Bridging the Americas Marine Conservation Fellowship Program

Five-year graduate student (PhD level) fellowship position is available to start in Fall 2018 to join an international collaboration between the University of Florida and the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI). The graduate fellow will conduct interdisciplinary, collaborative research in Panama, Florida, and the greater Caribbean region with a focus on mangrove ecosystems. The fellow will be based in Florida in the University of Florida’s Engineering School of Sustainable Infrastructure and Environment in the new Coastal Ecosystem Dynamics group. Fellowship includes stipend, tuition, benefits, travel, and research allowance. Ideal applicants will have a strong background in ecology and/or marine science (bachelors or masters degree), excellent written and oral communication skills, and a demonstrated potential to conduct intensive field-based research both independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team. Experience in science communication is a plus.

In an era when international collaborative research is key to major scientific advances, this graduate fellowship program has been created to provide students with the opportunity to develop skills, perspective, experience, and academic networks necessary to meet the challenges facing society and our environment. This program focuses on tropical and sub-tropical coastal habitats where biodiversity is highest, human impacts are accelerating fastest, and the need to build research capacity is greatest.

Those interested in applying for a fellowship position should email Andrew Altieri with a copy of their CV (including contact information for at least two references) and a brief statement (<500 words) outlining their interests and suitability for the fellowship program prior to a formal application to the ESSIE graduate program. Review of CVs and statements will begin on January 8th 2018.

Contact information:
Andrew Altieri
andrew.altieri@essie.ufl.edu
www.altierilab.org

Graduate Positions in Behavioral Ecology in the Tinghitella lab at the University of Denver.

The Tinghitella lab at the University of Denver (https://tinghitellalab.weebly.com) is recruiting motivated new graduate students to begin in the fall of 2018. Work in the lab centers on the roles of ecology and behavior in (rapid) evolutionary change. We mix field and laboratory work to understand the forces that shape diversity in animal communication and mating systems.
Recently we’ve been thinking a lot about how human impacts alter the mating environment and the evolutionary implications of those perturbations. Graduate students will be supported through teaching assistantships (2 years MS and 5 years PhD). I am specifically recruiting students interested in working on Pacific field crickets. Students will be expected to develop their own projects within the scope of the lab, but topics are open. Recent work in the field cricket system has addressed rapid evolution of sexual signals, plasticity in mate choice, and effects of anthropogenic noise on acoustically communicating invertebrates, for instance.

Please contact Robin Tinghitella, robin.tinghitella@du.edu, for more information. Additional information about our graduate program and our vibrant group of Organismal Biologists can be found athttps://www.du.edu/nsm/departments/biologicalsciences/degreeprograms/phd.html
and https://sites.google.com/site/duecoevo/home. Deadline for applications for the graduate program in Biological Sciences is January 1, 2018.

From: Johansen, Rebecca E [mailto:johansenr@APSU.EDU]
Sent: Monday, December 18, 2017 2:32 PM
Subject: Graduate (M.S.) Positions in Biology at Austin Peay State University

The Department of Biology at Austin Peay State University (APSU) invites applications for admission to our M.S. program for Fall 2018. We offer both thesis-track and non-thesis track degrees. The program comprises approximately 30 graduate students supported by research and teaching assistantships. APSU (11,000 students) is located in Clarksville, TN, 45 minutes northwest of Nashville and is in close proximity to remnant prairies, numerous parks and public lands, and diverse aquatic ecosystems. For more information about the Biology Department and resources for research, please visit www.apsu.edu/biology.

The application deadline for Fall 2018 admission is March 1. For more information on application and admission requirements, see http://www.apsu.edu/grad-studies/graduateprograms/biology.php.
Successful applicants will receive support from teaching or research assistantships and receive a full tuition waiver.

Because support of a faculty advisor is necessary for admission to the M.S. thesis-track plan of study, interested students should communicate with potential faculty research mentors as part of the application process. The following faculty are recruiting students for the upcoming Fall 2018-19 academic year. Support of a faculty research mentor is not required for admission of those students interested in pursuing a non-thesis degree.

Carol Baskauf (baskaufc@apsu.edu)
Population genetics and ecophysiology of plants, focusing on rare species of conservation concern; comparisons of genetically or ecologically relevant attributes of rare and widespread congeners.

Mollie F. Cashner (cashnerm@apsu.edu)
Evolution of reproductive behavior in fishes using both experimental and molecular approaches.

C.M. Gienger (giengerc@apsu.edu)
Ecology of amphibians and reptiles.

Rebecca Blanton Johansen (johansenr@apsu.edu) Evolution, phylogeography, and conservation of freshwater fishes and crayfishes.

Jason Malaney (malaneyj@apsu.edu)
Species-environment relationship with research focused at the interface of ecology and evolution; focused questions target a better understanding of the factors responsible for generating and maintaining diversity of wild mammals using specimen-based research.

Sergei Markov (markovs@apsu.edu)
Research interests include: a) molecular hydrogen production by microorganisms; b) microalgae for biofuels and chemicals; c) bioreactors/photobioreactors and bioprocess engineering, and d) wastewater clean-up by microorganisms.

Daniel Frederick (frederickd@apsu.edu)
Dr. Frederick in the Department of Geosciences is recruiting a student to examine Foraminifera as a measure of environmental conditions of Puget Sound in Washington. The successful applicant will collaborate with Dr. Frederick, APSU Biology faculty, and faculty at the University of Washington to sample tidal flats of Puget Sound to identify foraminiferan diversity and to use data to develop a numerical index of environment quality that can be applied throughout the region.

Gilbert Pitts (pittsg@apsu.edu)
Reproductive neuroendocrinology.  Particularly, control of gonadotropin-releasing hormone.

Stefan Woltmann (woltmanns@apsu.edu)
Behavioral and breeding ecology of birds associated with forested streams; ecology of imperiled grassland/prairie birds in the region.

Amy Thompson (thompsona@apsu.edu)
Study of cellular damage caused by brown recluse spider venom and identification of drugs that might reverse this damage; characterization of brown recluse spider sodium channels to aid in pesticide additive development that could be used to control spider populations; identification of limitations of currently used assays for determining gluten content in foods.

Austin Peay State University embraces diversity as a core value and as essential for our effective participation in the global community. Therefore, Austin Peay State University (APSU) does not discriminate against students, employees, or applicants for admission or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or any other legally protected class with respect to all employment, programs and activities sponsored by APSU.

From: Dr. Sara Galbraith [mailto:sara.galbraith@OREGONSTATE.EDU]
Sent: Sunday, December 17, 2017 6:05 PM
Subject: CREW LEADER (1) AND RESEARCH ASSISTANTS (5) NEEDED FOR FOREST POLLINATOR STUDY IN OREGON COAST RANGE

CREW LEADER (1) AND RESEARCH ASSISTANTS (5) NEEDED FOR FOREST POLLINATOR STUDY with a large-scale study led by Dr. Jim Rivers
(http://people.forestry.oregonstate.edu/jim-rivers/) and Dr. Sara Galbraith in the College of Forestry at Oregon State University. The objective of this research is to assess how native pollinator communities within managed forests are influenced by stand age and management intensity. Field work will take place in the rugged and scenic Coast Range of western Oregon and will involve physically demanding work in challenging conditions (heat, cold, rain, sun, steep slopes, loose rock, logging slash, hazardous plants), working long days, including some weekends, and navigating alone through difficult forest terrain. Primary duties of crew members will consist of collecting insects through a variety of techniques (netting, traps) in managed forest stands, conducting pollination experiments, quantifying floral resources and nesting habitat, and curating insect specimens in the lab.
Crew members are likely to assist with related research project conducted in crop fields as time allows.

Crew leader position runs April 23-August 31, 2018; research assistant positions run May 7-August 31, 2018; there is the potential for flexibility on start and end dates. Pay rate is $2500-$2700/month for crew leader and $2200-$2400/month for research assistants, depending on previous research experience. Free housing will be provided as well as free project-related transportation.

Qualifications: Applicants should have a B.S. degree in entomology, animal ecology or a related field and with a minimum of 2 years of field experience for research assistants (2 season-long field positions = 2 years of field experience) and 3 years of field experience for crew leader. Preference will be given to candidates who are proficient with capture and identification of insects, have previous experience sampling wild pollinator communities in forest or agricultural settings, and who are familiar with Oregon flora. Successful applicants will be self- motivated, have a strong work ethic, be able to carry heavy gear (30+
lbs) on steep slopes, be able to work harmoniously in a group living situation, have a valid driver’s license and clean driving record, be able to maintain a positive disposition under challenging field conditions, and have a proven track record of working in a safe, efficient, and cooperative manner in a team setting. Crew leader applicants should have these qualities as well as strong and demonstrated leadership skills, and experience making decisions and communicating effectively in a field setting under challenging conditions.

To apply: Applicants should create a single PDF or MS-Word file that contains (1) a cover letter addressing the candidate’s qualifications as they relate to the specific duties described in the position description; (2) a full-length CV or resume; and (3) the names and contact information (email, telephone) of three referees who may be contacted; this document should be emailed to oregonbeecrew@gmail.com with “Bee Crew Position 2018” in the subject line. Positions will be filled as qualified applications are received.

A PhD position is available in lab of Mark Christie at Purdue University
for a highly-motivated candidate interested in local adaptation, larval
dispersal, conservation and population genetics in general. Similar to most
marine systems, many Great Lakes fishes have a miniscule, but highly
dispersive, pelagic larval stage that makes it challenging to directly
determine patterns of population connectivity. However, such knowledge is
critical for effective conservation and management efforts (e.g., MPA
design). One way to assess patterns of population connectivity is with
genetic methods.

For this position, the candidate should be interested working on a project
examining patterns of population connectivity and larval dispersal in Great
Lakes fishes. Previous research experience with molecular techniques,
computational work, statistics, bioinformatics, and assisting with the
design and implementation of experiments will be highly regarded. The
student will also be expected to interact regularly with Tomas Höök and
information about our labs and the graduate school can be found here:
https://ag.purdue.edu/fnr/Pages/default.aspx.

If you are interested in joining the lab, please contact Mark Christie
(christ99@purdue.edu) as soon as possible with a resume/CV and a brief
description of your research interests and experience. Formal applications
will be due to Purdue University by January 15th, 2018.

—

Mark Christie
Assistant Professor
Purdue University
https://www.bio.purdue.edu/lab/christie/

Mark Christie <christ99@purdue.edu>

Research Technician Position in the Department of Biology at East Carolina University

Position description and key responsibilities: The Asch Fisheries Oceanography Lab at East Carolina University (located in Greenville, NC; http://www.ecu.edu/cscas/
biology/Rebecca_Asch.cfm) is seeking to hire a research technician for a full-time, temporary position. Our lab is partnering with the Beaufort, North Carolina branch of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in order to expand the Beaufort Inlet Ichthyoplankton Sampling Program (BIISP). BIISP has been collecting weekly ichthyoplankton samples at Beaufort Inlet during fall through spring months since the year 1987, making it the longest continuously operating ichthyoplankton time series on the east coast of the U.S. The goal of this program is to measure estuarine ingress of larval fish species that spawn offshore but utilize estuarine habitats during the fish’s juvenile life history stage. This time series has the potential to provide valuable information on how local fish communities are responding to climate variability and climate change. The Asch Fisheries Oceanography lab is investigating this question by examining variations in the seasonal timing of larval fish ingress and changes in species composition as a function of a number of climatic and ecological variables. We plan to expand upon the BIISP time series by lengthening the duration of the sampling season so that it is year round, collecting weekly mesozooplankton samples, and conducting YSI profiles of temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, pH, and fluorescence.

We seek a technician to assist our lab with this work. The technician’s responsibilities will initially focus on analyzing the mesozooplankton samples using a ZooScan system (http://www.hydroptic.com/zooscan.html). A ZooScan consists of a flatbed scanner that is used to electronically scan size-fractionated zooplankton samples. ZooProcess software is then used to semi-automatically identify species in the sample using a machine learning algorithm adapted to local ecological conditions. The technician will be in charge of scanning samples, working with ZooProcess to train the machine learning algorithm, and verifying classification accuracy once the algorithm has been trained.

Beginning during spring 2018 and together with other members of the Asch lab, the technician will also be responsible for traveling to Beaufort once a week, collecting the enhanced BIISP samples, and recording and transcribing YSI water quality measurements. Since larval fish are capable of avoiding capture by plankton nets during the day, all sampling will be conducted at night and will be timed to coincide with tidal fluctuations. The technician will also be in charge of sorting and identifying larval and juvenile fishes in 2-4 ichthyoplankton samples collected each week that represent additional sampling beyond the standard BIISP routine.

Lastly, it is expected that this technician will take on some duties associated with lab management including training undergraduate and graduate students in lab protocols, helping to order lab supplies, assuring compliance with lab safety regulations, and maintaining the lab in clean and functioning order. The successful technician will potentially be encouraged to take on additional roles associated with statistical analysis of data, preparation of manuscripts for publication, and the presentation of results at scientific conferences.

This will initially be a one-year position, with the potential for renewal contingent upon satisfactory performance and available funding. There will be a two-month probationary period associated with this hire.

Minimum qualifications:
* B.S. degree in marine science, biology, ecology, oceanography, natural resource management, or similar fields. Must have taken at least introductory coursework in marine ecology.
* Some experience working in an ecology lab and using a dissecting microscope.
* Ability to drive state owned vehicles, conduct ecological fieldwork in wet and occasionally uncomfortable conditions at night-time, and carry field equipment weighing up to ~30 lbs.
* Independent self-starter who is exciting to learn new skills and has the ability to problem shoot technical challenges.
* Occasionally travel overnight to receive technical training or attend scientific conferences.

Preferred qualifications:
* Masters of science degree in marine science, biology, ecology, oceanography, natural resource management, or similar fields.
* 1-2 years of experience at the post-baccalaureate level working in a lab focused on conducting marine ecological research.
* Previous experience operating a ZooScan and collecting and processing ichthyoplankton and zooplankton samples in marine and estuarine environments. Experience with identification of ichthyoplankton and zooplankton species, especially those found in the Southeast U.S.
* Experience analyzing data and writing computer programs with MATLAB or R.
Experience with multivariate ecological statistics.
* Written and published scientific manuscripts and presented scientific results at conferences.

Application instructions: Applications for this position are to be completed online, with full instructions available at the following URL: https://ecu.peopleadmin.com/postings/11157.
Please contact Rebecca Asch (aschr16@ecu.edu) regarding any questions that you may have about this posting. There is an initial January 4, 2018 deadline for applications, but we anticipate that this position will remain open until filled.