MS and PhD openings are available in my research group (Javier
delBarco-Trillo) in the School of Biological Sciences at Illinois
State University to start in the fall of 2025. My research topics
are quite diverse, including sexual selection (sperm competition),
olfactory communication, urban ecology/evolution, and animal behavior,
normally working with mammalian systems. I’m happy to supervise
projects in topics and organisms beyond what you can read in my website
(about.illinoisstate.edu/jdelbar) as long as the project is feasible
given my expertise and available resources. I’m mostly interested
in supporting self-driven, independent, and imaginative students with
high proficiency in written and spoken English, and with some previous
experience analyzing data.

If interested, please send (jdelbar@ilstu.edu) a copy of your CV, and a
one-page cover letter explaining your background, any research outcomes
to date, your future research interests and expectations, and what type
of research projects you would envision developing in my lab. Please
include “Graduate Student Application 2025” in the email subject
line. I will make an initial selection of a group of candidates that
I think could be a good fit in my lab, set up short zoom conversations
with those candidates in October-November, and assist with the formal
application process, which deadline is February 1, 2025. Please be aware
that there are two strong requirements: 1) GPA requirement: last 60hrs
GPA must be 3 or above; 2) English proficiency for international students:
TOEFL iBT 90, IELTS 7, or Duolingo 125.

All accepted applicants into our program are guaranteed Teaching
Assistantships and full Tuition Waivers. The length of this support is
6 semesters for MS and 10 semesters for PhD students provided sufficient
progress and performance are maintained.

The application procedure, including requirements, is laid out here:
https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbiology.illinoisstate.edu%2Fgraduate%2Fbio-as-graduate%2Fapplication-procedure%2F&data=05%7C02%7Ceric.schultz%40uconn.edu%7C2a9ecb01ff524f065bfe08dccca8fedc%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638610273433073277%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=6bM5SQfYVZ9FGRc4bn9xZaBvPOmtnx1XfIJ3iGHG6SM%3D&reserved=0
You can find more information about the School of Biological Sciences
and the Graduate Programs here: https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbiology.illinoisstate.edu%2F&data=05%7C02%7Ceric.schultz%40uconn.edu%7C2a9ecb01ff524f065bfe08dccca8fedc%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638610273433083257%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=1D4RqHdF8OyNPqDG4k%2FdBTnMjlJgbUMBHC7BiSU0w4U%3D&reserved=0

Javier delBarco-Trillo, PhD
Assistant Professor of Evolutionary Physiology
School of Biological Sciences
Campus Box 4120
Illinois State University
Normal, IL 61790-4120, USA

The Diversity Committee at American Society of Naturalists
(https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amnat.org%2Fabout%2Fgovernance%2FDiversity.html&data=05%7C02%7Ceric.schultz%40uconn.edu%7C29a3027bf42347b511eb08dccd686a0d%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638611095551991014%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=vT7osDvvAhtlGKkIIWHdaO67DDsaRxxkVSylweofhOA%3D&reserved=0 ) is happy to
announce the 2024 edition of the EEB Mentor Match:

https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Feebmentormatch.com%2F&data=05%7C02%7Ceric.schultz%40uconn.edu%7C29a3027bf42347b511eb08dccd686a0d%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638611095551999814%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=12Q3i88Ns3KVEDCVhBl0dtrdSxhN3j336tYCseLlAj0%3D&reserved=0

The program provides support to grad school applicants in the US with
their applications for fellowships and grad programs. Signup forms
for both mentors and mentees can be found at the link above. Mentors
and mentees are matched based on their research interests and
backgrounds. More information can be found on our FAQ section:

https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Feebmentormatch.com%2Ffaq-2%2F&data=05%7C02%7Ceric.schultz%40uconn.edu%7C29a3027bf42347b511eb08dccd686a0d%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638611095552004774%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=HHYmqIjWraO9LNLjy16VrRIJQ72cWTPG4Kd1Fj3u3G8%3D&reserved=0

The program is volunteer based and is really valuable to the
students applying, so please consider signing up as a mentor
if you have experience with the US grad school system. Also,
please spread the word to both potential mentors and mentees. We
are happy to answer any questions, so feel free to contact
me (ravi.ranjan@utexas.edu) if you have any.


On behalf of the ASN DC,
Ravi Ranjan
Postdoctoral researcher
Department of Integrative Biology
University of Texas at Austin

BinghamtonUniv.EvolEco.GallerParastieInteractions

The Prior Lab in the Biological Sciences Department at Binghamton University (BU) (priorecologylab.com) seeks a Ph.D. student to join the lab in the Fall (or Spring) of 2025 to work on a project examining how evolutionary history and ecological dimensions influence oak gall wasp-parasite interactions. This project is funded by the National Science Foundation, and the student will be responsible for contributing to the larger collaborative aims of the project to create cophylogenies and document trait space of oak gall wasps and parasite associates throughout North America. The PhD student in the Prior lab will contribute to concentrated collections in the northeast and northwest of North America, along with measuring gall traits and assessing how dimensions of gall trait space influence parasite diversity. There will also be flexibility to form their ideas within the project’s scope. This project collaborates with the Forbes (forbes.lab.uiowa.edu) and Hood
(sites.google.com/view/hood-lab) labs and the founders of gallformers.org.

Requirements: We seek a candidate with an undergraduate degree (or MS) in ecology, evolution, entomology, or a related field and experience with DNA-based laboratory research. We prefer candidates with fieldwork experience, some experience in R or a similar statistical program, strong verbal and written communication skills, and the ability to work independently and as a research team member.

Funding:The student will be funded during semesters by a Teaching Assistantship at BU, with two semesters of Graduate Assistantship funding to aid in field collections.  Summer funding will also be provided.

To apply, please email Prof. Kirsten Prior, kprior@binghamton.edu, and include “oak gall wasp-parasite Ph.D. position” in the subject line. Please include (1) a cover letter detailing how you meet the required and preferred qualifications, outlining your existing research interests, personal background, and career goals;(2) a CV; (3) an unofficial copy of all transcripts from completed or ongoing degrees;
(4) contact information for three references. Please send materials by October 15th, and if you are invited to apply to the program, materials will be due on Dec. 15th. GRE scores are not required to apply to Binghamton University.

I’m excited to share that we are offering an internship opportunity with Snapshot USA this year! The internship will be based at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, VA and the expected dates are mid-August 2024 to early February 2025. Applications are due by May 31^st. Please see the attached position description for more information and reach out to me with any questions.

Snapshot USA Internship 2024

Best,

Brigit Rooney

Snapshot USA Survey Coordinator

Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

540-635-0014

Are you fascinated by the diversity of plants and their reproductive structures? Is your goal a career in academia, biotechnology, agriculture, or government agencies in the most botanically focused city in the world? The Marchant Lab is opening at the University of Missouri – St. Louis and is recruiting PhD students. We are particularly interested in students with a background in plant biology, cellular biology, developmental biology, evolution, bioinformatics, or conservation; however, highly self-motivated students with a passion for botany and science are welcome to get in touch.

Who we are: The Marchant Lab (https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.marchantlab.com%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cmid14018%40uconn.mail.onmicrosoft.com%7C1702c350dab04c1a9be508dc6b672601%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638503337967770369%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Qe%2FaOGqo4FwX7Zhl2o0DrRbB0w99IvgYs3zmn5RYYF4%3D&reserved=0) is an innovative and collaborative research group at the forefront of both applied and basic plant sciences. We use single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq), comparative genetics/genomics, and digitized herbarium specimens to investigate questions in plant reproductive biology, development, ecology, and evolution using both model and non-model plant systems. We are particularly interested in the biology and evolution of anthers. In the lab you will pursue a primary project plus there are ample opportunities for collaborative projects within the lab and with diverse cooperators.  The lab atmosphere is supportive, inquisitive, and committed to providing each student with the most effective training cognizant with individual goals.

Where we are: We are based in the Biology Department at the University of Missouri – St. Louis (UMSL). With its world-class universities (UMSL, Washington University, St. Louis University), research institutions (Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, Missouri Botanical Garden), and agricultural companies (Bayer, Pivot Bio, Yield Lab), St. Louis has the highest concentration of plant science PhDs in the world and is an ideal setting for anyone interested in plant biology. St. Louis is one of the most livable cities in the US and was recently ranked the top city to start a career in.

If you are interested in joining the lab, email Dr. Marchant
(dblainemarchant@umsl.edu) your CV and a brief statement on your background and research interests.

This week’s sampling of entry-level jobs and internships from Handshake, UConn’s e-recruiting platform managed by the Center for Career Development:

Internships

• SoundWaters Coastal Research Internship (Fall 2024)
• Pomperaug River Watershed Coalition Summer Intern with Dr. Marc J. Taylor
• Horticulture Internship at Centerton Nursery

Entry-Level Jobs

• Environmental Permitting and Compliance Engineer/Scientist – Entry Level with Water/Wastewater Focus
• Seasonal Research – Mosquito Surveillance
• Aquatic Invasive Species Field Assistant

A research assistant / lab technician position is available in my lab at KU to work on projects examining the genetic analysis of complex traits in flies. The position will involve both fly work and molecular biology (including approaches using high-throughput sequencing). Experience with flies would be a plus, but isn’t required. The formal announcement, and links to the institutional employment website are provided below. Feel free to email me with any questions. Stuart Macdonald (sjmac@ku.edu)

Position Overview:
An assistant researcher position is available in the Macdonald lab in the Department of Molecular Biosciences at the University of Kansas (https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmolecularbiosciences.ku.edu%2Fpeople%2Fstuart-j-macdonald&data=05%7C02%7Cmid14018%40uconn.mail.onmicrosoft.com%7C845e480d677648ab777a08dc4d824d3e%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638470469250546300%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=uHuMFL8mqkh2lVgBNWsFzvwU42t%2BxXKCodlAw0mc720%3D&reserved=0). We explore the genetic basis of complex trait variation using the fruit fly Drosophila as a model system. The successful candidate will help maintain fly strains and populations of flies, supervise and carry out large-scale phenotyping screens, and perform various molecular biology tasks, including generating next-generation sequencing libraries for various genomics applications. We are looking for an enthusiastic and organized individual who wants to learn new skills, and has excellent oral and written communication skills. Previous research assistants in the Macdonald group have undertaken independent research projects, been authors on research publications from the lab, and gone onto graduate school or positions in industry. The position is funded through a new multi-year NIH grant and has an anticipated start date of May 27, 2024 (although this is flexible/negotiable).

Job Description:
50% – Generate, maintain and use Drosophila strains/populations for genetic analysis. Examples of the work include stock maintenance, preparing media, carrying out crosses, and assaying strains/populations for phenotypic variation (e.g., stress tolerance).

30% – Carry out a range of molecular biology procedures. Examples of the work include DNA and RNA isolation, PCR, and next generation sequencing library construction (e.g., for RNAseq or whole-genome sequencing).

10% – Perform general lab tasks, including inventory and ordering of supplies, and working with undergraduate students.

10% – Keep accurate and detailed records. Maintain an up-to-date and accurate lab notebook, keep a detailed digital record of all experimental results, and regularly present data/results to Dr. Macdonald.

Required Qualifications:
(1) A Bachelor’s degree in Biology or a related field. (2) Previous experience with molecular biology techniques (e.g., PCR), as evidenced by application materials. (3) Effective written communications skills as evidenced by application materials.

Preferred Qualifications:
(1) Experience with Drosophila husbandry. (2) Significant laboratory experience, including troubleshooting and optimizing protocols. (3) Experience making next generation sequencing libraries (e.g., RNAseq libraries). (4) Prior experience managing large scientific projects, including managing undergraduate assistants.

Application:

For a complete announcement and to apply online, go to employment.ku.edu/staff/27466BR

A complete application includes the following: (1) A cover letter outlining relevant experience and interest in the position, (2) a CV/resume highlighting pertinent experience relative to the required and preferred qualifications, and (3) contact information for three professional references.

Only complete applications will be considered. Informal queries about the position are welcome, and can be directed to Dr. Stuart Macdonald (sjmac@ku.edu, 785-864-5362).

Review of applications will begin on April 8, 2024 and will continue until the position is filled.

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university’s programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and are the Title IX coordinators for their respective campuses: Director of the Office of Civil Rights & Title IX, civilrights@ku.edu, Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY (for the Lawrence, Edwards, Parsons, Yoder, and Topeka campuses); Director, Equal Opportunity Office, Mail Stop 7004, 4330 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Fairway, KS 66205, 913-588-8011, 711 TTY (for the Wichita, Salina, and Kansas City, Kansas medical center campuses).

Subject: Osprey Project Field Technicians: Illinois

Are you interested in working with Ospreys this field season?  I am looking for four sincere, versatile, highly motivated individuals who have a strong work ethic to conduct field work on a state-listed species: Osprey in Illinois.  Our project is to promote population growth of Osprey in Illinois via hacking.  “Hacking” is the process of raising and releasing juvenile raptors at the intended sites for establishing local breeding populations down the road.

Successful field technicians are capable of paying attention to detail and following instructions closely.  They have to be effective in monitoring and data collection.  Field technicians are required to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, and able to ensure data quality and accuracy.  Successful candidates need to have good interpersonal skills for working effectively with different stakeholders and partners.

Duties and responsibilities include:

  1.  Daily Observations – conduct daily behavioral observations of osprey chicks at the hacking site to ensure their well-being.  Make notes of presence of potential predators or competitors in the vicinity of the hacking site.

  2.  Daily Tracking – conduct daily searching and re-sighting of ospreys once they fledge and note their locations before migration.

  3.  Food Preparation and Feeding – conduct daily preparation of fish and feeding to the hacked ospreys.

  4.  Planning and Coordination – conduct regular fish pick-ups from the project partners.

  5.  Daily Reports – submit daily reports regarding the behaviors, locations, and fish consumption by ospreys.  Record any other notable events related to the birds.

  6.  Maintenance – assist with the maintenance and clean-up of the hacking box/tower after the season, as well as the clean-up and inventory of the field gear and equipment.

Requirements:

Successful candidates must have a B.S. degree in wildlife, environmental science, conservation biology, zoology, or a related field.  Experiences in working with raptors in the field are highly preferred.  Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Earth, and GPS is highly desirable.  Willingness to travel and flexibility with work schedule are required.  Successful candidates must be team-players, demonstrate strong communication skills, follow instructions well, and pay attention to detail.  Candidates must have a commitment to field personnel and equipment safety.  Candidates also are expected to have strong swimming and kayaking skills.  Individuals must have a personal vehicle, maintain a valid driver’s license, and be able to work outdoors in extreme weather conditions for long hours.

Application: Review of applications will start immediately, until the positions are filled.

Starting date: July 1, 2024.

Anticipated ending date: October 7, 2024.

Salary: $688 per WEEK, with free lodging provided (utilities included) and mileage reimbursement when approved.

To apply, please send the following (via email) to Dr. Tih-Fen Ting at tting1@uis.edu:

1)  Cover letter addressing background and extent of qualifications;

2)  Resume, including contact information for three references; and

3)  Transcripts (unofficial or scanned copy acceptable)

Summer 2024 Field Research Assistant – Pollination Ecology

The Crall Lab in the Department of Entomology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is hiring two full-time (40 hr/wk, starting at $16/hr) field assistants for summer 2024 (starting in May). Field assistants will work on two research projects investigating pollination in cranberry and cucumber agriculture. Both projects will utilize camera traps developed by the Crall lab to monitor bee visitors to flowers and evaluate pollination services by quantifying pollen deposition or measuring fruit and seed set. No prior field or research experience is required.

Day-to-day responsibilities will include, but are not limited to the following:

Drive to field sites (both around Madison and in Central WI ~2 hours North of Madison)

Set up and maintain pollinator camera traps

Observe pollinators visiting flowers and identify them to morphospecies

Organize and enter data into spreadsheets

Conduct single pollinator visits to flowers

Dye and count pollen grains

Assess fruit and seed set

Feeding and care for bumblebees

Qualifications:

Valid US driver’s license and ability to gain driver authorization from UW Risk Management (details here )

Strong attention to detail and organizational skills and the ability to stay focused on repetitive or tedious tasks

Coursework or interest in ecology, biology, entomology, or related fields

Ability to work independently and in teams

Ability to work outside in summer heat and humidity, occasionally for long days

Please note: we do not provide housing.

To apply, email your CV to Olivia Bernauer at ombernauer@wisc.edu  with Summer 2024 Field Assistant as the subject line. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis starting April 1 and the job will remain open until the positions are filled.

The CT DEEP is accepting applications for seasonal resource assistant positions with the Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment Program. Can you please share with any interested students?

 

Please note a change in the closing date (i.e., deadline to apply) for this year which is listed on the postings as 12/30/2024. The actual start date for the position will depend upon the availability of the selected applicant, but is anticipated to occur in April and May 2024 so it is highly encouraged to have applications submitted by March 24, 2024. The position is a durational position (1040 hours or approximately 6 months) with no associated benefits.  We routinely hire applicants still in school with the understanding that they will return to school in the fall and will not fulfill the full 1040 hours.

 

Thank you!

 

POSITIONS OVERVIEW:

Positions are available to support both our Long Island Sound Monitoring Program and our Inland Water Monitoring Program (Water Monitoring Program Overview).  The positions are based out of the DEEP Windsor Field Office, with field work conducted across the State.  Anticipated duties include:

 

• Conducting water quality sampling at state park beaches, lakes and ponds, and rivers and streams
• Conduct intensive monthly water quality monitoring in Long Island Sound aboard a 50-foot research vessel under various sea and weather conditions
• Field collection of fish, diatom, macroinvertebrate and cyanobacteria samples
• Water temperature probe deployment
• Laboratory preparation of samples
• Organize, enter, and query data
• Fulfill external data requests 
• Develop data visualization tools (with Excel, R, or Python programming languages)
• Perform quality control reviews of data (with Excel, R, or Python programming languages)
• Perform data analysis and develop reports (with Excel, R, or Python programming languages)

 

 

TO APPLY:

View the full job postings at the links below.  Applications must be submitted through the State of CT Online Employment Center; applications submitted by email will not be accepted. 

 

Inland Monitoring Positions: https://www.jobapscloud.com/CT/sup/bulpreview.asp?b=&R1=231226&R2=3492VR&R3=001

 

Long Island Sound Monitoring Positions:  https://www.jobapscloud.com/CT/sup/bulpreview.asp?b=&R1=231226&R2=3492VR&R3=002