Graduate position: UCentralFlorida.PlantEvolution

PhD positions in Plant Evolutionary Ecophysiology, Genomics, and
Biochemistry

The Mason and Goolsby labs in the Department of Biology at the
University of Central Florida are currently recruiting motivated,
curious, and enthusiastic PhD students to start in Fall 2019. Our labs
work closely together and research a wide variety of topics in plant
physiology, ecology, evolution, genetics, and biochemistry.

The Goolsby Lab is a plant evolutionary genomics and biochemistry lab.
We are interested in exploring the evolution of complex traits using a
combination of empirical and theoretical systems. I am interested in
recruiting graduate students for Fall 2019 who are interested in any
of the following areas:

(1) the evolution of heavy metal hyperaccumulation in plants,
especially wild sunflowers (Helianthus), which naturally accumulate
extremely high levels of normally toxic metals (nickel, cadmium, zinc,
etc). Metal accumulation and tolerance are both complex traits that
can be represented by dose-response curves known as function-valued
traits. I am particularly interested in the evolutionary history and
genomics of metal hyperaccumulation and tolerance as independent
function-valued traits.

(2) C4 and CAM are two photosynthetic pathways that confer elevated
resistance to heat and drought stress, respectively. Both pathways
have evolved from C3 ancestors independently several times in the
evolutionary history of plants. These pathways involve multiple
complex biochemical and anatomical adaptations that are generally
thought to be incompatible with one another. However, the Portulaca
lineage consists of plants which are capable of performing both C4 and
CAM photosynthesis within the same leaf. Our research in Portulaca is
concerned with mapping the evolutionary history of distinct anatomical
and biochemical changes associated with these two pathways within the
genus, as well as uncovering the genetic mechanisms responsible for
maintaining two functional co-occurring photosynthetic pathways.

(3) the development and improvement of phylogenetic comparative
methods and algorithms for studying these complex traits. In
particular, we are interested in developing methods for studying the
evolution of environmental and developmental plasticity,
high-dimensional complex traits, multivariate datasets with missing
data and multiple within-species observations, and comparative methods
for mixing continuous and discrete traits.

The Mason Lab is a plant evolutionary ecophysiology lab. We are
especially interested in the physiological and genetic mechanisms
underlying plant adaptation to diverse environmental pressures,
including abiotic factors like climate and soil fertility, and biotic
factors like herbivory and disease. All plants face physiological
trade-offs between growth, defense, and reproduction, and we seek to
understand the coordinated evolution of the traits that govern these
three core functions. Our research addresses a variety of questions
across multiple scales, from macroevolution to population
differentiation to within-individual plasticity, as well as in
multiple systems, from crops to wild herbs and woody plants. In
particular, for students interested in joining the lab for Fall 2019,
I am especially interested in recruiting students who are interested
in any of the following topics (listed in no particular order):

(1) core plant ecophysiology, especially the evolution of gas exchange
physiology and water/nutrient relations, especially in the context of
function-valued trait evolution and adaptation to diverse
environments. Wild sunflower (Helianthus) would be a highly suitable
system for this, but I am open to other systems as well.

(2) the evolution, ecology, genetic architecture, and applied utility
of mycorrhizal symbiosis, especially in crop and wild sunflowers
(Helianthus) given ongoing work in the lab, but open to expanding into
other systems as well.

(3) the physiological and metabolomic impacts of polyploidy in
sunflowers (Helianthus) and the broader Asteraceae using both
comparative and manipulative approaches.

(4) the genetic architecture of chemical defense inducibility under
attack from insects and fungal pathogens. This would be highly
suitable to wild and crop sunflower (Helianthus), but Im open to
expanding into other systems as well.

(5) the role of floral morphological and chemical variation in
determining pollinator visitation and/or pest and pathogen resistance,
in both crop and wild sunflowers (Helianthus).

(6) the evolution of leaf chemical defenses in relation to the leaf
economics spectrum in temperate woody trees and shrubs.

(7) plant phytochemistry, broadly defined. I find variation in plant
secondary metabolism fascinating and would be interested in questions
in a wide variety of systems and.

Interested students should contact either Chase Mason or Eric Goolsby
(or both) to discuss research interests before applying to the
Department of Biology graduate program
(https://biology.cos.ucf.edu/graduate-program/), which has a deadline
of January 15th. The Department of Biology provides teaching
assistantships, tuition waivers, and health insurance, and a variety
of competitive university fellowships are also available. The
University of Central Florida is the second largest university in the
United States, with an enrollment of 66,000 students. Over the past
two decades, UCF has undergone a dramatic expansion and development
into a modern R1 university. UCF is currently making major investments
in research, including hiring more than 200 new tenure-track faculty
and increasing graduate program enrollment by 25% over the next few
years. UCF is an equal opportunity, equal access, and affirmative
action employer.

Post-bachelors technician – Physiological ec ology of tropical forests.

 Post-bachelors technician – Physiological ecology of tropical forests.
PNNL is recruiting a post-bachelors technician to improve understanding and prediction of tropical forest carbon-water balance and survival under climatic extremes as part of the NGEE-Tropics project (Next-Generation Ecosystem Experiment-Tropics; https://ngee-tropics.lbl.gov/). The successful applicant will support the NGEE-Tropics through advanced technical work aimed at understanding the carbon-water balance of tropical ecosystems in response to a changing environment.  The job includes both laboratory and a large component of field work, including field sampling in locations such as the Amazon, Panama, Puerto Rico, and tropical Australia.  The applicant will take a large role in collecting, processing, and analyzing physiological data (eg. hydraulic and carbon-based traits of trees) from these sites.  The position is based in Richland, Washington at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.  The position will include a large amount of collaborative science between multiple DOE labs and international collaborators, and thus requires excellent teamwork skills. 
Required qualifications include experience conducting field and lab work in ecology, plant physiology, or related disciplines. The ability to work independently and in a team environment is required.  Prior experience with measuring photosynthesis, sapflow, leaf water potential, and other physiological process measurements is preferred, as is prior experience with manuscript preparation.  
Applications should include the following in a single package:
* Cover letter describing the applicant’s research experience and interests.
* Curriculum vitae with a list of publications in refereed journals.
* Names and addresses of three references.
Interested candidates can obtain additional information from Nate McDowell (nate.mcdowell@pnnl.gov).
 

Postdoctoral and Graduate Opportunities in Plant Ecology, Syracuse University

Postdoc Position: Ecophysiology of plant invasions. The lab of Jason Fridley at Syracuse University (https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fplantecology.syr.edu%2Ffridley&data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7C46bfff9c8cde466096bb08d6050b89a5%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636701944447645443&sdata=o9b%2FUDZprZpTmum01DlUpwXcGVHL7tA2q%2F6SG71GobA%3D&reserved=0) is recruiting a postdoctoral associate for an NSF-supported project comparing leaf function in native and invasive plant populations in the Eastern U.S., France, and Japan. Specific research objectives of the postdoc involve field gas exchange measurements and lab chemical analysis for populations in northern Japan, including two field seasons of residency in Sendai (2019, 2020). Off-season lab assays will be conducted in Syracuse, NY. The project includes mentoring and collaborative opportunities with students and faculty in Amiens, France, in addition to those at Syracuse and Sendai. The position is available as early as April 2019, and includes two years of salary support (annual minimum $47,476), including full benefits. A PhD in ecology, plant biology, or related discipline is required. Preferred qualifications include: 1) evidence of strong quantitative and writing skills; 2) experience with leaf gas exchange measurements and chemical analyses; 3) relevant field experience and taxonomic skills. Applicants should send a letter of interest, curriculum vitae and the names and full contact information (email and phone numbers) of three potential references to Jason Fridley (fridley@syr.edu; 315-443-
3098) no later than January 31, 2019.

PhD Position: Ecophysiology of plant invasions. The lab of Jason Fridley at Syracuse University (https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fplantecology.syr.edu%2Ffridley&data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7C46bfff9c8cde466096bb08d6050b89a5%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636701944447645443&sdata=o9b%2FUDZprZpTmum01DlUpwXcGVHL7tA2q%2F6SG71GobA%3D&reserved=0) is recruiting a PhD student for an NSF-supported project comparing leaf function in native and invasive plant populations in the Eastern U.S., France, and Japan. The graduate-level component involves field gas exchange measurements of plant populations around the Eastern U.S. and associated chemical analyses of leaf nutrient economy, plus related research depending on student interest. The position could begin as early as May 2019, including a full-time paid summer research assistantship. The student will join a large plant ecology and evolution group at Syracuse University and the larger ecological community that includes SUNY-College of Environmental Science and Forestry. The position includes two years of research assistantships, commonly used in the first and third years of graduate study; support through teaching assistantships is guaranteed in other semesters pending satisfactory progress toward the degree. Current graduate student stipends are $26,750 per year, with full benefits and tuition remission. Full applications to the SU Biology PhD program are due by December 31, 2018; applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a statement of interest, curriculum vitae, and GRE scores before applying to Jason Fridley (fridley@syr.edu; 315-443-3098). General information about the Biology graduate program at Syracuse is available athttps://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fbiology.syr.edu%2Fgraduate%2Fapply.html&data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7C46bfff9c8cde466096bb08d6050b89a5%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636701944447645443&sdata=tvBtOMTEk06DWHdXLKaqZ3y%2BBv1A38PmSZ29WKRuybw%3D&reserved=0.

MS or PhD Position: Vegetation-microclimate relationships in the southern Appalachians. The lab of Jason Fridley at Syracuse University
(https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fplantecology.syr.edu%2Ffridley&data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7C46bfff9c8cde466096bb08d6050b89a5%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636701944447645443&sdata=o9b%2FUDZprZpTmum01DlUpwXcGVHL7tA2q%2F6SG71GobA%3D&reserved=0) is recruiting a graduate student starting Fall 2019 for an NPS-supported project on climate change and vegetation dynamics in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The project is collaborative with Duke University, and involves both fieldwork (construction and deployment of environmental sensors) and statistical modeling. Students with strong quantitative interests and experience (e.g.
R programming) are preferred. The student will join a large plant ecology and evolution group at Syracuse University and the larger ecological community that includes SUNY-College of Environmental Science and Forestry. The position includes one year of research assistantship support, ideally used in the second year of study; support through teaching assistantships is guaranteed in other semesters pending satisfactory progress toward the degree. Current graduate student stipends are $26,750 per year, with full benefits and tuition remission. Full applications to the SU Biology graduate program are due by December 31, 2018; applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a statement of interest, curriculum vitae, and GRE scores before applying to Jason Fridley (fridley@syr.edu; 315-443-3098). General information about the Biology graduate program at Syracuse is available athttps://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fbiology.syr.edu%2Fgraduate%2Fapply.html&data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7C46bfff9c8cde466096bb08d6050b89a5%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636701944447645443&sdata=tvBtOMTEk06DWHdXLKaqZ3y%2BBv1A38PmSZ29WKRuybw%3D&reserved=0.

Ph.D. Biology Opportunity at Florida International University

Graduate Student Position available through the
Center for Aquatic Chemistry and Environment (CAChE) and
Department of Biological Sciences at
Florida International University, Miami, FL
 
The NSF-funded CREST program at Florida International University, the Center for Aquatic Chemistry and Environment (CAChE) has a number of graduate student fellowships available in the Department of Biological Sciences.
 
The research focus of CREST CAChE is to address the sources, transport, transformation and ecosystem responses to contaminants, pollutants and other natural stressors, under changing land-use and environmental conditions. The proposed work will be performed across South Florida’s interwoven systems, consisting of natural, agricultural, and human/urban zones.
 
Currently, CREST CAChE faculty in the Department of Biological Sciences are looking for prospective Ph.D. students interested in two areas:
 
1.  Ecosystem Ecology & Biogeochemistry in the Florida Coastal Everglades Long Term Ecological Research Program (http://fcelter.fiu.edu/)
2.  Wetland Restoration research at the Deering Estate (http://www.deeringestate.org/)
 
contact Dr. John Kominoski (jkominos@fiu.edu), https://kominoskilab.wordpress.com/
 
 
Full 12-month stipends are available.
 
Apply by Jan. 1, 2019 for Fall 2019 admission via the website: http://gradschool.fiu.edu/apply/
 
Students from groups traditionally underrepresented in science and engineering fields are especially encouraged to apply. US Citizenship or permanent residency is required.
Direct any inquiries to CRESTCACHE@fiu.edu or 305-348-3594.
FIU is a Carnegie engaged public research university, classified as R1 highest research activity, and offers more than 180 bachelors, masters and doctoral programs. FIU is the largest majority minority RI institution in the US, with a student population of over 50,000. FIU is a vibrant, student-centered public research university, ideally located in Miami, that is worlds ahead in its commitment to learning, research, entrepreneurship, innovation, and creativity so that our graduates are prepared to succeed in a global market. CREST CAChE is a joint venture between FIU’s[../../../../AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/Content.Outlook/GTJQ6LDB/inwe.fiu.edu]Institute for Water and environment (InWE.fiu.edu) and the[../../../../AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/Content.Outlook/GTJQ6LDB/stem.fiu.edu]STEM Transformation Institute (STEM.fiu.edu).

undergraduate interns needed over at The Maritime Aquarium

The Maritime Aquarium – Fall Internship 2018

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis for our fall internship beginning September 10th and running through December 7th. Individuals are required to complete a minimum of 22 hours per week for a minimum of 12 weeks, and the completion of an original project. These are not paid positions.

The Maritime Aquarium houses many species of fishes, invertebrates, frogs, and reptiles, from the Long Island Sound and beyond. Our aquarists work daily to provide the best husbandry for the animals in their care. From routine exhibit cleaning and feeding, to water quality testing and health examinations, our staff completes a wide variety of tasks as a part of their jobs every day.

An aquarist internship at the Maritime Aquarium is designed to be a learning experience for any college student, or recent graduate who is interested in exploring a career in aquatic animal husbandry. During the internship, individuals will learn how to maintain aquarium exhibits, prepare diets, complete water quality tests, and keep records, as well as be introduced to aquatic animal health assessments, quarantine procedures, and aquarium system design. Those who have completed an internship with the Maritime Aquarium have gone on to careers here as well as other AZA-affiliated zoos and aquariums.

If you have a love for animals, an enthusiastic attitude, and a willingness to learn, please consider applying for an internship in one of our galleries! We are offering internships specializing in Jellies, Tropical Fish and Invertebrates, Cold Water Fish and Invertebrates, Frogs and Reptiles, and Hospital and Quarantine, for a total of 5 positions.

Qualifications of the Ideal Candidate:

  • Some background knowledge in aquarium keeping preferred, although not required.
  • Ability to lift and carry 65 pounds.
  • Ability to negotiate stairs and maneuver on wet and uneven terrain.
  • Demonstrates strong written and oral communication skills, and the ability to effectively communicate with both staff and guests.
  • Desire to learn and demonstrate our mission: To inspire people of all ages to appreciate and protect the Long Island Sound ecosystem and the global environment.
  • Demonstrate high level of enthusiasm and willingness to learn.

Requirements:

  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Minimum time requirement of at least 22 hours a week over a 12 week period or more.
  • Upon hire, purchase at least one aquarium uniform shirt, starting at $31.
  • Must be currently enrolled in, or recently graduated from, a 2 or 4 year program studying biology, zoology, aquarium science, or a related field.
  • Be dependable and punctual at all times.
  • Attend educational sessions designed to increase interpretation of every day husbandry tasks.
  • Complete an original project over the course of the internship.

To apply, please submit a completed application, along with a cover letter, resume, and list of references to Rachel Stein at rstein@maritimeaquarium.org. Applications can be found at the following link: https://www.maritimeaquarium.org/assets/2531/college_application_18.docx. Qualified applicants will be contacted via email to coordinate a skype, or in-person interview. Applicants will be selected after the interview process based upon general knowledge, experience, attitude, punctuality, and by recommendation. Although not a guarantee, it is possible for college students to receive course credit or fulfill major requirements through their experience, provided they have completed the requirements for their college or program.

 

Marine Ecology and Ocean Acidification Research Technician opening

Marine Ecology and Ocean Acidification Research Technician opening

CSUN position – #7782
Apply at – https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F2P6qD55&data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7C75be08bf3a8a4c51170108d602c43f60%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C1%7C636699439233732239&sdata=FynsRjXTSRj3kaIPom1dUeJJpvQ4C1LC9a645zlmk4Y%3D&reserved=0
Start Date: October 1, 2018
Apply by: August 26, 2018
Salary: $3103- $3300/mo, dependent upon qualifications and experience.

Applications are invited for a full-time, 12-month, technician position based at California State University, Northridge (CSUN) to support research in coral reef and rocky intertidal ecology. The successful candidate will work under the supervision of Dr. Nyssa Silbiger
(nyssa.silbiger@csun.edu) and will support research conducted mostly in California, but also possibly in Hawaii, Bermuda, and/or Moorea, French Polynesia. The primary responsibilities will be supporting all aspects of the logistics required for maintaining ocean acidification mesocosm experiments and near-shore marine research in the field. A Bachelor’s degree in marine ecology, biology, oceanography, or a related-field is required. The ideal candidate will have a Master’s degree in a field- based marine biology topic, experience maintaining mesocosm facilities for ocean acidification research, a background in seawater chemistry, an understanding of the biology/ecology of marine organisms, and strong experience with fieldwork (e.g., SCUBA diving, operating small boats, AAUS training, etc.). Candidates will be expected to pay attention to detail, problem solve, work both independently and with a diverse team of students and faculty, and have a strong work ethic. Additional preferred, but not required, qualifications include experience coding in R and writing peer-reviewed publications.

The salary includes benefits. Applicants should submit a cover letter in which they describe their research training and interests, a C.V. , and list two references on the CSUN website (see, above).

Applicants underrepresented in the sciences are highly encouraged to apply.

See nyssasilbiger.com for more information about research the Silbiger Lab.

PhD or MS Research Assistantship – Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation of Freshwater Fishes

I am seeking two graduate students (PhD preferred, MS also considered) to participate in multiple funded projects (NSF, US Fish and Wildlife, and US Forest Service) on the evolutionary ecology, and conservation of freshwater fishes. Students will develop a thesis/dissertation that builds on existing  datasets and ongoing projects involving hybrid zone dynamics in the Fundulus notatus species complex, freshwater fish assemblages in MS, and the distribution and ecology of the Pearl and Bayou Darters. In addition to traditional lab facilities, students will have access to a large ichthyological collection (>55,000 lots), 3,000 sq ft wetlab facility, an array of experimental streams, and a new high performance computing cluster for genomics work. Depending on the student’s interests and background, additional related studies will be developed, taking full advantage of the numerous opportunities available. A start date of January 2019 is anticipated, but a summer
2019 start may also be acceptable.

Applicants must have a BS or MS in ecology/environmental biology, zoology, wildlife biology, or other relevant areas. GPA and GRE scores must be competitive for admission to the graduate program. Prior experience sampling and identifying freshwater fishes is required.
Willingness and ability to work independently under potentially challenging field conditions is a must.

Review of applications will begin immediately, and continue until the position is filled. For additional information about the position, contact Jake Schaefer (jake.schaefer@usm.edu).

Graduate position: PortlandStateU.MitonuclearEvolution

Available at Portland State University, Portland, Oregon: We are
seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic MS or PhD student to work
on a National Science Foundation-funded project that uses experimental
genomics in C. elegans nematodes to study mitonuclear evolution and the
impact of sexual system on mitonuclear adaptation.

Planned start date: September 2019. Earlier, off-cycle admission will
be considered.

Project Description: Energy metabolism in nearly all eukaryotic life
forms relies on coordinated interactions among gene products encoded by
both mitochondrial and nuclear genomes, and thus depends upon
inter-genomic coevolution. Neither the processes maintaining this
coevolution nor its downstream evolutionary consequences are well
understood. These consequences were recently hypothesized to include
the evolution and maintenance of sexual reproduction. This project
leverages the expertise and resources of three research groups to
provide the direct, non-retrospective tests of major hypotheses to
explain mitonuclear genome coevolution. These hypotheses predict that
integration of the two genomes is achieved primarily by fixation of
nuclear mutations that compensate for the deleterious effects of
previously acquired mitochondrial mutations, and that this process will
favor sexual recombination among nuclear chromosomes. We will apply
experimental genomics with Caenorhabditis elegans nematodes to study
evolutionary process within the context of the mitochondrial electron
transport chain (ETC), the proper functioning of which relies on the
maintenance of favorable mitonuclear epistatic interactions. The
project will take full advantage of the powerful C. elegans system to:
1) Determine the impact of sexual system on the tempo and patterns of
mitonuclear adaptation. C. elegans strains containing deleterious
mitochondrial- and nuclear-encoded ETC mutations will undergo
laboratory adaptation in replicate populations experiencing obligate
selfing, facultative outcrossing, or obligate outcrossing. This design
also permits examination of how rates of sexual outcrossing evolve in
response to these conditions. 2) Determine the evolutionary dynamics,
functional characteristics and sex-specific effects of individual
mitonuclear mutations. Genomic, bioinformatic and phenotypic analyses
will determine the molecular bases and functional underpinnings of
mitochondrial and nuclear mutations available to mask the effects of
deleterious ETC mutations, and reveal the relationship between rates of
outcrossing and mitonuclear adaptation.

Location: This project will be conducted under the direct supervision
of Dr. Suzanne Estes with co-supervision from Drs. Vaishali Katju and
Ulfar Bergthorsson (Texas A&M University) and based at the Department
of Biology at Portland State University, located in the heart of
downtown Portland, Oregon. The PSU Biology Department, which houses the
Center for Life in Extreme Environments (CLEE), has 21 research faculty
and over 65 graduate students. Our faculty strive to take an
integrative approach to biology, encompassing all levels of biological
organization from molecules to ecosystems. We collaborate and share
facilities with other science departments and with research faculty at
Oregon Health & Science University, a medical school and teaching
hospital located adjacent to PSU. This close proximity helps to foster
interdisciplinary research and creates a vibrant research culture that
ensures support and training for the next generation of evolutionary
biologist.

Requirements: We are looking for a biology graduate who has a strong
interest in evolutionary and molecular biology. Some practical
experience in molecular, bioinformatic and/or C. elegans husbandry
techniques is highly desired, but additional training will be provided.
The successful candidate will be enthusiastic, highly motivated,
independent, and have a relevant bachelor’s degree. The applicant
must meet standard Portland State University graduate admissions and
language requirements, details of which can be found here:
https://www.pdx.edu/graduate-admissions/apply. Note: ONLY US citizen or
permanent resident applicants are eligible for this studentship.

Funding Notes: The successful candidate will receive a full studentship
including tuition, fees and an annual living stipend of $24,000 for up
to 4 years for PhD students. Funds will also be available for research
expenses and conference travel. Support beyond this time period may be
available through a PSU departmental Teaching Assistantship.

Deadlines and Contact: The deadline for application is *February 1,
2019*; however, earlier admission may be possible. Please contact Dr.
Suzanne Estes at estess@pdx.edu with informal enquiries.

Suzanne Estes, PhD
LSAMP Program Director
Associate Professor of Biology
Portland State University
Portland, OR 97201
LSAMP phone: 503.725.2422
Biology phone: 503.725.8782

Suzanne Estes <estess@pdx.edu>

MS or PhD Opportunity: Tick-Borne Disease Ecology, University of Maine

A position is open for a graduate student (Master’s or PhD level) to join Dr. Allie Gardner’s lab in the School of Biology and Ecology at the University of Maine (Orono, ME) in January or June 2019. Our lab studies the ecology and dynamics of infectious diseases that are transmitted by arthropod vectors. Supported by a new USDA Resilient Agroecosystems in a Changing Climate grant, the research topic will address the impacts of forest management practices on wildlife communities, blacklegged tick abundance, and tick-borne disease transmission dynamics. The project will use an integrated lab/field research approach, providing opportunities to develop scientific skills that may include but are not limited to experimental design, GIS and spatial analysis, mathematical modeling, and molecular techniques. The student will interact closely with a diverse team of natural and social scientists in the UMaine College of Natural Sciences, Forestry, and Agriculture and the U.S. Forest Service, and students and faculty in a growing One Health and the Environment group at UMaine.
Members of the lab also regularly engage in scientific outreach and research partnerships with private landowners, citizen scientists, and conservation organizations.

The student will be supported by a combination of Research Assistant and Teaching Assistant positions, both of which include a 12-month stipend, tuition waiver, and 50% health insurance coverage. The student may be admitted through the program in 1) Ecology and Environmental Science, 2) Entomology, or 3) Zoology depending upon her/his interests and professional goals. Prior to submitting an application to the UMaine Graduate School, please send inquiries to Dr. Allie Gardner (allison.gardner@maine.edu) with a cover letter discussing your interest in graduate study in ecology and relevant coursework and research experience; a CV including GPA and GRE scores (if available); and names and email contacts for three references. I look forward to hearing from you!

Allison M. Gardner, PhD
School of Biology and Ecology
University of Maine
5722 Deering Hall
Orono, ME 04469

Graduate Position: UMaryland.EvolEcol.PollinationInteractions

Graduate Assistant Position at the University of Maryland, College Park

The EspíndoLab has an opening for a Graduate Assistant position, with a potential start date in the Fall semester 2019. The lab is interested in understanding the effect of the environment on inter-species interactions and communities. To do so, we combine geospatial, phylogenetic and phylogeographic, and ecological approaches. One of the current foci in our work is seeking to understand how changes in the biotic and abiotic environments affect and have affected through historical and geological times the gain, loss, and maintenance of specialized pollination interactions, and the structure of communities.
Work in our lab has spanned many taxa (from plants, to insects, to snails, and millipedes) and large spatial scales (with field sites in South America, Europe, and North America).

The Department of Entomology at the University of Maryland, College Park
(https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=www.entomology.umd.edu&amp;data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7Cc85084c32b384c8ace2608d6024b5546%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636698919909746039&amp;sdata=E7DPwnY8RWGkyXpCP60ZkppA7A7pHo8Q7Kv6mdiH6ZA%3D&amp;reserved=0) is housed in the Colleges of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences (CMNS) and Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR). The Department stands out for its state-of-the-art science, its collegiality, diversity, and inclusiveness. The Department is in suburban Maryland, in the Washington D.C. area, offering opportunities of collaborations with many of the research and teaching institutions present in the region. The location gives unique access to cultural and recreational activities available both in the city and the surrounding region. The University of Maryland, College Park is considered a “Public Ivy-League”, ranked among the 50 top Universities in the world, and offers an excellent educational, cultural, and recreational environment to work, study, and live.

We are seeking a motivated, independent, and creative Graduate Assistant to join our lab. The ideal candidate holds a Master’s degree (or equivalent), has experience in independent research, and is interested in joining a dynamic and collaborative working environment. Women and members of minority groups are encouraged to apply. If interested, email a motivation letter, your CV, and contact information of two references to Prof. Anahí Espíndola (anahiesp[at]umd.edu). Applications received before September 28th, 2018 will be fully considered, and the selected candidates will be invited to apply to the Department’s Graduate program. Application and acceptance by the University of Maryland Graduate program is required. For questions, email Prof. Espíndola (anahiesp[at]umd.edu).

The University of Maryland, College Park, an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, creed, marital status, political affiliation, personal appearance, or on the basis of rights secured by the First Amendment, in all aspects of employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Learn about the lab: https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fanahiespindola.github.io&amp;data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7Cc85084c32b384c8ace2608d6024b5546%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636698919909756047&amp;sdata=5OdhRRoXikHZN6wt6CpIqdd2tfgF8Op%2Fy%2F9eGPcKvfA%3D&amp;reserved=0

Contact: Prof. Anahí Espíndola, anahiesp[at]umd.edu