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.

The Glaberman Lab is looking for two graduate students to perform research on ecotoxicology as part of the Masters in Environmental Toxicology Program
(ETOX) at the University of South Alabama (USA).  This is a two-year program that combines coursework and a thesis research experience. We are looking for students to work on each of the following general projects:

(1)     Computational ecotoxicology: the student will focus on looking at the
genetic and protein basis for understanding differences in species sensitivity to chemicals. This project combines examination of molecular biology data and bioinformatics with available information on chemical toxicity. Experience with statistical software (e.g. R) or bioinformatics tools (e.g., BLAST) is a plus.

(2)     Nematode ecotoxicology: the student will help develop our new toxicity
testing system in nematodes. This includes performing nematode husbandry and designing toxicity testing procedures. The project will focus initially on looking at effects of neurotoxic pesticides on nematode behavior, survival, and reproduction. The goal is to build an improved system for examining effects of chemicals on soil health.

The deadline to apply to the MS program for Fall 2018 is July 15th, so prospective students should contact me at least several weeks in advance.
Students have the ability to earn an assistantship and stipend and serve as teaching assistant for extra money. More information on USA’s ETOX program can be found at:
http://southalabama.edu/graduatemajors/etox/

The Glaberman Lab is based in the Department of Biology at the University of South Alabama. We specialize in applying evolutionary biology approaches to ecotoxicology. More information on Dr. Glaberman’s laboratory can be found at:
http://scottglaberman.com

The University of South Alabama is located in Mobile, Alabama on the Gulf Coast. Mobile is a short drive from beautiful beaches and wildlife viewing spots and its Mardis Gras is the oldest Carnival celebration in the US.

If you are interested in these MS positions or have any questions, please contact Dr. Scott Glaberman (scottglaberman@southalabama.edu).

Subject: MSc or PhD opportunity – Examining susceptibility to the Emerald ash borer (EAB) in the ash understory, University of New Hampshire

The Garnas lab (http://mypages.unh.edu/garnaslab) seeks a highly motivated graduate student (MSc or PhD; PhD preferred) for a USDA-APHIS funded project to advance understanding of how chemical and morphological traits vary across tree size and species, and how such variation may influence Emerald ash borer (EAB) oviposition behavior, larval performance and survival, and parasitism by native and introduced natural enemies. Key aspects of the project include the systematic characterization of defensive compounds across ash species and tree sizes using pyrolysis-GCMS and the design and implementation of experiments to examine how chemical and morphological trait variation influences EAB and its key biological control agents. Successful candidates must have a keen interest in plant defensive chemistry and associated consequences for plant-insect interactions. Some basic chemistry background (e.g., coursework or lab
experience) is preferred but not required. Opportunities for related ecological modeling and/or genetic analyses also exist, particularly in the case of PhD applicants.  The position will be housed in the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment (NREN;
https://colsa.unh.edu/nren) or in the Natural Resources and Earth Systems Science program (NRESS;https://www.unh.edu/nressphd) for MSc and PhD students respectively. Position ideally begins in Fall 2018.

The University of New Hampshire and NREN/NRESS programs are home to a vibrant community of productive researchers with a strong commitment to student success.  Located in the town of Durham, UNH is a beautiful campus surrounded by forest and natural landscapes.  Only 30 minutes from the ocean and under two hours from the White Mountains, outdoor and other recreational activities abound, including right on campus.

Interested applicants, please send:

– a CV
– a brief summary of research interests and any relevant experience
– GRE scores
– contact information for three references

as a single pdf file to jeff.garnas@unh.edu.  Position will be open until filled.

Beth Lawrence’s research group at University of Connecticut has an opening for a PhD student in wetland ecology. We conduct primary and applied research focused on improving our understanding of wetland plant community composition, restoration, and ecosystem function. The applicant will develop and examine questions related to how vegetation alters carbon cycling in coastal marshes, possibly examining the role of root exudates and rhizosphere oxygenation in organic matter persistence.
Top candidates will have an MS in a related discipline with relevant field and biogeochemistry research experience. Ideally, the Graduate Research Assistant will begin this fall semester (late August 2018), but a January 2019 start may be possible.

Contact Beth via email (beth.lawrence@uconn.edu) before June 1, 2018 to warrant full consideration with the following information: CV, GPA and GRE scores, and a brief statement of research experience/interests/career goals. See the following links for more information on my research program: http://lawrencelabuconn.weebly.com/,
the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment:
http://www.nrme.uconn.edu/ and details about applying to the Graduate School at the University of Connecticut:http://grad.uconn.edu/.

Subject: M.Sc. Assistantship – Effects of wildlife feeding on wildlife and plant communities

Wildlife feeding has become common practice across much of the terrestrial landscape. However, little empirical data have been presented to determine how those practices affect the community structure and function. We seek a highly motivated student to fill a fully funded M.Sc. position in the lab of Dr. Marcus Lashley. This research is part of a larger project (3 M.Sc.
positions) to evaluate how food subsidies such as supplemental feeding and baiting affect wildlife, associated diseases, arthropod vectors, and plant communities. The successful student in this position will be responsible for evaluating the indirect effects of subsidies on plant community structure via direct effects on the wildlife community. In particular, the student will be measuring wildlife community responses with camera traps, and the legacy effects of herbivory and directed seed dispersal on plant communities in relationship to feeder locations. Also, the student will be expected to participate in generating material for the MSU Deer Lab social media platforms. A stipend for living expenses, tuition and health insurance are provided.
Required Qualifications: B.S. in Ecology or closely related field.
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 plant identification, quantitative, 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 peer-reviewed publications, social media, and public speaking. Experience with camera trapping and piloting unmanned aerial vehicles.
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.

Subject: Marine Laboratory Technician Postiion – Bowdoin College Schiller Coastal Studies Center

Research and Instrument Support Technician Bowdoin College, Schiller Coastal Studies Center, Orr’s Island, Maine

Responsible for day-to-day operations of the Marine Laboratory at the Schiller Coastal Studies Center. Utilizes knowledge and experience to provide technical expertise to students, faculty, and outside researchers on the capabilities and operation of the marine laboratory systems and equipment. Maintains a safe and productive working environment for all end users. Works in a collaborative manner to support the mission of the Schiller Coastal Studies Center, including the expansion of teaching and research programs.

Independently manage the day-to-day operations of a flowing seawater laboratory, dry laboratory spaces, and associated support systems. Provides animal care for classes, laboratories, and visiting researchers, including daily maintenance to keep organisms healthy (~50% time). Work with campus facilities to maintain water quality and flow rates year-round.

Maintain equipment inventory and scientific instrumentation. Specific equipment includes compound and dissecting microscopes, molecular biology instruments, and field gear and sampling equipment. Maintain and calibrate a pier mounted environmental sensing platform, and manage an experimental seawater system (~50% time).

Bachelor’s degree in Marine Science required. MS degree in Marine Science or related field preferred. Valid driver’s license and ability to meet the standards of the College’s current Motor Vehicle Policy.

Minimum of 2 years work experience in a technical marine laboratory setting and prior research experience in marine science. Excellent computer skills.
Computer programming and IT experience strongly preferred. Basic boat skills and a willingness to work on boats preferred. Proven ability to work independently, using judgement and discretion, in support of marine science research.

Apply at https://careers.bowdoin.edu/hr/postings?position_type_id=1

1. Living Allowance stipend*: $6,100
2. AmeriCorps Education Award**: $1,538.36
3. Medical, dental and vision insurance provided at no cost

• Salt Lake City, UT (BLM)

Subject: MS Scholarship in Plant Invasion Ecology

The Schwinning Lab at Texas State University, San Marcos, is searching for a graduate student to investigate recruitment dynamics of an invasive C4 grass (Johnsongrass; Sorghum halepense) in C4 native grasslands. This position is part of a large-scale, long-term ecological experiment that examines the use of native prairie species for biofuel production under a range of cultivation practices. The position is funded through a cooperative agreement with USDA and includes a tuition waiver and generous stipend.

Students with an interest and education in plant ecology or physiological ecology are encouraged to apply to start in the fall semester of 2018. Prior experience in field research is especially welcome. Please contact Dr. Susan Schwinning (schwinn@txstate.edu) for more information about the position and the project.

Peruse the following websites to learn more about the Plant Ecology Lab (http://www.susan-schwinning.net/Lab/index.html), the MS  Program in Population and Conservation Biology (http://www.bio.txstate.edu/Graduate-Programs/M.S.PopulationConservationBiology.html),
the Department of Biology at Texas State University
(http://www.bio.txstate.edu/) and the application process (http://www.gradcollege.txstate.edu/programs/biology.html).