PhD opportunity: Mechanisms of climatic adaptation in plants

Are you interested in the genetic and physiological mechanisms of adaptation, the costs of plasticity, and/or understanding potential maladaptive responses to climate change?

The Oakley lab in the Department of Botany and Plant Pathology at Purdue University is recruiting a PhD student for Fall 2024 for an NSF funded project connecting the genotype-phenotype-fitness map for cold acclimation, an adaptive plastic response in seasonally freezing environments. Cold acclimation is common in plants throughout the temperate zones and involves dramatic metabolic and physiological changes in response to cool autumn temperatures which increase winter freezing tolerance. It is energetically costly, particularly in cool but non-freezing environments, and climate change may exacerbate the negative fitness consequences of this cost. This project (in collaboration with the Dilkes lab in Biochemistry at Purdue) is a unique opportunity to investigate the effects of a naturally occurring sequence polymorphism in a key regulatory gene on molecular and organismal phenotypes and fitness in contrasting conditions that mimic the native environments in which the ecotypes evolved. There are many opportunities for new directions building off the main themes of the project. There is a vibrant community of interdisciplinary plant biologists (https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fag.purdue.edu%2Fcpb%2Ffaculty%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7Cf4f5ff32068549165cd708dbb6a77518%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638304602572265135%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=VodxKA77qCKo71poqZhtQ6Qw6gdlINTyCIOXIAhMwVc%3D&reserved=0)
at Purdue, providing ample opportunity for interaction and collaboration.

A BS/BA degree in ecology & evolution, genetics, plant biology, or related field is required (by Spring 2024), as is a strong interest in learning to use transcriptomic and metabolomic tools to answer evolutionary questions. No specific skills are required, but some combination of experience in experimental biology, molecular genetics, plant care, and bioinformatics/quantitative analysis is strongly preferred.

If you are interested in applying, please email your CV and a short
(1-2 paragraph) email explaining your interest in graduate school in general, and the lab and project in particular. This should be done prior to applying, ideally no later than 4 weeks prior to the application deadline. Applications are due by Nov. 15th, 2023 and do NOT require the GRE. This is a direct admit program (no rotations). Students interested in doing rotations may also apply via the interdisciplinary plant science program (https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fag.purdue.edu%2Fcpb%2Fapply-now.html&data=05%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7Cf4f5ff32068549165cd708dbb6a77518%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638304602572265135%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=oaBMa8ku3MQdgdIe%2FVYcvj69cXf%2Bs0LlTva%2Fd4%2FncLk%3D&reserved=0).

Chris Oakley
oakleyc@purdue.edu
https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbtny.purdue.edu%2Flabs%2Foakley&data=05%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7Cf4f5ff32068549165cd708dbb6a77518%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638304602572265135%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=1LVnlVVb8fF%2FJo0HdIeVBaOVHjHntBX16K1TTq5t4WY%3D&reserved=0


“Oakley, Christopher G” <oakleyc@purdue.edu>

Right Whale Ecology Program – Photo-ID Internship, The Center for Coastal Studies (CCS), Provincetown, MA

Right Whale Ecology Program – Habitat Internship, The Center for Coastal Studies (CCS), Provincetown, MA

Habitat Restoration Internship – Fall 2023, Save The Bay, Southern RI; remote office work

PhD opportunity in Evolutionary Ecology

The Turcotte Lab of Experimental Evolutionary Ecology at the University of Pittsburgh is looking for a PhD student interested in studying rapid evolution in response to environmental pollution using experimental evolution. The research would utilize our rapid and manipulatable duckweed system allowing for a combination of field, mesocosm, and lab experiments.

Please visit the lab webpage for more information:
https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.martinturcotte.net%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7Cfbc3ef1b377c442974cb08dbb50e64d8%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638302845656977072%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=jBtLdReIKJL1TC2UVFWfMBsenGYj86GapKqFYNWoyVg%3D&reserved=0

The Department of Biological Sciences is a dynamic and growing team of enthusiastic researchers and educators. The department also runs the Pymatuning Lab of Ecology, which is equipped with lab space and housing to facilitate field-based research in northwestern Pennsylvania. The City of Pittsburgh is a vibrant and beautiful place to live.  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 me at:    turcotte@pitt.edu with a
short paragraph stating why you are interested in the lab and describe your past research experience. Please include your C.V., any publications, and contact information for a few references.

Martin Turcotte, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Department of Biological Sciences University of Pittsburgh

MS graduate position in Biology with focus on plant and microbiome genomics

The Puzey and Dalgleish Labs (https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpuzeylab.weebly.com%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7Cec86360012a9407f936e08dbb4449e31%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638301979037400175%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Qn21zeOvuLxFFzO4uR0ElIpMvpqgBGi%2F69KfRmWmNoc%3D&reserved=0) are looking for one new M.S. graduate student to begin in Fall 2024. We are looking for students who are passionate about plants, conservation, and genomics.
We have a newly funded project studying taro on the islands of French Polynesia. Specifically, using a genomic approach, we are seeking to understand the connection between, taro’s introduction history, population genetics, cultivation practices, and soil microbiome. Experience with Python and/or R is desirable.

Please email Josh Puzey (jrpuzey@wm.edu) for additional information.

Chartered in 1693, William and Mary (W&M) is the second oldest school in the US and located in historic Williamsburg, VA.  W&M offers a two-year, research-intensive M.S. program where students are supported by teaching assistantships and full tuition waivers. For many students, getting a Master’s degree in two years while earning grants and publications allows them to gain admittance to high-profile Ph.D. programs or take that next career step.

Additional information can be found:
https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wm.edu%2Fas%2Fbiology%2Fgraduate%2Findex.php&data=05%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7Cec86360012a9407f936e08dbb4449e31%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638301979037556408%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=R23CN%2FSyokYTHh7t4Yj31LKtarZzujg5kyoW9FNgXDo%3D&reserved=0
The GRE is not required for admission.

The Toll lab at the University of South Carolina is recruiting graduate students (master’s or PhD). Students will develop a project on the genetic basis or ecological significance of traits underlying adaptation and speciation in monkeyflowers. Monkeyflowers (*Mimulus*, *Erythranthe*, *Diplacus*) are an ecological genetic model system with a wealth of natural phenotypic, genetic, and ecological (life history, mating system, habitat, etc.) diversity, coupled with genomic tools to address fundamental evolutionary questions. We are currently working on projects about the genetic basis of abiotic and biotic stress tolerance, adaptive divergence and the coexistence of closely related species, and ecological specialization and endemism to harsh and unusual soils.

The Department of Biological Sciences at the University of South Carolina has a great ecology and evolution group and a large graduate student community. In addition to our lab, there are many related labs including the labs of Drs. Carrie Wessinger (plant evolution, pollination), Brian Hollis (speciation, evolutionary genetics), and Eric LoPresti (plant-insect ecology and evolution). Columbia is a small city with many parks within the city boundaries and Congaree National Park less than half-hour away, with Charleston, Charlotte, and Greenville also within a couple hours. The cost of living is very reasonable and stipends for graduate students are competitive ($26,000/year for master’s and PhD students).

A bachelor’s degree in biology and an interest in plant ecology and evolutionary genetics is required. Previous experience with any of the following is preferred but not required: plant growth, molecular biology lab work, bioinformatics, and field experience. I encourage all interested students to reach out, nomatter your background, GPA in college, or country of residence. We do not require GRE scores for applicants and consider both potential master’s and doctoral students equally. In addition, the graduate school is waiving all graduate application fees this year.

We have these exciting options for your students in South Africa, Kenya and Ecuador:

 

1. 14-day Marine Biology field course in South Africa
2. 19-day Big 5 experience in South Africa
3. 19-day Ecology South Africa course
4. 16-day Ecology Kenya course
5. 11-day Ecology Ecuador course

 

As always, our courses are designed to expose students to a wide range of career options in the conservation sector, with a mix of practical hands-on experiences and interactions with some of the field’s top research and conservation professionals. For more information about who we are and what we do, please see the PDF examples below, or visit https://discovereden.co.za.  As an active publishing researcher, I understand the value of early field experiences in shaping career choices for undergraduate and postgraduate students, and I would appreciate it if you were again able to share these opportunities with your students. If you are interested in discussing a more structured partnership, we are open to that too.

 

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.