Opportunities

Funded PhD Position in Human-Environment Systems at Boise State

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The Hillis lab is currently recruiting a motivated PhD student to the Ecology, Evolution and Behavior program at Boise State University. Our lab uses quantitative and computational methods to better understand the role of social dynamics in the sustainability of human-environment systems. Specific potential project topics include:
  • Social-ecological network analysis of conservation behavior among landowners in the western US.
  • Examining the co-evolution of environmental governance and environmental change using agent-based models.
  • Understanding how environmental attitudes develop over the life course using social network analysis of peer groups at different ages.
  • Assessing the efficacy of network governance of water resources in the Snake River Plain.
The PhD student will join our Human-Environment Systems community, a group of faculty and students committed to transdiciplinary, team-based, actionable research that addresses real-world environmental challenges.

Qualifications
We are seeking students who have expertise in social-ecological network analysis, agent-based modeling, Bayesian hierarchical modeling, or other quantitative or computational approaches to examining human-environment systems. Competitive students will have a Master’s degree and research or job experience related to the topics above.

Stipend and tuition and fees
This position includes support in the form of a graduate assistantships (renewable, 12-month at $25,000), tuition and fee waiver, and health insurance. The positions start Fall (Aug) 2018.

About the program and Boise
The Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior PhD is a new graduate program at Boise State University. This program brings together faculty from multiple academic departments including biological sciences, geosciences, anthropology, and human-environment systems to offer relevant courses and provide unique mentorship and training opportunities. Further, we have created a network of valuable connections in academia, local relationships with federal and state agencies, nonprofits and NGOs, as well as partnerships with international organizations all dedicated to providing students with transformative research and educational experiences for diverse career opportunities. To learn more, please view the EEB webpage

Students in this program enjoy living in the beautiful city of Boise, which strikes a perfect balance with close-by outdoor recreational activities as well as a vibrant downtown life. Nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and the capital of the State of Idaho, Boise is frequently featured as a top-ranked
metropolis. The city has ample opportunities for world-class outdoor activities year round and a thriving arts and entertainment culture. In 2017, US News and World report ranked Boise the 12th best city to live in the United States. To learn more, please view “Visit Boise”

To Apply
Please send via email in a single file attachment (include your last name in the file name): a cover letter that states qualifications and career goals, a CV with the names and contacts for 3 references, copies of transcripts (unofficial are O.K.) and GRE scores and percentiles (not combined) to Dr. Vicken Hillis (email: vickenhillis_at_boisestate.edu). Please put “PhD application” in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed as they are received until December 15, 2017. If you do not have GRE scores by the deadline your application cannot be considered. Top candidates will be asked to formally apply to Boise State’s EEB program by January 20, 2018. All admission decisions must be approved by the Graduate Dean. 

​Boise State University embraces and welcomes diversity in its faculty, student body, and staff. Accordingly, applicants who would add to the diversity and excellence of our academic community are encouraged to apply.

Ph.D. Assistantship- climate change and annual cycles of migratory birds, Boise State University, Idaho

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Subject: Ph.D. Assistantship- climate change and annual cycles of migratory birds, Boise State University, Idaho
 
GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIP (Ph.D. in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior) – at Boise State University. A position is available for a motivated Ph.D. student to study the genetic mechanisms underlying migration behavior and seasonal timing in American kestrels.  American kestrels are an exciting model species for this work because they exhibit different migratory strategies and there is evidence that the timing of kestrel breeding and migration has shifted in parts of their range.  This work is part of a large, collaborative project aimed at 1) collecting empirical data on kestrel behavior and genetic samples across their range, throughout the year, and 2) developing models that incorporate inter-seasonal effects on individual behavior to predict population responses to environmental change.  The PhD project will address questions about environment/genetic associations, genotype-phenotype relationships, and adaptive capacity of wild bird populations to respond to climate change.  Also, the Ph.D. student will work with our team to develop innovative approaches for integrating genetic information into individual-based simulation models.  This project provides opportunities to collaborate with a diverse team of faculty (Boise State, UCLA, UCSC, St. Mary’s University), NGO scientists (the Peregrine Fund, HawkWatch International), land managers, students, and technicians.  The student will have the opportunity to travel for field/lab work or specialized training with collaborators.    
 
We are seeking someone with 1) some quantitative and computational training, 2) problem solving skills, 3) an enthusiasm for studying evolution/ecology, and 4) ability to work independently and as part of a team. Master’s degree with relevant experience is preferred, but not necessary.  Please address your qualification for each of these points in your cover letter. The position starts Fall (Aug) 2018.
 
Stipend and tuition and fees
This position includes support in the form of a graduate assistantships (renewable, 12-month at $25,000), tuition and fee waiver, and health insurance.
 
About the program and Boise
The Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior PhD is a new and modern graduate program at Boise State University. This program brings together faculty from across multiple academic departments including biological sciences, geosciences, anthropology, and the human-environment systems group to offer relevant courses and provide unique mentorship and training opportunities.  To learn more, please visit:http://eeb.boisestate.edu/.  Boise State University embraces and welcomes diversity in its faculty, student body, and staff. Accordingly, applicants who would add to the diversity and excellence of our academic community are encouraged to apply.
 
Students in this program enjoy living in the beautiful city of Boise, which strikes a balance with close-by outdoor recreational activities as well as a vibrant downtown life. Nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and the capital of the State of Idaho, Boise is frequently featured as a top-ranked metropolis. In 2017, US News and World report ranked Boise the 12th best city to live in the United States.
 
To Apply
Please send via email in a single file attachment (include your last name in the file name): a cover letter that states qualifications and career goals, a CV with the names and contacts for 3 references, copies of transcripts (unofficial are O.K.) and GRE scores and percentiles (not combined) to Julie Heath (email: julieheath@boisestate.edu). Please put “PhD application” in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed as they are received until 10 December. If you do not have GRE scores by the deadline your application cannot be considered.  Top candidates will be asked to formally apply to Boise State’s EEB program by January 20.  All admission decisions must be approved by the Graduate Dean.
 

Seasonal botany position at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

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Subject: Seasonal botany position at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Location: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (stationed in Empire,
Michigan)

Duration: May 30 – August 29, 2018 (dates are firm)

Pay: $20.00-$21.00/hour

Description and Duties: The incumbent will be employed by Northland College, but will work directly with, and report to, the Great Lakes Network of the National Park Service Inventory & Monitoring (I&M) program.
The goals of the I&M program include monitoring key environmental variables so that ecological change can be detected and addressed in a timely manner.

This is largely a field-based position. The incumbent will assist with the establishment and sampling of permanent forest monitoring plots at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
The incumbent will collect extensive data on the herbaceous layer and browse. He/she will be expected to identify 350 herbaceous species, and have considerable experience identifying members of the family Poaceae and genus Carex. Field work will be performed in teams of 2-3 people. The incumbent may also spend approximately 5-10% of time performing computer work.

This position operates on an 8 day on/6 day off schedule. During the 8-day sampling periods, incumbent will be expected to carry field equipment weighing up to 50 lbs. He/she will be exposed to high temperatures, stinging and biting insects, including extensive mosquitos and ticks, and poisonous plants.

The incumbent is responsible for securing and paying for his/her own housing in the Empire, Michigan area.

To Apply: Please send a resume, cover letter, references, and unofficial transcripts to Suzanne Sanders (suzanne_sanders@nps.gov) by January 15, 2018. If you are selected for an interview, you will be contacted shortly thereafter. No phone calls or emails, other than applications, please.

MS/Ph.D. Student Positions in Coastal Restoration

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Our lab at the University of Central Florida has openings for M.S. and Ph.D.
students in coastal restoration science interested in the following topics:

1) Interactions among intertidal oyster reef restoration/wading birds/infauna

2) Tipping points for success of mangroves in living shoreline stabilization

3) Climate change impacts in locations where oysters and mangroves co-exist

All projects will be field-based and occur along the east coast of Florida.
Students will be funded through a combination of GTAs and GRAs in the Department of Biology. If interested, please contact Dr. Linda Walters at linda.walters@ucf.edu.  Application deadline is January 15, 2018.  For more information, please see lab Facebook page (Coastal and Estuarine Ecology
Lab).

M.S. and Ph.D. student positions in Marine Invertebrate Behavior, Ecophysiology, and Fisheries at The University of Southern Mississippi, Ocean Springs, MS

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M.S. and PH.D. STUDENT POSITIONS
Marine Invertebrate Behavior, Ecophysiology, and Fisheries
The University of Southern Mississippi
Ocean Springs, MS
 
We seek highly motivated students to fill two graduate student positions in the laboratory of Dr. Zachary Darnell at The University of Southern Mississippi’s Gulf Coast Research Laboratory in Ocean Springs, MS. Both positions will begin in August 2018. Students selected for these positions will pursue graduate degrees in the Division of Coastal Sciences and will be supported on research assistantships (details below). Both the M.S. and Ph.D. assistantship will include substantial flexibility in research topic, within the general realms of marine invertebrate behavior, ecophysiology, and fisheries. For more information on current research areas, visit http://sites.usm.edu/zdarnell/. Details on each assistantship are below:
 
M.S. ASSISTANTSHIP: The M.S. assistantship includes a stipend of $22,800 per year, increasing to $23,400 per year following comprehensive exams. A tuition waiver is also included. Required qualifications include a minimum GPA of 3.5 on all undergraduate coursework and GRE scores exceeding the 50th percentile. Prior research experience is preferred.
 
Ph.D. ASSISTANTSHIP: The Ph.D. assistantship includes a stipend of $23,400 per year, increasing to $24,000 per year following comprehensive exams. A tuition waiver is also included. Required qualifications include a minimum GPA of 3.5 on all undergraduate or graduate (if entering with a M.S.) coursework and GRE scores exceeding the 50th percentile. Prior research experience is preferred. Priority will be given to applicants with an M.S. degree, but exceptional applicants at the B.S. level will also be considered. 
 
The Division of Coastal Sciences is a research and graduate education unit within the School of Ocean Science and Technology, offering programs leading to the Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Science degrees. The Division is located at Gulf Coast Research Laboratory (Ocean Springs, MS), a marine laboratory featuring comprehensive basic and applied research programs in coastal and marine biological sciences (http://gcrl.usm.edu). Research program support includes state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and instrumentation; a fleet of small and large research vessels, including the R/V Point Sur; the GCRL Museum collection; the Center for Fisheries Research and Development; NSF I/UCRC Science Center for Marine Fisheries, and aquaculture facilities including the Thad Cochran Marine Aquaculture Center. Additional information on graduate programs in the Division of Coastal Sciences can be found here:http://gcrl.usm.edu/coastal_sciences/index.php.
 
Interested students should contact Dr. Zachary Darnell (zachary.darnell@usm.edu). Please include a copy of your CV (including GRE scores), unofficial undergraduate and graduate transcripts, and contact information for three professional references. Review of applicants will begin immediately. For full consideration, submit all materials prior to January 2, 2018. 
 
 

Research assistant position in plant ecology at UC Davis

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Jennifer Gremer’s plant ecology lab at University of California, Davis, in the Department of Evolution and Ecology, seeks a research assistant (lab assistant III title) to assist with projects focused on plant life history evolution, population dynamics, and community ecology in response to climate change.  For more on research in the Gremer lab, see https://gremerlab.wordpress.com/

Responsibilities include overseeing laboratory supplies and equipment, assisting with field, lab, and greenhouse experiments, measuring plant traits and ecophysiology, as well as data management and basic statistical analyses (using R, ArcGIS, and other software).  The candidate will also assist with daily lab coordination and lab safety, including supervising and mentoring undergraduate assistants.  Research activities will occur in the field, greenhouse, growth chambers, and in the laboratory.  Applicants must be able to work both as a team member and independently.       

Requirements:  Bachelor’s degree in biology, plant biology, or related field is required.  Strong interest in plant ecology and evolution also required.  The applicant must possess excellent written and oral communication and strong organizational skills.  Previous research experience required; field experience is also required.  Knowledge of plant identification, particularly California native plants, is desired but not required. 
 
This is a full-time, 35-40 hour per week position.  Starting date can be immediately, but before mid-January, with a proposed duration of one year with possibility of extension. 

Application: Please go to the following link to access the UC Davis Human Resources application system and apply by December 8, 2017:   www.employment.ucdavis.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=78328

Email Jenny Gremer (jrgremer@ucdavis.edu) for more information about the position.

Job opening: Research Technician, Gulf Coast Research Lab, The University of Southern Mississippi

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JOB OPENING
Research Technician
Gulf Coast Research Lab
The University of Southern Mississippi
Ocean Springs, MS
 
We seek a Research Technician to begin employment February 1, 2018 at The University of Southern Mississippi’s Gulf Coast Research Laboratory in Ocean Springs, MS. The selected applicant will be co-supervised by Dr. Kelly M. Darnell and Dr. Zachary Darnell.
 
The primary duties of the Research Technician will be associated with a recently funded project “Gulf- Wide Assessment of Habitat Use and Habitat-Specific Production Estimates of Nekton in Turtlegrass.” The overarching goal of this project is to conduct a management-driven, Gulf of Mexico-wide assessment of the use of turtlegrass as habitat by nekton and to evaluate the support provided to blue crabs, a commercially valuable species, using habitat-specific production estimates.
This is a collaborative project with researchers at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, the University of Florida, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The technician will work closely with personnel from these institutions.
 
Job duties include (but are not limited to): conducting epibenthic sled and trawl sampling of nekton in seagrass beds; preparation and setup of field experiments to assess blue crab growth and mortality; fish and macroinvertebrate identification; laboratory processing of vegetation, nekton, and benthic core samples; data entry and QA/QC; assisting with data analyses, assisting with manuscript preparation and outreach efforts; and operating small boats in support of field research efforts.
 
Required qualifications:
-B.S. or M.S. degree in marine biology, ecology, biology, or a related field -Previous research experience
-Valid driver’s license
 
Preferred qualifications:
-Experience working in seagrass beds
-Experience with juvenile and adult fish identification -Experience with GIS
-Ability to operate small, outboard-powered boats
 
This position includes a salary of $30,000 per year and full benefits. The term of the position is 28 months (February 1, 2018–May 31, 2020), with the possibility for extension beyond this term if additional funding is available.
 
To apply, please send a cover letter, CV, and list of three references to kelly.darnell@usm.edu. Review of applications will begin on December 1, 2017 and continue until the position is filled.
 
 

Graduate Position: BallStateU.BehavioralEvolution

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Graduate Student Positions in Behavioral Evolution

The Ward Lab at Ball State University is seeking bright and talented MSc
students for Fall 2018. Research in our lab seeks to understand the
proximate and ultimate factors that control variation in behavior. We work
primarily with stream fishes, but projects involving other organisms are
possible. Current projects in the lab focus on two non-mutually exclusive
lines of inquiry:

1. Communication systems, sensory perception, and information processing

How do organisms perceive and respond to one another and the environment?
This line of research focuses on understanding the mechanisms, function and
evolution of sensory and communication systems. Questions asked relate to
how animals have evolved to perceive, process, and respond to stimuli in
the contexts of mate choice, aggression, and predator-prey dynamics, as
well as how behavior develops in response to abiotic environmental cues.

2. Ecological and evolutionary consequences of human-driven behavioral
change on animals

What drives the behavioral responses of organisms to a changing world?
Another focus of our research is to clarify how different forms of human
activity (endocrine disrupting chemicals, land-use changes, invasive
introductions) modify the behavior of organisms, and the associated
ecological and evolutionary implications of these changes.

Interested prospective students should contact Dr. Jessica Ward at
jlward4@bsu.edu. Please include (i) a letter of motivation including a
maximum 1-page statement of your research interests and relevant technical
skills and experience, (ii) a CV, (iii) your GRE scores (if you have them),
and (iv) contact information for 3 references.

Funding is available to students through a variety of sources, including
teaching assistantships. However, the departmental deadline for
applications for assistantships is February 1 2018. Therefore, interested
students should contact Dr. Jessica Ward ASAP.

The Department of Biology at Ball State is a collaborative and
dynamic research environment with more than 30 faculty members and
~50 MSc and PhD graduate students. Ball State University is located
in Muncie, Indiana, on an attractive campus 45 miles northeast of
Indianapolis. To learn more about admissions requirements and processes,
applicants should visit the university graduate admissions webpage
(http://cms.bsu.edu/academ…/collegesanddepartments/gradschool
or the Biology Department webpage
(http://cms.bsu.edu/academics/collegesanddepartments/biology).

Ball State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer
that is strongly and actively committed to diversity within its community.
Women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and protected veterans
are strongly encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive
equal consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national
origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other legally
protected status.

For more information, please contact
Dr. Jessica Ward
Assistant Professor
Department of Biology
Ball State University
jlward4@bsu.edu.

Jessica Ward <jlward4@bsu.edu>

 

Biological Science Aide, Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center

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Job title: Biological Science Aide
Series/Grade: GS-0404-03/04
Start Date: February 2018
Position Length: 9 months
Location: Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center Number of Positions: One

Duties:
Aide will work with Ecologists and Range Technicians. Fieldwork is based in ecological studies with emphasis on revegetation of sagebrush steppe plant communities. Topics of study include: determining attributes of high quality seed, identifying safe sites for seedling establishment and reducing early herbivory of seedlings. Responsibilities are to assist in the collection of field and laboratory data. Field work takes up about 50% of the position responsibilities. Laboratory work consists of biomass separation and weighing, insect identification, seed quality assessment, data entry and photographic analysis.

Requirements:
Undergraduate studies in range, soils, wildlife, or other natural resource fields preferred; those with related experience or education will be considered. Must be able to lift objects that weigh up to 50 pounds and kneel/squat for extended periods of time for sample collection. Must have a valid state motor vehicle operator’s license and be able to operate motor vehicles. Must be able to work in adverse weather conditions (both heat and cold). Must be able to hike over rugged and steep terrain. Must to be at least 16 years of age. Must be a citizen of the United States of America.

GS-3: 6 months of general experience, which demonstrates the ability to perform the work of the position; OR Successful completion of 1 year of post-high school study that included at least 6 semester hours in any combination of scientific or technical courses such as biology, chemistry, statistics, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture, or mathematics.

GS-4: 6 months of general AND 6 months of specialized experience; OR successful completion of 2 years of post-high school study that included at least 12 semester hours in any combination of courses such as biology, chemistry, statistics, entomology, animal husbandry, botany, physics, agriculture or mathematics of which 6 semester hours of courses relate directly to the duties of the position (plant biology, range/ecology, or natural resource management).

General experience: must have demonstrated the ability to perform the work of the position or provided a familiarity with the subject matter.
Specialized experience: must have been at least equivalent to the GS-03 grade level in the Federal Service.

Salary: $12.65 to $14.21 per hour depending on experience and/or education. Workweek is typically 40 hours but some longer weeks will be expected. There is potential for housing to be provided.

To Apply:
Send an email with “Biological Science Aide” in the title to elsie.denton@ars.usda.gov by Dec 10, 2017. Email should include: cover letter, one page resume, and college transcripts. List any pertinent classes in rangeland science, botany, soils, wildlife, natural resources, etc.

Website:
http://oregonstate.edu/dept/eoarc/

USDA-ARS is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

Seasonal Botany Job – Crew Leader

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Title: Research Assistant – Botany Crew Leader (3 positions)
Salary: $11.25/hour
Location: free housing is provided in Ellington and Winona, Missouri
Employment Period: Temporary, full-time; April 30 through September 21, 2018
Hours: 40 hours/week, Monday-Thursday (4 ten-hour days)
Last date to apply: February 09, 2018
Applicant review and job offers will begin in December 2017.
 
Summary:
The Missouri Department of Conservation in collaboration with the University of Missouri is recruiting 3 botany crew leaders and 9 botany technicians to assist in collecting vegetation data in southeastern Missouri. Botany crews identify forest, woodland, and glade plant species, and record vegetation data for the Missouri Ozark Forest Ecosystem Project (MOFEP), a landscape-scale, long-term study of the effects of forest management on multiple aspects of the ecosystem. This position is a great opportunity to hone botany skills, learn about forest ecology and natural communities, and interact with other students and professionals in the natural resources field. If you love learning about plants and natural communities, this is your job!
MOFEP is located in the heart of the Ozark Highlands, an extensively forested and ecologically diverse region, providing ample opportunities for hiking, swimming, and canoeing in the stunningly beautiful Current and Jacks Fork Rivers. Free housing is provided and is located on land owned by the Missouri Department of Conservation.
 
Job Description:
Botany crews identify up to 500 species of forest, woodland, and glade plants, estimate plant coverage, count soft mast flowers and fruits, and measure canopy closure using spherical densiometers. Botanists record data using a tablet-sized rugged field computer. Botany crews drive 4-wheel drive trucks up to 50 miles a day on pavement, gravel roads, and trails through the woods; hike 1 to 4 miles a day across steep, rocky terrain in rain, heat, and high humidity; and navigate to permanent plots using Garmin GPS units, or map and compass. Botany crews are required to work long hours outdoors, often in adverse weather conditions. Work vehicles are provided for transportation to field sites.
 
Qualifications:
Crew Leaders must have a Bachelor’s degree in a biological field such as botany, ecology, natural resource management, environmental science/studies, or forestry; some previous field experience is required; a previous leadership role is preferred. Preference will be given to candidates who have completed a field botany or plant taxonomy class and/or exhibit strong botanical skills. Intensive botanical training will be provided, but a solid foundation in plant identification is a prerequisite for the training. Candidates must be able to cheerfully endure tough field conditions, including heat, humidity, ticks, chiggers, mosquitoes, gnats, spiders, snakes, briars, and steep terrain. Applicants must be detail-oriented, self-motivated, enthusiastic, and possess a strong work ethic, excellent organizational skills, and above all, a positive attitude. Applicants must possess exceptional inter-personal skills and be able to live and work with field crews in close quarters in remote locations. Must be able to work long hours, including early mornings and late afternoons, and conduct field work that is often strenuous. Must possess a valid driver’s license and a good driving record.
 
To apply, submit the following to Elizabeth Olson (elizabeth.olson@mdc.mo.gov)
1. Cover letter describing your background, experience, and qualifications
2. Detailed resume or curriculum vitae
3. College transcripts (unofficial transcripts acceptable)
4. Contact information (phone and e-mail) for at least 2 educational or professional references
Please put “MOFEP Botany Crew Leader” in the subject line of your e-mail.
 
For more information, contact:
Elizabeth Olson
Plant Community Ecologist
Missouri Department of Conservation
Phone: 417-256-7161 ext.4763