A MS graduate assistantship is available in forest modeling/forest ecology at Penn State. The student will be part of a multidisciplinary team assessing and modeling an invasive insect effect on forest ecosystems. Students can enroll in the Ecology or the Forest Resources graduate programs. Excellent quantitative, GIS, and field skills required. Those interested please send CV, transcripts and GRE scores to Laura Leites at lpl3@psu.edu.

 

Subject: Summer Research Fellowships (Undergrad, Grad, Postdoc) at UVA Field Station

University of Virginia’s Blandy Experimental Farm has some wonderful fellowship opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students and postdocs during summer 2019.  The opportunities are open to applicants from any college or university.

Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU):

The program emphasizes experimental ecology and evolutionary biology including a wide variety of topics such as plant-animal interactions, pollinator behavior and ecology, insect population ecology, and ecosystem ecology. Successful applicants will receive a $6325 stipend, additional money for food, and free housing.  Each student picks a research mentor from our pool of faculty members and graduate students and then conducts a novel research project.  The students will gain experience in experimental design, data collection, analytical techniques, and written and oral presentation of findings.  REU students also benefit from several professional development workshops.

This is a wonderful opportunity for an undergraduate student contemplating a future in science.  The application deadline is March 1, 2019.

To apply: https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fsites.google.com%2Fsite%2Fblandyreu%2F&data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7C817bb717dfac4da3f44808d6551ff5f6%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636789993096332525&sdata=OypFhL8LqUVJ4JmhvCsioEc8XXCYFvFpUFGYIe6snTY%3D&reserved=0

Graduate and Postdoc Research Fellowships:

Are you a graduate student or postdoc in need of a field station? Summer stipends ($6000 per summer), free on-site housing, and funds for research ($1000 per summer) are available for individuals proposing original research that uses our resources and facilities and contributes to the ongoing science program at the station.

Interested students/postdocs should contact one of the Blandy faculty members listed below to discuss conducting your research at Blandy.  You can direct your inquiries based on the faculty member with the closest match to your research interests; however, we are open to people working in all fields of environmental, ecological, and evolutionary research.

Keep in mind this is not a complete fellowship package, rather it provides summer financial support and access to our facilities to supplement existing support from your home institution.

Dr. Kyle Haynes (population and landscape ecology, forest insect dynamics) Dr. David Carr (plant reproductive ecology, inbreeding and genetic variation) Dr. T’ai Roulston (pollination, plant-animal interactions, bee biology)

For more information about the station: https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fblandy.virginia.edu%2Fresearch&data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7C817bb717dfac4da3f44808d6551ff5f6%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636789993096332525&sdata=n8YotlbRUVw8Wi%2FewaQRHV0sJxobfozCu3rbJzwsI34%3D&reserved=0.

Subject: Ph.D. Assistantship in Arctic Estuarine Ecology

A Ph.D. research assistantship is available (beginning summer 2019) in Ken Dunton’s lab at the University of Texas at Austin Marine Science Institute (https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Futmsi.utexas.edu%2F&data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7Cb13a14816cec41dd4c0908d6551fc7d5%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636789992322094841&sdata=Tw305pMT8bNToJF5kHUi7DFJ9MjD2gnEHZ4XOPw656Y%3D&reserved=0). This position is part of an interdisciplinary program funded by the National Science Foundation to study the benthic ecology of Beaufort Sea lagoons within a newly established LTER located on Alaska’s northern Arctic coast. The student’s research would focus on the resilience of Arctic estuarine benthic communities, with emphasis on how intertidal and subtidal communities respond to extremes in ice, salinity, and hypoxia. This includes studies that examine seasonal and spatial patterns in invertebrate population structure to address mechanisms of persistence, migration, recovery, and trophic linkages with key consumers.  We seek applicants with a background in estuarine and/or marine science with a degree in biology, ecology, environmental science, or closely related fields. The student is expected to develop an integrative field and experimental project that incorporates fundamentally new and innovative approaches to questions of disturbance and resilience in benthic populations. Applicants should have a strong academic background, show evidence of independent work in the field and/or lab, and demonstrate a capacity to contribute to a collaborative research environment. For more information, please email a statement of interest/background and a copy of your CV to Ken Dunton (ken.dunton@utexas.edu). Note that students are encouraged to submit their formal applications to the UT Graduate School no later than December 10, 2018.

Links:
Dunton Lab: https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=www.utmsi.utexas.edu%2Fstaff%2Fdunton&data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7Cb13a14816cec41dd4c0908d6551fc7d5%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636789992322104849&sdata=E1sbdaYTYmzwrzcXGiYn1GgUghmwGnf75U%2FBZRTE9II%3D&reserved=0 Beaufort Lagoon Ecosystems LTER website: https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fble.lternet.edu%2F&data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7Cb13a14816cec41dd4c0908d6551fc7d5%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636789992322104849&sdata=FaJ6ZUzXj0GUz7Lb7dlghYW77lrdebl9aUwsF6W3HfI%3D&reserved=0 UTMSI graduate program:
https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Futmsi.utexas.edu%2Facademics%2Fgraduate%2Fadmission-information&data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7Cb13a14816cec41dd4c0908d6551fc7d5%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636789992322104849&sdata=zSweZljcNBTI2bZnf7AtMCM8rwXtxV5D3mZCBXfGWw8%3D&reserved=0

Subject: MS Position: Evolutionary Ecological Restoration

Local adaptation in restoration: scale and extent of local adaptation in native prairie species

A MS position in evolution evolutionary restoration ecology is available to adaptation to environment of native prairie plant species with Jill Hamilton at North Dakota State University in Fargo, North Dakota and Marissa Ahlering, Lead Prairie Ecologist, The Nature Conservancy in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota.

Identifying the appropriate seed sources for restoration efforts can be challenging, particularly for geographically isolated populations where historical isolation or contemporary fragmentation may have contributed to differentiation in adaptive traits across a species range and in the face of changing climate. In this project we will map and collect seeds for a variety of prairie plant species to be used in restoration efforts. Select seeds sourced from a range of environments will be used in an experimental setting to examine the impact varying water availability may have on plant fitness. The interaction between seed source and changing availability of water across the Great Plains; including an increased frequency of extremes may have dramatic consequences to restoration success. This research will aim to identify genetic differences in physiological traits for seeds sourced from a range of environments across the Great Plains to inform selection of seed sourcing for future restoration.

The ideal MS student will be prepared to identify plants and lead field-based research mapping and collecting seeds across the Great Plains (ND, SD, and MN). In addition, the student will establish a greenhouse experiment to experimentally evaluate physiological trait variation in response to varying degrees of water availability in a variety of seed sources for one of the mapped species. There is plenty of room to pursue particular interests in adaptive trait variation depending on the interest and experience of the candidate. The student will also be involved in outreach activities associated with the project engaging local state and TNC stakeholders in applied research. Ability to work independently in the field, alongside basic botany identification skills and GIS expertise is required. Some experience in quantitative analysis in R, and previous experience evaluating physiological trait variation in a greenhouse is preferred.

For more information on the Hamilton Lab please visit the lab website at:https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jillahamilton.com&data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7C26858379e1d443a84c6508d6551fb665%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636789992041520130&sdata=QUuTo%2F%2FnXDZSQLmN5A7OCDcjlz3w8%2BEyoJ6bUicUgBM%3D&reserved=0 and Lead Prairie Ecologist with The Nature Conservancy, Marissa Ahlering at https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.researchgate.net%2Fprofile%2FMarissa_Ahlering&data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7C26858379e1d443a84c6508d6551fb665%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636789992041520130&sdata=lNcPJivTS4O5YvY%2FYU4r0z7CUY8kQYDb6oe87Tf%2BM6Y%3D&reserved=0. More information on the Department of Biological Sciences at NDSU can be found athttps://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ndsu.edu%2Fbiology%2F&data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7C26858379e1d443a84c6508d6551fb665%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636789992041520130&sdata=E9MoW19NkM%2Bg1z5Mz7AdWVtYBb42avLLVSxafXhVEWE%3D&reserved=0. Fargo is the largest city in the northern Midwest and as ‘Gateway to the West’ is a vibrant, growing community that has access to numerous outdoor opportunities for all seasons.

Interested students are encouraged to contact Dr. Hamilton (jill.hamilton@ndsu.edu) and Dr. Ahlering (mahlering@TNC.ORG) by December 17th.
Please include a brief description of your research interests, experience, and a CV in your email. Funding options are available for both US students and international students and include a full tuition waiver. Tentative start date is May 2019.

Subject: International Research Experience for Students

Position: Student Researcher

Project: Resilient Urban Latin America (RULA) International Research Experience for Students (IRES)

Location: Technological Institute of Sonora (ITSON)

Employer: Urban Resilience to Extremes Sustainability Research Network (UREx SRN): Flexible Research Dates

Pay: Travel, lodging, meals and incidentals are paid. Each student will receive a stipend of $500 per week, plus an additional $1,000 toward research expenses.

Call for Applications: UREx SRN is seeking highly motivated students interested in research on climate change and urbanization. The RULA IRES project supports the development of globally-engaged U.S. science and engineering students capable of performing in an international research environment at the forefront of science and engineering. The project offers one undergraduate and three graduate students the opportunity to conduct eight to ten weeks of onsite research in Hermosillo, Mexico which has an urban community facing climate extremes. This research will afford students collaboration and mentorship experiences for conducting research, gaining skills in research design, data analysis and management, and presentation across diverse social and political cultures; project outcomes can be integrated within existing dissertation research.

Review the full description, research date options, and instructions to apply at:https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fsustainability.asu.edu%2Furbanresilience%2Fopportunities%2F&data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7C01b87de696424b9ae2e708d654708f43%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636789239750423595&sdata=TaCP0Y139cjfr9cyczsNEQdhf9Nt3bFHpM8t2xvCgSQ%3D&reserved=0

Noteworthy Hiring Details: Some knowledge of Spanish language will receive preference but is not required.

Deadline: For full consideration please send application materials to emily.key@asu.edu by Friday, December 7, 2018.

The Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program of the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife has posted an opening for the State Herpetologist.  Details below.

Requisition Link: https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmassanf.taleo.net%2Fcareersection%2Fex%2Fjobdetail.ftl%3Fjob%3D180007TC&data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7Cbc9da5df334e436058be08d65470856e%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636789239592053952&sdata=%2BqIMihlKKwgiuTd%2F2EJsEcK0ZOOpLfCD0qz8F8GnM20%3D&reserved=0
Functional Title: State Herpetologist
Official Title: Conservation Biologist IV
Location: Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westboro, MA Job Description State Herpetologist – (180007TC) Description

The Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game works to preserve the state’s natural resources and people’s right to conservation of those resources, as protected by Article 97 of the Massachusetts Constitution. To carry out this mission, the Department exercises responsibility over the Commonwealth’s marine and freshwater fisheries, wildlife species, plants, and natural communities, as well as the habitats that support them.

The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW) is responsible for the conservation – including restoration, protection and management – of fish and wildlife resources for the benefit and enjoyment of the public.

The Department of Fish and Game seeks applicants for the position of the State Herpetologist (Conservation Biologist IV).

The State Herpetologist (Conservation Biologist IV) implements inventory, research and management programs to conserve the Commonwealth’s endangered, threatened and special concern reptiles and amphibians, compiles and analyzes data on the distribution of the state’s herpetofauna, especially its rare and endangered species, and provides technical guidance to DFW regulatory review staff implementing the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act.

Duties include:

1.        Compile and analyze data on rare reptile and amphibian populations and habitats, and apply these data to maintaining and updating the state’s official rare species list; review and evaluate individual species for appropriateness of inclusion on or deletion from the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act (MESA) list; research taxonomy as necessary; develop listing criteria; screen rare reptile and amphibian species observation records for accuracy and completeness before acceptance into NHESP databases.  Prepare species habitat maps for reptile and amphibian species.

2.        Plan, supervise, and/or conduct field surveys and scientific investigations of populations of endangered, threatened and special concern reptile and amphibian species; oversee and administer short-term reptile and amphibian research and inventory projects to be contracted-out; hire and supervise seasonal staff to assist in biological surveys and research, as needed; analyze conservation research and inventory results and prepare studies, technical reports and scientific papers for publication.

3.        Develop, implement, and coordinate long range habitat and population management programs for endangered reptiles and amphibians, and work with partners to research, manage, and protect important habitat areas.

4.       Apply knowledge of the abundance, distribution, ecology, and management needs of rare reptiles and amphibians through participation in regulatory reviews, and protection and ecological restoration planning, and in other DFW/NHESP projects.

5.        Develop and maintain professional relationships with habitat land managers, the environmental and scientific communities; develop and implement conservation partnerships to advance reptile and amphibian conservation; interact professionally with biologists at the state, regional, and national level; coordinate efforts with the DFW Fisheries & Wildlife Sections.

6.        Prepare and deliver presentations, develop informational material, and conduct other targeted education and outreach to increase awareness of the status and conservation needs of the biodiversity of the Commonwealth; work with DFW/NHESP administrators to seek and obtain funding and/or other material support for reptile and amphibian conservation.

7.        Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications Required at Hire:

1.Extensive knowledge of the principles and practices of herpetology and biological conservation.
2.Thorough knowledge of the identification, ecology, and habitat requirements of a component of the herpetofauna of the northeastern U.S. (especially rare species) and some knowledge of the geography and ecoregions of Massachusetts.
3.Demonstrated experience with GIS technology and ability to read topographic maps.
4.Experience with or knowledge of NatureServe/Natural Heritage methodology.
5.Ability to speak and write clearly and effectively.
6.Ability to deal effectively with a wide variety of people.
7.Willingness to travel extensively throughout the state and to work in the field under adverse weather conditions.
Preferred qualification:  M.S. or Ph.D. degree in Biology, Ecology, or related discipline.
A cover letter and resume must be submitted as part of the application process and attached “as relevant” to the requisition.

Qualifications

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

Minimum Entrance Requirements:

Applicants must have at least (A) five years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional, paraprofessional or technical experience in work involving the protection, resource protection, regulatory procedures preservation and/or management of endangered and protected species, of which (B) at least three years must have been in a professional capacity and of which (C) at least two years must have been in a supervisory capacity, or (D) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.

Substitutions:

I. A Bachelors degree with a major in zoology, botany, ornithology or herpetology, may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the required (A) experience on the basis of two years of education for one year of experience.*

II. A Graduate degree with a major in zoology, botany, ornithology, or herpetology, may be substituted for one year of the required (A) experience on the basis of two years of education for one year of experience.*

*Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.

Special Requirements:

Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator’s license, or equivalent license from the state in which you reside, may be required.

An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.  Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Official Title: Conservation Biologist IV Primary Location: United States-Massachusetts-Westborough-Rabbit Hill Road
Job: Science
Agency: Department of Fish And Game
Schedule: Full-time
Shift: Day
Job Posting: Nov 21, 2018, 4:56:27 PM
Number of Openings: 1
Salary: 63,535.42 – 92,375.40 Yearly
If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator: Johanna Zabriskie – 617-626-1599 Bargaining Unit: 09-MOSES – Engineers/Scientists
Confidential: No

Please note that requisitions (former Posting IDs) will remain open for 90 days; however, first consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days of the posting.
The MassCareers job posting is available by clicking on the Requisition Link.
Division and Work Unit managers please ensure that these announcements are posted in a location for staff to view.
The Department of Fish and Game is an Equal Employment Opportunity/ Affirmative Action Employer