Opportunities

Masters Assitantship: Disease Ecology

Assistantship Description:

A graduate assistantship for an outstanding Master=92s student is available at Guha Dharmarajan=92s Disease Ecology Lab located at the University of Georgia=92s Savannah River Ecology Laboratory. The successful applicant would be enrolled in UGA=92s Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources starting Fall 2017, and stationed at the Savannah River Ecology Lab in Aiken, SC when not taking classes. Research at the Dharmarajan Lab broadly focuses on the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of disease, and uses a multi-disciplinary approach to improve our ability to manage disease in natural populations. The incoming student=92s research is expected to focus primarily on elucidating the ecological and evolutionary factors influencing the transmission dynamics of arthropod-borne viruses (e.g., Zika virus) in natural mosquito populations.

Qualifications:

1. B.S. degree in wildlife biology, ecology, zoology, biology and/or related disciplines are encouraged to apply.

2. Applicants must be highly motivated with an exceptional work ethic and ability for independent thought.

3. Applicants should have an excellent academic background with well-developed oral/written communication and organizational skills.

4. Preference will be given to students with research experience (lab and/or field).

5. Students with an interest in addressing ecological and evolutionary questions through the integration of multiple research tools (e.g., genomics, transcriptomics, GIS) and/or theoretical modeling are especially encouraged to apply.

6. Please note: Warnell requires a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 and GRE scores of 1000 (~300 in new scoring system)

7. Please note: SREL is located on the Department of Energy’s Savannah River Site in Aiken, SC. A security clearance is required, and applicants must be able and willing to pass a background investigation.

Stipend and Benefits: This assistantship is based on a 40% stipend. Position will offer $20,138/year for two years. The student will receive a full-tuition waiver but will be expected to pay some mandated fees (details can be found at http://busfin.uga.edu/bursar/). All students on assistantship are required to have health insurance, and a portion of the premium for the University System=92s health insurance plan is paid by the University of Georgia.

Further information:

1. Details on Dr. Dharmarajan=92s lab can be found at www.gdharmarajan.com

2. Details on the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory can be found at https://srel.uga.edu/

3. Details on the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources can be found at www.warnell.uga.edu.

4. Details on the University of Georgia can be found at www.uga.edu

5. Details about the graduate program are available at https://www.warnell.uga.edu/graduate.

6. Details of the application process: https://www.warnell.uga.edu/graduate/future-student s/application-process.

7. Applications have to be sent electronically through UGA=92s Grad School: grad.uga.edu/index.php/prospective-students

8. Interested candidates must contact Dr. Dharmarajan prior to submitting an application to the Grad School

Application details:

1. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a suitable candidate is found.

2. For full consideration please apply by May 15th, 2017

3. Applicants should submit a letter of interest, CV (including GPA and GRE scores), and contact information for three references in a single PDF attachment to Dr. Guha Dharmarajan (guha@srel.uga.edu).

Contact: Guha Dharmarajan, Ph.D., Assistant Research Scientist

The University of Georgia=92s Savannah River Ecology Laboratory

Phone: 803-725-3241; Email: guha@srel.uga.edu

______________________________________________________________________________________

UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION INSTITUTION.

Ph.D. & M.Sc. Positions Fisheries productivity in northern boreal lakes

Enthusiastic, team oriented, and self-motivated students are encouraged to apply for a Ph.D. and MSc positions to conduct research on fisheries productivity in boreal freshwater ecosystems. This project is a multi-

disciplinary collaboration between the University of Alberta, industry, government and other sponsors. The main project goals include: i) community assembly in boreal lakes, ii) modelling food-web dynamics, iii) effects of climate change on fish production, iv) determining best practices in monitoring and measuring, v) primary production in lakes, and vi) developing field based studies to determine causative relationships between age and growth and other life history characteristics in relation to differing lake environments. These research projects are fully funded and will provide key insights into how to develop habitat offsets for fisheries, a new and emerging field in restoration and conservation biology. Applicants will be under the supervision of Dr. Mark Poesch, but will interact regularly with scientists and team members in industry, provincial and federal governments.

Ph.D. applicants must have a graduate degree in Biology, Ecology, Zoology, Evolutionary Biology, or a related field. Ideally, the same would be an asset for MSc applicants. Applicant must have a high overall GPA (especially in related courses). Experience with ecological modeling, freshwater fish ecology, database management, and programming skills are considered an asset. Applicants should clearly articulate how this research will build on your existing experience, specific skills and provide a date of availability.  Applicants interested in this position, please send an email to Dr. Mark Poesch (poesch(at)ualberta.ca) with a cover letter identifying research interests, CV, transcripts (unofficial accepted), writing sample, and a list of three references. Please note review of applications will commence on May 1, 2017 and the competition will remain open until the position is filled. The ideal start date is September 1, 2017, but other arrangements (for earlier or later start dates) can be made.

The University of Alberta was recently rated as Canada=92s fourth best university, and 86th across universities worldwide. Located in Alberta=92s capital city, Edmonton (population of 1.2 million people), the University of Alberta provides a dynamic mixture of a large research intensive university, urban culture and recreation. More than 39,000 students from across Canada and 144 other countries participate in nearly 400 programs and 18 faculties.

Contact Information:

Dr. Mark Poesch Assistant Professor, Conservation Ecology

University of Alberta, Department of Renewable Resources

751 General Services Building, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2H1

Ph: 780-492-4827=20=20=20=20=20=20=20 Email: poesch@ualberta.ca=20=20=20 Website: www.markpoesch.com

Master of Science Student Opportunity in Historical Ecology/Conservation Biology

We are seeking Master of Science students with interest in ecology and

historical ecology of freshwater ecosystems for research in our laboratory

at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg.  Students would be

enrolled in a thesis-based Master=92s program in Conservation Biology.  Our

research examines biological and chemical evidence in lake sediment cores to

reconstruct historical changes in lakes, watersheds, and wetlands.  Findings

have relevance to management, restoration, and conservation programs.  Our

research requires knowledge of modern freshwater ecology, and genuine

interest in examining evidence in the historical context.  We particularly

seek students who have interest in aquatic and wetland plants, who would

participate in historic analyses involving pollen, plant macrofossils,

phytoliths, diatoms, algae, etc.  The investigators have more than 30 years

of experience in freshwater historical ecology.  Florida has 8000 lakes that

offer diverse research opportunities.  Interested applicants should have a

B.S. in a biological discipline, ecology coursework, and preferably some

coursework in freshwater ecosystems and non-agricultural plants.  Our

program is small, selective, and M.S. students would be eligible for

teaching assistantships that provide health insurance and some tuition

waivers.  The M.S. program application deadline is June 1, but those with

interest in conducting thesis research in our lab should contact us well in

advance to discuss their interests.  We request serious inquiries only to:

Dr. Thomas J. Whitmore – whitmore@usfsp.edu

Dr. Melanie Riedinger-Whitmore =96 mariedin@usfsp.edu

Bat Research Technician in Missouri

Agency: Southern Illinois University

Location: central/western Missouri (Ozarks)

Salary: $1800/month

Start Date: 5/17/2017

Application Deadline: open until filled

Description:

A research technician is needed to assist a Master=92s student working on a

bat research project studying the bat community in central and western

Missouri (in and around Lake of the Ozarks). Research involves using

mist-nets and acoustic detectors to survey bat populations including blood

sample/DNA collection. Candidate will have the opportunity to handle bats,

likely including the federally endangered Indiana bat and federally

threatened northern long-eared bat.

Primary duties include conducting mist-netting surveys and deploying,

maintaining, and collecting acoustic monitoring equipment. Additional duties

include net and equipment maintenance, data entry, and assessing vegetation

plots. The work will require long periods in the field (including work at

night), heavy lifting of equipment (~60-70 lb. 12V batteries) and a

considerable amount of travel. – Housing is provided (camper trailer)

– Work is generally 7 days a week

– Work begins around 17 May and will end approx. 15 August.

Qualifications:

Required =95 Enrolled in or have completed a BA or BS in Biology, Wildlife Biology,

Ecology or related field. =95 Good physical condition

=95 Position often requires long hours and working late at night under varied

environmental conditions, including rugged terrain possibly filled with

poison ivy and biting insects =95 Previous field experience

=95 Applicants must be willing to work weekends =95 Applicants must possess a valid driver’s license and experience driving a

4WD truck =95 Applicants must possess GPS, map reading, and orienteering skills

Preferred =95 Acoustic bat detector experience =95 Bat work/mist-netting =95 Candidates wishing to handle bats are required to obtain rabies

vaccinations or provide a recent titer check (from last 2 years). Preference

to those vaccinated. To apply: send your CV/resume, cover letter describing your interest and

experience, and contact info for 2-3 references, all in the same Word or PDF

file as an email attachment, to Zach Cravens at zcravens@siu.edu. Please use

the subject line =91Bat Tech Missouri=92 for emails. Applications will be

accepted until position is filled.

Pachaug State Forest- Natural Diversity Data Base Review

CT DEEP (Department of Energy and Environment Protection) Park and Recreation Internship.  Two interns to provide a Natural Diversity Data Base review along a multi-use trail. The trail is five miles long and its corridor would encompass a fifty foot wide path. The DEEP, NDDB shows five listed plant species and three critical habitats that must be assessed/avoided to prevent any damage to the environment when installing the trail. This project would include a description of existing site conditions, including descriptions of habitats encountered, list of component vascular plant species within the area including scientific binomials. Detailed maps and locations of target plants found, critical habitats and other noteworthy communities within the corridor would be documented in the final report. For targeted surveys, identify other taxa with which the target may be confused and the traits and features used to differentiate among them. If interested please contact Pamela Diggle (pamela.diggle@uconn.edu).

RESEARCH TECHNICIAN POSITION IN PLANT EVOLUTIONARY ECOLOGY

Applications are invited for a full-time research technician in the Spigler

lab in the Biology Department, Temple University in Philadelphia,

PA.=A0General research areas in the laboratory include plant ecology,

evolution, and genetics, with emphasis on the evolutionary ecology of plant

reproductive systems. The technician will assist in an NSF-funded research

project on the demographic impacts of variation in plant mating systems. The

technician is expected to carry out greenhouse and field studies. Duties

will include: extensive fieldwork throughout the year; plant care in

greenhouse; data collection and organization; supervising undergraduate

researchers; and general lab maintenance.=A0Although the technician will be

based at Temple University, frequent travel to Boyce, VA (Blandy

Experimental Farm of UVA), with overnight stays of up to 2 months (in the

summer time), is required. Fieldwork will require long days initiating

experimental populations, collecting demographic data, and performing

pollinations.

Anticipated start date is August or September 2017.=A0 This is a full-time

one-year position with the possibility of extension subject to performance

review.=A0Salary is commensurate with experience and includes benefits.

Qualifications: The candidate should have a BS or BA in biology, ecology,

genetics, horticulture/plant sciences, or similar and must have field

experience, a valid driver=92s license and ability/willingness to travel. The

ideal candidate will have previous experience working with plants, excellent

organizational skills and attention to detail, and an ability to work well

with and supervise undergraduate students. Experience with basic molecular

techniques (DNA extraction, PCR) is preferred.

Interested? Please email a cover letter, CV, and names and contact

information for 3 references to rachel.spigler@temple.edu. For more

information on the lab, please visit http://rachelspigler.weebly.com.=20=20

Job: Plant Ecology Seasonal Research Hourly, Newton, GA

The Joseph W. Jones Ecological Research Center invites applications for a full-time, temporary Seasonal Research Hourly position. This 3-month position begins in May/June 2017 and has the potential of being extended. On-site housing is provided on a limited basis, but is optional. The employee=92s main duties will be (1) maintenance of a native seed production garden; (2) assisting with vegetation sampling of uplands within the longleaf pine-wiregrass ecosystem; and (3) data entry. This position will report directly to the Plant Ecology Lead Technician.

The 28,000-acre Research Center is located approximately 30 miles south of Albany, Georgia. The Center=92s research, education, and conservation programs focus on ecology and natural resource management. The site includes 16,000 acres of longleaf pine forests, over 1,000 acres of wetlands, and 26 miles of stream and river ecosystems.

Job Requirements: Ability to independently follow instructions. Vegetation sampling requires moderate to strenuous physical activity in the field, under demanding field conditions (i.e., heat, high humidity, and insects).

Qualifications: Undergraduate degree in biology, botany, horticulture, plant ecology, or a related field. Experience with plant identification and the use of dichotomous keys is desired. Computer and laboratory-

related experience is also preferable.=20

Wages: $11.00 per hour (limited housing available)

$12.00 per hour (without housing)

Qualified applicants should send a cover letter, resume, list of relevant coursework, list of three references with contact information, and the date they are available to begin working as a single document by email to: jobs@jonesctr.org, Subject: Plant Ecology Hourly Position, or mail to Attn: Cindy Craft, Joseph Jones Ecological Research Center, 3988 Jones Center Drive, Newton, GA 39870-9651 or FAX (229)734-4707.   Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position has been filled.

For specific questions or more information on this position, contact: Lisa Giencke, Plant Ecology Lead Technician by email: lgiencke@jonesctr.org or phone: (229)734-4706.

The Joseph W. Jones Ecological Research Center, Ichauway, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity/E-VERIFY/Affirmative Action Employer.

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT: research technician – Edgewater, MD

The Ecosystem Conservation lab at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC), led by Dr. Kim La Pierre, is recruiting a full-time research technician. Our lab explores community and ecosystem responses to global change drivers, and the role that symbioses, competition, and trophic interactions play in shaping those responses (https://serc.si.edu/labs/ecosystem-conservation). Our research projects occur in field, lab, and greenhouse settings and include ecological genetics, microbial culturing, and field-based species identification, often in an experimental framework. The technician will be based at SERC and will participate in several collaborative projects investigating the impacts of global change drivers such as increased nutrient availability, elevated CO2, altered consumer pressure, and climate change on plant, microbial, and invertebrate communities. SERC is a vibrant community of scientists set within a 1,027 field-site, and located near the Annapolis, MD and Washington, DC metro areas.

Field and greenhouse duties will include plant species identification and collection, measurement of environmental parameters, seed preparation, experimental set-up and monitoring, and data entry. Lab duties will include sample processing, microbial culturing, routine molecular tasks (e.g., DNA extraction, PCR, DNA visualization, sequencing, genotyping), and next generation sequencing library prep. In addition, the technician will be responsible for day-to-day lab organization and safety under the direction of the PI, including supply inventory and ordering, maintaining lab records (hardcopy and digital), and working collaboratively with other lab members.

Minimum qualifications include a bachelor=92s degree in ecology (or related field) with at least two years of prior research experience, basic ecological genetic skills (PCR, sequencing, genotyping), strong communication and organizational skills, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Additional experience with field surveys, next generation sequencing, and data analysis is preferred.

The preferred start date is late June, and the appointment will be for one year, with a second year contingent on satisfactory performance in year one. While not a federal position, salary and benefits are commensurate with experience, up to a salary equivalent of Grade 7, Step 1 within the federal pay scale.

Interested candidates should send (1) a cover letter highlighting relevant research experience, (2) a resume or CV, (3) contact information for 2-3 references, and (4) an unofficial copy of transcripts to Kim La Pierre (lapierrek@si.edu). Review of applications will begin on May 1st, and continue until the position is filled.

Seasonal Bat Field Research Technician =96 Temple University

Summary of Position

The Research Associate position is available in the Sewall Lab in the Department of Biology at Temple University.  Work will take place at Dr. Sewall’s field site at Fort Indiantown Gap National Guard Training Center (http://ftig.png.pa.gov/Pages/default.aspx), northeast of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The Research Associate will provide technical field support to the lab=92s research efforts in conservation biology, and population and community ecology.  Primary research foci will be investigating the responses of bats to human disturbance, management efforts, and habitat change.  On-site fieldwork at Fort Indiantown Gap National Guard Training Center will be required. Performs other duties as assigned.

Essential Functions of Position

– Conducting bat field research including but not limited to capture, handling, acoustic sampling, radiotelemetry, and measurement of plants and habitat characteristics

– Assisting in field research projects involving undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral researchers from Dr. Brent Sewall’s lab: https://sites.temple.edu/bjsewall/opportunities/

– Maintaining written data sheets and spreadsheets for acoustic detectors, radiotelemetry, and mist-netting

– Training interns and students in proper field techniques

– Performing other duties as assigned

Requirements

– Previous experience mist-netting and handling bats

– Previous experience conducting ecology field research

– Willingness to work late nights outdoors in rugged terrain

– Must have a valid driver=92s license

– Must be physically able to carry 40 lbs. and set up triple-high mist nets (about 25 feet tall).

– Able to interact in a consistently positive manner with academic and military personnel

– Willingness to learn and abide by military field safety regulations

– Have or be willing to obtain up-to-date rabies vaccination

Preferred experience

– Ability to lead small teams of personnel in the field – Experience deploying triple-high mist-nets

– Experience tracking wildlife using radiotelemetry

– Experience deploying bat detectors or other wildlife recording devices

– Training or background in mammalogy, ecology, or conservation biology

Terms of Employment

– Start date: As soon as possible

– End date: Up to six months

– Pay rate: $14 to $18.50, dependent on training and experience

– Hours: Approximately 40 hours / week, weather-dependent

How to Apply

– Send a cover letter, resume, and list of three references via email to Dr. Lisa Powers at lisa.powers@temple.edu

– Please put =93Bat Field Tech Position=94 in the subject line of the email

– Position will remain open until filled

——————————

Date:    Mon, 17 Apr 2017 18:50:38 -0400

From:    =?windows-1252?Q?Elizabeth_Pienaar?= <efpienaar@UFL.EDU>

Subject: PhD Assistantship =?windows-1252?Q?=96_Landowners=92?= Willingness to Engage in Sustainable Bioenergy Production

PhD Assistantship =96 Landowners=92 Willingness to Engage in Sustainable Bioenergy Production

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Elizabeth Pienaar, Assistant Professor =96 Environmental Economics & Human Dimensions of Wildlife

Location: University of Florida

Description

I am recruiting a PhD student to conduct research on private landowners=92 willingness to engage in sustainable bioenergy production practices in the southeastern United States.  This research forms part of a larger USDA-funded project to determine how bioenergy production in the southeastern United States can be coupled with the protection of ecosystem services (see page 3 for an overview of the project).  The student will conduct research into:

1. how private landowners value ecosystem services provided by timberlands, and 2. which bioenergy production practices they are willing to adopt to secure both ecosystem services and bioenergy production.

This research will be used to formulate policy recommendations and to design extension/outreach programs to educate private timberland owners on how to better manage their lands to secure ecosystem services.=20 Further details about the project are available by writing to Dr. Pienaar.

The student will be expected to:

1. design and administer surveys to private timberland owners in Florida, Georgia and Alabama;

2. design and implement surveys to individuals who hunt on timberlands in the southeastern United States; 3. code, clean and analyze all data collected;

4. write reports and journal publications that document these research findings;

5. present results at both academic conferences and extension meetings;

6. assist in writing grant reports;

7. generate extension and outreach materials for private landowners, government agencies, and landowners; and

8. assist in other tasks related to this research =96 as needed.

As part of this appointment, the successful candidate will work as a teaching assistant for one semester each year.

The assistantship will commence in Fall 2017.  The successful candidate will be provided with four years of tuition (18 credit hours of coursework in Fall and Spring semesters).  The successful applicant will be paid a stipend of $20,024/year for 4 years, and will be provided with health care.

The student will work as part of a larger research team that includes landscape ecologists, extension specialists, and experts in GIS models and mapping.  This research project provides an opportunity to be part of an interdisciplinary research team at the University of Florida.

Qualifications: Preference will be given to applicants with a Master=92s degree, although students with a Bachelor=92s degree will be considered.=20 Preference will be given to applicants with training in social sciences, survey design and statistics.  In order to be considered for this position, the following application materials must be submitted to Dr. Pienaar (efpienaar@ufl.edu):

1. A letter of interest (1 page maximum)

2. Undergraduate and graduate transcripts

3. GRE scores

4. A curriculum vitae

5. An example of your writing

6. Names of 3 individuals who will provide you with references

The review of applications will commence on April 24, 2017.