Opportunities

This page lists recent (since September 1, 2025) job opportunities in ecology and evolutionary biology. This site has listed more than 2700 job opportunities since it was initiated in 2017. Many thanks to Miranda Davis for providing this service!

Graduate Position: HongKongU.Neuroethology

*Postgraduate position in neuroethology and genomics of coral reef fish.

The Schunter lab is supporting applications to well-funded Hong Kong Ph.D.
Fellowships or HKU presidential fellowships. Through these schemes,
interested candidates can apply for a Ph.D. position in Molecular
Neuroethology in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of
Hong Kong (https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hku.hk%2F&data=05%7C02%7Ceric.schultz%40uconn.edu%7Cb6ed83d5c1974a14e44408de112a4f3c%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638967070598121196%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=bfUYivXMWtxmQONPgbaanWJkg%2BhR8PH2KvWTAxik4Q8%3D&reserved=0). The University is a long-standing
English-speaking institution and ranks as one of the top Universities in
Asia.

We are looking for a curious, ambitious and enthusiastic Ph.D. student
to take part in a diverse team, working on molecular mechanisms and
adaptation to changing environments. *Research topics span from neuronal
to molecular to behavioural levels (https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schunterlab.com%2F&data=05%7C02%7Ceric.schultz%40uconn.edu%7Cb6ed83d5c1974a14e44408de112a4f3c%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638967070598142924%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=baca%2BLrU0spgm2%2BfSzetHaUDf%2BZWdDvc8wGDlPM7bxc%3D&reserved=0) providing a
comprehensive approach to understanding how organisms respond to their
environment.* The lab is associated with the Swire Institute of Marine
Science, also known as SWIMS (https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.swims.hku.hk%2F&data=05%7C02%7Ceric.schultz%40uconn.edu%7Cb6ed83d5c1974a14e44408de112a4f3c%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638967070598159499%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=1P6EPMR9H%2FGlzXW905hL4pmrJ9n6lpeHQN0LaVXXnlc%3D&reserved=0), a beautiful
research station in a remote area of the Island of Hong Kong.

The lab combines several disciplines ranging from *marine biology*,
*behaviour*, *ecology,* *molecular biology, neurobiology* to *computational
biology* and prospective students should be interested in working in a
cross-disciplinary environment. Generally, projects start with fieldwork or
aquarium experiments with measurements of behaviour followed by molecular
lab work to extract molecules of interest (e.g. DNA, RNA or proteins)
and/or imaging techniques. Most projects also require large bioinformatic
analyses and writeup into scientific articles. The lab maintains
long-standing international collaborations and travel is likely to be
required.

*Additional requirements*:

• Willingness to work in a highly international and collaborative
environment
• If no previous experience, the student must be eager to learn
bioinformatics

• Willingness to work in aquarium systems and/or fieldwork in a marine
environment.

Hong Kong Ph.D. fellowships (HK$28,400 monthly plus
travel allowance and research funds) are competitive and
require high GPAs but come with a range of benefits. You
can find more information about these fellowships here:
https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fgradsch.hku.hk%2Fprospective_students%2Ffees_scholarships_and_financial_support%2Fhong_kong_phd_fellowship_scheme&data=05%7C02%7Ceric.schultz%40uconn.edu%7Cb6ed83d5c1974a14e44408de112a4f3c%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638967070598175851%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=EbvdSB%2BK6C8W0M0jAoKwqM%2B%2Fhu4HzOGb52lLaOWd5C0%3D&reserved=0

The application deadline is the 1st of December. Information
about the Ph.D. programme, in general, can be found here
https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gradsch.hku.hk%2Fgradsch%2F&data=05%7C02%7Ceric.schultz%40uconn.edu%7Cb6ed83d5c1974a14e44408de112a4f3c%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638967070598194307%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=zsginZ2kbIBNNdsIBac%2FrHPcX7le3G04teS9nv1jlG8%3D&reserved=0

Interested candidates should send their CV, a cover letter summarizing
research interests and contact information for two references to Dr. Celia
Schunter ( schunter@hku.hk) no later than the 1st of November to account
for enough time to write a proposal for the application deadline.


Celia Schunter <celiaschunter@gmail.com>

(to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to
golding@mcmaster.ca<mailto:golding@mcmaster.ca>)

Graduate position: AMNH_NewYork.ComparativeBiology

We are now accepting applications for our Ph.D. in Comparative Biology
Program and Graduate Fellowships Program at the American Museum
of Natural History’s Richard Gilder Graduate School for Fall 2026.
Deadline: December 15, 2025.

The AMNH Ph.D. Program in Comparative Biology is training the next
generation of biologists through an integrative approach focused
on the history, evolutionary relationships, and interactions among
species. It builds on the Museum’s strength and experience in research
and training, educating a new generation of scientists to become
leaders in understanding the history and diversity of life on Earth
and in disseminating their work in ways that will support advances in
biological research, human health, biodiversity conservation, and other
related fields. This is an accelerated program, designed for students to
complete their degrees in four years. The Richard Gilder Graduate School
will typically provide full financial support to students matriculating
in the Comparative Biology Ph.D. Program.

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

Students who plan to apply to both the RGGS Comparative Biology
Ph.D. Program and to the Graduate Fellowship Program complete one single
application, indicating on the application the program(s) to which they
wish to apply. Students applying for the Graduate Fellowship must also
apply for admission to at least one Ph.D. Program at one of the Museum’s
Partner Institutions.

Admission offered for the fall semester only

Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact a
member of the faculty prior to application (see:
https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amnh.org%2Fresearch%2Frichard-gilder-graduate-school%2Ffaculty&data=05%7C02%7Ceric.schultz%40uconn.edu%7C2e53b36b4adc4321828108de112ea68c%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638967089290267717%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=gnpczRUa1dnU5JawXF7pW6jHiOJN927tX2FpmUd1S1A%3D&reserved=0).

Students applying for the RGGS Graduate Fellowship program and applying
to the Columbia Department of Ecology, Evolution and Environmental
Biology (E3B) should ALSO contact a potential faculty co-mentor in
that Department, in advance of applying, with the goal of identifying
potential Columbia E3B and AMNH-RGGS co-advisors. Columbia E3B faculty
listing: https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fe3b.columbia.edu%2Ffaculty%2F&data=05%7C02%7Ceric.schultz%40uconn.edu%7C2e53b36b4adc4321828108de112ea68c%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638967089290300421%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=HrB4RYtSvrbt2ich4fjn1j6JnrfsT2nQmZfW%2BXkNYo8%3D&reserved=0.

For more information and to apply, please go to:
https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amnh.org%2Fresearch%2Frichard-gilder-graduate-school%2Facademics-and-research%2Ffellowship-and-grant-opportunities%2Fdoctoral-student-fellowships&data=05%7C02%7Ceric.schultz%40uconn.edu%7C2e53b36b4adc4321828108de112ea68c%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638967089290325939%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=e%2FXnsMnFcYE3Lz8akemzC3TCR8IZ%2F7c0e6LteDiHHRw%3D&reserved=0


Anna Manuel <amanuel@amnh.org>

Graduate position: UMiami.EvolMulticellularity

The Clarke Lab is currently recruiting PhD students to join our team in
the Department of Biology at the University of Miami with an anticipated
start date of Fall 2026. The deadline for application is December 1st,
2025.

Research in the Clarke lab is focused on understanding the evolution of
multicellularity in animals. In particular, we study the evolution and
function of cell adhesion proteins to understand how animal tissues are
built. To do this, we utilize a broad range of methods in evo-devo,
including comparative embryology, cell biology, biochemistry, and
bioinformatics to explore how cells stick together in non-bilaterian
animals (cnidarians, placozoans, sponges and ctenophores). Incoming
students will have opportunities to develop independent research projects
leveraging these tools to investigate animal origins.

To learn more about our research, please visit: clarkelab.com

For more information about the Biology PhD program at UM, please visit:
https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbiology.as.miami.edu%2Fgraduate%2Findex.html&data=05%7C02%7Ceric.schultz%40uconn.edu%7C8f5ce4d1f7844cdab4cd08de1132f9e1%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638967107838159081%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=RIqYpPkJB6FCLpwegt%2BvSa2C2wAQFfL3Qta%2FY0%2FVM9k%3D&reserved=0

Prior to applying, interested students should email Nat
(natclarke@miami.edu) with the following: (1) academic CV, (2) unofficial
transcript(s), (3) contact information for 2-3 references, and (4) a
brief statement describing your research interests, relevant research
experience, and motivation for joining the lab.

M.S. position in the Rinehart Bio-Funk Lab at the University of Rhode Island

The Bio-Funk Lab at the University of Rhode Island is accepting applications for a highly motivated M.S. student to begin Fall 2026. Our research interests broadly include conservation, community and ecosystem ecology, biodiversity, and environmental gradients. Students with an interest in biodiversity-ecosystem function relationships, anthropogenic effects, species interactions, and/or soil and microbial ecology are particularly encouraged to apply.

The student will specifically work on a collaborative effort between URI’s Bio-Funk Lab (https://www.shelbyrinehartecology.com/) and URI’s Quest Lab ( https://connectivityandconservation.com/quest-lab) that seeks to understand how New England’s stone walls, as enduring anthropogenic structures, influence relationships between wildlife biodiversity and ecosystem functions and services (e.g., nutrient cycling) and how these relationships scale across space. Stone walls were built primarily by colonial settlers as they transformed the land for agriculture between 1607 and 1850, but they remain an important part of local identity and culture throughout New England, with local historical societies, hunting and fishing clubs, and educational organizations advocating for their preservation. This project will involve using a combination of techniques to assess wildlife populations (e.g., camera trapping) and ecosystem processes (e.g., carbon sequestration, nitrogen fixation, sedimentation, and hydrological flows) in landscapes dominated by historical stone walls. Fieldwork will occur at sites across Rhode Island, eastern Connecticut, and southeastern Massachusetts, and will provide opportunities to network with local land trusts and state and federal agencies.

Successful applicants will have experience conducting ecological research, preferably conducting experiments in the field, analyzing data, and communicating their results via reports, manuscripts, posters, or oral presentations.  Additionally, preference will be given to students with a strong knowledge of New England flora and fauna.

Students accepted into this position will receive two full years of guaranteed support.  Teaching assistantships are the primary means of student support during the semester, with summer research assistantships providing additional financial support during the field season.

Please send any inquiries or questions to Dr Shelby Rinehart (Shelby_rinehart@uri.edu) with the subject line “MS Student Inquiry”.

Formal applications should be directly submitted to the URI Biological and Ecological Sciences Graduate Program (Deadline December 15th). See https://web.uri.edu/cels/academics/bes/admission/ for more information on how to apply. In your application, be sure to indicate that you are applying to Dr. Rinehart’s Bio-Funk lab to ensure that your application is correctly routed.  In addition, please be sure to describe 1-2 research ideas in your application that you would be interested in integrating into this project if you join the lab (include in the personal statement in your application).

MS student: insects, red-cockaded woodpeckers & longleaf pine management

We are seeking a MS student to begin in Fall 2026. The student will be supervised by Dr. Paige Ferguson, Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Alabama.

Research will focus on insect diversity and management of longleaf pine with implications for red-cockaded woodpecker conservation. The student will have access to an existing database of insects sampled in the Oakmulgee Ranger District of the Talladega National Forest, Alabama. The student will be responsible for analyzing these data with ecological models in consideration of forest management methods and red-cockaded woodpecker conservation. Alabama’s largest population of red-cockaded woodpeckers occurs in the Oakmulgee Ranger District.

Applicants should have a background in many of the following: fish and wildlife science, wildlife management, entomology, longleaf pine ecology and management, red-cockaded woodpeckers biology, ecological modeling, statistics, computer programming, R, BUGS or JAG or stan, GIS, and clear written and oral communication. Applicants should be highly motivated, prepared to conduct independent research, and enthusiastic about writing scientific papers for publication.

 

To apply, please email Dr. Ferguson (pfferguson@ua.edu) the following:

1. a cover letter describing your interest in the project and prior experiences that have prepared you for graduate work with Dr. Ferguson

2. your transcript(s) (an unofficial copy is fine),

3. a sample of your scientific writing (for example, a manuscript or lab report), and

4. contact information for 3 references.

Application are due November 10. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

The position comes with a full tuition waiver, a competitive stipend, and health insurance. Funding is available as a Graduate Teaching Assistant through the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Alabama. Highly qualified applicants may be considered for Graduate School Fellowships, which offer a Research Assistantship during the student’s first year and a Teaching Assistantship in subsequent years.

Additional information:

Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama: http://bsc.ua.edu/

University of Alabama Graduate School: http://graduate.ua.edu

University of Alabama: http://www.ua.edu

Tuscaloosa: http://www.tuscaloosa.com/visitor-services

Outdoor opportunities in Alabama: http://www.outdooralabama.com

Dr. Paige Ferguson

Associate Professor, Department of Biological Sciences

The University of Alabama
Shelby 2019A
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487
Phone 205-348-1807
pfferguson@ua.edu | https://bsc.ua.edu/paige-ferguson/

Graduate opportunities in Plant Ecology at the University of South Florida, Tampa

I am looking for motivated students interested in plant ecology, plant eco-physiology, ecosystem ecology and/or conservation biology to join my lab group for the Fall 2026 semester. The research in the lab focuses on understanding the impacts of climate and anthropogenic pressures on the coastal mangrove ecosystems in Florida. Areas of potential investigation include for example the physiological stress tolerance limits of coastal plant species, factors influencing ecosystem-level patterns of primary productivity of mangrove forests, or outcomes of ecosystem restoration projects. Thesis work would involve field work based locally in central or southern Florida, or experimental work in a greenhouse. Students will be expected to develop their own thesis project with the support of the supervisor.

To Apply: To express your interest, please email Dr. Kristiina Visakorpi (kvisakorpi@usf.edu) and briefly describe your qualifications and the types of research questions you’re interested in. Please also attach your CV/Resume and a copy of your unofficial transcripts. Students who seem to be a good fit for the lab will then be encouraged to submit their application materials to the University. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. The deadline to submit the application materials to the University is November 30th: for best consideration, please get in touch as soon as possible.

About USF: The University of South Florida is an R1 University and member of the prestigious Association of American Universities. The Tampa Bay area is a vibrant metropolitan region with an extensive network of parks, trails, and protected areas. More information can be found here.

MSc offer – Continuous-cover forestry in the boreal forests of Eastern Canada

RESEARCH MASTER’S IN FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT

ENSURING THE SUCCESS OF CONTINUOUS-COVER FORESTRY IN MIXED BOREAL FORESTS BY PROMOTING UNDERSTORY TREE REGENERATION

Project summary:
Forest management in the boreal zone still relies primarily on clearcutting. These practices rejuvenate and homogenize forest stands, leading to the loss of habitats associated with old-growth forests that once dominated pre-industrial landscapes. An alternative approach to reconcile timber harvesting with the maintenance of old-growth attributes is the use of silvicultural treatments that permanently retain a significant forest cover within harvested stands—commonly referred to as continuous-cover forestry.
The success of such treatments, however, depends on establishing a tree regeneration layer with sufficient density and vigor to sustain regular harvests without depleting the forest.

This research project aims to identify the most effective silvicultural practices to promote the establishment and growth of conifer regeneration in a continuous-cover forestry context within mixed boreal forests. The study will be conducted at the Lake Duparquet Teaching and Research Forest (FERLD), within an irregular shelterwood cutting experiment. In the harvested strips, three regeneration treatments were applied—planting, seeding, and natural regeneration (control)—and each treatment was subdivided into plots that were either vegetation-released (competing vegetation removed) or not released.
The selected student will be tasked with identifying which combinations of treatments yield the highest regeneration quality in terms of density and growth. The results will provide essential guidelines for improving continuous-cover forestry practices in mixed boreal forests, contributing to their broader implementation.

Project start date:
Winter 2026 semester (January–April) or Fall 2026 semester (September–December)

Candidate profile:
We are seeking a motivated student passionate about forest ecology and management issues. A Bachelor’s degree in biology, forestry, ecology, or a related field is required. In addition to academic performance, we will place strong emphasis on personal qualities such as curiosity, creativity, autonomy, and teamwork skills. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Funding:
A research scholarship of CAD $21,000 per year for two years will be awarded to the selected candidate.

Location and supervision:
The student will be based at the Forest Research Institute (IRF), Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT), Rouyn-Noranda campus.
Supervision will be provided by Maxence Martin (IRF-UQAT) and Miguel Montoro-Girona (IRF-UQAT), specialists in ecosystem-based management of boreal forests.

Documents requested:
To express your interest, please send a CV and a letter of interest, along with copies of your academic transcripts (unofficial copies accepted) and the contact information of two references to:

Maxence Martin – maxence.martin2@uqat.caMiguel Montoro-Girona – miguel.montoro@uqat.ca

Maxence Martin – Professeur en écologie forestière appliquée/Professor in applied forest ecology

Institut de recherche sur les forêts (IRF) | Forest Research Institute

Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue

Tel. Office 819 762-0971 poste 2053 – Cell. 581-882-8651 |  Bureau F-203 |uqat.ca

PhD opportunity in Evolutionary Ecology

PhD opportunity in Evolutionary Ecology

The Ashman and Turcotte labs at the University of Pittsburgh are looking to co-advise a PhD student interested in ecological and evolutionary impacts of whole genome duplication (polyploidy). The student will utilize our rapidly reproducing experimental duckweed system to test various hypotheses concerning the benefits and limitations of this widespread and important major evolutionary change. Various research foci are possible including species or environmental interactions. Additional opportunities exist for involvement in genomic and gene expression studies.

Please visit our lab webpages for more information:
https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fashmanlab2012.wixsite.com%2Fashmanlab&data=05%7C02%7Cmid14018%40ad.uconn.edu%7Cbcc470598fec4369f92c08de0ca508ac%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638962100153628306%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=vKPh5qsYbok%2F2gzR7tx1PpMD%2Bjy7U1U5n0RqPAttU20%3D&reserved=0
https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.martinturcotte.net%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cmid14018%40ad.uconn.edu%7Cbcc470598fec4369f92c08de0ca508ac%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638962100153652577%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=V7h5P8eFu2hj5nKSBlxsRByJcMUhTwjG6kad%2BZjik3Y%3D&reserved=0

The Department of Biological Sciences is a dynamic and growing team of enthusiastic researchers and educators.  All graduate students in the department are provided with a competitive stipend and benefits for
5 years through a combination of fellowships, TAships, and research assistantships.

Prospective students should email us at: tia1@pitt.edu and turcotte@pitt.edu to express interest and describe your past research experience. Please include your C.V., any publications, and contact information for a few references.

Tia-Lynn Ashman, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor Martin Turcotte, Ph.D., Associate Professor Department of Biological Sciences University of Pittsburgh

M.S. project on the spatial ecology of desert wetlands 

M.S. project on the spatial ecology of desert wetlands by Mcintyre, Nancy (07 Oct 2025 16:28 EDT)
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M.S. project on the spatial ecology of desert wetlands

Starting Fall 2026; application deadline 1 January 2026

 

We are seeking a highly motivated applicant to join our labs to conduct M.S. research on geospatial dynamics of desert wetlands across environmental gradients, co-advised by Dr. Nancy McIntyre (Biological Sciences) and Dr. Kerry Griffis-Kyle (Natural Resources Management), Texas Tech University.

 

Prospective students will be funded for three years by a 9-month/year departmental Teaching Assistantship and possibly by additional graduate school fellowships (with awards ranging from $2500 for 1 year to $30,000/yr for 3 years).

 

Preference will be given to students with experience/coursework in landscape ecology, remote sensing, and GIS and applicants with experience in hot desert field conditions.

 

Skills that will be acquired:

Experience with ArcGISExperience with RCuration of spatial datasetsScientific communication 

Applications are due by 1 January 2026 but space is limited, so early applications are encouraged.

 

Interested applicants should email both Dr. McIntyre (nancy.mcintyre@ttu.edu) and Dr. Griffis-Kyle (kerry.griffis-kyle@ttu.edu) with “Graduate application – desert wetlands” in the subject line. Please include all of the following in your email:

A statement of your research interestsHow this position will help you fulfill your career goalsResume/CV with a summary of your research experiences and skills and your contact infoUnofficial transcriptsGRE scores (optional but encouraged)Contact information (names, addresses, phone numbers, emails) of three references 

 

MS Position available – Hurricane Ecology in southern ecosystems – UCF Biology and the Jones Center at Ichauway

MS Position available – Hurricane Ecology in southern ecosystems – UCF Biology and the Jones Center at Ichauway by Nicole Zampieri (07 Oct 2025 14:38 EDT)
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An MS research assistantship is available with Dr. Nicole Zampieri (Dendroecology and Disturbance Lab, Department of Biology, University of Central Florida) and Dr. Jeffery Cannon (Landscape Ecology Lab, Jones Center at Ichauway) starting Fall 2026. The successful applicant will investigate how disturbances such as hurricanes influence plant composition. The research will leverage available long-term data with new field investigations. The student will be appointed as a Graduate Assistant at University of Central Florida, and the student’s work will be co-sponsored by the Jones Center at Ichauway. Financial support is available for two years, starting in Fall 2026, and includes a stipend ($21,000/year) and tuition waiver. Health insurance is covered by the University of Central Florida for graduate students. The student will be expected to TA during semesters sponsored by UCF (approximately one year of the two year appointment).
Project description: Hurricanes are a powerful but understudied ecological force in the southeastern US, where landscapes have historically been shaped by frequent disturbances. Hurricanes have only recently gained recognition as an ecologically important and recurrent disturbance, with most forests in the Southeast experiencing cyclone-force winds about every six years. Understanding how these storms influence ecosystem structure and function is critical for predicting future dynamics in a region experiencing both intensifying storm regimes and rapid environmental change.
This proposed research will investigate the long-term impacts of hurricanes on community composition using established long-term monitoring datasets. By combining these data with a historical record of hurricane windfields, the student will examine how single or repeated exposure to storms shapes patterns of plant diversity, abundance, and recovery over time. In addition, the project will explore how management interventions, such as prescribed fire or salvage logging, influence the trajectory of community composition following disturbance. This work will contribute to a growing body of knowledge on hurricane ecology, helping to illuminate how recurrent storms interact with management and shape the trajectory of southeastern ecosystems. The work will involve leveraging longterm datasets with newly collected field data.
Required Qualifications:
•?????Bachelor’s degree in ecology, biology, environmental science, forestry, wildlife sciences, environmental engineering, geography, geospatial science, or a related field.
•?????Conduct ecological research creatively and independently, with guidance from mentors
•?????Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team and be willing to mentor others and assist with lab members’ research when needed
Preferred Qualifications:
•?????On-the-job training will be provided as needed, but previous experience in vegetation surveys, and collecting/processing ecological data is preferred
•???? Ability to complete field work in the woods, involving some strenuous physical activity (walking, standing, bending, stooping, climbing, and lifting) under demanding field conditions (i.e., with exposure to heat, humidity, insects, poison oak/ivy)
•?????Possess a current driver’s license valid in the U.S. and be able or willing to learn to drive a 4WD truck on both highways and dirt roads
•?????Prior experience with research including data analysis using R, SAS, JMP, SPSS, and/or other statistical software, scientific writing for publication in peer-reviewed journals
If interested, please email to Dr. Nicole Zampieri (Nicole.zampieri@ucf.edu) and Dr. Jeffery Cannon (Jeffery.cannon@jonesctr.org) (1) a letter of interest that discusses your research and education qualifications; (2) a resume/CV; (3) unofficial transcripts, (4) contact information for three professional references, and (5) a writing sample. The deadline for applications is November 6th, and review of applications will begin immediately. Interviews will be scheduled for the following week on November 10th and 12th.
The selected applicant will be required to apply and meet the requirements of the graduate program in the Department of Biology at the University of Central Florida. Details on the full application process to the can be found at https://sciences.ucf.edu/biology/graduate/applying/. Applications to the University of Central Florida Department of Biology are due December 1st, 2025.
Nicole Zampieri is an incoming Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Central Florida. For more information about the department, visit https://sciences.ucf.edu/biology/. Additional information on the Landscape Ecology Lab and the Jones Center can be found at https://lab.jonesctr.org/cannon/.