The Losos Lab at Harvard University (http://lososlab.oeb.harvard.edu) is

looking for a research assistant (undergraduate or graduate level) to join a team of researchers studying thermal adaptation and speciation in brown anole lizards in The Bahamas. The period of this assistantship will be

from 3 May =96 30 June, 2017. The project will involve both lab and field work. Prior field experience is preferred, but not necessary. All travel

and living expenses will be covered, but no salary will be provided. For

more information (and to apply) please contact Mike Logan at mike.logan1983@gmail.com.

This course will begin by exploring basic bird biology, as well as the

diversity of avian species in the Amazon. It will include both daily exercises and nightly lectures focused on avian natural history, evolution, and taxonomy. Next, we will focus on survey methods, which are crucial for understanding population declines due to climate change,

habitat loss, and other causes. Conservation actions aimed at preserving

avian diversity and the habitats they share with other species depend on

information gained through the techniques we will practice, such as deploying mist nets or conducting point counts and line transects.

Finally, we will examine basic interactions between birds and their habitats, review and analyze research articles, weigh conservation issues and strategies, and discuss the implementation of ornithological

projects in the wild.

Along the way, you will be able to canoe in a nearby oxbow lake featuring giant river otters and hoatzins, paddle through a palm swamp

while spotting caiman and frogs, and climb a 60-meter tower to view the

forest canopy and watch for macaws.

COURSE DATES

June 16th =96 July 3rd, 2017

REGISTRATION

Course size is limited, spots are filled on a rolling basis until April

17th, 2017

COURSE FEE

$2250 (includes all meals at the field station, lodging, and transportation from Puerto Maldonado to the field site and back)

MORE INFORMATION

https://fieldprojects.org/participate/courses-2/tropical-ornithology

LOCATION

This course will be held at the Los Amigos Biological Station, also known by its Spanish acronym EBLA (Estaci=F3n Biol=F3gica R=EDo Los Amigos). Situated between the Madre de Dios and Los Amigos Rivers on terra firme

forest rising above the floodplain, this field station was established

in 2000 and boasts incredible biodiversity that includes 11 primate species and 595 species of bird.

Project description: Understand the effects of climate change on carbon cycling in tundra ecosystems. The field site borders Denali National Park in Healy, AK.

Find more information about the research at https://www2.nau.edu/schuurlab-p/

Position duration: Mid-April until late November 2017.

Job description: Fieldwork will include maintenance of experimental plots, measurements of ecosystem-level carbon exchange and complementary environmental variables. The technician will work closely with a postdoctoral researcher, other technicians, graduate and undergraduate students to collect data and maintain field equipment. Other responsibilities will include data entry, preliminary data processing, and data quality control. The technician will work and live in a shared rustic cabin with an outhouse, on the outskirts of Healy, a small (~1000 people) town in interior Alaska.  Travel to and from the field site is via ATV or car.  Applicants should be prepared to work long hours, sometimes in cold and adverse weather conditions.  Required qualifications: B.A/B.S in related field.  Must be eligible to work in the US (Canadian or Mexican with TN visa eligibility is OK too). Must have valid drivers license. Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs, attention to detail, ability to work independently as well as part of a research team, desire to live and work in remote settings, ability to spend long hours outside, and willingness to learn to operate technical sensors and data loggers. Desired qualifications: Prior experience with scientific fieldwork, carbon flux or ecosystem function measurements is beneficial, but not necessary. Good computer skill and knowledge of Excel, R are a plus, but not a must. Being handy with tools and troubleshooting complex systems would also be a benefit.

To apply: Please send a cover letter detailing your preparedness for the position, CV or resume, and list of three references to Meghan Taylor (meghan.taylor@nau.edu) by February 20th 2017. Applications will be reviewed after the closing date, and you will be contacted for an interview.

URochester.MolluscShellEvoDevo

PhD position in evolutionary development of gastropod shells

A graduate student position is available for study of the mechanisms of
mollusc shell development.   Molluscs are one of the most diverse and
successful animal groups, in terms of body plans, species, and their
ubiquity across ecosystems and niches.  Their success is likely due in
part to a key molluscan character– the shell, a strong and durable
exoskeleton of calcium crystals.

Mollusc shells are a very powerful model system for morphological
evolution.  They are extremely diverse and disparate, and different
morphologies can often be directly related to functional differences.
They have an exquisitely detailed fossil record, which allows
morphological change to be tracked through evolutionary time.  Shells
grow progressively, at the outer edge, so they record ontogenetic
change like no other animal structure. Despite the diversity of mollusc
shell morphology, the geometry of shell growth is relatively simple–
even dramatic differences in shell form can be explained by differences
in basic parameters of shell growth.  This has made them a prominent
system for modeling morphological change. Indeed, work on mollusc
shells inspired the concept of morphospace– the theoretical
representation of all the possible forms or structures of an organism.
In addition, shell biomineralization has been extensively studied and
is a model for materials science (Marin et al., 2012). Despite the many
strengths of mollusc shells for studies of morphological evolution,
they have not been tractable for mechanistic studies of the evolution
of development, because the developmental mechanisms that control shell
growth are not known.

The successful candidate will extend recent discoveries in the Lambert
lab at the University of Rochester. Studies will focus on the cellular
behaviors in the mantle epithelium that control shell shape, and on the
genes that regulate these processes.  Methods will include cell
proliferation assays, RNA-seq, in situ hybridization and gene knockdown
studies. Further comparative and modeling projects are also
anticipated.

To apply, please send a CV and a short statement describing your
background and interests, to David Lambert at email address
dlamber2@mail.rochester.edu.

The Hillis lab <http://vickenhillis.weebly.com/> in the Human-Environment Systems Center (HES <https://cid.boisestate.edu/hes/>) at Boise State University is recruiting graduate students (M.S. or Ph.D.) to conduct interdisciplinary research on the social dynamics and sustainability of human-environment systems. Students can work on any of a range of specific projects ongoing in the lab (see here <http://vickenhillis.weebly.com/research.html> for more details).
Successful students will have a strong background in the computational / quantitative social sciences or ecology, or a desire to work hard to gain these skills. Based on their interest, students can apply to various degree programs including Ecology, Evolution and Behavior <https://biology.boisestate.edu/graduate-programs/eeb/>, Anthropology <https://anthropology.boisestate.edu/>, and Public Policy <https://sps.boisestate.edu/publicpolicy/>. Two years (pending adequate
performance) of NSF-funded <https://www.idahoecosystems.org/> support are currently available and additional funding can be obtained through external grants or internal teaching and research assistantships. The position includes a competitive stipend, tuition waiver and health insurance.

Interested students should send a brief cover letter expressing their research interests and relevant experience and a CV to vickenhillis@boisestate.edu.

Additional information:

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 2016, US News and World Report ranked Boise the 6th best city to live in the United States.

About the University: http://www.boisestate.edu

About the city of Boise: http://www.boisechamber.org

About the Human-Environment Systems Center: https://cid.boisestate.edu/hes

Summer Employment Opportunity!

Come work among the Giant Sequoias!

Sequoia-Kings Canyon Field Station (USGS) is currently searching for

interested applicants for summer Biological Science Technicians (Forest

Ecology) positions.

Pay: GG-5 (approx. $15.74/hour)

Location: Three Rivers, California

Examples of Duties:

Measure forest demographics, including measuring trees and seedlings and

determining cause of death.  Gain knowledge and experience in ecological

research, identifying Sierran trees, and forest pathology.

Several positions will be filled.  Positions are full-time, start in

approximately mid-May, and will last about 5 months. Need bachelor=E2=80=99s degree

or equivalent education and experience. Some field work experience

required. Want people with some biological coursework and experience, an

interest in forest ecology, who want to work outdoors, and who like to work

in small teams and get along easily with others. Housing available for

rent.  *Must be a US Citizen in order to qualify.*

*If interested: e:mail a cover letter, resume, list of references, and

unofficial transcripts to:*    Anne Pfaff at ahpfaff@usgs.gov

*To be considered, please send information by February 6th.*

For more information, call Anne at (559) 565-3172 or e:mail at

ahpfaff@usgs.gov.

This 12-week summer internship will provide you with an opportunity to work with scientists from The Holden Arboretum studying the effects of environmental change on plants and forests of Northeast Ohio. Internships typically run from late May thru early August but timing is flexible. Duties may include: assisting in soil and plant sampling, plant data collection, as well as extracting, amplifying, and analyzing DNA from soils and roots. Interns will be compensated with a stipend of $440/week and on-site housing is available if needed for a nominal fee ($30 per week). Due to our rural location, interns are responsible for their own transportation. Persons with knowledge of or interest in ecology, microbiology, or plant biology are encouraged to apply.

Applicants should send a letter of interest, a resume that discusses your prior experience, and two references. Applicants should also indicate their primary research interest. Holden research staff and a description of their respective programs can be found at:

http://holdenarb.org/education/research-staff.asp.

Questions concerning the internships can be addressed to Dr. David Burke (dburke@holdenarb.org).  To apply: Review of applications begins immediately and continues until the positions are filled.  Qualified applicants should submit a letter of interest and resume online at: https://home.eease.adp.com/recruit2/?id=3D15518401&t=3D1.

Posting Date:  January

Closing Date:  Until Filled

The Holden Arboretum is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to hiring a diverse and talented workforce. We seek skilled, knowledgeable and experienced individuals to join our staff and enhance our reputation as one of the country=92s foremost arboreta.

Greetings!

The Urban Water Innovation Network (UWIN) is currently accepting

applications for its *Undergraduate Research Program* (URP) in the summer

of 2017!

Students will be given the opportunity to perform cutting edge,

transdisciplinary research of immediate relevance to people in urban areas.

Students with different research interests in urban water sustainability –

natural sciences, social sciences, engineering – will be placed with a team

of mentors at institutions in urban areas across the nation. See:

Undergraduate Research Program

Your help in sharing this information with students interested in doing

independent research in our unique setting would be very much appreciated.

Program details follow.

Thank you.

Aude Lochet, Ph.D.

UWIN Undergraduate Research Program coordinator

*******************************************************************************

*Sustainable Urban Water Transdisciplinary Research Program for

Undergraduates*

*Engaging Undergraduates in Transitioning Toward Sustainable Urban Water

Systems*

Students will join the Urban Water Innovation Network community for 9 weeks

in summer 2017 to:

=C2=B7   Complete an independent, guided research project, working closely with

mentor scientists, other students and the broader UWIN team

=C2=B7   Attend a 3 day kick-off and a 3 day wrap-up meetings at Colorado State

University

=C2=B7   Participate in skill building workshops and seminars

=C2=B7   Attend a Virtual Forum on Opportunities in Urban Water Research and

Management

=C2=B7   Give a poster presentation in a final Urban Water Sustainability

Research Symposium

The program fosters reflection and builds self confidence and skills. To

complement their mentored research, students interact in person and/or

virtually, give and receive feedback and support, and participate in a rich

assortment of enrichment activities, workshops and seminars in research and

urban water sustainability.

*Projects for 2017:*

=C2=B7   Variation in Vegetation=E2=80=99s Influence on Urban Climate* (University of

California Riverside, Oregon State University, University of Arizona, UMBC)*

=C2=B7   Evaluating Options for Management of Urban Flood Hazards *(UMBC,

University of Arizona, University of Georgia)*

=C2=B7   Microclimates and Human Activity Patterns Near Urban Surface Water: A

Case Study of Tempe Town Lake, Arizona *(Arizona State University)*

=C2=B7   Water Resouces and Heat Emergencies *(Arizona State University)*

=C2=B7   Natural Solutions for Urban Watershed Sustainability *(Brooklyn College

CUNY)*

=C2=B7   Visualizing Urban Water Sustainability Indicators within a Video Game

for Collecting Water Management Ideas from Gamers *(Colorado State

University)*

=C2=B7   Non-Darcian Flow Regimes in the Biscayne Aquifer of Southeast

Florida *(Florida

International University)*

=C2=B7   Water Affordability Case Studies *(Michigan State University)*

=C2=B7   Transitions to Socially Equitable and Environmentally Just Sustainable

Urban Water Systems *(Northeastern University)*

=C2=B7   Characterizing the Urban Energy Water Nexus through Modeling and Data

Analysis *(Princeton University)*

=C2=B7   System-of-Systems Analysis of Water Infrastructure Resilience under

Climate Change Impacts *(Texas A&M University)*

*Dates:* May 31 to August 2, 2017 (9 weeks)

*Eligibility:*  Undergraduate freshmen, sophomores, juniors or first

semester seniors. Must be citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. or

its possessions.

*Support:* $4,500 stipend, room and board on-campus or in nearby housing,

travel allowance up to $900.

The program starts and ends at Colorado State University in Fort Collins CO.

*To apply: *See our website at: https://erams.com/UWIN/urp/ Online

application only.

*Applications must be submitted by February 10, 2017.*

*For more information, contact:*

Aude Lochet, Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies

E-mail: locheta@caryinstitute.org

Duration: ~4 months

Application Deadline: 02/10/2017

Location: Near Sun Valley, Idaho

Job Description: AVIAN POINT COUNT TECHNICIANS (3) needed for an NSF-funded project examining the effects of natural soundscapes on community structure. Primary duties will include point count surveys for birds and nest searching in addition to maintaining acoustic recording units, bat detectors, camera traps and soundscape broadcast equipment. Fieldwork will take place in the Pioneer Mountains of Idaho near Sun Valley (mid-April to mid-August) with the Barber Lab at Boise State University.

Qualifications: Ability to identify 200+ species of Western birds by sight and primarily by sound =95 Ability to work independently =95 Strong physical and mental endurance =95 Ability to navigate off-trail in remote, densely-vegetated, steep and rugged landscapes using topographical maps and GPS units =95 Willingness to work in landscapes occupied by apex predators and venomous animals (bears, wolves, mountain lions, rattlesnakes, etc.) =95 Ability to carefully navigate rough roads in a 4WD vehicle =95 Strong interpersonal skills to communicate and work effectively with private landowners and fellow team members =95 Careful and accurate data collection/entry/management =95 Technicians must provide their own backpacking/camping gear.

Compensation: This is a full-time position for the duration of the project. Hourly pay rate is $12-

$15/hr depending on experience. The work requires extensive driving between sites on both paved and dirt roads. Technicians must have a valid driver’s license and either use their personal 4WD vehicle (work-related mileage will be reimbursed at the standard state rate) OR we can provide a rental SUV.

To apply: email a single PDF document that includes a one-page cover letter describing your interest and qualifications for the position, your resume, and three professional references to Cory Toth (tothcorya@gmail.com). Please put =932017 Phantom Rivers Tech=94 in the subject line. Please include in your cover letter your dates of availability. Positions will be filled as soon as suitable applicants are found.

A MS graduate student assistantship is available in the area of socioeconomic-ecological systems modeling. The student will work on an EPA-funded interdisciplinary project led by Dr. Jacob Hochard (Dept. of Economics & Institute for Coastal Science and Policy) in collaboration with Drs. Randall Etheridge (Dept. of Engineering & Center for Sustainability) and Ariane Peralta (Dept. of Biology) at East Carolina University. The MS student will work closely with economics, biology and engineering faculty at East Carolina University, as well as a PhD student in Coastal Resources Management. The qualified candidate will have strong undergraduate training in ecology, biogeochemistry, or environmental science. Ideally, the student will have some knowledge of GIS, hydrology, and biogeochemical processes. Candidates with an interest in interdisciplinary research and a familiarity or willingness to learn social-ecological modeling approaches are encouraged to apply. The project will be focused on modeling relationships between biophysical factors and water and air quality on human health outcomes to understand how natural capital can contribute to nutrient pollution mitigation in coastal watersheds. Visit www.peraltalab.com for more information.

To apply, please contact Drs. Ariane Peralta (peraltaa@ecu.edu) and Randall Etheridge (etheridgej15@ecu.edu) with your CV, unofficial transcript(s), GRE scores, and a short statement describing prior research experience and interests. Review of full applications to the MS biology program (http://www.ecu.edu/cs-cas/biology/BiologyGrad/index.cfm) will begin on February 15, 2017 and will continue until the position is filled.

The Departments of Biology, Economics, Engineering, Institute of Coastal Science and Policy, and the Center for Sustainability at East Carolina University take pride in the diversity of our students, faculty, and staff and strive to increase that diversity. We encourage applications and inquiries from members of groups underrepresented in the natural sciences.