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.

Subject: Summer Technician Positions: Deer-Elk Ecology Research Project/Wyoming Range Mule Deer Project

The Deer-Elk Ecology Research (DEER) Project and the Wyoming Range Mule Deer Project are collaborative projects between the Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit of the University of Wyoming and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. The overarching goals of these projects are to evaluate how a variety of factors shape population dynamics of mule deer to provide a mechanistic approach to monitoring and management of mule deer.

The DEER Project is located in the high-desert ecosystem of southern Wyoming. The focus of the DEER Project is aimed at evaluating the role of competitive interactions between mule deer and elk and how potential competitive interactions structure populations. The DEER project will also address key questions that continue to be a concern for mule deer populations including effects of harvest, habitat condition, drought, fawn recruitment, buck dispersal, and predation.

The Wyoming Range Mule Deer Project is located in southern region of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem in western Wyoming. The Wyoming Range Mule Deer Project is aimed at addressing questions relating to how nutritional relationships among seasonal habitat conditions, behavior, human disturbance, climate, and disease shape population dynamics of mule deer.

The primary tasks for these positions include capturing, collaring and monitoring of neonate ungulates, assessing cause-specific mortality of neonates, collecting monthly fecal samples from adult ungulates throughout the study area, and recording vegetation survey data. These tasks will require candidates to use GPS units, radio telemetry, 4WD vehicles, and maintain accurate database information on a daily basis. Work schedules are irregular and include long days and weekend work, especially at the beginning of the field season. In addition, work days typically entail 5-15 miles of hiking per day – most of which is off-trail. During the neonate capturing period, work is characterized by long days/nights with little time off. Following the neonate capture period, a more normal work schedule will be established to allow technicians to enjoy summer in the Rocky Mountains. The study areas are mountainous and remote, so long days of hiking in difficult terrain will be frequent.  Accommodations while in the field will be provided in the form of wall tents and/or field houses. Weather conditions throughout the summer can be variable and adverse weather conditions are to be expected.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
B.S. or working towards finishing a degree in a wildlife-related field Must be able to maintain a positive attitude during long periods of work in the field Willingness to learn new skills and work cooperatively with fellow technicians and supervisors Strong organizational and detail-oriented attitude Must be willing to work 12-16 hour days for multiple days at a time Must be in good physical condition and willing to hike up to 15 miles per day Must be willing to work in desert conditions with ticks and other biting insects Must possess valid driver’s license Ability to work in all types of weather (rain, snow, wind, extremely hot or cold
temperatures)

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Experience using a handheld GPS
Experience with radio telemetry
Experience with capturing and handling live animals 4WD and ATV operating experience Previous experience with vegetation surveys Familiarity with western plant identification Wilderness first aid skills

We will be hiring 2 seasonal Wildlife Field Technicians and 1 Crew Lead for the DEER
project and 3-4 seasonal Wildlife Field Technicians for the Wyoming Range Mule Deer
Project.

POSITION DATES:
DEER Project:
Start: One technician to start ~10 May and two others to start mid/late May.
End: Late August with the potential for one technician to stay on through Oct 31.

Wyoming Range Project:
Start: One technician to start early May and two/three others to start mid/late May.
End: Late September with the potential for one technician to stay on through early/mid
November.

Agency: University of Wyoming; Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit
Location: Southwest Wyoming; Western Wyoming
Salary: $1,200 – $1,600 month (DOE)
Last Date to Apply: 01/07/2018

To apply, please email a cover letter with your interest in the position, resume with your
qualifications, and contact information (email addresses and phone numbers) for three
references in one file to the following contact: wyomingungulateprojects@gmail.com.
Please include “Wyoming Neonate Project Technician” in the subject line of the email.
Please indicate in the email if you have a preference for the DEER project or Wyoming
Range Mule Deer project position. Applications will be reviewed as they are received.

JOB DESCRIPTION The Botanical Research Assistants will work as a crew assisting the Lead Botanist in the collection of data on several botanical/ecological research projects throughout Missouri and possibly other Midwestern states. Work will include vegetation sampling and rare plant surveys in a variety of habitats including woodlands, glades, prairies and wetlands. Each Botanical Research Assistant will be responsible for supervised data collection of species level plant identification within research plots and associated data organization and equipment management. Each position requires travel, some camping, and long hours hiking in some of the most remote, rugged and beautiful terrain in Missouri. The Botanical Research Assistants may also assist the Lead Botanist in an outdoor classroom setting, during plant identification workshops provided to resource professionals. The positions will entail four, 10 hour days per week, with some overtime. These positions are a great opportunity to learn the flora, and associated ecological underpinnings, of Missouri and the greater Midwest/Mid-South! The Botanical Research Assistants will gain extensive knowledge of regional flora and ecological communities, as well as hands-on experience with several ecological sampling methodologies. The positions will begin with two weeks of required field botany training beginning May 14. Please call or email if you have any questions. DURATION: May 14 – end of the sampling season (at least early August, but possibly into early October) APPLICANT: – Must have a preexisting predilection for self-guided botanical study. – Must have relevant course work and an unstoppable passion for botany and/or ecology. – Must enjoy long hikes in rugged terrain in exceedingly hot weather with a myriad of biting insects. – Must have an exceedingly robust scientific work ethic. – Should have experience identifying plants to species on site and via dichotomous key. – Must have valid driver’s license. PAY: $12.50/hour ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Housing will be provided for the duration of employment (likely based out of Van Buren, MO). ABOUT US: The Institute of Botanical Training (IBT) is a small company based out of Springfield, Missouri. We form contractual partnerships with various NGOs and state and federal agencies focused on botanical/ecological research as it correspond to various natural community management objectives. We maintain and encourage the highest levels of scientific accuracy and integrity. Our employees gain tremendous access to cutting edge field knowledge as it pertains to applied taxonomy and ecology. Our mission is “to promote the stewardship of our natural environment through field-based botanical services”. APPLICATION DEADLINE: These positions will remain open until filled EMAIL RÉSUMÉ AND COVER LETTER (as PDFs) TO: Justin Thomas (jthomas@botanytraining.com) Questions? Call Justin Thomas at 573-453-0087 or email at jthomas@botanytraining.com The Institute of Botanical Training, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Dear Colleagues,

The Oregon Institute of Marine Biology’s REU program: “Exploration of Marine Biology on the Oregon Coast” (EMBOC) will be accepting 10 students, five from 2-year colleges and five from 4-year colleges, to conduct research this summer (June 17 – August 18, 2018) at the University of Oregon’s marine lab. REU students will develop individual marine research projects in one of our eight faculties’ labs and participate in weekly seminars, professional development workshops, and social activities from exploring local marine habitats like rocky shores and sand dunes to touring other institutions that specialize in marine science.

The application period is from December 15, 2017-February 15, 2018.

Please pass on word of the EMBOC program to any interested undergraduates. For more information about the program and how to apply, please see our website http://oimb.uoregon.edu/oimb-reu.

Kind regards and many thanks,
Maya Watts

—
Education Program Coordinator
Oregon Institute of Marine Biology
University of Oregon
P.O. Box 5389
Charleston, OR 97420
(541)888-2581 ext. 201

address for courier delivery:
OIMB
63466 Boat Basin Road
Charleston, OR 97420

The Human Dimensions Lab at the University of Montana seeks motivated applicants for two Research Assistantships:

(1) One year M.S. Research Assistantship, Social-Ecological Systems:
“Identifying ecological and social resilience in fire-prone landscapes”

(2) Two to Four year PhD Fellowship, Food Energy Water Nexus: “Improving the Efficacy of Climate Information for Water Use Decisions: Developing, Testing, and Institutionalizing New Tools for Agricultural Producers”

Full project and position descriptions are available via:
www.cfc.umt.edu/research/humandimensions/prospective-students

Please share widely.

Dear Colleagues,

I am sending details of the 2018 summer teaching program at OIMB.
Please would you pass this along to any students who might be interested and to anyone at your institution that advises students about marine biology options? Our courses are listed below.

For more information please see our website:
http://oimb.uoregon.edu/academics/summer/

Best wishes,
Maya Watts

8-week courses:
Invertebrate Zoology
Marine Birds and Mammals
Biology of Fishes
Deep-Sea and Subtidal Ecology

Short courses:
Biological Illustrations
Sea Slug Biology
Introduction to Experimental Design and Statistics

—
Education Program Coordinator
Oregon Institute of Marine Biology
University of Oregon
P.O. Box 5389
Charleston, OR 97420
(541)888-2581 ext. 201

FOREST DEMOGRAPHY AND FIRE EFFECTS: These positions will involve examining forest research plots for mortality and recruitment, mapping down woody debris, and undertaking ancillary tasks such as seedling surveys, dendrometer measurements, and soil work. Work will begin in the Yosemite Forest Dynamics Plot (Yosemite National Park) and continue to the Wind River Forest Dynamics Plot (Gifford Pinchot National Forest), and end in the Utah Forest Dynamics Plot (Cedar Breaks National Monument). At Yosemite and Wind River, the crew will work with and train volunteers (students and citizen-scientists). We seek two field crew members and one field crew lead to join our team of scientists.

DURATION: Mid-May through mid-August. The work schedule is four, ten-hour days per week. Because we don’t work under inclement conditions, the crew will need to be flexible.

SALARY: $12.50 per hour for the crew, $15.00 for the crew lead. Campground and field station accommodations are provided (camping at Yosemite and Cedar Breaks, field station at Wind River). Actual gas expenses (with receipts and mileage log) for travel between the crew’s residences and each of the field sites will be reimbursed.

QUALIFICATIONS: Previous experience taking vegetation research data, working safely in challenging environments, and following complex data collection protocols is required. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to solve problems, to work both independently and in teams of two or three, and to work with students and volunteers. Work will involve moving through sometimes rough terrain carrying delicate and expensive equipment, as well as carrying up to 10 kg of additional gear. Knowledge of western flora, tree pathogens, and forest insects is helpful, as is solid experience with outdoor living. Applicants must have a valid driver’s license, good driving history (no recent DUI or reckless driving), and a Wilderness First Aid certification valid for the season (Wilderness First Responder preferred; urban first aid/CPR not enough).

APPLY: Please assemble the following into a single PDF file and email it to james.lutz@usu.edu – 1) a one-page cover letter describing your reasons for applying, specific dates of availability (including any planned mid-summer absences, or a statement that you plan none), and confirmation of your first aid certification, 2) a resume, no longer than two pages, 3) unofficial transcripts, and 4) names, phone numbers and email addresses of three references. The application deadline is January 31, 2018, but applications will be reviewed beginning immediately. Usually, we have made our staffing decisions by early February. Exceptional candidates will be selected earlier.

Additional information and background at:
http://westernforestinitiative.org, http://yfdp.org, http://wfdp.org, and http://ufdp.org. Each of the research plots also has a Facebook page with general photos of the work sites and activities.