The Wetzel Lab at Michigan State University is seeking prospective PhD and

MS students interested in studying how biological diversity or

environmental variability influences insects and their interactions with

plants and predators. The lab uses field experiments and quantitative tools

to address fundamental ecological questions that are relevant to

agricultural sustainability or climate change. There are currently two main

lines of inquiry in the lab:

1) How does plant chemical diversity influence insect herbivores and their

interactions with predators?

2) How does temperature variability influence interactions among plants,

insect herbivores, and predators? We are interested in understanding how

the increased frequency of high temperature events (heat waves) associated

with climate change is changing the ecology of plants and insects.

I am interested in students who would like to collaborate with me on these

projects as well as students who would like to develop novel projects

related to the ecology of plants and insects in a variable world. Please

see https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=3Dhttp-3A__wetzellab.com&d=3DDwIFaQ&c=3DnE__W8dFE-shTxStwXtp0A&r=3DDGKl3p1L8mN1KIcUKrNU9836NnGKVyNUDA0OhUoNzPA&m=3D1O5A3Q2sB1IB0vtHDs9WmUYjE4FpTk-D9YZvL-v3mKs&s=3DpL3Tksw2nGeZKnSjfs8Ve9tw1GmcoQZGOY5SwWswn6I&e=3D  <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=3Dhttp-3A__wetzellab.com_research&d=3DDwIFaQ&c=3DnE__W8dFE-shTxStwXtp0A&r=3DDGKl3p1L8mN1KIcUKrNU9836NnGKVyNUDA0OhUoNzPA&m=3D1O5A3Q2sB1IB0vtHDs9WmUYjE4FpTk-D9YZvL-v3mKs&s=3DyImNmBhKAxfLmI4VYpVPb8tiEAMycP7MUl27raz1yyg&e=3D > for more

information. I plan to take students through the Ecology, Evolutionary

Biology, and Behavior Program (https://eebb.msu.edu/) and the Department of

Entomology (http://www.ent.msu.edu/).

*Qualifications*

Applicants should have a bachelor=E2=80=99s degree in ecology, biology, entomology,

environmental science, or related field. Preference will be given to

applicants with ecological research experience. Applicants should be

interested in learning both field ecology and quantitative tools. A passion

for understanding how nature works and boundless enthusiasm are key assets.

The Wetzel Lab strives to be a safe space for diversity in STEM.

*Funding*

Students in the lab receive a generous stipend, a tuition waiver, and a

travel budget. This financial support comes through research

assistantships, teaching assistantships, and university fellowships.

Students are also encouraged to seek external fellowships through NSF,

USDA, and other sources.

*Plant-insect ecology at Michigan State University*

MSU is an exciting place to study the ecology of plants and insects. The

university has a large and dynamic community of scientists working on

cutting-edge questions about plants and insects in natural and agricultural

ecosystems. Potential collaborators and colleagues can be found in the

departments of Entomology, Plant Biology, and Integrative Biology, and

across the Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, and Behavior Program. The

university has an extensive greenhouse facility and access to field sites

at the MSU Kellogg Biological Station nearby.

Those interested in these positions should read the lab webpage (

https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=3Dhttp-3A__wetzellab.com&d=3DDwIFaQ&c=3DnE__W8dFE-shTxStwXtp0A&r=3DDGKl3p1L8mN1KIcUKrNU9836NnGKVyNUDA0OhUoNzPA&m=3D1O5A3Q2sB1IB0vtHDs9WmUYjE4FpTk-D9YZvL-v3mKs&s=3DpL3Tksw2nGeZKnSjfs8Ve9tw1GmcoQZGOY5SwWswn6I&e=3D ) and email me (wcwetzel@msu.edu) with the following.

0) “Prospective student=E2=80=9D in email subject

1) Brief cover letter describing research interests and career goals

2) CV

3) Unofficial transcripts

4) Sample of scientific writing (e.g., published paper, manuscript in

preparation, MS or undergraduate thesis, research paper or essay from a

class)

5) Names and email addresses for 3 references

I will begin reviewing candidates on September 15th. Applications are due

to the graduate school by December 1st.

I look forward to hearing from you!

The Nelson School for Environmental Studies <http://www.nelson.wisc.edu/>

at the University of Wisconsin =E2=80=93 Madison is now accepting applications for

a new professional MS program in Environmental Observation and Informatics

(EOI).

The EOI graduate program integrates cross-cutting Earth observation

technologies and big data analytics in one unique, 15-month program that

combines hands-on, in-person training with distance learning.

Formal course work and a final capstone project focus on 3 main areas;

remote sensing, modeling and analysis, and leadership and strategic

thinking. Students will gain specialized training to meet current job

demand calling for the integration of emerging technologies and big data to

address environmental challenges at local, regional, and global scales.

For more information including curriculum, how to apply, and contact info

visit: http://www.nelson.wisc.edu/observation

Link to featured article and perspective from program faculty:

Degree program uses satellite, drone technologies to solve environmental problems

*Research Associate I Colorado State University *

*Wallenstein Lab*

The Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory seeks an ambitious, curious, and

organized research associate to assist with soil ecology laboratory and

field work. The selected candidate will be responsible for performing a

broad range of molecular and soil ecology lab analyses. This may include,

but not be limited to, soil sieving, soil DNA extraction, PCR, qPCR,

preparing samples for Sanger and high-throughput sequencing, enzyme assays,

soil fractionation procedures, stable isotopes, preparing chemical reagents

and solutions, and preparing and analyzing samples for a suite of chemical

analyses.

The candidate will also perform greenhouse work and fieldwork, which will

include maintaining greenhouse experiments and field trials, planting,

plant care, soil sampling, and sample preservation.

To apply and view a full announcement, please visit

http://jobs.colostate.edu/postings/48756 by August 27, 2017.

CSU is an EO/EA/AA employer and conducts background checks on all final

candidates.

The Shefferson lab at the University of Tokyo is recruiting graduate

students at both the MS and PhD levels with interests in plant evolutionary

ecology, for entry into the Graduate Program in Environmental Sciences

(GPES, online at http://gpes.c.u-tokyo.ac.jp/) in Sept 2018. We specialize

in evolutionary demography and plant/microbial evolution, with particular

interests in rapid evolution and eco-evolutionary dynamics. We are

particularly hoping to recruit students to work on the following funded

research projects:

1)    *Deep demography*: Demographic patterns are strongly influenced by

both evolutionary history and geography, but a mechanistic understanding of

these relationships is still lacking. We hope to unravel it using a number

of large-scale projects focused on herbaceous perennial plant species.

2)    *Evolutionary origins of plant-microbial symbiosis*: We seek to

understand the first steps in the evolutionary process leading to the

development of widespread symbioses, such as the mycorrhiza.

3)    *Eco-evolutionary impacts of individual history*: We hope to

understand how long-term experience influences evolutionary processes,

particularly at the micro-evolutionary scale.

In addition to these projects, we seek students generally interested in the

following topics:

1)    Micro-evolutionary interactions between symbiosis and population

dynamics, with a focus on the mycorrhiza.

2)    The micro- and macro-evolution of senescence-related life history

patterns and life history costs, with a focus on herbaceous plants and

terrestrial fungi.

3)    Interactions between community structure and phylogeny at differing

timescales, with a focus on the mycorrhiza.

4)    Eco-evolutionary impacts of conservation problems and associated

management.

Students applying to work in the lab may focus on these topics, or choose

other research themes in plant and microbial evolutionary ecology. Research

methods typically involve *in situ* monitoring and experimentation,

combined with modeling and analysis based in R and/or C++. We typically

work with plants and their symbiotic microbes, and students should

generally be interested in these study organisms. The Shefferson lab has

active field sites in the Japan, USA, and Estonia, and also regularly

conducts field work in China, Central America, and Western and Central

Europe.

The Shefferson lab is located within the University of Tokyo, Komaba

Campus. U Tokyo is home to some of the finest scientists in Japan,

including ecologists and evolutionary biologists, and more Nobel laureates

than you can shake a stick at. Komaba in particular has a particularly

large community of ecologists and evolutionary biologists working on

plants, animals, and fungi. The GPES program conducts all graduate

education in English, although students have the opportunity to learn

Japanese and take courses from throughout the U Tokyo curriculum. Our

campus is only 15 minutes=E2=80=99 walk from Shibuya, one of the most vibrant parts

of Tokyo.

Applications to join the lab MUST be received by *24 November 2017*, and

students MUST INCLUDE a current, official GRE transcript. Please note that

GRE scores are only valid for 5 years, so students with transcripts older

than this need to re-take the GRE. Applicants with high scores, high

grades, and strong recommendations will be considered for a competitive,

full-ride scholarship.

If interested, please contact me at, and please also explore the Shefferson

lab website:

E-mail=EF=BC=9Acdorm@g.ecc.u-tokyo.ac.jp

HTML: www.sheffersonlab.com

The School of Forestry & Natural Resources at the University of Arkansas at Monticello is seeking applicants for a M.S. Assistantship available beginning January 2, 2018. The assistantship is half time and carries an annual stipend of $15,000

Project: Wetlands provide many ecosystem services and functions including flood attenuation, erosion control, and wildlife habitat. As part of a multi-disciplinary research project, the student will evaluate current on-the-ground conditions of reforested wetland reserve easement stands established by the Natural Resource Conservation Service to restore these important ecosystems. The student will use existing or develop a variety of rapid assessment techniques including tree- and stand-health indices to determine how well those ecosystems meet desired ecological conditions and functions. Student=92s thesis may focus on compositional diversity and effect of invasive species within these stands, compare structural heterogeneity and complexity among various watersheds, or focus on development of a silvicultural decision-support system for managing these stands. This is an opportunity to work closely with representatives from multiple conservation agencies to develop and refine management recommendations and assessment tools (including development of field guides) for our restored bottomland hardwood forests.

Requirements: Applicants must have a 2.7 overall undergraduate GPA or 3.0 GPA in the last 60 semester hours of undergraduate courses and satisfactory GRE scores. A B.S. degree in a natural resources-related field is also required. Applicants must have a valid U.S. driver=92s license or obtain the same within 60 days of starting employment. Overnight travel is required as well as the ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.

Location and Facilities: The School of Forestry & Natural Resources is located in Monticello, Arkansas in the southeastern portion of the state. The Arkansas Forest Resources Center is also headquartered here, and is administered by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. The Arkansas Forest Resources Center is the research and extension arm for forest-based programs within the State. Additionally, the USFS Arkansas Forestry Sciences Lab is located at the School. The School and Center maintain several state-of-the-art laboratories (hydrology, soil, quantitative analysis, silviculture, wildlife ecology & management) available for graduate research and education.

Application & Additional Information: Graduate program and application information can be found at http://www.uamont.edu/sfnr. Applicants must be admitted to the University of Arkansas at Monticello and apply to the School of Forestry & Natural Resources before they can be considered for an assistantship. Applicants must submit all GRE scores, official transcripts, a statement of interests, and three letters of recommendation. Please indicate the position number above on all application materials and inquiries. For additional information, please contact:

Mohammad Bataineh

Phone: (870) 460-1449

Email: Bataineh@uamont.edu<mailto:Bataineh@uamont.edu>

University of Southern California, Los Angeles

The Kenkel lab is looking for an Aquarist/Lab Technician to join our growing

research group. The primary role of this position will be working to get our

new aquarium system for coral husbandry and manipulative experiments

running, and being responsible for subsequent maintenance of life support

systems and coral collections. Day to day responsibilities will include

feeding, water quality testing, maintenance of tanks and life support

systems and appropriate record keeping. The ideal candidate will have

maintained aquaria in a public aquarium or research laboratory, with proven

experience of running successful tropical coral systems, with a knowledge of

coral propagation and husbandry and water chemistry management.

Secondary responsibilities will include basic laboratory management, such as

ordering and inventory of lab consumables, and overseeing EH&S compliance of

all lab spaces. The candidate will also have the opportunity to participate

in field and laboratory experiments related to the focus of the lab =96 for

more information on potential projects, please see our website at

http://dornsife.usc.edu/labs/carlslab. Though an open water diver

certification is desirable, support will be provided to the candidate to

obtain necessary training and qualifications. Additional opportunities for

career development include training in molecular genetic techniques, such as

DNA/RNA extractions and PCR, and methods in coral ecophysiology.

This is a full-time/fixed-term position and includes benefits. The initial

appointment will be for a 6-month probationary period, after which yearly

reappointments are possible for successful and productive candidates.

Desired start date is 1 October 2017.

Apply at:

https://usc.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/ExternalUSCCareers/job/Los-Angeles-CA–-University-Park-Campus/Research-Lab-Technician-II_REQ20048316-1

We are hiring a GIS Biology Technician to work on updating the California Wildlife Habitat Relationships Program (CWHR). Tasks are primarily focused on developing and updating range maps, life history information, and habitat suitability ranks for California species and subspecies, updating the CWHR database, and conducting training and outreach on CWHR use. This is a temporary position with 1-2 years of funding.

Job Location: California Department of Fish and Wildlife office, Sacramento, California

Applications are due Friday, August 18.

More information and application instructions can be found here: http://www.csuchico.edu/rfdn/documents/hr-job-openings/GIC%20-%20Biology%20Tech%20II%=

207.20.17.pdf

Temporary Employment Opportunity

Nov. 27 =96 Dec. 8, 2017

$10/hour + lodging

Job Overview

We are hiring technicians to assist with the installation of a research=

project. The project is assessing novel restoration methods in arid, actively grazed rangelands; our goal is to understand how innovative restoration technologies can improve soil stabilization and native plant=

establishment, as well as restore ecosystem services such as air quality, water quality, erosion control, and soil fertility. Experimental treatments include using small barriers to improve establishment of seeded plants, inoculating the soil with biological soil crust, and manipulating grazing deferment lengths. Technicians will=

be hired as non-student hourly employees though the University of Colorado.

Tasks

*Installing experimental structures, which will involve carrying equipment (up to 15 lbs), kneeling or squatting for long periods of time, and using simple tools such as hammers and hand rakes. *Seeding native plants by hand. *Assisting with baseline data collection, taking measurements such as soil aggregate stability, line-point intercept, water infiltration, and=

soil sampling for chemical analyses.

Qualifications

*An interest in working in a desert ecosystem on applied restoration

science

*Attention to detail, with an ability to stay motivated and focused while performing repetitive tasks *Ability to work up to a 10-hour days outside in variable weather and

temperatures

*Ability to bend over and kneel for extended periods of time, carrying=

up to 25 lbs

*Capable of working both independently and in small groups.

Compensation

*Technicians will be hired as Colorado University employees, and receive=

$10/hour

*Lodging in Canyonlands National Park housing will be provided

How To Apply

*Send an email to rmann@usgs.gov with a brief Cover Letter, resume, and=

contact information for two professional references.

The Scheffers lab is looking for a multi-skilled field technician that can support graduate students on a variety of projects ranging from the study of frogs and reptiles in forest canopies, sampling macroinvertebrates from surrounding wetlands, and executing physiological experiments to determine animal performance at different temperatures. Sampling of temperature and=

macro invertebrates will also be done in the crystal clear, first magnitude springs of North Florida. Again, this is an eclectic position and the technician will learn a diversity of field techniques executed on a diversity of taxa. Skills will include technical climbing of trees with ropes, lab experimentation and animal/habitat surveys, among others.

Opportunity: As part of this position, we will encourage the technician to conduct an independent research project and work closely with graduate students and post-docs in the lab to publish this work. This is an excellent opportunity for those looking to improve their CV for graduate school.=

Location: Gainesville, Florida and surrounding ecosystems Work schedule and hours: Variable (40 hours/week typical). Work will include unusual hours (nights and/or early mornings) and is expected on weekdays,=

weekends, and possibly holidays. Employment Dates: We are hiring one technician to begin immediately 25 August 2017 to 31 December 2017. There is the opportunity for extension of this position, depending on performance.=

Agency: University of Florida =96 Wildlife Ecology and Conservation

Location: Gainesville, Florida

Job Category:Temporary/Seasonal Positions

Salary: Approximately $2400/month, dependent on experience.

Last Date to Apply: 8/18/2017 (to be filled immediately) Website http://www.wec.ufl.edu/faculty/scheffers/

Qualifications

Enthusiasm for working with wildlife and topics relating to conservation required. Experience with capturing and handling a range of taxa is desirable, especially frogs, reptiles and macroinvertebrates. Applicants must be comfortable working in isolated, rural settings in challenging field conditions. Self-motivation, the ability to work well alone and work and live well with others, a sense of humor, positive attitude, and the desire to spend long hours in the field are essential. Long days and early/late work schedules expected. A valid drivers=92 license with fewer than 6 points is required.

To Apply: Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Apply by August 18, 2017. Please send a letter of interest describing your relevant experience and career goals, a resume, and contact information for 3 references in a SINGLE PDF or MSWORD document to Dr. Brett Scheffers (brett.scheffers@ufl.edu).

The Smithsonian Conservation Biology

Institute provides the opportunity for one intern to gain experience with the study of ecology and conservation of a threatened, native Virginia turtle species. Interns will assist with on-going research that aims to study wood turtle (Glyptemys insculpta) movement across the landscape. This research is investigating how often wood turtles make large-scale movements across the landscape, the approximate distances of such movements, and what kinds of corridors such movements are inclined to follow. To this end, we are collecting novel data through the use of GPS telemetry units, which provide a level of accuracy and precision not possible before the use of this technology. By conducting this research, we are hoping to refocus wood turtle conservation and management efforts at a larger, landscape-level scale. Interns will primarily assist with wood turtle radio-telemetry, and aquatic visual encounter surveys for wood turtles. Interns will learn technical skills by assisting with radio telemetry, data collection in the field, and data input and management in Excel and ArcGIS

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge and field experience with

ecology and conservation issues is

required. Ability to devote long hours in cold and wet conditions in remote field settings. Applicants with radio-telemetry experience are especially encouraged to apply. Will take directions easily and work well with others, yet have the ability to work independently. An eagerness and ability to manage and implement large amounts of data through ArcGIS and Excel.Applicants should have plans for continued education or a career in ecology or conservation.

The stipend is $700-1000 per month

(dependent on education level, coursework, and skills). Housing is provided at SCBI. This is a three-month internship, starting September 25th, and is a full-time appointment (40 hours per week). There may be an opportunity for extension up to a year. Applications accepted until September 1st.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, go to:

https://solaa.si.edu/solaa/SOLAAHome.html=94

Select “New to SOLAA? Create Account Here” complete the information to create an account. =A0

Information that will be requested (in

SOLAA) includes: Basic personal

information, Professional resume or CV, A one-page statement of your interest in pursuing this position. The statement should mention relevant experience, career goals, your reasons for wanting this internship, and what you hope to gain from the experience. Your statement is very important during application evaluations , and Transcripts from your current and/or previous institutions. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. Optional: Two=A0letters of reference (One must be from a current or a former supervisor)

Once you create your account and provide the information above, you will see a screen where you select the type of appointment you are interested in. You will select:Type of appointment: =93Internship=94, Unit of interest: =93National Zoological Park=94, Program: =93National Zoological Park Internship Program=94,

Project: =93Wood Turtle Ecology=94

Questions about this internship should be sent to Elliot Lassiter at LassiterE@si.edu