Blaine Griffen is seeking motivated graduate students (PhD or masters) to join his lab in the Department of Biology at Brigham Young University beginning Fall 2018.  The positions are completely funded TA assistantship during the school year will provide stipend and tuition, and RA during the summer will provide stipend.  The research topic for these positions is open, but should fall with the framework of general research directions in the Griffen lab, which broadly include the behavioral and physiological responses of animals to environmental change, invasive species, and the ecological consequences of animal personality.

Ongoing projects in the Griffen lab include exploring the climate-

induced range expansion of mangrove tree crabs into saltmarshes, experimentally testing extinction theory and exploring the dynamics of declining populations, and behavioral and physiological responses of polar bears to declining sea ice.  Students may develop projects that build into one of these ongoing areas of research, or they may develop an independent project.

Interested applicants should contact me directly at blaine_griffen@byu.edu to discuss potential research projects and to determine whether my lab is a good fit for them.

A bit about the Biology Department at Brigham Young University

Housed in a new, state of the art building, the biology department (http://biology.byu.edu) comprises a large and dynamic faculty spanning a diverse array of collaborative research areas including Ecology, Evolutionary Ecology, Molecular Systematics, Bioinformatics, Conservation Biology, and Biological Science Education. The focus both within my lab and within the department as a whole is on integrating modeling, theory, and experimentation.

Exceptional facilities and resources for carrying out research are available through the Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum (http://mlbean.byu.edu), Lytle Ranch Preserve http://mlbean.byu.edu/lytle), the DNA Sequencing Center (http://dnasc.byu.edu), the Research Instrumentation Core Facility (http://ricfacility.byu.edu), the Microscopy Lab (http://microscopy.byu.edu) and the Fulton Supercomputing Lab (https://marylou.byu.edu).  In addition to these facilities, students in my lab group may choose to take advantage of our ongoing collaborations in order to conduct research at field lab facilities in New England, in the southeast (South Carolina, Florida), or in the Pacific northwest.

BYU is located in Provo, Utah, where opportunities for world-class skiing, fly-fishing, kayaking, hiking, mountain biking, and many other outdoor recreational activities are less than 20 minutes from the lab. Salt Lake City is only 45 minutes travel by car or commuter rail.

The application deadline for Fall 2018 admission is January 15, 2018 (https://gradstudies.byu.edu/).

Blaine Griffen

We are currently looking for a Ph.D. student for Spring 2018 to help with a

project that focuses on reducing informational feedback delays between

applied ecological research and adoption of management practices in the

Northern Great Plains (USA).

That is, in what ways can monitoring and experimental data be translated

into local-scale useable products?

The successful candidate will use existing data from national research

networks and research stations to engage local stakeholders to design and

test the usability of real-time data products.

The student will work collaboratively with ecologists, social scientists,

and local landowners to create products that influence management practices

and enhance ecosystem services on working lands.

*Qualifications*

-B.S. in one of the following areas: environmental science, biology,

agricultural ecosystems, natural resources management, or rangeland ecology

-Demonstrated ability to work with stakeholders

-Strong communication skills

-Strong quantitative skills

-Some programming experience and interest in using visualization techniques

preferred.

*Funding*

The student will enroll in the Ph.D. program in Virginia Tech=E2=80=99s Department

of Forest Resources & Environmental Conservation and will be affiliated

with the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies

<http://www.caryinstitute.org/science-program/our-scientists/dr-kathleen-c-weathers>

(http://www.caryinstitute.org/), one of the world=E2=80=99s leading independent,

environmental research organizations. Full graduate research assistantship

(with stipend) and tuition waiver will be provided for 3 years and

additional opportunities for funding are available. Students are strongly

encouraged to apply to be a fellow in Virginia Tech=E2=80=99s Interfaces of Global

Change <http://www.globalchange.vt.edu/igc/> graduate program (

http://www.globalchange.vt.edu/igc/), an interdisciplinary program designed

to address the multidimensional aspects of global change.

*Applying*

Interested students are encouraged to email the following as a single pdf

document: 1) a brief cover letter describing their professional background,

relevant research experience and interests, career goals, and reasons for

seeking a Ph.D., 2) a current curriculum vitae/resume, 3) names and contact

information for three references, and 4) an unofficial copy of transcripts

and GRE scores. Please send directly to me at msorice@vt.edu. Do not submit

materials to the Virginia Tech Graduate School at this time.

Applications will be reviewed as soon as they are received, but materials

must be received before

31

October 2017. The target start date is January 2018

or Fall 2018

.

*Contact Information*

Michael Sorice (Primary contact for position)

Associate Professor, Department of Forest Resources & Environmental

Conservation

Virginia Tech

Phone: (540) 231-8303

Email: m-sorice@vt.edu

Kathleen Weathers, Senior Scientist

Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies

Phone: (845) 677-7600

Email: weathersk@caryinstitute.org

–=20

*Michael G. Sorice*, 310A Cheatham Hall (0324), Blacksburg, VA, 24061, Ph:

(540) 231-8303, msorice@vt.edu

http://sorice.frec.vt.edu/

Daniel Holstein is seeking motivated graduate students (MSc. or PhD) to join his lab at Louisiana State University (LSU), in the Department of Oceanography & Coastal Sciences (DOCS) and the College of the Coast & Environment (CC&E) in Fall 2018. Research topics are largely open, but should complement ongoing research in the lab, which broadly includes modeling the dispersal, exchange, and connectivity of marine larvae between habitats (fishes, corals, crustaceans, sponges, etc.), the reproductive biology of tropical corals, the study and exploration of mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs), and predicting the resilience and persistence of marine metapopulations during climate changes.

Please visit www.seascapelab.com <http://www.seascapelab.com/> for more information on the lab=E2=80=99s research areas.

MSc or PhD:

Students should be highly motivated, inquisitive, and capable of independent research and learning. Research should synthesize empirical ecology and ecological modeling. Experience in lab and/or field work preferred. SCUBA certified (and experience in advanced or technical techniques, AAUS, etc.) also a plus.

Start date: Fall 2018. Application deadline to LSU: March 15th, 2018.

Interested students should contact me at daniel.holstein@duke.edu <mailto:daniel.holstein@duke.edu> for more information, and to discuss the lab and potential research projects.

=20

Information about DOCS at LSU can be found here: http://www.lsu.edu/cce/graduate/docs/index.php <http://www.lsu.edu/cce/graduate/docs/index.php>=20

Information about the College of the Coast & Environment can be found here: http://www.lsu.edu/cce/about/index.php <http://www.lsu.edu/cce/about/index.php>=20

Information about CC&E M.Sc. and Ph.D programs and applications can be found here: http://www.lsu.edu/cce/graduate/docs/admission/apply.php <http://www.lsu.edu/cce/graduate/docs/admission/apply.php>=20

Information about Baton Rouge can be found here: https://www.visitbatonrouge.com <https://www.visitbatonrouge.com/>=20

Graduate student opportunity in Quantitative Biogeography/Ecology related to forest disturbances at the University of Idaho.

Funding for up to 3 years is available immediately for a quantitative MS or PhD student to study interactions of climate and forest insects in the western United States. Possible projects include assessing climate influences on insects using data analysis; applying advanced statistical methods to identify drivers of outbreaks; and/or incorporating a computer-based mechanistic model of forest insects into an ecohydrology model. The successful candidate will have a background in geography, ecology, forestry, biogeosciences, or a related field. Qualifications also include a background in analytical or statistical methods and/or familiarity with computer programming; excellent written and oral communication skills; and an enthusiasm for research.  Students have the opportunity to receive a degree in Geography (www.uidaho.edu/sci/geography) or Environmental Science (www.uidaho.edu/envs).  Depending on experience and project, a start date of January or May 2018 may be needed (because of funding time constraints).  Interested applicants should send a cover letter, CV, GPA, GRE scores, and a personal statement that describes the candidate=92s interest in the position and relevant education and experience (all materials required) to Dr. Jeffrey Hicke (jhicke@uidaho.edu). Inquiries via email or phone (208-885-6240) are welcome.

The University of Georgia=E2=80=99s Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources

<http://www.warnell.uga.edu/> and Tall Timbers Research Station

<http://talltimbers.org/> are seeking a M.S. student to conduct research

focused on the physical structure and physiological function of old-growth

longleaf pine forests beginning fall of 2018. The ideal candidate would

already possess some field experience, proven problem-solving skills,

excellent written and verbal communication skills, a basic statistical

background, an ability to work both independently and as a productive

member of a research team, and motivation to develop, conduct, and publish

their research. Candidates should possess a B.S. degree in ecology,

forestry, plant biology, or a related discipline. The successful candidate

will receive a two-year graduate assistantship consisting of an annual

stipend of approximately $21k and tuition waiver. The graduate

assistantship will have both teaching and research responsibilities=E2=80=94the

student will be on a teaching assistantship while completing coursework at

Warnell during fall 2018 and spring 2019 and will be on a research

assistantship while completing research at Tall Timbers during the summer

of 2019 through the summer of 2020. There is potential for the student to

begin fieldwork in residence at Tall Timbers beginning May 2018 until

courses begin in August 2018. Subsidized housing is available while in

residence at Tall Timbers. Student fees of approximately $1k per semester,

which include the matriculation fee and activity, athletic, health, student

facilities, technology, and transportation fees will be assessed.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please familiarize yourself

with Warnell=E2=80=99s

admission requirements and deadlines

<https://www.warnell.uga.edu/graduate/future-students/applying-graduate-school>

and send a single pdf containing: (1) a 1-2 page statement of your research

interests and a summary of your professional career goals that explains why

you think working in the Aubrey Lab <http://aubreylab.weebly.com/> will

help you realize these goals; (2) a current CV; (3) unofficial transcripts

showing all previous coursework, degrees, and GPA; (4) GRE scores; and (5)

contact information of three references to Dr. Doug Aubrey (

daubrey@srel.uga.edu). If selected to compete for this assistantship, you

will be encouraged to submit an application to the UGA Graduate School

prior to December 31st 2017.

Please contact Doug Aubrey (daubrey@srel.uga.edu) or Kevin Hiers (

jkhiers@talltimbers.org) with any additional questions.

American Museum of Natural History
Richard Gilder Graduate School
Comparative Biology Ph.D. Program  and Graduate Fellowships Program

The AMNH RGGS Ph.D. Program in Comparative Biology is training the
next generation of biologists through an integrative approach that
focuses on the history, evolutionary relationships, and interactions
among species. It utilizes the Museum’s strength and experience in
research and training to educate a new generation of scientists and
industry leaders. The AMNH provides exceptional support facilities for
student research, with collections of more than 33 million specimens
and artifacts. Training and research opportunities exist across a wide
array of disciplines in comparative biology, incorporating research
in systematic and evolutionary biology, paleontology, conservation
biology, comparative genomics, computational biology, Earth history,
anthropology, and biological and cultural diversity. Global fieldwork,
with AMNH faculty, student-led or in partnership with others, provides
exceptional research opportunities for students. RGGS students may
take advantage of RGGS course cross-enrollment agreements with partner
universities Columbia and the City University of New York. Armed with a
Gilder School education, graduates will not only understand the history
and diversity of life on Earth, but may contribute to advances in human
health, biodiversity conservation, and other related biological research
fields as well.

This is an accelerated program, designed for students to complete their
degrees in four years. Students will earn a minimum of 62 credits
through a combination of coursework, teaching assistantships, and
individual dissertation research. The Richard Gilder Graduate School
will typically provide full financial support to students matriculating
in the Comparative Biology Ph.D. Program.

We also offer Graduate Fellowships for students interested in earning
a Ph.D. at one of our partner institutions (Columbia University, CUNY,
NYU, Stony Brook and Cornell University), when they are advised by an
AMNH curator.

The AMNH Graduate Student Fellowship Program is an educational
partnership with selected universities, dedicated to the training
of Ph.D. candidates in those scientific disciplines practiced at
the Museum. Our current collaborations are with Columbia University,
City University of New York (CUNY), Cornell University, Stony Brook
University, and New York University (NYU). The host university in which
the student enrolls exercises educational jurisdiction over the students
and formally awards the degree. In these partnership programs, at least
one Museum curator must serve as a graduate advisor, co-major professor
or major professor, and adjunct university faculty member. Each student
benefits by having the staff and facilities of both the university and
the Museum to support his/her training and research. To be eligible
for the AMNH Graduate Fellowship, students must apply to both the host
University’s Ph.D. program and to the AMNH Graduate Student Fellowships
Program. Students already matriculated in a Ph.D. program are not eligible
to apply; only new, first-time Ph.D. applicants will be considered.

SUMMARY OF APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR FALL 2018 APPLICANTS
Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science or equivalent degree, from an
accredited institution
Official transcripts from all undergraduate/graduate institutions attended
GRE (general) results (taken within the past five years–Institution
Code 2471 or 1760)
Three letters of support
Statement of Academic Purpose (Essay 1: past research experience [length
of up to 500 words] and Essay 2: proposed research interests [length of
up to 500 words])
Interview (Final candidates will be interviewed)
AMNH Faculty sponsor
Application fee of $50 (Comp Bio Only)
Proficiency in English (TOEFL [100 or higher] or IELTS scores [total 7.0
or higher] are required for non-native English speakers, taken within
the past 2 years)

Deadline: December 15, 2017

For more info, please visit:
http://www.amnh.org/our-research/richard-gilder-graduate-school/academics-and-research/fellowship-and-grant-opportunities/doctoral-and-graduate-student-fellowships

amanuel@amnh.org

The Range lab at Mississippi State University is recruiting graduate
students interested in evolutionary and developmental biology. Research
in the lab focuses on understanding how a network of three different
Wnt signaling branches (Wnt/Beta-catenin, Wnt/JNK, and Wnt/Ca2+)
coordinate the regulatory networks that establish territories along the
anterior-posterior axis, using sea urchin embryos as the primary model
system. Remarkably, functional and expression studies in other metazoans
(vertebrates, urochordates, hemichordates, echinoderms and cnidarians)
suggest that many aspects of this Wnt signaling network governing AP axis
specification identified in the sea urchin are part of the ancient AP
patterning mechanism that existed in the common ancestor of bilaterians
and cnidarians.

We also work closely with Counterman lab at MSU to study how Wnt signaling
is involved in butterfly wing pattern development. In collaboration,
we have begun to characterize the Wnt network of signaling governing
pigmentary and structurally-based color patterns.

The position is for a talented PhD student to work on a NIH funded
project beginning as early as the Spring of 2018. The student project
will focus on the roles of non-canonical Wnt signaling pathways
(Wnt/JNK and Wnt/Ca2+) in patterning the early AP axis in sea urchin
embryos. The student will also have opportunities to study similar Wnt
pathways in butterfly wing development. The position offers training in
a combination of molecular manipulations, high-throughput genome-wide
assays and bioinformatics, gene regulatory network analysis as well as
classical embryology.

Mississippi State University is situated in the quintessential college
town of Starkville and is located close to several major cities (e.g. New
Orleans, Memphis, Birmingham) as well as the beaches along the Gulf of
Mexico. You can learn more about the Department of Biological Sciences
at Mississippi State University at http://biology.msstate.edu.

Interested applicants should contact Dr. Ryan Range at
range@biology.msstate.edu With your inquiry, please include a CV,
unofficial transcript, and GRE scores if available.

Applications for Spring are accepted until November 1st, 2017.

Recent publications related to the position:

Integration of canonical and non-canonical Wnt signaling pathways patterns
the neuroectoderm along the anterior-posterior axis of sea urchin embryos.
Range RC, Angerer RC, Angerer LM. PLoS Biol. 2013;11(1):e1001467. doi:
10.1371/journal.pbio.1001467.  PMID: 23335859

Specification and positioning of the anterior neuroectoderm in
deuterostome embryos.  Range R. Genesis. 2014 Mar;52(3):222-34. doi:
10.1002/dvg.22759. Review. PMID: 24549984

An anterior signaling center patterns and sizes the anterior neuroectoderm
of the sea urchin embryo. Range RC, Wei Z. Development. 2016 May
1;143(9):1523-33. doi: 10.1242/dev.128165. PMID: 26952978

“Range, Ryan” <range@biology.msstate.edu>

The Waring lab is recruiting graduate students to work on projects related

to plant-soil interactions and soil biogeochemistry. Applicants should have

a strong research interest in plant-soil feedbacks, mycorrhizal ecology,

and/or soil carbon cycling. Research in the Waring lab takes place in a

diverse array of ecosystems, from semiarid grasslands to tropical forests,

and is highly interdisciplinary, spanning plant, microbial, and ecosystem

ecology. Candidates with lab or field experience in any of these areas are

strongly encouraged to apply. The Waring lab is located at Utah State

University in Logan, Utah, a beautiful town with easy access to many amazing

parks and Salt Lake City. For inquiries about the position, please contact

(bonnie.waring@usu.edu) with a cover letter and CV.

PLANT BIOLOGY AND CONSERVATION

The Graduate Program in Plant Biology and Conservation is a partnership
between Northwestern University (NU) and the Chicago Botanic Garden
(CBG). PhD, MS thesis-based, and MS internship-based degrees are
offered. All degree programs offer a unique opportunity to study ecology,
evolution, and environmental issues at the interface of basic and
applied plant science. Students apply to the program through Northwestern
University and take their courses at both NU and CBG with faculty from
both institutions. The Plant Conservation and Science Center at CBG is a
valuable resource for students, and the Chicago region provides a vibrant
community at the forefront of research in conservation and sustainability.

To learn more, contact program director, Nyree Zerega
(nzerega@chicagobotanic.org) or visit our website:
http://www.plantbiology.northwestern.edu/

Application deadlines:
PhD: December 1, 2017
MS (thesis-based): February 15, 2018
MS (internship-based): Applications will be reviewed beginning February
15 and review will continue through April 30, 2018. Admissions are on
a rolling basis.

Nyree Zerega <nzerega@chicagobotanic.org>