Ph.D. or M.S. Research Assistantship- Reproductive Ecology/Conservation Physiology of Amphibians: Virginia Tech.

School: Virginia Tech, Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation

Location: Blacksburg, Virginia

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

Website: http://www.ecophys.fishwild.vt.edu/opportunities/

Salary: Tuition and competitive salary

Last Date to Apply: 01/15/2017

 

Description:

    The Wildlife Ecotoxicology and Physiological Ecology Lab at Virginia Tech seeks to fill a Ph.D. and/or M.S. position focused on the reproductive ecology and conservation physiology of an imperiled salamander in Appalachian streams. The student’s research will focus on how habitat quality relates to parental behavior, reproductive physiology, and reproductive success of the eastern hellbender under field conditions. The research will build upon our ongoing pilot work seeking to determine the feasibility of using artificial nest boxes as a conservation/management tool. The student will be encouraged to develop additional areas of related inquiry that complement this core research focus. The successful candidate will work as part of an interdisciplinary team of scientists from several Universities and interact with diverse stakeholders including scientists in multiple state and federal agencies.
     The successful candidate will be fully funded for up to 24 months (M.S.) or 48 months (Ph.D.) on a graduate research assistantship, but additional graduate teaching assistantships are also available for students who seek teaching experience. Field and laboratory research expenses are covered for the next 4 years through external state and federal grants and support from the University.
    Virginia Tech is in Blacksburg, VA, a college town in an idyllic mountain setting and is the #1 ranked college/university in the U.S. for quality of life (Princeton Review, 8/2016). The Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation is one of the top five departments at Virginia Tech based on research funding, and is housed in the #1 ranked Natural Resources College in the U.S. (for the second straight year, USA Today, 9/2016). 

Qualifications:

     Applicants should have a strong interest and a prior degree in conservation biology, ecology, ecophysiology or related discipline. Applicants should have extensive past research experience, an outstanding academic record and GRE scores, and evidence of strong writing and quantitative skills. Applicants for a M.S. position will have the option to transition to a Ph.D. position after meeting departmental criteria. Applicants for a Ph.D. position must possess a M.S. degree and experience publishing their research. Ph.D. applicants will also be encouraged to enroll in the Interfaces of Global Change Interdisciplinary Graduate Program http://www.globalchange.vt.edu/igc/ which provides additional training on the role of science in society, science-policy, and science communication.
     Start date for the assistantship is negotiable, ranging from January 10th to August 10th, 2017. Deadline for applications for early start dates is November 1st, 2016, and for later start dates is January 15th, 2017. However, applications will be reviewed as they are received.
      To apply, please email a single PDF file to Dr. William A. Hopkins at hopkinsw@vt.edu containing:

(1) A cover letter outlining your research interests, career goals, relevant experience, preference for M.S. or Ph.D. position, and preferred start date.

(2) Your CV.

(3) Undergraduate/graduate transcripts and GRE scores.

(4) Full contact information for at least three professional references. 

The subject line of the email should read: Reproductive Ecology Graduate Position.

M.S. Graduate Research Assistantship on Southern Yellow Bats: Texas State University

School: Texas State University

Location: San Marcos, Texas

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

Salary: $13,500/9 months

Start Date: 01/17/2017

Last Date to Apply: 11/01/2016

 

Description:

     Now accepting applications for a highly motivated M.S. student interested in researching population genetics of the state-listed threatened southern yellow bat (Lasiurus ega) in Texas. The successful individual will work as a crew leader for a team conducting bat fatality studies to improve impact reduction strategies at a wind energy facility in south Texas during fall of 2017. The student will collect and analyze genetic samples from bat carcasses obtained during monitoring. Duties will include daily carcass searches, documenting fatality events, bat identification and collection, data analyses, and report writing. Portions of the research will be used for the students thesis project. The successful applicant will be expected to publish their findings and present results at conferences.

 

Qualifications:

     Required- B.S. in biology, wildlife biology, ecology, or a related field. Applicants need to meet entrance requirements for the program, department, and university. The anticipated start date is January 2017 (although university application deadline is October 15, applications can be processed on an ongoing basis). A current driver’s license will be required. In addition, student salary will be funded through a combination of grant support and instructional assistantship (TA), which requires a minimum GPA score of 3.0.
      The candidate must be interested in molecular techniques and laboratory methods, and be able to relocate to south Texas (field lodging and transportation will be provided by the project) for three months in fall 2017 (rest of M.S. work will be located in San Marcos). Essential field skills required are use of GPS units, careful note taking, and good organizational skills to handle data collection, sample organization, etc. Preferred applicants will be highly motivated, independent, and have experience with bat identification, and familiarity with wind energy post-construction monitoring.
      Interested individuals should email with the subject line: Prospective Student, Yellow Bat Research. Please attach a single pdf document that includes a brief description of your research interests and why you would like to join the M.S. program and this project, a CV (including GPA and GRE scores), a scanned copy of your transcript (non-official is fine), and contact information for two references. For additional information please contact: Dr. Ivan Castro (icl3@txstate.edu)

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Two MS positions in Fish Ecology at Clemson, South Carolina.

School: Clemson University

Location: Clemson, SC

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

Website: http://peoplesfish.weebly.com/

Salary: $18,000

Start Date: 01/01/2017

Last Date to Apply: 10/15/2016

 

Description:

     Two MS positions in fish ecology are available in the Peoples Lab (www.PeoplesFish.weebly.com) in the Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation at Clemson University:
1. Using snorkel surveys and genetic analysis to address hybridization of endemic Redeye Bass and invasive Alabama Bass in the Savannah River basin, co-advised by Dr. Yoichiro Kanno (www.KannoFish.weebly.com)
2. Using interspecific reproductive interactions among minnow species to examine fundamental questions how symbioses function in nature.
     Clemson is a public land-grant university near the Blue Ridge of South Carolina, with a population of approximately 20,000 students. Both positions include tuition waivers, and will require assisting with lab sections of Ichthyology and Fisheries Techniques, as well as other activities in the Peoples Lab. Experience in these subjects are a plus.

 

Qualifications: 

     Selected candidates must have:
• A BS in Fisheries Science, Ecology/Evolution/Biology, or equivalent.
• Exceptional writing and communication skills.
• Strong work ethic and self-motivation.

     Preferred qualifications and skills include demonstrated abilities in:
• Working in aquatic systems with aquatic organisms.
• Data management and analysis.
• Basic genetic analyses (or willingness to learn).
•Technical scientific communication (e.g. peer-reviewed manuscripts, project reports, or conference presentations).
• Working both individually and as a team.

     To apply, please email (peoples@Clemson.edu) a single PDF file including: 

(1) A cover letter expressing your interest in the specific position, why you are qualified, and what you plan to do after you finish.

(2) Your resume/CV. 

(3) Unofficial copies of transcripts and GRE scores. 

Please make the subject: MS Assistantship Application. Application review will begin on 15 October, and will continue until the position is filled. For additional information please contact: Brandon Peoples (peoples@clemson.edu)

MS Assistantship: Ecology of Xerohydric Flatwoods in Kentucky: Murray State University

School: Watershed Studies Institute at Murray State University

Location: Western Kentucky

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

Website: http://www.murraystate.edu/paulgagnon/

Salary: $12,000

Start Date: 01/15/2017

Last Date to Apply: 11/04/2016

 

Description:

     Graduate research assistantship available toward a MS in Watershed Science through the Watershed Studies Institute (WSI) at Murray State University with Paul Gagnon (www.murraystate.edu/paulgagnon/). The position examines ecological and edaphic controls of tree species composition in xerohydric wetlands. Stipend is $12,000 per year with the opportunity to apply for complementary room at Hancock Biological Station on Kentucky Lake. The chosen applicant will work closely with USFWS and NRCS professionals. 

Qualifications:

     Applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree in biology, environmental science, or related field prior to January 2017 with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Applicants should have a combined Verbal + Math GRE score of 300 or higher and have a demonstrated interest in field-based and/or quantitative ecological research. A valid driver’s license upon matriculation will be essential for the fieldwork.
      To apply, **combine the following into a single PDF file** and send as an email attachment to by November 4 with the subject titled “Graduate Research Position”: 

1) A letter of introduction/essay summarizing your relevant background, experience, career goals, and interest in this position, not to exceed 2-pages.

2) Resume/CV.

3) Unofficial transcript.

4) Three academic references including phone numbers, email addresses, and how each reference knows the applicant.

5) Test scores from the GRE.

     For additional information please contact: Paul Gagnon (pgagnon@murraystate.edu).