Title: 2 Funded PhD positions in Evolutionary Ecology at Auburn

2 Funded PhD positions beginning Fall 2018

The Wolak Research Group at Auburn University is looking for PhD
students that are motivated to develop projects addressing key
outstanding questions in evolutionary ecology. The group studies the
link between evolutionary change and ecological processes acting upon
variability among individuals in survival and reproduction and hence
population growth, persistence, and structure. We measure natural and
sexual selection, the quantitative genetic basis to trait variation, and
population demography to quantitatively predict ecological and
evolutionary dynamics. We also develop statistical methods and software.
Two potential projects include:

**Evolutionary Quantitative Genetics:** The student will develop and
test theory for the evolution of sexual size dimorphism using a
combination of simulation, artificial selection, experimental evolution,
and/or large scale mating designs with laboratory populations of seed
beetles (*Callosobruchus maculatus*). There will be opportunities to
collaborate with a postdoctoral research associate developing testable
theory on a complementary project.

**Evolutionary Ecology in Natural Populations:** This student will
conduct field work, analyses, and/or simulations to extend the
conceptual framework and state of empirical knowlege for the interplay
between mating system, population dynamics, and phenotypic selection. We
will use a population of diamondback terrapins (*Malaclemys terrapin*)
to characterize mating and reproductive biology, measure key demographic
parameters, and identify the form and magnitude of selection acting in
this population.

I encourage all interested students to contact me, by sending a CV and
*brief* description of research interests to matthew.wolak@auburn.edu.
PhD students are expected to develop their own research questions within
the broader contexts outlined above. Students will also be expected to
aggressively pursue fellowship and research funding opportunities and
publish their research in high quality journals.

**Deadline** for admission to the program with guaranteed support (10
semesters of Graduate Teaching Assistantships, GTAs) is **February
1st**. Please **contact me immediately** to discuss the opportunity for
an **on-campus visit**. Summer Graduate Research Assistantships with Dr.
Wolak will be available for top applicants, otherwise students have the
opportunity to compete for a number of summer GTAs.  More information is
available on the webpages of the Dept. of Biological Sciences
(http://www.auburn.edu/cosam/departments/biology/index.htm) and DBS
Graduate Studies Program
(http://www.auburn.edu/cosam/departments/biology/grad/index.htm)

Auburn graduate students enjoy a thriving community, recognized as one
of the “best small towns in America,” with moderate climate and easy
access to major cities, major international airports, or to beach and
mountain recreational facilities. Situated along the rapidly developing
I-85 corridor between Atlanta, GA and Montgomery, AL, the combined
Auburn-Opelika-Columbus statistical area has a population of over 500,000.

“`
Matthew Wolak
Assistant Professor
Dept. of Biological Sciences
Auburn University
Auburn, AL
email: matthew.wolak@auburn.edu
“`

Matthew Wolak <mew0099@auburn.edu>

2018 MLBS Summer Programs

Announcing 2018 Summer Programs
Field-based courses are UVA Summer Session classes offered by
nationally-recruited faculty, and offered at the undergraduate and
graduate level. Our NSF REU undergraduate research internship program
is now in its 26th year.

Field Courses

Field Biology of Fishes
Summer Session I: May 21-June 15
Field Herpetology
Summer Session I: May 28-June 15
Wildlife Disease Ecology
Summer Session II: June 18-July 6
Stream Ecology
Summer Session III: July 16-August 3

Financial aid is available.
MLBS courses are field-intensive, research-based experiences. Courses
earn 3 UVA Biology credits. Non-college students are welcome to enroll.

Learn More and Apply
<https://mlbs.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=90dd2397558126f5ceb0c7824&id=e2c8be2f01&e=4ba1f3f3e0>

Research Experiences for Undergraduates (NSF-REU)

Become a National Science Foundation REU. Join undergraduates from around
the country for a unique 10-week learning and living research experience
in the southern Appalachians. Students conduct independent research in
field ecology, evolution, behavior, and physiology under the supervision
of resident scientists. REUs are internships that include all station
costs, travel, and a $5,500 stipend.

Program dates:  May 28 – August 3
Application deadline:  February 20

Learn More and Apply
<https://mlbs.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=90dd2397558126f5ceb0c7824&id=e14726d03e&e=4ba1f3f3e0>

mlbs.org
<https://mlbs.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=90dd2397558126f5ceb0c7824&id=4847465450&e=4ba1f3f3e0>

Printable copies of our materials are available here
<https://mlbs.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=90dd2397558126f5ceb0c7824&id=b7339a39b3&e=4ba1f3f3e0>.

Copyright Š 2017 Mountain Lake Biological Station, All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
Mountain Lake Biological Station
University of Virginia
PO Box 400327
Charlottesville, VA 22904

“Nagy, Eric S. (esn8n)” <esn8n@virginia.edu>

Funding for a PhD student to study the evolution of sex chromosomes in
crustaceans. We seek a student interested in bioinformatics to study sex
chromosome evolution in androdioecious branchiopod crustaceans. We have
whole genome sequence data, including sequencing of the sex chromosome,
that need to be analyzed to test hypotheses of the evolution of sex
chromosomes in these shrimp. We seek a student with good problem
solving ability and programing experience in C++. Minimally the
candidate should at least have some programming experience and be
willing to learn C++. Funding is for 5 years (teaching assistantship) and
includes both a stipend and tuition remission. Interested parties should
contact Dr. Stephen C. Weeks (scw@uakron.edu or 330-972-6954). Visit
http://blogs.uakron.edu/weeks/ for more information about these
crustaceans.

Applications should be submitted by Jan. 15th,
2018 for full consideration and can be uploaded at
http://www.uakron.edu/ib/academics/ib-admission-requirements.dot.
Interested students should contact Dr. Weeks to receive information on
application procedures before applying online.

“Weeks,Stephen C” <scw@uakron.edu>

M.S. Position, Plant Evolution and Systematics, Georgia Southern
University

The Schenk lab at Georgia Southern University invites applicants for a
Masters Degree in plant systematics and evolution, starting Fall
semester, 2018.  Our lab group is interested in how botanical diversity
has been shaped by the interactions among morphological, ecological,
and species diversification.  We apply statistical phylogenetic
approaches that quantify and incorporate molecular, morphological, and
ecological variation to plant systems in order to understand the
evolutionary processes of how and why species diversify.

An ideal candidate will have interest in using plant systems to better
understand the evolutionary processes of diversification by applying
statistical phylogenetic approaches.  Competitive students that meet
all requirements will be supported with either a teaching or research
assistantship.

Interested students should contact Dr. John Schenk
(jschenk@georgiasouthern.edu) prior to submitting an application (the
earlier the better).

For more information, visit the Schenk lab website
(https://sites.google.com/a/georgiasouthern.edu/schenk) and the
Department of Biology’s website
(http://cosm.georgiasouthern.edu/biology).  More information about the
Biology graduate program can be found at the departmental web page
(http://cosm.georgiasouthern.edu/biology/graduate-program-2/).

Additional questions about the GSU graduate program can be directed to
the Graduate Student Program Director:  Dr. Checo Colon-Gaud
(jccolongaud@georgiasouthern.edu).   For full consideration, the
application deadline is March 1st, 2018.

John J. Schenk, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Plant Biology
Georgia Southern University Herbarium (GAS), Curator
Department of Biology
4324 Old Register Road
Georgia Southern University
Statesboro, GA 30460-8042
Office:  2260 Biology Building
Office phone:  (912) 478-0848
Lab website: sites.google.com/a/georgiasouthern.edu/schenk
Herbarium website: sites.google.com/a/georgiasouthern.edu/gasherbarium

jschenk <jschenk@georgiasouthern.edu>

Acorn Woodpecker Field Assistant

Employer: Old Dominion University

Location: Carmel Valley, California

Description: Two (2) field assistants are needed for ongoing long-term studies of the
behavioral ecology of the cooperatively breeding Acorn Woodpecker at the Hastings Reserve
in upper Carmel Valley, California. Hastings is run by the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, UC
Berkeley. We have studied the behavioral ecology of color-banded Acorn Woodpeckers for
over 44 years at this site. The research focuses on both ecological and evolutionary factors
involved in the evolution of cooperative breeding, and includes using automated radio-
telemetry techniques to track cryptic movement.

Assistants will participate in monitoring group composition via color-band resighting,
documenting feeding (for any nests) and roosting behavior, and assist in woodpecker capture
and experimental manipulations. Some portions of field work may require the ability to drive a
mule (All terrain vehicle) or a truck. The experience is designed to be one of total immersion,
six days per week, and provides the necessary training needed for those interested in applying
to graduate school.

Compensation: $600/month and on-site housing.

Duration: 15 March 2018 to 15 July 2018 with one of the two positions extending to 1
September 2018.

Qualifications: This job requires frequent strenuous physical activity; applicants must be avid
hikers who are comfortable hiking up and down hills with equipment such as scopes and
blinds. Prior experience with birds (especially the ability to read color bands) is desirable but
not required. Self-motivation, enthusiasm for the research questions, a willingness to sit in a
blind for up to 3 hours per session (in hot weather with lots of annoying face flies), and an
ability to tackle the rigors of field work are a must. We especially encourage those applicants
that wish to attend graduate school in the near future and who are interested in conducting an
independent study during their tenure at Hastings. The reserve is remote (about an hour from
the nearest town), and therefore a good attitude towards field housing situations is necessary,
and having a vehicle is highly desirable.

Interested applicants should submit a CV and the contact details of three references with an
appropriate cover letter as one PDF file to sahasbarve@gmail.com. Please indicate in your
cover letter if you are available to work through to 09/01/2018.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to visa constraints, field assistant positions are only available to U.S. &
Canadian citizens / permanent residents.

Contact: Sahas Barve, Postdoctoral Associate, Old Dominion University.
Email:sahasbarve@gmail.com

REU Opportunity Summer 2018: “Research Experience for Undergraduates in Chihuahuan Desert Biodiversity”

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 as well as other CD field locations * 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

The Prior lab at Binghamton University (SUNY (http://www.priorecologylab.com)  is seeking a Ph.D.
student to work on a project examining how altered species interactions facilitates the success of an invasive gall-forming insect in the Pacific Northwest. We work in an excellent, tractable study system in which we can make comparisons of species interactions (host plants, parasitoid enemies, other
gall-formers) between the invasive gall-formers native and introduced range. We work out in the beautiful Pacific Northwest (PNW), spending time on Vancouver Island, British Columbia and in Washington State.

The lab is seeking a highly-motivated student who is interested in global change ecology, species interactions, plant-insect interactions, experimental ecology, and importantly who is excited about asking ecological questions and conducting research in the field. Students with a BS or MS in Biology (or other relevant discipline), with field experience, research experience, experience with statistics, proven writing and communication skills, and who are self-motivated and independent will be the most competitive. Other desirable qualifications include having additional skills such as experience with genetic techniques, nutrient and chemical analysis, GIS/spatial statistics, or plant and insect taxonomy.

The student will be based at Binghamton University (State University of New York), in Binghamton, NY and will travel to the PNW for fieldwork. The student will be in the Biological Sciences Department, and be a part of the EEB (Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior) group (https://www.binghamton.edu/biology/). BU is located in the Southern Tier of NY and is one of the four major University Centers in the SUNY system.

Applications are due on January 15th. If you are interested in the position, please contact me first – Kirsten Prior (kprior@binghamton.edu)

Field Assistants Required 2018 Kluane Red Squirrel Project, Yukon, Canada

We are looking for field technicians to assist with fieldwork for three different time periods: (a) 1 March-15-May (b) 1 May-15 August, and (c) 1 September – 15 October.

The positions are part of a long-term study of red squirrel ecology, evolutionary biology and physiology. As a member of the study, technicians will be involved with monitoring the reproduction and survival of individual squirrels. Fieldwork will involve live-trapping and handling of squirrels, radio-telemetry, behavioural observation, and locating young in their nests.
Some positions will also require additional handling for physiological assays (e.g., blood sampling). This is an excellent opportunity to gain experience working with a collaborative research team on a long-term study of a wild mammal.

All fieldwork is carried against the beautiful backdrop of southwestern Yukon, Canada. We will be staying at a rustic field station two hours from Whitehorse, and ~30 min to the nearest town (Haines Junction). All food and accommodation are provided and technicians are provided with transportation (within reason) to and from the field site either through airfare or vehicles.

Training will be provided and no experience is necessary. Candidates should have an interest in a number of the following (the more the better!):
ecology, evolutionary biology, wildlife, field biology, and animal behaviour. The field camp is remote and low tech (no showers, cell phone service, or internet), so successful applicants must enjoy the outdoors and be able to remain a positive and responsible team member under relatively isolated and demanding conditions. Candidates must be in good physical condition and have an enthusiasm for learning. We work on ‘squirrel time’, which often involves long work days; as such, applicants must have a strong work ethic. The atmosphere at squirrel camp is friendly and inclusive and all nationalities are welcome.

If you wish to apply for one of these posts then please send a CV with a cover letter and contact details for three references (with e-mail addresses), by email kluaneredsquirrels@gmail.com by January 5 2018. Please also indicate the time period(s) you are interested in