Volunteer Positions in Cloud Forest Ecophysiology

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*Title:*  Volunteers needed for Ecophysiological Studies on Vascular
Epiphytes in Monteverde, Costa Rica

*Dates:*  3-5 months during the 2018 dry season, which extends January to
May

*Location:*  Monteverde, Costa Rica

*Description:*  Our overall objective is to understand how predicted and
observed changes in climatic patterns may influence the hyper-diverse
epiphyte communities in a tropical montane cloud forest region. We are
seeking volunteers to assist with plant ecophysiological measurements on
epiphytic vascular plants in Monteverde, Costa Rica. Volunteers will be
involved with field measurements of water potential and sap flow,
laboratory techniques to quantify turgor loss points of field-collected
material, and data management associated with these field and laboratory
tasks. Incumbents may also assist with greenhouse measurements to build
relationships between water content and other physiological variables.

*Qualifications:*  Applicants must have a strong background in botany from
a college or university, be comfortable with fieldwork in tropical
conditions, and be able to work independently as well as part of a small
research team. Ideal but not required experience includes measuring traits
associated with plant water balance, tree-climbing using rope-based
techniques, and fluency in Spanish.

Expenses on site (i.e. food and housing) will be covered but we are unable
to cover airfare.
If you are interested in this position, please contact Dr. Cameron Williams
(cwillia5@gmail.com) who is the post-doc on the project or the PI, Dr. Sybil
Gotsch (sgotsch@fandm.edu).

MS Assistantship – Small mammal seasonal dynamics in changing forests, UW-Madison

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MS Student
Small mammal seasonal dynamics in changing forests
Wildlife Ecology Program
Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, Wisconsin
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: We are seeking an outstanding student to pursue a MSc in small mammal ecology in the Wildlife Ecology program housed in the Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology (FWE) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The student’s thesis will involve studying the population ecology of small mammals in experimental forests of northern Wisconsin using a combination of field work and population analysis methods. The MSc student will also have the opportunity to include a cross-cultural component in their project. Additional research components could be added depending on shared interests and funding opportunities. The student will be advised by Jon Pauli (http://labs.russell.wisc.edu/pauli/) and partner closely with Jonathan Gilbert (jgilbert@glifwc.org), Director, Biological Services, Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission.
REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must possess bachelor’s degree in wildlife ecology or closely related field by the start date. Especially desirable are those applicants with a background in fieldwork, especially winter field experience, as well as experience with population modeling and working with Native American tribes. A command of English writing and verbal communication skills, as well as the ability to work in team, are essential.
SALARY AND CONDITIONS: The position will start Summer 2018. The position comes with two years of funding under the title of a Research Assistant, which provides an annual stipend of $22,000, tuition, and health insurance.
APPLICATION/CONTACT INFORMATION: Interested applicants should visit the online application form (https://uwmadison.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3LdmCMzwBi5homF) where you will provide background information (e.g., GRE scores, names and three references, etc.) as well as to upload PDFs of your cover letter, CV/resume, and transcripts (unofficial copies acceptable at this point). Please make sure to have all three PDFs ready to upload when you begin the online form.
Applications will be reviewed upon receipt and review will continue until candidates are chosen.  Applications received before February 1st 2018 will be considered.  The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. We promote excellence through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.  Questions regarding the application process should be directed to our Student Services Coordinator Sara Rodock (rodock@wisc.edu)
 

Disturbance Ecology in Appalachia

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Greetings,
 
I’m writing to announce the availability of research internships at Eastern Kentucky University over the next two summers. These internships are funded by a National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates award, Disturbance Ecology in Central Appalachia. We are recruiting undergraduate students from across the nation, and we’re particularly interested in applicants from groups underrepresented in the sciences. Our research mentors represent multiple scientific fields and approaches, so students will be able to choose from a diversity of projects. These are paid internships that include a stipend, housing, transportation, and funds for research supplies.
 
Please encourage your students to apply, and consider posting our flier (download here) at your institutions.
 
Thanks,
 
Stephen
Associate Director, Division of Natural Areas
Professor of Biology
Eastern Kentucky University

PhD opportunities in entomology at Purdue University

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Graduate Assistantships and Fellowships Available
 Purdue University

The Department of Entomology at Purdue University is recruiting outstanding students for MS and Ph.D. programs. Prospective students are invited to apply, and to visit the department in West Lafayette, Indiana.

The Department will cover costs of travel, hotel and a meal allowance for top applicants to visit campus during March of 2018.

Our more than 20 faculty have interests that span basic and applied entomology, encompassing the following broad themes:
* Biological control
* Insect biochemistry and cell biology
* Insect-plant interactions
* Integrated pest and resistance management * Landscape ecology * Molecular, behavioral, and population genetics * Systematic entomology * Urban and industrial entomology * Vector biology * Invasive Species

Interested students should contact prospective faculty before applying:
https://ag.purdue.edu/entm/Pages/FacultyDirectory.aspx

For additional details about graduate study at Purdue, please visit:
http://www.entm.purdue.edu/prospective-grads/index.html
http://www.entm.purdue.edu/EGO/

Contact Ms. Amanda Wilson, Graduate Program Assistant, apendle@purdue.edu, for application materials and administrative information.


Students must apply by January 5, 2018 to be considered for both assistantships and travel awards.

PhD Opportunity: Biological Soil Crusts in Agroecosystems at the University of Florida

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A Ph.D. Research position is available in the Soil and Water Sciences Department for the exciting opportunity to characterize and examine the impact of biological soil crusts (BSCs) in agroecosystems. This is a joint project between the Soil Microbiology Lab at the Southwest Florida Research and Education Center (SWFREC) in Immokalee, FL, the Wetland Biogeochemistry Lab (Gainesville, FL), and the USDA-ARS Columbia Plateau Research Lab in Pendleton, OR.
Sustainable agricultural practices are increasingly important due to rising input costs and greater concern about environmental impacts. Biological soil crusts (BSCs), a naturally-occurring phototrophic consortium of microorganisms on the soil surface, were recently identified in local producer fields. BSCs are well-documented in arid ecosystems where they are a source of fixed nitrogen (N) and help improve soil moisture. This student will have the opportunity to participate in one of the first projects to characterize BSCs in agroecosystems, where they could benefit crop production by increasing soil N availability and enhancing water retention
Research will focus on characterizing the microbial community structure, metabolism, nitrogen cycling, and impact of BSCs on plants in agroecosystems in Florida and Oregon. Additional work will involve manipulation experiments to assess environmental factors driving BSC development and function, as well as 15N tracer techniques to determine the uptake and fate of BSC nitrogen.
The candidate is expected to work in the laboratory as well as in the greenhouse and field with periods of work under hot and humid conditions. A Master’s degree in soil science, microbiology, plant biology, or a related discipline from an accredited institution and experience in microbial ecology, next-generation sequencing, and/or bioinformatics is preferred.
Students will enroll in the Soil and Water Science Program, with tuition waver and assistantship. This project is based both on main campus (www.ufl.edu) in Gainesville, FL, and at the SWFREC located in the in the heart of citrus and vegetable production in Florida. Visit the Department (http://soils.ifas.ufl.edu) and SWFREC (swfrec.ifas.ufl.edu) webpages for additional information. Interested candidates should contact Dr. Sarah Strauss (strauss@ufl.edu) or Dr. Patrick Inglett (pinglett@ufl.edu).
Complete application packets are due Jan. 15, 2018.
Details regarding application can be found at http://soils.ifas.ufl.edu/academics/graduate-studies/.
 
 

Graduate position: SouthDakotaStateU.EvolutionaryGenomics

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Master’s Student Opportunity at the CBFenster Lab, SDSU

Project: Predict mutational effects using comparative genomic approaches

Research Area: Evolutionary Genomics of mutation at Arabidopsis thaliana

Location: South Dakota State University, Department of Biology and
Microbiology/Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Brookings, SD

Mutations, the ultimate source of all genetic variation, provide the
substrate that fuels evolution.  However, most mutational input to genetic
variation is subsequently eliminated by selection or drift in natural
populations.  Why some mutations are eliminated and others preserved or
fixed in natural populations and whether there is a correlation between
the preservation of a given mutation and the magnitude of the mutation
effect are key questions in biology.

Equipped with the most comprehensive mutation profile of a plant species,
Arabidopsis thaliana, the CBFenster lab (charlesbfenster.wordpress.com)
in collaboration with Xijin Ge’s lab (http://secure-web.cisco.com/1hbrwwjHjlbJqjgJmC0TxFSUbmG_E_vA2WFBk2kSoazcAR3GCl0Jj2dTKX3xLY2w4IbBkeBEpfTaB1nXpkSBvo1JEnvOgbl_UPAqEIH7mAWSFRh6c9RsnzUwAYF97k5S-SrkhnSBinzdnbTuPxqmztBO6-5ddyjCpg_TkxVnFUraDk5vhq88DthGCj2vqTZa1QttupvQt5MAIVq0fHW_3Ydqf10gECV1YPF5G7PIpK2yyPx5vZIM_KZ8LVpZB8CRZK8Ml4yGKedT6eU9tEKBrfkSI8ZTWwqEBdqGVam4il8H-yzOvfmMGGlGFiaJDFE1cYkMD1Y-oxcEBq9WjSCuYxlpNqYxf7HEF1XpSOFV8Vnj6MKv2Eks0WDuJARwWc2yWfH4SO2CfzpC2XCJux8nRfoYTn6KfXf03m2XHvo_zAgLE94VHTJWdGTAQFQnVKBsx/http%3A%2F%2Fge-lab.org%2F%29, both
at South Dakota State University, provides a great opportunity for
graduate students to study spontaneous mutations using computational
tools.  The collaboration reflects a joint mentoring opportunity
from biological and mathematical/statistical perspectives and will
include mentoring by Dr. Mao-Lun Weng, a postdoc on the project
(https://maolunweng.wordpress.com/). Sequence data reflect a joint
collaboration among the Fenster (SDSU), Rutter (CoC), Weigel (Max Planck)
and Wright (U of Toronto) labs, funded by NSF.

The prospective student will investigate the effect of mutation at
protein-coding genes from protein structure and gene network perspectives.
Given an observed spontaneous mutation in mutation accumulation study,
the student will: (1)Use protein structure prediction algorithms
to simulate the protein structure from the mutated sequence and test
whether the mutation has strong effects on protein structure stability.
(2)Using a gene expression network investigate whether the mutation has
a potentially large effect on network connectivity.

We hypothesize deleterious mutations will detrimentally change protein
structure or be associated with proteins having high network connectivity.
We can validate these hypotheses by comparing the mutated protein-coding
genes in A. thaliana to other related species. If the mutated position
in the protein-coding gene also shows sequence variation among
related species, it suggests that this mutation did not have strong
effects, i.e. less deleterious.  Furthermore, we can compare overlap
of these mutations in the mutation accumulation study and in natural
populations. If mutations are deleterious, as predicted by protein
structure stability, they are less likely to be present in natural
populations.

This is a bioinformatics oriented project. The prospective student will
obtain skills of computational approaches to study protein structure
and gene network, and learn phylogenetic and population genetic theories
on mutations.

Students can begin as early as January 2018, but more likely summer or
fall 2018.

Funding will include teaching assistantship support and NSF funded
summer salary.

Please email all mentors if you are interested in the project:
charles.fenster@sdstate.edu; xijin.ge@sdstate.edu; maolun.weng@sdstate.edu

Graduate position

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I am recruiting highly motivated and independent graduate students with strong quantitative skills to join my lab. The position/s will begin with fieldwork in the summer of 2018, before progressing to graduate classes at CSU in the fall. Research projects are broadly structured to understand phytochemical bases of honeybee health and related aspects. Knowledge of beekeeping is not required but is a plus. Successful candidates are expected be comfortable working with honey bees, performing regular hive maintenance, conducting behavioral and chemical assays in the lab, interacting with stake holders and extension personnel. Teaching and research assistantships are available. Please see the lab website for the different ongoing projects (https://pollinationbiologylab.wordpress.com/). Interested candidates are encouraged to send a preliminary application (CV, unofficial transcripts, GRE scores, contact information for three references) to Arathi Seshadri, Department of Soil and C
rop Sciences, Colorado State University, at arathi@colostate.edu.  Candidates should apply to the graduate program at the Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, College of Agriculture, (http://soilcrop.agsci.colostate.edu/) before March 1 2018. Candidates can also apply through the Graduate Degree Program in Ecology (http://www.ecology.colostate.edu/prospective.aspx) by Jan 1 2018.

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<div>I am recruiting highly motivated and independent graduate students with strong quantitative skills to join my lab. The position/s will begin with fieldwork in the summer of 2018, before progressing to graduate classes at CSU in the fall. Research projects
are broadly structured to understand phytochemical bases of honeybee health and related aspects. Knowledge of beekeeping is&nbsp;not required but is a plus. Successful candidates are expected be comfortable working with honey bees, performing regular hive maintenance,
conducting behavioral and chemical assays in the lab, interacting with stake holders and extension personnel. Teaching and research assistantships are available. Please see the lab website for the different&nbsp;ongoing projects (https://pollinationbiologylab.wordpress.com/).
Interested candidates are encouraged to send a preliminary application (CV, unofficial transcripts, GRE scores, contact information for three references) to Arathi Seshadri, Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, Colorado State University, at&nbsp;arathi@colostate.edu.
&nbsp;Candidates should apply to the graduate program at the Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, College of Agriculture, (http://soilcrop.agsci.colostate.edu/) before March 1 2018. Candidates can also apply through the Graduate Degree Program in Ecology (http://www.ecology.colostate.edu/prospective.aspx)
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Graduate position: UIllinois.FishEvolution

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The Fuller lab at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is
looking for motivated graduate students interested in the evolution of
fishes. The Fuller lab focuses on two broad topics: (a) speciation in
fish as a function of local adaptation, chromosomal rearrangements, and
community structure and (b) the evolution of color patterns, color vision,
and sexual selection in different habitat types.  We use a variety of
approaches (fieldwork, lab experiments, sequencing, quantitative genetics)
in three main study systems: Lucania killifish, darters, and largemouth
bass. We are increasingly moving into genomics. Find out more about what
we do at our website (http://beckyfullerlab.weebly.com/). Students
can apply through either the Program in Ecology,
Evolution and Conservation(http://sib.illinois.edu/peec/)
or the Department of Animal Biology grad program
(http://www.life.illinois.edu/animalbiology/graduate_program.htm).
Applications are due by December 15, 2017 for full consideration for
graduate college fellowships and the deadline for general consideration
is January 1, 2018.

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign also offers
state-of-the-art research facilities in imaging, genomics, and
engineering.  Urbana-Champaign is a pleasant, affordable, university
town with good music and restaurants.  It has its own airport and is
close to three major U.S. cities (Chicago, Indianapolis, St. Louis).

The University of Illinois and the Fuller lab are committed to a diverse
workplace, and prospective students of all races, genders, and sexual
orientations are encouraged to apply.

Email Becky Fuller (fuller@life.illinois.edu) for more information.

fuller@life.illinois.edu

Ph.D. Student Position in Aquatic Invertebrate Ecology at George Mason University

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The Fowler Lab at George Mason University’s newly constructed Potomac Science Center in Woodbridge, VA is recruiting a PhD student in aquatic invertebrate ecology to begin August 2018 (https://esp.gmu.edu/faculty- staff/core-faculty-bios/amy-fowler/).

The student will pursue a PhD in the Department of Environmental Science and Policy (https://esp.gmu.edu/) supported by a research assistantship for two years (details below). Our current research focuses on biodiversity, phenotypic plasticity, parasitology, and community and population level interactions of aquatic invertebrates, especially those concerning invasions. Research in our lab spans freshwater, brackish, and marine ecosystems and includes field and laboratory experiments and environmental monitoring. The assistantship will include substantial flexibility in research topic, within the general realms of aquatic invertebrate ecology, including possible collaboration with other mentors within the PEREC (Potomac Environmental Research and Education
Center) research group (http://cos.gmu.edu/perec/#.Wilyr2hSz4Y).

The Ph.D. assistantship includes a yearly stipend of $14,500, a tuition waiver (12 credit hours of in-state tuition/semester) and health insurance for two years. 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 in aquatic ecology as well as proficient writing and speaking skills are preferred. Priority will be given to applicants with an M.S.
degree, but exceptional applicants at the B.S. level will also be considered.

PEREC, located at the Potomac Science Center (Woodbridge, VA), is an interdisciplinary and collaborative laboratory group featuring research programs in chemistry, ecology, geology, environmental science and education. Research program support includes state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and instrumentation, a wet laboratory, and a fleet of small and large research vessels. Additional information on the graduate program in Environmental Science and Policy can be found here:
https://esp.gmu.edu/academic-programs/graduate/programs/.

Interested students should contact Dr. Amy Fowler (afowler6@gmu.edu) before applying to GMU. In your email, please include a copy of your CV (including GRE scores), a brief (<500 words) description of research interests, 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 5, 2018.

Ph.D. Assistantship – Human Recreation Interactions with Prey Populations, food chains, and ground-nesting birds, Boise State University, Idaho

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GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIP (Ph.D. in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior) – at Boise State University.  A position is potentially available for a motivated Ph.D. student to study multiple interactions between human recreation and populations of ground-squirrels and rabbits, carcass availability, lead uptake by scavengers/predators, and nesting success of ground-nesting birds.  This project would involve extensive experimental field work and modeling to examine hypotheses surrounding how human recreation in grassland and desert landscapes affects the life history and survivorship of numerous bird and mammal species.  The Ph.D. student will work in collaboration with faculty, scientists, land managers, students, and field technicians.  This position includes support in the form of research and teaching (if interested) assistantships, tuition and fee waiver, and health insurance and will provide opportunities to travel for field work, conferences, and/or training.
Stipend and tuition and fees
This position includes support in the form of a graduate assistantships (renewable, 12-month at $25,000), tuition and fee waiver, and health insurance.
About the program and Boise
The Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior PhD is a new and modern graduate program at Boise State University. This program brings together faculty from across multiple academic departments including biological sciences, geosciences, anthropology, and the human-environment systems group to offer relevant courses and provide unique mentorship and training opportunities.  Further, we have created a network of valuable connections in academia, local relationships with federal and state agencies, nonprofits and NGOs, as well as partnerships with international organizations all dedicated to providing students with transformative research and educational experiences for diverse career opportunities. To learn more, please visit:http://eeb.boisestate.edu/.  Boise State University embraces and welcomes diversity in its faculty, student body, and staff. Accordingly, applicants who would add to the diversity and excellence of our academic community are encouraged to apply.
Students in this program enjoy living in the beautiful city of Boise, which strikes a balance with close-by outdoor recreational activities as well as a vibrant downtown life. Nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and the capital of the State of Idaho, Boise is frequently featured as a top-ranked metropolis. In 2017, US News and World report ranked Boise the 12th best city to live in the United States.
To Apply
send via email in a single file attachment (include your last name in the file name): a cover letter that states qualifications and career goals, a CV with the names and contacts for 3 references, copies of transcripts (unofficial are O.K.), and GRE scores and percentiles (not combined) to Jay Carlisle (EM: jaycarlisle@boisestate.edu).  Please put “Human recreation effects PhD application” in the subject line.  Applications will be reviewed as they are received until January 2, 2018.  If you do not have GRE scores by the deadline, your application cannot be considered.  Top candidates will be interviewed by mid-January and asked to formally apply to Boise State’s EEB program by 20th of January 2018.  All admission decisions must be approved by the Graduate Dean.