PhD opportunities in coastal ecology at University of Virginia

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The Castorani Lab at the University of Virginia is recruiting 1-2 PhD students to study the population and community ecology of coastal marine ecosystems. Students will be advised by Max Castorani (https://castorani.evsc.virginia.edu/) and join UVA’s highly interdisciplinary Department of Environmental Sciences (http://www.evsc.virginia.edu/).
Potential systems for field studies include coastal lagoons, salt marshes, oyster reefs, and seagrass meadows in Virginia, kelp forests in southern California, and estuaries in northern California. Students will have the opportunity to contribute to highly collaborative long-term ecological research in the Virginia Coast Reserve LTER
(https://www.vcrlter.virginia.edu/) and Santa Barbara Coastal LTER (http://sbc.lternet.edu/).

Applicants should have strong interests in population dynamics, spatial ecology (e.g., dispersal, landscape ecology, metapopulations), or community ecology (e.g., biodiversity, species interactions, foundation species, invasive species), especially in the context of ecological disturbances. Ideal applicants will also have some or all of the following qualifications (or a strong desire to learn these skills): (1) Experience in experimental field ecology, ideally in coastal ecosystems; (2) Experience with data management or analysis, ideally in the R programming language; (3) Interest in the ecology of marine plants, algae, invertebrates, or fishes; (4) Experience with the collection or analysis of remotely-sensed imagery using unmanned aerial vehicles
(drones) or satellites. Although research in the Castorani Lab is primarily motivated by fundamental ecological questions, there are opportunities for applied research related to coastal habitat restoration (seagrass) and aquaculture (oysters and clams).

Field resources include access to boating, laboratory, and mesocosm facilities at the Anheuser-Busch Coastal Research Center (https://www.abcrc.virginia.edu/) located at the Virginia Coast Reserve, a highly dynamic coastal barrier landscape comprising tidal marshes, coastal bays, and barrier islands. There are also opportunities for scuba- based research in kelp forests located near Santa Barbara, California, as well as field work at Point Reyes National Seashore near San Francisco, California.

UVA has a highly interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Environmental Sciences (http://www.evsc.virginia.edu/academics/graduate/), offering training and conducting research in ecology, geosciences, hydrology, and atmospheric sciences. Graduate students accepted into the program are typically supported through a mixture of teaching assistantships and research assistantships that support full stipend, tuition, and health insurance.

Those interested should send (1) a CV with academic and professional experience (including GPA); (2) a brief description of their background, career goals, motivations for pursuing a graduate degree, research ideas, and why they are specifically interested in joining the Castorani Lab; and (3) contact information for 2-3 references to Max Castorani (castorani@virginia.edu).

The application deadline is January 15, 2018 for enrollment in Fall 2018, however applicants should send an email expressing their interest as soon as possible.

Research internship opportunity in tropical ecology!

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Research internship in tropical ecology for March and April 2018 (Room and board included)

Project description:
PhD student in Biological Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh is currently taking applications for a field assistant in Santa Fé, Veraguas, Panama.  Epiphytes, or structurally dependent plants such as bromeliads and orchids, make up a third of tropical vascular plant diversity, but their community ecology is largely unknown.  In spring of 2017, we set up a large long-term experiment in epiphyte community development and will be resurveying the 30 permanent plots throughout March and April of 2018.  We also have set up a network of motion-sensor camera traps to monitor canopy animals.  All of the fieldwork will be done in the beautiful premontane tropical rainforest of the Santa Fé National Park, a high-biodiversity park in the Cordillera Central of north-central Panama (Veraguas Province).  The assistant will be a primary backup for the graduate student during tree-climbing to access the plants up in the canopy and also be involved with data collection and photo analysis. Every day we will hike out to the field site in remote mountainous terrain early in the morning and return before sunset. Assistant will be living with the graduate student and other field assistant(s) in the nearby town of Santa Fé. All transportation, room and board will be provided.

Skills gained/used in the internship:
Research assistant will gain a wide variety of valuable ecological field techniques as well as hands-on research experience:
-Single-rope climbing techniques used to access tropical tree canopies (up to 35m or 115′ high).
-Recognizing and identifying epiphytic plants (especially bromeliads, orchids, and ferns) -Measuring canopy openness with a spherical densiometer -Measuring heights in the canopy with a laser rangefinder -Approximating vegetation cover of nonvascular and vascular epiphytes -Taking high-quality photographs of plants -Using motion-sensor camera traps -Analyzing photos of rare tropical animals -Spanish language (if not previously fluent) -Collaborate on graduate-level ecology research partially funded by the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Compensation:
Upon arrival in Panama, all transportation, room and board will be paid for. Opportunities for small concurrent projects in which assistant would be a co-author on resulting publications are available if the assistant is interested in independent research. Glowing letters of recommendation for the future will be provided upon successful completion of the internship.

Duration and travel details:
Assistant is expected to arrive in Panama City, Panama by March 1st, 2018.  The graduate student will meet the assistant in the airport and from there they will travel together to the field site, about a 7 hour bus ride.  The team will live and do work in Santa Fe until April 27th (two months), at which point they will travel again to the city to fly back home. Depending on the research progress, a weekend or two may be used for a day trip to other areas of Panama.

Requirements:
-Prior experience doing tropical field research -Prior international travel experience or prior experience in Latin America -Seriously considering pursuing a career in ecology or conservation biology -Excellent academic performance -Must be able to stay for the entire 2-month duration -Must hold a driver’s license -Fluency in English OR Spanish -Physically able to carry 20-50lb of equipment along 2 miles of muddy, hilly, terrain every day -Enthusiasm for living in rugged conditions for two months -Must not be afraid of heights, getting dirty or wet, or insect bites

Strongly preferred traits:
-Prior rope-assisted climbing experience -Proficiency in Spanish and English -Extended time periods spent in rugged, rural tropical areas -Tropical botany experience -Familiarity with epiphytes -Problem solving and practical hands-on skills -Can drive manual transmission vehicles

How to apply:
If this position interest you, please send your CV, a short cover letter, and an unofficial transcript including your GPA to mes270@pitt.edu.  Applications are accepted from now until January 15th. Skype interviews (in English or Spanish) will be conducted in late January. Feel free to email me questions!
 

SERC summer REU internship program in Environmental Studies

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The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) in Edgewater, Maryland offers undergraduate and beginning graduate students a unique opportunity to gain hand-on experience in the fields of environmental research and education. The program enables students to work on specific projects while getting experience in valuable lab techniques all under the direction of the Center’s professional staff. The program is tailored to provide the maximum educational benefit to each participant.
 
SERC is focused on understanding the causes and consequences of environmental change for marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystems. Interns at SERC conduct independent projects over 12-16 weeks utilizing our 2,650 acre research site on the shores of Chesapeake Bay to provide novel insights into some of the most profound issues challenging our world today, including habitat loss, climate change, and invasive species. The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center has maintained an REU site since 2001 and those students sponsored have used our professional training programs as a stepping stone to pursue advanced careers in the field of environmental sciences.
 
How to Apply
 
Application to the SERC Internship Program consists of on-line registration, student copy of transcripts, personal essay, resume, and two letters of recommendation using the
Smithsonian On-line Academic Appointment (SOLAA)  
 
Summer (May-August) deadline is February 1, 2018
 
 
For more information please visit our web site
 
 
The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Students from under-represented groups or institutions lacking research facilities or research opportunities are especially encouraged to apply.
However, all other interested students are encouraged to apply.
 
 

M.S. and Ph.D. Opportunities, Gulf Coast Research Lab, The University of Southern Mississippi

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M.S. and Ph.D. Positions: Marine Invertebrate Behavior, Ecophysiology, and Fisheries Gulf Coast Research Lab The University of Southern Mississippi Ocean Springs, MS

We seek highly motivated applicants to fill two graduate student positions in the laboratory of Dr.
Zachary Darnell at The University of Southern Mississippi’s Gulf Coast Research Laboratory in Ocean Springs, MS. Both positions will begin in August 2018. Students selected for these positions will pursue graduate degrees in the Division of Coastal Sciences and will be supported on research assistantships (details below). Both the M.S. and Ph.D. assistantship will include substantial flexibility in research topic, within the general realms of marine invertebrate behavior, ecophysiology, and fisheries.

Our current research focuses on environmental constraints on behavior, performance, and fitness of marine and estuarine invertebrates, and the strategies used by organisms to overcome these constraints. More specifically, this encompasses (1) plastic and adaptive behavioral and physiological responses to environmental change and environmental stress, (2) environmental effects on life histories, distributions, and population dynamics, and (3) anthropogenic impacts on organism-environment interactions. This research also has a strong applied focus, using ecophysiological approaches to address fisheries management and conservation questions. For more information on current research areas, visit http://sites.usm.edu/zdarnell/.

Details on each assistantship are below:
-M.S. Assistantship: The M.S. assistantship includes a stipend of $22,800 per year, increasing to
$23,400 per year following comprehensive exams. A tuition waiver is also included. Required qualifications include a minimum GPA of 3.5 on all undergraduate coursework and GRE scores exceeding the 50th percentile. Prior research experience is preferred.
-Ph.D. Assistantship: The Ph.D. assistantship includes a stipend of $23,400 per year, increasing to
$24,000 per year following comprehensive exams. A tuition waiver is also included. Required qualifications include a minimum GPA of 3.5 on all undergraduate or graduate (if entering with a M.S.) coursework and GRE scores exceeding the 50th percentile. Prior research experience is preferred.
Priority will be given to applicants with an M.S. degree, but exceptional applicants at the B.S. level will also be considered.

The Division of Coastal Sciences is a research and graduate education unit within the School of Ocean Science and Technology, offering programs leading to the Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Science degrees. The Division is located at Gulf Coast Research Laboratory (Ocean Springs, MS), a marine laboratory featuring comprehensive basic and applied research programs in coastal and marine biological sciences. Research program support includes state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and instrumentation; a fleet of small and large research vessels, including the R/V Point Sur; the GCRL Museum collection; the Center for Fisheries Research and Development; NSF I/UCRC Science Center for Marine Fisheries, and aquaculture facilities including the Thad Cochran Marine Aquaculture Center.
Additional information on graduate programs in the Division of Coastal Sciences can be found here:
http://gcrl.usm.edu/coastal_sciences/index.php.

Interested students should contact Dr. Zachary Darnell (zachary.darnell@usm.edu). Please include a copy of your CV (including GRE scores), unofficial undergraduate and graduate transcripts, and contact information for three professional references. Review of applicants will begin immediately. For full consideration, submit all materials prior to January 2, 2018.

Grad student opportunities, eco/micro evolutionary developmental biology of wildflowers and crops

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The Baker Lab (http://www.rlbakerlab.com ) in the Biology Department at Miami University of Ohio is recruiting highly motivated graduate students (M.S. or Ph.D.; multiple positions available) to study eco/micro evolutionary developmental biology. Research in the Baker Lab includes work on locally adapted wildflowers and leveraging evo-devo approaches for sustainable agriculture in crop improvement in agroecologically relevant settings.
Preferred candidates will have an enthusiasm for learning and a background in agricultural sciences, botany, evolution, ecology, genetics and/or a related field. The Baker Lab values diversity, inclusivity, and equity. Students from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply, as are students who participated in research as undergraduates. NSF Research Experiences for Undergrads (REU) or McNair Scholars are highly encouraged to apply.
Successful applicants will receive tuition waivers and at least one year of support as research assistants and are guaranteed teaching assistantships throughout their graduate studies (2 years total for M.S. or 6 years total for Ph.D.).
Interested applicants should contact Dr. Rob Baker at robert.baker@miamioh.edu. Applicants will need to submit a personal statement, CV, 3 letters of recommendation, GRE scores, proof English proficiency (if applicable), and baccalaureate transcripts via http://miamioh.edu/graduate-school/admission/. 
 

Graduate positions in parasite ecology and community ecology in the Bernot Lab at Ball State University

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The Bernot lab at Ball State University (http://cms.bsu.edu/academics/collegesanddepartments/biology/facultyandstaff/biofaculty/bernotrandal
l) is recruiting motivated new graduate students to begin in the Fall of 2018. Work in the lab centers on the roles that parasites play in animal behavior and ecological community structure and function. We mix theory, field, and laboratory approaches to learn more about parasite diversity and how parasites shape host phenotype and species interactions. Recent work has used ecological stoichiometry as a framework better understand how parasites alter nutrient cycling and energy flow in aquatic ecosystems. New student projects will not be limited to only aquatic systems, but will address interesting questions that test or shape ecological theory. Graduate students will be supported through teaching assistantships (2 years MS and 4 years PhD). I am specifically recruiting students interested in working with parasites of crickets and grasshoppers or have an interest in mermithid nematodes or nematomorphs that infect any number of hosts. The preferred candidates will be individuals that enjoy reading, love field work, and play nicely with others. Students will be expected to develop their own projects within the scope of the lab, but topics are open. Please contact Dr. Randy Bernot (rjbernot@bsu.edu), for more information. Additional information about our graduate programs can be found here (http://cms.bsu.edu/Academics/CollegesandDepartments/Biology/Academics/ProgramsofStudy/Masters.
aspx) and here (http://cms.bsu.edu/academics/collegesanddepartments/environmentalscience)
Ball State University is located in Muncie, Indiana and is within a short driving distance of Indianapolis, IN, Fort Wayne, IN, and Dayton, OH.
Deadline for full teaching assistantship consideration is January 31, 2018.

Paid Summer Internship opportunities!

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Expand your horizons with a paid internship!
Do you have an interest in ecology, natural resource management, environmental education, science communication, environmental policy, or social science as it relates to our natural resources? 
Are you interested in exploring a career path you may not have considered yet, instead of looking for a summer job?  If so, then apply to become an intern with the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center.
 The National Great Rivers Research and Education Center is offering up to 22 paid internships throughout the Midwest focused on a variety of topics. Project summaries, requirements, and location for each project can be downloaded here or by visiting our internship website (http://www.ngrrec.org/Internship/). The program starts with a week-long short course at NGRREC’s field station in East Alton, IL before students depart for their various project locations. At the end of the summer, students will return to present their work in a professional, two-day Intern Symposium attended by their peers, research advisors, and other professionals.
We encourage all students to apply, including community and junior college students, students who are undecided in their career path, and students who would like to explore including science, research, or education and outreach as a component of their educational growth.
In addition to the $5,000 stipend paid in two installments during the summer, we expect to have $1,000 in reimbursement funds to assist students with their summer housing and, if necessary, relocation costs. Program staff will assist students in finding suitable housing at their internship location, if needed.
Now accepting applications!
All applications are due via online submission by midnight January 23, 2018. 
Minimum Requirements: A student must have a GPA 3.25 or higher. Attendance at the Intern Program Short Course (May 21-25) and Intern Symposium (July 30-31) is required if accepted as an intern. All application materials must be submitted online (no email submissions accepted) by the application deadline (Jan. 23).
 
Required Application Materials: All application materials must be submitted electronically within the online application form by the January 23 deadline.
1)      Biographical sketch – Submit a brief statement (100 words or less) about yourself, your interests, and where you see yourself career-wise in 5 years. This information will be included in the August symposium proceedings.
2)     College transcript – Unofficial copy will suffice as long as your name is clearly visible on the transcript. A screenshot or a typed Word version of your transcript will not be accepted.
3)     Resume – Include all relevant coursework, previous employment, internships, and volunteer positions. Organization name, location, and dates should be included.
4)     Cover letter (optional, but encouraged) – Feel free to include a cover letter outlining what makes you a good candidate for this internship. Include any additional information, such as your career and academic goals, that would help us assess your fit for our internship program. This also helps us match you to the right project.
To apply or see the summary of this year’s projects and locations visit: http://www.ngrrec.org/Apply/. Or begin your application here.
For questions or more information, please contact NGRREC Intern Program Coordinator, Natalie Marioni at ngrrecintern@lc.edu.
 
Natalie Marioni, Intern Program Coordinator
Director of Environmental Education and Citizen Science
National Great Rivers Research and Education Center (www.ngrrec.org)

Hawk counter, spring migration, NJ

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Hawk Counter Spring Migration Seasonal biologist/ornithologist needed to 
conduct survey of migrating birds of prey March 16 to May 15, 2018.  Location is the Montclair Hawk Lookout, Montclair, NJ.
Duties include identifying and recording migrating birds of prey, entering data into the Hawk Migration Association of North America database, and interacting with the public.
Specific duties include:
·            Identify and count all migrating raptors
·            Maintain daily data entry into new digital platform, and follow backup data procedures as needed
·            Keep appropriate records for rare sightings
·            Provide daily summaries for post on various NJ Audubon/Cape May Bird Observatory outlets
·            Some data entry in MS Excel possible
·            Provide end of season summary report for NJ Audubon publications in timely manner  
 
Qualifications:
·        Familiarity with bird migration and strong background identifying raptors in flight a must
·        Careful data collecting skills a must
·        Applicants should have experience interacting with the public and excellent interpersonal skills
·        An enthusiastic and motivated self-starter who is also a strong team player
·        Willingness to work irregular hours under sometimes difficult field conditions
·        Must be able to walk on uneven surfaces, climb multiple steep steps and lift 25 lbs. as necessary
·        All applicants must have their own vehicle, and a valid, driver’s license to operate a vehicle in NJ.
 
Start Date: March 16, 2018
End Date:  May 15, 2018
Salary: $1,500 – 1,800/month, commensurate with experience.  
 
Application Deadline: Position will be posted until filled.
 
Qualified individuals may apply by sending cover letter of interest, resume with relevant experience, and three references as a single PDF document (including email and phone contact info) to hr.cmboseasonal@njaudubon.org
Please list “Montclair” in the subject line so that your application is routed to the correct department.
New Jersey Audubon (NJA) is a privately supported, not-for profit, statewide membership organization. Founded in 1897, and one of the oldest independent Audubon societies, NJA is not connected with the National Audubon Society.  New Jersey Audubon is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).

New seasonal listing – George Myers Master Naturalist Intern

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GEORGE MYERS MASTER NATURALIST INTERN needed 23 March to 22 December 2018 Successful applicant develops a full spectrum of skills through hands-on participation in various educational, research and conservation projects at New Jersey Audubon’s Cape May Bird Observatory (CMBO) and Nature Center of Cape May (NCCM), Cape May, NJ.  Cape May is renowned as one of the world’s greatest hotspots for animal migration, as well as being a popular summertime vacation destination and beach resort. The combination of the two offers great opportunities for wildlife research and education through public outreach.  New Jersey Audubon fosters the application of sound scientific principles and practices to address conservation issues related to vertebrate and invertebrate fauna, and the natural habitats with which they are associated.  Major responsibilities include educational programming/field trips/workshops for visitors, children’s programming at summer nature camp, assisting with center interpretive displays, develop brochures and materials for web/blog sites.  Familiarity with bird migration, birding, marine species and coastal ecology a plus.  Bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology, ecology, environmental science or similar field preferred.  Motivated self-starter who is also a team player; excellent oral and written skills required. Strong computer skills, and ability to relate to a diverse range of people and exercise cultural competence and inclusion; willingness to work irregular hours under sometimes difficult conditions and ability to walk over uneven terrain for long distances.  Must have own vehicle and a valid, clean driver’s license.  Salary $1500/month.  Housing provided.   Send cover letter indicating position of interest, resume outlining relevant experience, and three references (including email address and phone number) as a single pdf document by email to hr.cmboseasonal@njaudubon.org.  Application deadline 31 January 2018.  NJ Audubon is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
 
 

Job opportunity: Summer Research Assistants – Tree Improvement Lab, Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta

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We are seeking 5 summer research assistants with an interest in forest genetics, ecology, physiology or ecophysiology to work on a number of tree improvement-related research projects located across Alberta. This position is a four month contract starting May 1, 2018. 
 
Our lab and current projects: The research in this lab aims to answer fundamental and applied questions related to tree breeding and forest genetics. Current projects include understanding hybrid vigour in balsam poplar, investigating mechanisms behind poor seed yields and conelet abortion in a lodgepole pine orchard, understanding links between aspen clone size and gender, and integrating genomics into traditional tree breeding methods to generate climate and pest-resistant trees. For more information on current and ongoing projects, visit our lab website: http://people.ales.ualberta.ca/barbthomas.
 
Qualifications: Preference will be given to undergraduate students or recent graduates that are hard working, enthusiastic, able to work well in teams and also self-manage responsibilities. Students should also be detail-oriented, adaptable to change and respectful with equipment. To be eligible for this position you should have a full driver’s license (class 5 Alberta or equivalent) with a clean abstract and a cumulative GPA greater than 3.0 (out of 4). Previous field and/or lab work in a related field (i.e. forestry or ecology) is an asset. 
 
Additional information: Locations of work include within the University of Alberta, University of
Alberta greenhouses, and various pine, white spruce, and poplar trials across Alberta. Salary is roughly $2300/month. The closing date for this position is January 15, 2017 or until the position has been filled. 
 
Prospective students can apply by emailing a cover letter, resume, the contact information for three references, and unofficial transcripts to Dr. Barb Thomas (bthomas@ualberta.ca) and cc Morgan Randall (mrandall@ualberta.ca).