Month: September 2018

Graduate position: GeorgiaSouthernU.PlantEvolution

M.S. Position starting Spring 2019, Plant Evolution and Ecology

The Schenk lab at Georgia Southern University invites applicants for
a Masterขs Degree in plant evolution and ecology, starting Spring
semester, 2019.  Our lab group is interested in how botanical diversity
has been shaped by the interactions among morphological, ecological, and
species diversification.  We apply statistical phylogenetic approaches
that quantify and incorporate molecular, morphological, and ecological
variation to plant systems in order to understand the evolutionary
processes of how and why species diversify.

Tuition and stipend for competitive students that meet all requirements
will be supported by research and teaching assistantships.  For full
consideration, the application deadline is October 1st, 2018.

Interested students should contact Dr. John Schenk
(jschenk@georgiasouthern.edu) prior to submitting an application (the
earlier the better).  For more information, visit the Schenk lab website
(https://sites.google.com/a/georgiasouthern.edu/schenk) and the Department
of Biology’s website (http://cosm.georgiasouthern.edu/biology).
More information about the Biology graduate
program can be found at the departmental web page
(http://cosm.georgiasouthern.edu/biology/graduate-program-2/).

John J. Schenk, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Plant Biology
Georgia Southern University Herbarium (GAS), Curator
Department of Biology
4324 Old Register Road

Georgia Southern University


Statesboro, GA 30460-8042

Office:  2260 Biology Building
Office phone:  (912) 478-0848
Lab website: sites.google.com/a/georgiasouthern.edu/schenk
Herbarium website: sites.google.com/a/georgiasouthern.edu/gasherbarium

jschenk <jschenk@georgiasouthern.edu>

Grad student opportunities in soil ecology and biogeochem McGill

Graduate (PhD and MSc) Opportunities in Soil Biogeochemistry

Timeline for application: Until filled

Start date: For Canadian citizens: January 2019 (application deadline Oct 15th 2019) or for Fall Term (application deadline May 31st 2019). For non- Canadian citizens: Fall 2019 (application deadline March 15th 2019).

Opportunities: The Soil Ecology and Biogeochemistry Lab
(https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fkallenbachcm.wixsite.com%2Fsoils&amp;data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7Cd22b686d8be54ac8810008d60ff82599%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636713955793143984&amp;sdata=NAaXGkLy534Snp%2FGMS7f%2FG4GtmzOI2B0%2FbvfWOy16Yg%3D&amp;reserved=0) at McGill University MacDonald campus is seeking highly motivated individuals for open MSc and PhD positions. The lab emphasizes research that couples soil ecology and biogeochemistry to understand soil organic matter turnover and accumulation and microbial-plant interactions affecting carbon and nutrient cycling in an agroecosystem specific context and in response to global change.
Students will be guided in developing research projects that will use an integrated approach, combining lab, greenhouse, and field-based studies with advanced chemical and biological molecular techniques.

Applicants should include a cover letter stating research and career goals, current transcripts and resume, and contact information (addresses, email and phone numbers) of at least two references.
Please send application materials to Dr. Cynthia Kallenbach, Department of Natural Resource Sciences; Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences
E-mail: Cynthia.kallenbach@mcgill.ca.

Stipend: Annual stipend and tuition will be covered. Scholarship and teaching assistant opportunities to supplement stipend are also available.

Additional information: McGill University is Canada’s premiere university for research excellence and teaching and one of the top 50 universities worldwide. The Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Science is located at McGill’s Macdonald Campus, just 30 km from vibrant downtown Montreal, providing students with both urban culture and recreational opportunities.
Graduate students at Macdonald campus are a quarter of the student body and the campus houses 8 graduate programs and over 100 faculty members. McGill University is committed to diversity and equity and welcomes applications
from: women, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, persons of minority sexual orientation or gender identity, visible minorities, and others who may contribute to diversification. For further information on the Natural Resource Sciences department and application process please visit:https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mcgill.ca%2Fnrs%2Fgraduate-&amp;data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7Cd22b686d8be54ac8810008d60ff82599%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636713955793143984&amp;sdata=zEb1YXaXIgQCsPP2U7Bd3uoBtsHus9h4dQPwMbso8ZE%3D&amp;reserved=0
students/graduate

Graduate student in tropical insect ecology

Applicants are invited from one student (Ph.D. or M.S.) (start date January
2019) to join the lab of Dr. Donald Yee. The position will focus on aspects of the ecology of insects in El Yunque National Forest (YNF) in Puerto Rico at the Luquillo Long Term Ecological Research site (LTER). The position will be supported during the summer months in the YNF by a NSF funded LTER project involving changes in leaf litter insect communities across different land use types.

For student research projects, multiple areas are welcome, although students interested in aquatic insect communities that occur in the flowers of Heliconia caribaea are STRONGLY encouraged to apply. These systems support a diverse assemblage of aquatic insects and since Hurricane Maria in September
2017 the number of plants has increased dramatically. Areas of research using these systems could include metacommunities, community assembly, effects on species diversity, and species interactions. More info on the LTER can be found here:  https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fluq.lter.network%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7C99773494a0204be44bf708d60ff8137e%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636713955504217401&amp;sdata=9y9JNh3I7aRN4Z81dYmyla0rXdzgxCfV88844TKN8ZI%3D&amp;reserved=0

Prior field experience and coursework in ecology, entomology, and statistics is preferred.

More information about the Yee lab can be found at:
https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Faquaticinsectecology.org%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7C99773494a0204be44bf708d60ff8137e%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636713955504217401&amp;sdata=rg1z82qGA4Ff7nVaNehZulrDhhnWOq%2Bez6WxznNuvf8%3D&amp;reserved=0

Full tuition scholarships for successful applicants are provided. Support is provided by teaching assistantships and research assistantships when available.

Although the School of Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences at USM does not have a minimum set of scores to be eligible for entrance into the graduate program, potential applicants should expect to have a minimum GPA of 3.00 and have taken the GRE before application. For more information on admission follow this link:
https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.usm.edu%2Fbiological-sciences%2Fgraduate-program&amp;data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7C99773494a0204be44bf708d60ff8137e%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636713955504217401&amp;sdata=2CCl3EdB18qz3msJOqsYrQpCbr1QL%2BK1aPYDdoYUvKE%3D&amp;reserved=0

Deadline for Spring 2019 applications is 15 October 2018.

The University of Southern Mississippi, a Carnegie Research High Activity institution with 15,000 students, is located in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, near the Gulf Coast and has abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Hattiesburg is the medical, commercial and cultural center of southern Mississippi and is ranked in the top five small metropolitan areas in the United States. The School of Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences is comprised of about thirty faculty and offers baccalaureate, Master of Science and Ph.D. degrees. Over 60 graduate students currently pursue master’s and doctoral degrees. Further information about the school may be found at: https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.usm.edu%2Fbiological-sciences&amp;data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7C99773494a0204be44bf708d60ff8137e%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636713955504217401&amp;sdata=Zli5uniMTubPtw92%2BIs9MNUMM5g0kIztPqEqHZOT%2BBw%3D&amp;reserved=0

To inquire, submit (via e-mail) a cover letter with a brief (~ one page) review of your research experience + interests and goals and a CV to:

donald.yee@usm.edu

Donald A. Yee, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
School of Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences University of Southern Mississippi

Ph.D./M.S. Graduate Research Assistantships – Auburn University (AL) – fish ecology

Ph.D. and M.S. Graduate Research Assistantships: Fish Ecology
Auburn University, School of Fisheries, Aquaculture & Aquatic Sciences
 
We are seeking interested and qualified applicants for 2-3 graduate student positions at either the MS or PhD level to participate in a large scale, comprehensive study of the influence of dams on riverine fish populations.  The overall project is combining field sampling and tracking, laboratory experiments, and hydrological /behavioral simulation modeling components, all in a collaborative research effort.  The projects on which these particular assistantships would be working would include effects of large lock-and-dam systems on riverine fishes, potential for fish to pass structures using spillways and lock chambers, effects of flow and temperature changes due to hydropower dams on fish movement, diet, and energetics, and use of hard part microchemistry to study natal origins and fish movement as a response to the presence of dams. 
 
 
Feel free to contact me with any questions or for additional information.
 
Dennis DeVries

Research Technician: Plant-fungal Interactions

The research technician position is a one year, full-time (with benefits and possible extension) position, beginning October 1, 2018. The technician will assist in field and greenhouse-based research in plant ecology based out of Bard College, Annandale, NY. The project is focused on plant-soil interactions, and work involves seed germination trials, fungal culturing, vegetation surveys, and greenhouse-based experiments. Opportunities for learning DNA sequencing will exist, but experience is not required. The technician will be responsible for coordinating daily operations, maintaining equipment, recording data, and managing undergraduate researcher teams.  Proficiency with data management in Excel is necessary, and experience conducting statistical analyses in R is desirable. This job also requires the ability to conduct physically rigorous work in a variety of weather conditions, and occasional out-of-state travel. The technician must have excellent organizational and communication skills. Master’s degree preferred. At minimum, technician must have a bachelor’s degree in biology or allied fields, a valid driver’s license, and experience conducting or managing research projects. Interested candidates should submit a letter of application, CV, and the names of three references to Dr. Cathy Collins through Interfolio.com (linked via the Bard College employment website).

Research Specialist Hire

RESEARCH SPECIALIST
Ecology/Genetics
 
Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, Wisconsin
 
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The successful candidate will assist in molecular research on barred owls, under the guidance of the PI and laboratory manager. The candidate will work on a study investigating the diet of barred owls in California; however, opportunity may arise to explore other research questions. Procedures include: DNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, and library preparation for sequencing on the MiSeq platform.
The candidate will be responsible for sample cataloging, storage and the upkeep and maintenance of the sample database.
Responsibilities will include participation in molecular laboratory cleaning and maintenance. It is expected that the research specialists will be an active participant in the lab and attend and present at laboratory meetings. Additional responsibilities may include assistance on other projects in the molecular laboratory and bioinformatic analysis of sequence data.
 
REQUIREMENTS: Masters degree (MSc) preferred, but will consider Bachelors degree, in zoology, ecology, genetics, conservation or related field required. At least one year experience in a molecular research laboratory is required. Demonstrated ability in molecular biology techniques including next-generation sequencing, database maintenance, particularly Microsoft Access, and ability to learn new techniques is highly desired.
 
APPOINTMENT AND SALARY: The position will be available September 15, 2018, flexible start date. The duration of the appointment is 1 years, with the possibility of renewal year pending funding levels. Salary minimum is $30,207 annual depending on qualification, and the position includes health insurance. 
 
APPLICATION/CONTACT INFORMATION: Applicant must have current resume/CV, a cover letter briefly describing qualifications relevant to the positions and three professional references.
Applications close at 11:55PM on Sept 5.
UW-Madison is an AA/EEO employer, including protected veterans and qualified individuals with a disability. 
Any questions about the position can be directed to: Emily Fountain, efountain@wisc.edu, 608-265-2228

Hiring: tropical bird bander

Position Information
Title:                  Avian Studies Coordinator
Organization:    El Observatorio de Aves Jama-Coaque, Third Millennium Alliance
Location:           Reserva Jama-Coaque, Manabí (between Jama and Pedernales)
Openings:          1-2 positions available
Dates:               Mid-October 2018, minimum 1-year contract
 
Summary
Third Millennium Alliance’s (TMA’s) mission is to preserve the last remnants of Pacific Forests in Ecuador and to empower local communities to restore what has been lost. We achieve these goals through a conservation framework of science, education, partnerships, and communication at local, regional, national, and international levels. In January 2017, TMA opened El Observatorio de Aves Jama-Coaque (OAJC) as their flagship research program to help fulfill its mission. The role of OAJC Avian Studies Coordinators is two-fold: (1) to facilitate empowering educational experiences for OAJC visitors (interns, researchers, students, community members) and (2) to conduct meaningful scientific research. Daily routines typically revolve around early-morning field work studying birds with relaxed afternoons spent reviewing data, planning projects, or discussing scientific literature. Work schedule is Monday-Friday with weekends free.
 
Responsibilities and duties
·        Managing field operations and logistics of research projects.
·        Leading hands-on field experiences for interns, students, and bander trainees.
·        Facilitating group discussions of research advances, techniques, and primary literature.
·        Upholding rigorous data collection and entry standards.
·        Facilitating class and researcher visits.
·        Co-leading community outreach and capacity-building events.
·        Fostering a welcoming and comfortable living environment in Reserva Jama-Coaque.
·        Assisting interns with independent projects that may fall outside the field of ornithology.
 
Qualifications
·        Bilingual in Spanish and English.
·        B.S. or M.S. in biology, natural resources, environmental science, or related field preferred.
·        Certified/licensed bird bander (not restricted to any given country/program)
·        Physically fit – able to quickly and safely hike through steep, tropical terrain with field gear.
·        Passionate about avian studies, conservation, and field work.
·        Positive attitude, independent, and experience leading others in a team environment.
·        Willing to live in a remote (semi-off-grid) setting, i.e. the Jama-Coaque Reserve.
·        First-aid/CPR certified preferred but not required
 
Benefits
·        All room and board is provided year-round in Reserva Jama-Coaque. Selected applicant(s) will have essentially no living expenses apart from their weekends and breaks.
·        Minimum 6-8 weeks paid vacation/year (1 week every two months + major holidays).
·        Competitive salary dependent on applicant qualifications and health insurance.
·        Possible opportunities to participate in additional research projects in Jama-Coaque, Andes, Amazon.
 
Applying
Applicants are encouraged to learn more about TMA on our website (tmalliance.org). Interested parties should address any inquiries/questions to TMA’s Director of Research, Mike Ellis (mike[at]tmalliance.org). To apply, please submit a 1-page cover letter, CVs/résumés and contact information for 3 references as a single pdf to mike[at]tmalliance.org and info[at]tmalliance.org by12:00AM September 20, 2017.
 
 

MS Wildlife Habitat and Forest Ecology

The Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, Oklahoma State University is seeking qualified individuals to work on a research project looking at the effects of fire return interval and timber harvesting on wildlife habitat and forest ecology. The position will be filled at the M.S.
level.

RESEARCH AREA: The forest-grassland ecotone in the southcentral US is the tension zone between the eastern deciduous forest and the southern Great Plains. Active management of these systems using prescribed fire and forest thinning can improve wildlife habitat for game and nongame species by altering vegetation structure and composition.  Research will take advantage of a long-term study site with different fire return intervals and forest thinning to determine the effects of management on deer habitat.  The study site is in the beautiful Ouachita Mountains of Oklahoma which is a mix of shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata) and post oak (Quercus stellata) dominated forest/savanna and tallgrass prairie.  This research is part of a larger USDA funded project to determine how management and climate variability alter productivity and value for different mixes of timber, wildlife, and cattle grazing.

STIPEND: A graduate research assistantship of $15,500 for M.S. annually for a half-time appointment. Benefits include resident and non-resident tuition waiver and student health insurance at $20 per month (for student only, family coverage available for an additional fee).

BACKGROUND CHECKS:  Oklahoma State University requires background checks for all newly hired graduate assistants/associates.  Background checks shall be required prior to employment (post-offer, pre-employment).

TENTATIVE STARTING DATE: January 2019

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS: B.S. in plant biology, wildlife biology, forestry, ecology, or related degree.  Plant identification skills or aptitude are necessary.  If applicable, a minimum grade point average of 2.80 (A = 4.00) and acceptable GRE scores are required.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Interested individuals should contact:

Dr. Rodney Will
008C Agricultural Hall
Stillwater, OK 74078
405-744-5444
rodney.will@okstate.edu

LOCATION AND FACILITIES:
The Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management is part of the Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources at Oklahoma State University. The University is a land grant institution with an enrollment of about 25,000 students located midway between Tulsa and Oklahoma City. The Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management conducts interdisciplinary research, instruction, and extension education to address the sustainable management and conservation of the fishery, forest, rangeland, and wildlife resources of Oklahoma and beyond. This department is a source of cutting-edge research, quality instruction, and effective outreach to students, landowners, managers, and public agencies.

Position Announcement: Conservation Communication Intern for Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation

PARC is an inclusive partnership dedicated to the conservation of reptiles and amphibians and their habitats. Our network includes individuals from local, state and federal governments, zoos and aquariums, non-governmental organizations, industry (e.g., pet trade, forest products), museums, nature centers, universities, research laboratories, environmental consultants, private contractors, and more. The diversity of our membership makes PARC the most comprehensive conservation effort ever undertaken for amphibians and reptiles. For more information, seehttp://parcplace.org/.
 
Internship duties include, but are not limited to:
 
(1)
Creating clear, interesting, and engaging content for PARC’s annual report. Content will be solicited from partners for the intern to edit.
(a)
Gathering content and photos from designated contributors, including sending reminder emails. Contact information of contributors will be provided.
(b)
Transferring content between formats (e.g., Google Form to Word)
(c)
Working with PARC’s Graphic Designer on layout and design.
(d)
Communicating feedback from PARC’s National Coordinators to the Graphics Designer.
(2)
 Distilling content from PARC’s regional habitat management guidelines (see http://parcplace.org/habitat/habitat-management-guidelines/) into topical infographics, flyers, or fact sheets.
 
(3)
Submitting drafts for review to:
(a)
 PARC’s National Coordinators (for the annual report; see past examples here: http://parcplace.org/about/annual-reports/)
(b)
PARC’s Executive Committee (for infographics, flyers, and fact sheets)
 
(4)
Working closely with PARC’s Joint National Steering Committee Executive Assistant.
(5)
 Other duties as assigned (e.g., materials for PARC’s 20-year anniversary) or as intern’s interest and time permits.
 
 
Time required: The annual report will be the primary project from October through January.
October, January
: Anticipated time required is
2-3 hrs/wk
November, December
: Anticipated time required is u
p to 10 hrs/wk
Remainder of the year
: 1-2
 hrs/wk, depending on what projects are available/initiated
 
Compensation:  This is a paid internship with a maximum stipend for the year. Monthly compensation will vary based on the types of tasks identified and time required to complete them. The selected intern will be provided with performance evaluations. Continuation in the position is contingent upon satisfactory performance. If not performing adequately, guidance will be provided on what measures need to be taken to improve and succeed.
 
College Credit: We encourage students to speak with their professors about eligibility for credit for this internship; PARC will provide certification of hours worked or other required information for academic departments. 
 
Desired qualifications:
(1)
Superb communication skills and creativity
(2)
Experience with written conservation communications
(3)
Ability to synthesize large amounts of information and distill into key components and compelling messages     
(4)
Basic understanding of amphibian and reptile species conservation concepts
(5)
Keen attention to detail
(6)
Effective time management skills and the ability to meet deadlines
(7)
Willingness to accept constructive feedback and edits
 
Benefits to the intern:
(1)
Professional conservation communications experience
(2)
Access to PARC’s network, providing valuable connections with leaders and experts in the amphibian and reptile conservation field
(3)
Knowledge of current amphibian and reptile conservation issues and engagement with amphibian and reptile experts on those issues
(4)
Understanding of the inner workings of an international conservation partnership
 
It is possible that additional options to gain experience may come available in PARC, dependent on availability of new tasks as well as the intern’s demonstrated performance and strengths.
 
Length of Term: Minimum of 12 months
 
Duty Station: There is no fixed work site for this position. All work will occur remotely.
 
To apply, you must submit the following to PARC’s National Coordinators at parc_coordinators@parcplace.org no later than Wednesday, September 12, 2018:
(1)
A brief resume or curriculum vitae (2 pages or less highlighting your most pertinent experience)
(2)
A cover letter or letter of interest
, in which you should include:
(a)
Why you want the position
(b)
The unique qualifications you would bring to the job     
(c)
What you would like to get out of the experience
(3)
Three professional references
 
(4)
Look at the PARC Endorsements page: http://parcplace.org/network/parc-endorsements/. Use it to provide a writing sample of how you would make the page more inspirational. Tell readers why PARC is providing endorsements and why partners should seek a PARC endorsement.
(5)
Provide one other conservation communication writing sample from a previous project or position.
 

PhD opportunity in Ecology, Evolution, or Evolutionary Ecology

PhD opportunity in Ecology, Evolution, or Evolutionary Ecology

The Turcotte Lab of Evolutionary Community Ecology at the University of Pittsburgh is looking for a PhD student interested in ecology, evolution, or evolutionary-ecology. The lab tests the dynamic interplay between rapid evolution and community ecology in both lab and field settings.  Many topics can be pursued including, but not limited to, how plastic and rapid evolutionary changes impact species coexistence and the eco-evolutionary responses of communities to environmental change.
We address such topics using various plant and insect study systems and apply methods such as experimental evolution, community manipulations, modeling, and genetic analyses.

Please visit the lab webpage for more information:
https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=www.martinturcotte.net&amp;data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7C2953e2d4241d44c5361208d60d99f878%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636711352279336088&amp;sdata=EXbPIeRCck0QjVxceSeZvr%2BIaehkNk74fkOFUBiSRoY%3D&amp;reserved=0

The Department of Biological Sciences is a dynamic and growing team of enthusiastic researchers and educators. Within the last 2 years we have hired 6 new assistant professors in ecology or evolution! The department also runs the Pymatuning Lab of Ecology, which is equipped with lab space and housing to facilitate field-based research in northwestern Pennsylvania. The City of Pittsburgh is a vibrant and beautiful place to live. It is often voted the ‘Most Livable city in the U.S.’.
All graduate students in the department are provided with a competitive stipend and benefits for 5 years through a combination of fellowships, TAships, and research assistantships. Although funding from the lab itself is available, I expect all prospective students to apply for external funding.

Prospective students should email me turcotte@pitt.edu with a short paragraph stating why you are interested in the lab and describe your past research experience. Please include your C.V., any publications, and contact information for a few references.

Martin Turcotte, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Department of Biological Sciences University of Pittsburgh turcotte@pitt.edu