Opportunities

Recruiting incoming PhD students in multi-species interactions, evolutionary ecology at Ohio State University

Are you (or do you know) a student interested multi-species interactions

and/or evolutionary ecology?  Dr. Alison Bennett in the Department of

Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology (EEOB) at the Ohio State

University is looking for one or two PhD students to start in September

2018 with interests in (but not limited to):  fungi, plants, insects,

evolutionary ecology, mutualistic networks, above-belowground

interactions, and molecular ecology. Applications are due Dec 1 (see

https://eeob.osu.edu/grad/program-admissions

<https://eeob.osu.edu/grad/program-admissions>).  Please send an email

if interested to bennett.1242@osu.edu <mailto:bennett.1242@osu.edu>

Bennett lab webpage is still being set-up, so get in touch with any

questions.

Ph.D. position boreal ecosystems University of Alaska Fairbanks

A Ph.D. assistantship is available in the laboratory of Dr. Tamara Harms at

the University of Alaska Fairbanks to study nutrient dynamics of watersheds

and freshwater ecosystems in the boreal forest. Research would focus on

interior Alaska and integrate with the collaborative research community

anchored by the Bonanza Creek Long-Term Ecological Research program.

Potential research topics include hydrologic or gaseous nitrogen export from

ecosystems subject to permafrost loss or disturbance. See harmslab.org for

further description of current research in the lab.

Prospective students should contact Dr. Harms (tamara.harms@alaska.edu) and

include a brief description of research interests, experience, and academic

preparation. The application deadline for the graduate program in the

Department of Biology & Wildlife (http://www.bw.uaf.edu/graduates/index.php)

is Jan 15. An M.S. or significant ecology-related work experience following

a bachelor=92s degree is required. Applicants should have strong academic

backgrounds in natural science, prior research experience, and demonstrated

interests in ecosystem ecology or biogeochemistry. UA is an AA/EO employer

and educational institution and prohibits illegal discrimination against any

individual: www.alaska.edu/nondiscrimination.

MS Research Assistantship on wading birds and aquatic ecology in South Florida

Successful applicants will join an active lab at Florida Atlantic

University (FAU) conducting research on wetland birds and the aquatic

ecosystems that support them.  The student will become part of a team

conducting field studies on Lake Okeechobee that address questions

related to wading bird breeding biology and behavior, foraging ecology,

habitat selection, wetland drivers of prey communities, and the

responses of birds and aquatic fauna to water management (see lab web

page for details http://cescos.fau.edu/gawliklab/).  In the course of

conducting research the student will be exposed to the process of using

science to guide one of the nation’s most comprehensive wetland

ecosystem restoration projects.

The successful candidate will be hired as a Research Associate in Feb

2018.  Conditional on acceptance to the MS degree program in

Environmental Science (http://science.fau.edu/envirosci/;

http://www.fau.edu/graduate/applyonline/degree-seeking.php), the

candidate will transition to graduate student status in Aug 2018.

Students are supported primarily with externally-funded Research

Assistantships at $12,848/year with a tuition waiver.

Applicants should have experience in avian ecology, wetlands, or

wildlife science, possess a good analytical mind, a strong sense of

curiosity, and a demonstrated ability to work well in teams.  The

position is based on FAU’s main campus in Boca Raton, Florida. Boca

Raton is located between the Everglades and an extensive coral reef

tract, two of Florida’s most unique natural features.  FAU has over

30,000 students and a Carnegie Classification of High Research Activity.

Applicants should send as a single pdf, a letter of interest indicating

their specific research interests and qualifications, CV, transcripts,

GRE scores (unofficial copies will suffice), and the names and contact

information for 3 references to Dale Gawlik at dgawlik@fau.edu

(561-297-3333) by 3 Dec 2017.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dr. Dale E. Gawlik, Director

Environmental Science Program

Professor of Biological Sciences

Florida Atlantic University

777 Glades Road

Boca Raton, FL  33431-0991

561.297.3333

dgawlik@fau.edu

http://cescos.fau.edu/gawliklab

http://science.fau.edu/envirosci

Ph.D. Assistantship- Genetics of Annual Cycles in 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=E2=80=99s 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 who 1) possess quantitative and programming skills,

2) has well-developed problem solving skills, 3) has an enthusiasm for

studying evolution/ecology, and 4) enjoys working independently and as part

of a team. Master=E2=80=99s degree with relevant experience is preferred.  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.

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 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

=E2=80=9CPhD application=E2=80=9D 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=E2=80=99s EEB program by January 20.  All

admission decisions must be approved by the Graduate Dean.

Ph.D. Assistantship- Interactions among Wildfire, Climate, Vegetation, and Geomorphic Response, Boise State University, Idaho, USA

GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIP (Ph.D. in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior) – at

Boise State University. A position is available for a Ph.D. student to

study Interactions among wildfire, climate, vegetation, and geomorphic

response over modern to Holocene timescales.  Likely projects include

examining the role of fire in longer-term (1000 yr) erosion rates, how

changes in vegetation cover over time and space change post-fire erosion,

the use of Structure from Motion in examining post-fire erosion, and

changes in fire regimes in sagebrush steppe ecosystems, and the use of

remote sensing techniques in assessing smoke impacts from wildfires.

*Qualifications*

We are seeking someone who is skilled using GIS and other tools of spatial

analysis, has field experience in the general realms of geomorphology

and/or landscape ecology, is adept at working with large datasets, and has

a strong background in general science and math. Competitive students will

have a Master=E2=80=99s degree, a background in Geosciences or Ecology, and has

published the results of their master=E2=80=99s work in a peer-reviewed journal.

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.  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 visit:

<http://eeb.boisestate.edu/>http://eeb.boisestate.edu/.

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

=E2=80=9CVisit Boise=E2=80=9D link at: https://www.cityofboise.org/

*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 Jen Pierce  (email: jenpierce@boisestate.edu). Please put =E2=80=9CPhD

application=E2=80=9D in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed as they are

received until December 01, 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=E2=80=99s 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.

Graduate positions in ecology and conservation biology – Carleton University

The Bennett Lab at Carleton University is looking for PhD and MSc students for projects helping to improve threatened species conservation, manage invasive species, and optimize resource management to promote biodiversity. Research will entail a combination of fieldwork (in southern Ontario or southern British Columbia) and modeling. There are opportunities for collaboration and possible co-supervision with leading researchers in Canada, Australia, the US and UK, including government partners who can expose students to policy formulation and implementation. There is also considerable scope for students to determine the direction of their projects (e.g. emphasizing ecological, numerical or conservation management aspects).

Applicants should have some experience in fieldwork and ecological modeling. Computer programming experience (e.g. R, MATLAB) is desired, but training will be provided.

Canadian applicants are encouraged to apply; however, exceptional applicants from other countries will be considered.

Applications should include 1) curriculum vitae; 2) contact information for two references; 3) unofficial university transcripts; and 4) a short (<1 page) statement of research interests. Inquiries and application materials can be directed to Joseph Bennett: joseph.bennett@carleton.ca.=20

Located in Ottawa, Ontario, Carleton University is a dynamic and innovative research and teaching institution committed to developing solutions to real world problems by pushing the boundaries of knowledge. Its internationally recognized faculty, staff, and researchers provide more than 27,000 full- and part-time students from every province and more than 100 countries around the world with academic opportunities. Conservation biology is a particular strength at Carleton University, with world-leading research groups including the Geomatics and Landscape Ecology Laboratory (GLEL; http://www.glel.carleton.ca/), Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory (FECPL; http://www.fecpl.ca/), and Environment Canada=92s National Wildlife Research Centre.

Carleton University is located on a beautiful campus, bordered by the Rideau River and the Rideau Canal. With over 12 national museums and the spectacular Gatineau Park close by, there are many excellent recreational opportunities for individuals and families to enjoy. The City of Ottawa, with a population of about one million, is Canada=92s capital city and reflects the country=92s bilingual and multicultural character. Carleton=92s location in the nation=92s capital provides many opportunities for research with groups and institutions that reflect the diversity of the country.

Deadline Approaching – Summer Field Biology Program Opportunity for Undergraduates

The deadiline for the Field Biology Program at the University of Notre Dame

Environmental Research Center is approaching fast!  Don’t miss out!

Your own field research =E2=80=A6 Classes in the field =E2=80=A6 3 credits/summer Tuition

and housing provided and a summer stipend ($3500 East, $4000 West)!!!

Apply now for UNDERC-East and -West for summer of 2018! These programs

promote understanding of field biology and how field research is conducted

through 10 weeks in the wilds. It begins with a summer at UNDERC-East in

Michigan=E2=80=99s Upper Peninsula and then the opportunity for a second summer at

-West in Montana. UNDERC-East is open to 28 sophomores/juniors from any

college/university. From the UNDERC-East class, 8 students (juniors or

seniors) are selected for UNDERC-West. Each summer, you receive

three-credits along with tuition, housing, travel between the Notre Dame

campus and the site, and a stipend ($3500 at East, $4000 at West).

1)  UNDERC-East (May 21=E2=80=93 July 27): 8000 acres of lakes, streams, wetlands,

and forests owned by Notre Dame and a core site in the National Ecological

Observatory Network (NEON) that are home to abundant wildlife (including

beaver, porcupine, black bear, deer, loon). Course modules include

vertebrate ecology, invertebrate ecology, aquatic ecology and forest

ecology with each providing background information, field research

exercises, and group research projects designed by the class. Five or more

weeks are spent by each student designing and conducting their own field

research project under direction of faculty or graduate students. Projects

have ranged from fish, insect and mammal behavior and ecology to forest,

lake and stream ecosystem ecology to local Native American ecosystem use.

2)  UNDERC-West (June 6 =E2=80=93 August 15, pre-requisite is UNDERC-East): Explore

more than a million acres on the National Bison Range and Flathead Reservation

that includes grasslands, montane forests, streams and lakes that are home

to abundant wildlife (including bison, elk, mountain lions and grizzly

bear). Course modules like those at UNDERC-East include wildlife ecology,

grassland ecology, and montane ecology, as well as an environmental

history/Native American ecology module (in part during the cross-country

drive to and from -West). Each student conducts an independent research

project in collaboration with a faculty or graduate

student advisor that is more advanced given the skills learned at

UNDERC-East. Recent projects have included invasive plant ecology,

animal behavior

and habitat relationships, grassland, forest, wetland and stream dynamics,

and Native American plant and wildlife use. Applications are available

online (http://underc.nd.edu).

Further information can be obtained at the UNDERC website (

http://underc.nd.edu), or from Dr. Michael Cramer, UNDERC East Assistant

Director (mcramer@nd.edu), or Dr. David Flagel, UNDERC West Assistant

Director (dflagel@nd.edu). Application deadline is Friday, November 10,

2017 and notification of acceptance will be provided by Monday, December

11, 2017. Acceptance is based on past academic performance and a statement

of purpose. Preference is given to students pursuing a career in

environmental sciences. Applicants are required to be present for the

duration of the course.

— Dr. David Flagel

Assistant Director, West

University of Notre Dame Environmental Research Center

Office Phone: 574-631-2612

Tropical Bird Banding Internships

Position Information:

Title:=09=09Tropical Conservation/Avian Ecology Intern

Organization:=09Third Millennium Alliance, El Observatorio de Aves Jama-

Coaque

Location:=09Reserva Jama-Coaque, Manab=ED province, Ecuador

Start dates: =09Multiple, see tmalliance.org/internships

Summary: Third Millennium Alliance (TMA) is a registered non-profit dedicated to conserving the last remnants of Pacific Ecuadorian Forests and empowering local communities to restore what has been lost. The organization=92s flagship project is the Jama-Coaque Bird Observatory (El Observatorio de Aves Jama-Coaque, OAJC) =96 Ecuador=92s first international bird observatory dedicated to long-term, year-round avian monitoring, research, conservation and capacity-building. TMA and OAJC offer local and international interns the opportunity to engage in hands-on research in diverse tropical environments from dry to humid to premontane cloud forest over the course of 1-6 months. Each internship session begins with an intensive two-week training period followed by fieldwork allowing interns to handle more birds and master challenging techniques. Interns joining the TMA/OAJC team in 2018 will dive into a number of mist-netting and ornithology projects as well as a study investigating nesting ecology of the endangered Gray-cheeked Parakeet and other cavity-nesters. Long-

term interns are encouraged to pursue their passions by developing independent projects with TMA/OAJC staff and to take on leadership positions in our field teams.

TMA was founded in 2007 with the purchase of 100 acres and the establishment of the Jama-Coaque Reserve (JCR) in Manab=ED province between the cities of Jama and Pedernales, 4km inland from the Pacific Ocean. Now encompassing over 1,300 acres, the Jama-Coaque Reserve protects some of the last remaining fragments of Pacific Ecuadorian Forest =96 one of the most critically threatened tropical forests in the world. Our organization has been running a hands-on, experiential learning-based internship program in the fields of Tropical Ecology/Conservation and Sustainable Agriculture since 2008, with more than 250 young and enthusiastic students from around the globe participating to date.

A complete program description with the 2018 schedule and associated costs can be found on our website (www.tmalliance.org/internships), where you will also find additional details, the application form, contact information, various media and answers to Frequently Asked Questions.

Prerequisites:

Prior experience working with birds or other wildlife is not required but is encouraged. In addition to the intensive two-week training period at the start of each session, interns may be asked to review literature supplied by TMA before arriving for their programs. While Spanish language proficiency is not expected, it is recommended as we work in a bilingual environment, and it can improve the overall experience. At the very least, we encourage visitors to be open to learning. Interns will receive the full tropical field ornithology experience, which means many mornings spent waking before the sun and hiking in challenging field conditions while carrying equipment, thus applicants should be in good physical condition. Given these realities, a passion for conservation and wildlife (especially birds!), a strong work ethic, and a positive attitude are both critical to your success and our top requirements for applicants.

Accreditation:

While TMA is not currently in a position to offer college credit or scholarships to international interns, our staff are happy to assist students who wish to pursue independent credits and/or scholarships through their universities or elsewhere. Many previous students have successfully received credit for their time with TMA, often at lower costs than typical class credits.

MS student needed for peatland fire reconstruction project

A Masters position is available for a qualified individual to work on a

collaborative project with Michigan Technological University, Ottawa

National Forest, The Nature Conservancy, and Wisconsin DNR.  The project=E2=

=80=99s

goal is to quantify successional pathways and fire frequency in wetlands in

the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.  The student will work closely with both

PI=E2=80=99s (Rod Chimner and Evan Kane at Michigan Tech) and other collabo=

rators.

Strong soils and paleoecological skills are a plus.  The student will also

TA a senior level Wetland Ecology course during the fall semesters.

Michigan Tech is located in Michigan’s scenic Upper Peninsula, on the south

shore of Lake Superior, surrounded by abundant forests, wetlands, and

streams.  The area provides a unique setting where natural beauty, outdoor

recreation, culture, education, and a diversity of residents from around

the world come together to share a superb living and learning experience.

Consideration of applications begins immediately and will continue until

the positions are filled. Start date is flexible. Please send a cover

letter that states your research interests, your curriculum vitae, and any

other relevant materials, and provide the names and contact information for

three references, by email to Rod Chimner (rchimner@mtu.edu)

Professor of Wetland Ecology

School of Forest Resources and Env. Science

Michigan Tech University

1400 Townsend Drive

Houghton, MI 49931

Phone: (906) 487-1464