Opportunities

Job Announcement: Two Field Technician Positions Studying Pollinator Communities in California Agriculture

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From: Kaysee Tom [mailto:kathleen.c.tom@GMAIL.COM] 
Sent: Tuesday, November 14, 2017 6:38 PM
Subject: Job Announcement: Two Field Technician Positions Studying Pollinator Communities in California Agriculture
 
The Ponisio, McFrederick and Woodard Labs at UC Riverside are beginning a new three-year study in the Central Valley of California asking how bees on farms using pollinator-friendly practices (Bee Better Certified farms) might experience 1) lower pesticide exposure, 2) lower parasite loads, and 3) higher nutrition, compared to those on conventional farms. The project is in collaboration with the Hladik Lab at the USGS, Hillary Sardiñas the creator of the Bee Better certification program, and Houston Wilson, UCR tree crop extension specialist.

Two temporary field technician positions are available for approximately 2.5 months, starting around mid-January 2018 and ending around the end of March. These two field technicians will join a team sampling pollinator communities in almond orchards across California during February and March 2018. We will conduct hand-netting and stationary trapping of pollinator species, focusing on native bees, butterflies, flies, and wasps. We are also recruiting for a three-year position as a project/lab manager starting around June 2018 and would be open to having one of our field technicians stay on in this expanded role with additional lab responsibilities, if interested (however, interest in this project/lab manager job is not a requirement for the temporary field technician positions).

Responsibilities

  • Field monitoring and collection of pollinators
  • Processing insect specimens in the lab including pinning bees and labeling samples
  • Data entry into spreadsheets
  • Periodic monitoring of trap nesting surveys or other miscellaneous pollination experiments

Required Qualifications
  • Interest in botany, entomology, conservation biology and field ecology
  • Previous field or lab experience or coursework related to botany and/or entomology
  • Attention to detail (will be collecting and working with original data)
  • Highly motivated and able to work independently 
  • Basic computer skills (Word, Excel)
  • Ability to work in field for long hours
  • Valid Drivers License
 
Preferred Qualifications

Bachelors degree in relevant field
Previous experience with pollinators, especially native bees and/or monitoring other insect populations
Previous field experience in agricultural areas

Salary & Benefits
The salary for this position is $2641- $3082 monthly, depending on previous experience

How to Apply
To apply submit the following to kathleen.c.tom@gmail.com with “Field Tech Application – YourLastName” as the subject line, e.g., ” Field Tech Application – Ponisio”:


1) Cover letter describing your qualifications and interest in this position
2) C.V.
3) The names and contact information for 2-3 references

Please also specify whether you would be interested only in this temporary position or if you would also like to be considered for the potential expansion into a full-time project /lab manager position after the end of the field season.

About the Ponisio Lab
The Ponisio Lab is a new lab at the University of California, Riverside. With continued degradation of ecosystems, we need to know how to restore biodiversity, both for conservation and to ensure the provision of essential services provided by nature. To manage and restore diversity in human-modified systems, however, we need to understand the mechanisms that originally maintained biodiversity. The Ponisio Lab studies the mechanisms operating in complex systems, specifically ecological communities, that underlie diversity maintenance.

The questions we are currently tackling are along these lines: 1) How do the characteristics of communities affect interaction patterns? 2) How do interaction patterns feedback to affect the characteristics of communities? 3) How can we design (restore) degraded communities to promote stability and evolutionary potential (applying all the principles learned from the above)?

Seeking a PhD student – QTL for drought tolerance in chile pepper

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From: Mercer, Kristin [mailto:mercer.97@OSU.EDU]
Sent: Wednesday, November 15, 2017 11:00 AM
Subject: Seeking a PhD student – QTL for drought tolerance in chile pepper
 
 
Graduate Assistantship
Mercer and McHale Laboratories at Ohio State University
QTL for drought tolerance in chile pepper from Mexico and the US
 
Application deadline:
December 13 for domestic students and Nov 30 for international students
 
We are seeking a highly motivated PhD student interested in studying the adaptive genetic variation found in improved and landrace varieties of crops, as well as their wild relatives, collected from centers of origin. The successful candidate will be part of a USDA funded project and co-advised by Drs. Kristin Mercer and Leah McHale at Ohio State University in the Department of Horticulture and Crop Science (http://hcs.osu.edu/) in Columbus, Ohio.  Briefly, Dr. Mercer studies plant evolutionary ecology within agricultural systems, including adaptation in and evolution of crop diversity in centers of origin.  Dr. Leah McHale studies breeding and genetics, including the identification and characterization of beneficial alleles for food quality and resistance to abiotic and biotic stresses.  You can look at our various research projects on our lab websites here (https://mercerlab.cfaes.ohio-state.edu/) and here (https://mchalelab.cfaes.ohio-state.edu/).
 
In this Mexico-US collaborative project on chile pepper (Capsicum), we aim to relate phenotypic, molecular, and climatic variation to understand how patterns of genetic variation have been shaped by the environment.  The successful candidate’s project will use QTL analysis to highlight regions of the genome controlling environmental adaptation using greenhouse and laboratory experiments.  Such analysis will enhance our understanding of mechanisms of adaptation to abiotic stress, especially drought. Students with an interest in international collaboration are especially encouraged to apply and a facility with Spanish is a plus, but not required.
 
Outside of our labs, there are many collaborators at OSU that can contribute to your graduate training.  The Department of Horticulture and Crop Science has other faculty with interests in the ecology and evolution (or adaptation) of agricultural plants, as well as faculty with a molecular focus who investigate the genetic basis for ecologically and agronomically relevant traits.  Similarly, there are collaborating faculty in other departments at OSU, including Plant Pathology, Entomology, Molecular Genetics, Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, and Geography, who can enhance your experience.  Interdisciplinary programs, such as the Center for Applied Plant Science (CAPS) and the Agroecosystem Management Program (AMP), exist to further broaden opportunities.  Strong collaborators with scientists at institutions in Mexico and Hawaii extend our network to the south and west. 
 
Applicants will apply for the PhD program and should have a MS in a related field or strong prior research experience (undergraduate thesis, technician position, etc.).  There are fellowship opportunities through the College of Food, Agriculture, and Environmental Sciences and Graduate School, so high quality applications will be forwarded accordingly.  We encourage students to consider concurrently applying to external fellowship funding sources.
 
Please contact us directly if you are interested in the position.  Please include a description of your interests, as well as an updated CV with GPA, GRE, and TOEFL scores, as relevant.  GRE scores should be expressed as a percentage.  Kristin Mercer, mercer.97@osu.edu, 614-247-6394.  Leah McHale, mchale.21@osu.edu, 614-292-9003.
 
Further information can be found on the Future Graduate Students page for Horticulture and Crop Science (https://hcs.osu.edu/future-students/future-graduate-students).  For specifics on applying to OSU, please visit the Graduate School website (https://gradsch.osu.edu/programs-admissions/admissions andhttp://gpadmissions.osu.edu/grad/quick-guide.html).  Regina Vann (vann.5@osu.edu), Graduate Studies Coordinator, can also be of assistance.
 
 
 
Kristin Mercer, Associate Professor
Ohio State University
Department of Horticulture and Crop Science
 
202 Kottman Hall
2021 Coffey Rd.
Columbus, Ohio 43210
 
614-247-6394
 
 

Restoration Ecology Internship at The Wilds

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From: Patrick Boleman [mailto:pboleman@THEWILDS.ORG]
Sent: Tuesday, November 14, 2017 3:58 PM
Subject: Restoration Ecology Internship at The Wilds
 
The Wilds is one of the largest and most innovative conservation centers in the world, offering diverse training programs for early career professionals.  The Wilds has nearly 10,000 acres of reclaimed mineland and remnant forest patches which present opportunities for ecological  restoration and research. Six month apprenticeships are available starting February, May, and September 2018.  Three month positions are available starting May 2018.  The three month positions are aimed at college students on summer break.
 
Apprentices gain hands-on experience, participate vegetation and wildlife studies and receive field training on a variety of ecological studies in wetland, forest, stream & grassland habitats.  Apprentices will have the opportunity to develop their own independent research project involving field, lab, and/or computer modeling components.
 
Typical tasks include implementing habitat improvements and monitoring ecosystem recovery through invasive plant management, vegetation and wildlife surveys, environmental monitoring, photo point collection, data analysis and report writing.  Apprentices will receive training in field methods (species identification, survey protocols, research methodology), GPS & GIS applications/map making, biological monitoring and application of land management and restoration techniques.  Apprentices will conduct an independent scientific research project with a topic of their choice, with a final presentation to Columbus Zoo and Wilds employees at the end of their term.  The position requires hiking and some physically demanding tasks, including outdoor work throughout the seasons.  This may include hot, buggy, cold or otherwise challenging conditions.  Participants should be prepared with appropriate field gear / foot wear.  Candidates should be eager for learning opportunities and willing to practice new skills independently.  Apprentices must be responsible, flexible, self-motivated and able to work effectively with limited supervision, as well as in a team setting.  Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to lift at least 45 lbs.
 
For more information, including potential projects, expectations, and how to apply, please visit:
 
No monetary compensation is offered; however, the position is ideal for acquiring practical career experience in conservation, natural resource management, land stewardship or ecological studies, and is particularly well suited to prepare participants for graduate school or work in a conservation organization. On site housing is available for $250/month.
 
To apply, please send your resume and a cover letter to Dr. Rebecca Swab.  Outline what you would hope to gain from the position and how your past experience makes you an ideal candidate, what start date you would like, and what duration of apprenticeship.  Please send application materials to Dr. Rebecca Swab atrswab@thewilds.org.
 
Patrick J. Boleman, RPCV, M.S.
Restoration Ecology Program Associate
The Wilds
 
14000 International Road              Office: 740-638-5030 ext. 2085
Cumberland OH  43732                  Fax: 740-638-2287
pboleman@thewilds.org                  
 
 

Graduate Position:UKansas.Biodiversity

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The Short Lab in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Kansas is seeking a motivated PhD student to join our research group in the Fall of 2018.

Our lab uses a variety of approaches from morphology and fieldwork to next-generation phylogenomics to address questions related to the systematics, diversity, and evolution of aquatic beetles. The specific research project is flexible depending on the interests of the student. Examples include (not an exclusive list):
-Patterns of diversification in the Neotropics
-Exploring patterns of habitat shifting or biogeography using phylogenies built with molecular or phylogenomic data
-Illuminating diverse lineages using integrative taxonomy

KU has a vibrant, diverse program in evolutionary biology, with a particular strength in specimen-based research. Our Biodiversity Institute has 15 faculty-curators that study everything from birds to fossil plants.

Interested students should contact Andrew Short (aezshort@ku.edu), including a current CV and why our research group might be a good fit.  Funding in our department for PhD students is guaranteed for 5 years. More information can be found at shortlab.org. Application information at requirements can be found on our department website, here: https://eeb.ku.edu/prospective-students

Deadline for applications is December 1.

PhD position in lake consumer responses to environmental change

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—–Original Message—–
From: Stuart Jones [mailto:sjones20@ND.EDU]
Sent: Monday, November 13, 2017 9:50 PM
Subject: PhD position in lake consumer responses to environmental change

A Ph.D. research position is available in the Jones Lab
(http://biology.nd.edu/people/faculty/jones) at the University of Notre Dame. In our lab, we develop knowledge and tools for the prediction of lake ecosystem services under future climate and land use scenarios and identify strategies for mitigation of undesirable aquatic environmental change.  These goals are accomplished using a combination of theoretical and empirical research that integrates approaches from ecology and mathematics.

We welcome applications from prospective students interested in any aspect of lake food web ecology, but are especially interested in students wanting to work with lake consumers, including invertebrates and fish. Regardless of research topic, a student in my laboratory will gain a multi-disciplinary training, work as a member of an interdisciplinary research team led by myself and Dr. Chris Solomon from the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, and be expected to significantly contribute to the goals of the lab.

The University of Notre Dame offers excellent facilities and resources including the University of Notre Dame Environmental Research Center (UNDERC) and the Notre Dame Environmental Change Initiative. University fellowships and research assistantships are available for competitive applicants.  Feel free to contact me with questions or interest in applying.  Graduate applications to the Department of Biological Sciences
(http://biology.nd.edu/graduate-program/) at the University of Notre Dame will be reviewed beginning on December 1st, 2017.

Contact Information:
Stuart E. Jones
264 Galvin Life Sciences
Notre Dame, IN 46556
(574) 631-5703
sjones20@nd.edu
http://www.nd.edu/~sjones20

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Graduate Assistantship – University of Louisiana, Monroe ecology of forest stand and canopy

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—–Original Message—–
From: Joydeep Bhattacharjee (Biology) [mailto:joydeep@ULM.EDU]
Sent: Tuesday, November 14, 2017 2:38 PM
Subject: Graduate Assistantship – University of Louisiana, Monroe

The Plant Ecology Lab in the School of Sciences at the University of Louisiana, Monroe is seeking a motivated M.S. student to develop a thesis project on the ecology of forest stand and canopy using multispectral and hyperspectral cameras on UAVs (Unmanned Aerial
Systems) coupled with data collected on ground. We anticipate collecting and using LiDAR data from the forest stand as well. The student will have access to a fleet of drones and high-ended data processing facility. The student may be required to work with faculties from the Geosciences and Aviation departments at times. The plant ecology lab has been collecting carbon flux data along with a suite of meteorological variables from a 120-foot tower in the Russell Sage Wildlife Management Area. The student will integrate these data to understand how trees respond to variation in abiotic factors and what drives the variation in the spectral properties of the canopy and the implications thereof, in light of the changing climate.

I am looking for someone who has prior experience working on aspects of forest ecology, good quantitative skills, and interest in learning new techniques. Preference will be given to candidates who have passed the Part 107 of FAA to fly drones or have flown them as a hobby. Others, if selected, will have to obtain the Part 107 during the first semester of being admitted to the program. The graduate student will be supported through teaching assistantship of $10,000/9 mo (+ summer stipend) and tuition waiver. Preferred starting date would be Spring 2018 but not later than Fall 2018.

To apply, please email Dr. Joydeep Bhattacharjee (joydeep@ulm.edu) a single PDF containing (1) a statement of interest, (2) a CV, and (3) contact information for three references by December 15, 2017.

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Professional MS degrees in Environmental Conservation (UW-Madison) – Application deadline approaching

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From: Sarah Graves [mailto:sjgraves142@GMAIL.COM] 
Sent: Monday, November 13, 2017 4:28 PM
Subject: Professional MS degrees in Environmental Conservation (UW-Madison) – Application deadline approaching
 
The Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies offers two professional Master of Science programs in Environmental Conservation (EC) and Environmental Observation and Informatics (EOI). The programs have blended learning curriculum designed to train conservation leaders in practical interdisciplinary skills to meet emerging global challenges and demands. We offer an accelerated 15-month, 32-credit curriculum that combines in-person training with distance learning. The programs  culminate in a leadership experience with an organization or office to apply learned skills in professional setting and make critical connections for future job placement.

***Environmental Observation and Informatics – EOI (www.nelson.wisc.edu/observation)
The EOI program builds on introductory quantitative and GIS skills with technical expertise that advances a career in environmental sciences. Students will gain specialized training to meet current job demand calling for the integration of emerging technologies and big data with direct application to environmental issues. Topic areas:

– remote sensing fundamentals and emerging sensors
– data integration and data fusion
– big data analytics and data science trends
– geospatial data and geovisualization
– spatial data statistics and modeling

***Environmental Conservation – EC (www.nelson.wisc.edu/conservation)
The EC program trains the future leaders in conservation work by offering experience in taking on complex decision-making, learn to engage with all people, manage programs, and understand and communicate science effectively. Student develop skills to work with experts to drive towards effective work on the ground. Topic areas:

– conservation planning and applied GIS
– land use policy
– communication and project management
– sustainability and biodiversity

***Tuition assistance is available through the Nelson Institute.
 
The priority deadline for applications for both the programs and tuition assistance is December 1, 2017.
 
Applications require a resume/CV, letter of interest, undergraduate transcripts, and 2 letters of recommendation. The EOI program also requires the GRE and a professional portfolio.

For more information visit: http://nelson.wisc.edu/graduate/professional-programs
Follow us on Twitter @UWNelson_EC

PhD student positions

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I am looking for 1-2 PhD students to join my lab (Dr. Vladimir Pravosudov, Behavioral and Cognitive Ecology lab,http://chickadeecognition.com) at the University of Nevada Reno).
Research in the lab is focused on behavioral and cognitive ecology of food-caching mountain chickadees along an elevation gradient in Sierra Nevada and we conduct both laboratory and field studies. We have excellent laboratory facilities and a well-established field sites near Truckee, CA (ranging from 6,500 to 8,300 ft in elevation) with numerous nestboxes and RFID- equipped feeder systems designed to test cognitive abilities in wild birds. Our established mountain chickadee system provides excellent opportunities to investigate a broad range of questions. Funding will be provided via either teaching (TA) or research (RA) assistantship. Prior to applying, interested students should contact Dr. Vladimir Pravosudov (vpravosu@unr.edu) and
email a statement of research interests, previous experiences and a CV.   Graduate students
should apply through the Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology (EECB) program
(http://www.unr.edu/eecb)

PhD Studentship on insect-microbiome interactions available

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rom: Wong,Chun Nin [mailto:adamcnwong@UFL.EDU] 
Sent: Monday, November 13, 2017 11:43 AM
Subject: PhD Studentship on insect-microbiome interactions available
 
A PhD studentship is available from Spring 2018 at the University of Florida Entomology and Nematology Department jointed with the Genetics Institute. 
 
This is an exciting opportunity for those interested in applying functional omics and big data science to study microbiome diversity and functions in applied insects. We are also developing a new insect model to study the ecology and evolution of V. Cholerae and multi-drug resistant bacteria.
 
The chosen individual will work in a dynamic team with 12 undergraduate interns, a lab manager and a (postdoctoral level) scientist. S/he will actively engage with our collaborators from the Emerging Pathogens Institute at UF, Cornell University, Harvard Medical School, various USDA stations and from overseas institutions.
 
If you are interested, please send me a CV, 2-3 reference letters and a 1-page research statement.
 
For more info, please visit:
 
Best,
 
Adam C.N. Wong
Assistant Professor
Department of Entomology and Nematology
Genetics Institute
University of Florida
1881 Natural Area Drive, Steinmetz Hall
Gainesville, FL 32611-0620
Phone: 352-273-3977 Email: adamcnwong@ufl.edu
 

Recruiting grad student: Conservation science, landscape ecology, Nicaragua

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Professor Thomas Albright is recruiting a new graduate student in geography/ecology/conservation biology (funded initially by a teaching assistantship, with anticipated supplemental summer research assistantship support) for Fall 2018 at the University of Nevada, Reno (http://www.unr.edu).
 
I am in the process of returning from a Fulbright/sabbatical in Nicaragua, where colleagues and I are developing research in environmental change, conservation assessment, wintering bird habitat, and modeling. I am seeking a student interested in contributing to our research on this country located in the heart of the Mesoamerican Biodiversity Hotspot. Useful skillsets for this research include GIS, remote sensing, landscape ecology, wildlife/avian ecology, statistics, coding, and Spanish. While experience and coursework in any of these areas is helpful, enthusiasm for learning and applying these is more important!
 
Research in my lab (Laboratory for Conservation Biogeography;https://talbright68.wixsite.com/albrightlcb) broadly addresses interactions between environmental change, plants and animals, and space. Most work uses a combination of remote sensing platforms, field data, GIS, spatial analysis, and statistical and mechanistic modeling, usually performed with coding (all this can be learned!). I can advise students in the Geography Masters and PhD programs (http://www.unr.edu/geography) and in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology PhD Program (http://www.unr.edu/eecb). 
 
Initial funding will come from a TAship ($1600-$1,900 monthly stipend (depending on degree), tuition coverage, health plan); a proposal that would include supplemental summer research funding is in review. Life in Reno is very good with a moderate cost of living, a diverse population of 425,000, and many opportunities for culture and World-class outdoor recreation. We foster an environment that is supportive and diverse from multiple perspectives.
 
If you are interested, please send an e-mail [subject: “grad application”] to talbright [at] unr.edu and attach a cv/resume and a 1-2-page letter letting me know your interests, goals, and key qualifications. Feel free to add unofficial transcripts too, if you’ve got them available. Please send me materials by 1 December, so I can provide feedback giving you time to submit a full application to the university by 15 January. While GRE scores will be a requirement for admission to our graduate programs, please do not hesitate to apply if your scores are not what you wish them to be, as these tend not to be good predictors of success.
 
Please let me know if you have any questions.
 
 
Thomas P. Albright
Associate Professor
Department of Geography
University of Nevada, Reno
For 2017: Fulbright Scholar/Profesor visitante
Facultad de Recursos Naturales y del Ambiente
Universidad Nacional Agraria
Managua, Nicaragua
Tel (Movistar): +505 7645 9795
What’sApp: +1 775-622-5230