Author: Davis, Miranda L.

New MSc Ecological Forecasting in Bayreuth (DE)

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Dear all,

The University of Bayreuth is advertising a new Master’s programme in Ecological Forecasting, run jointly with JMU Würzburg and part of the Elite Network of Bavaria. Please share this with any students who might be interested.

The programme trains students in ecology, statistical modelling, artificial intelligence, remote sensing, and decision-making, with a strong focus on producing and communicating quantitative forecasts. It is structured around block-style foundational and thematic modules, pilot study internships, an annual workshop, and a collaborative forecasting challenge.

– No tuition fees; Bayreuth has a relatively low cost of living among German university cities

– Applications still open until May 15th (EU and non-EU citizens)

– MEF@uni-bayreuth.de for general inquiries

Full details and application guide: https://www.uni-bayreuth.de/en/master/ecological-forecasting

Kind regards,
Bert van der Veen
University of Bayreuth

PhD Opportunity, Australia: Where, when and how do birds sleep in the city?

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PhD Opportunity: Where, when and how do birds sleep in the city?
We are seeking applicants for a fully funded PhD position investigating effects of urbanisation on avian sleep, commencing in Geelong (Australia) in 2026.
The project: The PhD will form part of a broader study investigating the extent to which native Australian birds avoid, tolerate, or adapt to effects of urbanisation on sleep. The design of the PhD project will depend on the candidate’s input, with the opportunity to choose which component(s) of the broader study to focus on. Depending on the candidate’s strengths and interests, the project may involve a combination of field research and experimental studies, including the use of miniature tracking devices to record activity and movement. The core aims of the project will include investigating impacts of urban development on the behaviour of native Australian birds, as well as trade-offs between activity and rest.
Eligibility: This opportunity is open to both domestic (Australian) and international applicants. We are looking for a highly motivated student with an excellent academic track record, including First-Class Honours (or equivalent qualification) in Zoology or Ecology. The ideal candidate will have strong scientific writing and analytical skills (preferably including proficiency in R), demonstrated ability to work independently, and a full driver’s licence. Previous experience with animal handling, bird banding, and/or wildlife tracking will also be beneficial for the project, but is not strictly required.
Supervisors: The student will be primarily supervised by Dr Anne Aulsebrook and co-supervised by Professor Kate Buchanan at Deakin University (Waurn Ponds, Geelong, Australia).
Location: The successful applicant will join the School of Life and Environmental Science at Deakin University in Waurn Ponds (Geelong, Australia).
Funding: The position is fully funded by a Deakin University Postgraduate Research (DUPR) Scholarship (for international candidates) or Research Training Program Scholarship (for domestic candidates). The scholarship includes an annual stipend (~$37,450 tax-free) and a relocation allowance for interstate/overseas candidates. International candidates also receive an Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) policy for the duration of the student visa.
To apply: Please send a CV and a brief (1-2 pages) cover letter explaining your suitability for the role to Dr Anne Aulsebrook (a.aulsebrook@deakin.edu.au) by 31 May 2026. Interviews will be arranged shortly after this, and the successful candidate will need to be in Australia and enrolled in the graduate program at Deakin University before the end of the year.
Curious to learn more? If you’d like to learn more before applying, please don’t hesitate to email: a.aulsebrook@deakin.edu.au
Dr Anne Aulsebrook
DECRA Fellow
School of Life & Environmental Sciences
Deakin University

75 Pigdons Rd, Waurn Ponds, VIC 3216, Australia
a.aulsebrook@deakin.edu.au

 

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Research Assistant job opportunity at BAERI/NASA Ames

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Research Assistant job opportunity at BAERI/NASA Ames – review begins 4/30/2026 by Carl Norlen (23 Apr 2026 17:26 EDT)

The Bay Area Environmental Research (BAER, https://baeri.org/) Institute, a 501(c)(3)
nonprofit organization focused on enabling and conducting research in Earth and space
science, is seeking a Research Assistant for the NASA Ames Earth Science Division
(https://www.nasa.gov/earth-science-at-ames/). The position will work for the Wildfire,
Ecosystem Resilience, and Risk Assessment Initiative (WERK) that aims to develop
ecosystem monitoring data products and assessments to support California state
partners’ urgent needs in protecting public safety and natural resources from catastrophic
wildfires and growing environmental variability. Specifically, the research assistant will
support the aboveground biomass and fuel mapping tasks. Ideal candidates will have
experience with vegetation plot monitoring datasets, geospatial data management,
remote sensing, and statistical analysis. The position is based at NASA’s Ames Research
Center (ARC) in Moffett Field, CA, with an initial duration of 1 year and the possibility of
extension. The scientist is expected to work on-site at least two days per week.Alternative
arrangements may be considered where appropriate. The anticipated start date is
Summer 2026.
Essential Job Duties:
– Assist in the development and harmonization of forest plot datasets across
California;
– Work with the project team on data compilation, data cleaning, remote sensing
algorithm applications, processing pipeline development and delivery;
– Develop documentation and training materials to allow team members and
partners to successfully operate the data processing pipeline;
– Contribute to research manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals;
– Present research findings at conferences and public forums;
– Contribute to the research community in Ames Earth Science division and beyond;
Minimum/ Required Qualifications
– Master’s Degree (or Bachelor’s degree with more than 3-years of experience in
this field) in forest ecology, geography, remote sensing, or a relevant
multidisciplinary degree.
– Experience collecting and/or working with forest plot monitoring datasets (e.g.,
stem maps, species, size, biomass)
– Proficient in Python or R programming languages for data management and
statistical analysis.
– Experience with data processing and mapping with Geographic Information
Systems (GIS), preferably QGIS
– Demonstrated experience in planning, designing, executing, and coordinating
research;
– Experience developing and maintaining appropriate documentation and training
materials to allow team members and customers of various backgrounds and
disciplines to successfully operate;
– Strong communication skills that allows for working effectively as a member of a
research team;
Preferred Qualifications:
– Experience with tree allometry and biomass quantification;
– Demonstrated contribution to scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals;
– Experience manipulating airborne lidar data;
– Previous research with machine learning, image processing, feature extraction;
– Familiarity with handling large and various data types including optical satellite and
airborne data;
– Knowledge and experience with quantitative approaches in terrestrial ecosystem
& land system science;
– Familiarity with high performance computing (HPC) environments;
– Experience on deep learning frameworks such as PyTorch, Keras or TensorFlow
is highly desired;
Salary range:
– $65K-70K / year
To be considered for this position:
– Please submit a cover letter (usually one to two pages) to ‘werk@baeri.org’ with
subject line “WERK Hire Research Assistant: your name” stating the applicant’s
interest in the project, prior research experience and/or projects of particular
relevance, areas of interest, key competencies, and anticipated date of availability.
Include also a full CV and the names of three references. All qualified applicants
will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion,
sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected
veteran status. Review of applications will begin on April 30th, 2026, and continue
until the position is filled.

PhD Research Assistantship at Clemson University: Habitat Modeling

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PhD Research Assistantship at Clemson University: Habitat Modeling by Troy Mason Farmer (23 Apr 2026 15:34 EDT)

Responsibilities: We are seeking an enthusiastic PhD student to conduct research aimed at estimating the quantity and quality of American Shad spawning habitat in the Santee Basin using both active and passive telemetry. Responsibilities will include leading a field crew conducting boat electrofishing, American Shad telemetry, and habitat surveys; geospatial and statistical analyses; writing a research proposal, dissertation, and technical reports; and completing coursework pursuant to a PhD degree. The candidate will work closely with a large group of university, private, and agency collaborators. The student will work towards a PhD in Wildlife and Fisheries Biology at Clemson University (Wildlife and Fisheries Biology (MWFR, M.S., Ph.D.) (clemson.edu)). Clemson University (http://www.clemson.edu/about/) is a public land-grant Carnegie R1 Research University in a college town atmosphere on Lake Hartwell, South Carolina within view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Students will be based on main campus and will conduct field work in the Santee Basin, South Carolina. Transportation and housing will be provided during field work.

 

Candidates must have:
·         A MS degree in fisheries, ecology, biology, or equivalent

·         Competitive practical experience in fish/stream/freshwater research

·         Demonstrated excellence in written, verbal, and quantitative skills

·         A valid US driver’s license

Ideal candidates will have some combination of experience in:
·         Leading and working in field crews under adverse conditions

·         Boat electrofishing and telemetry

·         Habitat suitability modeling

·         Habitat surveys

·         Fish ecology

·         Working with staff from agencies, nongovernmental organizations, landowners, etc.

·         Analysis using R software, GIS, etc.

·         Scientific writing and communication

 

Compensation:
·         $30,000 per year for 5 years

·         Position includes full tuition waiver and eligibility for university health benefits package.

 

Start date:

August 2026 or Spring 2027

 

Application deadline:

Application reviews will begin on May 31st. The position will remain open until filled.

 

To apply: please send applications to Drs. Luke Bower (lmbower@clemson.edu) and  Troy Farmer (tmfarme@clemson.edu) with the subject “PhD application: Habitat Modeling”. Packets should include in a single PDF 1) a cover letter describing your interest in the project and career goals, 2) your CV, including at least 3 references, and 3) unofficial transcripts. The GRE is not required for admission to Clemson or to work with our team, but applicants may also include GRE scores if they think it will improve their packet.

 

 

FIELD TECHNICIAN – FISH, WILDLIFE, AND HABITAT MONITORING

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Location: Olympic Experimental State Forest, Forks, WA
Recruitment is open until it is filled with an initial review on April 29th.
This position with Washington State Department of Natural Resources will begin between May 18th and June 1st and end on December 15, 2026. The position will work with other technicians in 2–4 person crews or independently to conduct juvenile salmonid population estimates, stream habitat surveys, bioacoustics surveys, and riparian and upland forest stand surveys across the western Olympic Peninsula in Washington state.
Field sites are remote and require strenuous hiking on steep terrain while carrying sampling equipment. Following the primary summer field season, the technician will continue with lower intensity fieldwork through mid-December conducting salmon redd surveys, independently and often in adverse weather conditions.
Type of Appointment: Full-time, non-permanent
Position Dates: May 18 – December 15, 2026. There is a potential for extension of the assignment past December 15.
Compensation & Benefits: Monthly salary ranges from $3,477 to $4,632, depending on qualifications and experience. Employees accrue 8 hours of sick leave and 8 hours of annual leave per month. Medical insurance is available for employees working more than six months.
Required Qualifications:
Valid driver’s license and ability to drive on unpaved roadsAbility to hike in rugged terrain and work in inclement weatherAbility to work both independently and as part of a teamBasic understanding of environmental monitoringStrong attention to detail and diligence in data collection and management
Desired Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, forestry, fisheries, or a related fieldField experience in fisheries or aquatic ecologyExperience identifying local fish and plant species, and conducting fish sampling/workupsExperience conducting forest stand or stream habitat surveysFamiliarity with backpack electrofishing and/or redd surveysGPS navigation and backcountry travel experienceExperience with data collection and data management
Work Schedule: Monday–Thursday (10-hour days). Approximately 95% of work is conducted in the field.
Housing: Not provided; securing housing in Forks, WA can be challenging.
How to Apply:
Email your resume with the contact information of three references  and cover letter to Kyle Martens, Fish Biologist, Washington State Department of Natural Resources (kyle.martens@dnr.wa.gov). Please also include any timing constraints that may prevent you from working the entire time between May through mid-December.

MS research assistantship in Forest Ecology

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An MS research assistantship is available in the forestry program at Alabama A&M University, located in Huntsville, Alabama.
The student will monitor longleaf pine growth and reproduction across the southern states (e.g., AL, GA, and FL).  The research assistantship is $22k + 3k (tuition support) per year for two years. A good driving record is required, as you will be driving a university vehicle for research. If you have strong motivation and research interests, please contact xiongwen.chen@aamu.edu for job details; for applications, please link to the Graduate School at AAMU (https://www.aamu.edu/academics/graduate-studies/index.html). The Department name is Natural Resources & Environmental Sciences.

temporary summer field assistant in mosquito invasion ecology in PA

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The Fikrig Lab in the Department of Entomology at Penn State (University Park) is seeking an undergraduate or post-graduate to work as a summer research assistant (40 hours/week) for Summer 2026. The position will begin in early June 2026 and continue through August 2026 (start and end dates are negotiable).
Project Description
The summer research assistant will primarily work on a field-based study investigating the invasion dynamics of the tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) in Pennsylvania. Responsibilities will include:
•     Assisting with mosquito collections at sites across Pennsylvania
•     Mosquito identification
•     Data entry and data management
•     Other project-related tasks as needed
Depending on interest and progress, the research assistant may also participate in data analysis and co-authorship on resulting publications.
Qualifications
Applicants must:
•     Hold a valid driver’s license
•     Be willing to reside near State College, PA for the duration of the summer
•     Be comfortable working outdoors and handling insects
No prior research experience is required, but curiosity, reliability, and enthusiasm for fieldwork are essential.
Compensation and Housing
•     The position offers a competitive hourly wage
•     Housing is not provided, but there are typically ample housing options available in the State College area, and we are happy to offer guidance on the local market
Who Should Apply?
This is an excellent opportunity for students or post-graduates interested in:
•     Ecology
•     Vector-borne diseases
•     Public health
•     Medicine or graduate research
Whether you are pre-med, considering graduate school, or looking for a unique and hands-on summer experience, we encourage you to apply!
Application Information
•     Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis (i.e. submitting your application early enhances your likelihood of success)
•     All hiring decisions will be finalized by May 8, 2026, at the latest
To apply, please complete this application form, which requires a copy of your resume.
For questions, contact Ann Safo, ays6029@psu.edu
—
Kara Fikrig
Assistant Professor
Entomology Department
The Pennsylvania State University

Full-time Aquatic Invasive Species Field Assistant

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Full-time Aquatic Invasive Species Field Assistant  by Diebboll, Hannah L (DEC) (15 Apr 2026 15:54 EDT)
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Full-time Aquatic Invasive Species Field Assistant
Term: One year contract, with possibility for extension based on performance. Full-time (39 hours/week)
Salary: $24.30 – $26.44
Location: Warrensburg, NY
Description: As the Aquatic Invasive Species Field Assistant, you will conduct detailed field surveys of fish, aquatic plants and invertebrates, perform manual aquatic invasive plant removals in collaboration with local stakeholder groups, and additional duties as assigned following standardized methodology. Other duties include:
Perform detailed identification of invasive pests to assist in determining appropriate management strategies.
Conduct boat and backpack electrofishing surveys and point-intercept rake-toss surveys safely and effectively from a non-motorized and motorized vessel in lentic and lotic systems.
Perform general equipment maintenance, inspection, and troubleshooting of field and related research equipment.
Assist with digital field data collection, analysis, and preparation of detailed site reports on work completed.
Assist with field operation planning and execution under the supervision of the Region 5 Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator.
Questions? Contact Hannah Diebboll (see email signature below)
Hannah Diebboll
She/her
Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator, Region 5
NYS Water Resources Institute at Cornell University
Bureau of Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health
Invasive Species Coordination Section

Laboratory Technician – Aquatic Microbial Ecology

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We are currently seeking a Laboratory Technician to support the McKindles Lab in the Department of Biology at Baylor University. This is a temporary, full-time position focused on establishing and managing an Algal Culture Collection and contributing to research in aquatic microbial ecology.
The position is well-suited for candidates with experience in microbial culturing, including media preparation, sterile technique, and microscopy. The technician will play a central role in maintaining cultures, developing long-term storage protocols, isolating new strains, and assisting with experimental work on culture growth conditions. Additional responsibilities include general lab maintenance and contributing to manuscript preparation.
Ideal candidates will be self-motivated, collaborative, and interested in microbial ecology, with familiarity in cyanobacteria or biofuel-relevant algae considered a plus. Opportunities exist for involvement in project development, publications, and presentations. Fieldwork is optional.
Minimum qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Biology or a related field (Master’s preferred).
Additional requirement: Applicants must be authorized to work full-time in the United States and will be required to fill out a Religious Faith Statement.
Position is hourly, on site in Waco, TX. Proposed start date of July 1, 2026.
Please feel free to share this opportunity with qualified candidates or reach out with any questions.
Best regards,
Katelyn McKindles

Plant Ecology Internships at Archbold Biological Station, FL 

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Plant Ecology Internships at Archbold Biological Station, FL by David, Aaron (04 Apr 2026 20:56 EDT)
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Position: Plant Ecology Internship (multiple positions)
Location: Archbold Biological Station, Venus, FL
Deadline to apply: April 21, 2026
Start date: June or September 2026
We seek to hire a motivated plant ecologist for an 8-month internship position in the Plant Ecology Program of Dr. Aaron David at Archbold Biological Station, located in south-central Florida. In the Plant Ecology Program, we study nearly two dozen rare species of endemic plants in endangered Florida scrub and related communities, and have unique, multidecadal demographic datasets coupled with detailed fire records. Our research emphasizes conservation biology, plant demography, plant-microbe interactions, restoration ecology, fire ecology, landscape ecology, and fire management.
Our 8-month internships are ideal preparation for graduate research in ecology. Interns gain research experience by assisting with several laboratory projects and by conducting independent studies that offer experience in every aspect of scientific research, from project choice and experimental design to oral and written presentations. Most of our interns continue on to academic or professional positions, and many have first-authored publications based on their intern projects. Prospective applicants can learn more about Archbold, the Plant Ecology Program, and our internships on our website (https://www.archbold-station.org/).
Compensation: $265.00 per week stipend

Aaron S. David, Ph.D. | Program Director of Plant Ecology & Associate Research Biologist
Phone: (863) 465-2571 x234

adavid@archbold-station.org

Program page: http://www.archbold-station.org/html/research/plant/plant.html