The Lowry Lab at Michigan State University is currently seeking to hire a
field research technician. The technician will be hired through the
University of Texas, but be stationed at the Kellogg Biological Station in
Hickory Corners, MI. The research will be focused on a large collaborative
project studying adaptation in the bioenergy feedstock switchgrass. The
research will utilize new genetic mapping populations to identify genomic
regions responsible for adaptation between northern upland and southern
lowland ecotypes of switchgrass. These mapping populations have been
planted at an unprecedented geographical scale, spanning ten common garden
field sites distributed over 17 degrees of latitude, making them ideal for
studies of regional adaptations. The technician will be primarily
responsible for maintaining and gathering data from the switchgrass common
garden located at MSU’s Kellogg Biological Station (KBS). The technician
will also work in the laboratory of David Lowry on MSU’s main campus,
especially during winter months. The research will often involve all-day
physical activity outdoors. The technician will be expected to organize
data collection efforts and coordinate these efforts with the larger team
across the central United States. Applications for the position can be made
through the following link:
https://utdirect.utexas.edu/apps/hr/jobs/nlogon/170215014481

12 Month Research Internship 2017

Are you interested in gaining field research experience and learning about the
ecology and evolution of plants and plant-animal interactions in fragmented
prairie? The Echinacea Project is offering several year-long research
internships for graduates and soon-to-be graduates. This is a great
opportunity for individuals who are considering graduate studies and are
interested in gaining research experience. We have diverse potential
projects for students with backgrounds or interests in plant ecology,
pollination biology, evolution, statistics, conservation, and computer
science. In the past, interns have completed projects on a variety of
topics including pollination biology, prairie restoration, and
plant-herbivore interactions. In the summer, you will survey natural plant
populations, measure plant traits in experimental plots, hand-pollinate
plants, observe & collect insects, and assist in all aspects of research.
Summer housing in Minnesota (June – September) is provided and there is a
stipend. During the academic year (October – May 2018), interns will
develop independent research projects, gain quantitative and data
management skills, and coordinate citizen scientists in our lab, which is
based at the Chicago Botanic Garden.

QUALIFICATIONS
No experience is necessary, but you must be enthusiastic and
hard-working. Attention
to detail, a good sense of humor, and a positive attitude are
essential. Applicants
must be available to begin in Minnesota in early to mid-June. We welcome
and encourage scientists of all backgrounds, particularly those
underrepresented in science, to apply to work with us!

MORE INFORMATION
Information about our offerings for the 2017-2018 year are here:
http://echinaceaproject.org/opportunities/.

APPLICATION DEADLINE
Review of applications for year-long positions will begin on March 2nd.
Applications for summer REU positions are due on February 23rd.

The team and I are happy to answer any further questions.

Job Description

The MARS Facility has an opening for a Research Technician.  The technician will be responsible for sample processing from intake, next gen sequencing of libraries, and data analysis under the supervision of the facility scientist.  The position will be up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session, increasing to up to 40 hours per week when there are no classes.  We are looking for a student who can work at the MARS Facility for at least 1 year, starting in March 2017. Internship, independent research, and training opportunities maybe possible as well.

Job Requirements

Required qualifications: Attention to detail Ability to track multiple work flows simultaneously Self-directed after initial training phase Excellent written and oral communication Experience with molecular techniques Able to commit to at least one year of student employment. Preferred qualifications: Experience working with 10s or 100s of samples, DNA/RNA extraction, MiSeq, genome assembly, characterization of microbial communities by 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and comfortable working with command line scripts and SQL If you are interested and meet ALL of the required qualifiactions, submit a cover letter and CV (as a PDF) throug the online system.

Forest Ecology Research in the Pacific Northwest (Summer 2017)

Overview: A crew leader and three crew positions are available this summer to collect data for the Pacific Northwest Permanent Sample Plot Program (http://pnwpsp.forestry.oregonstate.edu), one of the longest-running research projects of its kind in the world. Our objective is to understand the patterns and mechanisms of long-term forest dynamics. The field crew will take measurements on trees and understory vegetation across a diversity of forest types in Oregon and Washington. We seek individuals who are detail-oriented, able to follow complex data-collection procedures, have legible handwriting, enjoy working as part of a team, and can live cooperatively with others.

Duties: Field crew members will (a) navigate to permanent plots using topographic maps and GPS; (b) identify herbaceous and woody plants to species; (c) estimate percent cover of plants; (d) measure tree diameters and heights; (e) tag, measure and map tree regeneration; (f) document tree mortality; and (g) record and check data for completeness and clarity.

Logistics:  Crew will be based at the HJ Andrews Experimental Forest http://andrewsforest.oregonstate.edu/ near Blue River, Oregon, where housing is provided. Some camping will also be necessary for sites located in Washington. Positions will last 13-15 weeks starting June 19, 2017. Applicants with previous experience may perform lead work.

Minimum qualifications:

– Enrolled in or graduated from a program in forestry, botany, natural resources, environmental science or closely related field; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

– Experience collecting forest inventory data and navigating off-trail using compass, map and GPS.

– Skilled in plant identification.

– Able to work productively for long hours in rugged terrain and variable weather conditions.

– Demonstrated ability to work independently and with other crew members in a professional manner while maintaining a positive and safe work environment.

– Organized, self-motivated and detail oriented.

Preferred qualifications:

– Field experience identifying herbaceous and woody plant species and using taxonomic keys.

– Strong familiarity with the flora of the Cascade Mountains or the proven ability to quickly learn plants.

– Familiarity with basic vegetation measurement tools and methods.

– Knowledge of and experience in identifying causes of tree mortality.

– First-aid training.

– A demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity.

Salary:   $14-$16/hour, depending on qualifications and experience

Job duration:  June 19, 2017 to mid- or late-September (13-15 weeks)

Application closing date:  Sunday, March 5, 2017

Application process depends on student status.  You are considered a student if you are enrolled for at least 6 credits in spring and intend to take at least 6 credits in the fall.

– Students: https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/postings/37884 or go to https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/ and search for posting P01730SE.

– Non-students: https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/postings/38456 or go to https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/ and search for posting P00763CT

– To apply, create account, click on “Apply for this Job,” and follow the instructions.

– FMI: Rob Pabst, Department of Forest Ecosystems & Society, Oregon State University (rob.pabst@oregonstate.edu<mailto:rob.pabst@oregonstate.edu>)

The Barrett Lab in the Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation at Clemson University is accepting applications from prospective MS students. The selected candidate will begin in either summer or fall 2017. The student will work on a fully-funded project designed to understand the influences of urbanization on barred owls in the upstate of South Carolina and human perceptions of wildlife at the urban-rural interface. Drs. Rob Baldwin (Chair, Lloyd-SmartState Endowment in Urban Ecology and Restoration) and Pat Jodice (Unit Leader, USGS South Carolina Cooperative Research Unit) are project collaborators.

Qualifications: The successful applicant will be motivated and have a proven ability to generate high-quality work in an unsupervised environment. S/he should have excellent writing and communication skills and an interest in working cooperatively. Previous experience with field work is required and we are particularly interested in applicants with experience trapping and handling owls or other birds of prey. Minimum academic requirements are a BS degree in wildlife, biology, or related field, a 3.0 GPA, and a combined verbal + quantitative GRE score of 310.

To apply please submit (1) a cover letter explaining your interest in the position and your qualifications, and (2) a CV. Please be sure to include your GPA (undergrad and graduate), GRE scores, and contact information for 3 references somewhere within your CV. Documents should be submitted via email to rbarre2@clemson.edu as a single PDF file with the subject heading =93owl MS application=94. Applications must be received by March 20, 2017 to receive full consideration.

Additional information about the Barrett Lab at Clemson can be found at https://sites.google.com/site/clemsonbarrettlab/. Clemson University is ranked nationally as a top-25 public university. Clemson is situated in the Piedmont of South Carolina, and offers easy access to many outdoor recreational opportunities. Please visit the University=92s website (www.clemson.edu) for more information. Clemson University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, veteran=92s status, genetic information or protected activity (e.g., opposition to prohibited discrimination or participation in any complaint process, etc.) in employment, educational programs and activities, admissions and financial aid.  This includes a prohibition against sexual harassment and sexual violence as mandated by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.

The University of Washington is advertising two positions to assist with vegetation monitoring from April-June 2017 in central WA as part of a multi-

agency project evaluating long-term vegetation dynamics in the sagebrush-

steppe. The project is a collaboration between the University of Washington, The Ohio State University, Department of Defense, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Fieldwork will take place in and around the Yakima Training Center and the Arid Lands Ecology Reserve (Hanford Reach National Monument). The position is best suited to mature, upper-level undergraduates or recent graduates who are considering advanced study or professional work in plant ecology or range management. Details on the position, requirements, and application instructions are available here:

http://blogs.uw.edu/ecolsage/files/2016/12/Technician_position_description_d

raft_170214.pdf

Based in Susanville, CA

Working in Lassen and Modoc Counties (primarily)

These positions (2-3 positions available) will provide technical field assistance for a team of UC Cooperative Extension Advisors and UC Cooperative Extension Specialists (UC Davis) on multiple ongoing research projects in Lassen and Modoc counties, including:

*         Post-fire grazing management of intermountain rangelands. Evaluate post-fire grazing management and other associated land treatments on long-term effects on rangeland health.

*         Assessment of seeding and rangeland restoration practices in the intermountain and Great Basin regions of northeastern California. Evaluating effects of site characteristics, weather variables, and seeding methods on current plant community metrics and wildlife habitat values.

*         Assessing effectiveness of juniper control treatments and understanding site effects, treatment methods, and time-scale on subsequent habitat values for sage grouse and other sage brush affiliated species.

Responsibilities

*         Conduct plant surveys, rangeland health monitoring protocols, and photo plots

*         Collect various types of data including GPS data

*         Enter data and perform data management

*         Work under close or infrequent supervision

Technical requirements

*         Completed or pursuing Bachelor’s Degree in Biological Sciences, such as Range Management, Natural Resources Management, Agriculture, or a related subject

*         Course work in plant taxonomy or experience identifying plants in the field using a dichotomous key and/or ability to quickly learn native and invasive plants of the sampling area and associated natural resource issues

*         Familiarity with or ability to quickly learn vegetation sampling methods including line point intercept and nested frequency

*         Experience navigating and collecting coordinates with hand-held GPS units, performing basic functions with GIS software (ArcMap), and navigation using topographic maps to locate plot locations in remote rangeland settings

*         Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access)

Additional requirements

*         Ability to work in remote, harsh and rapidly changing environments, work in all types of weather conditions, traverse uneven terrain, carry upwards of 30 pounds in a backpack, and otherwise maintain good physical condition

*         Experience in and willingness to spend multiple days camping in the field

*         Provide personal camping equipment including but not limited to sleeping bag, tent, backpack, water bottle, hiking boots, utensils

*         Willingness to work irregular hours (e.g., early mornings, late nights)

*         Valid, state-issued driver’s license and clean driving record

*         Experience operating 4WD vehicles on paved and unpaved roads, often in narrow or rocky areas

*         Ability to operate an ATV over uneven rocky terrain

*         Ability to work productively as part of a team, as well as independently under general direction to accomplish team goals

*         Ability to communicate effectively with team members

*         Excellent organizational skills

Job Details

*         2-3 positions available

*         Position is based on an approximately 40 hour week with irregular work hours and schedule

*         Preferred starting date May 15 through August 19 (dates partially flexible)

*         This is an hourly paid internship ($12.86 – $17.86)

*         Possible shared summer housing available (~$180/month)

To Apply

Go to: http://ucanr.edu/Jobs/Jobs_990/?jobnum=3D1120 (for current students)

Go to: http://ucanr.edu/Jobs/Jobs_990/?jobnum=3D1144 (for non-students)

For questions please contact Laura Snell at lksnell@ucanr.edu<mailto:lksnell@ucanr.edu>

or David Lile at dflile@ucanr.edu<mailto:dflile@ucanr.edu>

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status or other protected categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy.

A graduate assistant position (M.S. or Ph.D) is available in our
laboratory to work on population genetics/genomics of reef
fishes exploited in the Gulf of Mexico region. Current lab
projects include exploitation of RAD-Tag sequencing data to generate
linkage maps and/or analyze spatial genetic variation and population
structure with application to the management of aquaculture programs
and fisheries conservation.

The successful applicant will be provided a 12-month full-time Research
Assistantship with a tuition waiver. Candidates should possess a
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g. Biology, Ecology &
evolutionary biology, Fisheries science, GPA > 3.5) when applying for
this position. Skills in programming/script-writing and experience with
molecular techniques are strong assets. The position is available
starting fall 2017.

Interested individuals should send a CV, GRE scores, and unofficial
transcripts to:

Eric Saillant, Ph.D
Associate Professor
Department of Coastal Sciences
The University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast Research Laboratory
703 East Beach Drive
Ocean Springs, MS, 39564
Tel. (1) 228-818-8007
Fax (1) 228-872-4204
E-mail: eric.saillant@usm.edu

Eric Saillant <eric.saillant@usm.edu>

PhD positions in Evolutionary Ecology

The Turcotte Lab at the University of Pittsburgh is looking for PhD students to experimentally test the dynamic interplay between rapid evolution and community ecology in the field. Using various plant and insect study systems and complementary approaches, including experimental evolution, modeling, and genetic analyses, we test cutting-edge hypotheses in Evolutionary Ecology. We are especially interested in testing how rapid phenotypic changes, both plastic and evolutionary, impact concurrent ecological dynamics and species interactions. The aim of the lab is to disentangle and quantify how ecological and evolutionary processes reciprocally impact each other and understand their importance in nature.

Please visit the lab webpage for more information:        www.martinturcotte.net

The University of Pittsburgh is a leading research university and the Department of Biological Sciences is a dynamic and growing team of enthusiastic researchers and educators. The department also runs the Pymatuning Lab of Ecology, which is equipped with lab space and housing to facilitate field-based research in northwestern Pennsylvania. The City of Pittsburgh is a vibrant and beautiful place to live. It is often voted the ‘Most Livable city in the U.S.’. All graduate students in the department are provided with a competitive stipend and benefits for 5 years through a combination of fellowships, TAships, and research assistantships. Although funding from the lab itself is available, I expect all prospective students to apply for external funding.

Prospective students should email me  (turcotte@pitt.edu) with a short paragraph stating why you are interested in the lab and describe your past research experience. Please include your C.V., any publications, and contact information for a few references.

Martin Turcotte, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Department of Biological Sciences
University of Pittsburgh

www.martinturcotte.net
turcotte@pitt.edu