The Bio-Funk Lab at the University of Rhode Island is accepting applications for a highly motivated M.S. student to begin Fall 2026. Our research interests broadly include conservation, community and ecosystem ecology, biodiversity, and environmental gradients. Students with an interest in biodiversity-ecosystem function relationships, anthropogenic effects, species interactions, and/or soil and microbial ecology are particularly encouraged to apply.

The student will specifically work on a collaborative effort between URI’s Bio-Funk Lab (https://www.shelbyrinehartecology.com/) and URI’s Quest Lab ( https://connectivityandconservation.com/quest-lab) that seeks to understand how New England’s stone walls, as enduring anthropogenic structures, influence relationships between wildlife biodiversity and ecosystem functions and services (e.g., nutrient cycling) and how these relationships scale across space. Stone walls were built primarily by colonial settlers as they transformed the land for agriculture between 1607 and 1850, but they remain an important part of local identity and culture throughout New England, with local historical societies, hunting and fishing clubs, and educational organizations advocating for their preservation. This project will involve using a combination of techniques to assess wildlife populations (e.g., camera trapping) and ecosystem processes (e.g., carbon sequestration, nitrogen fixation, sedimentation, and hydrological flows) in landscapes dominated by historical stone walls. Fieldwork will occur at sites across Rhode Island, eastern Connecticut, and southeastern Massachusetts, and will provide opportunities to network with local land trusts and state and federal agencies.

Successful applicants will have experience conducting ecological research, preferably conducting experiments in the field, analyzing data, and communicating their results via reports, manuscripts, posters, or oral presentations.  Additionally, preference will be given to students with a strong knowledge of New England flora and fauna.

Students accepted into this position will receive two full years of guaranteed support.  Teaching assistantships are the primary means of student support during the semester, with summer research assistantships providing additional financial support during the field season.

Please send any inquiries or questions to Dr Shelby Rinehart (Shelby_rinehart@uri.edu) with the subject line “MS Student Inquiry”.

Formal applications should be directly submitted to the URI Biological and Ecological Sciences Graduate Program (Deadline December 15th). See https://web.uri.edu/cels/academics/bes/admission/ for more information on how to apply. In your application, be sure to indicate that you are applying to Dr. Rinehart’s Bio-Funk lab to ensure that your application is correctly routed.  In addition, please be sure to describe 1-2 research ideas in your application that you would be interested in integrating into this project if you join the lab (include in the personal statement in your application).

We are seeking a MS student to begin in Fall 2026. The student will be supervised by Dr. Paige Ferguson, Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Alabama.

Research will focus on insect diversity and management of longleaf pine with implications for red-cockaded woodpecker conservation. The student will have access to an existing database of insects sampled in the Oakmulgee Ranger District of the Talladega National Forest, Alabama. The student will be responsible for analyzing these data with ecological models in consideration of forest management methods and red-cockaded woodpecker conservation. Alabama’s largest population of red-cockaded woodpeckers occurs in the Oakmulgee Ranger District.

Applicants should have a background in many of the following: fish and wildlife science, wildlife management, entomology, longleaf pine ecology and management, red-cockaded woodpeckers biology, ecological modeling, statistics, computer programming, R, BUGS or JAG or stan, GIS, and clear written and oral communication. Applicants should be highly motivated, prepared to conduct independent research, and enthusiastic about writing scientific papers for publication.

To apply, please email Dr. Ferguson (pfferguson@ua.edu) the following:

1. a cover letter describing your interest in the project and prior experiences that have prepared you for graduate work with Dr. Ferguson

2. your transcript(s) (an unofficial copy is fine),

3. a sample of your scientific writing (for example, a manuscript or lab report), and

4. contact information for 3 references.

Application are due November 10. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

The position comes with a full tuition waiver, a competitive stipend, and health insurance. Funding is available as a Graduate Teaching Assistant through the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Alabama. Highly qualified applicants may be considered for Graduate School Fellowships, which offer a Research Assistantship during the student’s first year and a Teaching Assistantship in subsequent years.

Additional information:

Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama: http://bsc.ua.edu/

University of Alabama Graduate School: http://graduate.ua.edu

University of Alabama: http://www.ua.edu

Tuscaloosa: http://www.tuscaloosa.com/visitor-services

Outdoor opportunities in Alabama: http://www.outdooralabama.com

Dr. Paige Ferguson

Associate Professor, Department of Biological Sciences

The University of Alabama
Shelby 2019A
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487
Phone 205-348-1807
pfferguson@ua.edu | https://bsc.ua.edu/paige-ferguson/

I am looking for motivated students interested in plant ecology, plant eco-physiology, ecosystem ecology and/or conservation biology to join my lab group for the Fall 2026 semester. The research in the lab focuses on understanding the impacts of climate and anthropogenic pressures on the coastal mangrove ecosystems in Florida. Areas of potential investigation include for example the physiological stress tolerance limits of coastal plant species, factors influencing ecosystem-level patterns of primary productivity of mangrove forests, or outcomes of ecosystem restoration projects. Thesis work would involve field work based locally in central or southern Florida, or experimental work in a greenhouse. Students will be expected to develop their own thesis project with the support of the supervisor.

To Apply: To express your interest, please email Dr. Kristiina Visakorpi (kvisakorpi@usf.edu) and briefly describe your qualifications and the types of research questions you’re interested in. Please also attach your CV/Resume and a copy of your unofficial transcripts. Students who seem to be a good fit for the lab will then be encouraged to submit their application materials to the University. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. The deadline to submit the application materials to the University is November 30th: for best consideration, please get in touch as soon as possible.

About USF: The University of South Florida is an R1 University and member of the prestigious Association of American Universities. The Tampa Bay area is a vibrant metropolitan region with an extensive network of parks, trails, and protected areas. More information can be found here.

RESEARCH MASTER’S IN FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT

ENSURING THE SUCCESS OF CONTINUOUS-COVER FORESTRY IN MIXED BOREAL FORESTS BY PROMOTING UNDERSTORY TREE REGENERATION

Project summary:
Forest management in the boreal zone still relies primarily on clearcutting. These practices rejuvenate and homogenize forest stands, leading to the loss of habitats associated with old-growth forests that once dominated pre-industrial landscapes. An alternative approach to reconcile timber harvesting with the maintenance of old-growth attributes is the use of silvicultural treatments that permanently retain a significant forest cover within harvested stands—commonly referred to as continuous-cover forestry.
The success of such treatments, however, depends on establishing a tree regeneration layer with sufficient density and vigor to sustain regular harvests without depleting the forest.

This research project aims to identify the most effective silvicultural practices to promote the establishment and growth of conifer regeneration in a continuous-cover forestry context within mixed boreal forests. The study will be conducted at the Lake Duparquet Teaching and Research Forest (FERLD), within an irregular shelterwood cutting experiment. In the harvested strips, three regeneration treatments were applied—planting, seeding, and natural regeneration (control)—and each treatment was subdivided into plots that were either vegetation-released (competing vegetation removed) or not released.
The selected student will be tasked with identifying which combinations of treatments yield the highest regeneration quality in terms of density and growth. The results will provide essential guidelines for improving continuous-cover forestry practices in mixed boreal forests, contributing to their broader implementation.

Project start date:
Winter 2026 semester (January–April) or Fall 2026 semester (September–December)

Candidate profile:
We are seeking a motivated student passionate about forest ecology and management issues. A Bachelor’s degree in biology, forestry, ecology, or a related field is required. In addition to academic performance, we will place strong emphasis on personal qualities such as curiosity, creativity, autonomy, and teamwork skills. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Funding:
A research scholarship of CAD $21,000 per year for two years will be awarded to the selected candidate.

Location and supervision:
The student will be based at the Forest Research Institute (IRF), Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT), Rouyn-Noranda campus.
Supervision will be provided by Maxence Martin (IRF-UQAT) and Miguel Montoro-Girona (IRF-UQAT), specialists in ecosystem-based management of boreal forests.

Documents requested:
To express your interest, please send a CV and a letter of interest, along with copies of your academic transcripts (unofficial copies accepted) and the contact information of two references to:

Maxence Martin – maxence.martin2@uqat.caMiguel Montoro-Girona – miguel.montoro@uqat.ca

Maxence Martin – Professeur en écologie forestière appliquée/Professor in applied forest ecology

Institut de recherche sur les forêts (IRF) | Forest Research Institute

Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue

Tel. Office 819 762-0971 poste 2053 – Cell. 581-882-8651 |  Bureau F-203 |uqat.ca

PhD opportunity in Evolutionary Ecology

The Ashman and Turcotte labs at the University of Pittsburgh are looking to co-advise a PhD student interested in ecological and evolutionary impacts of whole genome duplication (polyploidy). The student will utilize our rapidly reproducing experimental duckweed system to test various hypotheses concerning the benefits and limitations of this widespread and important major evolutionary change. Various research foci are possible including species or environmental interactions. Additional opportunities exist for involvement in genomic and gene expression studies.

Please visit our lab webpages for more information:
https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fashmanlab2012.wixsite.com%2Fashmanlab&data=05%7C02%7Cmid14018%40ad.uconn.edu%7Cbcc470598fec4369f92c08de0ca508ac%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638962100153628306%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=vKPh5qsYbok%2F2gzR7tx1PpMD%2Bjy7U1U5n0RqPAttU20%3D&reserved=0
https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.martinturcotte.net%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cmid14018%40ad.uconn.edu%7Cbcc470598fec4369f92c08de0ca508ac%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638962100153652577%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=V7h5P8eFu2hj5nKSBlxsRByJcMUhTwjG6kad%2BZjik3Y%3D&reserved=0

The Department of Biological Sciences is a dynamic and growing team of enthusiastic researchers and educators.  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.

Prospective students should email us at: tia1@pitt.edu and turcotte@pitt.edu to express interest and describe your past research experience. Please include your C.V., any publications, and contact information for a few references.

Tia-Lynn Ashman, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor Martin Turcotte, Ph.D., Associate Professor Department of Biological Sciences University of Pittsburgh

M.S. project on the spatial ecology of desert wetlands by Mcintyre, Nancy (07 Oct 2025 16:28 EDT)
Reply to list

MS Position available – Hurricane Ecology in southern ecosystems – UCF Biology and the Jones Center at Ichauway by Nicole Zampieri (07 Oct 2025 14:38 EDT)
Reply to list

Ph.D. student assistantship: Seagrass ecosystems and nekton communities in the Gulf Islands National Seashore by Zachary Darnell (07 Oct 2025 14:27 EDT)
Reply to list

PH.D. STUDENT ASSISTANTSHIP

Understanding Drivers of Change in Seagrass Ecosystems to Inform Management of Critical Habitats in the Gulf Islands National Seashore

The University of Southern Mississippi

Ocean Springs, MS

We seek a highly motivated student to fill a funded Ph.D. assistantship at The University of Southern Mississippi’s Gulf Coast Research Laboratory in Ocean Springs, MS. The selected student will be co-advised by Dr. Zachary Darnell and Dr. Kelly Darnell. This assistantship will begin in either January or June 2026 depending on the availability of the selected student.

The assistantship will be centered on a recently funded project to identify and monitor long-term trends and variability in seagrass-dominated ecosystems in the Gulf Islands National Seashore and identify drivers of change in biodiversity and productivity of these systems to address knowledge gaps and uncertainties prioritized by resource managers. The project will involve substantial field sampling for seagrass and seagrass-associated nekton across the Gulf Islands National Seashore in Florida and Mississippi, as well as laboratory sample processing. Experience working in seagrass beds and familiarity with coastal nekton communities is preferred but not required. This is a collaborative project with researchers at multiple academic institutions and stakeholders from multiple agencies including the National Park Service.

The student selected for this position will pursue a Ph.D. degree in the Division of Coastal Sciences within the School of Ocean Science and Engineering (SOSE). The assistantship includes tuition and a stipend of $29,400 per year for a duration of 5 years. The student selected for the assistantship will be a fully integrated member of the project team and will contribute to study design, collection and analysis of data, and manuscript preparation. Applicants with an M.S. degree are preferred.

The Division of Coastal Sciences is a research and graduate education unit within SOSE, which offers graduate and undergraduate degree programs in Coastal Sciences, Hydrographic Science, Marine Biology, Marine Science, and Ocean Engineering, and a certificate program in Uncrewed Maritime Systems. The faculty and staff of SOSE leverage its location on the Gulf Coast and expertise in marine and coastal science and engineering to address challenges facing coastal and marine environments. SOSE has significant research infrastructure and facilities across four principal sites spanning the Mississippi Gulf Coast: the NASA Stennis Space Center, the Gulf Park Campus at Long Beach, the Roger F. Wicker Center for Ocean Enterprise at the Port of Gulfport, and the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory in Ocean Springs. This position will be located in Ocean Springs at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, a marine laboratory featuring comprehensive research programs in coastal and marine biological sciences. Research program support includes state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and instrumentation; a fleet of small and large research vessels; the GCRL Museum collection; facilities at the Center for Fisheries Research and Development (CFRD) and Thad Cochran Marine Aquaculture Center (TCMAC); and the NSF I/UCRC Science Center for Marine Fisheries. Ocean Springs is a small, coastal town known for its beauty, natural resources, and vibrant arts community. It is home to galleries, restaurants, and schools that are ranked among the best in the state.

Interested students should contact Dr. Zachary Darnell (zachary.darnell@usm.edu). Please include a cover letter describing your interests and career goals, a copy of your CV, unofficial undergraduate and graduate transcripts, and contact information for three professional references. Review of applicants will begin on October 15, 2025 and continue until the position is filled.

Now Accepting Applications for the UTEP ROADS 2026-2027 Cohort! (Due March 1st 2026) by Schaeffer, Kathleen E 

Come join the Little Ecology Group (www.littleecologygroup.ca) at Simon Fraser University in British Columbia, Canada! We are hiring a PhD student to conduct aquatic biodiversity research as part of the Alpine Horizons research project, a joint effort of multiple B.C. universities, the Squamish Nation, and British Columbia Parks. You can learn more about Alpine Horizons here.

The project: A doctoral position is available for a student with a background in ecology and/or environmental science. British Columbia’s Coast Mountains feature unique alpine landscapes, webbed by glacial and snowmelt-driven streams. The biodiversity of these freshwater ecosystems is poorly documented in scientific literature, and as a result it is challenging to understand how climate change will impact stream biodiversity, or how biomonitoring could be used to evaluate impact of infrastructure development in the alpine zone. To address the needs of our project partners (Squamish Nation and B.C. Parks), this project aims to fill the knowledge gap on freshwater macroinvertebrate diversity in the Coast Mountains, as well as investigating stream ecosystem functioning.  This project will entail fieldwork in rugged areas, as well as conceptual work linking species traits to climate risk and environmental conditions.

Within these topics, the group leader Dr. Chelsea Little is excited to work with the student to develop research ideas that inspire them. The Little Ecology group focuses on community and landscape ecology, but across a wide array of ecosystem types, scales, and taxonomic groups. We seek group members who would thrive in this environment and who enjoy learning about the processes at work in the natural world.

Expectations: Doctoral students are expected to develop at least three research chapters for their dissertation. We expect that students will be increasingly independent as they advance through their doctoral career. Group members should conduct sound, reproducible research and uphold principles of open science. In this interdisciplinary project, we also expect that students consider input from project partners and help mobilize their knowledge to communities.

The Little Ecology Group values diversity and seeks to build an inclusive lab. Currently, our research group consists of mix of graduate students, undergraduate researchers, and one postdoc. Group members are expected to contribute to a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. International students and those from groups that are under-represented in ecology are encouraged to apply. You can read our lab values statement below the “how to apply” section of this page.

Eligibility:  Candidates must have completed a masters degree in a relevant field. Competitive candidates will have experience working in field settings; strong statistical and modelling skills, including comfort in the R computing environment; and excellent interpersonal and writing abilities. Expertise in freshwater macroinvertebrate identification is an asset. Experience working outdoors in mountain environments is beneficial, but the only requirement is willingness to conduct multi-day research trips in a remote environment, hiking with considerable elevation gain and occasionally in adverse weather conditions.

The student will be enrolled in the PhD program in either the Biological Sciences department or the School of Environmental Science at Simon Fraser University, depending on student interest. Information about the program, including admission criteria, can be found here for Biological Sciences and here for Environmental Science.

Both Canadian and international students are eligible for these positions. Note that a Canadian student could start as early as May 2026, but due to study permit processing times, an international student could realistically not start until September 2026.

Compensation: PhD students receive $34,100 per year in compensation for at least four years. It is expected that a portion of this will come from teaching assistantships, and that students will apply for appropriate fellowships/scholarships. For example, Canadian applicants are expected to develop an NSERC CGS-D application in fall of 2026 or 2027, if they are selected for the position. The balance of the students’ compensation packages will come from grant funding. The Biological Sciences funding policy can be found here.

How to Apply: To express your interest, get more information, or ask questions about my mentorship approach, please email your CV, academic transcript(s), and a cover letter that includes a short description of your research interests and background and a note about your career goals to Chelsea_little AT sfu.ca. Review of applications will begin on October 25, 2025, and continue until the position is filled. If the position is still listed on this site, we are still accepting applications!

Our values:

As stated in its name, the Little Ecology Group values each little piece that makes up our collective group. Our lab members come from varying backgrounds, including in our positionality and understanding of the world, and we are dedicated to making this a safe place for people of all backgrounds and levels of experience. The Little Ecology Group celebrates these differences, for they enrich what we all share: our curiosity and love for science. We strive to create an environment where people can feel confident and supported in seeking higher learning, regardless of their background or experience, and where we practice kindness and respect for ourselves and others. We seek inspiration from other group members and aim to create a fun and collaborative environment where we can learn in an engaging and supportive way. Although our research is focused on ecology, our work is not limited to only the natural world and we must consider all aspects of natural and social science, including historical relevance, cultural importance, political influence, and scientific method. We recognize the importance of not only doing science, but of understanding it in the larger context of the world, and of communicating it effectively across communities. We are community participants who share our work with local policy and decision-makers to help protect nature. If you align with these values or if you have new views to challenge and improve who we are as a group, the Little Ecology Group welcomes you!