Opportunities

MS/PHD opportunities in marine population connectivity, coral reproductive biology, mesophotic reefs

Daniel Holstein is seeking motivated graduate students (MSc. or PhD) to join his lab at Louisiana State University (LSU), in the Department of Oceanography & Coastal Sciences (DOCS) and the College of the Coast & Environment (CC&E) in Fall 2018. Research topics are largely open, but should complement ongoing research in the lab, which broadly includes modeling the dispersal, exchange, and connectivity of marine larvae between habitats (fishes, corals, crustaceans, sponges, etc.), the reproductive biology of tropical corals, the study and exploration of mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs), and predicting the resilience and persistence of marine metapopulations during climate changes.

Please visit www.seascapelab.com <http://www.seascapelab.com/> for more information on the lab=E2=80=99s research areas.

MSc or PhD:

Students should be highly motivated, inquisitive, and capable of independent research and learning. Research should synthesize empirical ecology and ecological modeling. Experience in lab and/or field work preferred. SCUBA certified (and experience in advanced or technical techniques, AAUS, etc.) also a plus.

Start date: Fall 2018. Application deadline to LSU: March 15th, 2018.

Interested students should contact me at daniel.holstein@duke.edu <mailto:daniel.holstein@duke.edu> for more information, and to discuss the lab and potential research projects.

=20

Information about DOCS at LSU can be found here: http://www.lsu.edu/cce/graduate/docs/index.php <http://www.lsu.edu/cce/graduate/docs/index.php>=20

Information about the College of the Coast & Environment can be found here: http://www.lsu.edu/cce/about/index.php <http://www.lsu.edu/cce/about/index.php>=20

Information about CC&E M.Sc. and Ph.D programs and applications can be found here: http://www.lsu.edu/cce/graduate/docs/admission/apply.php <http://www.lsu.edu/cce/graduate/docs/admission/apply.php>=20

Information about Baton Rouge can be found here: https://www.visitbatonrouge.com <https://www.visitbatonrouge.com/>=20

grad student opportunity in forest disturbances at UI

Graduate student opportunity in Quantitative Biogeography/Ecology related to forest disturbances at the University of Idaho.

Funding for up to 3 years is available immediately for a quantitative MS or PhD student to study interactions of climate and forest insects in the western United States. Possible projects include assessing climate influences on insects using data analysis; applying advanced statistical methods to identify drivers of outbreaks; and/or incorporating a computer-based mechanistic model of forest insects into an ecohydrology model. The successful candidate will have a background in geography, ecology, forestry, biogeosciences, or a related field. Qualifications also include a background in analytical or statistical methods and/or familiarity with computer programming; excellent written and oral communication skills; and an enthusiasm for research.  Students have the opportunity to receive a degree in Geography (www.uidaho.edu/sci/geography) or Environmental Science (www.uidaho.edu/envs).  Depending on experience and project, a start date of January or May 2018 may be needed (because of funding time constraints).  Interested applicants should send a cover letter, CV, GPA, GRE scores, and a personal statement that describes the candidate=92s interest in the position and relevant education and experience (all materials required) to Dr. Jeffrey Hicke (jhicke@uidaho.edu). Inquiries via email or phone (208-885-6240) are welcome.

M.S. opportunity Old-Growth Longleaf Pine Ecology

The University of Georgia=E2=80=99s Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources

<http://www.warnell.uga.edu/> and Tall Timbers Research Station

<http://talltimbers.org/> are seeking a M.S. student to conduct research

focused on the physical structure and physiological function of old-growth

longleaf pine forests beginning fall of 2018. The ideal candidate would

already possess some field experience, proven problem-solving skills,

excellent written and verbal communication skills, a basic statistical

background, an ability to work both independently and as a productive

member of a research team, and motivation to develop, conduct, and publish

their research. Candidates should possess a B.S. degree in ecology,

forestry, plant biology, or a related discipline. The successful candidate

will receive a two-year graduate assistantship consisting of an annual

stipend of approximately $21k and tuition waiver. The graduate

assistantship will have both teaching and research responsibilities=E2=80=94the

student will be on a teaching assistantship while completing coursework at

Warnell during fall 2018 and spring 2019 and will be on a research

assistantship while completing research at Tall Timbers during the summer

of 2019 through the summer of 2020. There is potential for the student to

begin fieldwork in residence at Tall Timbers beginning May 2018 until

courses begin in August 2018. Subsidized housing is available while in

residence at Tall Timbers. Student fees of approximately $1k per semester,

which include the matriculation fee and activity, athletic, health, student

facilities, technology, and transportation fees will be assessed.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please familiarize yourself

with Warnell=E2=80=99s

admission requirements and deadlines

<https://www.warnell.uga.edu/graduate/future-students/applying-graduate-school>

and send a single pdf containing: (1) a 1-2 page statement of your research

interests and a summary of your professional career goals that explains why

you think working in the Aubrey Lab <http://aubreylab.weebly.com/> will

help you realize these goals; (2) a current CV; (3) unofficial transcripts

showing all previous coursework, degrees, and GPA; (4) GRE scores; and (5)

contact information of three references to Dr. Doug Aubrey (

daubrey@srel.uga.edu). If selected to compete for this assistantship, you

will be encouraged to submit an application to the UGA Graduate School

prior to December 31st 2017.

Please contact Doug Aubrey (daubrey@srel.uga.edu) or Kevin Hiers (

jkhiers@talltimbers.org) with any additional questions.

Graduate position: AMNH_NewYork.ComparativeBiology

American Museum of Natural History
Richard Gilder Graduate School
Comparative Biology Ph.D. Program  and Graduate Fellowships Program

The AMNH RGGS Ph.D. Program in Comparative Biology is training the
next generation of biologists through an integrative approach that
focuses on the history, evolutionary relationships, and interactions
among species. It utilizes the Museum’s strength and experience in
research and training to educate a new generation of scientists and
industry leaders. The AMNH provides exceptional support facilities for
student research, with collections of more than 33 million specimens
and artifacts. Training and research opportunities exist across a wide
array of disciplines in comparative biology, incorporating research
in systematic and evolutionary biology, paleontology, conservation
biology, comparative genomics, computational biology, Earth history,
anthropology, and biological and cultural diversity. Global fieldwork,
with AMNH faculty, student-led or in partnership with others, provides
exceptional research opportunities for students. RGGS students may
take advantage of RGGS course cross-enrollment agreements with partner
universities Columbia and the City University of New York. Armed with a
Gilder School education, graduates will not only understand the history
and diversity of life on Earth, but may contribute to advances in human
health, biodiversity conservation, and other related biological research
fields as well.

This is an accelerated program, designed for students to complete their
degrees in four years. Students will earn a minimum of 62 credits
through a combination of coursework, teaching assistantships, and
individual dissertation research. The Richard Gilder Graduate School
will typically provide full financial support to students matriculating
in the Comparative Biology Ph.D. Program.

We also offer Graduate Fellowships for students interested in earning
a Ph.D. at one of our partner institutions (Columbia University, CUNY,
NYU, Stony Brook and Cornell University), when they are advised by an
AMNH curator.

The AMNH Graduate Student Fellowship Program is an educational
partnership with selected universities, dedicated to the training
of Ph.D. candidates in those scientific disciplines practiced at
the Museum. Our current collaborations are with Columbia University,
City University of New York (CUNY), Cornell University, Stony Brook
University, and New York University (NYU). The host university in which
the student enrolls exercises educational jurisdiction over the students
and formally awards the degree. In these partnership programs, at least
one Museum curator must serve as a graduate advisor, co-major professor
or major professor, and adjunct university faculty member. Each student
benefits by having the staff and facilities of both the university and
the Museum to support his/her training and research. To be eligible
for the AMNH Graduate Fellowship, students must apply to both the host
University’s Ph.D. program and to the AMNH Graduate Student Fellowships
Program. Students already matriculated in a Ph.D. program are not eligible
to apply; only new, first-time Ph.D. applicants will be considered.

SUMMARY OF APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR FALL 2018 APPLICANTS
Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science or equivalent degree, from an
accredited institution
Official transcripts from all undergraduate/graduate institutions attended
GRE (general) results (taken within the past five years–Institution
Code 2471 or 1760)
Three letters of support
Statement of Academic Purpose (Essay 1: past research experience [length
of up to 500 words] and Essay 2: proposed research interests [length of
up to 500 words])
Interview (Final candidates will be interviewed)
AMNH Faculty sponsor
Application fee of $50 (Comp Bio Only)
Proficiency in English (TOEFL [100 or higher] or IELTS scores [total 7.0
or higher] are required for non-native English speakers, taken within
the past 2 years)

Deadline: December 15, 2017

For more info, please visit:
http://www.amnh.org/our-research/richard-gilder-graduate-school/academics-and-research/fellowship-and-grant-opportunities/doctoral-and-graduate-student-fellowships

amanuel@amnh.org

Graduate Position: MississippiStateU.Evodevo

The Range lab at Mississippi State University is recruiting graduate
students interested in evolutionary and developmental biology. Research
in the lab focuses on understanding how a network of three different
Wnt signaling branches (Wnt/Beta-catenin, Wnt/JNK, and Wnt/Ca2+)
coordinate the regulatory networks that establish territories along the
anterior-posterior axis, using sea urchin embryos as the primary model
system. Remarkably, functional and expression studies in other metazoans
(vertebrates, urochordates, hemichordates, echinoderms and cnidarians)
suggest that many aspects of this Wnt signaling network governing AP axis
specification identified in the sea urchin are part of the ancient AP
patterning mechanism that existed in the common ancestor of bilaterians
and cnidarians.

We also work closely with Counterman lab at MSU to study how Wnt signaling
is involved in butterfly wing pattern development. In collaboration,
we have begun to characterize the Wnt network of signaling governing
pigmentary and structurally-based color patterns.

The position is for a talented PhD student to work on a NIH funded
project beginning as early as the Spring of 2018. The student project
will focus on the roles of non-canonical Wnt signaling pathways
(Wnt/JNK and Wnt/Ca2+) in patterning the early AP axis in sea urchin
embryos. The student will also have opportunities to study similar Wnt
pathways in butterfly wing development. The position offers training in
a combination of molecular manipulations, high-throughput genome-wide
assays and bioinformatics, gene regulatory network analysis as well as
classical embryology.

Mississippi State University is situated in the quintessential college
town of Starkville and is located close to several major cities (e.g. New
Orleans, Memphis, Birmingham) as well as the beaches along the Gulf of
Mexico. You can learn more about the Department of Biological Sciences
at Mississippi State University at http://biology.msstate.edu.

Interested applicants should contact Dr. Ryan Range at
range@biology.msstate.edu With your inquiry, please include a CV,
unofficial transcript, and GRE scores if available.

Applications for Spring are accepted until November 1st, 2017.

Recent publications related to the position:

Integration of canonical and non-canonical Wnt signaling pathways patterns
the neuroectoderm along the anterior-posterior axis of sea urchin embryos.
Range RC, Angerer RC, Angerer LM. PLoS Biol. 2013;11(1):e1001467. doi:
10.1371/journal.pbio.1001467.  PMID: 23335859

Specification and positioning of the anterior neuroectoderm in
deuterostome embryos.  Range R. Genesis. 2014 Mar;52(3):222-34. doi:
10.1002/dvg.22759. Review. PMID: 24549984

An anterior signaling center patterns and sizes the anterior neuroectoderm
of the sea urchin embryo. Range RC, Wei Z. Development. 2016 May
1;143(9):1523-33. doi: 10.1242/dev.128165. PMID: 26952978

“Range, Ryan” <range@biology.msstate.edu>

Graduate position: OhioStateU.CichlidAdaptation

PhD position in Aquatic Physiological & Behavioral Ecology

School of Environment and Natural Resources

The Ohio State University

October 2017

The Gray and Pintor Labs at The Ohio State University’s School of
Environment and Natural Resources are seeking a PhD student to work on
an NSF funded project starting in Autumn 2018 (with the possibility of
a pre-enrollment field season in Summer 2018). The project aims to
determine the key drivers and functional significance of sensory and
behavioral trait divergence in an African cichlid facing human-induced
rapid environmental change (HIREC). Research in Dr. Suzanne Gray’s
lab aims to understand how fish respond to HIREC, while Dr. Lauren
Pintor’s lab focuses on the examining the behavioral mechanisms
driving species interactions in the face of environmental change.

We are seeking highly qualified students with competitive GPA and GRE
scores, experience working in aquatic ecosystems, and who are highly
motivated to pursue an advanced degree in this field. The successful
candidate will tackle field and lab based experiments that include
behavioral and physiological performance tests of fish from different
populations that are experiencing different human-induced environmental
stressors. In the laboratory, we conduct long-term rearing experiments
to help disentangle the role of multiple stressors in shaping divergent
sensory and behavioral traits. This means that the student will be
expected to spend up to two months each year performing field work in
Uganda, Africa, with the rest of the year based in Columbus, Ohio.
Field work in Uganda can be extremely rewarding but can also be
strenuous: our facilities are very basic (e.g., we have intermittent
electricity and no running water) and are shared with a number of other
researchers.

The School of Environment and Natural Resources (SENR) is home to ~45
faculty whose specialties range across several natural and social
science disciplines. Within a framework of interdisciplinarity, our
graduate students take courses that advance their knowledge within
their chosen field but also introduce them to diverse fields integral
to a holistic understanding of human-natural coupled systems. Students
benefit from bi-weekly seminar speakers across this range of fields,
funds for travel to conferences, access to computer labs and
discipline-specific advanced courses across the University. Columbus is
a vibrant and progressive city with lots to do, great food, access to a
series of Metro Parks and rivers, and an easy drive to Lake Erie in the
North or hiking in Hocking Hills to the south.

Interested students should contact Dr. Suzanne Gray (gray.1030@osu.edu)
and Dr. Lauren Pintor (pintor.6@osu.edu) directly via email, with
“Graduate position” as the subject line. Please include a cover
letter briefly describing your research interests, a curriculum vitae,
GRE scores, unofficial undergraduate/graduate transcripts, and contact
information for three references – preferably as a single PDF. Review
of applicants will begin immediately. Qualified applicants will be
invited to apply to SENR by January 1st, 2018 (November 30^th for
international students). SENR offers graduate teaching and research
assistantships and competitive fellowships to support admitted students
(http://senr.osu.edu/graduate/prospective-graduate-students). We are
committed to increasing diversity in STEM and so encourage students
from diverse and underrepresented communities to apply.

Suzanne M. Gray

Assistant Professor

School of Environment and Natural Resources

The Ohio State University CFAES

210 Kottman Hall

2021 Coffey Rd, Columbus, OH, 43210

Phone: 614-292-4643

Email: gray.1030@osu.edu

“Gray, Suzanne M.” <gray.1030@osu.edu>

recruiting PhD students for Fall 2018 in the Waring lab of microbial and ecosystem ecology

The Waring lab is recruiting graduate students to work on projects related

to plant-soil interactions and soil biogeochemistry. Applicants should have

a strong research interest in plant-soil feedbacks, mycorrhizal ecology,

and/or soil carbon cycling. Research in the Waring lab takes place in a

diverse array of ecosystems, from semiarid grasslands to tropical forests,

and is highly interdisciplinary, spanning plant, microbial, and ecosystem

ecology. Candidates with lab or field experience in any of these areas are

strongly encouraged to apply. The Waring lab is located at Utah State

University in Logan, Utah, a beautiful town with easy access to many amazing

parks and Salt Lake City. For inquiries about the position, please contact

(bonnie.waring@usu.edu) with a cover letter and CV.

Graduate Position: NorthwesternU.PlantBiolConservation

PLANT BIOLOGY AND CONSERVATION

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.

Nyree Zerega <nzerega@chicagobotanic.org>

Ph.D. Position in Human Behavioral Ecology

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

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

human behavioral ecology interested in one of the following research

topics: sexual conflict, parent-offspring conflict, parental investment,

reproductive-decision making, or kin cooperation and conflict.  The student

will propose a PhD project in their application materials.

*Qualifications*

We are seeking someone who 1) possesses quantitative and statistical

skills, 2) wants to conduct international fieldwork, and 3) has a passion

for using behavioral ecological models to understand human behavior.

Competitive

students will have a Master=E2=80=99s degree and a background in evolutionary

anthropology or behavioral ecology. Please address your qualification for

each of these points in your cover letter and note any foreign language

skills. The position starts Fall (Aug) 2018.

*Stipend and tuition and fees*

This position includes support in the form of a graduate assistantship

(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/.

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 Apply*

Please send via email in a single file attachment (include your last name

in the file name): a cover letter that states qualifications, proposed PhD

project,  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 *kristinsnopkowski@boisestate.edu

<kristinsnopkowski@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 15, 2017. If you do not have GRE scores by the deadline your

application cannot be considered.  Top candidates will be asked to formally

apply to Boise State=E2=80=99s EEB program by January 20.  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.

Research assistants at Pacuare Reserve, Costa Rica Volunteer Opportunity

*About Ecology Project International: *

EPI is an international non-profit organization dedicated to addressing

critical conservation issues through field-based partnerships between local

experts and high school students. We engage adolescent youth from local

communities and visiting youth from other regions in applied hands-on

science and conservation as they learn about and help protect threatened

species and habitats. Through EPI=E2=80=99s programs in five countries throughout

the U.S. and Latin America, teens are inspired and empowered to engage in

conservation efforts at home and worldwide to become the next generation of

conservation leaders. More information can be found at

www.ecologyproject.org

*About Pacuare Reserve: *

Established in 1989 by a United Kingdom charity, and transferred to Ecology

Project International (EPI) in 2016, its 800 hectares of tropical

rainforest on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica have a high density of

wildlife and its 6km (4 miles) of beach provides the most important nesting

site in the country for the giant leatherback turtles and is home to the

only truly accessible breeding colony of Agami herons in the Caribbean and

northern South America. More information can be found at

www.pacuarereserve.org <https://ank891.wixsite.com/pacuare>

*Job Summary: *

Research Assistants (RA) will be trained in sea turtle monitoring

techniques and will work under the supervision of the Research

Coordinators. RAs will work mainly with adult Leatherback turtles, adult

Green turtles, and Leatherback hatchling.  Some Hawksbills may arrive to

the beach but it=E2=80=99s not very common.  The primary responsibilities of the

RAs will include leading night beach censuses, conducting morning beach

surveys, tagging and collecting data and relocating and excavating nests.

Monitoring activities are carried out along 6 km of nesting beach. RAs will

be in charge of leading volunteers and/or groups of students while on the

beach, explaining the beach protocol and supervising them on the process of

data collection. RAs are expected to participate in other activities

carried out by the Reserve like personal research projects, environmental

education activities, talks and workshops with students and volunteers,

beach cleaning, recycling projects, or other needs of the station. RAs are

expected to work long hours throughout day and/or night, often with little

sleep. Beach censuses require walking on soft sand and occasionally under

the rain, therefore, a good physical condition is a requirement for the RA

position.

*Qualifications: *

*Required:*

=C2=B7       Graduates of or close to graduating in Biology, Environmental

science or a related field

=C2=B7       Able to communicate both in Spanish and in English

=C2=B7       In good physical condition and able to walk long hours on soft

sand, sometimes under difficult conditions

=C2=B7       Be motivated to work in a remote environment under difficult

conditions (rain, mosquitoes=E2=80=A6) with irregular sleeping hours and restricted

electricity availability.

=C2=B7       Be open-minded, flexible and keep a positive attitude to unexpected

situations and be willing to live and work with a small group of people

*Preferred: *

=C2=B7       Previous experiences working with sea turtles

=C2=B7       Previous experience working and living in Costa Rica, specially in

the Caribbean coast

=C2=B7       Previous experience working in a multicultural team, since RAs come

from different nationalities and they will be working with the local staff

*Schedule and Location:*

February 20 to July 31, 2018. Pacuare Reserve, North Caribbean coast, Costa

Rica

*Compensation:*

RA Positions are voluntary and selected candidates are expected to plan and

finance their own travel to and from the Reserve. RAs will receive 3 meals

a day and basic shared accommodations for the duration of their time

working for Pacuare Reserve.

*Questions can be directed to:*

Roc=C3=ADo Valent=C3=ADn-Gamazo, *rocio.valentin-gamazo@ecologyproject.org

<rocio.valentin-gamazo@ecologyproject.org>*

*To apply*:

Application period closes November 5th; they will be reviewed when

received. Applications can only be submitted electronically. Please, submit

the following information in the next page:

<https://ecologyproject.submittable.com/submit/9e954a04-91f5-4c16-9f91-b59bd04cecb9/research-assistant-pacuare-reserve>

https://ecologyproject.submittable.com/submit/9e954a04-91f5-4c16-9f91-b59bd04cecb9/research-assistant-pacuare-reserve

-A CV or resume with pertinent information

-A cover letter explaining why you are interested in the Research Assistant

position, details of any relevant experiences and a statement of your level

of proficiency in English and Spanish

-Name and email contact of one to three professional references