Opportunities

Graduate position in conservation ecology: Ohio University, Athens, OH

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Graduate position in conservation ecology: Ohio University, Athens, OH
 
A masters position in conservation ecology is available starting August 15, 2018. The project will examine the effectiveness of wildlife mitigation measures installed following the construction of a highway, with a focus on migratory amphibians. This student will be in the Department of Biological Sciences at Ohio University, in the lab of Dr. Shawn Kuchta (https://kuchtalab.weebly.com)
 
The construction of roads to accommodate faster transportation, and the increasing number of cars on roads, has had a serious impact on wildlife populations, especially as previously isolated regions are developed and made accessible to vehicular traffic. Organisms with migratory behavior, such as frogs and salamanders, frequently encounter roads during their movements to reach breeding, feeding, aestivation, or hibernation sites. Road mortality during amphibian migrations can be particularly high. Recently, a highway bypass was installed near Nelsonville, Ohio, including substantial investment in various mitigation measures. However, our studies have shown that the mitigations designed to facilitate amphibian migrations were not as successful as hoped, and thus new mitigations (ecopassages under the highway) will be install in the spring of 2018. This project is to evaluate the effectiveness and operation of these new mitigation measures. In addition, there is opportunity to design a second, independent project on road ecology. This project will be heavy on field work.
 
The student will be supported on a research grant for 1.5 years, and will work as teaching assistant for one semester.
 
The candidate should hold degree in biological sciences. Applicants must apply to the graduate program in Biological Sciences at Ohio University. Information about the application process can be found here: https://www.ohio.edu/cas/biosci/grad/bios-grad-admissions.cfm.  The application process includes a cover letter, curriculum vitae, GRE scores, college transcripts, and other usual application materials.
 
Ohio University is located in Athens, a small college town along the Hocking River in southeast Ohio. Athens is commonly ranked among the best college town in the country. The landscape is hilly and forested, and the community includes a vibrate music and arts scene. Living costs are relatively affordable.
 
Send questions to Dr. Kuchta (kuchta@ohio.edu). The closing date for application is January 8, 2018.

Field and laboratory technician – invasive ants

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The Invasive Species lab at the University of Texas at Austin’s Brackenridge Field Laboratory is seeking a technician for a mixed field and laboratory position working on invasive ants.

Please see a more detailed job description and apply at:

https://utdirect.utexas.edu/apps/hr/jobs/nlogon/171115014480

General Position Notes: Job is a mixture of field and laboratory based investigation. Job requires frequent overnight travel to field sites in remote regions of Texas. Camping out will be required at some sites. Work will be outside during Texas summer. Experimental protocols will require a non-standard work schedule. Work will often involve long days and short weeks, working evenings, mornings and/or weekends.

Purpose: Technician will follow the direction of the lead investigator to carry out studies examining the biology and ecology of tawny crazy and natural enemies of this ant, including microsporidian pathogens and phorid fly parasitoids.

Driving a UT vehicle is an essential function of the position.

Preferred Qualifications
Bachelors or masters degree in biological science. Strong background and interest in entomology and ecology. Experience in field ecological studies and experiments. Experience with insect identification. Experience with micro-dissection and microscopy. Laboratory experience in chemistry.
Experience with molecular lab procedures. Computer skills including familiarity with spreadsheet manipulation, analysis and graphing in Microsoft Excel. Experience using GPS. Excellent organizational, interpersonal and communication skills needed. Ability to perform as a
member of a dynamic research team.

Start Date
On or around January 2, 2018

Duration of Appointment
Appointment will last for 1 year.  Provided additional funding can be secured and applicant performs well, appointment may be renewed.

Announcing 2018 Summer Programs at MLBS

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Mountain Lake Biological Station
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.
 
 
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
 
 

Scientific Research Internship in Spain

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Scientific Research Internship in Spain – BDRI 2018

The Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI offers opportunities for students and recent graduates to acquire multidisciplinary work experience in cetacean research in Galicia (North-western coast of Spain). An incredible diversity of cetaceans is present in these waters. In 2017, the BDRI team had the opportunity to study bottlenose dolphins, harbour porpoises, Risso’s dolphins, common dolphins, striped dolphins, pilot whales, killer whales, sperm whales, beaked whales, humpback whales, minke whales, sei whales, fin whales, and even blue whales! And the exciting part is that it is yet to be discovered!

During the internship period students will be working side by side with the chief biologist, and other experienced researchers. With state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, students will be trained to participate with multiple research projects involving a combination of boat-based surveys onboard research vessels, land-based observations, laboratory work (photo-identification, GIS, bioacoustics, diet analysis, diving behaviour, video analysis, database work, etc), and strandings (response, rescue, necropsy, and data collection).

The BDRI is a very international environment, and the everyday working language is English. Laboratory work days typically last six hours and field days typically exceed seven hours and occur several times per week (weather dependent). There will be two days off per week.

Internship start and end dates are flexible but the position requires a minimum of 30 days continuous commitment sometime between 8th January 2018 through to end November 2018.

The BDRI is a private and self-funded centre, hence, this internship requires a monetary contribution which is used to off-set the cost of accommodation in an apartment, training, use of research equipment, facilities and research vessels, and other expenses (access to wifi in the apartment, kitchen utensils, electricity, taxes, etc). Successful applicants will be responsible for their own transportation expenses to and from the research centre (O Grove, Galicia, Spain).

Interested candidates should submit an application with the following:
– A cover letter including your availability;
– A resume describing training, experience and relevant skills;
– BDRI’s application form, you can download the file from <http://www.thebdri.com/resources/downloads/applicationinternships.doc>

Please send these items as e-mail attachments (PDF preferred) to: severine@thebdri.com

Approved applications are accepted on a first-come, first serve basis. Positions are open until filled.

For more information about BDRI’s research projects, please visit <https://www.thebdri.com> or our Facebook page.

Scientific articles published by the BDRI in 2017:

– Díaz López, B., López, A., Methion, S., & Covelo, P. (2017). Infanticide attacks and associated epimeletic behaviour in free-ranging common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, 1-9. doi:10.1017/S0025315417001266
–  Diaz Lopez B. and Methion S., 2017. The impact of shellfish farming on common bottlenose dolphins’ use of habitat. Marine Biology 164: 83.
– Díaz López, B., Grandcourt, E., Methion, S., Das, H., Bugla, I., Al Hameli, M., Al Hameri, H., Abdulla, M; Al Blooshi, A; Al Dhaheri, S.(2017). The distribution, abundance and group dynamics of Indian Ocean humpback dolphins (Sousa plumbea) in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi (UAE). Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, 1-9. doi:10.1017/S0025315417001205
– Diaz Lopez B., 2017. Temporal variability of predator presence around a fin fish farm in the North-western Mediterranean Sea. Marine Ecology 38(1), e12378.

Best regards, and see you in Galicia!

Bruno Díaz López
Chief biologist and Director
The Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI Avenida Beiramar 192, O Grove 36980, Spainwww.thebdri.com
0034 684 248552

This email is confidential to the intended recipient(s) and the contents may be legally privileged or contain proprietary and private informations. It is intended solely for the person to whom it is addressed. If you are not an intended recipient, you may not review, copy or distribute this email. If received in error, please notify the sender and delete the message from your system immediately. Please note that neither the Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI nor the sender accept any responsibility for any viruses and it is your responsibility to scan the email and the attachments (if any). Thank you for your cooperation.

Conservation GIS Lab Internship

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The Conservation GIS Lab (https://nationalzoo.si.edu/conservation) at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) is seeking interns to start in January 2018.  We apply GIS and remote sensing to the research and management of endangered species. The successful interns will use data from satellites and UAVs/drones to map forest cover and endangered species habitat and facilitate forestry data collection in Myanmar. The interns will also have the opportunity to work on ongoing projects that explore the ecology and improve the conservation of charismatic endangered species, such as the Asian elephant, Przewalski’s horse, Asian wild dog, scimitar-horned oryx, and giant panda. 
 
 
The role:  
·         Assist in piloting and maintaining UAVs
·         Analyze remote sensing data from satellite and UAV sensors
·         Produce classifications, maps of critical or suitable habitat, and other products from remotely sensed imagery
·         Manage and analyze large spatial datasets, including animal movement data
·         Development efficient, automated data processing and analysis tools
 
 
Interns will be involved in multiple research projects, and be advised by spatial ecologists at the Conservation GIS Lab. Interns are also expected to assist with everyday lab management and help with short GIS training courses. 
 
Required Skills & Experience:
  • Knowledge of GIS and remote sensing concepts, analysis methods, and software (e.g.ArcGIS or QGIS)
  • Experience with programming languages frequently used in GIS and RS analyses (R, Python, IDL, etc.).  
  • Experience processing large volumes of spatial data. 
  • Previous experience with UAVs is preferred.
 
The internship includes a modest stipend ($600/month) and free dormitory-style housing.  Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and positions are available immediately.  Please send letter of interest and resume to SCBI.GIS@gmail.com. Resume should include contact information for 3 references. Include potential start date and the time period you are available for the internship in your letter.
 
Positions are open until filled, and are for a minimum of 3 months. Priority will be given to candidates who can commit for longer periods.
 
The Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute is located at the north entrance of the Shenandoah National Park about 60 miles west of Washington, D.C., in Front Royal, VA.
 
SCBI’s mission is to advance the conservation of biological diversity. In meeting the Smithsonian Institution’s mandate, SCBI increases knowledge through investigations of threatened species, habitats, and communities, and disseminates knowledge through advanced studies, professional training, and public outreach.
 

Two graduate student positions in marine viral ecology

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The Labonté viral ecology lab at Texas A&M University at Galveston is looking for two motivated students to pursue graduate studies (one MSc and one PhD) in the department of Marine Biology through the Marine Biology Interdisciplinary Program (MARB-IDP). Students will work on research projects related to virus evolution, virus-host interactions, and characterization the role of viruses in marine (surface and subseafloor) environments using cultivation-independent techniques. Interests and experience in bioinformatics are desired.

Interested students should contact Dr. Jessica Labonté (labontej@tamug.edu) with their curriculum vitae and a cover letter presenting themselves and their interests in viral ecology research prior to submitting an application (before January 15). The deadline to apply for the MARB-IDP program is February 15, 2018. Applications from women, military veterans, individuals with disabilities, and members of other traditionally underrepresented groups are encouraged.

MS and PhD positions at VCU: Plant and Lepidoptera macroecology

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From: Catherine Hulshof [mailto:catherine.hulshof@GMAIL.COM]
Sent: Sunday, December 10, 2017 11:36 AM
Subject: MS and PhD positions at VCU: Plant and Lepidoptera macroecology

Ecology MS and PhD positions at VCU

The Hulshof Lab is recruiting Master’s and PhD students starting Fall 2018. We study the causes of biodiversity across space and time especially as it relates to island biogeography, community assembly and global change.

We are recruiting students interested in studying 1) plant and/or Lepidoptera diversity on serpentine outcrops throughout the northeastern United States; or 2) phenotypic variation of butterfly wing size and coloration across environmental gradients.

Part of our research group is based in Puerto Rico and collaboration between temperate and tropical regions will advance a macroecological understanding of biodiversity across spatio-temporal scales. Visit our webpage (www.catherinehulshof.wordpress.com) for information about our team, ongoing projects, and work philosophy. We are an international and diverse group and I strongly encourage women and other underrepresented groups to contact me to discuss potential ideas.

The Hulshof Lab is located in the Department of Biology at Virginia Commonwealth University, in Richmond, Virginia (https://biology.vcu.edu/).
VCU is located on the historic James River within easy reach of the Appalachian Mountains, the Virginia LTER and NEON sites, and other resources in the D.C. area like the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History and Conservation International.

Students interested in the Master’s program in Biology should apply by 15 January. (http://biology.vcu.edu/graduate-program/ms-program-in-biology/)

Students interested in the PhD program should apply to the Integrative Life Sciences Program by 10 January.
https://lifesciences.vcu.edu/academic-programs/phd-in-integrative-life-
sciences/

Those who are interested should contact Dr. Hulshof
(catherine.hulshof@gmail.com) with a CV and cover letter to discuss the position before applying.

2018 Field Ecology Summer Session at Flathead Lake Biological Station (Montana): open for enrollment!

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For immersive field ecology experiences in western Montana . . .
 
Get Out There! = = = > https://youtu.be/U1NK-9gauCo! (Ctrl click for video)
 
Summers at Flathead Lake Biological Station, Montana, USA–We have 12 great courses in both aquatic and terrestrial realms that will be of interest to students ranging from “sophomores-to-be” (Field Ecology) to upperclassmen to early grad students.
 
Courses begin June 25, 2018 and run through August 17, 2018. Students are already applying online athttps://flbs.umt.edu/apps/education/!
 
For Important Dates and Deadlines, Courses Offered, Scholarships and Logistics information, check the FLBS website at:https://flbs.umt.edu/apps/education/ or a pdf of the brochure at: https://goo.gl/AGM7ct.
 
Here are some relevant pieces of info:
–   small class sizes, great faculty, students from around the USA, non-USA students welcome
–   immersive learning, featuring field methods and interactions with natural resource professionals
–   new courses for 2018: “Environmental Sensors: Designing Building and Deploying in the Field” and “Field Methods in Ornithology”
–   earn 1 to 13 credits in 1 to 8 weeks in 300 and 400 level courses, graduate early
–   credits easily transferable to other colleges/universities
–   many scholarships available
–   apply by Jan. 12 for $100 discount, pay in fully by Apr. 30 for $100 discount!
–   easy online application process
 
University of Montana’s Flathead Lake Biological Station is the place to go for high quality and rewarding hands-on learning in all areas of field ecology, taught outside under the open sky. Coupled with contemporary and cutting-edge methods and technologies, the FLBS summer academic program offers rich and rigorous field ecology experiences taught by outstanding faculty from UM and beyond.
 
Since 1899, the Flathead Lake Biological Station of the University of Montana has been offering transformative field ecology courses in spectacular western Montana.  2018 is going to be the best summer yet.
 
Join us on the shores of Flathead Lake for Summer Session 2018!
 
Jim Elser, Bierman Professor and Director, Flathead Lake Biological Station of the University of Montana

Monarch and Pollinator Restoration Ecologist

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Monarch and Pollinator Restoration Ecologist
 
Location: Sacramento, CA
Application Deadline: Job open until filled; applications will be reviewed as they are received.
Start Date: January 2, 2018 – February 12, 2018
Join a growing team of ecologists, educators, advocates, and restoration practitioners working to conserve some of North America’s most important yet endangered pollinators.  Reporting to Xerces Society’s Director of Endangered Species and Aquatic Conservation, the Monarch Butterfly and Pollinator Restoration Ecologist will work with public land managers and private land owners to restore, enhance, and manage climate resilient habitat for monarch butterflies and other pollinators in California’s Central Valley.
Please review full job details and application instructions here:
 

PhD grad assistantship, Human Dimensions of Natural Resource Management

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GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIP, HUMAN DIMENSIONS OF NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT – Ph.D. in Environmental Systems at University of California, Merced 
 
Seeking a PhD student who is eager to work in an interdisciplinary setting on research related to climate change planning and recreational visitor use management in parks and public lands of the Sierra Nevada. 
 
Keywords: Sierra Nevada, wildland urban-interface, parks and protected areas management, complex systems, political ecology, land use planning 
 
Possible research tasks that the graduate student may assist on include a combination of the following: 1] geovisualization of future climate change scenarios given trade-offs between different land use management practices (e.g. adaptation, restoration, passive) through image alteration, cartographic editing techniques, and other comparative methods (experience with Photoshop a plus); 2] carrying out surveys about the changing landscape of the wildland-urban interface, specifically related to the social and economic impact from climate induced disturbances like wildfire, tree mortality, and variable snow pack and hydrological conditions on tourism dependent communities that rely on climatic certainty; 3] assessing environmental education curriculum and developing natural resource communication materials for use in National Park youth outreach, including historically underrepresented populations; 4] conducting literature reviews on coupled socio-ecological systems, wildland-urban interface land use planning and policy at various scales, cognitive processes and biases associated with complex environmental change, and protected areas management; 5] analysis of archival material (e.g. photos, text, maps) from parks, forests, and other agencies to better understand changing environmental conditions, socioeconomic factors, and shifting management priorities; 6] collection and analysis of geographic information systems (GIS) data layers to model changes in infrastructure and development, along with provisioning of environmental services and benefits in the Sierra Nevada. 
 
The successful candidate will have a strong background in geography or a closely aligned field such as environmental studies or planning, proficiency with geographic information systems analysis and other interdisciplinary social science methods, and experience working with stakeholders from a diverse set of backgrounds and perspectives. A Master’s degree or professional equivalent is strongly preferred. Additionally, preference will be given to those who have experience with public lands and natural resource agencies, professionally, academically, recreationally, or otherwise. 
 
The doctoral training will be anchored in the Environmental Systems graduate program (http://es.ucmerced.edu) and cross over with opportunities and resources in the Management of Complex Systems department (http://mist.ucmerced.edu). The assistantship provides a 9-month stipend, in-state tuition waiver (residency must be acquired in 1-year), and health insurance through a combination of research assistantships and teaching assistantships. Normative time for a Ph.D. is approximately 5 years, and students must be willing to independently seek out and apply for fellowships to support individual research opportunities during the summer months and later years of the program. 
The Ph.D. student will work under the direct supervision of Dr. Jeffrey Jenkins as part of a research group. The application deadline for Fall 2018 is January 15th, 2018. Interested students are encouraged to get in contact at their earliest opportunity (jeff.jenkins@ucmerced.edu) with cover letter of interest highlighting relevant experience, C.V., GRE status/scores, and transcript information (if available) before applying. 
 
For background about the University of California’s growing Merced campus please see the 2020 Plan (http://merced2020.ucmerced.edu), for further details about graduate study please see the Graduate Division website (http://graduatedivision.ucmerced.edu), and for information about ongoing faculty research throughout the region please see the Sierra Nevada Research Institute (http://snri.ucmerced.edu).