fau.edu/envirosci/esms_program.php

Biological Sciences MS Program: http://biology.fau.edu/academics/graduate/ms-thesis-biology-degree-programs-graduate-1.php

**************

Brian W. Benscoter, MSc PhD

Associate Professor, Department of Biological Sciences

Florida Atlantic University

3200 College Ave Davie, FL 33314 USA

Tel: 954.236.1141  Fax: 954.236.1099

Webpage: www.science.fau.edu/benscoterlab

PhD bumble bee host-microbe evolutionary ecology

The Sadd lab in the School of Biological Sciences at Illinois State University is seeking an exceptional and motivated graduate student (PhD preferred, but MS applications considered) to study evolutionary and ecological interactions between bumble bees and their beneficial gut microbes. Successful candidates will develop research projects that complement the aims of a NIH funded project building on ongoing studies investigating bee-microbe interactions, how host immunity influences these, and fitness relevant outcomes including pathogen infection.
The lab integrates laboratory experiments and field collections with whole-organism, immunological, microbiological, and functional genomic approaches. More information on the Sadd Infectious Disease Ecology lab can be found here:
https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ffaculty.sharepoint.illinoisstate.edu%2Fbmsadd&amp;data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7C203060fdce904b5589b708d613f4fd12%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636718340269332932&amp;sdata=oOyvUTLvvOublQrcBf07o02VvyaAEC%2FOFmdSWkliqtc%3D&amp;reserved=0

Competitive applicants will have prior research experience, quantitative skills, the ability to work independently and as part of a team, and strong oral and written communication abilities.
Applicants with previous experience with the evolutionary ecology of host-microbe interactions, statistics and data visualization (e.g. R, Python), and analysis of RNAseq or metagenomic datasets will be preferred.

The position will be funded through a combination of research assistantships on Sadd lab grants and teaching assistantships provided through the graduate program of the School of Biological Sciences at Illinois State University. Additionally, applicants are strongly encouraged to apply for their own fellowships, with the NSF pre-doctoral fellowship
(https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=www.nsfgrfp.org&amp;data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7C203060fdce904b5589b708d613f4fd12%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636718340269332932&amp;sdata=lAW%2BT7QvS0kVOY62mSHCBSERixbSlB2nS%2B3KzYWI1rE%3D&amp;reserved=0) being one of the
most appropriate.

A start date of January 2019 is preferred, although candidates for Fall
2019 may be considered.
For initial unofficial consideration, please email pdfs of i) a cover letter stating your research interest and qualifications, including GRE scores, and ii) your CV including names and contact details of two references to Dr. Ben Sadd (bmsadd@ilstu.edu) by September 16th. This will allow time to discuss your research interests and fit with the group before the target date of October 1st for applications to be in to the University. Please seehttps://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbiology.illinoisstate.edu%2Fgraduate%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7C203060fdce904b5589b708d613f4fd12%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636718340269332932&amp;sdata=AxnUGAAI9kvFwimTH3rJmLjpds0OYybIZU0OR%2FZ0qcY%3D&amp;reserved=0 and tabs therein for general information on our graduate program in the School of Biological Sciences. Information about the requirements for official applications to the graduate program can be found here:
https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbiology.illinoisstate.edu%2Fgraduate%2FgraduatePrograms%2FapplicationProcedure%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7C203060fdce904b5589b708d613f4fd12%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636718340269332932&amp;sdata=BZTDdXrsMYtACPWKPraYLUldPgHLDbCbFfZVF3prEAo%3D&amp;reserved=0
Please contact me with any enquires for additional information.

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Big Sky Watershed Corps-AmeriCorps Member

 

The Big Sky Watershed Corps has a professional job placement rate of 96%

• Within 6 months of successfully completing a term of service
• And a 91% professional job placement rate within 2 months of successfully completing a term of service

 

Primary duties of the Big Sky Watershed Corps Member (CM) include working with the Host Site staff to complete tasks related to project design and implementation, community outreach and education, volunteer generation and management and reporting functions.  The CM works under the direct supervision of the Host Site Supervisor and the Big Sky Watershed Corps Program Staff to ensure successful completion of program objectives.  The CM is an AmeriCorps Member and is entitled to the benefit package offered to all AmeriCorps Members

 

BSWC members develop projects to protect local water resources and improve landscapes, such as watershed inventories, stream and riparian restoration, re-vegetation projects, drought planning, water quality/quantity monitoring, riparian fencing, river clean-ups, abandoned mine reclamation, habitat and wildlife enhancement, irrigation improvements and much more. BSWC members also promote watershed health and natural resource conservation through outreach and education. They engage with local communities through lessons in schools, community field days, workshops, and trainings. They develop curriculum, focus on issues with local solutions, implement outreach initiatives, and organize public meetings and events for community stakeholders. BSWC members consistently engage volunteers for training and events that relate to watershed health and protection. Members also develop a skilled and influential recurring volunteer-base to support local efforts.

 

Term of Service: 1/7/19-11/15/19

 

Living Stipend: $597 biweekly

 

Education Award: $5,920 upon successful completion of the program

 

Required Qualifications:

• College degree (B.A./B.S.), preferably in watershed, agriculture, environment, communication or education related field.
• Effective written and oral communication skills.
• Valid driver’s license, access to a vehicle, ability to pass a motor vehicle records check, US Citizenship or ability to work in the US.

 

Preferred Qualifications/Experience

• Previous watershed/agricultural-related experience, fieldwork, data collection & analysis or plan development.
• Previous teaching or volunteer management experience.
•         Proven ability to work with a diverse group of stakeholders.

Responsibilities:

• Work with Host Site staff to develop and implement watershed-related field projects.
• Assist Host Site staff in the completion of watershed-related plans.
• Recruit and manage volunteers on field and service projects; ensure participant safety on all projects.
• Develop materials (brochures, posters, PowerPoint presentations) to use in community presentations.
• Conduct community outreach to educate community stakeholders about watershed-related issues.
• Work with schools and/or youth groups to develop field projects or educational presentations.
• Maintain accurate personnel, safety and project records.
• Complete and submit required program reports in a timely manner.
• Help complete and submit relevant grants.
• Help develop and write watershed-related plans, proposals and reports.

 

 

The Big Sky Watershed Corps (BSWC) is an AmeriCorps program created through collaboration between the Montana Conservation Corps, the Montana Watershed Coordination Council and the Soil and Water Conservation Districts of Montana.  The BSWC utilizes community based initiatives to protect, preserve and restore local watersheds throughout Montana.

 

Qualified individuals with disabilities and those from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.  We provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals and are an equal opportunity employer

 

 

APPLICATIONS DUE SEPTEMBER 9TH

 

Apply here:  http://mtcorps.org/join/big-sky-watershed-corps-conservation-internships/big-sky-watershed-corps/

Subject: PhD position: Insect Agroecology (U of Wyoming)

The Insect Agroecology Lab (supervised by Dr. Randa Jabbour) at the University of Wyoming seeks a PhD student to conduct research on tritrophic interations focused on alfalfa weevil-parasitoid interactions in alfalfa cropping systems. As a PhD student here, you will examine the role of physical disturbances on alfalfa weevil-parasitoid interactions, and your research will take place on both production farms and at our university research farm and greenhouse. You will work alongside a multi-state team of entomologists, agronomists, and ag economists to better understand non-chemical approaches to pest management, improving the sustainability of Western United States croplands. You will have the opportunity, depending on your interests, to train and gain expertise in teaching, outreach and science communication, and be introduced to a diversity of career paths. In addition to the department’s PhD degree in Plant Sciences, you can also consider pursuing your degree in the University of Wyoming’s interdisciplinary PhD program in Ecology (https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.uwyo.edu%2Fpie%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7Cda1d186f0a16442156a508d613f4eea9%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636718340030010282&amp;sdata=0XY4%2F0t8X4cKUijm4hCa3C3NrH4YK%2FUZiBqhpBK3Wx0%3D&amp;reserved=0). This position is funded through the US Department of Agriculture, and has up to 3 years of funding available. You will be strongly encouraged to apply for additional competitive funds while here to further your support.

Preferred qualifications are a MS in entomology, ecology, agronomy, biology, or a related field, experience collaborating with a team and working independently, demonstrated excellence in oral and written communication, and a valid driver’s license, given necessary and considerable research travel throughout the state. Competitive applicants will have research experience focused on insect ecology or integrated pest management and experience publishing scientific research. Applicants with a BS and highly relevant work experience will also be considered. Women and underrepresented minorities are strongly encouraged to apply. Please contact Dr. Randa Jabbour (rjabbour@uwyo.edu) with questions and interest. Prospective students should initially send their CV and a short letter (describing interest & past research experience) to Dr. Randa Jabbour (rjabbour@uwyo.edu). Preferred start date for this position is January or May 2019.

The University of Wyoming is located in Laramie, a town of 30,000 in the Rocky Mountains. Located on a high plain between the Laramie and Snowy Range mountain ranges, Laramie has more than 300 days of sunshine a year and near year-round activities including skiing, hiking, camping, bicycling, fishing and climbing. Laramie also features various art, music, and cultural offerings. Laramie is 1-3 hours away from Colorado’s major cities and university communities along the Front Range.