Late-breaking, funded Ph.D. opportunities in our beautiful new UCSC coastal-campus lab. Please share widely! Link to tweet: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-QgtBdIhr8kimBPyP3u6oUa2qu60fcpgWADDrIthwHY
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The Zavaleta lab in the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Department at UC Santa Cruz has two funded openings for Ph.D. students to begin in summer or fall 2018. Our lab, department and campus (an R-1, Hispanic-Serving Institution) value inclusion and diversity, and we encourage prospective students from backgrounds underrepresented in our field to apply.

One Ph.D. position will be funded for 4-5 years through a half-time position to launch and coordinate the Center to Advance Mentored, INquiry-Based Opportunities (CAMINO) in Ecology and Conservation. Accordingly, the ideal candidate has significant experience in and demonstrated commitment to mentoring students from diverse backgrounds; excellent outreach, communication and networking skills; and familiarity with programming to advance participation, equity and inclusion in STEM. Research topic is flexible, with interest in candidates who would like to focus part of the dissertation on strengthening outcomes in our field for undergraduates from underrepresented backgrounds.

The other Ph.D. position will be funded through a combination of teaching and research fellowships to participate in a project linking climate and other environmental changes to the ecology and conservation of alpine migratory songbirds. Successful applicants will have avian research experience including bird capture and banding, experience supervising undergraduates and field crews in remote settings, excellent quantitative and writing skills, and a desire to combine conservation research with field-based mentoring of students from diverse backgrounds.

Applications to the UCSC Graduate Division are due 12/15. To inquire directly about your potential fit or to find out more, please send Erika a cover letter with resume/CV, transcripts (screenshot/ unofficial fine), a writing sample (paper, statement, proposal, report, etc. with you as sole or lead author), and GRE scores if you have them. Zavaleta@ucsc.edu. Erika will contact strong candidates for a video interview.

Thank you.

Erika

Erika Zavaleta
Professor
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology 
University of California
Santa Cruz, CA
People.ucsc.edu/~zavaleta
Conservationscholars.ucsc.edu

4-Year Ph.D. Assistantship in Herbivore Foraging and Movement Ecology Anticipated Start Date: Summer 2018

PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The Quantitative Ecology and Spatial Technologies Laboratory at Mississippi State University, in collaboration with the Department of Animal and Dairy Science and the Noble Research Institute, is seeking a highly motivated student for a 4-year Ph.D. assistantship in herbivore foraging and movement ecology with a specific focus on beef cattle as an experimental system. The student will investigate how foraging behavior and movement influence energy budgets of grazing cattle, and how these budgets relate to animal production and individual fitness. This is a federally funded project through USDA-NIFA with emphases on metabolic theory, space utilization, and Bayesian hierarchical modeling. The successful candidate will gain substantial experience in (1) managing and leading data collection efforts across multiple field sites; (2) construction of movement trajectories from accelerometry (“dead reckoning”); (3) supervised and unsupervised classification algorithms;
(4) analysis and interpretation of GPS-based and dead-reckoned relocation data, and accommodation of error in relocation data; and, (5) hierarchical modeling in both frequentist and Bayesian frameworks. The candidate also will be expected to develop multiple peer-reviewed manuscripts.

COMPENSATION
A stipend for living expenses will be provided ($23,500 per year), as well as complete tuition remission and health insurance, for a total of
4 years. The selected candidate also will be strongly encouraged to apply for stipend support through the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station (MAFES) and federal initiatives (e.g., NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program).

QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum: An MSc in ecology, wildlife management, animal science, agroecology, precision agriculture, statistics, or a related discipline.
Capable of working under strenuous conditions for extended periods (i.e., hot and humid conditions, exposure to biting and stinging insects, etc.). Minimum GPA = 3.25 and GRE = 150.

Preferred: Demonstrable experience in Bayesian statistics and/or hierarchical modeling, managing and manipulating “big data”, and writing technical documents and journal articles is strongly desired. Additional qualifications include field experience in animal handling, GPS collaring, domestic livestock husbandry, and forage quality and quantity measurements; and familiarity with Program R, GIS software, and Gibbs and/or NUTS samplers (e.g., JAGS, WinBUGS, Stan). Minimum GPA = 3.5, GRE Quantitative = 160, and GRE Analytical Writing = 4.

APPLICATIONS
To apply, please send the following items: (1) Cover letter describing credentials and professional goals; (2) an up-to-date curriculum vitae;
(3) a list of references (3 at minimum); and (4) unofficial copies of all university transcripts and GRE\TOELF scores. Formal application to Mississippi State University, including official transcripts and GRE/TOEFL scores, is required subsequent to selection of a successful candidate.

Please send all application materials to Dr. Garrett M. Street (gms246@msstate.edu).

Graduate position opportunities in Ecological Genomics

We are looking for motivated students interested in behavioral
evolutionary, and ecological genomics to join our laboratory at Indiana
State University (ISU). These graduate positions are part of a new
interdisciplinary initiative at ISU, The Center for Genomic Advocacy
(TCGA), which is focused on the application of genomic technology to
the betterment of society. TCGA is developing a state-of-the-art next
generation sequencing facility, which is being used to provide hands-on
experience for students as well as string infrastructure for modern
genomic studies.

Graduate research will be expected to combine traditional behavioral
ecology studies with next-generation sequencing technology to examine
the evolution of polymorphism in the white-throated sparrow. Student will
conduct extensive laboratory work as well as participate in field based
data collection during the breeding season.  This species exhibits a clear
link between phenotype and genotype, making it an ideal system in which
to pinpoint the determinants of complex sexual and parental behavior. We
have amassed 29 years of detailed data on this species making it possible
to identify the genetic, epigenetic, and environmental bases of behavior.
Morphs of the white-throated sparrow provide a unique opportunity to study
intraspecific genomic differences, which have resulted from two separate,
yet linked evolutionary trajectories. Such results can transform our
understanding of the evolution of genomes.

To apply, please send a letter of intent and curriculum by January 15,
2018. The subject of the email should mention: WTSP project Graduate
Position.

For more information about the positions, please feel free to contact
Dr. Rusty A. Gonser (rusty.gonser@indstate.edu), at the Center for
Genomics Advocacy (TCGA), Indiana State University, Terre Haute, IN 47809.

For more information about the lab, TCGA, the department, and the
university, see:

http://www.indstate.edu/biology/
http://www.indstate.edu/
https://www.indstate.edu/cgps/graduate
https://www.indstate.edu/cas/TCGA

Dr. Rusty A. Gonser
Professor, Department of biology
Director of the Center for Genomic Advocacy (TCGA)
Indiana State University
Terre Haute, IN 47809

Phone: 812.234.9220
Email : rusty.gonser@indstate.edu

Zoe Delefortrie <zdelefortrie@sycamores.indstate.edu>

Two funded restoration ecology graduate assistantships (Masters or
Ph.D.) are available in the Faist Lab starting Fall of 2018 at New Mexico State University.

These positions are exciting opportunities be a part of a multi- disciplinary, collaborative, interagency group that is seeking innovative solutions to long-standing and pressing restoration questions. The two areas of focus for the advertised positions are: seed based restoration efforts to improve dryland restoration success and fire ecology efforts examining how vascular plants and biological soil crusts interact to determine ecosystem resilience and recovery. Projects will involve fieldwork and complimentary greenhouse efforts.

Successful candidates will have a strong academic record in ecology, range sciences, biology, environmental science, or a similar natural resource related field. Preference will be given to applicants who have previous field research experience and an enthusiasm for working outside in southwestern US climates. Positions will be funded through research assistantships, teaching assistantships, or a combination of both.

Please find further lab information at:
http://aces.nmsu.edu/faculty/faist/

Email Akasha Faist (afaist@nmsu.edu) to apply or inquire further about the available positions. When applying, please include a letter of interest that states: 1) general research and career goals, 2) if you are interested in obtaining a MS or Ph.D., and 3) if you have a preference to work on seed and habitat restoration efforts or dryland fire ecology efforts, and why. In addition to a letter of interest, please also include a current curriculum vitae and unofficial transcripts. For full consideration please send materials by December 12th, 2017.

More information about NMSU’s Department of Animal and Range Sciences can be found athttp://aces.nmsu.edu/academics/anrs/index.html and the graduate school athttps://gradschool.nmsu.edu/.

PhD POSITION IN AQUATIC COMMUNITY ECOLOGY

The Spatial Community Ecology Laboratory at Utah State University
(http://www.eddhammill.com/) is seeking Ph.D applicants to undertake research in the field of freshwater community ecology. Current areas of interest include – 1) The evolutionary responses of mosquitoes to pesticide contamination. 2) Understanding the relationships between habitat condition, aquatic community health, and ecosystem function. 3) How do changes to river flow affect aquatic insects and their ability to support fish populations? 4) How do changes in water conditions affect interactions between predators, prey, and competitors? 5) Can distributions of aquatic insects inform conservation decisions?
Candidates with other specific research interests are encouraged to suggest projects in their application.

The successful candidate will have access to a well-equipped laboratory, and Utah State University’s nearby outdoor Aquatic Research Facility that houses 90 mesocosms and experimental ponds. In addition the research group has strong ties to research stations in Costa Rica, Brazil, Canada and Australia that will be available for field projects.
A knowledge of the statistical programming package R, and/or ArcGIS, and conversational ability in either Spanish or Portuguese will be looked upon favorably. Candidates should be reasonably physically fit, and be able to carry a 40lb backpack 1 mile.

Utah State University (http://www.usu.edu) is a Research I (Extensive
Doctoral) land-grant institution with a student body of over 24,000, 42 departments, 8 academic colleges, a school of Graduate Studies, and diverse research programs. The main campus is located in Logan, a community of 100,000 people. Logan is 85 miles north of Salt Lake City in scenic Cache Valley, a semi-rural mountain basin with nearby ski resorts, lakes, rivers, and mountains providing many recreational opportunities. The area has a low cost of living and provides a high quality of life.  For more information on Logan see http://www.tourcachevalley.com.

Initial funding for tuition and salary will be through a Quinney PhD Scholarship, which covers the first two years, subsequent years will be covered through other awards. Candidates contact myself initially and then we apply together for the fellowship. Candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for external fellowships through the NSF and other sources. Candidates will be provided extensive support with the application process. Starting salaries are $18,700 for a PhD. In addition, successful candidates will have the opportunity to work as teaching assistants to supplement their starting salaries.

Please contact Edd Hammill (edd.hammill@usu.edu, 435 265 5964) for more information or to submit application materials (CV, cover letter, any publications, details of their research interests). Initial review of applications will begin Nov 30th 2017.

Edd Hammill’s google scholar page –
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=THOE6q0AAAAJ&hl=en

PhD POSITION IN SPATIAL ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION BIOLOGY

The Spatial Community Ecology Laboratory at Utah State University
(http://www.eddhammill.com/) is seeking Ph.D applicants to undertake research in the field of spatial ecology and conservation planning.
Current areas of interest include – 1) How should future drought risk be incorporated into watershed management at the landscape scale. 2) Should conservation actions be undertaken in areas experiencing armed conflict.
3) What are the true costs of landscape management 4) Balancing conservation and restoration to most effectively reach management goals.
Candidates with other specific research interests are encouraged to suggest projects in their application.

Initial funding for tuition and salary will be through a Quinney PhD Scholarship, which covers the first two years. Candidates contact myself initially and then we apply together for the fellowship. Candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for external fellowships through the NSF and other sources. Candidates will be provided extensive support with the application process. Starting salaries are $18,700 for a PhD. In addition, successful candidates will have the opportunity to work as teaching assistants to supplement their starting salaries.

The successful candidate will have access to a well-equipped laboratory, and be provided with access to a high performance desktop computer.  The research group has strong ties to collaborators in Costa Rica, Brazil, Canada and Australia and extended visits are encouraged. A knowledge of the statistical programming package R, and/or ArcGIS be looked upon favorably. Candidates should be reasonably physically fit, and be able to carry a 40lb backpack 1 mile.

Utah State University (http://www.usu.edu) is a Research I (Extensive
Doctoral) land-grant institution with a student body of over 24,000, 42 departments, 8 academic colleges, a school of Graduate Studies, and diverse research programs. The main campus is located in Logan, a community of 100,000 people. Logan is 85 miles north of Salt Lake City in scenic Cache Valley, a semi-rural mountain basin with nearby ski resorts, lakes, rivers, and mountains providing many recreational opportunities. The area has a low cost of living and provides a high quality of life.  For more information on Logan see http://www.tourcachevalley.com.

Please contact Edd Hammill (edd.hammill@usu.edu, 435 265 5964) for more information or to submit application materials (CV, cover letter, any publications, details of their research interests). Initial review of applications will begin 30th Nov 2017.

Edd Hammill’s google scholar page –
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=THOE6q0AAAAJ&hl=en

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