Opportunities

Graduate position: UKentucky.EvolutionEcology

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# Graduate Recruiting in Evolution and Ecology at the University of
Kentucky #

The University of Kentucky <http://www.uky.edu> (UK) is recruiting
outstanding graduate students in the fields of evolutionary biology and
ecology. UK is the home of a diverse set of research groups that use
laboratory, field, computational, and mathematical tools to study questions
in population and evolutionary genetics and genomics, ecological genetics,
phylogenetics, evolutionary ecology, physiological ecology, conservation
biology, behavioral ecology, plant ecology, and other fields in evolution
and ecology.
These research groups are housed in a number of departments on campus
including the Departments of Biology and Mathematics in the College of Arts
and Sciences and the Departments of Entomology, Plant and Soil Sciences,
Plant Pathology, and Forestry & Natural Resources in the College of
Agriculture, Food and Environment.

Research groups that support graduate study are listed below. Please
contact individual faculty mentors about opportunities in their group and
their department more broadly. Graduate funding depends on the department
and research group and includes research and teaching assistantships. For
example, the Department of Biology offers teaching assistantship support
with competitive stipends for five years contingent upon progress to a PhD.

## Department of Biology ##

* Carol Baskin. Plant ecology. <https://bio.as.uky.edu/users/ccbask0>
* Phil Crowley. Evolutionary ecology. <https://bio.as.uky.edu/users/pcrowley

* Catherine Linnen. Adpatation and speciation genomics. <
http://secure-web.cisco.com/1lEmTONofiNWSVAD_CA_9EBePaO-cD6rumyRS2EnAARSML2Upx3HXc8uBPZ5NIIC8Jm0c_k4Xi4kn6Fhq4UhPQolvL_GxDpDNp_AZnt7kPeJTwlSU_dzg6EcwYSR_7QIphfmU6MfHJDRO8r_DYsAzioQTz5RootZ7Ct_kvKqojq47MdMwvyWeu9SC4AcT9sID1GOopgIbCrjgii0nH3QIlN7qCV7oiReCqaquNo1sEzMSUpy357v1rgHNQmMiDlM7fJJct43FKNzYFwF_hnaFaiyGMNIZ42zGZvZpVCU1rvg1Jr8oZNxYmp6wh__LJCBkh8aQP6_IqhAHDNEcVQHB7jtPauaZ-mouO7B2aikXZY22SVqn-xugEa0XdZy-kMLcnKUR2FO7fLk35OmWuKG6GjXK7TUeLyjs0f1arDiW7Wur6gsJiHotB1MmDCBEfKJBjjgGW82HyrC2fIAuisMM6rAgLCVjldoLDScl6OnVStcQftvyujfrRLPdn1Eayazs/http%3A%2F%2Fwww.linnenlab.com%2F>
* Nicholas McLetchie. Plant reproductive ecology. <
http://secure-web.cisco.com/14mV1u6Ng0WPjGr8VGYBcT6EqL2iD9V_cPAH44VaJqB9Q0_Otql2bXpKyPZ0aLEFk_E1RioUf16TUW5q52beEpAvcEjFv0HDC3KoI-vq8ZQyxRySlSrsI4sFhzPNNB2DrevhDHD5XBEhdCgDAL7h6orrmsPQBn0DjsfKhHbqYNcG1RsfcyRB6Tl3ZkatYO4NaAa47rFMkMiOWmTa6E259YXbUw_qTmNz0nDg06ErUYY0oY10kYoyyrtyKYiT3bZU3j2faSCJmi9O1ai3N6sPLnpCG7bA0RCSN4Pbj-inejMQeNv4l0bcj998suitNIYf9tWI4BB4Q86uQ-xgRdGMUfsfqUu-hZIRpRTo7uDdHIS8K8AU_XvDYBF_jUpIqtu6h2DPTFVhkPf1tfF1Lz-lz-hBoSjnmzOhKQVOkgXflxPx_GPInmfK-gpSLtGoiLC8XMCXyb_4tcs601Y3fci4i1A/http%3A%2F%2Fwww.i-m.mx%2FMcLetchie%2FMcletchieLab2%2Fwelcome.html>
* Craig Sargent. Behavioral and evolutionary ecology. <
http://darwin.uky.edu/~sargent/>
* Jeramiah Smith. Genome biology and evolution. <
http://secure-web.cisco.com/1ai5BIeYBY1myqiY3gg8lE_4HzEEcrHG7zT60E8ygpLvIDk2DdE5pSAqmjsZC8giVoj5M_vEv–mqNEcBBgjzEjJfPHWBTho-cBudzqCea-QTkk9lZWAztDNBShVVMlp_UErLTOJPv86AIwUyqYPhXnf3QJ2lezuKJmEIgquP9A_e0PXoUaR6uYB6gGtehKCj1wmRPGR0ZCe2kWvGAKucrey4PXa_Qp3168HsITkY7rsvv0AeqzSTHRNShHCLG_pKBoPnuZ1KPUTKvfCyPGe5jeXtBjsMeaz0pjzFQCz3OmaNx8C2OdbTzdpd-soL43e0o3wHs1SbVFUVJIZ0wTVRajzVEWEycTkhtmxuacS5G4DZBjcZO0lzBBZ4nH1C02gWKz5HjFdaiwBooeR5nLPLyoW_2Ub3Ebdbco__OPJn9q_OqdFjQGr0P-cFHPgGlvQHdVassI-jjf-Y0A5T0crq7A/http%3A%2F%2Fwww.i-m.mx%2Fjeramiahsmith%2FSmithLabUKy%2F>
* Jeremy Van Cleve. Theoretical and computational evolution and ecology. <
http://secure-web.cisco.com/1lRY_dZG7EY0419E-8G2NeKd0KnGd6-D8PO3GHFeYvuycRKwk2key467gIAlk7qZq77tMCo588NP5rqpdeDhZonPxHuz1HFU7vGwxVG1txxkYouiKFx8YM2W6jLHKyB55XHl7BoosBL5bFTKQ8_TmYwzqGEMADuypwek2gRZbTPJfsy58aUdTYu3n1WEFX5tGhXoKCWovaL19uJ7RcY3U7MHEAaSpXnhcI-1I45NllxDLnqKS15KX5KGNvdQSyI-G2pdHbDtblX5jCndvBXKhu4qBJBkBvVVxkxsHCVLgihfRfZVRPbeGTJRH3XFh0JE_6cf3nqVrNO-Cf7u6RMH08fz-sXev7TeOrY24tXnu-sgggZPdgwnzC2dwcDUiGcfumWcxP9J7xNJl9y0zARvUPBAK818KMD7Ng1zupVLvKyWYvqfqtT4v3HGGM-af3_1lyGbAlB0luUfto1Dk2D66EA/http%3A%2F%2Fvancleve.theoretical.bio>
* David Weisrock. Evolutionary genomics and phylogenetics. <
http://secure-web.cisco.com/1vIVCkxIv8AxXELvxIf8S0sGbe_hDKEBasq4kH3IejeLJGftsxXj6nvlm-fLbIDpWJEVr0iT8CBVPV9D2mTf3gmwsuY-dIFUZ7WPLhrnm7CKU6FkWYdRBBEpPntiS4csMEhGR-CCTHf-B2Bmyy5mTW1ytP23AN02jY3uD4bSonCPezjR127wZymq7LCrg4SUuf0dbq7TOfKUaaPxEohlfYgEspCNb9agsalScNkX0p0GlJTFxATU5ULDfzueo2mSjcJcwvid7iOLAiPYYotiDATcIPuHhebmTotc3iUbtdxfmvEPhNDkC8IkjGF3l4isNXx1coLSSvd_a0Bu_0DwJSMNUFqvwbPVLxka509Kh3UJ2fKz2UiHIw5Jyzkd_QrdbzZ0VVRPWiOD5fFmyGzBStM3F4c749eCP3lnic30VRlHlFk4Fm0XA_G6jL3Vzy-XKkX8O0vV8zB0DjTL334eGO-rieaWqpvtQtnozQvwfaoM/http%3A%2F%2Fweisrocklab.com>
* David Westneat. Behavioral ecology. <
http://secure-web.cisco.com/1RWrNxszkKcUT7dEgVH2sTX-2KdFmNKwzKEVrnz7NgL4Mq8l3bSxr-lWrJ8ec3YdjYr1wW90KPM0hkdLqJQnBiEHnBhoV_r_olZkCDIjps6soBBRcZ1LKBna10e9LyRnYY9i3U5fAHxXinEZqBc–gy__WMHAFBYZ_MDsoNSa4bgmEDomavkmYupehXGrvOPxWwxapMCDlZY1r5bzVGNU9tovorQ8c5Y0RIFgyksMYgOSaIg0ACC_IBp_ZG3DeHyuvh-spNV2W6W8PRPYvttUZcVUL29TBzsSr50vd24mkaVfzCJQKg3UWvS9Df8hyYrvySw8rt7b7Tegdyux-EusuOKSJcTZBAnl9yyeAkt2BoSR8sTdJAY2wQiV-SoBNS6TQPtPyZFNwWaRijP5iSl_mbI_Q1QSu4h21TcFU7aQ3yZTelBU5qCX6QonQAo4Ex998q08-1Oq2iSzD47Tjd3UMQ/http%3A%2F%2Fwww.i-m.mx%2FDFWestneat%2FDavidFWestneat%2F>

## Department of Mathematics ##

* David Murrugarra. Mathematical biology. <http://www.math.uky.edu/~dmu228/>
* Olivia Prosper. Mathematical biology. <http://www.ms.uky.edu/~ofpr222/>

## Department of Entomology ##

* Charles Fox. Life history evolution and behavioral ecology. <
http://www.uky.edu/~cfox/>
* David Gonthier. Ecology of agriculture and sustainable food systems. <
http://gonthierdavid.wixsite.com/djgonthier>
* Clare Rittschof. Pollinator behavioral ecology, neuroscience, and
genomics. <https://secure-web.cisco.com/1AXmFenjtyqf3tiaefd_VQAz9-k1AQx-UKHedljV7RNAba9Z7Ugb85TQXmpDxAhGcbtIWPKGnZzDUVazupOi6Il3aGMfsgewQtWbwAHTmlZf9ybGgrTkJOxnSvOcuL1ArJ8St5ICqN1V9xxs4cK2qTTPXMmUq_3-d0h2R0dgzc08WhF0mRKFbZhrJQsE0BeNCmhalDMeVlMDwY7u3Ag8a2NCCBCZGJPNt4wOxBZJENX_RPJ2cVyvMgiicYWiF1WQIXEcB1VPxPJBuc10jyLpYLW7wP2w5yCrJDqDu3snbw-VHgZMJEk3Cns68Kkey97_q031KDLzpS0UjJ25P-n2k_sW1EkOktklOBRRCxMDbD9yyKYCWt-xoR_NUe_3S_xpFpuP2KUa4ShHwUBtQ28rKBUW7zTan7926bkOGv9C1Xw-FD7WLAqAP0Tq-6dIivVu_8NkGMahm7U1aR_ZLwukE6g/https%3A%2F%2Fclarerittschof.com%2F>
* Nicholas Teets. Evolutionary and physiological adaptations to extreme
environments. <http://secure-web.cisco.com/19pzU9wf1tYd5NkX3pSQSi-CQzwESW_yi-07mWges-zz_Zrv4j2MVhQ-r25W7PUVX6fK5SMr_q5NJqKWQ60UHm7Nrm7FNiBHVY22J0dUhGsPie-zB66TX8azAA0X7dbwgJqAZKVasMBiaT5QFObi21ub92-px7zgt4TX87-d5-BBlFsghWDLzSPyFIuFc3xYK13NtyzokVYufpe9V_TvAAtACab0-1poKqOqrPSY0Aq8qZUGFeSZwq_-1Xsq_Rc6LowK8nq3g94DXbveCC24U3iltDljvi2-sjC9L0QTgy4CjFBAlB3xiLVGLbcVbGXM12SczzIw6hn4QrDSYT60Emh97ic4Ep1yTj3Nyqu0jgskIU-CK1pIJpHFTpIUr4jlIHuqzfklU2oJ9ejnPlBi9FTPyhGImCAs2rWqKZgGazE4H_1BjRxZB84lldFz19osBKX0knKl-vpcy1KWFDqbhXQ/http%3A%2F%2Fwww.teetslab.com%2F>
* Jennifer White. Ecology, evolution, and behavior of symbionts. <
https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/person/jennifer-white>

## Department of Forestry & Natural Resources ##

* Mary Arthur. Forest ecology. <http://forestry.ca.uky.edu/mary-arthur>
* John Cox. Wildlife and Conservation Biology. <
http://forestry.ca.uky.edu/john-cox>
* Steven Price. Ecology and conservation biology. <
http://pricelab.ca.uky.edu/>
* Jian Yang. Landscape ecology. <https://forestry.ca.uky.edu/jian-yang>

## Department of Plant and Soil Sciences ##

* Rebecca McCulley. Grassland ecology. <http://secure-web.cisco.com/1GmsLkupqI72xP8KGra9iDKMzFdc17N0Kg6O98FQP5z1d5Dm4KW7uZZ1K6y6hpPcbyjaro8iUrRsGAd7sDDUeib8KEJbrSkU8EcV8CplSWwvQOyClf2tfTI10nsz-TzoN6ESqF5kRn7Rk5U_MC5BMKKQvvwi3i45wZ7Eb1_aCkyIbzGO6QdQNu6vwMvy4eC-mdQkqHfRjAwSp_Z5nSG974hr9jLvyj_BB6ji7goyOSCeBzLOwjhijXRj6qo6aU82wt2W3-sp1gJvS3m7hHyBdKeMziM8XTgZpMIrEohphBllNlaHwFdSwCLZoAYWXUXulZd6_iIa4dJGDRHCPTaflhL-p3v_CKO1KHCLZTIV5ECSlgiSyVsZeryE_1nEaJxdaLww8RxkCp1vU6aAVV-q7ow0-vnj161KEgN3cxdD9dGuEYXYOi2Msz3R17r9EPRgM4LtHvxanzhhjLIFp3H6ZBwIw4Xv_XJjNiG-7ZcA3kRw/http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mcculleylab.org%2F>

## Department of Plant Pathology ##

* Christopher Schardl. Evolution of plant and endophyte mutualisms. <
https://plantpathology.ca.uky.edu/lab/schardl>

## Life in Lexington, KY ##

UK is located Lexington, KY, known for the many bucolic horse farms that
surround the city, thoroughbred racing at Keeneland, equestrian events at
Kentucky Horse Park. Lexington and the surrounding area is home to many
bourbon distilleries and microbreweries and numerous outdoor activities
including hiking and world-class climbing at the nearby Red River Gorge.
The cost of living in Lexington is modest and many UK students, faculty,
and staff live close to the University and commute by walking or biking.

<http://www.movoto.com/guide/lexington-ky/moving-to-lexington/>

—
Jeremy Van Cleve

Assistant Professor
Department of Biology
University of Kentucky
E-mail: jvancleve@uky.edu
Webpage: http://secure-web.cisco.com/1lRY_dZG7EY0419E-8G2NeKd0KnGd6-D8PO3GHFeYvuycRKwk2key467gIAlk7qZq77tMCo588NP5rqpdeDhZonPxHuz1HFU7vGwxVG1txxkYouiKFx8YM2W6jLHKyB55XHl7BoosBL5bFTKQ8_TmYwzqGEMADuypwek2gRZbTPJfsy58aUdTYu3n1WEFX5tGhXoKCWovaL19uJ7RcY3U7MHEAaSpXnhcI-1I45NllxDLnqKS15KX5KGNvdQSyI-G2pdHbDtblX5jCndvBXKhu4qBJBkBvVVxkxsHCVLgihfRfZVRPbeGTJRH3XFh0JE_6cf3nqVrNO-Cf7u6RMH08fz-sXev7TeOrY24tXnu-sgggZPdgwnzC2dwcDUiGcfumWcxP9J7xNJl9y0zARvUPBAK818KMD7Ng1zupVLvKyWYvqfqtT4v3HGGM-af3_1lyGbAlB0luUfto1Dk2D66EA/http%3A%2F%2Fvancleve.theoretical.bio
Phone: (859) 218-3020

Jeremy Van Cleve <jvancleve@uky.edu>

Graduate position: UGeorgia.AntBeeGenomicsEpigenetics

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PhD Positions: NSF-supported graduate studies in evolutionary epigenetics and genomics of social insects in the Hunt Lab at the University of Georgia.

The Hunt Lab is broadly interested in how evolution produces variation in insect form and function. We use ants and bees as models for studying how evolutionary mechanisms shape variation in social behavior. We have two, recently-funded projects in the lab to support graduate students; both use functional genomic and transcriptomic methods to study the genetic and epigenetic factors that underlie differences in social structure.

The first project, in collaboration with Ken Ross at UGA, explores how a supergene and phenotypic plasticity influence variation in colony queen number and social behaviors in the fire ant Solenopsis invicta.

The second project, in collaboration with Sarah Kocher at Princeton University, investigates how gene regulatory evolution has influenced evolutionary variation in social behavior in halictid bees.

The Hunt Lab is a young and dynamic research group dedicated to fostering the success of its lab members. We are a part of the Entomology Department, one of many departments in the life sciences at the University of Georgia. The diversity and multitude of faculty at UGA results in diverse areas of expertise and coursework availability to help students reach their full potential. Students will take coursework and receive training in entomology, genetics, and bioinformatics.

Requirements: An interest in broad evolutionary questions and a strong desire to develop bioinformatic expertise. Applicants must meet requirements of admission to the Graduate School at the University of Georgia (see http://www.caes.uga.edu/departments/entomology/graduate.html).  The start date is flexible.

More information about the Hunt Lab can be found online at http://huntlab.uga.edu.  Prospective applicants should email Brendan Hunt at huntbg@uga.edu with a statement of interest.

 

Graduate Research Assistantship: Plant-Insect Interactions in Human-Modified Ecosystems

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Subject: Graduate Research Assistantship: Plant-Insect Interactions in Human-Modified Ecosystems

I am seeking a highly motivated graduate student (PhD preferred, but MS applications considered) to join the Kim Lab in the Department of Entomology at Kansas State University. I study the ecology of plant-insect interactions (e.g. pollination, plant-herbivore) and how these interactions vary with land management and land-use change. Potential project topics include examining how disturbance (e.g. fire, grazing) affect plant-insect interactions, modelling how land-use change affects insect biodiversity and ecosystem function, and IPM effects on non-target insects and plants.
Students interested in the fields of community ecology, agroecology, landscape ecology, and food web interactions are encouraged to apply.
Projects will involve a combination of field work, laboratory/greenhouse work, and spatial modeling. For more information about current work in the Kim lab, please visit my website: taniakimecology.com. Positions will be competitively funded through four-year research assistantship (tuition and stipend). Students are also encouraged to apply for external fellowships such as the National Science Foundation Pre-doctoral Fellowship (https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nsfgrfp.org&amp;data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7C58047632cda54d639e7408d61581f32d%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636720045222965695&amp;sdata=WGHpr%2FAJE0J4lwFiJJwRcEgWCqIfC9tRhr%2FRRCK20BA%3D&amp;reserved=0).

Requirements: Competitive applicants will have backgrounds in biology, ecology or entomology with an interest in conservation and insect ecology.
Prior experience conducting field work and independent research is desirable.  Strong quantitative skills (statistics, programing) are also desirable. Teamwork and good communication skills (oral and writing) are important.

To apply: A start date of Fall 2019 is preferred, although earlier start dates (as early as January 2019) may be considered. For consideration please email a cover letter stating your research interests and qualifications, your CV with names and contact information for 3 references, and unofficial transcripts to Dr. Tania Kim (tkim@ksu.edu). I will begin screening applications in mid-October 2018, have initial online or phone interviews in late October/early November, and extend an invitation for an on-campus visit in December. Final decisions will be made by late December 2019.  Please contact me with any inquiries for additional information or to arrange a phone call. I will also attend the Entomological Society of America Conference in Vancouver, Canada (November 10-15) so interested students can arrange to talk to me then as well.

Information about the Department:

The Department of Entomology maintains excellent research facilities with state-of-the-art equipment and a research insect collection. It was recently ranked the 4th best Department of Entomology in the world by the Center for World University Rankings; these rankings are based on the number and quality of professional publications produced by the department and quality of faculty research. In the most recent rankings of PhD programs in US Departments of Entomology, we were ranked 8th nationally for overall quality by the National Research Council (https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.phds.org%2Frankings%2Fentomology&amp;data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7C58047632cda54d639e7408d61581f32d%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636720045222965695&amp;sdata=7P5FYty4%2Fh5C2oSR%2FrZkK55NWpYvzN4f95CT1cxghZk%3D&amp;reserved=0).
Our mission is to: 1) provide entomological knowledge for a safe, sustainable, and competitive food, feed, and fiber system through integrated research and education; 2) maintain a stakeholder/clientele-driven focus to research, extension, and teaching activities; 3) generate fundamental information for the advancement of science and for applied uses; 4) train students for professions in education, government, business and industry; and 5) disseminate useful, unbiased information.

Diversity and Inclusion:

Kansas State University embraces diversity and promotes inclusion in every sector of the institution. The university established the Office of Diversity, led by the associate vice president for diversity and a dedicated staff. Additionally, each college has a designated Diversity Point Person to provide insight and guidance. Kansas State University received the prestigious Higher Education Excellence in Diversity, or HEED, award from Insight Into Diversity magazine for the past three years. Multicultural students account for 15 percent of our student population, a university record, and continue to trend higher.

Two Graduate Assistantships to study urban streams

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We are seeking two graduate assistants for an NSF-funded collaborative project aimed at understanding how stormwater management decisions translate to hydrologic and environmental outcomes in urban streams in Cleveland (Ohio) and Denver (Colorado). These funded graduate student researchers will join an interdisciplinary team of scientists that includes ecologists, hydrologists, and social scientists across three institutes. These positions will be within the Departments of Geology and Biological Sciences at Kent State University in Kent, Ohio.
 
GA in Urban Hydrology – Department of Geology
 
The funded graduate student will be part of the dynamic Department of Geology at Kent State University, with additional opportunities for time at Colorado State University. The graduate student will be co-advised by Anne Jefferson (Kent State University, http://all-geo.org/jefferson) and Aditi Bhaskar (Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado State University,https://www.engr.colostate.edu/faculty/abhaskar/). 
 
The funded graduate student researcher will develop research projects that include using watershed modeling to test the effects of various stormwater management decisions, conducting hydrologic and land use change analyses in urban watersheds, and/or measuring relationships between flow, turbidity, and suspended sediment in urban streams.
 
PhD applicants are preferred, but exceptional MS applicants will be considered. Four years of funding, as a mixture of research and teaching assistantships, is guaranteed for PhD students who have completed a MS degree. A background in hydrology, with degrees in geology or civil or environmental engineering preferred. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in hydrologic modeling and/or computer programming. 
 
Applications will be considered for January, June, or August 2019 starts. To apply, please send (1) a cover letter with your background, expertise, and research interests; (2) a CV or resume; and (3) unofficial transcripts to Dr. Anne Jefferson (ajeffer9@kent.edu). 
 
GA in Urban Stream Metabolism – Department of Biological Sciences
 
The funded graduate student will join the Costello Biogeochemistry Lab at KSU and be advised by David Costello (https://costellolab.weebly.com). The graduate student will develop field-based research projects that explore how urban streams function and how restoration and stormwater management in the urban landscape can ultimately influence the energy balance of streams. The student will have the opportunity to develop their own research projects that take advantage of state-of-the-art sensor technology and field sites in urban Cleveland and Denver.
 
We are looking for an exceptional MS applicant but applicants to the PhD program will also be considered. The Department of Biological Sciences guarantees funding for 2 years for MS students and 4 years for PhD students (includes summer funding). Independent research experience is required and experience with ecosystem ecology or biogeochemistry is preferred. Preference will be given to candidates with strong quantitative skills and a desire to handle large datasets; the graduate student will be asked to implement Bayesian statistical models in the software package R.
 
We are looking for a student to start in Fall 2019. If interested in the GA in Urban Stream Metabolism, please contact David Costello directly (dcostel3@kent.edu) and provide a CV/resume and a cover letter that briefly describes your background, expertise, and research interests. An official application must be submitted through KSU Admissions, and the admission deadline for Fall 2019 is Dec. 15 (Dec. 5 for international students).
 
For more information about graduate programs at Kent State please see:
 

Graduate Position: OhioStateU.SnakeVenomEvolution

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PhD position in Snake Venom Evolution

The Gibbs Lab in the Department of EEOB at Ohio State University is recruiting a Ph.D. student, to begin in Fall 2019, to develop a dissertation project on the evolution of venom diversity at the molecular level among closely-related species of New World snakes. The student will join a group that uses genomic, transcriptome and proteomic data to study snake venom proteins as models for the evolution of adaptations at the molecular level. The project would be part of an ongoing NSF (US)-FAPESP (Brazil) Dimensions of Biodiversity grant on snake venom evolution that involves institutions in the US (Ohio State, Florida State University, and Clemson University) and Brazil (Instituto Butantan). There would be the opportunity for training visits to these institutions.

The ideal applicant would have strong quantitative skills and proficiency or interest in learning bioinformatics techniques and experience in using molecular data to examine evolutionary questions. A Master’s degree is preferred but not required. This is primarily a lab-based project but with the possible opportunity for limited fieldwork.

The student would join an active lab that applies genomic techniques and bioinformatics analyses to a wide range of questions in the evolutionary biology and conservation genetics of vertebrates. The Department of EEOB provides year-round financial support (~ $28K/yr plus benefits and tuition) for PhD students for the duration of their program.

Interested students should contact Dr. H. Lisle Gibbs, Department of EEOB, Ohio State University at gibbs.128@osu.edu with a statement of interest, a CV, transcripts and GRE scores if available. I will start reviewing applications on 15 October.  Please see the lab (https://u.osu.edu/gibbslab) and department (http://eeob.osu.edu/) websites for more information.

Dr. H. Lisle Gibbs
Professor, Department of Evolution,  Ecology, and Organismal Biology
Director, Ohio Biodiversity Conservation Partnership
300 Aronoff Laboratory
Ohio State University
318 W. 12th Avenue

Columbus, Ohio 43210-1242 USA
T: 614 688 3861
F: 614 292 2030
E: gibbs.128@osu.edu<mailto:gibbs.128@osu.edu>
https://u.osu.edu/gibbslab/

MSc and PhD Assistantships: Spotted Owls and Barred Owls in California

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I am seeking 2-3 outstanding students to pursue MSc and PhD degrees in Wildlife Ecology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, programs housed in the Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology. Students’ theses and dissertations will focus on topics related to the ecology and management of spotted owls and barred owls in California. Possible topics the student’s thesis could address a range of topics including owl population dynamics, dispersal ecology, physiology, climate vulnerability, and ecosystem effects, but there is some flexibility in the specific questions the student would address with work likely involving a blend of field work, laboratory work, and population analyses.
 
The student would be advised by Associate Professor Zach Peery.http://labs.russell.wisc.edu/peery/ and be part of active research group. 
 
Funding for successful applicants’ stipend, tuition, and health insurance is available for at least three years mostly via research assistantships. 
 
Applicants for MSc positions must possess bachelor’s degree and applicants for PhD positions should possess a MSc degree in animal ecology, conservation biology, or closely related field. Applicants with strong field, quantitative, lab, and writing skills, as well as a demonstrated ability to publish peer-reviewed papers, will be given preference. 
 
To be considered for this position, please send – by Oct 15, 2018 – a cover letter outlining your interests and research background, a curriculum vitae (including GPA and GRE scores), and contact information for three professional references (name, email, phone, address) as either a PDF or MS Word file to uw.spotted.owl@gmail.com.  
 
The selected student is expected begin field work in early spring 2019 and enroll at the UW-Madison in Fall Semester 2019. More details on the graduate programs can be found at:
 
 
 
For more info, contact:
Zach Peery
Associate Professor
Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology
University of Wisconsin, Madison
Madison, WI 53706

Graduate Research Assistantship – Malone Ecology Lab

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Graduate Research Assistantship Announcement
 
Graduate positions (MS and PhD) are available to pursue research in post-fire recovery or C dynamics in the Florida Everglades with the Malone Ecology Lab at Florida International University (Miami, FL). Research will focus on estimating post-fire recovery rates in Everglades fire-dependent ecosystems or understanding the effects of increased freshwater inputs and salt water intrusion on the current and future carbon balance of Everglade wetlands.
 
Qualifications:
  •  
  • Undergraduate
  • degree (BS or BA) in a related field (e.g.,

  • Ecology, forestry, biology, environmental science, etc.).
  •  
  •  
  • Familiarity
  • with ArcGIS, R, and Landsat products.
  •  
  •  
  • Prior
  • research experience.
  •  
 
To apply, please submit the following to Dr. Sparkle Malone (smalone@fiu.edu):
1) Resume or curriculum vitae
2) Transcripts
3) Contact information for three references
 
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
 
Malone Ecology Lab: http://Malonelab.fiu.edu
FIU Graduate School: http://gradschool.fiu.edu
Department of Biological Sciences: http://biology.fiu.edu
 
WorldsAhead
Sparkle L. Malone
Assistant Professor
Department of Biological Sciences
Owa Ehan 239
11200 SW 8th St
Miami, FL 33199
Phone: 305-348-1988

Graduate (MSc) Positions in Wetland Fire Ecology – Deadline Oct 1

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Subject: Graduate (MSc) Positions in Wetland Fire Ecology – Deadline Oct 1

Graduate (MSc) positions are available to pursue research in fire science and ecology of the Everglades in the Plant Ecology Lab at Florida Atlantic University. Research will focus on quantifying fire behavior and its consequences for landscape structure and ecosystem function in wetlands. This research is being done in cooperation with Everglades National Park, A.R.M. Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, and other regional agency and university collaborators. Positions will start for the Spring 2019 semester through either the Environmental Science or Biological Science Master’s degree programs (links below) and will be supported by a combination of teaching and research assistantships. The lab is located on the FAU campus in Davie, Florida.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Undergraduate degree (BS or BA) in a related field (e.g., forestry, biology, environmental science, etc.)
  • Eligibility and acceptance into the graduate program
  • Valid US driver’s license and willingness to operate full-size pickup trucks
  • Ability and willingness to work in difficult field conditions (high heat and humidity, stinging insects, dense and abrasive vegetation, wildlife) accessed by airboat or helicopter
  • Ability to work independently as well as in a team setting
  • Must pass a background check

Preferred (but not mandatory) Qualifications:

  • Demonstrated ability for independent scientific research
  • Prior field work experience, especially for related activities (e.g., wetland, plant, or fire ecology)
  • Red Card wildland fire certification
  • Motorboat (MOCC) and/or airboat (AOCC) operator certification

The application deadline for both graduate programs is October 1st. Interested applicants must contact Dr. Brian Benscoter (bbenscot@fau.edu) prior to applying to discuss their candidacy (a letter of sponsorship is required for the application) by emailing a letter discussing your interest and qualifications, a list of relevant completed coursework (or unofficial transcript), resume/CV, GRE scores, and contact information for professional references (min. 2 references).

Plant Ecology Lab Website: www.science.fau.edu/benscoterlab

Environmental Science MS Program: http://www.science.fau.edu/envirosci/esms_program.php

Biological Sciences MS Program: http://biology.fau.edu/academics/graduate/ms-thesis-biology-degree-programs-graduate-1.php

**************

Brian W. Benscoter, MSc PhD

Associate Professor, Department of Biological Sciences

Florida Atlantic University

3200 College Ave Davie, FL 33314 USA

Tel: 954.236.1141  Fax: 954.236.1099

Webpage: www.science.fau.edu/benscoterlab

PhD in applied forest ecology

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The University of Alabama Forest Dynamics Lab is seeking PhD students interested in applied forest ecology. Our primary research interests are forest stand dynamics and forest disturbance ecology, but specific research themes vary considerably. Students have the opportunity to build upon prior and ongoing work in the lab, including our network of permanent plots and existing datasets. Students may also launch new projects in their interest areas. Many of our studies are based on the nearby Talladega National Forest or Bankhead National Forest, and much of our work is funded by the USDA Forest Service. Students are typically funded on assistantships, but fellowships are available for exceptional applicants.
 
Interested students should send a CV, GPA, GRE scores if available, and a statement of interest to Justin Hart (hart013@ua.edu).
 
To learn more about our lab please visit http://fdl.ua.edu
 
The Forest Dynamics Lab is housed within the Department of Geography at the University of Alabama. The Department has programs offering MS and PhD degrees with multiple concentration areas. The department includes state-of-the-art facilities in geospatial science and has strong ties to the NOAA National Water Center, located on campus, and other state and federal agencies. The Forest Dynamics Lab works in close collaboration with the staff of the nearby national forests and of the NEON Ozarks Complex. Tuscaloosa is a vibrant college town with great food, music, night life, and college athletics. We are accepting students to begin in January and May of 2019.

Ph.D. bumble bee host-microbe evolutionary ecology

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PhD bumble bee host-microbe evolutionary ecology

The Sadd lab in the School of Biological Sciences at Illinois State University is seeking an exceptional and motivated graduate student (PhD preferred, but MS applications considered) to study evolutionary and ecological interactions between bumble bees and their beneficial gut microbes. Successful candidates will develop research projects that complement the aims of a NIH funded project building on ongoing studies investigating bee-microbe interactions, how host immunity influences these, and fitness relevant outcomes including pathogen infection.
The lab integrates laboratory experiments and field collections with whole-organism, immunological, microbiological, and functional genomic approaches. More information on the Sadd Infectious Disease Ecology lab can be found here:
https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ffaculty.sharepoint.illinoisstate.edu%2Fbmsadd&amp;data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7C203060fdce904b5589b708d613f4fd12%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636718340269332932&amp;sdata=oOyvUTLvvOublQrcBf07o02VvyaAEC%2FOFmdSWkliqtc%3D&amp;reserved=0

Competitive applicants will have prior research experience, quantitative skills, the ability to work independently and as part of a team, and strong oral and written communication abilities.
Applicants with previous experience with the evolutionary ecology of host-microbe interactions, statistics and data visualization (e.g. R, Python), and analysis of RNAseq or metagenomic datasets will be preferred.

The position will be funded through a combination of research assistantships on Sadd lab grants and teaching assistantships provided through the graduate program of the School of Biological Sciences at Illinois State University. Additionally, applicants are strongly encouraged to apply for their own fellowships, with the NSF pre-doctoral fellowship
(https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=www.nsfgrfp.org&amp;data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7C203060fdce904b5589b708d613f4fd12%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636718340269332932&amp;sdata=lAW%2BT7QvS0kVOY62mSHCBSERixbSlB2nS%2B3KzYWI1rE%3D&amp;reserved=0) being one of the
most appropriate.

A start date of January 2019 is preferred, although candidates for Fall
2019 may be considered.
For initial unofficial consideration, please email pdfs of i) a cover letter stating your research interest and qualifications, including GRE scores, and ii) your CV including names and contact details of two references to Dr. Ben Sadd (bmsadd@ilstu.edu) by September 16th. This will allow time to discuss your research interests and fit with the group before the target date of October 1st for applications to be in to the University. Please seehttps://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbiology.illinoisstate.edu%2Fgraduate%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7C203060fdce904b5589b708d613f4fd12%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636718340269332932&amp;sdata=AxnUGAAI9kvFwimTH3rJmLjpds0OYybIZU0OR%2FZ0qcY%3D&amp;reserved=0 and tabs therein for general information on our graduate program in the School of Biological Sciences. Information about the requirements for official applications to the graduate program can be found here:
https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbiology.illinoisstate.edu%2Fgraduate%2FgraduatePrograms%2FapplicationProcedure%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7C203060fdce904b5589b708d613f4fd12%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636718340269332932&amp;sdata=BZTDdXrsMYtACPWKPraYLUldPgHLDbCbFfZVF3prEAo%3D&amp;reserved=0
Please contact me with any enquires for additional information.

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