Month: April 2026

M.S. Assistantship in Forest Entomology at the University of Georgia

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The Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources at the University of Georgia, Athens invites applications from highly motivated and enthusiastic students for a M.S. Assistantship starting in Fall 2026 or Spring 2027.  The student’s project will assist with assessing the effects of regenerative forestry practices including biochar application on soil health and soil arthropods in loblolly pine stands.  Results from this project will be used to refine management practices to enhance ecosystem services in managed pine stands while retaining economic values in the region.  The project is a highly collaborative effort between Dr. Rebecca Abney (Warnell School, University of Georgia), a private forest company, and the forest entomology lab.  The ideal candidate would possess both field and laboratory experience related to ecology, strong statistical background with an interest in entomology and soil sciences, and an independent spirit to develop, conduct, and publish research.  A B.S. degree in a related field, especially in biology, ecology, entomology, or forestry is a prerequisite for the position.
The Forest Entomology Laboratory (https://kjgandhi.wixsite.com/gandhi-lab) at the University of Georgia is a dynamic group that works on a broad range of ecological issues, forest insect species, and ecosystems across the country.  Further training in forest ecology, entomology, and statistics will be provided.  A competitive M.S. assistantship along with full tuition waiver is available.  Interested students should submit a statement of interest, current CV along with contact information for three references, and unofficial transcripts to Dr. Kamal Gandhi (kjgandhi@uga.edu; 706-247-4025).
The Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources (http://www.warnell.uga.edu/) is the oldest forestry school in the South, has >70 faculty working in diverse fields, and provides exemplary training of students in the fields of forestry, ecology, and conservation biology.  The School is housed in a four-building complex on campus, and has >23,000 acres in the state for research, teaching, and service activities.  The University of Georgia (http://www.uga.edu/) is a “land-grant and sea-grant university, and is also the state’s oldest, most comprehensive and most diversified institution of higher education”. Its motto is: “to teach, to serve and to inquire into the nature of things”.  The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.
Brittany F. Barnes
Research Professional-Forest Entomology Lab
University of Georgia
D.B. Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources
180 East Green Street
Athens, GA  30606
Brittanybarnes8@gmail.com
Phone:  770-315-2293

PhD position: food web ecology

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Hello Colleagues,
In addition to our advertisement for Lake Ecology Research Technicians, we are looking for a PhD student to join our research team at Colorado State University.  Please find the position description below:
PhD student position: Food web ecology and management of nonnative Mysis shrimp in Grand Lake, Colorado
Location: Dept. of Fish, Wildlife, & Conservation Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
Description: The Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology at Colorado State University invites applications for a funded PhD student position to study ecology and management of nonnative Mysis shrimp in Grand Lake, Colorado. The successful applicant will be based in the laboratories of Dr. Zoe Almeida and Dr. Dan Preston. Nonnative species can restructure food webs, and Mysis have exemplified such consequences following their introduction from their native Great Lakes region to lakes throughout the Western US. In Grand Lake, where a trans-basin water project has contributed to reduced water clarity, there is strong interest in exploring whether reducing Mysis may restore native zooplankton populations and improve water clarity. The successful candidate will design and conduct research to assess how Mysis affect water clarity through food web interactions in experimental settings, especially using laboratory mesocosms. Research may also include leveraging long-term data on water quality and fish populations, in-lake mesocosm experiments, gut content and stable isotope analyses, bioenergetic modeling, and evaluating the ecological roles of Mysis at broader spatial scales using data synthesis. The successful candidate will collaborate with partners and stakeholders at CSU, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Northern Water, the Three Lakes Watershed Association, and the Bureau of Reclamation.
Candidates must have:
    • An undergraduate degree in limnology, ecology, biology, or equivalent Demonstrated excellence in science communication (scientific writing, presentations) and quantitative skills Ability to communicate clearly and work collaboratively with a research team
Preferred qualifications include:
    • A Masters degree in a related field and demonstrated ability to publish research Experience with experimental design, limnology, fish ecology, and food web analyses (e.g., gut content, stable isotope, and metabarcoding analyses) Experience working with multiple stakeholders Familiarity with common programs used for data analyses (e.g., R software)
Position Start Date: Preferred start date is summer of 2026, which would provide the opportunity for field work before enrolling as a graduate student in Fall of 2026. A later start date is negotiable, but the ideal candidate would formally enroll during the ’26/’27 academic year.
Funding: The position is conditionally funded for 4 years through support from the Bureau of Reclamation and teaching assistantships. Funding includes stipend, health insurance, and tuition.
Application: Please submit a letter of interest (1 page), a CV, and contact information for three references as one PDF file to: Dr. Zoe Almeida (l.zoe.almeida@colostate.edu) and Dr. Dan Preston (Dan.Preston@colostate.edu) (please use subject “PhD application: Mysis experiments”). Finalists will be invited to apply through the Colorado State University Graduate School.
Closing Date: Review begins immediately with interviews on a rolling basis and will continue until the position is filled.
Jeremy Brooks
Postdoctoral Fellow Scientist
Dept. of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology
Colorado State University P

Hiring: Research Technician in Agroecology in Salina, KS

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There’s a new Farm Operations research technician position at The Land Institute that will be focused on plot maintenance, field work, and grain threshing. If you know anyone who may be interested and suitable, please share the opportunity with them.
Summary of the job duties:
Field and Lab Work
Initiate, oversee, and maintain research plots through a variety of tasks that include sowing and transplanting, weeding, mowing, irrigating, applying fertilizer, insecticide, fungicide, and herbicide.Sample and harvest field plots in accordance with research timelinesProcess and clean post-harvest samples, including de-hulling, threshing, removing chaff, and collecting sample data such as biomass, seed size, thousand kernel seed weight, etc. Carefully record the time and location of field operations in notebooks, spreadsheets, and online databases; maintain a system of organization consistent with research goalsEnsure that equipment and supplies are available, clean, and in good working order before, during, and after useAssist with natural area management as requested, including burning, brush control, trail maintenance, and revegetationHelp install or remove high tunnels, tunnel covers, weed fabric, plot markers or fences, and temporary irrigation systems. Assist with special events, including tent setup and teardown, signage, etc. Assist with snow removal and spring campus clean-up.
Communication & Outreach
Maintain relationships, communication, and coordination between farm, operations, and research staff;
Organization & Management
Direct & oversee the work of research assistants in the field and seed cleaning tasks, as well as assisting with any necessary trainingHelp with post-harvest sample cleaning and help coordinate the use of cleaning equipment with research programsManage the Land Institute’s shared seed threshing/cleaning facilities, including space organization & scheduling, equipment maintenance & storage, and user training. This role could be expanded to include other specialized equipment or facilities that are designated for research.  Research and make recommendations about equipment features and integrations between equipment, and about new equipment purchase options. Help to refine field and sample processing protocols
Salary range: $45,968-$55,000 annually, depending on experience
Learn more and apply here: 
You may wish also to visit The Land Institute for our 50th Anniversary. The Prairie Festival happening Fri, Sep 25 through Sun, Sep 27.
About The Land Institute:
The Land Institute co-leads the global movement for perennial, diverse, regenerative grain agriculture at a scale that matches the enormity of the intertwined climate, water, and food security crises. An independent 501c3 non-profit founded in 1976, the organization seeks to reconcile the human economy with nature’s economy, starting with food. The transdisciplinary team of scientists, together with global partners, is developing new perennial grain crops, like Kernza©, and diverse cropping systems that function within nature’s limits while researching the social transformation required for a just, perennial human future.
—
Laura van der Pol
Lead Soil Ecologist
P: +1 713.504.0067

Wetland Modeling M.S. Research Assistant; Central Michigan University

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Wetland Modeling M.S. Research Assistant Position

Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI

We are seeking a M.S. student to characterize and model nutrient dynamics in managed wetlands in Michigan. Specifically, the student will assist in field data collection, perform data analysis, and develop and run process-based models of wetland hydrology and nutrient cycling. This position will involve some field and lab work, but the bulk of the research will focus on data analysis and numerical modeling. The student will be jointly supervised by Drs. Roderick Lammers and Amanda Suchy.

 

The target start date is August 2026 with the potential for employment on the project from May 2026 to August 2026. This research assistantship includes 2 years of stipend and tuition waiver. The ideal candidate will have a BS degree in ecology, environmental engineering, environmental science, or a related field. Research or class experience in water quality, hydrology, biogeochemistry and/or numerical modeling is preferred.

 

Depending on background, the student could enroll in either the MS in Engineering (https://cmich.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2025-2026/graduate-bulletin/colleges-and-departments/engineering-and-technology-school-of/engineering-m-s) or MS in Biology program (https://cmich.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2025-2026/graduate-bulletin/colleges-and-departments/biology-department-of/biology-m-s).

 

Interested students should submit: 1) a resume or curriculum vitae, including the names and contact information of at least 2 references; 2) a letter summarizing research interests and skills relevant to this position; and 3) an unofficial copy of transcript(s). Priority will be given to applications received by April 17, 2026. This position is open until filled.

To apply or for more information, please email Dr. Roderick Lammers (lamme1r@cmich.edu).