Opportunities

Position Announcement: Conservation Communication Intern for Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation

PARC is an inclusive partnership dedicated to the conservation of reptiles and amphibians and their habitats. Our network includes individuals from local, state and federal governments, zoos and aquariums, non-governmental organizations, industry (e.g., pet trade, forest products), museums, nature centers, universities, research laboratories, environmental consultants, private contractors, and more. The diversity of our membership makes PARC the most comprehensive conservation effort ever undertaken for amphibians and reptiles. For more information, seehttp://parcplace.org/.
 
Internship duties include, but are not limited to:
 
(1)
Creating clear, interesting, and engaging content for PARC’s annual report. Content will be solicited from partners for the intern to edit.
(a)
Gathering content and photos from designated contributors, including sending reminder emails. Contact information of contributors will be provided.
(b)
Transferring content between formats (e.g., Google Form to Word)
(c)
Working with PARC’s Graphic Designer on layout and design.
(d)
Communicating feedback from PARC’s National Coordinators to the Graphics Designer.
(2)
 Distilling content from PARC’s regional habitat management guidelines (see http://parcplace.org/habitat/habitat-management-guidelines/) into topical infographics, flyers, or fact sheets.
 
(3)
Submitting drafts for review to:
(a)
 PARC’s National Coordinators (for the annual report; see past examples here: http://parcplace.org/about/annual-reports/)
(b)
PARC’s Executive Committee (for infographics, flyers, and fact sheets)
 
(4)
Working closely with PARC’s Joint National Steering Committee Executive Assistant.
(5)
 Other duties as assigned (e.g., materials for PARC’s 20-year anniversary) or as intern’s interest and time permits.
 
 
Time required: The annual report will be the primary project from October through January.
October, January
: Anticipated time required is
2-3 hrs/wk
November, December
: Anticipated time required is u
p to 10 hrs/wk
Remainder of the year
: 1-2
 hrs/wk, depending on what projects are available/initiated
 
Compensation:  This is a paid internship with a maximum stipend for the year. Monthly compensation will vary based on the types of tasks identified and time required to complete them. The selected intern will be provided with performance evaluations. Continuation in the position is contingent upon satisfactory performance. If not performing adequately, guidance will be provided on what measures need to be taken to improve and succeed.
 
College Credit: We encourage students to speak with their professors about eligibility for credit for this internship; PARC will provide certification of hours worked or other required information for academic departments. 
 
Desired qualifications:
(1)
Superb communication skills and creativity
(2)
Experience with written conservation communications
(3)
Ability to synthesize large amounts of information and distill into key components and compelling messages     
(4)
Basic understanding of amphibian and reptile species conservation concepts
(5)
Keen attention to detail
(6)
Effective time management skills and the ability to meet deadlines
(7)
Willingness to accept constructive feedback and edits
 
Benefits to the intern:
(1)
Professional conservation communications experience
(2)
Access to PARC’s network, providing valuable connections with leaders and experts in the amphibian and reptile conservation field
(3)
Knowledge of current amphibian and reptile conservation issues and engagement with amphibian and reptile experts on those issues
(4)
Understanding of the inner workings of an international conservation partnership
 
It is possible that additional options to gain experience may come available in PARC, dependent on availability of new tasks as well as the intern’s demonstrated performance and strengths.
 
Length of Term: Minimum of 12 months
 
Duty Station: There is no fixed work site for this position. All work will occur remotely.
 
To apply, you must submit the following to PARC’s National Coordinators at parc_coordinators@parcplace.org no later than Wednesday, September 12, 2018:
(1)
A brief resume or curriculum vitae (2 pages or less highlighting your most pertinent experience)
(2)
A cover letter or letter of interest
, in which you should include:
(a)
Why you want the position
(b)
The unique qualifications you would bring to the job     
(c)
What you would like to get out of the experience
(3)
Three professional references
 
(4)
Look at the PARC Endorsements page: http://parcplace.org/network/parc-endorsements/. Use it to provide a writing sample of how you would make the page more inspirational. Tell readers why PARC is providing endorsements and why partners should seek a PARC endorsement.
(5)
Provide one other conservation communication writing sample from a previous project or position.
 

PhD opportunity in Ecology, Evolution, or Evolutionary Ecology

PhD opportunity in Ecology, Evolution, or Evolutionary Ecology

The Turcotte Lab of Evolutionary Community Ecology at the University of Pittsburgh is looking for a PhD student interested in ecology, evolution, or evolutionary-ecology. The lab tests the dynamic interplay between rapid evolution and community ecology in both lab and field settings.  Many topics can be pursued including, but not limited to, how plastic and rapid evolutionary changes impact species coexistence and the eco-evolutionary responses of communities to environmental change.
We address such topics using various plant and insect study systems and apply methods such as experimental evolution, community manipulations, modeling, and genetic analyses.

Please visit the lab webpage for more information:
https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=www.martinturcotte.net&data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7C2953e2d4241d44c5361208d60d99f878%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636711352279336088&sdata=EXbPIeRCck0QjVxceSeZvr%2BIaehkNk74fkOFUBiSRoY%3D&reserved=0

The Department of Biological Sciences is a dynamic and growing team of enthusiastic researchers and educators. Within the last 2 years we have hired 6 new assistant professors in ecology or evolution! 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 turcotte@pitt.edu

PhD Position Available to Study Stand Dynamics, Forest Restoration, and Fire Ecology of Upland Oak and/or Pine Forests

A PhD position is available in the Forest and Fire Ecology Lab (http://forestfire.fwrc.msstate.edu/) at Mississippi State University (Starkville, MS) to study stand dynamics, fire ecology, and forest restoration of upland oak and/or pine forests. The student’s research will examine how changes in forest composition and structure as a consequence of changing fire regimes and/or herbivory impact regeneration of desired species and the potential outcomes for forest restoration at a variety of sites, including Spirit Hill Farm and Holly Springs National Forest in northern Mississippi and Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest in western Kentucky. The student will interact with faculty in the Department of Forestry and Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture, private landowners, and state/federal agency personnel. The student will be appointed as a Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) in the Department of Forestry. In addition to developing and executing dissertation research, the student will be expected to (1) act as a teaching assistant for undergraduate courses in Dendrology and/or Ecology during several semesters, (2) assist other collaborating researchers with their projects, and (3) contribute to departmental, college, and university service. Applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree in forestry, ecology, biology, or a related field; preference will be given to applicants with a MS degree in one of these fields. Prior experience in fieldwork related to forest ecology, silviculture, and/or wildlife habitat management is required. Successful candidates must demonstrate an aptitude for research, strong analytical and oral and written scientific communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to work independently and as a team. Applicants must be capable of working long hours outdoors exposed to harsh weather, biting insects, and thorny vegetation. If interested, please email to Dr. Heather Alexander (heather.alexander@msstate.edu) (1) a cover letter discussing interest in the research, qualifications, and applicable background experience; (2) a resume/CV; (3) unofficial transcripts; and (4) contact information for three professional references. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Details on the full application process to the MSU Graduate School can be found at http://www.grad.msstate.edu/prospective/. Financial support is available for three years, starting as soon as January 2019, and includes a stipend, tuition waiver, and health insurance. Funding for additional semesters may be available if needed. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

JOB Plant Conservation and Natural Lands Research Associate

Subject: JOB Plant Conservation and Natural Lands Research Associate

The Plant Conservation team at the San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research seeks a Research Associate to perform assigned activities related to habitat restoration, research on endangered species, seed collections processing, data entry, and record keeping. Co-mentored by the Director of Plant Conservation and Natural Lands Manager and reporting to the Director of Plant Conservation, the Research Associate position is Full-Time, benefited and grant funded through December 2020, with possible extension in the event of additional funding.

The San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research is the largest zoo-based multi-disciplinary research effort in the world. Based at the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Center for Conservation Research adjacent to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, more than 200 dedicated scientists carry out research vital to the conservation of animals, plants, and habitats, locally and internationally.  It is located adjacent to the  San Diego Zoo Safari Park is located in San Pasqual Valley near Escondido, California. This position offers ZOO Perks, which include discounts on food/premium products, free and discounted admission to local attractions, and accrual of vacation and sick time.

The ideal candidate:
*       Assists Natural Lands Manager with land management and ongoing restoration
research
*       Assists with seed processing
*       Assists with germination trials of endangered plant species
*       Updates and maintains plant records and research data
*       Assists with database management.
*       Coordinates GIS data with internal and external partners.
*       Conducts literature reviews
*       Contributes to SDZG online presence through blogs and website updates
*       Works with volunteer groups to accomplish restoration and seed bank tasks
*       Maintains supply inventories and prepares purchase requisitions
*       Tracks budget expenditures
*       Contributes to written annual reports and publications
*       Adheres to all SDZG and department policies and practices
*       Practices the GRRREAT Customer Service Standards
In addition:
*       may analyze data
*       may train and oversee students and volunteers
*       may occasionally assist with field collections
*       performs related duties and responsibilities as required
Qualifiications for this position include:
*       B.S. or M.S. degree in plant sciences, botany, ecology, restoration
ecology, invasion biology
*       excellent written and oral communication
*       experience with monitoring plants and animals, field techniques, GPS and GIS
*       experience in data collection, entry and analysis
*       attention to detail.
*       ability to work cooperatively with SDZG colleagues as well as independently
*       computer literacy in MS Word, Excel, GPS and ArcGIS software, R and
statistical tools
*       preferred experience with UNIX operating system or R programming language.
*       must have a valid California driver’s license

Applicants must be able to safely lift and carry up to 40 lbs, hike off-trail on steep terrain for extended periods, and endure exposure to the
elements: heat, cold, rain, insects, etc. that are all a routine part of the position.  Laboratory work may include working with hazardous chemicals or biohazardous materials, requires sitting, standing, microscope work, and ability to work in close quarters.

Deadline for application is Thursday, September 13, 2018. Apply by emailing cover letter and two letters of recommendation to Dr. Joyce Maschinski, Director Plant Conservation, jmaschinski@sandiegozoo.org and completing online system at:
https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hrapply.com%2Fsandiegozoo%2FAppJobView.jsp%3Flink%3D9149%26page%3DAppJobList.jsp%26skimSessionName%3Dcom.hrlogix.view.tags.bootstrap.table.JobListTable%26skimName%3Drequisition.requisition_id%26skimNdx%3D0%26amp%3Bop%3Dreset&data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7C41bb61b6c1494f23479208d60c156b1b%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636709683467567221&sdata=ul6MRPkFQCkR3PyMNimjD5D%2FqXwTMPwa4PTsJWQFdlk%3D&reserved=0

THIS EMPLOYER PARTICIPATES IN E-VERIFY. **San Diego Zoo Global is a smoke-free workplace** SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL IS AN EEO/AA/DISABILITY/PROTECTED VETERAN EMPLOYER.

ALL NEW HIRES ARE SUBJECT TO PASSING A DRUG SCREEN.
SOME EMPLOYMENT CONTINGENT UPON PASSING PRE-PLACEMENT TESTING.

Undergraduate internship and volunteer opportunities

Dear Students,
 
UCONN has been developing a relationship with our local land trust (Joshua’s Trust) that provides a wealth of internship and volunteering opportunities, not to mention great hiking and people. In particular, Joshua’s Trust is looking to characterize its properties using GPS and other geospatial information. They welcome interns who would like to get credit for working with them in-depth. Projects include trail characterization and maintenance, working with geo-databases, digital mapping, etc. They are also happy to have students just visit one of their sites for a hike and characterize the property with a GPS as they go. This is a quick and beautiful way to both enjoy local hikes and help a wonderful organization!
 
If you are interested in interning or volunteering to collect data while hiking, please contact Professor Jolly-Ballantine and he can hook you up with a GPS and interesting hike (if you are volunteering) or contact information if you are looking for an internship. Enjoy these beautiful days and the beautiful woods around us! Cheers,
 
Andy Jolly-Ballantine
 
John Andrew Jolly-Ballantine, Ph.D.
Assistant Director, Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning
Department of Geography
University of Connecticut
(860) 486-2579
 
 

Research Technician position

Research Technician
The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) is hiring a Research Technician to support and enhance experimental research in the Biogeochemistry laboratory.  Research is related to studying the effects of global change factors on the ecology and structure of tidal wetlands.  This position seeks a motivated individual who will contribute to research efforts in a multidisciplinary environment.  Tasks include, but are not limited to, maintaining and upgrading experiment infrastructure and equipment, collecting and analyzing biological samples, and operating laboratory equipment.  Applicants must be detail-oriented, organized, and able to work on several projects at once.  In addition, applicants must be able to lift heavy equipment, roughly 50 pounds, and able to work outside in all environmental conditions.  Qualifications include experience working in a field and laboratory setting.  Experience working with power tools and constructing infrastructure is a plus.  
SERC is located in Edgewater, MD.  This is a one-year, entry-level position that will begin in October 2018.  The Smithsonian Institution is an equal opportunity employer; individuals who are underrepresented in the scientific field are encouraged to apply. 
To apply, please email a copy of your curriculum vitae, a 1-2 page cover letter describing how your experience and interests meet the requirements of this position, and a list of 3 professional references (with email and phone contact information included) to Jenelle Whitman at whitmanj@si.edu.
Applications will start being reviewed immediately and will be accepted until the position is filled. 
 

PhD Position: Dam Removal and Stream Ecology (University of Massachusetts Amherst)

From: Allison Roy [mailto:allison.h.roy@GMAIL.COM]
Sent: Friday, August 24, 2018 2:45 PM
Subject: PhD Position: Dam Removal and Stream Ecology (University of Massachusetts Amherst)

PhD Position: Dam Removal and Stream Ecology Massachusetts Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit University of Massachusetts Amherst https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Feco.umass.edu%2Fpositions-in-eco%2F&data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7C973aa5e58e2f467703ac08d60a7ce824%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636707928925155289&sdata=ZxLVIucUY9%2FDF7CyA%2B%2BXroY1BZB0%2F5wh93l46vVearM%3D&reserved=0

Position Description: A PhD position is available to assess the effects of small dam removal on stream ecosystems in Massachusetts. The research involves deploying and maintaining water quality loggers for temperature and dissolved oxygen; sampling and identifying benthic macroinvertebrates; and sampling fish assemblages. Over the last 4 years, we have been collecting pre-removal and initial post-removal data at >12 dam sites, and the incoming student will be able to build on existing data and analyze a large, comprehensive dataset, with flexibility of adding additional components. The student will work closely with collaborators from the USDA Forest Service, Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration, Trout Unlimited, Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, and American Rivers. The successful candidate would enroll in the PhD program in the Department of Environmental Conservation (https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Feco.umass.edu%2Fdegree-&data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7C973aa5e58e2f467703ac08d60a7ce824%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636707928925155289&sdata=Pi9hYM1xC5qXncc%2F4nGsoB3a3oBWKTZ11hTzHOwrMqk%3D&reserved=0
programs/graduate-programs/) or the Organismic and Evolutionary Biology graduate program (https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fgpls.cns.umass.edu%2Foeb&data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7C973aa5e58e2f467703ac08d60a7ce824%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636707928925155289&sdata=49lXrwtdVdwsMVqSJJ6gz2PetmJwTB1z%2BaM6ZcvnpTA%3D&reserved=0), if accepted, and be part of the MA Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit (https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.coopunits.org%2FMassachusetts%2F&data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7C973aa5e58e2f467703ac08d60a7ce824%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636707928925155289&sdata=B8LSONB1H9m7y5P1dqhdt0ch6IrgvZkZdc6GqxQZTcM%3D&reserved=0).

Qualifications: Competitive candidates will have a background in stream ecology with an interest and expertise in water quality and biota, field sampling, and statistics. Good communication (both oral and written), organization, and quantitative skills are required. Experience in macroinvertebrate identification and R software are strongly desired, but not required. Particular consideration will be given to candidates who hold an MS degree in a relevant field, but we will consider non-MS degree holding candidates if they can demonstrate research experience, relevant skills, and accomplishment.

Salary/Benefits: The position will begin in January 2019. The student will be funded primarily on a research assistantship through Trout Unlimited and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Current graduate student stipends are $29,734 for a 20 hour/week assistantship, plus a tuition waiver. When funded at UMass, benefits are available through the Graduate Employee Organization (https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.geouaw.org%2F&data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7C973aa5e58e2f467703ac08d60a7ce824%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636707928925155289&sdata=7Vroi4z%2BZhPqZ4PlkvABwXR4ufR6c0GxfmFS8Hn3u4s%3D&reserved=0). Funding is also available for travel to support site visits and attend professional conferences.

Application: To apply, send 1) a cover letter describing your interests and experiences as they relate to the position, 2) a CV with names and contact information for 3 references, and 3) unofficial transcripts to Allison Roy (aroy@eco.umass.edu). The deadline for applications is 20 September 2018.

Faculty Advisor:
Dr. Allison Roy, U.S. Geological Survey, Massachusetts Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, University of Massachusetts Amherst

Project Collaborators:
Dr. Keith Nislow, USDA Forest Service, Northern Research Station Dr. Erin Rodgers, Trout Unlimited Kris Houle & Beth Lambert, Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration Steven Mattocks, Dr. Rebecca Quinones, & Todd Richards, Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife Amy Singler, American Rivers & The Nature Conservancy

Ph.D. student position in Global Change Ecology, University of Utah

Subject: Ph.D. student position in Global Change Ecology, University of Utah

Ph.D. student position in Global Change Ecology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah

We are seeking Ph.D. students interested in global change ecology to join the Anderegg Lab in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Utah. We have ongoing projects on an array of topics, including drought-induced tree mortality, recovery after climate extremes, plant functional traits and ecosystem carbon/water fluxes, and ecosystem modeling.
Candidates with research interests in ecosystem ecology, ecological modeling, ecophysiology, or plant ecology would be strong fits. Interested applicants should send a current CV including GPA and GRE scores and a brief statement describing your research interests and background to William Anderegg (anderegg@utah.edu). For more details on the lab, check out our website (https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anderegglab.net%2F&data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7C3392a79629e744b2b3a608d60821292e%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636705335856061415&sdata=%2F%2FvKrVCxJ1S1lbk%2BExRSdId52Sl7GkJKpfYbipM6rKg%3D&reserved=0). The School of Biological Sciences at UU offers a competitive package for graduate students. Applications are due January 3, 2019.

The University of Utah is a comprehensive and diverse Research I public institution located in the Wasatch Front urban corridor with easy access to research and recreational opportunities in the Rocky Mountains, Great Basin, and the Colorado Plateau. Salt Lake City is a dynamic, high-tech and bike-friendly metropolitan area with high-quality cultural and entertainment amenities, an extensive public transit system, a sunny, dry four-season climate and “the Greatest Snow on Earth.” With an enrollment of 31,000 students, it is the flagship university for the state of Utah. The University of Utah is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and educator. Underrepresented groups, women, veterans, and those with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

PhD position – Comparative Population Genomics of Southeastern Freshwater Mussels

Subject: PhD position – Comparative Population Genomics of Southeastern Freshwater Mussels

A PhD position in comparative population genomics of southeastern freshwater mussels is available in Jeff Lozier’s lab (https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Flozierlab.ua.edu%2F&data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7C6baeff1e4e5e4f78549408d608211821%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636705335563773981&sdata=qWsu1CpLzIHlKB%2F9fe62Frc6tmCh1NrGAhmgv1dmhWg%3D&reserved=0) at the University of Alabama Department of Biological Sciences
(https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbsc.ua.edu%2F&data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7C6baeff1e4e5e4f78549408d608211821%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636705335563773981&sdata=CMWsFNHwP7HLP8cs4j3yV1TeUGyHsMnPBGcb5OvaYBk%3D&reserved=0) as part of a recently funded NSF Dimensions of Biodiversity project. We are looking to recruit a highly motivated PhD student to examine comparative population genetics of freshwater mussel communities in streams of the Mobile and Tennessee River basins, which is a major biodiversity hotspot for mussels and several other freshwater taxa.
The project will involve extensive high throughput sequencing of numerous populations and species (including whole genome and reduced representation sequencing), with the goal of understanding how population and species level processes relate to broader eco-evolutionary processes. More details relating to the study objectives can been found at the project website (https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fmussels.ua.edu%2F&data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7C6baeff1e4e5e4f78549408d608211821%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636705335563773981&sdata=%2BCZOCE4IzwilpBNZisB047QKluB9wAfGOVsyJ2T2Nwo%3D&reserved=0). The student will be expected to develop specific research questions relating to population, conservation, and landscape genetics within the context of these broader project objectives.

Applicants must have a strong academic record (GPA > 3.0), strong written and verbal communication skills, and a desire to build strong quantitative and data management skills. Experience in laboratory and computational analysis of modern genetic data is preferred. The student will work closely with a postdoc and another PhD student being simultaneously recruited by Carla Atkinson’s lab (https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fatkinsonlab.ua.edu%2F&data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7C6baeff1e4e5e4f78549408d608211821%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636705335563773981&sdata=C%2BrPDCDZJpmU%2BAMqxga9nPGzg6o96URTntmBEgbZMjU%3D&reserved=0) at UA and with collaborators at the University of Mississippi, so an interest in working as part of a collaborative team is a must.

Interested applicants should send a (1) cover letter describing research experience and goals, (2) curriculum vitae, (3) unofficial transcripts and GRE scores, (4) a writing example, and (5) contact information of 2-3 individuals familiar with research/academic performance to Jeff Lozier (jlozier@ua.edu). Start date is negotiable for Spring, Summer, or Fall 2019 semesters. Review of materials will start immediately.

Jeff Lozier
Associate Professor
Biological Sciences
The University of Alabama
Office 205-348-2754
jlozier@ua.edu | lozierlab.ua.edu

PhD position – Functional Trait Diversity/Aquatic Ecology

Subject: PhD position – Functional Trait Diversity/Aquatic Ecology

A PhD Position in Functional Trait Diversity of Southeastern Freshwater Mussels is available in Carla Atkinson’s lab (https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fatkinsonlab.ua.edu%2F&data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7Ce84c660a9b604c3a82d008d608210b5c%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636705335350703977&sdata=xOEhC%2BLLbOL8sk4h9ydzr6aiixOSmr9qzWm5Sc6kAe0%3D&reserved=0) at the University of Alabama as part of a recently funded NSF Dimensions of Biodiversity project (https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fmussels.ua.edu%2F&data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7Ce84c660a9b604c3a82d008d608210b5c%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636705335350703977&sdata=ExWp8sOxnrbvQAZmOBnG1iX49G3N3BtCZG1XNaPPQVs%3D&reserved=0). We are looking to recruit a highly motivated PhD student to examine the functional traits of a diverse group of animals, the unionid mussels, in several streams in the Mobile and Tennessee River basins, the diversity hotspot for freshwater mussels and several other freshwater taxa. The project will involve using ecological stoichiometry and other organismal traits to examine trait diversity within and across communities in the focal watersheds with the goal of understanding how functional diversity patterns relate to overall habitat diversity and population-level and species-level diversity. The student is also anticipated to formulate their own research questions related to the project that could span topics such as trophic ecology, distribution modeling, nutrient uptake and transformations, and ecosystem metabolism within this broader project objective.

Applicants must have a strong academic record (GPA > 3.0), strong written and verbal communication skills, possess prior experience working in streams, a desire to build strong quantitative skills, SCUBA certified (or willingness to get certified), and an interest in working as part of a large collaborative team. In addition, preference will be given to applicants with prior experience conducting water chemistry analyses, familiarity with R, using ArcGIS software, and with a demonstrated publication record. The student will work closely with a postdoc in Atkinson’s lab and another PhD student being recruited by Jeff Lozier’s lab (https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Flozierlab.ua.edu%2F&data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7Ce84c660a9b604c3a82d008d608210b5c%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636705335350703977&sdata=Bc95j7sNJUmvFL5lEj7L%2FS5VzJzAFNrco75DE8O%2FBcA%3D&reserved=0) in the Dept. of Biological Sciences at UA and with collaborators at the University of Mississippi, so an interest in working as part of a collaborative team is a must.

Interested applicants should send a (1) cover letter describing research experience and goals, (2) curriculum vitae, (3) unofficial transcripts and GRE scores, (4) a writing example, and (5) contact information of 2-3 individuals familiar with research/academic performance to Carla Atkinson (clatkinson@ua.edu). Start date is negotiable for Spring or Summer 2019 semesters. Review of materials will start immediately.

Carla Atkinson
Assistant Professor
Biological Sciences
The University of Alabama
Office 205-348-6805
clatkinson@ua.edu | atkinsonlab.ua.edu