Boyce Thompson Institute

My name is Megan Truesdail, and I’m the Education and Outreach Lead at the Boyce Thompson Institute. I hope this email finds you well!

I’m excited to announce that applications for our 2025 summer NSF & USDA-funded Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) programs are now open! We’re reaching out to you as a contact in your institution’s biology, entomology, or plant science department, believing you might know students who would be interested in this opportunity at the University of Connecticut. We encourage you to share this information with any students you work with or colleagues who might have interested students in their networks. To keep you informed, we plan to send one or two more reminder emails about the application deadlines. However, if you’d prefer not to receive these updates, please let me know, and I’ll remove you from our communication list.

You can find our 2025 REU poster here. You may also head to https://btiscience.org/education-outreach/research-internships/ to learn more about the program and how to apply! Feel free to forward this email to anyone you think would be interested or colleagues who could help spread the word. 

We host two REU programs: our Plant Genome REU and Programmable Plant Systems REU through the Boyce Thompson Institute on Cornell University’s campus in Ithaca, NY. We are using NSF’s ETAP application portal, making it easier for applicants to apply to both our programs and other REU programs nationwide. We will be opening our Programmable Plant Systems REU application soon. Students can sign up on our website to receive a notification when that application is live!

This is a paid 10-week educational research opportunity with a $7,000 stipend, free housing on Cornell’s campus, up to a $700 travel reimbursement, and an $850 meal stipend. Our program runs from June 2, 2025, until August 7, 2025.  We host a series of professional development opportunities for the students throughout the summer, including sessions in science communication, bioinformatics, and STEM graduate and career pathways. This is an excellent opportunity for students interested in research or STEM careers who want to continue building their research and professional skills and tap into a more extensive network of plant scientists and engineers. Applications are due February 1, 2025. 

I am happy to answer any questions about the program! Please feel free to reply to this e-mail or contact me at mlg235@cornell.edu. We are also available to connect with any prospective applicants who have additional questions. 

Let me know if you want us to mail copies of our poster to you to post around your campus or department—I’m happy to do so! 

Warm regards,

About “Research Experiences for Undergraduate” programs: Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) are National Science Foundation-funded research programs aimed to give undergraduate students hands-on and meaningful experience conducting research at a partnering host institute. USDA funds a similar program called REEU, or Research and Extension Experiences for Undergraduates. These paid opportunities provide each student with an independent research project, professional development opportunities, insight into graduate school and career pathways, and allow them to work closely with a research and/or faculty mentor. To learn more: https://new.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/research-experiences-undergraduates-reu or https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/funding-opportunities/agriculture-food-research-initiative-education-workforce-development

About Boyce Thompson Institute: Boyce Thompson Institute (BTI) is a premier life sciences research institution and world leader in plant research located in Ithaca, New York on the Cornell University campus. BTI scientists conduct investigations into fundamental plant and life sciences research with the goals of increasing food security, improving environmental sustainability in agriculture, and making basic discoveries that will enhance human health. For over 23 years BTI has been inspiring undergraduates to discover how a career in research can have a positive impact on our world. To learn more: btiscience.org

I am seeking a research associate to assist with environmental DNA
metabarcoding data analysis. The successful candidate will work on
various projects utilizing environmental DNA in aquatic environments by
running bioinformatics pipelines, quality control checks, performing
statistical analyses and assisting with writing papers. The candidate
will be included as a co-author on associated publications. This position
can be fully remote or located in Fairbanks, Alaska.

The Glass Lab (https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theglasslab.org%2F&data=05%7C02%7Ceric.schultz%40uconn.edu%7C862e1afb5cfb4a7a36d308dcf3ec34cb%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638653443035999076%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=aXc%2BXAxYXvCzKTMDb4Gtif5%2FQtvGLl2x%2FHCWX%2BSTAok%3D&reserved=0) is housed in the Department of
Fisheries at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, College of Fisheries and
Ocean Sciences https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.uaf.edu%2Fcfos%2F&data=05%7C02%7Ceric.schultz%40uconn.edu%7C862e1afb5cfb4a7a36d308dcf3ec34cb%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638653443036135410%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=euyXKuFMMRRxZDTRX1%2F7vSkjJyCSMHVj2PI3ivU5gXk%3D&reserved=0. The mission of The Glass Lab is
to integrate genomic tools, an evolutionary perspective, and Indigenous
science to sustainability manage and conserve marine organisms for
Alaskan coastal communities. The Glass Lab values a culture of inclusion
and embraces a wide range of perspective and experiences. We support
intersectional diversity and work-life balance.

Start Date:January 2025 or as soon as possible

Salary and Benefits:$33.82/hour, working up to 37 hours/week. This
position is supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation
until July 2025. There are opportunities to assist with grant writing
for continued funding. Candidates are eligible for medical, dental and
vision, as well as a Tax-deferred Annuity or Roth retirement plan.

Qualifications:M.S.  degree in biology, evolution, genetics,
bioinformatics, or other relevant discipline; or equivalent experience
with a B.S. degree. Experience with molecular biology techniques (DNA
metabarcoding), bioinformatics, statistical analysis and coding in R
or Python is essential. A willingness to learn, attention to detail,
and a strong work ethic and communication are highly valued.

Contact:For more information, contact Jessica
Glass(jessica.glass@alaska.edu).To apply, email the following: 1) 1-page
cover letter describing your interest in the position and relevant
skills; 2) CV; 3) unofficial transcripts, and 4) contact information
for 3 references. UAF values equity, diversity and inclusion and we
especially encourage applicants from underrepresented or historically
excluded groups to apply. This position is only open to U.S. citizens
or green-card holders.Applications will be accepted until November 15th.

Jessica R. Glass, PhD
Assistant Professor, Fisheries
she/her

University of Alaska Fairbanks
College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences
Department of Fisheries
2150 Koyukuk Drive
Fairbanks, Alaska 99775
jessica.glass@alaska.edu
+1 907 474 6524
https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theglasslab.org%2F&data=05%7C02%7Ceric.schultz%40uconn.edu%7C862e1afb5cfb4a7a36d308dcf3ec34cb%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638653443036149703%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=DDFh3PYPu470mIw67hhrsDx7uRowZ7OuHbW8%2BWl41Js%3D&reserved=0

Jessica Glass <jrglass@alaska.edu>

https://ugradresearch.uconn.edu/fallfrontiers2024/

M.S. Graduate Research Assistantship- Assessing Climate-Driven Impacts on PFAS and Microplastic Contamination in Southeastern Wetlands through Alligator Biomonitoring

STARTING DATE: January 2025

CLOSING DATE: The position is open until filled. Applications will be evaluated starting in October.

DESCRIPTION:  The James C. Kennedy Waterfowl and Wetlands Conservation Center at Clemson University is recruiting a highly motivated M.S. student interested in exploring environmental contaminants in wetlands and wildlife. Our overarching goal is to model how projected climate change impacts may influence contaminants of emerging concern (CEC) (i.e., perfluorinated chemicals (PFAS) and microplastic) in wetlands and waterways in coastal South Carolina. This position will work closely with a Ph.D. student integrating environmental CEC data with tissue concentrations in alligators. There is an opportunity to develop additional research objectives beyond modeling outputs, which could include alligator-derived data. Project activities will include laboratory sample analysis of alligator tissues, water, and sediment for PFAS and microplastic, assisting with sample collection in the field, data integration and analysis, and mentoring undergraduate students.

The prevalence of CECs in South Carolina’s surface waters and biota is poorly understood. While aquatic invertebrates, finfish, and shellfish are commonly used to monitor contaminants, top predators like alligators may better reflect the long-term fate of CECs due to their higher trophic level, longevity, and body size, making them effective sentinel species for human health risks. Concerns about CECs are heightened by climate change, which may alter contaminant distribution and exposure. By combining alligator CEC data with climate variables and habitat selection, we aim to assess how climate influences CEC discharges and microplastic deposition, identifying coastal wetlands most vulnerable to these threats. The student will 1) conduct an in-depth literature review, 2) collect necessary climate change data from various sources, and 3) model climate influence on discharges and deposition of CECs into coastal wetlands to identify systems most at risk through the integration of modeled CEC exposure and vulnerability of coastal wetlands to climate change.

The student will be working toward a graduate degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Biology at Clemson University (Wildlife and Fisheries Biology (MWFR, M.S., Ph.D.) (clemson.edu)). Clemson University (https://www.clemson.edu/about/ ) is a public land-grant Carnegie R1 Research University in a college town atmosphere on Lake Hartwell within view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Students will take classes on the main campus and conduct fieldwork along South Carolina’s coast near the Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science, located on the 16,000-acre Hobcaw Barony property, which is dedicated to research and education. Hobcaw Barony is 5 miles north of Georgetown, SC, and 35 miles south of Myrtle Beach, SC. Temporary housing in cottages is available on-site while you conduct research. Clemson University does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, pregnancy, national origin, age, or disability. We encourage applications from minorities, women, veterans, and all other qualified applicants.

QUALIFICATIONS: B.S. in wildlife, ecology, or a closely related field. Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.00. A strong interest and/or experience in climate change, GIS, ecological modeling, and contaminants of concern. Interest in policy, wetlands, statistics, and publishing is a plus. This project is supported by many collaborators and engages undergraduate students who assist with sample analysis. Strong interpersonal skills and a willingness to work as part of a dynamic and diverse team is critical.

STIPEND: $23,000 plus tuition waiver.

The Ecology Graduate Program at Penn State has assistantships are available Fall 2025. Faculty have funding to recruit in the following areas and others:  invasion biology, theoretical ecology, microbiome science, agroecology, aquatic ecology, disease ecology, wildlife biology, ecohydrology, global change ecology, and ecotoxicology.  Learn more at: Ecology | The Huck Institutes (en-US) including a list of faculty, admissions requirements, and a list of known projects recruiting this year in the apply now tab. Or contact Jason Kaye (jpk12@psu.edu), the program chair, directly.

The Huddell lab at University of Delaware is recruiting for multiple funded graduate student positions starting summer or fall of 2025. Our lab works at the intersection of ecosystem ecology and agronomy to research sustainable nutrient cycling. We explore how to maximize ecosystem services such as food production and soil health while minimizing eutrophication and greenhouse gas production in various agroecosystems. Please see our lab site https://sites.udel.edu/ahuddell/  for more information and to indicate your interest in a position.

About The Institute for Applied Ecology

The Institute for Applied Ecology (IAE) is a non-profit founded in 1999 with a mission to conserve native species and habitats through restoration, research, and education. Our vision is a world where all people and wildlands are healthy and interact positively, biological diversity flourishes, and environmental challenges are met with a social commitment to solving problems with scientific principles.

IAE values diversity and equity, and we encourage applications from all groups of people. We recognize that the strength of IAE is in our people, and we believe that every employee has the right to work in surroundings that are free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment. IAE does not and will not discriminate in employment and personnel practices, and our commitment to equal employment opportunity applies to every aspect of the employment relationship.

Studies have shown that Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC), women and other marginalized groups are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and qualifications for the role.

– – –

Start Date: 3/3/2025

End Date: 8/29/2025

Location: Santa Fe, NM

Status: Temporary, Full-time

Compensation: $20.75/hour

Plus, travel expenses associated with overnight field work (food and lodging), paid holidays, sick leave, and overtime pay.

About the role

The Southwest Branch at the Institute for Applied Ecology will be hiring two technicians to work with the Southwest Rare Plants Ecologist for the New Mexico Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Rare Plant Monitoring Initiative. More information about the program can be found in this blog by the 2023 crew ( https://appliedeco.org/rooting-for-rare-plants-in-new-mexico/The crew will monitor demography of rare plants on BLM lands across NM following established protocols, particularly in areas where multiple-use land management (i.e. energy extraction) impacts on rare plants are expected. Crews will be required to drive to remote areas throughout New Mexico, camp at drive-up campsites for 1-7 consecutive nights, hike up to several miles a day, and return to the office for equipment and data management. While rare plant inventories are the main focus, technicians may have the chance to assist with other plant IAE projects during the summer. This is a full-time, temporary position that requires overnight camping and non-traditional work hours inclusive of weekend and evening hours.

Specific Responsibilities

– Work with a crew leader and another technician to visit monitoring plots and collect demographic data (including life stage, phenology, and size) for rare plants across the state of New Mexico

– Identify plants located near monitoring plots to species level

– Hike up to several miles a day to access rare plant populations

– Scout and survey areas for species that the IAE may begin monitoring, and setting up new monitoring plots

– Assist in data cleaning and management

Minimum Qualifications

– A positive attitude with an interest in ecology and botany

– Effective communication skills and experience working on a team

– Organized and detail-oriented

– Basic computer skills

– Willingness to spend multiple days (1-7 nights at a time) camping at drive-up sites in remote areas; familiarity with and willingness to adhere to best practices for field safety and Leave No Trace principles

– Able to conduct frequent bending, kneeling, and standing

– Able to collect data accurately in a variety of adverse weather conditions, which may include extreme heat and sun exposure, monsoonal rains, flash flooding, lightning, and hazardous wildlife (i.e. rattlesnakes, scorpions, bears)

– A valid driver’s license with the ability to drive a 4WD vehicle off-highway, along occasionally difficult roads

– Able to lift up to 40lbs

– Able to hike up to 6 miles a day

Preferred Qualifications

– Familiarity with basic plant taxonomy, including major families and botanical vocabulary

– Plant ID skills using technical keys

– Knowledge of plants of the Southwest

– 1+ field seasons performing plant identification and vegetation sampling

– Electronic data collection experience

– Experience with ArcGIS Online interface and ArcGIS tablet applications (Collector and Survey 123)

– Coursework/training in botany and/or degree in botany or related field

How to Apply

Please fill out and submit this application form ( https://ats.rippling.com/appliedeco-jobs/jobs/04ae7a36-02f3-41e6-878c-fa18f9b88dc8with all required materials by 11:59 PM on Sunday, November 3rd, 2024.

If you have any questions or concerns, please refer to our FAQ (https://appliedeco.org/seasonal-hiring-applicant-guide/ ) or direct them to humanresources@appliedeco.org and we will get back to you as quickly as possible.

PhD Position Investigating the Evolution of Phenotypic Plasticity and Visual Systems in Cichlid Fish

The Torres-Dowdall Lab (torres-dowdall.com) at the University of Notre Dame, IN is seeking highly motivated and independent PhD students interested in exploring the evolution of phenotypic plasticity, using the visual system of cichlid fish as a model. Our research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying visual system plasticity and how these processes shape broader evolutionary patterns. You will have the opportunity to apply state-of-the-art methods such as single-cell transcriptomics, QTL mapping, and machine learning. This is an exciting opportunity for students interested in both mechanistic biology and evolutionary theory, with our ultimate goal being to uncover how plasticity drives adaptive evolution, impacting biodiversity and species’ resilience to environmental changes.

We encourage applicants with diverse interests in molecular evolution, evolutionary biology, or sensory ecology to apply. You will have the chance to develop your own research questions within the lab’s focus areas, fostering independence and helping you build your scientific identity.

The University of Notre Dame (https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nd.edu%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cmid14018%40ad.uconn.edu%7C54d2179cb7b447a7bbfb08dcedb5a4b9%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638646611631725726%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=XDwmd%2BAJGQpVWiePdCvbXrkF2SGZnD56B4S51RlVpYI%3D&reserved=0) offers a vibrant research community, state-of-the-art facilities, and numerous interdisciplinary collaboration opportunities. The Department of Biological Sciences (
biology.nd.edu) provides a supportive environment where graduate students can thrive, with access to excellent resources and mentorship.

Interested candidates are encouraged to contact Dr. Torres-Dowdall at torresdowdall@nd.edu with a brief introduction of your research and career goals, along with a current CV.

Application Deadline: December 1st, 2024 For more information about the lab and department, visit
https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.torres-dowdall.com%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cmid14018%40ad.uconn.edu%7C54d2179cb7b447a7bbfb08dcedb5a4b9%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638646611631754054%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=UlOYq3fdcswdGh8G67UrFS0KMblqPAo6P83cTBb4Kwg%3D&reserved=0 and https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.biology.nd.edu%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cmid14018%40ad.uconn.edu%7C54d2179cb7b447a7bbfb08dcedb5a4b9%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638646611631767373%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=vfotuuM5h6Rc8nh2kQSNTlhssi6pdD6UqRBACeG8R%2B8%3D&reserved=0.

The Smith Lab at Utah State University is recruiting graduate students interested in pursuing an MS or PhD. Research in the lab focuses on understanding the regulation and role of phenotypic plasticity in societies, using ant caste determination as a focal system. Past projects run the gamut from field experiments to comparative genomics. Papers on past projects can be found HERE <https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fscholar.google.com%2Fcitations%3Fuser%3D3D3Fdnq2sAAAAJ%26hl%3D3Den&data=05%7C02%7Cmid14018%40ad.uconn.edu%7C4e5568918396436b0c2c08dcedb80e48%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638646621993908111%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=kBM1bcffD8ewx0qonol0UY5Svej6PSTm35Fjk685wl4%3D&reserved=0>.
Students would be funded using a combination of research and teaching assistantships. Interested students should contact Chris Smith
(c.r.smith@usu.edu) to discuss interests before applying. The Smith Lab is dedicated to the principal of respecting all persons and providing an environment where people and science can thrive. For more on our graduate program and how to apply, visit:
https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.usu.edu%2Fbiology%2Fstudents%2Fgraduate%2Fprospective-students&data=05%7C02%7Cmid14018%40ad.uconn.edu%7C4e5568918396436b0c2c08dcedb80e48%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638646621993932474%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=pZEJZbu6Y1OlX8CVxpYdDD275ullQf3eiwJV1ExqWvA%3D&reserved=0

For more information on the Cache Valley region of Utah, including all of the beautiful mountains, trails, climbing, skiing, music, and more, visit the following sites: fast facts from our HR <https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.usu.edu%2Fhr%2Fjobs%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cmid14018%40ad.uconn.edu%7C4e5568918396436b0c2c08dcedb80e48%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638646621993949604%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=QvTONMlc4d7XgSVi2T6lkqpzQeVXvMuZAe9Rd9rky2I%3D&reserved=0>, visit Utah <https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.visitutah.com%2Fplaces-to-go%2Fcities-and-towns%2Fcache-valley&data=05%7C02%7Cmid14018%40ad.uconn.edu%7C4e5568918396436b0c2c08dcedb80e48%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638646621993966132%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=X6CsKyyuLdKoCjj8a9l4Vkn6RC2JxWI%2Blzfi4UD5seQ%3D&reserved=0>,
Cache County visitor bureau <https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.explorelogan.com%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cmid14018%40ad.uconn.edu%7C4e5568918396436b0c2c08dcedb80e48%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638646621993982695%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=6cpeNzy8gr7%2BlaPwDRK1LHqn7nTBAhHz59NI7O6YKfs%3D&reserved=0>