Dear Colleagues,

The Oregon Institute of Marine Biology’s REU program: “Exploration of Marine Biology on the Oregon Coast” (EMBOC) will be accepting 10 students, five from 2-year colleges and five from 4-year colleges, to conduct research this summer (June 17 – August 18, 2018) at the University of Oregon’s marine lab. REU students will develop individual marine research projects in one of our eight faculties’ labs and participate in weekly seminars, professional development workshops, and social activities from exploring local marine habitats like rocky shores and sand dunes to touring other institutions that specialize in marine science.

The application period is from December 15, 2017-February 15, 2018.

Please pass on word of the EMBOC program to any interested undergraduates. For more information about the program and how to apply, please see our website http://oimb.uoregon.edu/oimb-reu.

Kind regards and many thanks,
Maya Watts

—
Education Program Coordinator
Oregon Institute of Marine Biology
University of Oregon
P.O. Box 5389
Charleston, OR 97420
(541)888-2581 ext. 201

address for courier delivery:
OIMB
63466 Boat Basin Road
Charleston, OR 97420

The Human Dimensions Lab at the University of Montana seeks motivated applicants for two Research Assistantships:

(1) One year M.S. Research Assistantship, Social-Ecological Systems:
“Identifying ecological and social resilience in fire-prone landscapes”

(2) Two to Four year PhD Fellowship, Food Energy Water Nexus: “Improving the Efficacy of Climate Information for Water Use Decisions: Developing, Testing, and Institutionalizing New Tools for Agricultural Producers”

Full project and position descriptions are available via:
www.cfc.umt.edu/research/humandimensions/prospective-students

Please share widely.

Dear Colleagues,

I am sending details of the 2018 summer teaching program at OIMB.
Please would you pass this along to any students who might be interested and to anyone at your institution that advises students about marine biology options? Our courses are listed below.

For more information please see our website:
http://oimb.uoregon.edu/academics/summer/

Best wishes,
Maya Watts

8-week courses:
Invertebrate Zoology
Marine Birds and Mammals
Biology of Fishes
Deep-Sea and Subtidal Ecology

Short courses:
Biological Illustrations
Sea Slug Biology
Introduction to Experimental Design and Statistics

—
Education Program Coordinator
Oregon Institute of Marine Biology
University of Oregon
P.O. Box 5389
Charleston, OR 97420
(541)888-2581 ext. 201

FOREST DEMOGRAPHY AND FIRE EFFECTS: These positions will involve examining forest research plots for mortality and recruitment, mapping down woody debris, and undertaking ancillary tasks such as seedling surveys, dendrometer measurements, and soil work. Work will begin in the Yosemite Forest Dynamics Plot (Yosemite National Park) and continue to the Wind River Forest Dynamics Plot (Gifford Pinchot National Forest), and end in the Utah Forest Dynamics Plot (Cedar Breaks National Monument). At Yosemite and Wind River, the crew will work with and train volunteers (students and citizen-scientists). We seek two field crew members and one field crew lead to join our team of scientists.

DURATION: Mid-May through mid-August. The work schedule is four, ten-hour days per week. Because we don’t work under inclement conditions, the crew will need to be flexible.

SALARY: $12.50 per hour for the crew, $15.00 for the crew lead. Campground and field station accommodations are provided (camping at Yosemite and Cedar Breaks, field station at Wind River). Actual gas expenses (with receipts and mileage log) for travel between the crew’s residences and each of the field sites will be reimbursed.

QUALIFICATIONS: Previous experience taking vegetation research data, working safely in challenging environments, and following complex data collection protocols is required. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to solve problems, to work both independently and in teams of two or three, and to work with students and volunteers. Work will involve moving through sometimes rough terrain carrying delicate and expensive equipment, as well as carrying up to 10 kg of additional gear. Knowledge of western flora, tree pathogens, and forest insects is helpful, as is solid experience with outdoor living. Applicants must have a valid driver’s license, good driving history (no recent DUI or reckless driving), and a Wilderness First Aid certification valid for the season (Wilderness First Responder preferred; urban first aid/CPR not enough).

APPLY: Please assemble the following into a single PDF file and email it to james.lutz@usu.edu – 1) a one-page cover letter describing your reasons for applying, specific dates of availability (including any planned mid-summer absences, or a statement that you plan none), and confirmation of your first aid certification, 2) a resume, no longer than two pages, 3) unofficial transcripts, and 4) names, phone numbers and email addresses of three references. The application deadline is January 31, 2018, but applications will be reviewed beginning immediately. Usually, we have made our staffing decisions by early February. Exceptional candidates will be selected earlier.

Additional information and background at:
http://westernforestinitiative.org, http://yfdp.org, http://wfdp.org, and http://ufdp.org. Each of the research plots also has a Facebook page with general photos of the work sites and activities.

Title: 2 Funded PhD positions in Evolutionary Ecology at Auburn

2 Funded PhD positions beginning Fall 2018

The Wolak Research Group at Auburn University is looking for PhD
students that are motivated to develop projects addressing key
outstanding questions in evolutionary ecology. The group studies the
link between evolutionary change and ecological processes acting upon
variability among individuals in survival and reproduction and hence
population growth, persistence, and structure. We measure natural and
sexual selection, the quantitative genetic basis to trait variation, and
population demography to quantitatively predict ecological and
evolutionary dynamics. We also develop statistical methods and software.
Two potential projects include:

**Evolutionary Quantitative Genetics:** The student will develop and
test theory for the evolution of sexual size dimorphism using a
combination of simulation, artificial selection, experimental evolution,
and/or large scale mating designs with laboratory populations of seed
beetles (*Callosobruchus maculatus*). There will be opportunities to
collaborate with a postdoctoral research associate developing testable
theory on a complementary project.

**Evolutionary Ecology in Natural Populations:** This student will
conduct field work, analyses, and/or simulations to extend the
conceptual framework and state of empirical knowlege for the interplay
between mating system, population dynamics, and phenotypic selection. We
will use a population of diamondback terrapins (*Malaclemys terrapin*)
to characterize mating and reproductive biology, measure key demographic
parameters, and identify the form and magnitude of selection acting in
this population.

I encourage all interested students to contact me, by sending a CV and
*brief* description of research interests to matthew.wolak@auburn.edu.
PhD students are expected to develop their own research questions within
the broader contexts outlined above. Students will also be expected to
aggressively pursue fellowship and research funding opportunities and
publish their research in high quality journals.

**Deadline** for admission to the program with guaranteed support (10
semesters of Graduate Teaching Assistantships, GTAs) is **February
1st**. Please **contact me immediately** to discuss the opportunity for
an **on-campus visit**. Summer Graduate Research Assistantships with Dr.
Wolak will be available for top applicants, otherwise students have the
opportunity to compete for a number of summer GTAs.  More information is
available on the webpages of the Dept. of Biological Sciences
(http://www.auburn.edu/cosam/departments/biology/index.htm) and DBS
Graduate Studies Program
(http://www.auburn.edu/cosam/departments/biology/grad/index.htm)

Auburn graduate students enjoy a thriving community, recognized as one
of the “best small towns in America,” with moderate climate and easy
access to major cities, major international airports, or to beach and
mountain recreational facilities. Situated along the rapidly developing
I-85 corridor between Atlanta, GA and Montgomery, AL, the combined
Auburn-Opelika-Columbus statistical area has a population of over 500,000.

“`
Matthew Wolak
Assistant Professor
Dept. of Biological Sciences
Auburn University
Auburn, AL
email: matthew.wolak@auburn.edu
“`

Matthew Wolak <mew0099@auburn.edu>

2018 MLBS Summer Programs

Announcing 2018 Summer Programs
Field-based courses are UVA Summer Session classes offered by
nationally-recruited faculty, and offered at the undergraduate and
graduate level. Our NSF REU undergraduate research internship program
is now in its 26th year.

Field Courses

Field Biology of Fishes
Summer Session I: May 21-June 15
Field Herpetology
Summer Session I: May 28-June 15
Wildlife Disease Ecology
Summer Session II: June 18-July 6
Stream Ecology
Summer Session III: July 16-August 3

Financial aid is available.
MLBS courses are field-intensive, research-based experiences. Courses
earn 3 UVA Biology credits. Non-college students are welcome to enroll.

Learn More and Apply
<https://mlbs.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=90dd2397558126f5ceb0c7824&id=e2c8be2f01&e=4ba1f3f3e0>

Research Experiences for Undergraduates (NSF-REU)

Become a National Science Foundation REU. Join undergraduates from around
the country for a unique 10-week learning and living research experience
in the southern Appalachians. Students conduct independent research in
field ecology, evolution, behavior, and physiology under the supervision
of resident scientists. REUs are internships that include all station
costs, travel, and a $5,500 stipend.

Program dates:  May 28 – August 3
Application deadline:  February 20

Learn More and Apply
<https://mlbs.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=90dd2397558126f5ceb0c7824&id=e14726d03e&e=4ba1f3f3e0>

mlbs.org
<https://mlbs.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=90dd2397558126f5ceb0c7824&id=4847465450&e=4ba1f3f3e0>

Printable copies of our materials are available here
<https://mlbs.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=90dd2397558126f5ceb0c7824&id=b7339a39b3&e=4ba1f3f3e0>.

Copyright Š 2017 Mountain Lake Biological Station, All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
Mountain Lake Biological Station
University of Virginia
PO Box 400327
Charlottesville, VA 22904

“Nagy, Eric S. (esn8n)” <esn8n@virginia.edu>

Funding for a PhD student to study the evolution of sex chromosomes in
crustaceans. We seek a student interested in bioinformatics to study sex
chromosome evolution in androdioecious branchiopod crustaceans. We have
whole genome sequence data, including sequencing of the sex chromosome,
that need to be analyzed to test hypotheses of the evolution of sex
chromosomes in these shrimp. We seek a student with good problem
solving ability and programing experience in C++. Minimally the
candidate should at least have some programming experience and be
willing to learn C++. Funding is for 5 years (teaching assistantship) and
includes both a stipend and tuition remission. Interested parties should
contact Dr. Stephen C. Weeks (scw@uakron.edu or 330-972-6954). Visit
http://blogs.uakron.edu/weeks/ for more information about these
crustaceans.

Applications should be submitted by Jan. 15th,
2018 for full consideration and can be uploaded at
http://www.uakron.edu/ib/academics/ib-admission-requirements.dot.
Interested students should contact Dr. Weeks to receive information on
application procedures before applying online.

“Weeks,Stephen C” <scw@uakron.edu>

M.S. Position, Plant Evolution and Systematics, Georgia Southern
University

The Schenk lab at Georgia Southern University invites applicants for a
Masters Degree in plant systematics and evolution, starting Fall
semester, 2018.  Our lab group is interested in how botanical diversity
has been shaped by the interactions among morphological, ecological,
and species diversification.  We apply statistical phylogenetic
approaches that quantify and incorporate molecular, morphological, and
ecological variation to plant systems in order to understand the
evolutionary processes of how and why species diversify.

An ideal candidate will have interest in using plant systems to better
understand the evolutionary processes of diversification by applying
statistical phylogenetic approaches.  Competitive students that meet
all requirements will be supported with either a teaching or research
assistantship.

Interested students should contact Dr. John Schenk
(jschenk@georgiasouthern.edu) prior to submitting an application (the
earlier the better).

For more information, visit the Schenk lab website
(https://sites.google.com/a/georgiasouthern.edu/schenk) and the
Department of Biology’s website
(http://cosm.georgiasouthern.edu/biology).  More information about the
Biology graduate program can be found at the departmental web page
(http://cosm.georgiasouthern.edu/biology/graduate-program-2/).

Additional questions about the GSU graduate program can be directed to
the Graduate Student Program Director:  Dr. Checo Colon-Gaud
(jccolongaud@georgiasouthern.edu).   For full consideration, the
application deadline is March 1st, 2018.

John J. Schenk, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Plant Biology
Georgia Southern University Herbarium (GAS), Curator
Department of Biology
4324 Old Register Road
Georgia Southern University
Statesboro, GA 30460-8042
Office:  2260 Biology Building
Office phone:  (912) 478-0848
Lab website: sites.google.com/a/georgiasouthern.edu/schenk
Herbarium website: sites.google.com/a/georgiasouthern.edu/gasherbarium

jschenk <jschenk@georgiasouthern.edu>

Acorn Woodpecker Field Assistant

Employer: Old Dominion University

Location: Carmel Valley, California

Description: Two (2) field assistants are needed for ongoing long-term studies of the
behavioral ecology of the cooperatively breeding Acorn Woodpecker at the Hastings Reserve
in upper Carmel Valley, California. Hastings is run by the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, UC
Berkeley. We have studied the behavioral ecology of color-banded Acorn Woodpeckers for
over 44 years at this site. The research focuses on both ecological and evolutionary factors
involved in the evolution of cooperative breeding, and includes using automated radio-
telemetry techniques to track cryptic movement.

Assistants will participate in monitoring group composition via color-band resighting,
documenting feeding (for any nests) and roosting behavior, and assist in woodpecker capture
and experimental manipulations. Some portions of field work may require the ability to drive a
mule (All terrain vehicle) or a truck. The experience is designed to be one of total immersion,
six days per week, and provides the necessary training needed for those interested in applying
to graduate school.

Compensation: $600/month and on-site housing.

Duration: 15 March 2018 to 15 July 2018 with one of the two positions extending to 1
September 2018.

Qualifications: This job requires frequent strenuous physical activity; applicants must be avid
hikers who are comfortable hiking up and down hills with equipment such as scopes and
blinds. Prior experience with birds (especially the ability to read color bands) is desirable but
not required. Self-motivation, enthusiasm for the research questions, a willingness to sit in a
blind for up to 3 hours per session (in hot weather with lots of annoying face flies), and an
ability to tackle the rigors of field work are a must. We especially encourage those applicants
that wish to attend graduate school in the near future and who are interested in conducting an
independent study during their tenure at Hastings. The reserve is remote (about an hour from
the nearest town), and therefore a good attitude towards field housing situations is necessary,
and having a vehicle is highly desirable.

Interested applicants should submit a CV and the contact details of three references with an
appropriate cover letter as one PDF file to sahasbarve@gmail.com. Please indicate in your
cover letter if you are available to work through to 09/01/2018.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to visa constraints, field assistant positions are only available to U.S. &
Canadian citizens / permanent residents.

Contact: Sahas Barve, Postdoctoral Associate, Old Dominion University.
Email:sahasbarve@gmail.com