A PhD position is available in the Forest and Fire Ecology Lab (http://forestfire.fwrc.msstate.edu/) at Mississippi State University (Starkville, MS) to study stand dynamics, fire ecology, and forest restoration of upland oak and/or pine forests. The student’s research will examine how changes in forest composition and structure as a consequence of changing fire regimes and/or herbivory impact regeneration of desired species and the potential outcomes for forest restoration at a variety of sites, including Spirit Hill Farm and Holly Springs National Forest in northern Mississippi and Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest in western Kentucky. The student will interact with faculty in the Department of Forestry and Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture, private landowners, and state/federal agency personnel. The student will be appointed as a Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) in the Department of Forestry. In addition to developing and executing dissertation research, the student will be expected to (1) act as a teaching assistant for undergraduate courses in Dendrology and/or Ecology during several semesters, (2) assist other collaborating researchers with their projects, and (3) contribute to departmental, college, and university service. Applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree in forestry, ecology, biology, or a related field; preference will be given to applicants with a MS degree in one of these fields. Prior experience in fieldwork related to forest ecology, silviculture, and/or wildlife habitat management is required. Successful candidates must demonstrate an aptitude for research, strong analytical and oral and written scientific communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to work independently and as a team. Applicants must be capable of working long hours outdoors exposed to harsh weather, biting insects, and thorny vegetation. If interested, please email to Dr. Heather Alexander (heather.alexander@msstate.edu) (1) a cover letter discussing interest in the research, qualifications, and applicable background experience; (2) a resume/CV; (3) unofficial transcripts; and (4) contact information for three professional references. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Details on the full application process to the MSU Graduate School can be found at http://www.grad.msstate.edu/prospective/. Financial support is available for three years, starting as soon as January 2019, and includes a stipend, tuition waiver, and health insurance. Funding for additional semesters may be available if needed. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Subject: JOB Plant Conservation and Natural Lands Research Associate

The Plant Conservation team at the San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research seeks a Research Associate to perform assigned activities related to habitat restoration, research on endangered species, seed collections processing, data entry, and record keeping. Co-mentored by the Director of Plant Conservation and Natural Lands Manager and reporting to the Director of Plant Conservation, the Research Associate position is Full-Time, benefited and grant funded through December 2020, with possible extension in the event of additional funding.

The San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research is the largest zoo-based multi-disciplinary research effort in the world. Based at the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Center for Conservation Research adjacent to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, more than 200 dedicated scientists carry out research vital to the conservation of animals, plants, and habitats, locally and internationally.  It is located adjacent to the  San Diego Zoo Safari Park is located in San Pasqual Valley near Escondido, California. This position offers ZOO Perks, which include discounts on food/premium products, free and discounted admission to local attractions, and accrual of vacation and sick time.

The ideal candidate:
*       Assists Natural Lands Manager with land management and ongoing restoration
research
*       Assists with seed processing
*       Assists with germination trials of endangered plant species
*       Updates and maintains plant records and research data
*       Assists with database management.
*       Coordinates GIS data with internal and external partners.
*       Conducts literature reviews
*       Contributes to SDZG online presence through blogs and website updates
*       Works with volunteer groups to accomplish restoration and seed bank tasks
*       Maintains supply inventories and prepares purchase requisitions
*       Tracks budget expenditures
*       Contributes to written annual reports and publications
*       Adheres to all SDZG and department policies and practices
*       Practices the GRRREAT Customer Service Standards
In addition:
*       may analyze data
*       may train and oversee students and volunteers
*       may occasionally assist with field collections
*       performs related duties and responsibilities as required
Qualifiications for this position include:
*       B.S. or M.S. degree in plant sciences, botany, ecology, restoration
ecology, invasion biology
*       excellent written and oral communication
*       experience with monitoring plants and animals, field techniques, GPS and GIS
*       experience in data collection, entry and analysis
*       attention to detail.
*       ability to work cooperatively with SDZG colleagues as well as independently
*       computer literacy in MS Word, Excel, GPS and ArcGIS software, R and
statistical tools
*       preferred experience with UNIX operating system or R programming language.
*       must have a valid California driver’s license

Applicants must be able to safely lift and carry up to 40 lbs, hike off-trail on steep terrain for extended periods, and endure exposure to the
elements: heat, cold, rain, insects, etc. that are all a routine part of the position.  Laboratory work may include working with hazardous chemicals or biohazardous materials, requires sitting, standing, microscope work, and ability to work in close quarters.

Deadline for application is Thursday, September 13, 2018. Apply by emailing cover letter and two letters of recommendation to Dr. Joyce Maschinski, Director Plant Conservation, jmaschinski@sandiegozoo.org and completing online system at:
https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hrapply.com%2Fsandiegozoo%2FAppJobView.jsp%3Flink%3D9149%26page%3DAppJobList.jsp%26skimSessionName%3Dcom.hrlogix.view.tags.bootstrap.table.JobListTable%26skimName%3Drequisition.requisition_id%26skimNdx%3D0%26amp%3Bop%3Dreset&data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7C41bb61b6c1494f23479208d60c156b1b%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636709683467567221&sdata=ul6MRPkFQCkR3PyMNimjD5D%2FqXwTMPwa4PTsJWQFdlk%3D&reserved=0

THIS EMPLOYER PARTICIPATES IN E-VERIFY. **San Diego Zoo Global is a smoke-free workplace** SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL IS AN EEO/AA/DISABILITY/PROTECTED VETERAN EMPLOYER.

ALL NEW HIRES ARE SUBJECT TO PASSING A DRUG SCREEN.
SOME EMPLOYMENT CONTINGENT UPON PASSING PRE-PLACEMENT TESTING.

From: Allison Roy [mailto:allison.h.roy@GMAIL.COM]
Sent: Friday, August 24, 2018 2:45 PM
Subject: PhD Position: Dam Removal and Stream Ecology (University of Massachusetts Amherst)

PhD Position: Dam Removal and Stream Ecology Massachusetts Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit University of Massachusetts Amherst https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Feco.umass.edu%2Fpositions-in-eco%2F&data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7C973aa5e58e2f467703ac08d60a7ce824%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636707928925155289&sdata=ZxLVIucUY9%2FDF7CyA%2B%2BXroY1BZB0%2F5wh93l46vVearM%3D&reserved=0

Position Description: A PhD position is available to assess the effects of small dam removal on stream ecosystems in Massachusetts. The research involves deploying and maintaining water quality loggers for temperature and dissolved oxygen; sampling and identifying benthic macroinvertebrates; and sampling fish assemblages. Over the last 4 years, we have been collecting pre-removal and initial post-removal data at >12 dam sites, and the incoming student will be able to build on existing data and analyze a large, comprehensive dataset, with flexibility of adding additional components. The student will work closely with collaborators from the USDA Forest Service, Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration, Trout Unlimited, Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, and American Rivers. The successful candidate would enroll in the PhD program in the Department of Environmental Conservation (https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Feco.umass.edu%2Fdegree-&data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7C973aa5e58e2f467703ac08d60a7ce824%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636707928925155289&sdata=Pi9hYM1xC5qXncc%2F4nGsoB3a3oBWKTZ11hTzHOwrMqk%3D&reserved=0
programs/graduate-programs/) or the Organismic and Evolutionary Biology graduate program (https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fgpls.cns.umass.edu%2Foeb&data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7C973aa5e58e2f467703ac08d60a7ce824%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636707928925155289&sdata=49lXrwtdVdwsMVqSJJ6gz2PetmJwTB1z%2BaM6ZcvnpTA%3D&reserved=0), if accepted, and be part of the MA Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit (https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.coopunits.org%2FMassachusetts%2F&data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7C973aa5e58e2f467703ac08d60a7ce824%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636707928925155289&sdata=B8LSONB1H9m7y5P1dqhdt0ch6IrgvZkZdc6GqxQZTcM%3D&reserved=0).

Qualifications: Competitive candidates will have a background in stream ecology with an interest and expertise in water quality and biota, field sampling, and statistics. Good communication (both oral and written), organization, and quantitative skills are required. Experience in macroinvertebrate identification and R software are strongly desired, but not required. Particular consideration will be given to candidates who hold an MS degree in a relevant field, but we will consider non-MS degree holding candidates if they can demonstrate research experience, relevant skills, and accomplishment.

Salary/Benefits: The position will begin in January 2019. The student will be funded primarily on a research assistantship through Trout Unlimited and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Current graduate student stipends are $29,734 for a 20 hour/week assistantship, plus a tuition waiver. When funded at UMass, benefits are available through the Graduate Employee Organization (https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.geouaw.org%2F&data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7C973aa5e58e2f467703ac08d60a7ce824%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636707928925155289&sdata=7Vroi4z%2BZhPqZ4PlkvABwXR4ufR6c0GxfmFS8Hn3u4s%3D&reserved=0). Funding is also available for travel to support site visits and attend professional conferences.

Application: To apply, send 1) a cover letter describing your interests and experiences as they relate to the position, 2) a CV with names and contact information for 3 references, and 3) unofficial transcripts to Allison Roy (aroy@eco.umass.edu). The deadline for applications is 20 September 2018.

Faculty Advisor:
Dr. Allison Roy, U.S. Geological Survey, Massachusetts Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, University of Massachusetts Amherst

Project Collaborators:
Dr. Keith Nislow, USDA Forest Service, Northern Research Station Dr. Erin Rodgers, Trout Unlimited Kris Houle & Beth Lambert, Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration Steven Mattocks, Dr. Rebecca Quinones, & Todd Richards, Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife Amy Singler, American Rivers & The Nature Conservancy

Subject: Ph.D. student position in Global Change Ecology, University of Utah

Ph.D. student position in Global Change Ecology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah

We are seeking Ph.D. students interested in global change ecology to join the Anderegg Lab in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Utah. We have ongoing projects on an array of topics, including drought-induced tree mortality, recovery after climate extremes, plant functional traits and ecosystem carbon/water fluxes, and ecosystem modeling.
Candidates with research interests in ecosystem ecology, ecological modeling, ecophysiology, or plant ecology would be strong fits. Interested applicants should send a current CV including GPA and GRE scores and a brief statement describing your research interests and background to William Anderegg (anderegg@utah.edu). For more details on the lab, check out our website (https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anderegglab.net%2F&data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7C3392a79629e744b2b3a608d60821292e%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636705335856061415&sdata=%2F%2FvKrVCxJ1S1lbk%2BExRSdId52Sl7GkJKpfYbipM6rKg%3D&reserved=0). The School of Biological Sciences at UU offers a competitive package for graduate students. Applications are due January 3, 2019.

The University of Utah is a comprehensive and diverse Research I public institution located in the Wasatch Front urban corridor with easy access to research and recreational opportunities in the Rocky Mountains, Great Basin, and the Colorado Plateau. Salt Lake City is a dynamic, high-tech and bike-friendly metropolitan area with high-quality cultural and entertainment amenities, an extensive public transit system, a sunny, dry four-season climate and “the Greatest Snow on Earth.” With an enrollment of 31,000 students, it is the flagship university for the state of Utah. The University of Utah is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and educator. Underrepresented groups, women, veterans, and those with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Subject: PhD position – Comparative Population Genomics of Southeastern Freshwater Mussels

A PhD position in comparative population genomics of southeastern freshwater mussels is available in Jeff Lozier’s lab (https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Flozierlab.ua.edu%2F&data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7C6baeff1e4e5e4f78549408d608211821%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636705335563773981&sdata=qWsu1CpLzIHlKB%2F9fe62Frc6tmCh1NrGAhmgv1dmhWg%3D&reserved=0) at the University of Alabama Department of Biological Sciences
(https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbsc.ua.edu%2F&data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7C6baeff1e4e5e4f78549408d608211821%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636705335563773981&sdata=CMWsFNHwP7HLP8cs4j3yV1TeUGyHsMnPBGcb5OvaYBk%3D&reserved=0) as part of a recently funded NSF Dimensions of Biodiversity project. We are looking to recruit a highly motivated PhD student to examine comparative population genetics of freshwater mussel communities in streams of the Mobile and Tennessee River basins, which is a major biodiversity hotspot for mussels and several other freshwater taxa.
The project will involve extensive high throughput sequencing of numerous populations and species (including whole genome and reduced representation sequencing), with the goal of understanding how population and species level processes relate to broader eco-evolutionary processes. More details relating to the study objectives can been found at the project website (https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fmussels.ua.edu%2F&data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7C6baeff1e4e5e4f78549408d608211821%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636705335563773981&sdata=%2BCZOCE4IzwilpBNZisB047QKluB9wAfGOVsyJ2T2Nwo%3D&reserved=0). The student will be expected to develop specific research questions relating to population, conservation, and landscape genetics within the context of these broader project objectives.

Applicants must have a strong academic record (GPA > 3.0), strong written and verbal communication skills, and a desire to build strong quantitative and data management skills. Experience in laboratory and computational analysis of modern genetic data is preferred. The student will work closely with a postdoc and another PhD student being simultaneously recruited by Carla Atkinson’s lab (https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fatkinsonlab.ua.edu%2F&data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7C6baeff1e4e5e4f78549408d608211821%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636705335563773981&sdata=C%2BrPDCDZJpmU%2BAMqxga9nPGzg6o96URTntmBEgbZMjU%3D&reserved=0) at UA and with collaborators at the University of Mississippi, so an interest in working as part of a collaborative team is a must.

Interested applicants should send a (1) cover letter describing research experience and goals, (2) curriculum vitae, (3) unofficial transcripts and GRE scores, (4) a writing example, and (5) contact information of 2-3 individuals familiar with research/academic performance to Jeff Lozier (jlozier@ua.edu). Start date is negotiable for Spring, Summer, or Fall 2019 semesters. Review of materials will start immediately.

Jeff Lozier
Associate Professor
Biological Sciences
The University of Alabama
Office 205-348-2754
jlozier@ua.edu | lozierlab.ua.edu

Subject: PhD position – Functional Trait Diversity/Aquatic Ecology

A PhD Position in Functional Trait Diversity of Southeastern Freshwater Mussels is available in Carla Atkinson’s lab (https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fatkinsonlab.ua.edu%2F&data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7Ce84c660a9b604c3a82d008d608210b5c%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636705335350703977&sdata=xOEhC%2BLLbOL8sk4h9ydzr6aiixOSmr9qzWm5Sc6kAe0%3D&reserved=0) at the University of Alabama as part of a recently funded NSF Dimensions of Biodiversity project (https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fmussels.ua.edu%2F&data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7Ce84c660a9b604c3a82d008d608210b5c%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636705335350703977&sdata=ExWp8sOxnrbvQAZmOBnG1iX49G3N3BtCZG1XNaPPQVs%3D&reserved=0). We are looking to recruit a highly motivated PhD student to examine the functional traits of a diverse group of animals, the unionid mussels, in several streams in the Mobile and Tennessee River basins, the diversity hotspot for freshwater mussels and several other freshwater taxa. The project will involve using ecological stoichiometry and other organismal traits to examine trait diversity within and across communities in the focal watersheds with the goal of understanding how functional diversity patterns relate to overall habitat diversity and population-level and species-level diversity. The student is also anticipated to formulate their own research questions related to the project that could span topics such as trophic ecology, distribution modeling, nutrient uptake and transformations, and ecosystem metabolism within this broader project objective.

Applicants must have a strong academic record (GPA > 3.0), strong written and verbal communication skills, possess prior experience working in streams, a desire to build strong quantitative skills, SCUBA certified (or willingness to get certified), and an interest in working as part of a large collaborative team. In addition, preference will be given to applicants with prior experience conducting water chemistry analyses, familiarity with R, using ArcGIS software, and with a demonstrated publication record. The student will work closely with a postdoc in Atkinson’s lab and another PhD student being recruited by Jeff Lozier’s lab (https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Flozierlab.ua.edu%2F&data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7Ce84c660a9b604c3a82d008d608210b5c%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636705335350703977&sdata=Bc95j7sNJUmvFL5lEj7L%2FS5VzJzAFNrco75DE8O%2FBcA%3D&reserved=0) in the Dept. of Biological Sciences at UA and with collaborators at the University of Mississippi, so an interest in working as part of a collaborative team is a must.

Interested applicants should send a (1) cover letter describing research experience and goals, (2) curriculum vitae, (3) unofficial transcripts and GRE scores, (4) a writing example, and (5) contact information of 2-3 individuals familiar with research/academic performance to Carla Atkinson (clatkinson@ua.edu). Start date is negotiable for Spring or Summer 2019 semesters. Review of materials will start immediately.

Carla Atkinson
Assistant Professor
Biological Sciences
The University of Alabama
Office 205-348-6805
clatkinson@ua.edu | atkinsonlab.ua.edu

Utah State University: Fully funded PhD Assistantship – Animal space-use behavior and demography (joint supervision by Dr. Dan MacNulty and Dr.
Tal Avgar). The successful applicant will advance understanding about the demographic consequences of space-use behavior in free-living large vertebrates. Research will focus on the northern Yellowstone elk population, which migrates annually to summer ranges throughout Yellowstone National Park. The successful applicant will examine how elk movement and resource-selection varies with elk density, resource availability, and predation risk (from wolves, grizzly bears, and cougars), and how these individual space-use behaviors affect survival and reproduction. Research will be conducted in collaboration with agency scientists and will involve cutting-edge analyses of several long-term datasets as well as field work in Yellowstone. Desired start
date: January 7, 2019. A later start date is possible. The assistantship includes tuition and fees, health insurance, travel stipend, and a yearly stipend of $20k for up to four years. The candidate will be expected to apply for additional funding such as the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship and S. J. and Jesse E. Quinney Doctoral Research Fellowship. Minimum qualifications: MSc in ecology, wildlife biology, conservation biology, or related field; GRE scores (for both verbal and
quantitative) ≥70th percentile and cumulative GPA ≥3.50. Competitive applicants will have experience collecting, analyzing, presenting, and publishing field data, working collaboratively with agency and academic scientists, and strong interests in developing and applying quantitative models of animal space-use behavior, predator-prey interactions, and demography. Applicants should email the following materials as a single pdf file with the subject line “PhD Assistantship” to dan.macnulty@usu.edu AND tal.avgar@usu.edu: (a) one page cover letter describing relevant experience, interests, and professional goals, (b) CV, (c) GRE scores, (d) transcripts (unofficial) from undergraduate and graduate education, (f) scientific writing sample (an academic paper or report written primarily by the applicant), and (e) contact information for three professional references. Consideration of interested applicants begins immediately and continues until the position is filled. Application deadline: November 1, 2018.
Utah State University (https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.usu.edu&data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7C31dadb43072e4663bfbd08d6075591b6%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636704461439616586&sdata=e4P0L4H6klJghlmNECs81TXC2Z3ZdZ8MasvwDMSZ9pk%3D&reserved=0) 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 https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tourcachevalley.com&data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7C31dadb43072e4663bfbd08d6075591b6%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636704461439616586&sdata=2vGyhE2b81AlaFIU4%2FbiONS2%2B9me8ejnwAvVPaBJqV0%3D&reserved=0.