The Graduate Program in Ecology and Evolution at Stony Brook University is recruiting doctoral and master’s level graduate students for Fall 2025.

The department has a productive and diverse faculty working on a broad array of questions involving humans and primates, microbes, plants, vertebrate and invertebrate animals and whole ecosystems. Field locales span the globe from the Old and New World tropics to the Arctic and Antarctic polar regions, as well as the uplands, wetlands, and coastal areas of Long Island and New

York. Within a train ride of New York City, Stony Brook is a diverse campus, and we are implementing programs to build an even more diverse program in the future.

Upon admission, PhD students are guaranteed teaching assistantships, with additional support available through fellowships and research assistantships, as they become available. The deadline for applications for the PhD program is December 1, 2024. The priority deadline for the MA program is January 15, 2024; MA applications are considered on a rolling basis until April 15, 2025. Application fees may be forgiven for applicants that meet specific guidelines.

It is highly recommended that applicants contact faculty and identify potential advisors before applying. Faculty are more than willing to entertain questions about the general program and about their own specific labs and research. A listing of graduate program faculty can be found here:

We provide specific guidance about your application, describe the evaluation process and outline specifics of funding on the application webpages for the programs.

Ph.D.: https://www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/ecoevo/_program/apply_to_phd_program.php

M.A.: https://www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/ecoevo/_program/apply_to_masters_program.php

For questions or assistance with the application process, please e-mail our Graduate Program Coordinator, Melissa Cohen: melissa.j.cohen@stonybrook.edu.

Looking for an MS student to work on a newly funded NSF Macrosystems project focused on forest canopy – climate interactions in collaboration with folks at Colorado State University and the National Center for Atmospheric Research. This project will involve US-based field work in the early summer of 2025, so we are hoping to find someone to start either in January or mid-May. If you are interested please email me (kdahlin@msu.edu) with “Macrosystems MS” in the subject line, briefly describe your background and interests, and attach or link to your resume/CV.

https://www.esa.org/career-development/internships-and-fellowships/usgs/

Dear all,

We are seeking a motivated graduate student to join our research team for a project funded by the National Science Foundation.

Project Overview:
Our project aims to unravel the genetic basis of gene expression and phenotypic variation in birds and mammals. We will utilize cutting-edge techniques in genomics, tissue imaging, metabolomics, and single-cell spatial transcriptomics to investigate how dynamic changes in gene regulation during development influence phenotypic traits.

Your Role:
As a research assistant, you will play a crucial role in:

  *   Conducting in-depth analyses of gene and allelic expression, as
      well as metabolite levels, in crossbred chickens.
  *   Identifying gene and metabolic regulatory networks associated with
      fundamental cellular processes and myogenesis.
  *   Examining the precise roles of specific alleles in primary muscle
      cell cultures from various species.
  *   Contributing to the development of novel transcriptomics
      approaches to advance our understanding of developmental
      mechanisms.

Qualifications:
  *   Strong background in biology, genetics, or a related field
  *   Experience with genomic and transcriptomic data analysis
  *   Interest in programming languages such as Python or R
  *   Excellent research, analytical, and problem-solving skills
  *   A passion for scientific discovery and a collaborative mindset

Why Join Our Lab?

  *   Opportunity to work on a cutting-edge NSF-funded project
  *   Collaboration with a team of experienced researchers
  *   Access to state-of-the-art equipment and resources
  *   Potential for publication in high-impact journals

If you are interested in joining our research team, please submit your CV, a cover letter, and a transcript to abasht@udel.edu.

Behnam Abasht
Professor
Department of Animal and Food Sciences
University of Delaware
531 S. College Ave., 035 Townsend Hall
Newark, DE 19716
Phone: 302-831-8876
abasht@UDel.edu

Wild Turkey Poult Behavior, ARU, and Trapping Technicians University of Florida

Position and Salary: 2 Full-time Wildlife Technician Positions from December 2024 – June 2025; 1 Full-time Wildlife Technician Position from March – June 2025

The Disturbance Ecology & Ecological Restoration Lab at the University of Florida is recruiting three research technicians for a wild turkey ecology research project in northern Florida. All three technicians will be involved in a behavioral study with human-imprinted poults at the National Wildlife Research Center Florida Field Station in Gainesville, FL from March through late June 2024. Two technicians will begin in December and assist with one of the following aspects of the project from December through February: 1) wild turkey trapping efforts in Kissimmee, FL or 2) deploying autonomous recording units (ARU)s at various locations across the state of Florida. Shared housing (no pets) and field vehicles will be provided when the technicians are working at field sites outside of Gainesville. Housing will not be provided in Gainesville.

Field conditions include inclement weather, hot and humid temperatures, biting insects, and occasional wet conditions. Salary is $15/hr. These positions are primarily field work based (~85%) with some office/data work (~15%). Applicants must be able to work a flexible schedule, including weekends during certain periods depending on weather and data collection needs. As technicians may work and live together in close quarters, getting along with others is essential.

Qualifications: Applicants preferably should have a background in wildlife biology and field research and be working toward or have completed a B.S. in Wildlife Biology, Forestry, or a related field. Preference will be given to individuals with experience in (1) animal behavioral monitoring, (2) animal husbandry (particularly with galliform birds or incubating eggs), (3) organized, detailed, and accurate data collection, (4) animal trapping and handling, and/or (5) deploying and servicing autonomous recording units (ARUs). Successful applicants should be comfortable working both independently and as a team. Applicants must also be able to tolerate harsh environmental conditions, early mornings, and long hours when necessary. A valid U.S. driver’s license is required.

To Apply: Applications will be reviewed as they are received, so applicants are encouraged to apply early. Applications should be sent in prior to October 25th, 2024. Applications received later than this date may still be considered only if the positions have yet to be filled.

If interested in applying, please send:

(1) a cover letter summarizing your interest and qualifications for the position. If you have preference for a certain position (eg. trapping, ARU, or poult-only) please specify this in your cover letter. The letter can be addressed to the UF Turkey Research Group

(2) CV/resume

(3) contact information for 3 references

Please include all materials in a single PDF document with the subject line titled Poult Behavior Technician Application to Kelly Neil (luckyirishk@ufl.edu). The D.E.E.R Lab is committed to increasing diversity in science and we encourage applicants from underrepresented groups in STEM to apply.

Subject: Graduate Assistantships Available at Yale School of the Environment

Title: Master of Forest Science (MFS) or Master of Environmental Science (MESc) Studying Western Forests or Pinyon Invasion into Big Sagebrush Vegetation at the Yale School of the Environment

Location: New Haven, CT (academic year) and southern Colorado (summers)

Salary: Graduate stipend ($~2500/month and full tuition assistance)

Start Date: May 2025

Apply By: Applications accepted on a rolling basis until October 11, 2024

Website: https://environment.yale.edu/admissions/masters

Link to Full Descriptions: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-nHDlY1DVbGXDUkwrsEAsvljtTiMzQzZ/view

Description: Two graduate assistantships are available with the Yale School of the Environment (YSE). We are seeking two graduate students to join our Forestry and Rangeland Research team. One graduate student will study carbon storage and stand dynamics in aspen stands in southern Colorado. The successful candidate will quantify Populus tremuloides regeneration and associated species abundance inside and outside slash exclosures to determine the impact of browse protection on carbon dynamics and stand development. The other graduate student will study the history of pinyon pine invasion into big sagebrush vegetation in southern Colorado over the past 50 years as well as the vegetation response to the invasion.

This research is part of a larger research collaboration between YSE and on-the-ground practitioners in Colorado to increase knowledge and understanding of western landscapes, ecological processes, and effective land management strategies for conservation in the West.

Fieldwork will take place during summer 2025 and 2026 in south central Colorado. Academic classes will begin fall 2025 in New Haven, CT at the Yale School of the Environment. This two-year master’s assistantship will provide a stipend, full tuition assistance, and health insurance.

Interested candidates should email a 1-page cover letter, CV, and the names of 3 references to

William.Lauenroth@yale.edu by 10/11/2024. Applications will be received on a rolling basis.

Qualifications:

Bachelor of Science degree in forest ecology, biogeochemistry, ecology, biological sciences, environmental biology, or related field

A valid U.S. drive’s license for duration of masters

Fieldwork experience in remote settings (desired)

Research and data analysis experience required. Experience with R important.

Strong verbal and written communication skills

Enthusiasm and interest for the research topic and a desire to work collaboratively

Contact Person:

Dr. William Lauenroth

William.lauenroth@yale.edu

Joseph F. Cullman 3rd  35 Professor of Ecology

KEY WORDS: Later-stage speciation, molecular/population genetics, insect behavior

POSITION: I am seeking to recruit two PhD students interested in studying speciation, and specifically, in the processes that explain why reproductive barrier effects accumulate between populations and lead to stronger overall reproductive isolation. Please see the references listed below for studies our lab has published on this topic. My lab group is in the Department of Biology (https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fas.tufts.edu%2Fbiology%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cmid14018%40uconn.mail.onmicrosoft.com%7C78efd479467a439fafbf08dcd6d2fe9d%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638621448985853535%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=48e5yCu9fwO8Xh2XdIRsRReyDKJo6kaiYXtGwdVeLe8%3D&reserved=0) at Tufts University, located in Medford, MA. We use a combination of field studies, laboratory experimentation, and bioinformatics analyses to study the genetic, environmental, and demographic factors shaping diversity.

SUPPORT: Our department is committed to supporting students throughout their dissertation research. Students admitted to the PhD program receive full tuition scholarships, a competitive stipend that includes summer pay, and health coverage, all guaranteed for six years. The stipend is supported by working as a teaching assistant, or in many cases, by paid research assistantships. More information about applications, including due dates and aid, can be found here:
https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fas.tufts.edu%2Fbiology%2Fprospective-students%2Fgraduate-admissions-and-aid&data=05%7C02%7Cmid14018%40uconn.mail.onmicrosoft.com%7C78efd479467a439fafbf08dcd6d2fe9d%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638621448985867958%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Cxyaxg5iTq1eSjxe4q5zk%2F354RdvVelZuqLTjyC%2Bh58%3D&reserved=0

ELIGIBILITY: Most critically, you will have a curious mind and a willingness to seek answers to questions that lack adequate explanations. Students must also have an ability to work with others and a strong sense of humor, both of which are needed to make science fun and worthwhile. A background or experience in molecular biology, evolution, or ecology is preferred, as is prior research experience. Highly relevant experience includes the application of molecular techniques or the collection/analysis of genome data. Enthusiasm for insects and field work is a big plus. Positions are open to domestic and international students. Students from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply, including students with disabilities, from geographically underserved jurisdictions, and BIPOC and LGBTQ+ people.

CAREER DEVELOPMENT: PhD training with me can facilitate multiple career directions. Students will be mentored to understand jobs in private industry, academia (research/teaching intensive), non-profit organizations, and governmental sectors. I have ties to each of these different groups, allowing for exploration through informal interviews and networking. Tufts has numerous existing activities and resources to support a vibrant environment for training and development, including programming on grant writing, academic and industrial career development, mentoring, and responsible research.

REQUIRED PRE-APPLICATION: Before November 15, send an email to erik.dopman (at) tufts.edu and include, as attachments, the following two documents:
1. Using no more than 1 page, describe your current research interests
   and how your prior experiences and training have prepared you for a
   PhD (ideally, on the topic of speciation).
2. Your resume or CV.

REFERENCES:

1) Dopman, E. B., Shaw, K. L., Servedio, M., Butlin, R. K. and
   Smadja, C., 2024. Coupling of barriers to gene exchange: Causes and
   consequences. Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology, pp.1-28. doi:
   https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdoi.org%2F10.1101%2Fcshperspect.a041432&data=05%7C02%7Cmid14018%40uconn.mail.onmicrosoft.com%7C78efd479467a439fafbf08dcd6d2fe9d%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638621448985876427%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=3%2Blwg9J0G79NghgTroY5H%2B1Jt0ijXg7CRzFZuhbsFwM%3D&reserved=0

2) Kunerth, H.D., Bogdanowicz, S.M., Searle, J.B., Harrison, R.G., Coates,
   B.S., Kozak, G.M. and Dopman, E.B., 2022. Consequences of coupled barriers
   to gene flow for the build-up of genomic differentiation. Evolution,
   76(5), pp.985-1002. https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdoi.org%2F10.1111%2Fevo.14466&data=05%7C02%7Cmid14018%40uconn.mail.onmicrosoft.com%7C78efd479467a439fafbf08dcd6d2fe9d%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638621448985881421%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=HfyihKjqgwy8ydV7aXUlCe3R3Yt9BHj8IpU5Q79e8Pg%3D&reserved=0

3) Unbehend, M., Kozak, G.M., Koutroumpa, F., Coates, B.S., Dekker,
   T., Groot, A.T., Heckel, D.G. and Dopman, E.B., 2021. bric   brac
   controls sex pheromone choice by male European corn borer moths. Nature
   Communications, 12(1), p.2818. https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdoi.org%2F10.1038%2Fs41467-021-23026-x&data=05%7C02%7Cmid14018%40uconn.mail.onmicrosoft.com%7C78efd479467a439fafbf08dcd6d2fe9d%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638621448985885834%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=C6xTpLsBpZhR0MqirJs4XHlibvBOFaRp2%2BXuY9gDInM%3D&reserved=0

4) Kozak, G.M., Wadsworth, C.B., Kahne, S.C., Bogdanowicz, S.M.,
   Harrison, R.G., Coates, B.S. and Dopman, E.B., 2019. Genomic basis of
   circannual rhythm in the European corn borer moth. Current Biology,
   29(20), pp.3501-3509. https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdoi.org%2F10.1016%2Fj.cub.2019.08.053&data=05%7C02%7Cmid14018%40uconn.mail.onmicrosoft.com%7C78efd479467a439fafbf08dcd6d2fe9d%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638621448985890234%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=oZ2e3kXJ40%2FnubX7%2B1C%2FHsdFRnfVfVO3IbcLJ%2FD0Gr4%3D&reserved=0

5) Dopman, E.B., Robbins, P.S. and Seaman, A., 2010. Components
   of reproductive isolation between North American pheromone
   strains of the European corn borer. Evolution, 64(4),
   pp.881-902. https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdoi.org%2F10.1111%2Fj.1558-5646.2009.00883.x&data=05%7C02%7Cmid14018%40uconn.mail.onmicrosoft.com%7C78efd479467a439fafbf08dcd6d2fe9d%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638621448985894598%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=smAMsI9rWOTDeTY6buFGXvdKi9kNMYRIVdAeZp%2BD428%3D&reserved=0

CONTACT: Erik Dopman with questions at erik.dopman (at) tufts.edu

DNA Laboratory Technician – University of California, Davis

Mammalian Ecology and Conservation Unit, Veterinary Genetics Laboratory
We seek a technician to conduct DNA analyses in the Mammalian Ecology
and Conservation Unit, located at the University of California in Davis,
CA. The technician will be involved in genetic and genomic projects on
various mammals and the occasional herp or bird as part of research
and other projects under the direction of Drs. Ben Sacks and Mark
Statham. Research projects will be primarily laboratory based, but may
involve some field work.

The position will involve basic DNA skills (DNA extraction, PCR, Sanger
sequencing), next-generation sequencing (Illumina) library preparation,
ancient DNA, and other molecular methods as required.  Bioinformatics
capabilities and experience are a plus. The work will include a
wide variety of projects, including but not limited to species- and
individual-level identification of noninvasively collected genetic samples
(e.g., scat, hair), metabarcoding for dietary, microbiome, and/or pathogen
identification; both Sanger and next-generation sequencing, including
library preparation for whole-genome and genotyping-by-sequencing; and
possibly bioinformatic analysis.  Demonstrated experience in at least
one of the above-mentioned methods is required.

The position will be available initially for a five-month contract (with
very likely extension to at least one year) and will begin as soon as
possible following the deadline, ideally by October 15, 2024.

Please email Ben Sacks (bnsacks@ucdavis.edu) with:
(1) a brief letter of application describing your interests and
   experience in the methods listed above;
(2) a current curriculum vitae or resume; and
(3) names, email addresses and phone numbers of at least three
   references.

Deadline is 27 September 2024.

Fellowships/assistantships are available for self-motivated students to pursue PhD degrees and conduct innovative and high-impact research in the Center for Systems Integration and Sustainability (CSIS) at Michigan State University (http://csis.msu.edu). 

Applications are welcome from students with a variety of backgrounds and in a wide range of disciplines, such as anthropology, artificial intelligence, behavioral science, biology, computer science and engineering, conservation, data science, demography, ecology, economics, environmental science and engineering, geographic information science, geography, geosciences, land science, remote sensing, sociology, sustainability science, and other related fields.

Research topics may include telecoupling (telecoupling.org),  giant pandas, food system resilience and sustainability, sustainability science, protected areas, UN Sustainable Development Goals, coupled human and natural systems, systems integration (e.g., integration of natural sciences such as ecology with social sciences such as economics, policy, and technology), biodiversity conservation, ecosystem services, food-energy-water-climate nexus, human well-being, nature-based climate solutions, forest and landscape ecology, global change, wildlife ecology and conservation, land change science, applications of AI and machine learning, and computer modeling and simulation (e.g., agent-based modeling). Studies on these and other related topics by faculty and students at CSIS have been published in journals such as Science and Nature. 

With flexible start dates (e.g., spring, summer, or fall of 2025), successful candidates can build on previous studies and explore new frontiers.

Application materials include: (1) letter of application, (2) CV or resume, (3) transcripts, (4) GRE scores, (5) TOEFL scores (for non-native English speakers only), and (6) list of 3 referees (names and contact information). Unofficial copies of GRE scores, TOEFL scores, and transcripts are OK initially.  Applicants are encouraged to submit their application materials as soon as possible.  Applications and questions about these opportunities should be emailed to: