Opportunities

PhD opportunity in quantitative ecology at Rice

The Miller Lab at Rice University in Houston, TX is recruiting a PhD student to begin in Fall 2018. Research in the lab focuses on demography, dispersal, population dynamics, and species interactions, primarily in plant and insect systems. We blend theoretical and mathematical approaches with experiments in the field, greenhouse, and laboratory.
Learn more about our research here (http://www.owlnet.rice.edu/~tm9/) and about the Rice EEB graduate program here (http://biosciences.rice.edu/EEB_GradAdmissions.aspx). The successful student will be expected to develop independent PhD research in line with the themes of the lab. Preferred applicants will have research interests that may include plant population biology, mutualism/symbiosis, demographic modeling, theoretical ecology, and statistics. A Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Ecology, or related fields, including research experience, is required.

Graduate students and faculty in the Rice EEB program form an engaged, dynamic, supportive, and highly interactive community of scholars excited about ecological discovery. The lab, department, and institution value a diverse student body; students whose backgrounds are under-represented in STEM are particularly encouraged to apply.

For consideration, send a statement of interest and CV to tom.miller@rice.edu before January 26, 2018.

REU Program, The University of Kansas

The Models in Ecology, Evolution and Systematics Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Program at The University of Kansas is now accepting applications.  The NSF-funded program will occur over ten weeks this summer (May 20-July 26, 2018) in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology.  In the program, students will participate in mentored, independent research.  Students will receive a stipend, room and board, and course credit.
 
Projects available include, but are not limited to, theoretical disease ecology, biogeography of social spiders, butterfly genomics, lizard speciation, soil ecology, prairie communities, systematics of tapeworms, and insect behavior.
 
Applications are encouraged from biology majors and mathematics (or computer science) majors with an interest in biology.  Students must be in good academic standing and enrolled at a community college, college or university.  Members of underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.  Students must be United States citizens or permanent residents.  More information, including available projects, and an online application form are available at http://eebreu.ku.edu and inquiries should be directed to eebreu@ku.edu. The application deadline is February 15, 2018, but late applications will be considered. 
 
Drs. Jennifer Gleason and Deborah Smith, Program directors
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
University of Kansas
 
 
 

Woodpecker field assistants in Oregon

WOODPECKER FIELD ASSISTANTS (2) needed from 30 April-31 July 2018 for a large-scale study assessing how woodpecker demographic rates vary relative to wildfire and forest management activities. This work is being conducted in the lab of Dr. Jim Rivers at Oregon State University (http://people.forestry.oregonstate.edu/jim-rivers/) and will take place in the rugged and scenic Crater Lake area of Oregon, an area of exceptional woodpecker diversity. Field work will consist of early mornings, hiking alone in difficult terrain, and working long days under challenging field conditions (cold, rain, intense sun, loose rock, hazard trees), including some weekends. Primary duties will consist of conducting call playback surveys, locating and monitoring of woodpecker nests, climbing nest trees, using radio telemetry to measure juvenile survival (Black-backed Woodpecker only), surveying vegetation, undertaking regular data entry, and assisting with additional project-related duties as needed. Salary range is $2000-$2300/month based on prior experience; free US Forest Service housing and project-related transportation are also provided.
 
Successful applicants will have demonstrated experience with (1) bird identification by sight and sound, (2) nest-searching, (3) bird handling, (4) tracking tag attachment, and (5) VHF radio telemetry to quantify movement and habitat use; prior experience with woodpeckers is desirable but not necessary. They will also be self-motivated, have a strong work ethic, be in top physical condition, be able to work harmoniously in a group living situation, have a valid driver’s license and clean driving record, and be able to maintain a positive disposition under difficult conditions.
 
To Apply: Email a single document that consists of (1) a cover letter outlining qualifications for the position, (2) a resume, and (3) the name, email, and phone number of 3 references to Dr. Jim Rivers (EM: jim.rivers<AT>oregonstate.edu) with “2018 Woodpecker Field Assistant Position” in the subject line. Positions will be filled as qualified applications are received.
 
 
James W. Rivers, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
214 Richardson Hall
Forest Ecosystems & Society
Oregon State University
Corvallis OR 97331-5752

M.Sc. student assistantships at Eastern Washington University

Subject: M.Sc. student assistantships open for Fall 2018 in Department of Biology at Eastern Washington University

The Department of Biology at Eastern Washington University is recruiting graduate students interested in pursuing a 2-year thesis-based Master of Science (MSc) degree. Applicants must hold a 4-year baccalaureate degree in Biology or related field from an accredited college or university.
Applications for starting in Fall 2018 are currently being accepted, with a final deadline of April 1st, 2018. However, incoming graduate student are eligible to apply for Graduate Student Assistantship (GSA), which are part-time positions as Teaching Assistants (TAs), providing a tuition waiver and a modest stipend. The deadline for applications for the GSA positions is February 20, 2018. You can learn more about our long-standing and successful MSc program at the following link:

https://ewubiologyblog.wordpress.com/2017/12/21/looking-to-earn-an-msc-
in-biology-come-join-the-ewu-biology-graduate-program/

as well as explore the range of topics and success of the alumni of our program here (be patient as it loads):

https://ewubiology.shinyapps.io/Graduate_Students_Alumni/

Interested students should review the range of expertise and research interests of our faculty, which you can see here:

https://www.ewu.edu/cstem/departments/biology/biology-faculty-and-staff

In particular, the following faculty are planning to recruit new students in the below general topics:

Krisztian Magori, Ph.D. (kmagori@ewu.edu)     Disease ecology of
mosquitoes and mosquito-borne diseases in WA State

Camille McNeely, Ph.D. (fmcneely@ewu.edu)      Stream ecology,
particularly projects focused on invertebrates, food webs, or nutrient dynamics

Jenifer Walke, Ph.D. (jwalke@ewu.edu)          Microbial ecology of the
honey bee gut microbiome and amphibian skin microbiome

Ross Black, Ph.D. (rblack@ewu.edu)             Ecology and evolution of
aquatic  organism

Students considering applying to our program are encouraged to identify potential advisors they would be interested in working with for their thesis research prior to submitting their application, and contact them via email. Conditional upon finding an appropriate major advisor, students can apply to the program here:

https://www.ewu.edu/cstem/departments/biology/ms-biology

Application materials include official transcripts, GRE scores, and two recommendation forms. Importantly, letters of recommendations have to be submitted by their professional references before the February 20 deadline to be eligible for the GSA positions.

The Department of Biology is located in the Science Building on the campus of Eastern Washington University, a regional comprehensive university located in Cheney, WA, approximately 30 minutes from Spokane, the second largest city of Washington. The Department has a strong connection with Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge, a federal wildlife refuge located approximately 20 minutes south from campus, including a dedicated field laboratory.

Sustainable RIVER REU at the University of South Dakota

The Sustainability Program at the University of South Dakota is offering a NSF REU program this summer titled “Sustainable RIVER (Remediating InVasives to Encourage Resilience).”  Sustainable RIVER is a full-time, paid, undergraduate research opportunity.  In the Sustainable RIVER project, the students will investigate different invasive elements and cultural and natural stressors affecting the Missouri River.  The students will conduct an independent research project (see below), participate in six field trips on and along the Missouri River, and produce a team project.  
 
 
Research projects for the summer of 2018 are:
·         Effects of invasive trees on native floodplain forest vegetation and breeding birds
·         Effects of modified sediment loads on Missouri River and tributary hydrology
·         Effects of invasive fish on Missouri River food webs
·         Construction of a Missouri River participatory geographic information system ​database
·         Terrestrial land-use changes along the Missouri National Recreational River
·         Understanding competing value claims of the Missouri River
·         Effects of contaminants and pathogens on amphibians along the Missouri River
·         Ethnohistorical relationships among American Indian tribes and the Missouri River
·         Reincorporating prairies into Missouri River landscapes
 
The Sustainable RIVER project will run from 29 May 2018 to 3 August 2018.  Students participating in the project will receive a $5,500 stipend plus additional funding for food, housing, and travel.  This project is open to any undergraduate student, but students from community or tribal colleges and students studying sustainability are especially encouraged to apply.  Applications for the project can be submitted now through 19 February 2018. 
 
Please forward this e-mail onto students who may be interested in this opportunity.
 
If you would like more information about the Sustainable RIVER project, please visit www.SustainableRIVER.org.
 
Thank you,
 
Meghann Jarchow, PhD
Sustainability Program Coordinator
Churchill-Haines Labs 171E​
 
Sustainability Program Facebook Page:
 
Sustainability Program University Page:
 

Other: FieldMuseum_Chicago.NSF_REU_BiodiversityEvolution

NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) in the Evolution of
Biodiversity across the Tree of Life

We are looking for 8 undergraduate students to participate in hands-on
research in biodiversity science and receive training in cutting-edge
techniques and analysis in evolutionary biology for 10 weeks during the
summers of 2016-2018.

Students will learn research techniques that include DNA sequencing and
computational analysis of genetic and genomic data, morphological
measurements and phylogenetic analysis, and microbiology and
next-generation microbial sequencing.  Scientific projects to be conducted
by the students include the morphological and ontogenetic variation in an
African rodent, population genetics and blood meal identification of a
parasitic catfish, coevolution of feeding morphology and taste receptors in
fish-eating birds, Assessing genomic information to identify lichens,
testing the causes of organismal diversification in the most species-rich
lichenized fungi, wing morphology and dispersal ability in New Zealand
water beetles, geographic variation in a widespread mullet fish, and
diversity, evolutionary history and specificity of symbiotic microbes
associated with turtle ants.

In addition students will receive career mentoring in a diversity of STEM
fields, gain experiences in public outreach and science communication,
receive training in ethics/responsible conduct of research, and participate
in a diversity workshop to help overcome bias in science.

https://www.fieldmuseum.org/reu
https://www.fieldmuseum.org/2018-reu-program-offerings

Students will be provided a stipend, dormitory housing, and assistance with
travel costs.

Participants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and an
undergraduate during the entire period. We especially encourage students
from groups traditionally underrepresented in science to apply.

To apply, please send complete the online application:
https://www.fieldmuseum.org/reu

Applications close April 22, 2016.

Please direct any questions to Emily Hallock (ehallock@fieldmuseum.org).

Please share widely.

PhD POSITION IN PALEOECOLOGY

The BEAST Lab (Biodiversity and Environments Across Space and Time) is recruiting a highly motivated PhD student for a research project reconstructing late Pleistocene megafaunal extinctions, paleoclimates, and vegetation changes in Beringia. This project will involve: 1) opportunities for interdisciplinary training in cutting-edge methods in reconstructing paleonenvironments, including paleoclimate proxies and aDNA of vegetation from sediment cores, as well as classical methods (e.g., pollen, charcoal); 2) fieldwork in Alaska and Russia (including Wrangel Island and Pleistocene Park), 3) opportunities for training in outreach and science communication; and 4) opportunities to mentor undergraduates and high school students.

The ideal candidate should have an academic background in ecology, geography, paleoecology, or a related discipline, and some combination of: strong written communication skills, knowledge of R, strong quantitative skills, and/or experience working with sediment cores, molecular ecology, or Arctic plant communities. The successful applicant will join a diverse, supportive lab group, housed in the Climate Change Institute, with affiliations with the School of Biology and Ecology and the Ecology and Environmental Studies program. CCI is one of the oldest interdisciplinary research institutions in the US, integrating research on the physical, biological, and social aspects of climate change.

Located on the northern border of beautiful Downeast Maine, the University of Maine is the flagship campus of the University of Maine System, and a Land and Sea grant institution.
Baxter State Park and Acadia National Park are 90 minutes away in either direction, and there are numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation (including winter sports, hiking, and paddling). A low cost of living and a collegial environment make the greater Bangor area a great place to work and live.

Please send inquiries to Dr. Jacquelyn Gill (Jacquelyn.Gill@Maine.edu). To apply, please email a 1-pg cover letter outlining your background, career interests, and fit for this project, as well as a CV.  Applications will be reviewed starting immediately, and will continue until the position is filled.

Research Technician – grasshopper ecology in Montana and Univ Notre Dame

Job Title: Research Technician, University of Notre Dame
Application Deadline: January 31, 2018
Start Date: March 1, 2018
Pay:  $23,379-29,000, with full benefits 
 
GENERAL:  Crew Leader, full-time position, will provide field and laboratory support for an ongoing grasshopper ecology project in the lab of Dr. Gary Belovsky.  This project is funded by NSF-LTREB (National Science Foundation-Long Term Research in Environmental Biology).  The field work portion on grasshoppers is in western Montana at the National Bison Range, Moiese, Montana, and entails approximately five months of the year.  The remainder of the year at the University of Notre Dame is spent analyzing samples, processing data, data management and other research duties.
 
The ideal candidate will be able to prioritize tasks, work independently, and solicit feedback.  This position will require organizational, logistical, and time management skills.  Enthusiastic, highly motivated individual with previous experience working in grasslands with grasshoppers is preferable.  This person will also need to show a willingness to learn from and work under the direction of the PI and supervisor. 
 
Applicants must demonstrate the willingness and ability to live in shared housing with others working on the project, communicate well in a variety of situations, and be comfortable living and working in a rural area of western Montana.  Enthusiasm for the natural world and a positive attitude are expected. 
 
JOB DESCRIPTION:
FIELD – early-May through Sept 30:  Position involves up to 80-90% of the time in the field sampling vegetation and soils, catching grasshoppers and running grasshopper experiments.  Position also involves approx. 10-20% time indoors sorting grasshoppers, weighing plant samples and entering data, preparing spring and fall resin bags, and downloading data from radiometer and temperature sensors.
 ·       Set up experiments (e.g., build cages, and catch large numbers of grasshoppers)
·       Identification of grasshoppers and prairie plants to species
·       Monitor experiments (maintain experimental cages, conduct regular censuses) and maintain accurate record-keeping of data, including data entry into Excel spreadsheets
·       Take down experiments (involves catching and censusing grasshoppers in the experiments)
·       Sample grasshoppers, vegetation and soils, using various types of field equipment, including Cropscan radiometer, soil corer, soil moisture sensors, and backpack insect vacuum
·       Capable of sustained physical work under unpredictable weather and field conditions. Some heavy lifting and carrying (~50lb), and fence building
·       Work with PI and supervisor to train crew, organize work schedules, maintain morale with crew.
LAB – October through early-May:
·       Prepare plants samples, including weighing, grinding to appropriate specifications
·       Analyze plant samples for nitrogen and carbon using Elemental Analyzer or similar machine
·       Analyze soil and resin samples for NH4 and NO3 by extraction in 2M KCl and prepare extractions for processing on Lachat autoanalyzer
·       Analyze plant samples for palatability by acid-pepsin digestibility method
·       Supervise undergraduates in the lab helping with above analyses
·       Dissect grasshoppers to examine reproductive tracts and to assess degree of parasitism
·       Maintain and manage data using Excel spreadsheets and Access database
QUALIFICATIONS:
·       B.S. or B.A. in environmental sciences or equivalent degree
·       Ability to work and solve problems independently (required)
·       Previous monitoring and/or field research experience, especially in grasslands
·       Plant and insect identification experience and willingness to learn local flora and fauna, with particular experience identifying Acridinae grasshoppers and grasses and forbs of western Montana intermountain prairie preferred
·       Experience training, supervising and coordinating small field and lab crews preferred.
·       Experience with handheld data recorders, radiometers, radios, GPS, other field equipment, driving a truck over rough, steep roads, and small-town living
·       The field portion of this position is 90% + field work. Must be capable of sustained physical work under conditions of hot dry weather, rough terrain, unpredictable weather, biting insects, and other environmental conditions.  Must be able to maintain cheerful attitude with humor and patience
·       Chemistry lab experience, or equivalent, preferred.
·       Strong quantitative skills; experience with Excel is required; experience with Access preferred
·       Valid U.S. driver’s license
DURATION: require 2 year commitment
LOCATION: University of Notre Dame, Indiana and field site in Moiese, Montana
APPLICATION: Please apply online: http://jobs.nd.edu/postings/11317
 
Please include cover letter, resume and contact information for 3 references.  For questions, please contact Jennifer Slade Belovsky at belovsky.2@nd.edu.  For more information, see Belovsky lab website:https://belovskylab.nd.edu/research/national-bison-range/.
 
The University of Notre Dame is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. 

Seasonal Field Technician positions: Pollinators and pollination in longleaf pine savannas

We seek to fill multiple field technician positions for a large-scale experiment testing how the restoration of longleaf pine ecosystem in the Southeastern United States impacts insect pollinators and pollination services. Primary job duties will include field, laboratory, and office tasks required for studies of insect pollinator communities and pollination biology. The goal of the research for this field season is to collect and preserve pollinating insects, especially bees, across many experimental plots in the field using a variety of methods.

Positions will begin by mid- to late April 2018, with some flexibility, and will last for approximately 6 months. Pay rate will be $14 per hour.
The technician will work at the Savannah River Site, live in a town near the site (Aiken or New Ellenton, SC, or Augusta, GA), and will join a team of Lars Brudvig, Rufus Isaacs, Jason Gibbs, and Nash Turley, and Sabrie Breland, a lead technician based at The Savanna River Site.
Housing is not provided, but low-cost options are available. Successful candidates will have, or be working towards, a bachelor’s degree in ecology, biology, or a related discipline. Previous field research experience is required, previous entomological or botanical field experience is highly desired. The successful applicant must be able to endure hot, humid conditions and long hours in the field.

Michigan State University is an equal opportunity employer. Women and minorities are strongly encouraged to apply.

It is important to note that the research site is a highly secure area run by the federal government, so non-United States citizens may have difficulty gaining clearance to work there.

To apply, please email a resume and a letter including descriptions of past experience that highlight entomology/botany/ecology experience, why this position is interesting or important to you, dates of availability, and contact information with email addresses for two references to Lars Brudvig (brudvig@msu.edu) with subject line “Seasonal technician application”.  Review of application materials will begin immediately; applications received after February 9, 2018 will not be considered.

Graduate position: UMaryland_BC.2.EvolutionAging

PhD Student Openings – Genetics of aging – Leips Lab UMBC

Two PhD students are sought for work on the genetic basis of aging.
Topics are flexible but students interested in age related declines in
immunocompetence and/or physical performance traits are encouraged to
apply. Please contact Jeff Leips (leips@umbc.edu) and send your CV and
short paragraph on research interests.

If you’d like to learn more about our department please visit our
website

https://biology.umbc.edu/.