The time has come again! MCC is hiring Crew Leaders to lead our adult crews in 2018. Do you know someone who wants to experience Montana and give back to our public lands? Are you someone who is looking for skills that will give you a better shot at landing that Forest Service job you’ve been wanting? If any of these apply to you, click a link below for more information.

Crew Leader (http://mtcorps.org/join/field-crews/crew-leader)

Senior Crew Leader (http://mtcorps.org/join/field-crews/senior-crew-leader)

Wildland Restoration Team Leader (http://mtcorps.org/join/field-

crews/wildlands-restoration-team)

Veterans Green Corps Crew Leader (http://mtcorps.org/join/veterans-green-

corps)

Happy Trails, Nate Hess

Communications Coordinator

Montana Conservation Corps

The Graduate Program in Plant Biology and Conservation is a partnership between Northwestern University (NU) and the Chicago Botanic Garden (CBG). PhD, MS thesis-

based, and MS internship-based degrees are offered. All degree programs offer a unique opportunity to study ecology, evolution, and environmental issues at the interface of basic and applied plant science. Students apply to the program through Northwestern University and take their courses at both NU and CBG with faculty from both institutions. The Plant Conservation and Science Center at CBG is a valuable resource for students, and the Chicago region provides a vibrant community at the forefront of research in conservation and sustainability.

To learn more, contact program director, Nyree Zerega (nzerega@chicagobotanic.org) or visit our website: http://www.plantbiology.northwestern.edu/

Application deadlines:

PhD: December 1, 2017

MS (thesis-based): February 15, 2018

MS (internship-based): Applications will be reviewed beginning February 15 and review will continue through April 30, 2018. Admissions are on a rolling basis.

Two PhD positions are available in the Olson Lab at Texas Tech University starting in the summer or fall of 2018. Our lab works on ecological genomics of plants, with a focus on local adaptation, speciation, and the evolution of breeding systems. Students interested in any of these topics are welcome to apply. Our current funding supports research to study the ecological and genetic factors influencing sex chromosome evolution within the Salicaceae (poplars and willows). The overall project focuses on mapping sex determination regions from representatives throughout the family, understanding the genetic basis of gender dimorphism in defense and pollinator attraction chemistry, and the assessment of population genetic patterns across the sex determination and pseudo-autosomal regions of the sex chromosomes. The grant provides for a unique international multi-institutional training environment, with potential for funding to visit labs at the University of West Virginia, the University of Wisconsin, Cornell University, and Sichuan University and Nanjing Forestry University in China for cross-disciplinary training. Students will be funded through a combination of teaching assistantships, research assistant ships, and perhaps scholarships. Please contact Matt Olson directly at matt.olson@ttu.edu for more information regarding opportunities and application information.

The Perkins Lab at the University of Notre Dame is seeking exceptional
students interested in studying diverse topics related to the epidemiology,
ecology, and evolution of vector-borne pathogens. Research activities in
the lab involve the use of a wide range of mathematical, statistical, and
computational tools to address basic and applied research topics, including

(1) forecasting spatiotemporal variability in pathogen transmission and
disease incidence,
(2) leveraging pathogen genetic data to make inferences about pathogen
spread,
(3) coupling mathematical models with empirical studies of vaccines and
vector control, and
(4) blending modeling and experiments to understand and mitigate the
evolution of vector resistance.

In addition to a collegial lab environment with members at a variety of
career stages and from diverse backgrounds, students will have
opportunities for mentorship from and collaboration with a number of
intramural and extramural colleagues. A passion for developing and applying
innovative quantitative approaches for extracting meaning from empirical
data and/or elucidating new biological understanding using theoretical
approaches is essential. Engaging in the collection of empirical data is
encouraged, but not required.

Interested applicants should email the PI, Alex Perkins, at taperkins@nd.edu
after seeking more information at http://perkinslab.weebly.com. Top
applicants will have prior experience in research and a demonstrated
commitment to learning new quantitative and computer programming skills.

Funding is guaranteed via a mixture of research and teaching assistantships
for 5 years. The University of Notre Dame offers excellent benefits, a full
tuition waiver, and a generous stipend (~$29K for 2017). A variety of
fellowship opportunities are open to top applicants. For more information
regarding the Biology Graduate Program, see http://biology.nd.edu and
http://graduateschool.nd.edu. The deadline for receipt of all application
materials for the PhD program is December 1, 2017.

Alex Perkins <taperkins@gmail.com>

UC Davis received a $3M award from the National Science Foundation in support of a new Research Traineeship (NRT) program =93Sustainable Oceans: From Policy to Science to Decisions=94. Our Sustainable Oceans NRT will train the next generation of PhD marine scientists under a new paradigm that puts the policy focus on the front-end of the research and training enterprise as a means of building more effective links between the science and decisions on sustainable use of living marine resources.  The basis of the new interdisciplinary paradigm is combining traditional graduate training in core disciplines and interdisciplinary courses on marine science and policy with immersion into the policy process and politics surrounding ecosystem-based fishery management.  The first cohort of trainees will start in the fall of 2018. Over 5 years, we anticipate training 60 PhD students, including 30 funded trainees, from the fields of ecology, conservation biology, economics, geology, physiology, biogeochemistry, and oceanography.

If you would like to learn more about this program, please visit sustainableoceans.ucdavis.edu

The Institute of Ecology and Evolution is seeking highly-motivated graduate
students to join our expanding research group. Our Institute brings
together scientists from the Departments of Biology, Anthropology,
Geography, and Math applying cutting-edge experimental, computational, and
theoretical approaches to diverse areas in ecology and evolutionary
biology. More details can be found at http://ie2.uoregon.edu/.

The University of Oregon possesses outstanding laboratory facilities and
proximity to field sites from the Pacific Ocean to the mountains and high
desert of Eastern Oregon. Our integrative approach to graduate education is
supported by research grants, training grants, and fellowships from federal
and privately-funded agencies.

Eugene is a lively college town with access to numerous outdoor activities
in the picturesque Willamette Valley. The Oregon coast, mountain ski
resorts, and downtown Portland are all accessible within a two hour drive.

Applications to the Department of Biology can be submitted at
http://biology.uoregon.edu/graduate-studies/apply/. The deadline for
applications is December 1, 2017. For more information on our
program, contact Matt Streisfeld (mstreis@uoregon.edu), Matt Barber
(mfbarber@uoregon.edu), or faculty members in whose research you are
interested. Direct specific inquiries about the graduate application
process to the Biology Graduate Program Manager, Jessica Wilson
(wilson21@uoregon.edu).

mfbarber@uoregon.edu

The Langwig lab at Virginia Tech is currently recruiting enthusiastic and motivated

graduate students beginning in fall 2018. Students are expected to develop independent

projects in disease ecology and evolution that complement work in the lab. Ongoing

projects include both theoretical and empirical work on both human and wildlife disease

systems. Potential projects include heterogeneity in host-pathogen interactions,

mechanisms of host-pathogen persistence, and wildlife disease ecology and

conservation.

The Langwig lab in the Department of Biological Sciences is part of an expanding group

of infectious disease faculty across several departments and colleges at Virginia Tech,

enabling an extremely supportive cross-cutting and interdisciplinary training

environment.

Interested applicants should have a strong interest in disease ecology and evolution, and

a passion to positively influence science, conservation, and global health. Students are

expected to obtain quantitative skills, and learn some programming. Students with

previous experience in math, statistics, engineering, and computer science are especially

encouraged to apply.

More details about work in the Langwig lab can be found here:

https://scholar.harvard.edu/klangwig. Prospective students should include a statement

of research interests in the email text, a CV, and list of references to Kate

Langwig=A0(klangwig@vt.edu) with the subject “Prospective Graduate Student”.

The Moeller Lab <https://moellerecology.wordpress.com/> (part of the Department

of Ecology, Evolution and Marine Biology <https://www.eemb.ucsb.edu/> and

the Interdepartmental Graduate Program in Marine Science

<https://www.igpms.ucsb.edu/> at the University of California, Santa

Barbara) seeks Ph.D. students interested in the study of metabolic

interactions among species. The lab uses a combination of field

observations, laboratory experiments, and mathematical models to understand

acquired metabolism, metabolic reactions that (rather than being encoded in

an organism’s DNA) are obtained from other species. Mechanisms of

acquisition vary from mutually beneficial exchanges of metabolites to

parasitism and predation. Our goal is to connect these acquisitions to

shifts in ecological niche relevant to ecosystem function, and explore the

evolutionary implications of these metabolic “short-cuts”.

In addition to enthusiasm for ecology and evolution, applicants should have

some background in mathematics (coursework including Multivariable Calculus

and Differential Equations, or relevant research experience is preferred).

Prospective students interested in the study systems listed here

<https://moellerecology.wordpress.com/join-us/graduate-openings/> are

particularly encouraged to apply; however, research in the Moeller Lab is

diverse and students will be encouraged to develop and pursue independent

research projects as part of their dissertation work.

Interested students should contact me to discuss relevant research

interests and qualifications. Please write to

holly.moeller@lifesci.ucsb.edu and

include (1) a brief description of your research interests and, in

particular, how they overlap with the lab’s focus; (2) a summary of your

mathematical background and relevant research experience; and (3) a CV

which includes your GPA, professional references, and GRE scores.

PhD Research Assistantship in carnivore ecology (20 hours per week)

We are looking for a motivated PhD applicant with strong quantitative

skills to join the Conservation Ecology Lab in the Department of

Biological Sciences at Ohio University starting in Fall 2018. This is a

graduate research assistantship position under the supervision of Dr.

Viorel Popescu. Our lab is working with the Ohio Department of Natural

Resources on a project aimed at understanding the status of Ohio=92s

recovering bobcat population.

Applicants must be eligible for unconditional admission to the Ph.D.

program in Biological Sciences, and have some familiarity with wildlife

data hierarchical modeling methods (occupancy, capture-recapture) and

spatial ecology, and experience with non-invasive field methods (camera

trapping, hair and scat sampling). Research opportunities include

analysis of existing bobcat datasets gathered by Ohio DNR, and

collection of new non-invasive data on Ohio=92s bobcats and carnivore

community. The end goal will be to develop a population model to inform

bobcat management and conservation in Ohio. There is potential to

supplement the Ohio bobcat work with field research on Eurasian lynx

ecology in the Romanian Carpathians (in collaboration with Romanian and

Slovenian researchers; more information at:

https://lifeslovenija.si/en/preventing-the-extinction-of-the-dinaric-se-

alpine-lynx-population-through-reinforcement-and-long-term-

conservation/). The applicant will have the opportunity to develop their

own research goals related to the broader projects.

The research assistantship is funded for up to 3 years through an Ohio

DNR grant. Funding includes a stipend and tuition waiver. Additional

funding after the grant ends is available through a teaching

assistantship from the Department of Biological Sciences.

Applications are due in early January 2018, but I encourage interested

students to contact me well before this date. Please send an email to

popescu@ohio.edu, including a brief statement that describes your

research interests and why you are interested in graduate school, and

attach your CV and an unofficial transcript.

Please see the lab website for more information:

http://vioreldpopescu.com and find information about applying to Ohio

University Biological Sciences here:

https://www.ohio.edu/cas/biosci/grad/bios-grad-admissions.cfm.

Applicants must have completed a U.S. bachelor=92s degree or its

equivalent by August 25, 2017; applicants who already hold a MSc degree

are preferred. Applicants who are not native English language speakers

must submit evidence of English proficiency as outlined in the Graduate

Catalog, www.ohio.edu/graduate/catalog.

Ohio University does not discriminate against any person in employment

or educational opportunities because of race, color, religion, age,

ethnicity, national origin, national ancestry, sex, pregnancy, gender,

gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, military service or

veteran status, mental or physical disability, or genetic information.

Ohio University is an equal access/equal opportunity affirmative action

university.

Masters opportunities in Ecology and Conservation at the College of

William and Mary

The Biology Department at the College of William and Mary is recruiting

new research Masters students in behavioral, community, plant, wetlands,

viral, functional, spatial, physiological, evolutionary, mathematical and

conservation ecology, to start in Fall 2018.

We offer a two-year research-intensive Masters program where students are

supported by teaching assistantships and full tuition waivers. For many

students, getting a Masters in two years and writing publications and

grants before applying to highly competitive Ph.D. programs or jobs is a

very attractive option. We have a great track record of our recent MS

students going on to excellent PhD programs and professional positions.

With a low student-to-faculty ratio (approximately 7 =96 8 new students each

year with 25 full-time faculty), we offer an intimate and highly

personalized research and education experience. Also, our graduate

students often work closely with and mentor undergraduates, offering

numerous informal teaching and personal development opportunities to go

along with teaching assistantship experience in formal classes.

Importantly, we have real strengths in many aspects of ecology and

conservation. We have a diverse and active group, including: Harmony

Dalgleish, Jelena Pantel, and Will Soto (community ecology), John Swaddle

and Dan Cristol (behavioral ecology/ecotoxicology), Martha Case

(pollination ecology and plant conservation), Laurie Sanderson (functional

ecology), Joshua Puzey (molecular ecology), Kurt Williamson (viral

ecology), Matthias Leu and Randy Chambers (conservation, wetland, and

landscape ecology), Helen Murphy and Jon Allen (evolutionary ecology),

Drew LaMar (mathematical ecology), and Paul Heideman (physiological

ecology and pedagogy in biology). We have fully equipped labs to conduct

behavioral and evolutionary studies in captivity with vertebrates and

invertebrates, perform ecological experiments in a greenhouse and lab

setting, analyze molecular data using core facilities, and analyze spatial

data in state-of-the-art GIS labs, including our Center for Geospatial

Analyses. The proximity of William and Mary to county, state, and federal

parks as well as the Chesapeake Bay allows for extensive field research

opportunities.

Please visit us at:

http://www.wm.edu/as/biology/graduate/index.php and more specific

information at the following to explore faculty research lab web pages:

Jon Allen: http://wmpeople.wm.edu/jdallen

Martha Case: http://wmpeople.wm.edu/macase

Randy Chambers: http://rmcham.people.wm.edu/

Dan Cristol: http://wmpeople.wm.edu/dacris

Harmony Dalgleish: http://wmpeople.wm.edu/hjdalgleish

Paul Heideman: http://pdheid.people.wm.edu/

Drew LaMar: http://www.people.wm.edu/~mdlama/

Matthias Leu: http://wmpeople.wm.edu/mleu

Helen Murphy: http://www.helenmurphy.net

Jelena Pantel: http://www.jhpantel.com

Joshua Puzey: http://puzeylab.weebly.com

Laurie Sanderson: http:/slsand.people.wm.edu/

John Swaddle: http://jpswad.people.wm.edu/

Kurt Williamson: http://wmpeople.wm.edu/kewilliamson

Will Soto: http://www.wm.edu/as/biology/people/faculty/soto-w.php