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Research Internships – Evolutionary Biology

Research interns are needed to assist in a multi-disciplinary,
multi-investigator, experimental study of the interactions between
ecology and evolution in Trinidad. The research is led by Professor
David Reznick at the University of California, Riverside in collaboration
with Joseph Travis (Florida State), Tim Coulson (Oxford), Paul Bentzen
(Dalhousie U.), Andres Lopez-Sepulcre (L’Ecole Normal Superieure,
Paris) and Ron Bassar (Oxford).  We seek to integrate multiple biological
fields for the study of these interactions in experimental populations
of guppies in Trinidad. Duties include assisting in monthly censuses
of guppy populations in montane streams. The monthly censuses include
long hours in the field and laboratory.  There will also be 12 days off
between each census when interns can pursue an independent project.

Qualifications: We seek interns who are entertaining the possibility
of pursuing graduate studies in some area of ecology and evolution
and who wish to gain some additional field research experience before
doing so.  Research will take place in semi-remote areas of Trinidad
sometimes under bad weather conditions. Applicants must be able to live
and work well with others. Research will involve carrying heavy packs
over slippery and steep terrain. Applicants must be in good physical
condition and be able to meet the demands of field research under these
conditions. Ability to drive a standard transmission vehicle is desirable
but not required. Applicants with first-aid/first responder training,
skills in automobile maintenance, and construction skills are highly
desirable. Please address these skills when applying.

Interns will be required to spend a minimum of 3-months in Trinidad, with
possibility of extension. Starting dates are as early as May 2017. We
will cover all travel and living expenses and provide housing.

Please see our website <cnas.ucr.edu/guppy> for more information on the
project and access to reprints.  Our video menu includes a “guppy
censuses” submenu that details the main tasks associated with the
internship.

Applicants should send cover letter, CV and the names and e-mail
addresses of three or more professional references to David Reznick
(gupy@ucr.edu). At least two of the references should be academics.

Joshua Goldberg <jgold011@ucr.edu>

I am looking for field assistants to aid in an ongoing research project s= tudying amphibian communities=20 and the impact of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis on population persistenc= e in Costa Rica.  Work will be=20 continuous from April until mid-June with the possibility of extension.  = Applicants must be available for=20 at least 3 weeks during this period.=20=20 Previous field work experience required. Prior experience with amphibians=  and tropical work preferred.=20=20

Duties will include:
Assisting with mark-recapture of several species of frog Amphibian community surveys Collection of skin swabs for Bd analysis Collection of genetic samples for later genetic analysis

Applicants must be prepared for work in physically demanding environments=  and be comfortable=20 conducting nighttime surveys.=20=20

Lodging, food, and transportation will be covered during field work.  Som= e financial assistance may be=20 available for flights.=20

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and CV to Alex Shepack=
(alex.shepack@siu.edu) by=20
February 18.

The USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center in Laurel, Maryland is seeking

to hire three full-time temporary student contractors to assist with the

North American Breeding Bird Survey program (*www.pwrc.usgs.gov/BBS

<http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/BBS>)*, a long-term, continental avian monitoring

program. Tasks will include working with wildlife survey data, performance

of quality assurance and quality control procedures on biological data,

data entry, assisting with database management, photocopying and filing,

preparation of maps and assisting in preparation of administrative

correspondence.

*Application deadline: *

Interested applicants should submit their resume and cover letter by *February

15, 2017.*

*Statement of Work *

1. *Types of services required: *During the summer field season,

approximately 3100 BBS routes are sampled by participants skilled in avian

identification. These data are then processed and analyzed by USGS to

inform avian conservation efforts in the U.S. and Canada. Tasks will

include processing incoming data and materials, performing data entry and

quality control procedures using web-based technologies, tracking progress,

assisting with database management, photocopying, scanning and filing

materials, map preparation, and corresponding with participants.

2. *Required expertise/skills: *

a. Applicants are required to have completed two years of undergraduate

course work (student must be at least a second semester sophomore).

b. Applicants must be majors in a biology, ecology, environmental science

or related disciplines.

c. Applicants must be able to communicate effectively in English both

verbally and in writing.

d. Applicants must have knowledge of computer software used to summarize

and visualize data (i.e. Excel and Access).

e. Knowledge of North American birds is *not* required but considered a

plus.

3. *Eligibility requirements: *To be eligible for a student contract

position, applicants must be either a currently enrolled student or a

recent graduate. To qualify as a student, the applicant must be enrolled at

least half-time in a degree-seeking program at an accredited college or

university. Former students who graduated more than 10 months ago or who

left school without graduating are not eligible to work under these

contracts.  Applicants will be required to show proof of their student

status (or recent graduation). USGS employees, their spouses, and children

are not eligible to participate in this program. U.S. citizens are

eligible. Non-U.S. citizens may be eligible to participate, depending on

their immigration status and the applicable regulations of the U.S.

Citizenship and Immigration Service (formerly Immigration and

Naturalization Service). Foreign students in the U.S. under F-1 visas are

usually not able to participate in this program, due to USCIS restrictions

against off-campus work.

4. *Description of working conditions: *Work will be performed in an office

environment located on the USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center campus in

Laurel, Maryland. Extended periods of computer use will be required. This

is not a field or laboratory position.

5. *Compensation: *The student contractor will be paid $16.71 per hour.

Student contractors are paid only for hours worked (no holiday or leave

benefits). Student is responsible for all costs of transportation to and

from the principal duty station location. The Government does not provide

housing, meals or other living expenses while working at the principal duty

station. Official travel away from the duty station is not expected.

6. *Principal Duty Station: *USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, 12100

Beech Forest Road, Laurel, Maryland 20708-4038. Student contractors may

enter the building only during business hours or when project manager is

present.

7. *Additional information: *Number of students required is three.

Estimated number of hours for the position is 544 (full-time for summer).

There is a possibility of additional part-time hours continuing into the

fall semester. The approximate start date is May 29, 2017. The approximate

end date is August 25, 2017. There is flexibility in start and end dates to

accommodate variations in academic calendars.

8. *How to apply: *Send resume and cover letter to Keith Pardieck via email

(*kpardieck@usgs.gov <kpardieck@usgs.gov>*). Applications must be received

on or before *February 15, 2017*. In your cover letter include an

explanation of how you meet the eligibility requirements, your expected

graduation date, and discuss your experience as related to sections 1 and 2

above.

Description: A Master of Science graduate research assistantship is available with Dr. Mitch Weegman in the School of Natural Resources at the University of Missouri (www.snr.missouri.edu). This project will utilize data collected from tracking devices fitted to northern bobwhite in Missouri to answer fundamental questions in population ecology related to adult and juvenile overwinter survival and habitat selection, the results of which will help inform the development of annual cycle models. This work is a collaboration between researchers at the University of Missouri, Missouri Department of Conservation and U.S. Forest Service.

Prerequisites: Ideal candidates will have an undergraduate degree in statistics, wildlife ecology or a closely related field, and interpersonal skills to lead discussions among collaborators. Preference will be given to those with a strong quantitative background (e.g., experience with Program R, Program MARK, Bayesian methods), knowledge of avian ecology and management, and field experience (e.g., handling birds). Competitive applicants will have an undergraduate GPA > 3.4, quantitative GRE scores that average in the 70th percentile or higher, and a GRE analytical writing score > 4.0. Students must have a valid driver=92s license. The successful applicant will be expected to publish manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals, present papers at scientific meetings and serve as a teaching assistant in courses such as ornithology and population dynamics.

Salary and benefits:  Approximately $18,300 per year, with an expected annual increase, health insurance and course waiver (i.e., the student will not pay tuition).

Start date: June 2017

Last date to apply: February 17, 2017

To be considered for this position, please send the following (preferably as a single PDF) to Dr. Mitch Weegman (weegmanm@missouri.edu):

1.=09Letter of interest summarizing your experience

2.=09Curriculum vitae or resume

3.=09College transcripts (unofficial are fine)

4.=09GRE scores (unofficial are fine)

5.=09Contact information for three references

The Crawford Lab at the University of Houston is seeking graduate students interested in community ecology to begin in Fall 2017.  Research in the lab is focused on the causes and consequences of plant diversity and covers a range of topics, including:

– How genetic diversity influences community structure and ecosystem function

– How interactions between plants and soil microbes influence plant community structure

– The role of soil microbes in ecosystem succession

– How genetic diversity and soil microbes influence plant invasions

PhD students are expected to have prior research experience and to develop their own research questions within the realm of community ecology.

Interested applicants should email Dr. Kerri Crawford (kmcrawford3@uh.edu) with any questions and the following information:

– a CV or resume with GPA and GRE scores

– a brief statement of research experience, research interests, and career goals

For more information on the Crawford Lab, please visit: http://thecrawfordlab.com

Information on the Department of Biology and Biochemistry at the University of Houston and the graduate program in Ecology and Evolution can be found here, http://www.bchs.uh.edu

Applications are due February 1, 2017.

Location University of Maine (Orono, ME) with fieldwork throughout the

Northeast

Stipend: $19,467 per year plus tuition and =C2=BD Health Insurance Premium

Description We are seeking qualified applicants for a PhD position that

will focus on migration and population ecology of American woodcock.  As a

component of their dissertation research, the student will participate in

research that seeks to better understand woodcock migration throughout the

eastern United States. The project will use GPS transmitters to collect

data on woodcock migration during both fall and spring migratory periods,

and will involve collaboration with a diverse array of project partners

including state and federal agencies, non-governmental organizations, and

other universities.  As a member of this collaborative team, the successful

applicant will be responsible for working with project partners to capture

and tag woodcock prior to migration, retrieve location data and manage

project databases, analyze data, present results at meetings and

conferences, and publish research findings.

The student will be a member of the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and

Conservation Biology <https://umaine.edu/wle/> at the University of Maine

<https://umaine.edu/>, and will be co-advised by Dr. Erik Blomberg

<https://sites.google.com/site/erikjblomberg/home> and Dr. Amber Roth

<http://ambermroth.weebly.com/>.  Support for the student will come in the

form of both teaching (~25%) and research assistantships (~75%).

Qualifications =E2=80=93

*Required Qualifications:* We seek applicants with a keen interest in the

natural world, a strong work ethic, and a desire to be an engaged member of

a research lab with like-minded colleagues. Bachelor=E2=80=99s and Master=E2=80=99s degrees

from a Wildlife Ecology, Biology, Natural Resource, or related program.

Applicants should have a GPA >3.0 and competitive GRE scores (>50%

percentile), as well as strong oral and written communication skills and

evidence of progress in publishing work from the M.S. degree.  Previous

relevant field experience, demonstrated aptitude for quantitative analyses,

and strong recommendations are required. Ability to work collaboratively

and to supervise field assistants is also required. Must possess a valid

driver=E2=80=99s license.

*Other Desired Qualifications: *Preference will be given to applicants with

experience or demonstrated interest in avian migration, animal population

ecology, and quantitative methods.  Previous experience with avian capture

and handling is highly desired.  Prior experience or exposure through

coursework with the following quantitative skills: capture-mark-recapture,

spatial analysis, regression, population modelling, and exposure to maximum

likelihood and/or Bayesian estimation methods.  Experience using R for data

management, analysis, and presentation of results. A record of effective

communication, as evidenced by presentations at professional conferences

and participation in collaborative research teams.

To apply please submit the following materials: A cover letter describing

your qualifications for the position, a current CV including GRE scores and

graduate/undergraduate GPA, contact information for at least three

professional references, and a writing sample (master=E2=80=99s thesis or published

manuscript).  A single merged pdf is preferred, writing sample may be

submitted separately.  Please submit application materials, and address any

questions about the position, to both Drs. Roth (amber.roth@maine.edu) and

Blomberg (erik.blomberg@maine.edu).

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and should be submitted

by 28 February 2017 for full consideration.  The successful candidate must

be available to start September 1, 2017.

Position: Forest ecology interns with the Ecology of Bird Loss Project (3 positions)

Location: Mariana Islands (Guam, Saipan, Tinian, Rota)

Appointment: 9 months, starting date flexible, between March 1 and June 1, 2017

Project Description: Nearly all native seed dispersers have been extirpated from the island of Guam, largely due to predation by the invasive Brown Treesnake. The Ecology of Bird Loss Project (www.ecologyofbirdloss.org) aims to determine the full impact of seed disperser loss on Guam=92s forests =96 including impacts on individual species and to forest structure =96 and the potential for different dispersers, both native and non-native, to restore function. Our research examines the ecological role of seed dispersers through comparisons of dynamics on Guam to those on nearby islands (Rota, Tinian, and Saipan) where birds are present.

Duties of the interns: Interns will participate in a variety of field research endeavors including long-term seedling experiments, forest inventories in intact and degraded forest plots, and nursery experiments. Interns will be based on Saipan and Guam with travel to other islands. Specific duties may include: mapping and identifying trees (including seedlings), collecting seeds, propagating plants in a nursery, planting and monitoring seedlings, collecting tree phenology data, and entering data. Field crews work 8-10 hours a day, 5-6 days a week. Interns must be able to commit to working on the project for 9 months with a start date between March 1 and June 1, 2017.

Requirements: The successful applicant must be able to pay attention to detail, work well individually and as part of a group, and be flexible. Research in the Mariana Islands involves working in high heat and humidity, walking over rough terrain sometimes carrying heavy and awkward loads (i.e. rolls of chicken wire, flats of seedlings, water), and tolerating the tedious, and at times monotonous, work necessary for all scientific endeavors. Successful applicants must learn how to identify trees (including seedlings) quickly and accurately. If a candidate is allergic to bees, he/she must carry a bee sting kit and be trained in its use, as the chances of getting stung are high. Relevant field experience and prior independent research experience is desired. The intern must be a US citizen with a valid US driver’s license.=A0

Payment and benefits: Interns will receive valuable training and experience in the field of conservation biology and field ecology research =96 a great way to both determine whether graduate school in the life sciences is for you and to gain the necessary experience for a competitive application to graduate school. Successful applicants will also receive a round-trip ticket from any major airport in the US to Saipan or Guam, housing on all islands, transportation to and from field sites, and a monthly stipend of $650.

To apply: Email a single pdf document including a cover letter, resume, and contact information for 3 references to ecologyofbirdloss@gmail.com. The subject line should read =93EBL Intern Position=94. The cover letter should describe your previous research experience, career goals, and why you are interested in this position. In addition, please specify your desired and potential start dates. Applications must be submitted by midnight EST on Saturday, January 28, 2017.

For more information, contact Courtenay Ray and Morgan Franke at ecologyofbirdloss@gmail.com.

A PhD project is available to study the consequences of multiple interacting stressors on the behavioral ecology of a model bird system.  This project involves a dynamic collaboration between investigators in the Department of Integrative Biology and the Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management at Oklahoma State University.  Funding will be available for 4 years of research assistantship and all required project costs.  Fieldwork will take place during the summers in Western Oklahoma.

To apply, send a cover letter describing your research experiences and qualifications, a copy of your CV with GPA and GRE scores, and contact information for 3 references to: shawn.wilder@okstate.edu=20=20

Please send application materials as soon as possible and no later than February 15, 2017.

2017 SUMMER JOBS IN THE SIERRA NEVADA

                       AMPHIBIAN CREW WANTED

            Apply Immediately – Closing Date January 23, 2017

Employer:  USDA Forest Service, Region 5 (Pacific Southwest)

Location:  Field work is throughout the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range of

California.

           Job location is Sonora, California.

Employment Duration:  Most are approximately 3 months (mid-June-mid to

September); Several positions may be of longer duration.

Titles:    Biological Technician (Fisheries, Wildlife)

Grade Levels:  GS-04, 05, 06, 07 (Temporary 1039)

Application Period: January 17-23, 2017

Eligibility:  US citizens at least 18 years of age.

Background and Job Description:

The U.S. Forest Service is hiring seasonal crew leaders and crew members

for a long-term amphibian monitoring program focusing on the Sierra Nevada

yellow-legged frog (Rana sierrae), southern mountain yellow-legged frog

(Rana muscosa), and the Yosemite toad (Bufo canorus).

These jobs will predominantly consist of field work in the Sierra Nevada

at elevations of 5,000-12,000 feet.  Primary duties include locating and

traveling to selected sample sites; surveying lakes, ponds, meadows, and

streams for amphibians; and collecting habitat data.  Many of the sites

will be remote, requiring backpacking trips of up to 8-days duration.

Some office work including data entry and checking is required during the

season.  Some preparatory office work may be available in early season and

data entry or cleanup at the end of the season.  We are looking for

applicants with a background and/or high level of interest in herpetology

and/or aquatic biology who are in good physical condition and willing to

endure high altitude, temperature extremes, rough terrain, and the

occasional mosquito (ok, maybe thousands).  Backpacking and backcountry

experience, and experience in amphibian surveys and identification are

desired.  Ability to get along with crew members for prolonged periods in

the backcountry is a must.

Crew leaders will supervise a 2-person crew and have additional

responsibilities helping with the general organization of work during the

season.

Application Procedure:

IMPORTANT: The US Forest Service has a new hiring procedure with a quick

turn-around time. Announcements are open in USAJOBS January 17, 2017 and

close January 23, 2017.

Interested individuals should send a brief note of inquiry and a resume to

Cathy Brown (cathybrown@fs.fed.us) with subject line reading “2017

Amphibian Monitoring Positions.” In your email specify the positions

(field technician and/or field crew leader), grade level(s), and series

(fishery, wildlife) you are applying for.

These jobs are highly competitive. Thus, you are encouraged to apply to

multiple grade levels to increase your chances of being selected.  Because

amphibian expertise comes from multiple disciplines, candidates are

selected from both the FISHERIES and WILDLIFE series.  Apply to the one

you think you qualify for based on your background.  You are encouraged to

apply to both.

Hiring will occur through www.usajobs.gov. This year the application

period is limited to a short window from January 17-23rd, 2017.

Applications and supporting information must be submitted online by 8:59

pm Pacific Time on the closing date (Jan 23, 2017) to be considered for

employment.  Late applications cannot be accepted.   Be sure to attach a

resume with references and a copy of your transcripts to your USAjobs

application.

** This online USAjobs application allows you to apply for many Biological

Science Technician jobs throughout the United States. To be eligible for

the Amphibian Monitoring Crew positions, you must apply to the location

“Sonora, CA”.  To do so add Sonora, CA to your desired work location in

your USAjobs profile.

NOTE:  Be sure you get a confirmation that your application was received.

If you do not receive confirmation by email shortly after you apply, try

again.

Eligibility for each pay grade is based on education and/or experience and

details for each pay grade can be found in the USAjobs announcements.

Positions are open to all U.S. citizens at least 18 years of age.  A valid

state driver’s license is required.

To find the job announcements enter the following announcement numbers in

the search field:

Biological Science Technician Positions [Crew Members]:

GS-4:

17-TEMP-R5-0404-4WLDF-DT     BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE TECHNICIAN (WILDLIFE)

17-TEMP-R5-0404-4FISH-DT         BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE TECHNICIAN (FISHERIES)

GS-5:

17-TEMP-R5-0404-5WLDF-DT     BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE TECHNICAN (WILDLIFE)

17-TEMP-R5-0404-5FISH-DT         BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE TECHNICIAN (FISHERIES)

Biological Science Technician Positions [Crew Leaders]:

GS-6:

17-TEMP-R5-0404-6WILD-DT       BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE TECHNICIAN (WILDLIFE)

17-TEMP-R5-0404-6FISH-DT         BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE TECHNICIAN (FISHERIES)

GS-7:

17-TEMP-R5-0404-7WILD-DT       BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE TECHNICIAN (WILDLIFE)

17-TEMP-R5-0404-7FISH-DT         BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE TECHNICIAN (WILDLIFE)

Student Hiring:

We may consider hiring students through the Student Conservation

Association Conservation (SCA) Internship program.  If this is of interest

to you send a brief note of inquiry and a resume to Cathy Brown

(cathybrown@fs.fed.us) with subject line reading “2017 Amphibian

Monitoring Positions-SCA”.

This is a great employment opportunity in an incredibly beautiful

location.  We are looking forward to a very busy and exceptionally fun

field season.  Join us!