SUMMARY: 1 volunteer research assistant is needed for approximately 3 months beginning April 11th 2018 to assist a PhD student investigating avian seed dispersal in the Dominican Republic.

ORGANIZATION: Avian Ecology Lab, Old Dominion University (Virginia, United States)

RESEARCH LOCATION: Jarabacoa, La Vega, Dominican Republic

POSITION DESCRIPTION: The volunteer field assistant will be trained in numerous sampling techniques for data collection in the field, including avian surveys (point counts & line transects), quantifying reproductive characteristics of native forest plants, focal foraging observations on marked populations of plants, collecting samples from seed traps in abandoned pastures, collecting/identifying fruits and botanical samples, and data entry. Other activities will involve manual labor on such projects as plot fence repair and maintain rustic trails along transects. The field crew will work 5-6 days per week with the sixth day typically devoted to service and conservation projects overseen by local partners. This work may involve work at newly-established breeding bird sanctuary on private lands near Armando Bermúdez National Park with projects involving nest box construction and installation for cavity- nesting species (i.e. parrots, trogons, swallows).

For more information about the project, visit:
https://student.wp.odu.edu/sschu001/

LOGISTICS & COMPENSATION: Accommodations will be provided at a local ecolodge in the town of Jarabacoa. Meals, consisting of typical Dominican food, will be provided to the volunteer at no cost during their stay. Reimbursement will be provided for food expenses for daily field trips to distant sites. All costs for in-country transportation and lodging will be provided by the project (with the exception of recreational trips on off days). Transportation to field sites (rural
farms) will be either by vehicle or as a passenger on a motor-bike. No funds are available for air travel to/from the Dominican Republic, and volunteers are expected to cover these costs. The target start date for this position is April 11th, 2017 (flexible) and the assistant must commit to a minimum of 12 weeks on the project.

FIELD STATION & AMENITIES: Assistants should expect to share a dormitory-style room with a male roommate. Potable water, (cold) showers, and wireless internet are available at the ecolodge.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPECTATIONS: Competitive candidates for this position will have demonstrated experience with botanical or wildlife research in the field. The applicant must be in good physical condition with a willingness to tolerate difficult working conditions. We regularly hike
10 km each day, often carrying 20-30 lbs of equipment. Strong organizational skills are expected for this position to adequately manage data collection and entry as well as the ability to work independently at times. Functional verbal communication skills in Spanish is highly preferred, and applicants will be tested on this ability during the interview. These communication skills are essential, since the volunteer will spend most of the time working in a team setting with a Dominican technician as well as communicating with private land owners and our conservation partners. Additionally, applicants will be tested on recognition of bird calls provided in advance of the interview.

OTHER COMMENTS: This position is ideal for undergraduates or recent graduates looking for experience in field ecology, wildlife/plant sciences, and conservation biology for their careers. Undergraduates considering applying should communicate with their academic advisor to inquire about the possibility of using the experience to count for course credits.

APPLICANT INSTRUCTIONS:
Please send.
(1) A one-page cover letter detailing your interest in the position and summarizing your relevant background and professional goals. I especially want to know how you see this experience benefiting you and moving your career goals forward.
(2) A resume or CV detailing your experiences relevant to the qualifications discussed above (2 page max).
(3) Information for 2-3 references who, preferably, know your work habits in a field or laboratory/office setting. Provide name, title, and email for each of these persons.

DEADLINE & INTERVIEW TIMELINE:
Materials must be received by March 5th 2018 to guarantee consideration, though interviews may begin sooner, so there is an advantage to applying early. Decisions will be made when a qualified candidates is found, following phone/Skype interviews and consulting references.

Email all materials as a single PDF file attachment using the subject header “Volunteer Research Asssistant Application” to:

Spencer Schubert
Department of Biological Sciences
Old Dominion University
Email: sschu001@odu.edu

An MS research assistantship is available in the Ecophysiology lab of Dr.
Heidi Renninger in the Department of Forestry
(http://www.cfr.msstate.edu/forestry/) at Mississippi State University starting in the Fall, 2018.  Broadly, our lab seeks to understand how the physical environment affects plant physiological functioning in terms of productivity and water use and how environmental change will alter plant and ecosystem function in the future.  We are currently working with short rotation woody biofuel crops to determine environmental vs. genetic controls on productivity, water use and nutrient uptake.  The assistantship includes a stipend, full tuition waiver and health insurance.  More information about the graduate school at Mississippi State University can be found here:  http://www.grad.msstate.edu/.  To learn more about the position, please contact Heidi Renninger (Heidi.Renninger@msstate.edu).  Interested students should submit 1) a letter stating their goals for graduate school 2) academic transcripts and
3) a resume/CV to Dr. Renninger prior to submitting an online application to the graduate school. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a suitable applicant is found.

Subject: Field Research Technician for vector ecology project

Job Description:
The Swei lab at San Francisco State University seeks a research technician with field experience to work with graduate and undergraduate students in a vector and pathogen ecology study in San Francisco, California. This research is part of an NSF-funded study to investigate the host and pathogen genetic diversity of tick-borne pathogens such as Borrelia burgdorferi and Borrelia miyamotoi. The successful applicant will conduct animal population surveys and pathogen infection monitoring in small mammal, reptile, and ticks in the San Francisco Bay Area. Specific tasks include small mammal live trapping and handling, tissue collection, lizard noosing, tick drag sampling, and wildlife camera monitoring. Additional tasks include sample processing, data entry and analysis. The position is temporary and is from April 1 through May 31 with the possibility of extension through July 2018.

Payment:
One paid position at $18/hour (40 hours per week) is offered for two months with the
possibility of extension to four months. This position is based in San Francisco, CA but
will involve extensive field work and occasional camping to more remote locations.
Housing is not provided outside of field work involving camping.

Required Qualifications:
Coursework in biology (esp. ecology, entomology, or wildlife biology) and field work
experience are required. A valid driver’s license is required.

Preferred Qualifications:
Experience conducting/assisting field research projects and experience handling and
identifying vertebrates, especially small mammals or ticks is preferred. Experience
working both individually and as a part of a multidisciplinary team, and a demonstrated
ability to problem-solve independently are ideal. Experience working in adverse, outdoor
conditions is also desirable.

Application Instructions:
All interested, qualified persons must contact Andrea Swei at aswei@sfsu.edu with a
letter of interest, resume, and contact information for three references. The deadline for
submitting an application is March 15th, 2018; If you have questions regarding this
position, please email Andrea Swei.

The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) Department of Biological Sciences invites applicants for the NSF sponsored Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) in Chihuahuan Desert Biodiversity.  This is a 10 week summer program.  The goal of this program is to provide undergraduate students with experience in hypothesis-driven collaborative research utilizing field based and/or laboratory methods and fully engage students in projects associated with the ecology and evolution influencing Chihuahuan Desert biodiversity.

The program provides:

* High quality research experience in ecology and evolutionary biology in the field and/or lab * Research opportunities at the Indio Mountains Research Station (IMRS), a 40,000 acre facility controlled by UTEP * One-on-one and group mentoring from active research faculty in multidisciplinary fields * Training in bioethics and other relevant professional skills

The program includes:

* $5500 stipend for 10 weeks

* Housing in shared apartments and field station

* Travel reimbursement of up to $600

For more information on the program, research projects or to apply please visit: http://science.utep.edu/cdb-reu/

Enquiries: CDB-REU@utep.edu<mailto:CDB-REU@utep.edu>

Jill Anderson at the University of Georgia is searching for an
enthusiastic undergraduate with a strong interest in evolutionary
ecology for field research in an NSF REU position (National Science
Foundation, Research Experience for Undergraduates) from June-August
2018. We study the ecological and evolutionary consequences of climate
change for natural plant populations. We focus on research on
Drummond’s rockcress (Boechera stricta in the plant family
Brassicaceae), a mustard plant native to the Rocky Mountains. Our
studies take place around the Rocky Mountain Biological Lab
(http://secure-web.cisco.com/1PdqhNWmtnYboSyGERS6vHzzD5I2Z9pAM2I_r6fMe7Krww4PCaZeFYL0C0vbCot8XRE1tPOR6pl517_SP0wpTbqdO9yhPx0kFEun-PBSoDstO28oMZdS7dHiJbtrCTZl7UTzQMyW-meUBqzVzKzqNHMMf3Ph2Ry0lEFB91xBHHcFZ_1WUiLi-KTpV24qOzGYVgvkyZjHxbux8EJaw71DoxcmtQge1401maOTWIcfEhHWUbAGf_4sCgnvq0R0pNXTIj0BFAgzDrS5FClZwy5jCSQTQm_i6y_6FCgW4xv6DlP0gFO1hlKgWOTdgIJTF0pzvLQ3FpGr5tO36Nor7XRQ54HLV1_k70-58gXFxeKfdFcgKu88RPWSvApxmjHmIGfVWQ88tObhHnMug2_0BzhGhmy0NIBYsK9KB8N4e5hIPwTyTzgNAyIcU79ET2vW2D-c4fElVwNDuI3IBoAhfx4EVZw/http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rmbl.org%2F%29, which is located in Gothic, Colorado near the
wildflower capital of Colorado (Crested Butte).  We quantify plant
fitness and traits to ask whether climate change could disrupt
long-standing patterns of local adaptation, and to test whether
phenotypic plasticity will enable populations to persist in the
short-term. We perform large-scale reciprocal transplant experiments to
examine patterns of adaptive evolution and natural selection in
contemporary landscapes. Since fall 2013, we have planted >150,000
seeds and seedlings into five experimental gardens ranging in elevation
from 2500 m to 3340 m (8202 feet to 11000 feet). Our summer research
involves intensive monitoring of these experimental plants to record
data on germination success, survival, growth, reproductive success, as
well as life history and morphological traits. We conduct most of our
work in the field, with a small proportion of indoor lab work.

The successful candidate will assist with ongoing fieldwork. In
addition, there are many opportunities for students to develop
independent projects associated with our overall objectives, including
studies on: 1) population divergence in ecologically-relevant traits,
especially drought, UV tolerance, and herbivore resistance; 2)
phenotypic plasticity at multiple spatial scales; 3) population density
and species composition of the herbivore community that attacks
Drummond’s rockcress; 4) flower color polymorphism; and 5) the
importance of maternal effects in biological responses to climate
change.

We are offering a stipend of $500/week for a full time REU student (40
hours/week) for 10 weeks.  The exact start and end dates are flexible.
We will cover room and board at the Rocky Mountain Biological
Laboratory and reimburse travel expenses up to $500. Fieldwork will
involve hiking to experimental gardens through rough terrain (1-3 miles
one-way daily).

The University of Georgia is committed to maintaining a fair and respectful envi
ronment for living, work, and study.  To that end, all qualified applicants from
individuals with a strong interest in evolutionary biology will receive conside
ration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national ori
gin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, or age.  The applic
ation consists of a cover letter listing your qualifications, a CV/ resume and
contact information for two references, all of which can be emailed to Dr. Jill
Anderson at: jta24@uga.edu

Applications are due by March 16^th, 2018.

Feel free to contact Dr. Anderson if you have any questions about the
position.  Additional information about our work can be found at:
http://andersonlab.genetics.uga.edu/Home.html

Jill T Anderson <jta24@uga.edu>

Graduate Research Assistantships in Forest Genomics @ NAU

The School of Forestry at Northern Arizona University (NAU) is seeking 2 highly motivated Master of Science students to join the newly formed lab of Genetics, Genomics and Evolution of Forest Tree Species. Both positions include a stipend, tuition waiver, and health benefits for 2 years.

Position 1: The student will use genomic tools to identify genes underlying resistance to the devastating disease white-pine blister rust in Sugar Pine. This position involves only data analyses.

Position 2: The student will use genomic tools to identify patterns of hybridization, introgression and local adaptation between two varieties of Douglas fir. This position involves data analyses, molecular lab work, and greenhouse work.

Minimum qualifications:
–       Bachelor degree in Genetics, Forest Sciences, Biology, Ecology, Plant Sciences,
Evolutionary Biology, Bioinformatics or related fields of study.
–       Have taken at least one course in Genetics.
–       Ability to program in R, Perl or Phyton (familiarity with Linux is a plus)
–       Willingness to work with big data sets in a computer cluster.
–       Availability to start by July 1st, 2018 .
–       No greenhouse or molecular lab experience is required.

How to apply:
Please send a 1-page statement of interest, CV, unofficial copy of transcripts, GRE scores, and TOEFL scores (international students), and the names and contact information of 3 references by March 5th, 2018. If found to be a good match for the position, you will be encouraged to apply to the graduate program at NAU. Please note that NAU has the following admission
requirements: GPA equal or higher than 3.0 and TOEFL = 213 (computer-based) or 80 (internet- based).

Contact Information:
Dr. De La Torre, Amanda.de-la-torre@nau.edu https://nau.edu/CEFNS/Forestry/Faculty-and-Staff/Directory/De-La-Torre/

Institution:
Northern Arizona University is a 29,000 student-institution with its main campus in Flagstaff, a four-season community of about 70,000 at the base of the majestic San Francisco Peaks.
Flagstaff has all-year easy access to the Arizona snowbowl ski resort and is located at 1-hour drive from the Gran Canyon.

The Harmon-Threatt lab at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign is seeking undergraduate students for a NSF funded REU studying bee diversity and movement in the Missouri glades. The glades have a high amount of natural fragmentation, which make it a unique area to study how the landscape surrounding fragmented bee habitat influences resource availability and bee movement. This project aims to understand what resources the landscape surrounding the glades provide and how these resources influence bee movement and community structure.

Throughout the 10-week program, the student will assist with lab and field work, while also developing an independent research project. Due to the unique landscape and high level of endemism of the Missouri glades, there are numerous independent questions which can address that will produce publishable results. Most work for this project will take place at UIUC but will include one, potentially two funded trips out to the glades to conduct field work. The position will begin the end of May and includes a stipend along with additional funding for housing.
Qualifications:
– United States citizens or permanent residents
– Have a valid drivers license
– Must be enrolled in an undergraduate program for fall of 2018. Students who have received their bachelor’s degrees and are no longer enrolled as undergraduates are not eligible to participate.
– A strong interest in bee, pollination, or plant ecology
– Not have an allergy or serious aversion to bee stings
– Some experience in entomology or field ecology is preferred but not required

Applications are due by March 9th and should be a single PDF file consisting of:
-Cover letter detailing any relevant experience, interest in the position, and future professional goals -CV/resume -Transcript (unofficial is ok) -Contact information for 3 references

Applications and any questions regarding the position should be sent to kbarie@illinois.edu For more information about the lab, please visit our website:
https://www.life.illinois.edu/harmon/

A Joint Restoration Ecology and One Health Apprenticeship 2018

The Wilds is one of the largest and most innovative conservation centers in the world, offering diverse training programs for early career professionals.  The Wilds has nearly 10,000 acres of reclaimed mineland and remnant forest patches, which present opportunities for ecological restoration and cutting-edge research to help address emerging public health concerns such as harmful algal blooms and water quality, with College of Public Health, The Ohio State University and professional public health practitioner with the US Public Health Service (usphs.gov). This six-month position starting May 2018 is aimed at recent graduates from related fields.

Typical tasks: Half-time at The Wilds, the apprentice will be implementing habitat improvements and monitoring ecosystem recovery through invasive plant management, vegetation and wildlife surveys, environmental monitoring, and photo point collection.
The other half-time, the apprentice will be coordinating community engagement activities in wildlife and water conservation, including collecting water samples to analyzing results from various water bodies; wetlands, lakes, experimental wetlands, and crops.
*       Training: field methods such as plant identification, survey
protocols, research methodology, microcystin field testing, GPS & GIS applications/map making, biological monitoring and application of land management and restoration techniques.
*       Apprentice will conduct a scientific research project related to
water quality and beavers with a final presentation to Wilds employees and researchers at The Ohio State University at the end of their term.
*       Position requires hiking and some physically demanding tasks,
including outdoor work throughout the seasons.  This may include hot, buggy, cold or otherwise challenging conditions.  Participants should be prepared with appropriate field gear / foot wear.
*       Should be interested in emerging public health concerns and how
ecosystems services and public health are interconnected, eager for learning opportunities and willing to practice new skills independently.
*       Apprentices must be responsible, flexible, self-motivated and
able to work effectively with limited supervision, as well as in a team setting.
*       Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to lift at least
45 lbs.
*       Must have basic knowledge in biostatistics and environmental
health science.
*       Must be willing to work some evenings and weekends.

Schedule is typically M-F, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM. While no monetary compensation is offered, on site housing will be covered as well as gas mileage when traveling for projects. In addition, the position is ideal for acquiring practical experience in conservation, wildlife (beavers) monitoring, natural resource management, ecological and public health, land stewardship or ecological studies. It is particularly well suited to prepare participants for graduate school or work in a conservation or public health fields.

To apply, please send your resume with three references and a cover letter to the contact below.  Outline your objectives to gain from the position and how your past experience makes you an ideal candidate. Our training programs are competitive and we value placing individuals in programs that suit their career goals.
Please send application materials by March 15th, 2018 to:
Dr. Rebecca Swab  Director of Restoration Ecology, The Wilds
14000 International Road, Cumberland, OH 43732  740.638.5030 ext. 2084
rswab@thewilds.org
www.thewilds.org