An MS graduate position is available with Dr. Steve Travers (Evolutionary Ecolgy, North Dakota State University) starting Fall 2026.  The successful applicant will investigate the adaptation of wild plants to warm climates. The two year project will involve:

Experimentally testing heat tolerance of Brassica rapa collected from a range of latitudes Designing variables to measure reflecting tolerance Synthesizing field work and collaborative work on physiology and genetics Opportunities at leadership

Project Description: Variation in plant thermotolerance can result from multiple factors, including adaptation to local thermal climates. In this project, we will conduct a common garden experiment and measure thermotolerance variables in populations from divergent thermal environments toward the extremes of the Brassica rapa U.S. range. We will test three non-exclusive predictions based on the hypothesis of local thermal adaptation: (1) optimal performance temperatures are positively correlated with mean provenance temperature; (2) plants from more thermally variable environments are more thermally plastic than their counterparts from more stable environments; and (3) plants from more thermally variable environments have the widest thermal niche breadths.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelors degree in ecology, biology, environmental science or related field Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team and be willing to mentor others Research experience

If you are interested in learning more about the research and the position, please contact Steve Travers at steven.travers@ndsu.edu. You can also learn about the lab at: https://sites.google.com/view/evoecobot/home?pli=1

Graduate Assistantships in Global Change and Forest Dynamics, University of Denver

The Martin lab (duforestecology.weebly.com) invites applications at the Ph.D. or M.S. level to the University of Denver graduate program in Biology, Ecology and Evolution in the Department of Biological Sciences (du.edu/nsm/departments/biologicalsciences/index.html).

We welcome inquiries from candidates interested in how global environmental change is influencing tree demography and forest dynamics across spatial and temporal scales. Observational and experimental studies in the field will be used to build quantitative models of plant-environment relationships and to explore scenarios of forest dynamics under changing conditions; e.g. climate change influences on recruitment, whole-plant carbon budgets in invasive species ecology, and how drought and warming are impacting tree species biochemistry and physiology. Opportunities exist for projects in the montane forests of the Rocky Mountains or the tropical montane forests in the Caribbean. Projects will start ideally on June 1st, 2026.

We seek candidates with proficiency and experience in the following areas:
* Fieldwork ecology experience; love of mountains, hiking, camping, etc.
* Experience in tree ecophysiology, including use of a LI-COR 6800
* Interest or experience using quantitative models of forest dynamics (e.g. SORTIE).
* Statistical, modeling, and programming skills (R, S-plus, etc.).
* Knowledge of the flora and ecology of the Rocky Mountain or Caribbean regions
* Strong written and communication skills, including firsthand experience publishing in peer-reviewed journals.

Interested applicants should email Dr. Martin (patrick.h.martin@du.edu). Applications received before February 1st 2023 will receive priority.

In your email, please provide a statement of your current and future research interests and experiences, your CV, and contact information for 3 references.

Graduate position in parental care evolution

The Potticary Lab at Northern Michigan University is recruiting a Masters (MS) student to work on the ecology of parental care evolution of burying beetles (start date fall 2026).

In the Potticary lab, we are investigating the ecology of parenting using burying beetles of the genus Nicrophorus as a study system. Depending on the interests of the successful candidate, there are several projects on northern Michigan burying beetles that may be available. On-going and planned projects include work on the transgenerational effects of parenting, the impact of ecological variation on parenting strategies, and how communication mechanisms influence parental care strategies.

Applicants with strong interests in evolution, behavior, ecology, natural history, or related fields are encouraged to apply. Desired qualifications include the ability to balance working independently and collaboratively, excellent work habits, and strong writing skills. Projects will involve working with both a laboratory colony containing multiple species of Nicrophorus burying beetles, as well as consistent field work under a diversity of conditions. All projects require the handling of live beetles and their primary food/breeding resource (carrion). No prior fieldwork experience is required, but the successful candidate must be keen to develop their fieldwork skills and comfortable handling insects, or are interested in handling insects.

To apply informally, please send a letter of interest, CV, transcript (unofficial is fine), and contact information for three references to Dr. Ahvi Potticary, apottica@nmu.edu. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a suitable candidate is identified (official admissions procedures to follow). All applications received by December 12 will receive full consideration.

For more information on the Potticary lab, please see here: https://ahvapotticary.weebly.com/

For more information on the graduate program at Northern Michigan University, please see here: https://nmu.edu/biology/masters-science-biology

Attachment: Graduate student posting 2026.pdf (application/pdf)

*** NASA-MSU Professional Enhancement Awards ***

With support from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Michigan State University (MSU), NASA-MSU Professional Enhancement Awards are given to students, postdocs, and junior researchers (e.g., assistant professors) to cover expenses associated with attending the meeting of  IALE-North America  (North America Regional Association of the International Association for Landscape Ecology), which will be held in Athens, Georgia, April 26-30, 2026. This will be the 25th anniversary of the NASA-MSU Program.

The application materials include a cover letter, application form, abstract, resume/CV, and budget. The abstract should also have been submitted to the IALE-NA meeting website. Applications are judged based on the merits of the applicants’ abstracts, financial needs, and professional backgrounds and goals.

Presentations (oral or poster) should focus on telecoupling (environmental-socioeconomic interactions over distances, such as human and animal migration, species dispersal, species invasion, disease spread, sound/noise transmission, spread of pollutants and wastes, trade of goods and products, flows of ecosystem services, environmental and hydrological flows, foreign investment, technology transfer, water transfer, and tourism) and/or metacoupling. Topics may include applications of the telecoupling framework or metacoupling framework to address issues across landscapes or coupled human and natural systems (e.g., dynamics, pattern, process, structure, function, and sustainability). For more information about coupled human and natural systems, please see: Science and Ambio.

Awardees will also have opportunities to interact with some leading scientists and other meeting attendees, including a special dinner on April 27, and telecoupling / metacoupling workshop #4  (https://www.ialena.org/workshops-2026.html ) and symposium #5 (https://www.ialena.org/symposia-2026.html).

Students, postdocs, and other junior scholars (e.g., assistant professors) from around the world (except former award recipients) are welcome to apply. Please apply here (https://msu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9nsQ6KiZMNCyWFg) . The application deadline is December 15, 2025.

Questions can be directed to:

Dr. Jianguo (Jack) Liu
Rachel Carson Chair in Sustainability
Center for Systems Integration and Sustainability
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI  48824, USA
liuji@msu.edu

Eastern Washington University invites applicants for our Master of Science program in Biology!

https://www.ewu.edu/cstem/biology/biology-ms/

The EWU Biology MS is a thesis-based program emphasizing research. A variety of specialties are available within the department, including aquatic and riparian ecology, cell biology, fisheries, genetics, microbiology, molecular ecology, physiology, restoration ecology, and wildlife (see https://www.ewu.edu/cstem/biology/faculty-staff/).  Some specific laboratories recruiting students are highlighted below, but other faculty are accepting applicants as well. We welcome applicants from a diversity of backgrounds interested in any of these fields, including those underrepresented in biology.

Dr. Krisztian Magori (kmagori@ewu.edu) is recruiting graduate students to study infectious disease threats to animals and people in relation to climate, land use and biodiversity change in the Inland Northwest; as well as to develop and disseminate best practices to integrate AI into biological data analysis.

Camille McNeely (fmcneely@ewu.edu) is recruiting students interested in stream or wetland ecology, with a focus on invertebrates, restoration, nutrient loading, and/or food webs. Please contact Dr. McNeely for more information.

Dr. Charlotte Milling, in collaboration with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Kalispel Natural Resources Department, is recruiting candidates for 1-2 MS positions evaluating waterfowl ecology in the Pacific Flyway. The Milling Lab at EWU investigates questions related to behavioral ecology and animal-habitat relationships to inform conservation of wildlife populations and their habitat.  Applied research projects that address contemporary challenges of regional relevance (e.g., wetlands management, wildfire, multiple land use) are of particular interest. Projects will combine field-based research, lab-based methods, and advanced quantitative reasoning to advance understanding of ecological processes meaningful to managers and partners in the flyway.  For more information on potential research projects or lab-specific required qualifications, or to express your interest in joining the lab, please email cmilling@ewu.edu.”

Research in Thrikawala Lab can be summarized into one word, “immunotoxicology”. I investigate how environmental and pharmaceutical chemicals affect immunity, altering immune response to infections and injury. I use zebrafish larvae to model infection and injury and use fluorescent microscopy to track real-time immune cell responses. If you are excited to work with an animal model, cool microscopy, and cutting-edge molecular techniques like CRISPR, please contact Dr. Savini Thrikawala via suparathrikawala@ewu.edu.

Financial support is available through Graduate Service Appointments (GSAs, https://www.ewu.edu/apply/graduate/tuition-aid/), which provide tuition-waiver and wages for a 20 hour per week teaching responsibility. Additional funding may be available through grants or contracts to individual faculty advisors.  For full GSA consideration for fall 2026 admission, applications are due February 10, 2026.  Admission requires an undergraduate degree in Biology or a related field, 3.0 GPA, and approval of an EWU faculty member willing to serve as the thesis advisor.  We recommend contacting potential advisors as early as possible in the application process.  The GRE is not required.

Application information: https://www.ewu.edu/apply/graduate/

Biology Department website: https://www.ewu.edu/cstem/biology/

EWU Graduate Programs website: https://www.ewu.edu/grad/

For questions contact: fmcneely@ewu.edu (Camille McNeely, M.S. Program Director, Biology, Eastern Washington University)

EWU does not discriminate in its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, age, marital status, families with children, protected veteran or military status, HIV or hepatitis C, status as a mother breastfeeding her child, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability, as provided for and to the extent required by state and federal laws.

Location

EWU’s 300-acre main campus is located in Cheney, a community of 11,000 residents 16 miles southwest of the state’s second largest city, Spokane. Our area combines small-town charm and big-city life, floatable rivers and award-winning urban parks, Instagrammable nature spots and downtown market. The metro area is home to more than 600,000 people with nightlife, malls, an international airport, movie theaters, and museums. We also have cafes, restaurants, parks, art galleries, sports teams, concerts and enough coffee for even the fiercest java hounds.

EWU has a strong commitment to supporting students from diverse backgrounds.  Resources include active Multicultural (https://inside.ewu.edu/mcc/) and Pride (https://inside.ewu.edu/pridecenter/) Centers. EWU maintains a Writer’s Center that works with many of our Biology M.S. students (https://inside.ewu.edu/writerscenter/), and a robust Student Accommodations and Support team (https://inside.ewu.edu/sass/).

The Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation (SMSC) is seeking to fill 10 paid REU positions for Summer 2026 at our NSF-funded REU site “Saving Endangered Species and Habitats: Next-generation Education, Research, and Training for Conservation Biologists.” This 10-week REU, held from June 1 to August 7, 2026, will give undergraduate students an opportunity to conduct hands-on, full-time conservation research and gain career-ready skills to improve knowledge of and best management practices for threatened species with the goal of helping to alleviate the global extinction crisis. Students will work with mentors to develop an original inquiry-based research project within one of the following three focal areas: 1) assessing and monitoring species in the wild, 2) understanding species integrity and resilience to anthropogenic threats, and 3) improving captive management of threatened species.

This REU takes advantage of the resources offered by the SMSC, located at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI), which provide ample opportunity to learn and conduct research onsite, including lab, field, and/or computational research. Students will be trained in the responsible and ethical conduct of research, and how to effectively promote their findings using various online/social media platforms. Project mentors are conducting impactful, recognized research and all have experience in providing mentorship and professional development experiences for undergraduates. REU students will also participate in a series of career and skills-building seminars with faculty and attend colloquium talks given by experts in conservation, while interacting with peers in team-building activities and social excursions. Students will also enhance their communication skills by presenting their research findings at a final symposium as well as a poster preview for the local community. Successful applicants will be paired with a research mentor based on their interest in this REU’s thematic areas and the best fit of the REU experience for the student’s academic and/or professional or career goals.

As part of the application process, students will need to identify available projects they are interested in working on. A list of available projects and associated mentors can be found on our website at: https://smconservation.gmu.edu/nsf-reu/

This is a fully funded, 10-week paid research experience. Candidates must be available and in residence for the entire 10-week period. All REU participants will receive a $7,000 stipend, up to $500 in travel support to/from the REU site, plus room and board at the residence and dining facilities of the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation (SMSC), located at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) in Front Royal, Virginia. Upon successful completion of the program, students can receive up to $200 in conference participation support.

Who should apply?

Undergraduate students who are very excited about a career in conservation, or interested in related disciplines, such as biology, ecology, genetics, physiology, animal behavior, endocrinology, anthropology, and environmental sciences, are encouraged to apply.

NSF-REU eligibility:

To be eligible for this REU program, you must be (1) at least 18 years old, (2) enrolled in an undergraduate degree program (part-time or full-time) leading to a bachelor’s or associate degree, (3) a US citizen, US national, or permanent resident.

When is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is January 30, 2026.

Start preparing your application materials early! This is a competitive program and only 10 students will be selected. Through the online application system (NSF-ETAP), students will need to submit:

Current resume Unofficial transcript(s) for all college/university-level coursework One letter of recommendation from a professor or someone from a professional capacity that can judge your ability to succeed in a research program An essay/narrative that describes your academic and professional interests related to the discipline of conservation and what motivated you to pursue them, as well as your future goals and ambitions and how this REU experience would help you achieve those goals

Apply by following this link to the NSF application portal: https://etap.nsf.gov/.

Create an account and enter SMSC in the search bar, or go directly to our program page: https://etap.nsf.gov/award/7921/opportunity/11407.

If you have specific questions, please contact the REU Faculty Program Director, Dr. Anneke DeLuycker at adeluyck@gmu.edu

The Sianta Lab (https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.siantalab.com%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cdaniel.bolnick%40uconn.edu%7C2803136276a547f856a708de21ad2b63%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638985224811273937%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=ZOK2ty9a8l3%2Bpg%2BhOV4u0%2B5wVs7MNXUowh2vO%2FP6YPE%3D&reserved=0) in the Department of Integrative
Biology at the University of Texas at Austin seeks a highly motivated and
detail-oriented laboratory technician to play a key role in setting up
and supporting the research operations of our lab. Our research focuses
on understanding the evolutionary and ecological processes driving
phenotypic, genetic, and species diversity in plant systems. The lab uses
field and greenhouse experiments, population genomics, and phylogenomics
and comparative biology to investigate how spatial environmental
variation and local adaptation contribute to speciation. This position
offers a unique opportunity to be involved in the foundational stages of
a lab, contributing to a cutting-edge research program that integrates
ecological, evolutionary, and genomic approaches.

This position will involve general lab setup and management, general plant
care and experiments with plants in the greenhouse, standard molecular
biology techniques, and training and supervising of undergraduate
assistants. This position will likely involve fieldwork in Spring
2026 in California and/or Texas, which may require being away from
Austin, TX for one to a few weeks across multiple trips and may require
camping. Fieldwork would require some driving and a valid driver’s
license. The work will also include data analysis, and there will be
opportunities for publishing research.

Review of applications will start November 17th, 2025 and will continue
until the position is filled. Start date as soon as December 2025,
but is negotiable.

Please see more details here:
https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Futaustin.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com%2FUTstaff%2Fjob%2FUT-MAIN-CAMPUS%2FResearch-Engineering-Scientist-Associate-I_R_00042901&data=05%7C02%7Cdaniel.bolnick%40uconn.edu%7C2803136276a547f856a708de21ad2b63%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638985224811292782%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=0HMqeNDanNbouo5n6w3hGykU1C4AjgVg6F%2BWAKpHdI8%3D&reserved=0

Inquiries about the position can be directed to Shelley Sianta
(shelley.sianta@austin.utexas.edu).

The Elmore Lab (https://sites.google.com/view/elmore-ecology) at Clemson University is seeking to recruit 1 PhD and 1 MS student to join the Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation (FEC) under the Wildlife and Fisheries Biology graduate program (https://www.clemson.edu/cafls/forestry-environmental-conservation/students/graduate.html).

Tropical Storm Helene caused widespread flooding, landslides, and destruction across the southern Appalachian region in September 2024. These impacts caused long-term and potentially permanent changes to the distribution, structure, and function of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Field evaluations and monitoring are required to understand how baseline ecological conditions changed following these large-scale, geological changes in terrestrial and aquatic systems. Graduate students working on this project will be part of a larger team working to monitor and assess terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems impacted by Tropical Storm Helene. This dynamic and multi-disciplinary team at Clemson University has expertise across the fields of forestry, wildlife, fisheries, and fire ecology. Team members will work closely with federal, state, and non-governmental organizations to communicate findings and inform ongoing, on-the-ground restoration and recovery efforts aimed at focal species, ecosystems and important forest resources.

The PhD candidate will help coordinate a landscape-scale monitoring project and ask questions surrounding how priority bird species (e.g., Kentucky Warbler, Golden-winged Warbler, Cerulean Warbler, Swainson’s Warbler, Veery, Ruffed Grouse, etc.) respond to hurricane damage and restoration projects. Bird monitoring will use autonomous recording units (ARU) and may integrate other human or citizen science-based surveys into occupancy or population trends. The MS candidate will help coordinate a smaller scale nest monitoring project and ask questions surrounding how priority bird species nesting behavior and success is influenced by hurricane damage and restoration projects. Both projects will compare across disturbed to undisturbed areas and may include questions pertaining to scale and resolution of disturbance on the landscape. Students will have the opportunity to develop some specific research questions and shape their dissertation/thesis to their interest within the above framework.

Each position includes a tuition waiver and a 12-month stipend (PhD = $35k and MS = $30k per year). The position also includes a university computer, funding for professional travel (e.g., conferences and training) or field work, and publication costs for peer-reviewed publications. Positions will be located on campus at Clemson University (https://www.clemson.edu/), a public land-grant Carnegie R1 Research University in a college town setting, on Lake Hartwell, in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is about 2 hours from Atlanta, GA and Charlotte, NC, and about 45 minutes from Greenville, SC. Clemson is bound on the north and south by the 17,500-acre Clemson University Forest and the west by Lake Hartwell. The FEC is home of the South Carolina Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, The Baruch institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science, The National Bobwhite and Grassland Initiative, and several other research and education centers. Remote work is not possible as students must take on-campus classes and conduct summer field work in remote areas of Pisgah National Forest just outside of Asheville, North Carolina.

The Elmore Lab and FEC at Clemson University desire to create a diverse community that welcomes people regardless of race, culture, age, gender, sexuality, religion, socioeconomic level, political perspective, physical ability, opinion, value, or experience. We value and believe that each member of our team enriches our research experience by contributing to the understanding and engagement of science while being included and respected. We also recognize that effective mentorship is an important influence for student outcomes, experiences, completion, satisfaction, and success. We expect a mutual exchange, mentor-mentee relationship founded in respect, personal rigorous goals to be set, and we do everything in our ability to achieve those as a team.

PhD applicants must have a MS degree and MS applicants must have a BS degree in wildlife ecology, natural resources, environmental science, geography, GIS, or closely related field. The desire to publish peer-reviewed scientific articles is required, and ideal applicants will have evidence of both written and oral communication skills. Applicants demonstrating advanced modeling and computational skills, including proficiency in R and/or GIS programs (or demonstrating a desire to learn these skills) will be highly competitive. Applicants should demonstrate that they have the ability to lead and manage an independent research project, but also be a part of collaborative team efforts. Commitment to bird conservation is a must, and demonstrated experience conducting bird field work highly desired. For the PhD position, applicants with experience processing ARU data and/or integrating multiple data sources at broad spatial scales will be highly competitive. For the MS position, applicants with experience tracking individual birds or conducting nest studies will be highly competitive.

To apply, please send a single merged PDF that includes a letter of interest and qualifications, full academic CV, unofficial transcripts, and contact information for at least 3 professional references to jaelmor@clemson.edu with “Bird response to disturbance graduate position” as the email subject. I welcome informal inquiries about the position. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until successful applicants are found. The positions will start in January or May of 2026.

Announcement: Summer REU position in plant disease ecology – University of Florida

The Flory Lab (www.florylab.com) at the University of Florida (UF) in Gainesville, FL is seeking an undergraduate for a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) position for summer 2026. This position is part of a larger research project funded by the NIFA/NSF/NIH Ecology and Evolution of Infectious Disease program aimed at understanding the mechanisms of pathogen spillover across ecosystem boundaries mediated by an invasive grass. With the help of mentors, the REU student will develop an independent project, acquiring skills in question formulation, experimental design and execution, data analysis, and science communication. Experiments for this project may involve inoculating invasive, native, and/or crop plants with a fungal pathogen to test possible causal relationships observed in the field. The REU student will work closely with Jason Sckrabulis, a postdoc in the Flory lab, and Luke Flory, one of the project principal investigators, and will interact with other UF researchers involved in the project. Previous REU projects in the lab were very successful, leading to publication (REU participant bolded):

Benitez L., A.E. Kendig, A. Adhikari, K. Clay, P.F. Harmon, R. Holt, E. Goss, and S.L. Flory. 2022. Invasive grass litter suppresses a native grass species and promotes disease. Ecosphere. https://doi.org/10.1002/ecs2.3907

Kendig A.E., V.J. Svahnström, A. Adhikari, P.F. Harmon, and S.L. Flory. 2021. Emerging fungal pathogen of an invasive grass: Implications for competition with native plant species. PloS One. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0237894

Applicants must be enrolled in a baccalaureate degree program with an anticipated graduation date after September 2026 and must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (including possessions/territories). The ideal candidate will be interested in pursuing a graduate degree or career in ecology, evolution, environmental science, or biology following graduation. Previous experience in plant disease ecology is not required.

The REU position is 10 weeks in duration during summer 2026 with a flexible start date and a total stipend of $5100. Transportation and housing are not included.

To apply, send the following to Jason Sckrabulis at jason.sckrabulis@gmail.com (if possible combined as a single Word or PDF file):

A brief cover letter outlining your relevant experience, interest in the position, and career goals (maximum one page, single spaced)

A resume or CV

Undergraduate transcript (official or unofficial)

Contact information for two references (faculty members are preferred)

Please email Jason with any questions. Review of applications will begin immediately, with a final submission date of January 15, 2026, with an offer being made by February 15, 2026.

—

Jason Sckrabulis (he/him/they/them)

Website

M.S. Graduate Positions in Biology at William and Mary

The Puzey Lab in the Biology Department at William & Mary is recruiting
motivated students for our two-year M.S. program beginning Fall 2026. Our
research focuses on plant evolutionary biology, spanning ecology,
genomics, organismal biology, and interactions among plants, insects,
and microbes.

Highlights
– Fully funded: tuition remission plus stipend as a Graduate
 Teaching Assistant
– Join an active research environment investigating plant evolution,
 ecology & genomics

Lab-specific research themes
– The role of plant–microbe interactions in shaping plant evolution
 and population dynamics
– Polyploidy and genome evolution
– Male gamete biology: pollen competition, pollen tube growth rate,
 mating system evolution (with Mimulus as a model)

Eligibility
Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology,
evolutionary biology, genetics, or a related field by the program
start. Prior research experience is encouraged.

How to Apply / Contact
Prospective students are strongly encouraged to contact Josh Puzey,
to discuss research interests and fit. For general questions about the
M.S. program, please reach out to the Graduate Program Coordinator,
Sarah Freeman (spfreeman01@wm.edu).

Program overview and application: https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wm.edu%2Fas%2Fbiology%2Fgraduate%2F&data=05%7C02%7Ceric.schultz%40uconn.edu%7Cc4db2c0d47e741ca84d308de1dc2f4ae%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638980920347505598%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=dKO03l3YH0fmePeNPsu0tDvAp76vzwlEjq5vU3LfKBY%3D&reserved=0



—-



M.S. Graduate Positions in Biology – William & Mary

The Biology Department at William & Mary is recruiting highly motivated
students for our two-year M.S. program starting Fall 2026. This is
a research-focused degree with close faculty mentoring across diverse
biological disciplines including ecology & evolution, molecular & cellular
biology, organismal biology, neuroscience, and computational biology.

Program Highlights
– Fully funded: tuition remission + stipend as a Graduate
 Teaching Assistant
– Complete a research thesis in ~2 years
– Strong faculty mentorship with individualized research training
– Opportunities to mentor undergraduates and gain teaching experience
– Excellent preparation for Ph.D. programs, medical school, or careers
 in biotech, environmental science, government agencies, and more

Eligibility
Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree in Biology or a related field
by the start of the program. Research experience is encouraged. The GRE
is not considered in admission decisions.

Learn More
Program overview: https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wm.edu%2Fas%2Fbiology%2Fgraduate%2F&data=05%7C02%7Ceric.schultz%40uconn.edu%7Cc4db2c0d47e741ca84d308de1dc2f4ae%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638980920347528559%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=%2FtF%2FlvczE2s5q9pK7%2B4vJYCGxwI1z0RvYT8hr%2FVMDHk%3D&reserved=0

How to Apply / Contact
We strongly encourage prospective students to contact potential faculty
advisors (https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wm.edu%2Fas%2Fbiology%2Fpeople%2Ffaculty%2F&data=05%7C02%7Ceric.schultz%40uconn.edu%7Cc4db2c0d47e741ca84d308de1dc2f4ae%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638980920347546096%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=mvBFUUwxMXPxzud2ZJJP4ST%2BqkUNC6L21cdfSyevZXE%3D&reserved=0) directly to
discuss research interests and opportunities.

For general questions, contact Graduate Program Coordinator Sarah Freeman
(Biology, W&M) — spfreeman01@wm.edu.

*External sender: This message was not sent through the UConn email system. It might be safe, but use caution before interacting with links, attachments, or requests.*


I am currently recruiting graduate students to join my lab as part of the
Ph.D. program at UTK’s Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology.
My research is focused on the building, analysis, and fitting of
multi-scale mathematical models relevant to evolutionary biology.
Specific areas of interest include:

1. Phylogenetics (See Beaulieu et al 2021 MBE and Beaulieu et al 2019
  MBE)
2. Protein translation (See Gilchrist 2007 MBE, Shah and Gilchrist 2011
  PNAS, GIlchrist et al 2015 GBE, Cope and Gilchrist 2022 BMC Genomics)
3. Host-Parasite interactions and evolution (See Gilchrist and Sasaki
  2002 TBP, Gilchrist and Coombs 2006 TPB, and Coombs et al 2007 TPB)

General approaches involve development of multiscale models using coupled
differential or difference equations and data fitting using customized
Bayesian and Likelihood based approaches.  Students benefit from careful
and attentive mentoring within a small lab situatied within a world class
and dynamics EEB department.  Additional collaboration opportunities
also exist with faculty in the Dept. of Microbiology, Dept. Biochemistry
and Molecular Biology within the Division of Biology, as well as other
departments on the UT Ag Campus and labs at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

EEB PhD Program Highlights

Program Highlights

 *   Our graduate students publish dozens of papers annually in
     journals such as Science, Ecology, Systematic Biology, Proceedings
     of the Royal Society B, American Naturalist, Biological Invasions,
     Journal of College Science Teaching, and are awarded external
     research funds (e.g., NSF GRFP and other fellowships).
 *   PhD graduate placement, for all graduates from 2000-2018: 43 tenure-
     track faculty, 22 postdocs, 28 government, with the others in
     NGOs, private business, or non-tenure track jobs. For those at
     least five years after graduation, 57% tenure-track faculty, 3%
     postdoc, 17% government.
 *   Resources to support student research: internal funds, DNA
     sequencing facility, core microscopy, computer clusters,
     greenhouses, and a field station.
 *   Available training in teaching best practices, including a
     certificate in college teaching and training consistent with AAAS
     national recommendations.
 *   Emphasis on creating a positive and welcoming departmental
     climate for all
 *   Grad students receive health insurance, and tuition and campus
     fees are covered.
 *   Outreach and service opportunities, including invasive species
     removal, taxonomic forays with the broader public, participation
     in Darwin Day Tennessee, and mentoring undergraduates and high
     school researchers..
 *   Students commonly develop their research projects in close
     partnership with NGOs and state and federal agencies to ensure
     their research has a real-world impact.
 *   Nearby locations for research: Great Smoky Mountains N.P., a
     biodiversity hotspot; numerous cave systems; campus greenhouses;
     and experimental plots.
 *   Vibrant community: 86 miles of greenways and trails in Knoxville,
     many festivals and parades, museums, and live music.
 *   Active departmental graduate student organization
     (GREBE<https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fgrebeemail.wixsite.com%2Fgrebesite&data=05%7C02%7Ceric.schultz%40uconn.edu%7C1e2482a356494b7cd65f08de1dc9ba88%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638980949428064256%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=DvJ4Y3gptMM03kVGlDzivRlt9EiTdaBdSmj73qnzfmA%3D&reserved=0>) to represent and
     help graduate students.


For more information about the EEB PhD program at UTK, please visit:
https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Feeb.utk.edu%2Fgraduate-students&data=05%7C02%7Ceric.schultz%40uconn.edu%7C1e2482a356494b7cd65f08de1dc9ba88%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638980949428086765%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=3pA0JbrAYdPdw0I1HYrVZZ2vNKUuhFsqtZ5Ay7VqYk0%3D&reserved=0


Prior to applying, interested students should email me at mikeg@utk.edu
with the following: (1) academic CV, (2) unofficial transcript(s),
(3) contact information for 2-3 references, and (4) a brief statement
describing your research interests, relevant research experience, and
motivation for joining our Ph.D. program.

Application deadline for the Ph.D. program closes Dec 1.

Graduate Student Opportunities in Arctic Carbon and Climate Change

Position Description: How fast is the permafrost carbon climate feedback happening and what can be done? Graduate student positions available to build the Arctic Carbon Warning Network, providing real-time carbon cycle updates to society. The research spans both field work and data synthesis, including a primary field location near Denali National Park, Alaska. The experimental research foci are (1) net ecosystem carbon exchange (eddy covariance) from a gradient of sites undergoing permafrost thaw, and (2) coupled radiocarbon measurements to detect loss of old carbon. Related projects apply these research tools to understand how land management can reduce permafrost carbon loss and store organic matter in soil. We are recruiting motivated PhD or MS students to join the Schuur lab in the Center for Ecosystem Science and Society at Northern Arizona University. Please contact Ted Schuur (ted.schuur@nau.edu) and provide CV and cover letter.

A M.S. or Ph.D. Research Assistantship at The University of Florida in the Soil, Water and Ecosystem Sciences Department is available to study nitrogen biogeochemistry at clam–seagrass co-restoration sites along Florida’s Gulf Coast. The student will be co-advised by Drs. Ashley Smyth and Laura Reynolds and based at the Tropical Research and Education Center in Homestead, FL and. The student will join an interdisciplinary project with a team of graduate students and PIs to better understand linkages between seagrass and shellfish restoration and nitrogen biogeochemistry. Students will also work closely with the Gulf Shellfish Institute’s research and education team and have opportunities to participate in outreach activities.

Applicants from various backgrounds will be considered, including environmental science, biology, chemistry, ecology, or related disciplines. Experience in aquatic and coastal ecosystems, and analytical chemistry is preferred. Preference for Ph.D. positions will be given to students that have completed a M.S. degree by the project start date. A competitive stipend, benefits, and tuition waiver will be provided over the project’s duration. The expected start date is Fall 2026, but is flexible.

Interested candidates should send a CV and statement of research interests to Dr. Ashley Smyth (ashley.smyth@ufl.edu) and Dr. Laura Reynolds (lkreynolds@ufl.edu) with the subject line: “Graduate Position- Nitrogen Cycling” by 12/5/2025 for consideration. Application packets are due January 2, 2026 for fall admission. Application instructions can be found at soils.ifas.ufl.edu/academics/graduate-studies/apply.

We’re Seeking a New Generation of Global Leaders in Coastal Sustainability.

Applications are open for Fall 2026 entry into the CSP Masters Program!

Details are here, including virtual info sessions, fellowship opportunities, application tips & more – US and international students are encouraged to apply – https://csp.ucsc.edu/prospective-students/ 

This unique Masters of Science program is tailored for rising leaders to to identify, innovate, and implement scalable interdisciplinary solutions to challenges facing coastal communities and ecosystems around the world. Fellowships are available for students entering the program in Fall 2026.

Year 1-Located on UCSC’s campus

Students take interdisciplinary courses in natural and social sciences, economics, policy analysis, coastal governance, leadership, innovation, and methods for designing scalable solutions to complex problems.

Year 2-Locate near your capstone project site anywhere around the globe

Students engage with partner organizations to co-design and pursue individual capstone projects that develop solutions for real problems and partner needs. Projects may be based around the world.

Funding and fellowships are available for students entering the program in Fall 2026. These include: thematic fellowships working on Central Valley Salmon Restoration Policies; Coastal Conservation with the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s conservation, science, and policy initiatives; and Monterey Bay Coastal Climate Resilience, as well as programmatic fellowships that are not theme-based.

Coastal Science & Policy Graduate Program

UC Santa Cruz

csp.ucsc.edu

csp@ucsc.edu

Follow us @

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BlueSky

Environmental Education and Science Communication Fellowship – Master of Natural Resources

This 10.5-month position starts in August and includes free housing and financial support.

Build the skills to change the world. A University of Idaho – Environmental Education and Science Communication (EESC) graduate student earns a Masters of Natural Resources in 10.5 months.  While living at our incredible McCall Field Campus grads develop an array of professional skills and expertise.

Applied coursework and targeted study in science communication, leadership, place-based education, and ecology, give our students what they need to earn a degree, make a difference, and find your place. Check out our program at https://www.uidaho.edu/mccall-field-campus/academics or contact Leslie Dorsey at ldorsey@uidaho.edu if you have questions or would like to apply.

NOTE: F1 and J1 visas are not eligible for this program.

Drotch_2025_small

M.S. project on the spatial ecology of desert wetlands

Starting Fall 2026; application deadline 1 January 2026

We are seeking a highly motivated applicant to join our labs to conduct M.S. research on geospatial dynamics of desert wetlands across environmental gradients, co-advised by Dr. Nancy McIntyre (Biological Sciences) and Dr. Kerry Griffis-Kyle (Natural Resources Management), Texas Tech University.

Prospective students will be funded for three years by a 9-month/year departmental Teaching Assistantship and possibly by additional graduate school fellowships (with awards ranging from $2500 for 1 year to $30,000/yr for 3 years).

Applicants must be US citizens and be able to pass a military background check. Preference will be given to students with experience/coursework in landscape ecology,  remote sensing, and GIS and with experience in hot desert field conditions.

Skills that will be acquired:

• Experience with ArcGIS

• Experience with R

• Curation of spatial datasets

• Scientific communication

Applications are due by 1 January 2026 but space is limited, so early applications are encouraged.

Interested applicants should email both Dr. McIntyre (nancy.mcintyre@ttu.edu) and Dr. Griffis-Kyle (kerry.griffis-kyle@ttu.edu) with “Graduate application – desert wetlands” in the subject line. Please include

all of the following in your email:

1. A statement of your research interests

2. How this position will help you fulfill your career goals

3. Resume/CV with a summary of your research experiences and skills and your contact info

4. Unofficial transcripts

5. GRE scores (optional but encouraged)

6. Contact information (names, addresses, phone numbers, emails) of three references

Graduate Position in Freshwater Ecology – Northern Michigan University

Description: The Tumolo lab (https://www.benjamintumolo.com) is seeking interested and qualified applicants for a MS Graduate Assistantship in the Biology Department at Northern Michigan University. The start date for this position will be Fall 2026. The student will be supported by an institutional Graduate Teaching Assistantship. The successful candidate’s Masters (MS) thesis research will encompass freshwater ecology topics focused on linkages between macroinvertebrates and aquatic ecosystem functions. Many potential research topics are available, including aquatic insect community response to environmental change, stream macroinvertebrates as ecosystem engineers, species interactions and their roles in ecosystem functions.

Qualifications: B.S. or B.A. in Biology, Environmental Science, or related fields. Minimum GPA of 3.0. The applicant must have the ability to work independently, and collaboratively on a team. Strong applicants will have prior research experience in either field or laboratory settings.

Expectations: The successful candidate will begin classes and their assistantship in Fall 2026. The student will have support for two years. Students will conduct a thesis research project and complete required course work. Students will receive a stipend, a tuition and fee waivers, along with opportunities for additional funding through the university. Additional funds are available to support travel and attending professional conferences. Northern Michigan University has a strong M.S. graduate program in Biology (~ 35 students). The student will also benefit from assistance from a vibrant undergraduate community and collaborating with colleagues of the Tumolo lab. NMU is located in Marquette, Michigan, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Marquette is a small city on the shore of Lake Superior and has excellent access to beautiful natural areas and trails. The location of NMU is a great place to live and offers excellent access to water bodies, along with state and public wildlands that serve as natural laboratories to integrate global issues with freshwater conservation.

To apply: Send a C.V. or resume, cover letter, transcripts (unofficial is OK), and contact information for three references to Dr. Ben Tumolo (btumolo@nmu.edu) with the email subject line “GA Position (last name)”. All applications received by December 16, 2025 will receive full consideration. For more information on the graduate program at Northern Michigan University, please see here: https://nmu.edu/biology/masters-science-biology

—

Graduate student opportunities in evolutionary genomics of speciation
and adaptation at the University of Arizona.

The Matzkin Lab  at the University of Arizona,
Department of Entomology is currently recruiting graduate students to join
our diverse lab.  Our integrative and interdisciplinary lab has several
themes focusing mostly on the exciting cactophilic Drosophila system.

A major role of the lab focuses on the role of both seminal
fluid proteins (SFPs) and male-derived female-translated proteins
(mdFTPs) in the evolution of reproductive incompatibilities using
the cactophilic Drosophila system. This NIH-funded project examines
the role mdFTPs performed within females, leveraging the use of
our newly generated transgenic system in cactophilic Drosophila,
(funded by an NSF award).

Other ongoing projects are:
– Genomic evolution across cactophilic Drosophila.
– Quantitative genetics of behavioral strategies, life history
 characteristics, morphology associated with local ecological
 adaptation
– Ecological genomics of adaptation in cactophilic Drosophila (cactus
 host chemistry, nutrition, desiccation, thermal stress,
 aestivation, etc.)
– Evolutionary genomics of plasticity and transgenerational effects

The fact that we are located in the Sonoran Desert also facilitates
field focused projects. If you are interested in these or other related
topics, please contact Luciano Matzkin (lmatzkin@arizona.edu) and provide
a brief overview of your interests and CV.

Graduate students can apply to work in the Matzkin lab via the
Entomology and Insect Science (EIS) Interdisciplinary Graduate Program
, the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Graduate Program .
The application deadline for all programs is December 1st.


Dr. Luciano M. Matzkin (he/him/el)
Professor
University of Arizona
Department of Entomology
BIO5 Institute
Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
520-621-1955
Marley 641F

lmatzkin@arizona.edu

A PhD position is available on human evolutionary genomics. The position
will be based at the School of Biological Sciences at the University of
East Anglia (UEA) in Norwich, UK, as part of the 4-year Norwich Research
Park doctoral training program, and supervised by Dr. Anders Bergström.

Modern humans are unique as a species, having spread widely and
transformed the world with technology and large-scale societies. But
until relatively recently (~50,000 years ago), there were many other
types of humans on earth, including Neanderthals and Denisovans. What
was it about modern human biology—if anything—that set us apart from
these extinct relatives and made our ancestors take over the world? This
fundamental question remains unsolved.

We can now tackle this from a new angle, leveraging the unprecedented
genetic data available in biobank-scale datasets. Genome sequences are
now available from half to a million people, meaning that we can expect
to observe rare mutations at a large fraction of sites in the human
genome. We can use this to try to narrow down what parts of our genome
are actually important for defining modern human-specific biology.

This project will analyse data from these ultra-large datasets, alongside
data from our great apes relatives and ancient DNA from Neanderthals
and Denisovans, to address the genetic basis of modern human biological
uniqueness. Interrogating the genome through the lens of genetic variation
observed across a million individuals has never before been possible in
genetics research, not even in model organisms, and promises to transform
the way we think about evolution.

The student will receive broad training in genomics, evolutionary biology,
bioinformatics and population genetics. They will develop skills in
large-scale data analysis and scientific programming. The student will
take part in journal clubs and departmental seminars, present their work
at conferences, and strengthen their abilities in critical thinking and
science communication.

The ideal candidate will have a background in a biological science
(e.g. genetics, molecular biology, evolutionary biology) or a quantitative
science (e.g. computer science, statistics, physics), and have strong
interests in genomics, data analysis and evolution.

Application deadline: 2 December 2025. Start date: 1st October
2026. Fully funded through the NRPDTP, open to applicants of all
nationalities. For more information, including on how to apply, see:
https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbiodtp.norwichresearchpark.ac.uk%2Fprojects%2Fthe-genomics-of-modern-human-biological-uniqueness-bergstrom_u26dtp%2F&data=05%7C02%7Ceric.schultz%40uconn.edu%7Cb83bdc94f44143877d7608de11238aa3%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638967041515946236%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=KtyB%2FA0%2FmfTMiOkLaEn5YxdqQuDi6IbwftCcMT5ZOVQ%3D&reserved=0

For informal inquiries please contact Anders Bergström:
a.bergstrom@uea.ac.uk



“Anders Bergstrom (BIO – Staff)” <A.Bergstrom@uea.ac.uk>

*Postgraduate position in neuroethology and genomics of coral reef fish.

The Schunter lab is supporting applications to well-funded Hong Kong Ph.D.
Fellowships or HKU presidential fellowships. Through these schemes,
interested candidates can apply for a Ph.D. position in Molecular
Neuroethology in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of
Hong Kong (https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hku.hk%2F&data=05%7C02%7Ceric.schultz%40uconn.edu%7Cb6ed83d5c1974a14e44408de112a4f3c%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638967070598121196%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=bfUYivXMWtxmQONPgbaanWJkg%2BhR8PH2KvWTAxik4Q8%3D&reserved=0). The University is a long-standing
English-speaking institution and ranks as one of the top Universities in
Asia.

We are looking for a curious, ambitious and enthusiastic Ph.D. student
to take part in a diverse team, working on molecular mechanisms and
adaptation to changing environments. *Research topics span from neuronal
to molecular to behavioural levels (https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schunterlab.com%2F&data=05%7C02%7Ceric.schultz%40uconn.edu%7Cb6ed83d5c1974a14e44408de112a4f3c%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638967070598142924%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=baca%2BLrU0spgm2%2BfSzetHaUDf%2BZWdDvc8wGDlPM7bxc%3D&reserved=0) providing a
comprehensive approach to understanding how organisms respond to their
environment.* The lab is associated with the Swire Institute of Marine
Science, also known as SWIMS (https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.swims.hku.hk%2F&data=05%7C02%7Ceric.schultz%40uconn.edu%7Cb6ed83d5c1974a14e44408de112a4f3c%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638967070598159499%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=1P6EPMR9H%2FGlzXW905hL4pmrJ9n6lpeHQN0LaVXXnlc%3D&reserved=0), a beautiful
research station in a remote area of the Island of Hong Kong.

The lab combines several disciplines ranging from *marine biology*,
*behaviour*, *ecology,* *molecular biology, neurobiology* to *computational
biology* and prospective students should be interested in working in a
cross-disciplinary environment. Generally, projects start with fieldwork or
aquarium experiments with measurements of behaviour followed by molecular
lab work to extract molecules of interest (e.g. DNA, RNA or proteins)
and/or imaging techniques. Most projects also require large bioinformatic
analyses and writeup into scientific articles. The lab maintains
long-standing international collaborations and travel is likely to be
required.

*Additional requirements*:

• Willingness to work in a highly international and collaborative
environment
• If no previous experience, the student must be eager to learn
bioinformatics

• Willingness to work in aquarium systems and/or fieldwork in a marine
environment.

Hong Kong Ph.D. fellowships (HK$28,400 monthly plus
travel allowance and research funds) are competitive and
require high GPAs but come with a range of benefits. You
can find more information about these fellowships here:
https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fgradsch.hku.hk%2Fprospective_students%2Ffees_scholarships_and_financial_support%2Fhong_kong_phd_fellowship_scheme&data=05%7C02%7Ceric.schultz%40uconn.edu%7Cb6ed83d5c1974a14e44408de112a4f3c%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638967070598175851%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=EbvdSB%2BK6C8W0M0jAoKwqM%2B%2Fhu4HzOGb52lLaOWd5C0%3D&reserved=0

The application deadline is the 1st of December. Information
about the Ph.D. programme, in general, can be found here
https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gradsch.hku.hk%2Fgradsch%2F&data=05%7C02%7Ceric.schultz%40uconn.edu%7Cb6ed83d5c1974a14e44408de112a4f3c%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638967070598194307%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=zsginZ2kbIBNNdsIBac%2FrHPcX7le3G04teS9nv1jlG8%3D&reserved=0

Interested candidates should send their CV, a cover letter summarizing
research interests and contact information for two references to Dr. Celia
Schunter ( schunter@hku.hk) no later than the 1st of November to account
for enough time to write a proposal for the application deadline.


Celia Schunter <celiaschunter@gmail.com>

(to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to
golding@mcmaster.ca<mailto:golding@mcmaster.ca>)

We are now accepting applications for our Ph.D. in Comparative Biology
Program and Graduate Fellowships Program at the American Museum
of Natural History’s Richard Gilder Graduate School for Fall 2026.
Deadline: December 15, 2025.

The AMNH Ph.D. Program in Comparative Biology is training the next
generation of biologists through an integrative approach focused
on the history, evolutionary relationships, and interactions among
species. It builds on the Museum’s strength and experience in research
and training, educating a new generation of scientists to become
leaders in understanding the history and diversity of life on Earth
and in disseminating their work in ways that will support advances in
biological research, human health, biodiversity conservation, and other
related fields. This is an accelerated program, designed for students to
complete their degrees in four years. The Richard Gilder Graduate School
will typically provide full financial support to students matriculating
in the Comparative Biology Ph.D. Program.

We also offer Ph.D. Graduate Fellowships for students interested in
earning a Ph.D. at one of our partner institutions.  The AMNH Graduate
Student Ph.D. Fellowship Program is an educational partnership with
selected universities, dedicated to the training of Ph.D. candidates
in those scientific disciplines practiced at the Museum. Our current
collaborations are with Columbia University, City University of New
York (CUNY), Cornell University, Stony Brook University, and New York
University (NYU). The host university in which the student enrolls
exercises educational jurisdiction over the students and formally awards
the degree. In these partnership programs, at least one Museum curator
must serve as a graduate advisor, co-major professor or major professor,
and adjunct university faculty member. Each student benefits by having
the staff and facilities of both the university and the Museum to support
his/her training and research. To be eligible for the AMNH Graduate
Ph.D. Fellowship, students must apply to both the host University’s
Ph.D. program and to the AMNH Graduate Student Ph.D. Fellowships
Program. Students already matriculated in a Ph.D. program are not eligible
to apply; only new, first-time Ph.D. applicants will be considered.

Students who plan to apply to both the RGGS Comparative Biology
Ph.D. Program and to the Graduate Fellowship Program complete one single
application, indicating on the application the program(s) to which they
wish to apply. Students applying for the Graduate Fellowship must also
apply for admission to at least one Ph.D. Program at one of the Museum’s
Partner Institutions.

Admission offered for the fall semester only

Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact a
member of the faculty prior to application (see:
https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amnh.org%2Fresearch%2Frichard-gilder-graduate-school%2Ffaculty&data=05%7C02%7Ceric.schultz%40uconn.edu%7C2e53b36b4adc4321828108de112ea68c%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638967089290267717%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=gnpczRUa1dnU5JawXF7pW6jHiOJN927tX2FpmUd1S1A%3D&reserved=0).

Students applying for the RGGS Graduate Fellowship program and applying
to the Columbia Department of Ecology, Evolution and Environmental
Biology (E3B) should ALSO contact a potential faculty co-mentor in
that Department, in advance of applying, with the goal of identifying
potential Columbia E3B and AMNH-RGGS co-advisors. Columbia E3B faculty
listing: https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fe3b.columbia.edu%2Ffaculty%2F&data=05%7C02%7Ceric.schultz%40uconn.edu%7C2e53b36b4adc4321828108de112ea68c%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638967089290300421%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=HrB4RYtSvrbt2ich4fjn1j6JnrfsT2nQmZfW%2BXkNYo8%3D&reserved=0.

For more information and to apply, please go to:
https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amnh.org%2Fresearch%2Frichard-gilder-graduate-school%2Facademics-and-research%2Ffellowship-and-grant-opportunities%2Fdoctoral-student-fellowships&data=05%7C02%7Ceric.schultz%40uconn.edu%7C2e53b36b4adc4321828108de112ea68c%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638967089290325939%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=e%2FXnsMnFcYE3Lz8akemzC3TCR8IZ%2F7c0e6LteDiHHRw%3D&reserved=0


Anna Manuel <amanuel@amnh.org>

The Clarke Lab is currently recruiting PhD students to join our team in
the Department of Biology at the University of Miami with an anticipated
start date of Fall 2026. The deadline for application is December 1st,
2025.

Research in the Clarke lab is focused on understanding the evolution of
multicellularity in animals. In particular, we study the evolution and
function of cell adhesion proteins to understand how animal tissues are
built. To do this, we utilize a broad range of methods in evo-devo,
including comparative embryology, cell biology, biochemistry, and
bioinformatics to explore how cells stick together in non-bilaterian
animals (cnidarians, placozoans, sponges and ctenophores). Incoming
students will have opportunities to develop independent research projects
leveraging these tools to investigate animal origins.

To learn more about our research, please visit: clarkelab.com

For more information about the Biology PhD program at UM, please visit:
https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbiology.as.miami.edu%2Fgraduate%2Findex.html&data=05%7C02%7Ceric.schultz%40uconn.edu%7C8f5ce4d1f7844cdab4cd08de1132f9e1%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638967107838159081%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=RIqYpPkJB6FCLpwegt%2BvSa2C2wAQFfL3Qta%2FY0%2FVM9k%3D&reserved=0

Prior to applying, interested students should email Nat
(natclarke@miami.edu) with the following: (1) academic CV, (2) unofficial
transcript(s), (3) contact information for 2-3 references, and (4) a
brief statement describing your research interests, relevant research
experience, and motivation for joining the lab.

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

Ph.D. position in Dryland Ecosystem Dynamics at the University of Nevada Las Vegas by Matthew Petrie (01 Oct 2025 19:27 EDT)
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PhD Opportunity at Emory University’s Environmental Sciences and Society (ESS) program by Lonsdorf, Eric V. (01 Oct 2025 17:38 EDT)
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The Ecology, Evolution, Behavior, and Conservation faculty in the Department of Biological Sciences at Northern Illinois University are seeking applicants to the M.S. and Ph.D. graduate programs starting Fall 2026.

Research interests among the faculty are diverse and include community ecology, restoration ecology, conservation genetics, vertebrate and invertebrate evolution, behavioral ecology, and microbial ecology.

EEBC faculty that are taking graduate students for Fall 2026 are:

Michael W. Henson: Our lab is interested in how microbes shape, and are shaped by, changing aquatic environments. Right now, we’re tackling three big projects: The Mississippi River Microbiome, Diadama Mass Mortality (NSF Funded), and Microbial Thermal Stress tolerance: https://www.theaquaticmicrobiologylab.com/

Holly P. Jones, restoration ecology and conservation biology: https://hjones82.wixsite.com/website

Jennifer A.H. Koop, ecology and evolution of host-parasite interactions; invasion biology: https://jenniferkoop.weebly.com/

Karen E. Samonds, paleontology, skeletal biology and paleobiogeography: http://www.sadabe.org/Samonds/Index.html

Details of the graduate program and application process are available at https://www.niu.edu/clas/biology/academics/graduate-studies/index.shtml The department offers teaching assistantships including stipend and tuition waiver, on a competitive basis. The deadline for application materials is January 1, 2026. However, prospective students should contact potential faculty advisors well in advance of applying to discuss research interests and relevant qualifications. See faculty websites for how to get in touch.

Northern Illinois University is a ~15,000-student research university and Hispanic-Serving Institution situated an hour from downtown Chicago in DeKalb, Illinois. Dekalb is a diverse community of 50,000 with a low cost of living. Regional research resources include The Field Museum, Burpee Museum of Natural History, Nachusa Grasslands, Morton Arboretum, Fermilab, Argonne National Laboratory, and numerous local county forest preserves and state parks.

THIS WEEK’S OCEAN JOBS LIST

Highlights

1. Coral Reef Ecologist, National Geographic Society – Pristine Seas, Remote, United States
2. Executive Director, Golden State Salmon Association, California, Remote, United States
3. Executive Director, International Sea Turtle Society, Remote, United States
4. International Fisheries Conservation – Senior Program Associate, The Ocean Foundation (Fiscal Sponsorship Program), Remote, United States
5. Ocean Climate Diplomacy Initiative (OCDI) Director, Oceans 5, Remote, United States
6. Senior Litigation Lawyer, Ocean Vision Legal, Remote, United States

New Jobs

1. Aquatic Technician, Rentokil North America, Virginia Beach, Virginia, United States
2. Assistant or Associate Professor of Bioinformatics, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas, United States
3. Coastal Community Engagement Officer, Cornwall Wildlife Trust, Truro, Cornwall, United Kingdom
4. Coldwater Fisheries Biologist, New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, Santa Fe, New Mexico, United States
5. Construction Safety Specialist, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Lacey, Washington, United States
6. Education and Outreach Specialist, National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, Newport News, Virginia, United States
7. Education and Outreach Specialist, National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, Sheboygan, Wisconsin, United States
8. Environmental Field Technician, Montrose Environmental Group, Carlsbad, New Mexico, United States
9. External Communications Officer (Freelance or Agency), Monk Seal Alliance (Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation), Remote; Cyprus; Türkiye; Greece
10. Field Biologist – Fisheries Management Section, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, Maine, United States
11. Fish Production Facilities Operations Manager, Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, Auburn, Washington, United States
12. Fish Production Scientist 3, Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, Auburn, Washington, United States
13. Fisheries Biologist – NE Region, Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, Tupelo, Mississippi, United States
14. Fisheries Technician 2 – Juvenile Salmon Survival, Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission, Clarkston, Washington, United States
15. Flood and Coastal Risk Officer – Grade III, Office of Public Works, Ireland
16. Hatchery Project Management Lead – Management Analyst 5, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Olympia, Washington, United States
17. Licensing Program Manager – WMS Band 3, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Olympia, Washington, United States
18. Manager, Conservation, National Audubon Society, Minnesota, United States
19. Marine Mammal System Assistant I, LBYD Federal, Silverdale, Washington, United States
20. Natural Resource Management and Monitoring Coordinator, Cardinal Point Captains, Inc., Galveston, Texas, United States
21. Ordinary Seaman (OS), Helix Energy Solutions Group, Louisiana, United States
22. PhD Research Assistantship in Fish Ecology/Population Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States
23. Population Sustainability Post Doctoral Associate, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, San Diego, California, United States
24. Postdoctoral Fellow, The University of Alabama — Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering Department, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, United States
25. Senior Attorney, Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), Multiple Locations, United States
26. Survey Technician, Bateman Civil Survey Company, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, United States

PhD and MS positions at Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi

The Lumibao Lab (https://candicelumibaolab.com) in the Department of Life Sciences, Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi is looking for a prospective PhD and MS students to begin in either in the Spring or Fall 2026. The student’s research focus will have flexibility but will primarily focus on either of these three themes (depending on students’ interests): eco-evo dynamics of plant-microbe interactions, microbial interactions and community dynamics and applications of emerging technologies against plant pathogens. Applicants should be highly self-motivated and have at least one year of research experience. Strong applicants will have some experience in molecular/microbial work, field experience, bioinformatics and in statistical computing (e.g., experience using R). For PhD applicants, preference will be given to those with MS degree. Positions are funded through combination of RAship (grants and fellowships) and TAship.

More information on the department and program can be found here: https://www.tamucc.edu/science/departments/life-sciences/marine-biology/.

Qualifications: Applicants should be highly self-motivated and have at least one year of research experience. For PhD applicants, preference will be given to those with MS degree. Strong applicants will have some experience in molecular/microbial work, fieldwork and in statistical computing (e.g. experience using R) or bioinformatics.

How to apply: Interested applicants should send via email a 1) brief statement of interest or cover letter describing experience, why your interest fits the Lumibao lab and general career goals, (2) CV (3) unofficial transcript, preferably by October 10, 2025, to Candice Lumibao: candice.lumibao@tamucc.edu

Research Analyst

Office of the Commissioner

Office of Climate Planning

Recruitment #230605-6855AR-001

The State of Connecticut, Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), Office of Climate Planning currently has an opening for a Research Analyst position to support Connecticut’s Climate Action through the planning and implementation of climate mitigation strategies and policy to ensure Connecticut meets its carbon emissions reduction goals across all sectors. Such strategies include, but are not limited to, advancing plans to incentivize the use of zero emission vehicles, increase energy efficiency, decarbonize buildings, and provide a zero-carbon electric supply by 2040. 

POSITION HIGHLIGHTS

The Office of Climate Planning has a collaborative work environment with a team-based approach to most projects. The Research Analyst for climate mitigation strategies will report to the Director of the Office of Climate Planning and work in partnership with the members of the climate planning team and the other programs in the Office of the Commissioner, including the Offices of Environmental Justice, Planning and Program Development, Communications, and Governmental Affairs. The Research Analyst for climate mitigation strategies will coordinate their projects most closely with staff in the agency’s Bureau of Energy and Technology Policy in the Energy Branch and the Bureau of Air Management in the Environmental Quality Branch (see DEEP’s structure and mission).

This position is 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, with a hybrid work schedule available. 

Additional information can be found in the posting.

Position Details

Full Time | Monday-Friday, 1st shift, 40 hours per week position.

Located in Hartford

Recruitment #230605-6855AR-001

Summer forestry field technician (Michigan)

Position description:

Would you like to work on a research project that will result in meaningful changes to the health and management of hardwood forests in the Great Lakes region? The Applied Forest Ecology (Silviculture) Lab in the Department of Forestry at Michigan State University is looking to hire research technicians for the 2023 field season (late May through mid-August). Our lab is currently collecting tree regeneration data following various harvest treatments. This work takes place across 70 northern hardwood forests in Michigan (scattered throughout the northern lower and upper peninsulas) and consists of quantifying tree regeneration density and herbaceous vegetation coverage on these sites. Recent graduates are encouraged to apply (see instructions below in “To Apply”).  Work may be available through the end of 2023.

Qualifications:

• Experience or aptitude for plant identification
• Familiarity with Google Maps and GPS navigation
• Interest in forest ecology/silviculture
• Ability to walk 2-3 miles per day on rough terrain
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record may be required

Compensation:

Starting wage is $15/hour minimum, commensurate with experience, up to 40 hours per week.  Field housing will be provided free of charge to all crew members, as well as transportation on work days.

Time Frame:

Work would begin in late May, with work available through late-August for current students, or mid-October (or later) for recent graduates.

Working Conditions:

The position will be field based, including some hot and humid weather.  Field conditions may include carrying a less than 30 pound pack and exposure to inclement weather, uneven terrain, insects and allergens.

Location:

Field sites are located throughout the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula in Michigan.

To Apply: Please include a CV/resume, a brief cover letter outlining your interest in the position and relevant experience as well as your dates of availability, and three professional references to Evan Farinosi at farinosi@msu.edu with MSU Field Technician 2023 in the subject line.

Deadline:

Applications will be considered until the positions have been filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Marine Fisheries Research Program Research Assistant

Category: 12-month, full-time.

May 2023 – April 2024 with possible option to renew.

The Center for Coastal Studies (CCS) Marine Fisheries Research Program is

offering a unique opportunity to join a small but dynamic team as we expand

our community-based collaborative research program. Marine Fisheries

Research (MFR) projects involve cooperative research and education, working

directly with fishermen and shellfish farmers, primarily in the Cape Cod

region. The program fosters collaboration and understanding between

fishermen and scientists by actively seeking out partnerships and providing

a neutral forum for discussion.

The Research Assistant will work full-time (40 hrs/wk) with the MFR Program

Director, scientists at CCS and other partner organizations, as well as

commercial fishermen and shellfish farmers in the Cape Cod region. This is

a new position with potential for growth, opportunities for graduate

student research and authorship of publications. Ample opportunities exist

for program and position expansion, as well as integration with other CCS

programs such as our Marine Debris and Shark Ecology Programs, depending on

the candidate’s skills and interests. The position features flexible hours

(dependent on fieldwork) and a non-traditional work environment.

Responsibilities will include coordinating and participating in fieldwork,

laboratory work, data entry and management, preliminary data exploration

and analysis, and assisting with preparation of reports and peer-reviewed

publications. This position requires an individual to have a bachelor’s

degree in marine science or related field and prior experience working on

the water. The position comes with a comprehensive benefits package and salary

is commensurate with experience.

Responsibilities:

Working with the Director to coordinate and execute fieldwork on land and

at sea;

Data entry, management and preliminary exploration/analysis, generating

tables and figures for reports and peer-reviewed publications.

Job Requirements:

• Familiarity with and interest in science and policy related to marine fisheries
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and R;
• Ability to work as part of a team and independently;
• Attention to detail in written and oral communication.

Education:

Bachelor’s Degree in marine science or related field.

Physical Requirements &amp; Work Environment:

Able to lift 50 and drag 100 pounds, work outside or at sea for shifts of

up to 12 hours.

Kindly send CV or Resume and Cover Letter to: Employment@coastalstudies.org.

Application Deadline May 19, 2023. No phone calls please.

The Center for Coastal Studies is an Equal Opportunity Employer and

encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply. Diversity of opinions,

experiences and backgrounds is a key asset.

Osa Conservation is accepting applications for our  Invertebrate Community

Responses to Experimental Scavenger Exclusion Research Fellowship

at our biological station in Costa Rica’s southern Pacific Ocean.

At Osa Conservation, we reconnect the rainforest, monitor and protect

biodiversity, and work hand-in-hand with the local community to build

climate resilient ecosystems for people and wildlife. Our team works across

Southern Costa Rica, connecting and protecting landscapes and biodiversity

from the ridges of the Talamanca mountain  to the coral reefs of the Golfo

Dulce and the Pacific Ocean.

Broadly, the Movement Ecology Program at Osa Conservation aims to develop

and use novel animal tracking technology to increase our understanding of

the movement ecology of scavenger networks, and the predators which drive

them, in south and central America. It involves the capture and deployment

of tracking equipment on *cathartidae* vultures and large cat species,

taking biological samples and implementing a variety of different surveys

to estimate the density and determine the ecological roles of scavenging

communities.

Vultures play a vital role in the rapid decomposition of carrion in healthy

functioning ecosystems, reducing the potential for the spread of diseases,

stabilizing food-webs and assisting in nutrient cycling. However, as

vulture populations are declining globally, there is an urgent need to

understand the implications of their absence on decomposition processes.

This program  aims to address this fundamental issue through provisioning

animal carcasses on the landscape, then experimentally excluding vultures

from the decomposition process. Invertebrate community composition at the

carcass site (point sampling), behavior (mark recapture using fluorescent

dyes), and carcass decomposition rates will be determined. The *Invertebrate

Community Responses to Experimental Scavenger Exclusion Research Fellowship*

will explore this component and trial innovative methods to understand and

document the invertebrate community in relation to carrion removal in

tropical rainforests.

*Fellow activities, training  and experience *

Fellowships are designed to empower and immerse early-career

conservationists in one of the most important neotropical landscapes on

Earth while developing crucial career skills. Come live in a tropical

rainforest and learn, explore and achieve alongside an outstanding

community of conservationists, biologists, media-specialists, educators,

community outreach leaders, and more to fill knowledge gaps and push the

frontier of tropical conservation. This team will provide one-on-one

mentorship, advise on research methods, and equip Fellows with tangible

career skills to solve real-world conservation issues.

*The Invertebrate Research Fellow will: *

   – Test innovative invertebrate sampling methods in a tropical rainforest

   system; including tracking with fluorescent powders and trapping with

   plastic bottle traps for mark-recapture.

   – Perform invertebrate sampling at provisioned carcasses with and

   without scavenger exclusion to build on the current scavenger research.

   – Identify invertebrates collected to the lowest taxonomic-level

   possible (e.g species).

   – Write a report documenting the species observed and their key

   identifiable characteristics and carrion removal rates and prepare results

   for scientific publication.

   – Support Movement Ecology Team in vulture captures and radio tracking.

   – Produce a technical report detailing the invertebrates detected at

   provisioned carcasses.

   – Create a field-guide to aid with future invertebrate identification

   efforts in the region.

   – Generate a voucher specimen library of the invertebrate species

   detected at provisioned carcasses.

   – Contribute to a publication of invertebrate community composition in

   relation to carrion removal.

*In addition to the invertebrate research fellowship and Movement Ecology

Program activities, Field Fellows will interact with and build skills

alongside Osa Conservation’s wide breadth of programs. You will:*

   – Release baby sea turtles, monitor nesting mothers, and relocate

   threatened nests.

   – Plant and monitor native tree restoration efforts.

   – Trial new rewilding techniques for tropical rainforest restoration.

   – Install and organize data from camera traps, acoustic devices and

   citizen science apps for vital wildlife monitoring across the Osa region.

   – Practice regenerative farming techniques to grow sustainable produce.

   – Develop scientific communication skills and learn to produce cutting-edge stories from one of Earth’s greatest wilderness areas.

*Field Fellowship details: *

This field fellowships will span 6 months from May 15 November 15. May 15

is the required start date. Fellows live alongside the team at the Osa

Conservation Campus (OCC), located at the heart of Osa’s tropical

rainforest. The OCC is home to our top-tier biological station, boasting a

research lab and classroom, regenerative farm, arboretum, restoration

experiment, and over 30 km of trails through old-growth and secondary

forests, mangroves, rivers and pristine coastlines.

During your Fellowship, all food and accommodation will be provided and you

will receive a small stipend. Reasonable transportation costs are included

in the fellowship. At the OCC, you will live in the middle of the

rainforest in basic shared-living accommodation. You will be provided with

one cooked meal a day by our campus kitchen (lunch) and groceries to cook

breakfast and dinner in your living quarters.

*Apply to be an Invertebrate Research Fellow now! *

If you are interested in this unique research opportunity to develop your

scientific and conservation career, please send your CV, cover letter and a

1-minute video explaining why you are the perfect person for this tropical

rainforest research experience to hr@osaconservation.org with the email

title Invertebrate Research Fellowship by 31st May 2023. We strongly

encourage candidates from Latin America to apply.