grad student positions in ecology at the University of British Columbia

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The Williams Lab at UBC is looking for 1 MSc and 1 – 2 PhD students to join our group in 2026. We study how evolution and ecology interact to change population dynamics and species interactions in space and time. We want to understand how fast populations of native species can expand their ranges with climate change and invasive plants can expand following introduction to a new region, and also how plants in the endangered Garry oak ecosystem will respond to climate change. To answer these questions, we combine experiments in the field and greenhouse with quantitative models. We are also participating in research to understand the effects of trampling by hikers on alpine plants.

 

Graduate students have the flexibility to develop a project that fits into ongoing lab research. Specifically, for MSc students, there is an opportunity to lead a project in the Coast Range mountains investigating how the alpine plant community is affected by trampling by hikers (led by Dr. Nina Hewitt, and co-supervised by the Williams lab). PhD students will have more flexibility in project development, with the goal of one student leading a project on Vancouver Island, and a second leading a project exploring range expansion of invasive plants into higher elevations in the Coast Range and/or Interior mountains. In the Garry oak ecosystem, we have a 10-year (and counting) dataset on demography and community composition of understory species that can be harnessed in combination with experiments and/or further data collection. For the mountain invasion project, we have scouted a suite of candidate species and potential field sites, with much opportunity to develop the scope and particular questions of the project.

 

We are looking for graduate students who are curious about population and community ecology, with at least some relevant undergraduate coursework and/or research experience. Students in the group will develop strong quantitative skills (statistical and/or modeling) and do reproducible research. Prospective students should be in interested in becoming more quantitative, and we will help them get there. Prospective students should have experience identifying plants, an introduction to R and statistics, and a valid driver’s license. For students who wish to work in the mountains, backcountry hiking and camping experience is advised, and the ability to carry a backpack.

 

The Williams Lab is committed to creating a safe and supportive lab environment. Our group interacts with a diverse group of geographers interested in the environment, and with ecologists and evolutionary biologists from across UBC, who are brought together by the Biodiversity Research Centre for classes, seminars and discussion groups. We have ties with the Nature Conservancy of Canada, the B.C. Ministry of Forests, Metro Vancouver, and land managers at native prairie sites across the Pacific Northwest.

 

Applications for MSc students are due in mid-December 2025 and for Ph.D. students in early January 2026, for a May or September 2026 start date. Curious if you might fit into the group? Send an email to jennifer.williams@geog.ubc.ca telling a little about your research interests. Already know you’d like to be considered, please fill out this webform. We will start reviewing responses in mid to late October.

 

For questions about the MSc position, email nina.hewitt@geog.ubc.ca. For more info, see the lab website: http://williamslabubc.weebly.com/; for more about the alpine trampling project: https://garibaldialpine.wixsite.com/garibaldialpine/copy-of-our-team-2024; learn about applying to UBC Geography here: http://www.geog.ubc.ca/graduate/.

    • — Jennifer Williams Professor, Department of Geography & Biodiversity Research Centre University of British Columbia office phone: +1 604 827-1592 email:

 jennifer.williams@geog.ubc.ca 

    • website:

 https://www.geog.ubc.ca/persons/jennifer-williams/

THIS WEEK’S OCEAN JOBS LIST

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THIS WEEK’S OCEAN JOBS LIST

 

Highlights

  1. Coral Reef Ecologist, National Geographic Society – Pristine Seas, Remote, United States
  2. Executive Director, Golden State Salmon Association, California, Remote, United States
  3. Executive Director, International Sea Turtle Society, Remote, United States
  4. International Fisheries Conservation – Senior Program Associate, The Ocean Foundation (Fiscal Sponsorship Program), Remote, United States
  5. Ocean Climate Diplomacy Initiative (OCDI) Director, Oceans 5, Remote, United States
  6. Senior Litigation Lawyer, Ocean Vision Legal, Remote, United States

 

New Jobs

  1. Aquatic Technician, Rentokil North America, Virginia Beach, Virginia, United States
  2. Assistant or Associate Professor of Bioinformatics, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas, United States
  3. Coastal Community Engagement Officer, Cornwall Wildlife Trust, Truro, Cornwall, United Kingdom
  4. Coldwater Fisheries Biologist, New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, Santa Fe, New Mexico, United States
  5. Construction Safety Specialist, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Lacey, Washington, United States
  6. Education and Outreach Specialist, National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, Newport News, Virginia, United States
  7. Education and Outreach Specialist, National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, Sheboygan, Wisconsin, United States
  8. Environmental Field Technician, Montrose Environmental Group, Carlsbad, New Mexico, United States
  9. External Communications Officer (Freelance or Agency), Monk Seal Alliance (Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation), Remote; Cyprus; Türkiye; Greece
  10. Field Biologist – Fisheries Management Section, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, Maine, United States
  11. Fish Production Facilities Operations Manager, Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, Auburn, Washington, United States
  12. Fish Production Scientist 3, Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, Auburn, Washington, United States
  13. Fisheries Biologist – NE Region, Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, Tupelo, Mississippi, United States
  14. Fisheries Technician 2 – Juvenile Salmon Survival, Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission, Clarkston, Washington, United States
  15. Flood and Coastal Risk Officer – Grade III, Office of Public Works, Ireland
  16. Hatchery Project Management Lead – Management Analyst 5, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Olympia, Washington, United States
  17. Licensing Program Manager – WMS Band 3, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Olympia, Washington, United States
  18. Manager, Conservation, National Audubon Society, Minnesota, United States
  19. Marine Mammal System Assistant I, LBYD Federal, Silverdale, Washington, United States
  20. Natural Resource Management and Monitoring Coordinator, Cardinal Point Captains, Inc., Galveston, Texas, United States
  21. Ordinary Seaman (OS), Helix Energy Solutions Group, Louisiana, United States
  22. PhD Research Assistantship in Fish Ecology/Population Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States
  23. Population Sustainability Post Doctoral Associate, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, San Diego, California, United States
  24. Postdoctoral Fellow, The University of Alabama — Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering Department, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, United States
  25. Senior Attorney, Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), Multiple Locations, United States
  26. Survey Technician, Bateman Civil Survey Company, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, United States

PhD and MS positions at Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi

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PhD and MS positions at Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi

The Lumibao Lab (https://candicelumibaolab.com) in the Department of Life Sciences, Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi is looking for a prospective PhD and MS students to begin in either in the Spring or Fall 2026. The student’s research focus will have flexibility but will primarily focus on either of these three themes (depending on students’ interests): eco-evo dynamics of plant-microbe interactions, microbial interactions and community dynamics and applications of emerging technologies against plant pathogens. Applicants should be highly self-motivated and have at least one year of research experience. Strong applicants will have some experience in molecular/microbial work, field experience, bioinformatics and in statistical computing (e.g., experience using R). For PhD applicants, preference will be given to those with MS degree. Positions are funded through combination of RAship (grants and fellowships) and TAship.

More information on the department and program can be found here: https://www.tamucc.edu/science/departments/life-sciences/marine-biology/.

Qualifications: Applicants should be highly self-motivated and have at least one year of research experience. For PhD applicants, preference will be given to those with MS degree. Strong applicants will have some experience in molecular/microbial work, fieldwork and in statistical computing (e.g. experience using R) or bioinformatics.

How to apply: Interested applicants should send via email a 1) brief statement of interest or cover letter describing experience, why your interest fits the Lumibao lab and general career goals, (2) CV (3) unofficial transcript, preferably by October 10, 2025, to Candice Lumibao: candice.lumibao@tamucc.edu

​​ Lakes Region Conservation Corps Full Year Members

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Are you looking to break into the field of conservation, but don’t know where to start? Consider spending 2026 in beautiful New Hampshire and joining the Lakes Region Conservation Corps (LRCC), an AmeriCorps service program that develops skills and experiences for the next generation of conservation professionals. LRCC members are the driving force behind many of the conservation efforts of New Hampshire’s Lakes Region.  The LRCC is seeking 15 full year AmeriCorps at Squam Lakes Association, Green Mountain Conservation Group, The Nature Conservancy, and Mount Washington Observatory. For more information on each host site please visit: https://www.lakesregionconservationcorps.org/lrcc-sites.
Key responsibilities may include:
-Engage both youth and adults in environmental education and outreach programs.
-Recruit and lead volunteer crews.
-Work toward the eradication of invasive species in the lakes and watersheds.
-Maintain and construct regional trail networks.
-And more!
If you have any questions, please email Elise Eifler at eeifler@squamlakes.org

PhD Assistantship on large mammal community ecology

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We are searching for a PhD student to lead a new experimental study investigating how coyotes and wild pigs influence the behavior of deer and other mammals in the southeastern United States. Coyotes have relatively recently colonized the southeast, taking on the role of the largest carnivore across much of the region and exerting top-down effects on the native large herbivore (white-tailed deer) and other trophic levels. At the same time, wild pigs have spread across much of the southeast, and our recent research suggests they are impacting predator-prey dynamics in this system. However, disentangling the relative effects of coyotes and wild pigs individually on ecosystem processes has heretofore been limited due to the fact that both species occur ubiquitously across any area where they co-occur, i.e., studying the effects of one species in isolation from the other has been impossible. Therefore, with state and federal partners, we will be using large (100 acre) exclosures that will selectively exclude each of these target species.
The student is expected to take part in this exciting new project (exclosures were just constructed) by developing research questions related specifically to deer and other mammalian responses to our experimental design. Within the study area we are placing GPS tracking collars on coyotes, deer and wild pigs, allowing the student to investigate questions regarding how removal of predation risk and/or risk of interacting with the dominant competitor (i.e., wild pigs) impact deer movement behavior, stress physiology, maternal care and fawn survival. We also have an extensive camera trap array and drift fences in place, making the system well suited to assess community-level responses by carnivores and other trophic levels.
Applicants are required to have an MS in wildlife ecology or a related field, previous experience in studying the ecology of wildlife in a field setting, be a US citizen and have a valid US driver’s license. Top applicants will have a strong interest in the ecology of large mammals and their impact on other trophic levels, as well as evidence of strong scientific writing and basic statistics.  Applicants should submit a cover letter, CV, contact information for 3 references, unofficial transcripts, and a scientific writing sample as a single PDF titled “LastName_PhDapplication” to djachow@clemson.edu prior to September 22, 2025.  The selected student would start at Clemson in January 2026.

Invasive Hornet Survey Specialist

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Invasive Hornet Survey Specialist
JOB SUMMARY
Join our team to protect South Carolina from invasive pests! We are looking for an Invasive Hornet Survey Specialist to support early detection and rapid response efforts for the Yellow-legged Hornet (YLH). You’ll conduct independent and team-based surveys, respond to public reports, and enforce plant pest and honeybee regulations. The role involves a mix of fieldwork, outreach, and regulatory enforcement in various environments including apiaries, farms, forests, and residential areas.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
• Conduct surveys and field inspections for invasive species
• Trap and monitor for Yellow-legged hornet (YLH) presence
• Assist in eradication and containment efforts
• Respond to public reports and educate stakeholders
• Maintain and responsibly operate state equipment
• Work throughout assigned region and other required areas

• Carry out additional duties as needed

DETAILS

Location: Beaufort, SC Area
• Application Deadline: 9/29/2025 (possibility of extension)
• Minimum Requirement: HS diploma & experience or BS
• Preferred: BS or MS
• Hours: 37.5–40 per week
• Salary: $47,588-54,000 per year (temporary with possibility of extension)
• Job ID #: 109916
• Job Title: Investigator IV Beaufort, SC

Masters of Natural Resources – Environmental Education and Science Communication

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Masters of Natural Resources – Environmental Education and Science Communication
1-year program– Positions start in August 2026
Free housing. Scholarships and student support available
Build the skills to change the world. A University of Idaho – Environmental Education and Science Communication (EESC) graduate student earns a Masters of Natural Resources in 10.5 months.  While living at our incredible McCall Field Campus grads develop an array of professional skills and expertise.
Applied coursework and targeted study in science communication, leadership, place-based education, and ecology, give our students what they need to earn a degree, make a difference, and find your place. Check out our program at https://www.uidaho.edu/mccall-field-campus/academics or contact Leslie Dorsey at ldorsey@uidaho.edu if you have questions or would like to apply.
Graduation May 31st, 2027
Applications accepted on a rolling basis until August 13th 2026
NOTE: F1 and J1 Visas are not eligible for this program
Patience Mateer
Administrative Specialist II
College of Natural Resources
Boise IWC 242
pmateer@uidaho.edu
(208) 885-9160

AI for Ecosystem Monitoring PhD opportunity at University of Michigan

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Dr. Lauren Gillespie’s new lab at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor is looking to recruit PhD students to join in Fall 2026 for a fully-funded PhD position. Dr. Gillespie’s research group in U-M’s School for Environment and Sustainability develops AI-integrated approaches for monitoring ecosystems at scale in the Anthropocene. 
This highly interdisciplinary work cross-cuts AI methods development, conservation decision-making, and field-based methods to uncover the effects of rapid environmental change on species and improve our ecological forecasting of the natural world. Current focal systems include the Neotropics and California, but a global-scale focus or other regions of high biodiversity importance will also be considered. Please see the lab’s Interests and Projects for more details and potential research themes.
Dr. Gillespie’s research is highly interdisciplinary and uses skills from various disciplines, including computer science, ecology, environmental science, data science, and GIS. Students with a strong interdisciplinary background across these disciplines are especially encouraged to apply, along with students with deep expertise in any of these areas. While previous research experience is preferred, ideal candidates should show intellectual curiosity and a capability for independent growth.
If you are interested in this opportunity, please fill out this google form (https://forms.gle/8zmyDfNzGADQGWBj9) to express your interest in joining the lab. Review of applications will begin in October and continue on a rolling basis. The official SEAS PhD application deadline is December 1st, 2025 for a start date in Fall of 2026. If you have any additional questions, feel free to reach out (gillespl@umich.edu).
University of Michigan Ph.D. students have one of the strongest PhD compensation packages in the United States, including 5 years of fully-funded support plus health insurance. Additionally, the University of Michigan has a strong commitment to supporting interdisciplinary studies, including a dual-degree PhD program. The dual-degree program enables SEAS PhD students to get a joint PhD in both Sustainability and another department if they so choose, including the computer science, ecology, and earth science departments. Lastly, as a mentor Dr. Gillespie strives to foster a supportive, safe, and inclusive environment for students so they have the community and the resources they need to grow into curious, independent, and interdisciplinary researchers.

Spatial data science postgrad to look at runoff in the United States 

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Spatial data science postgrad to look at runoff in the United States
Title: Postgraduate Associate
Department and School: Yale School of the Environment
Anticipated Appointment Dates: October 15, 2025, to October 15, 2026
Introduction to Yale School of the Environment:
The Yale School of the Environment (YSE) is leading the world toward a sustainable future with cutting-edge research, teaching, and public engagement on society’s evolving and urgent environmental challenges. Since 1900, YSE has addressed the world’s most critical environmental challenges through research, practice-based scholarship, and public engagement. YSE hosts more than 20 unique centers, programs, and initiatives that foster groundbreaking research, sponsor internship opportunities, and host engaging conferences and events that elevate diverse voices and ideas in numerous fields of study. Our internationally renowned faculty direct rigorous coursework across ten learning communities, each focused on a different area of expertise. Their innovative research, completed with students and staff across Yale and within numerous disciplines, is changing how we understand the environment, conservation, and sustainability.
Overview of the Position:
We are looking to hire a postgrad for a one-year position in the Peter Raymond laboratory within the Yale School of the Environment. The postgrad will be tasked with collecting and harmonizing spatial datasets for the United States on nutrient runoff, climate change, diet, fertilizer usage, and sewage treatment, among others, to understand how such compounding global change parameters might influence water quality in the future. Postgraduate appointments are one-year appointments with the possibility of a one-year renewal. Salary for this position starts at $44,400 per year. Benefits for Yale-funded postgraduate associates can be found at: https://postdocs.yale.edu/current-postgrads/benefits-and-paid-time.
Education: This position will benefit postgrads looking to apply to graduate school, particularly those interested in research programs such as a PhD. The position will also likely benefit those interested in industry in either tech or the environmental sciences.
Training: Postgrads will gain skills in programming, scientific literature surveys, spatial data analysis, and ecological data science. They will also become well versed in concepts involving hydrology, biogeochemistry, climate change, and food system dynamics related to diet, waste, and fertilizer use.
Mentoring: Peter Raymond will be the primary mentor for this position. Maya Almaraz, a Research Scientist working under Pete, will also be available for additional mentorship and guidance on the project. Postgrads will be part of a relatively large lab at Yale University, which provides opportunities for peer-to-peer learning.
Location: New Haven, CT (with possible options for hybrid work).
Qualifications: B.A. or B.S. required. Qualified candidate should be familiar with spatial data techniques (e.g., rasters, GIS, etc.) and have some basic understanding of ecosystem dynamics such as hydrology or biogeochemistry.
Process to apply: Please send inquiries to peter.raymond@yale.edu. To apply, please include a cover letter and resume/CV. Applications will be reviewed as received and the position will remain open until filled. 

Ph.D. Opportunity – Biocrust Ecology (CrustNet)

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The Darrouzet-Nardi Laboratory at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) is recruiting a fully funded Ph.D. student in UTEP’s Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Ph.D. Program beginning in Fall 2026 to join the team for the CrustNet project. CrustNet is a new international distributed experimental network focused on biological soil crust (biocrust) ecology, examining biodiversity, function, and resilience under global change. The student will operate CrustNet sampling nodes in the Chihuahuan Desert, analyze samples from dozens of global sites, and contribute to high-impact publications and international collaborations. The position is funded by an NSF grant and comes with guaranteed stipend support through teaching and research assistantships, extensive desert fieldwork, and opportunities for travel and networking across the global biocrust research community.
UTEP is a Carnegie R1 (very high research activity) university with an active research community and a vibrant campus at the U.S.-Mexico border. El Paso offers unique field access to desert and mountain ecosystems, as well as a dynamic cultural environment that is often a pleasant surprise to first-time visitors. For strong domestic applicants under serious consideration, I can provide support for a campus visit. Reach out to me if you are thinking about it!
This is an excellent opportunity for a student with a background in field ecology, soils, or dryland ecosystems who is ready to take the next step toward a research career. For more information, see http://anthony.darrouzet-nardi.net or send an inquiry email to ajdarrouzetnardi@utep.edu.
Anthony Darrouzet-Nardi
Associate Professor
Biological Sciences
The University of Texas at El Paso
500 W. University Ave.
El Paso, TX 79968
Office: 915-747-6994
Cell: 303-304-6981
Zoom: https://utep-edu.zoom.us/j/5701731470