The Van Cleve Research Group (https://nam01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fvancleve.theoretical.bio&data=02%7C01%7Cpamela.diggle%40uconn.edu%7C4cd048b85920448ff71e08d73cd74a6f%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637044767672743630&sdata=iZgXHhtm8%2FGZGvvLto%2BcgM3kD3y2aKZgyrX%2FW1IGZwc%3D&reserved=0) in
the Department of Biology at the University of Kentucky is currently
recruiting Ph.D. students to join the lab in Fall 2020. The lab in
generally interested in quantitative and mathematical approaches to
evolutionary biology and ecology. Past and current research areas include
social evolution and other topics in evolutionary ecology, the evolution
of phenotypic plasticity and bet-hedging, how populations cross fitness
valleys, and epigenetic processes including genomic imprinting (see here
for publications: https://nam01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fvancleve.theoretical.bio%2Fpublications&data=02%7C01%7Cpamela.diggle%40uconn.edu%7C4cd048b85920448ff71e08d73cd74a6f%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637044767672743630&sdata=yZEzIXW8mTyEO6Ldv1t4Mz3Agt4qeLKxoBIXZR0%2BWIY%3D&reserved=0).

Additionally, the lab aims to be broadly interdisciplinary across
complex biological systems from the molecular to metapopulation scales
and welcomes applicants interested in quantitative approaches and with
diverse backgrounds including (but not limited to) mathematics, physics,
computer science, and economics.

The exact research project topics for potential students are flexible,
though interested individuals should contact Jeremy Van Cleve
(jvancleve@uky.edu) with a CV and short statement of interests before
applying.

Applicants should apply to the Department of Biology Graduate program
(https://nam01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fbio.as.uky.edu%2Fgrad-program&data=02%7C01%7Cpamela.diggle%40uconn.edu%7C4cd048b85920448ff71e08d73cd74a6f%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637044767672743630&sdata=dkN3%2FYj%2FrCIh9m2IWatbvnliZdvneSYQN6oYMAcJikg%3D&reserved=0), and admission guidelines can be
found at: https://nam01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fbio.as.uky.edu%2Fadmissions-0&data=02%7C01%7Cpamela.diggle%40uconn.edu%7C4cd048b85920448ff71e08d73cd74a6f%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637044767672743630&sdata=DV%2FLu9X5nGHWqrDLOG4X8SzWWByNni%2BqQini1dYNwbE%3D&reserved=0. Stipend, tuition, and
medical insurance, are covered as part of a teaching assistantship and
research assistantships and fellowships are competitively available.

Questions about the Biology Graduate program can be sent to Van Cleve
(jvancleve@uky.edu) or the Director of Graduate studies, David Weisrock
(david.weisrock@uky.edu).

Please note that applications should be received by January 1st 2020
for full consideration.


—
Jeremy Van Cleve

Assistant Professor
Department of Biology
University of Kentucky
E-mail: jvancleve@uky.edu
Webpage: https://nam01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fvancleve.theoretical.bio&data=02%7C01%7Cpamela.diggle%40uconn.edu%7C4cd048b85920448ff71e08d73cd74a6f%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637044767672743630&sdata=iZgXHhtm8%2FGZGvvLto%2BcgM3kD3y2aKZgyrX%2FW1IGZwc%3D&reserved=0
Phone: (859) 218-3020

“Van Cleve, Jeremy” <jvancleve@uky.edu>

PhD position in insect evolution, speciation, systematics

I am seeking a highly motivated PhD student to join my lab at University
of Kentucky in Fall 2020. Work in my lab focuses on insect evolution,
speciation, integrative taxonomy, species delimitation, and molecular
systematics using genomic approaches. The exact research project topic for
this potential student is flexible. Potential projects include 1) studying
the genomic architecture of speciation and hybridization in swallowtail
butterflies, 2) evaluating ecological drivers of diversification in
buck moths, and 3) developing molecular diagnostic tools for species
identification and pathway analysis in invasive insect pests. I am also
open to ideas and encourage potential applicants to contact me directly
to discuss their interests and suitability. For more information,
see https://nam01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=www.julianrdupuis.com&amp;data=02%7C01%7Cpamela.diggle%40uconn.edu%7Cfc97b49f88e043d23f4508d73cc397a9%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637044683065013855&amp;sdata=cpgO0PQGC1z5KSfxodJnwB6s4sa23luUb%2FfmzcjEyZw%3D&amp;reserved=0.

The Department of Entomology at University of Kentucky offers excellent
graduate training in diverse areas of insect biology. The Entomology
graduate program is ranked in the top 10 nationally and is consistently
rated as one of the most productive programs at the University of
Kentucky, measured by the total number of student publications and
presentations. Students from our department go on to have successful
careers in a variety of sectors, including academia, industry, government
science, and extension, to name a few.

I am looking for a student with a strong background in biology,
entomology, or ecology and evolution (BSc or equivalent). Experience
with field research, molecular biology/genomics, and bioinformatics is
preferred, as well as demonstrated research experience through completion
of a MSc or undergraduate research. This position includes a competitive
stipend, tuition waver, and health coverage.

Interested applicants should submit 1) a cover letter detailing
research experience, interests, and career goals, 2) a CV and
unofficial transcript, and 3) name and contact information for three
references to julian.dupuis@uky.edu. The successful applicant will
be required to apply to the University of Kentucky Graduate School,
although application to the graduate school can come a later time. See
https://nam01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fentomology.ca.uky.edu%2Facademics%2Fgraduate&amp;data=02%7C01%7Cpamela.diggle%40uconn.edu%7Cfc97b49f88e043d23f4508d73cc397a9%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637044683065013855&amp;sdata=hxrH%2BWblyNt%2B0E4tpubXyL2uXIxKUzVb0Pwr46TLle0%3D&amp;reserved=0 for more information
on how to apply.

The Louthan lab at Kansas State University is recruiting a full time research technician beginning as soon as January 2020. Our lab works at the intersection of population and community ecology, focusing on how species interactions and climate change jointly influence population dynamics and distribution patterns. We use a combination of observational fieldwork, field- and greenhouse- based experiments, and modeling to explore how species interactions might impact future biodiversity patterns in a changing climate. Read more about our lab here: https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Flouthanlab.weebly.com%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7Cmadeline.hennessey%40uconn.edu%7Cf8ee86e0196a46d8dee808d73ce1fd13%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637044813637302629&amp;sdata=j1yvvdt%2Be4oTxivhD6ouJpZmm8RYqbRr2O8wHs298rE%3D&amp;reserved=0.

The successful applicant will have field experience and experience handling and/or analyzing data. Experience in population modeling is desired but not necessary. A fair amount of her or his duties will include assisting in lab setup and maintenance tasks (ordering equipment, processing samples, data cleanup and analysis), but substantial time will be devoted to field work at Konza Prairie Long-Term Ecological Research site (https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Flter.konza.ksu.edu%2Fkonza-prairie-long-term-ecological-research-lter&amp;data=02%7C01%7Cmadeline.hennessey%40uconn.edu%7Cf8ee86e0196a46d8dee808d73ce1fd13%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637044813637302629&amp;sdata=01RY9i07tCcksMQurplmhoUzHfpCuo8o61WaqaRwxJI%3D&amp;reserved=0) and other locations.

If interested, please contact Allison Louthan (amlouthan at ksu.edu) with a current CV that includes previous research experience, relevant coursework, contact information for three references, and your GPA.

The Chicago Botanic Garden (CBG) seeks to fill several contractor positions based in the western U.S. Positions include field teams focused native seed collections as part of the national Seeds of Success (SOS) program as well as office-based botanical resource specialist positions.

Field teams will be comprised of one lead botanist, and two botany technicians. Teams will be responsible for developing and implementing collection plan for the field season, keeping detailed records of fieldwork and collection data, and adhering to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) SOS protocol with guidance from the CBG and the Bureau of Land Management. Teams will prepare and ship seed collections to the Bend Seed Extractory but will not be doing extensive seed cleaning.

Office-based Botanical Resource Specialist positions will focus on managing and analyzing botanical data (SOS, GIS, or native plant monitoring) data and resources.

Start date, duration and compensation: Target start dates range from Fall 2019 to Spring 2020 and positions range in duration from 4-18 months. Compensation for Team Leads and Botanical Resource Specialists will be at the GS-9 to GS-11 paygrade. Technicians will be paid within the GS-5-7 paygrades.

To Apply: Send a cover letter and resume indicating their position of interest (SOS Team Lead, SOS Technician, Botanical Resource Specialist), a preferred starting date and employment duration to Chris Woolridge at cwoolridge@chicagobotanicgarden.org. Resumes should include relevant education and professional experience(s) and contact information for 3 references.  Review of applications will begin as received and will continue until all positions have been filled. Qualified applicants will be contacted within 2 week of receipt of application with follow up information.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications: B.S./B.A. or Ms. in Biology, Ecology, Botany, Natural Resources Management, Environmental Science, or a related field; Strong plant identification skills (to species), comfort with using dichotomous keys, and knowledge of plant taxonomy; Experience maintaining accurate and detailed data records (in field and in electronic databases such as Excel/Access); Capable of conducting daily field work in rough terrain in harsh environmental conditions (heat, rain, biting insects), and motivating a field crew through those tough conditions; Team leads: experience leading teams and/or mentoring

Desired Qualifications: Familiarity with plants and ecosystems of the western U.S.; Experience conducting field work related to plant research, identification, restoration, and/or seed collection (through SOS programs or other seed handling/collecting work); Experience driving large field vehicles with 4-wheel drive; driving on gravel and dirt roads; off-road driving; Experience hiking and backcountry camping, and the willingness to do so for this position; Experience working with agency, academic, private, or non-profit partners to coordinate, plan, and execute fieldwork on public or private lands; Familiarity with ArcGIS to display maps, visualize georeferenced data, and interface with GPS units; Wilderness First Aid or other field safety training

Physical Demands

For field-based positions, data collection often occurs in remote locations, where cellular connection is unavailable or inconsistent. Field conditions can be extreme: hot summer conditions with potential for heavy rainfall, flash floods, and lightning strikes; high altitude sun exposure; and occasional wildlife encounters. Seed collection and vegetation monitoring activities can be physically demanding due to stooping and bending for long periods of time. Ability to lift up to 40 lbs and hike up to 6 miles per day is expected. Fieldwork will require overnight travel and will involve overnight camping in remote areas.

A PhD student position is available in the Gutenkunst group at the
University of Arizona. The group focuses on computational population
genomics, with an emphasis on methods development. Students may
join the Gutenkunst group through PhD programs including Ecology &
Evolutionary Biology, Genetics, and Statistics. For more information,
see https://nam01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fgutengroup.mcb.arizona.edu&amp;data=02%7C01%7Cpamela.diggle%40uconn.edu%7Cffd1ce0b189745052e3108d73bf7031e%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C1%7C637043804405961505&amp;sdata=8PAEZVj8vixlnm30h5y8%2F0KpUtEJ%2Fu%2F%2FWBm2Ry9dZDE%3D&amp;reserved=0 or contact Dr. Ryan Gutenkunst
at rgutenk@email.arizona.edu.

The student will contribute to an NIH-funded project to develop and apply
methods for inferring novel models of natural selection from population
genomic data. In particular, the student will apply methods for inferring
the joint distribution of fitness effects to multiple species and extend
those methods to ancient DNA. The student will also have the freedom to
contribute to other ongoing projects and to develop their own projects
that mesh with the group¢s interests.

Applicants should have a B.S. in molecular or evolutionary biology,
bioinformatics, or a related field. Prior computational experience
is highly desirable, and applicants should be motivated, creative, and
collegial. The University of Arizona has great strength in population and
evolutionary genetics, offering potential interactions with Drs. Joanna
Masel, David Enard, Joseph Watkins, Mike Barker, and others. Computational
resources are similarly excellent. The campus is highly interdisciplinary
and very collegial. The University of Arizona is an EEO/AA – M/W/D/V
Employer.

At 2,500 feet above sea level, culturally diverse Tucson, Arizona is
nestled among five mountain ranges in the beautiful Sonoran Desert
and is surrounded by Saguaro National Park. Housing is affordable,
quality of life is high, and outdoor recreation opportunities include
the southernmost ski area in the United States and over 100 miles of
bike trails. The area receives over 350 days of sunshine per year and
enjoys average high/low temperatures of 82/54 degrees F.

Interested students should contact Dr. Gutenkunst directly to discuss
which PhD program at the University of Arizona is most appropriate
for their interests. Financial support is available through research
assistantships, local fellowships, and teaching assistantships

rgutenk@email.arizona.edu

I am currently seeking two graduate students to start in the fall 2020
to study insect-microbial symbioses.

Research in my newly established lab focuses on the
evolution of insect-microbial symbioses.   Parasitic lice
(Phthiraptera) and their symbiotic microbes (Ca. Riesia species,
https://nam01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fgenome%2F53872&amp;data=02%7C01%7Cpamela.diggle%40uconn.edu%7C23d676e51d2f48c44d3508d73b50bda6%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637043090284880921&amp;sdata=S4JpImFiCT2Wdf1lBUXZki90ofONVgi%2BR6oiohuFGjI%3D&amp;reserved=0) serve as the primary focus
of my research.  Currently I am investigating how microbial symbioses
facilitates the evolution of novel insect phenotypes, how symbioses
impacts genome evolution in bacteria, and the roles mobile genetic
elements play in insect-microbial symbioses.  Students working in the
lab will gain experience in bioinformatics and wet lab techniques.
An emphasis will be placed on bioinformatics and students will gain
experience with phylogenetic methods, genome/transcriptome assembly,
genome annotation and comparison, and metagenome analysis.   You can
learn more about my work by visiting rampages.us/bboydlab/

If you are interested in insect or bacterial evolution, phylogenetics,
and evolutionary biology, please contact me by email at boydbm@vcu.edu.
The email should include a 1) short description of your research interests
and experience, 2) your CV, and 3) whether you are seeking a Ph.D. or M.S.
Please send inquires before November 1, 2019.

The lab is centrally located in the bustling Monroe Park campus of
Virginia Commonwealth University.  Located along the James River
in Richmond, Virginia, the area is known for its numerous dining and
entertainment options.  The greater Richmond area is host to many craft
breweries and nature parks.

Bret Boyd

Bret Boyd <boydbm@vcu.edu>

We are hiring a research technician to work on a project focused on how species’ phenological differences, pollinators, soil communities, and/or climate variability mediate coexistence and invasion in plant communities. The position is based in the Diez Lab (https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fdiezecology.com&amp;data=02%7C01%7Cmadeline.hennessey%40uconn.edu%7C506964ec05d64494356508d73b4f8dbf%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637043085191437789&amp;sdata=oJBFa%2BiGsYk%2Fyvudo%2FB86rs%2FeK04uycdeZKJtUfYnAY%3D&amp;reserved=0) at the University of California, Riverside, and ideal for someone with a bachelor’s degree contemplating graduate school and looking for research experience. The work will involve a mixture of field work, computer work, and greenhouse experiments.

Qualifications: Experience and/or interest in the following are highly desirable:  field ecology, California flora (or ability to learn), and programming in R.  Required are: sharp critical thinking and organizational skills, attention to detail, ability to work well alone and in teams, a valid driver’s license, enthusiasm / ability to work long field days in desert-like conditions and willingness to spend some nights at research field stations.

Position: This is a full-time position (40 hours/week), paying approx. $3250 / month plus benefits through the University of California. The position start-date is January 2019, but can be flexible, and duration is a minimum of 6 months but renewable up to two years.

To apply: please email me (jeffreyd@ucr.edu) your CV, a brief description of your past research and coursework experience in ecology, your interest in the position, and contact information for 2 references.  Please apply by October 1 for full consideration.

Operation Wallacea Presentation by Dr. Tim Coles

Monday, September 30^th

5:00PM

PBB 203

Background

Operation Wallacea is a network of academics from European and North American universities, who design and implement biodiversity and conservation management research expeditions.  Research is supported by students who join the programme, to strengthen their CV or resume or collect data for a dissertation or thesis. Academics benefit from funding for high quality fieldwork enabling them to publish papers in peer reviewed journals. This model enables the collection of large temporal and spatial datasets used for assessing the effectiveness of conservation management interventions.  More information: https://www.opwall.com/

Past UConn students have used their time on an OpWall trip to collect data for use in their Honors thesis, or to gain independent study credit.

What is Operation Wallacea?

Operation Wallacea (Opwall) is a conservation research organisation that is funded by, and relies on, teams of student volunteers who join expeditions for the opportunity to work on real-world research programmes alongside academic researchers.

Most science programmes abroad that deliver research outcomes are funded on a short-term basis by grants with typically tightly restricted aims. Long-term projects covering large bio-geographical scales that can incorporate more than one ecosystem are rare. By adopting a volunteer funded model, Opwall does not suffer from those restrictions and can draw upon researchers from a wide range of different disciplines and academic institutions, and create long-term research projects.

Those researchers and academics also separate Opwall from other volunteer organisations, allowing a truly research orientated project. You can also find out more about peoples experiences and our projects at the Opwall Blog.

Features

• Over 460 Peer Reviewed Publications
• 12 vertebrate, 29 invertebrate and 4 plant species discovered
• Supported more than 80 biodiversity conservation research PhDs
• Involved in the establishment of multiple protected areas
• Supervised over 1000 undergraduate and masters dissertations
• Directs $millions every year to on-the-ground conservation and research
• Alumni includes more than 20,000 volunteers from over 100 countries

The Cease Lab at Arizona State University is hiring a lab manager to manage research logistics focused on insect nutritional physiology, plant-insect interactions, and ecology.

Click here for more details and to apply: Research Technician, Cease Lab, ASU

Please contact Rick Overson rick.overson@asu.edu with any additional questions.

If you are currently an ASU staff employee, please apply through the ‘ASU employees’ link on https://sjobs.brassring.com/TGnewUI/Search/home/HomeWithPreLoadPageType=JobDetails&jobid=3890682&partnerid=25620&siteid=5494&type=mail#jobDetails=3890682_5494 and search for the job posting through there using the internal search code: 55253BR.

Job Description

Performs a wide variety of standard laboratory procedures including assisting with running experiments, insect husbandry, chemical analyses, overseeing lab safety, and other clerical duties pertaining to laboratory operation. Position will be in the Cease Lab at ASU where research focuses on terrestrial ecology, plant-insect interactions, insect physiology, coupled natural-human systems, and sustainable agriculture. The research group collaborates extensively with interdisciplinary biologists, social scientists, and plant protection agencies both locally and internationally. This position requires resourcefulness and adaptability to the unique and changing needs of the research team.

Essential Duties

•    Oversee maintenance of the research lab, procuring supplies and equipment, lab safety, and other clerical duties.

•    Assist with running experiments involving nutrient content analyses of soil, plants, and insects, as well as insect behavior and nutritional ecology

•    Supervise undergraduate students running standard protocols in the lab, such as chemical assays

•    Assist with the recording, analysis, and management of data

•    Work with locusts. Locusts are known to be allergenic. While we have robust allergen-reducing controls in the laboratory, it is paramount that the candidate not have unmanageable pre-existing allergies to arthropods and be able to work in the locust facilities wearing appropriate PPE.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a field appropriate to the area of assignment; OR, Four years research experience appropriate to the area of assignment; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or education from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.

Desired Qualifications

•    1+ year(s) experience working in a research laboratory

•    Evidence of effective verbal and written communication skills

•    Demonstrated standard laboratory bench skills (i.e. pipetting, following protocols for methods such as chemical or molecular analyses)

•    Demonstrated capacity to work well with interdisciplinary teams or with diverse groups and sectors, including leading teams as relevant

•    Experience planning for and carrying out laboratory biology research

•    Experience working with live animal cultures particularly insects

Working Environment

•    Activities are performed either in an office or laboratory setting

•    Required to stand for varying lengths of time and walk moderate distances to perform work

•    Frequent bending, reaching, lifting, pushing and pulling up to 25 pounds

•    Clearly communicate to perform essential functions

•    Travel internationally