Research Assistant Position Available, June 25- September 30, with extension contingent on available funding Archbold Biological Station-University of Florida, Long Term Agroecosystem Research

Archbold Biological Station and its partner site University of Florida Range Cattle Research Center (UF RCREC) are part of the Long-term Agroecosystem Research Network (LTAR https://ltar.nal.usda.gov  ), a network of 18 agroecosystems across the United States that seek to address the grand challenge of maintaining multiple ecosystem services in food production systems.

The Archbold-UF RCREC sites (www.maerc.org; rcrec-ona.ifas.ufl.edu) have a
>70-year history of research, conservation, and education programs
>focused
on enhancing agricultural production and preserving natural resources associated with subtropical humid grassland and shrub landscapes in Florida. Interdisciplinary research at the Archbold-UF RCREC address the complex functioning of agricultural and natural lands within the region.
Educational programs provide science-based information that supports decision-making strategies to maintain the sustainability of agroecosystems. Climate is characterized by subtropical conditions with an average annual precipitation of ~ 1650 mm (> 65% occurring from June to
October) and average minimum and maximum daily temperatures ranging from
16.9 to 28.2o C. http://www.maerc.org/html/research/ltar.html#.WxaDT0xFyM8

We are in search of one motivated individual to fulfill a research assistant position located at Archbold’s working ranch, Buck Island Ranch.
The research assistant will join the MacArthur Agroecology Research Center, led by Dr. Elizabeth Boughton, consisting of a diverse and fun team of post- docs, environmental scientists, research assistants and interns.

The Archbold-UF LTAR Research Assistant will collect and manage data in support of LTAR activities.
General Tasks:
*       Responsible for collection and processing of plant, soil, and
greenhouse gas samples.
*       Responsible for plant aboveground biomass collection and processing
on a monthly schedule.
*       Responsible for drying, sorting (live and dead biomass), and
weighing biomass and entering data into excel spreadsheets in an organized manner.
*       Responsible for assisting with plant diversity and composition data
within different grazing land types:  improved pasture, semi-native pasture, and native rangeland.
*       Prepare samples and documentation for shipping samples and ships to
the analytical laboratory,
*       Responsible for assisting and/or performing laboratory analysis of
soil, plant, and gas samples
*       Maintains excellent records of all activities and data files.
*       Performs other reasonable duties in cooperation with the LTAR
Research Scientists, as needed.

It is expected that the research assistant will be able to perform most tasks independently as needed after initial training. The research assistant will be willing to collect data in the field, drive field trucks between data collection sites, organize data into required formats, and perform all task in a highly professional manner. Travel between the cooperating sites is expected.

Minimum Requirements:
1.      A bachelor degree in science, biology, agro-ecology, agriculture or
equivalent.
2.      A valid driver license
3.      Willingness to work long hours in the field in sub-tropical Florida
environment
4.      Must have authorization for US employment.

Start-Date:
On or around June 25

To apply send cover letter, a resume, and contact information for three references to Dr. Elizabeth Boughton at eboughton@archbold-station.org.
Competitive salary with full benefits. Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, Minorities, Veterans and Disabled Persons are encouraged to apply.
Applications due by June 18th.

We are still accepting applications for fall, 2018 admission to the MS Environmental Biology program at Regis University in Denver, CO! The M.S. in Environmental Biology is a degree program that emphasizes skills crucial for success in the environmental and ecological workforce.

TOP FEATURES of our PROGRAM

-Focus on RELEVANT SKILLS demanded by environmental employers:
statistical computing (R), GIS, NEPA, grant writing & field work in the Rocky Mountains & elsewhere

– EARN A MASTER’S DEGREE in an intensive one-year program or up to 2 years as it fits with each student’s schedule/goals.

– HANDS-ON internship at local agencies or research experience with faculty members

– SMALL CLASS SIZES that allow students to build close relationships with faculty and other students

– KNOWLEDGABLE FACULTY focused on individual student goals and success

Go to: REGIS.EDU/ENVIRONMENT for more information on admission

The Phillips Laboratory (Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech
University) is accepting applications from highly motivated individuals
interested in pursuing a graduate degree in Biology, with a research
project focusing on the dynamics of microbiomes in wild populations of
bighorn sheep.  The successful applicant will be an individual that is
excited about the opportunity to integrate bioinformatics, biostatistics,
ecology, and evolutionary biology to understand and publish results about
complex biological systems.  No prior experience in scripting (mainly
bash and R) is required, but only applicants that are serious about
the opportunity to develop advanced scripting capabilities and strong
foundations in biostatistics and ecological principles need apply.
This position is available at the master’s or PhD level, but only
individuals currently holding a master’s degree or with experience
in microbiome research will be considered to enter at the PhD level.
The position will be supported by a Research Assistantship funded by the
Texas Bighorn Society and the Wild Sheep Foundation.  The position also
provides teaching experience in the form of Teaching Assistantships.
Collaboration with researchers in Tech’s Department of Natural Resource
Management will be a part of this position, and research findings may
inform disease risk across portions of bighorn sheep range in Texas.
This position will provide career development through a diverse and
technical training experience.

Applicants should send their CV and a Statement of Interest to Caleb
Phillips (caleb.phillips@ttu.edu, subject line = bighorn microbiome).

The Maness Organismal Biology Lab in The School of Biological Sciences at
Louisiana Tech University is accepting applications for a Masterขs/PhD
student interested in environmental microbiology/microbial ecology. The
student will develop a research project investigating microbes with the
ability to degrade environmental toxins or pollutants. Applicants should
have an interest in environmental science, genetics, enzyme kinetics,
and/or geographical information science as well as undergraduate STEM
education. Student support is ~$27,000/yr from a graduate assistantship in
the School of Biological Sciences and an NSF grant. Duties for the
assistantship will be to assist with teaching the lab component of one of
the School of Biological Sciences courses. The position will begin in the
Fall 2018-19 academic term.

Applicants should be motivated, creative, organized, and have strong
communication skills. Coursework in Genetics or Geographic Information
Science is recommended, but not required. Students of diverse backgrounds
are encouraged to apply. Successful candidates will have an undergraduate
degree in Biology, Environmental Science, or related field. Students must
meet admission requirements for the M.S. in Biology Program/PhD in
Molecular Sciences and Nanotechnology at Tech and be accepted into that
program to be eligible for the assistantship.

To apply send: (1) a statement of research interests and goals, (2)
unofficial transcripts, (3) CV, and (4) list of three references with
contact info to Terri Maness: tmaness@latech.edu. Application deadline is
5pm CST June 15, 2018.

UC Irvine – Masters in Conservation and Restoration Science

The Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and the Center for Environmental Biology (CEB) at the University of California, Irvine are accepting applications for the Masters in Conservation and Restoration Science (MCRS) graduate program providing training for students interested in careers in the research and management of natural resources. Is accepting applications for the second cohort of MCRS students for Fall 2018! Sectors and potential careers for MCRS graduates include: non- profit land management sector, local and federal government agencies, and environmental consulting firms. For more information, visit the MCRS webpage (http://mcrs.bio.uci.edu), or contact program administrators at uciconresscience@uci.edu.

The MCRS degree will provide students with the academic and professional skills needed to study, protect, and conserve natural resources, and to hold leadership and management positions in environmental fields related to conservation, restoration, and sustainability. Potential applicants will need a B.A. or B.S. degree, preferably in the natural sciences (biology, conservation biology, ecology, environmental science, forestry, wildlife biology, horticulture, or similar degree title) from a fully accredited academic institution. Applicants with undergraduate degrees in other areas will be considered, but must demonstrate proficiency in the natural sciences and/or practical experience working in this professional field.

The program includes two years of coursework and activities, including 18 units of core courses (e.g., ecology, conservation science), 16 units of topical electives (e.g., environmental policy, land use policy), 18 units of technical and professional skills courses (e.g., technical writing, GIS), and 8 units associated with technical and professional workshops (e.g., regional professional gatherings). A collaborative, year-long group capstone project (12 units), aligned with community partners, integrates the program’s learning objectives and applies student’s new skills to key environmental challenges facing society.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

The last round of applications will be reviewed for admission on July 1, 2018.

The Capps Lab in the Odum School of Ecology at the University of Georgia is interested in recruiting up to two MS students to begin coursework in the fall of 2019. I am excited to support MS students in the Ecology or the Conservation Ecology and Sustainable Development programs.

To work in our lab, you must: 1) meet the entrance requirements for the University of Georgia and be admitted to the program in the Odum School, 2) enjoy working in a team environment, and 3) have a strong work ethic.
Students in our lab group typically conduct a combination of field and laboratory work and integrate both experimental and observational approaches to answer ecological and/or socio-ecological questions pertaining to fresh water. Though there are funding sources that are available through UGA and the Odum School for competitive students (Fellowships/RAs/TAs), MS students will be encouraged to pursue additional grants and fellowships within UGA and from other funding agencies (e.g., EPA, NSF, the Fulbright Program) during their graduate studies.

Entrance to the Odum School of Ecology typically requires high GPAs and competitive verbal and quantitative GRE scores, though there is some flexibility if an applicant has extensive research experience and/or particularly strong letters of recommendation. If you have not taken your exams, but will complete them by November, please make sure to mention that information in your email. If you have concerns about the entrance requirements for the Odum School, please feel free to contact the director of graduate admissions, Dr. Katherine Adams.

Please read below to learn more about the research programs and the additional requirements for each position.

Position 1: This project will examine the long-term impacts of urbanization on the evolution of stream macroinvertebrate populations. The student will be advised by the research team of Krista Capps, Jill Anderson, and John Wares. Applicants should have completed or will complete a degree in biology, ecology, evolution, or a related field by August 2019. Applicants are required to have previous research experience, and those with previous experience working with freshwater macroinvertebrates and/or genetic analyses are preferred.

Position 2: This project will examine relationships between anthropogenically-derived subsidies and stream fish communities in a large, tropical river. The student will be advised by Krista Capps and will be working with research teams in the US and in Mexico. Applicants should have completed or will complete a degree in biology, ecology, chemistry, or a related field by August 2019. Applicants are required to have previous research experience, and those with previous experience working with freshwater fishes and/or biogeochemical analyses are preferred. Applicants must have some working knowledge of Spanish and be willing to live in Mexico for up to several months.

Contact Instructions: If you are interested in graduate study in the Capps Lab, please send Dr. Krista Capps (kcapps [ at ] uga.edu an email with (1) a two paragraph description of your research interests and relevant work/educational experience, (2) one sentence outlining your GRE (and TOEFL if applicable) scores, and (3) one-sentence identifying the degree you are interested in pursuing. Please attach a pdf of your curriculum vitae or resume and copies of university transcripts.

Useful Links:
Graduate Application Information:
http://www.ecology.uga.edu/admissions.php?Graduate_Application_Information-
3/
Support and Awards: http://www.ecology.uga.edu/admissions.php?
Support_and_Awards-10/

Subject: MS opportunity in community ecology

A MS position is available in the Davenport lab to study the effects of predator phenology on experimental food webs. The focal aspects of the research will pertain to responses of lower trophic levels and ecosystem function within pond ecosystems. The field component of the research will be conducted in the Missouri Ozarks and the experimental/lab work will be completed on campus at Appalachian State University. Coursework will be carried out at Appalachian State University and the field season will run from early September-late June. The student will also have additional research and outreach opportunities such as participating in long-term monitoring of wetland vertebrate populations and additional food web research. The position begins in the August 2018. This position will be supported by a TA position that includes an annual stipend and tuition waiver.

Qualifications: Prospective students should have prior experience in field biology, familiarity with zooplankton sampling and identification, a working knowledge of statistics, demonstrate good communication skills and be willing to work with others in humid environments. Prior experience in surveys of pond-breeding amphibians and invertebrates is preferred but not required. Prospective students should also possess a valid driver’s license. Preference is given to North Carolina state residents. A B.S. in biology, ecology or wildlife biology is required with a GPA >3.0. Applicant must meet admittance criteria set by the Appalachian State University Graduate School and Biology graduate program.

Application materials: Interested applicants should email the following items to Dr. Jon Davenport (davenportjm@appstate.edu) by June 10:  1) cover letter detailing past research experience and professional goals,
2) CV or resume, 3) 2 references, and 4) unofficial transcripts.

Subject: PH.D. Graduate Research Assistantship: Invasion Ecology in Agroecosystems

Ph.D. Assistantship –
Integrating new technologies to understand invasion ecology in Agroecosystems

We seek a highly motivated student to fill a fully funded Ph.D. position in the labs of Drs. Marcus Lashley and Garrett Street at Mississippi State University to study Invasion Ecology in Agroecosystems. This research is an extension of an ongoing 6+ year project (beginning year three now). The student will be expected to collect data with unmanned aerial vehicles
(UAV) to integrate with other in situ data sets into a landscape modelling framework with the objective of predicting the spatiotemporal probability of human wildlife conflicts, the effects of swine invasion on native wildlife communities, and swine population vulnerability as predicted by island biogeography theory. The successful student will have access to large data sets from radiotags and accelerometers deployed on feral swine, remotely sensed agricultural data, a captive feral swine facility, the Center for UAV Research, and camera traps deployed in remnant forest patches across Agroecosystems of the Mississippi Alluvial Valley.

Required Qualifications: Successful completion of the FAA UAS training will be required within the first semester. Possess or obtain a driver’s license. Ability to work in teams or individually in secluded and remote, hot and humid conditions, where most organisms want to sting, bite, or puncture you.

Preferred Qualifications: Strong quantitative, GIS, and written skills are desirable. Strong interpersonal skills, fun attitude with a good sense of humor, and desire to promote research and technology transfer through social media and public speaking.

Interested applicants should submit via email a cover letter outlining your interest in the project, a current curriculum vitae, contacts for three references, and an example of writing (preferably a peer-reviewed
publication) to Dr. Marcus Lashley, marcus.lashley@msstate.edu.
We will be accepting and reviewing applications immediately until a suitable applicant is found. Start date is flexible but intended for August 2018.