MS Research Assistantship – Fish Ecology: Kansas State University

School: Kansas State University - Fish Ecology Lab

Location: Manhattan, Kansas

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

Website: http://www.k-state.edu/fishecology/

Salary: 27,300

Start Date: 06/01/2017

Last Date to Apply: 01/30/2017

 

Description: 

     MS Research Assistantship - Ecology of Small Impoundments - Kansas State University. Research focus: Seeking a highly motivated master’s student to assist in a large-scale experiment testing the importance of gizzard shad in regulating ecosystem dynamics of small impoundments in Kansas. The primary objective of the project is to characterize food web dynamics in 12 small impoundments that have a range of gizzard shad densities. These surveys will be used as baseline information for the experimental removal of gizzard shad from a subset of these impoundments. Our goal is to provide management recommendations on the efficacy of gizzard shad removal as a means to manage sportfish productivity and water quality in small impoundments. There is flexibility for the student to develop independent research within the broad scope of the project. This research is a collaborate effort with the Fish Ecology Lab at Kansas State University and the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism. For more information on the Fish Ecology Lab at Kansas State University please visit our webpage. Please send a resume, transcripts, GRE scores and contact information for two references to kgido@ksu.edu by the deadline to be considered for this position. Information about the Division of Biology at Kansas State University can be found at http://www.k-state.edu/biology/. 

Qualifications:

    Applicants should be willing to spend extended periods of time at field locations and be comfortable operating boats.

Effects of forest management on woodcock and associated avian wildlife in southern New England forests. University of Rhode Island

School: University of Rhode Island

Location: University of Rhode Island

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

Salary: Stipends are approx. $25,000/yr (includes a mix of RA & TA) and tuition is paid. Starting date is September 2017 or could be as late as January 2018.

Start Date: 09/01/2017

Last Date to Apply: 12/15/2017

 

Description:

     A research assistantship is available at the M.Sc. or Ph.D. level to study the distribution and abundance of wild birds associated with early successional forests in southern New England and to develop a forest management plan for enhancing such wildlife. Selected species of songbird and gamebird that prefer early successional habitats will be censused to determine how forest management type and history influences their occurrence. An ongoing radiotelemetry study will be used to estimate home range and daily activity patterns of woodcock, an important gamebird associated with these forests. Significant habitat assessment and mapping will also be involved. Most field work will be conducted in Rhode Island on public and private forested land. Graduate students will choose to be trained in the Ecology & Ecosystem Science graduate program (http://web.uri.edu/cels-gradprograms/ees/) or the Integrative & Evolutionary Biology graduate program (http://web.uri.edu/cels-gradprograms/ieb/) at URI. These are interdepartmental graduate groups within our College of the Environment and Life Sciences (http://web.uri.edu/cels/) that are designed to provide students with a strong, interdisciplinary and integrative learning environment. 

Qualifications:

    Only hard-working, motivated, intelligent, good-natured persons interested in birds need apply. Applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree in animal/wildlife biology or ecology, earned at least a 3.2 GPA, must have taken the GRE, and must have excellent oral and written communication skills. Field experience with bird capture and handling, techniques for censusing songbirds, radiotelemetry and woodcock, and GIS is highly desirable. Experience with quantitative analysis skills and field research is required. Ability to work collaboratively and to supervise research assistants and undergraduates working in the field is also required. To apply submit the following: a letter stating your qualifications and research interests, a resume or CV, unofficial college transcripts, unofficial GRE scores, and the names an contact information for three references by no later than 15 December 2016 (early application is encouraged) to: Dr. Scott R. McWilliams (srmcwilliams@uri.edu).

Spatial ecology and habitat use of American Woodcock during migration and winter. University of Rhode Island

School: University of Rhode Island

Location: University of Rhode Island

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

Salary: Stipends are approx. $25,000/academic yr (includes a mix of RA & TA) and tuition is paid. Summer stipend of approx.. $10,000 is also available.

Start Date: 09/01/2017

Last Date to Apply; 01/15/2017

 

Description:

     A research assistantship is available at the M.Sc. or Ph.D. level to study the spatial ecology and habitat use of American Woodcock (AMWO) during migration and winter in the Delmarva Peninsula and elsewhere. Nanotags will be used to track the movements and habitat use of AMWO throughout winter and spring migration in relation to habitat availability. Body condition of birds will also be evaluated at capture by measuring plasma metabolites. Significant habitat assessment and mapping will also be involved. Most fieldwork will be conducted in the Delaware-Maryland-Virginia region in collaboration with the USFWS and the Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuges. Graduate students will choose to be trained in the Ecology & Ecosystem Science graduate program (http://web.uri.edu/cels-gradprograms/ees/) or the Integrative & Evolutionary Biology graduate program (http://web.uri.edu/cels-gradprograms/ieb/) at URI. These are interdepartmental graduate groups within our College of the Environment and Life Sciences (http://web.uri.edu/cels/) that are designed to provide students with a strong, interdisciplinary and integrative learning environment. 

Qualifications:

    Only hard-working, motivated, intelligent, good-natured persons interested in birds need apply. Applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree in animal/wildlife biology or ecology, earned at least a 3.2 GPA, must have taken the GRE, and must have excellent oral and written communication skills. Field experience with bird capture and handling, techniques for capturing AMWO, radiotelemetry, and GIS are highly desirable. Experience with quantitative analysis skills and field research is required. Ability to work collaboratively and to supervise research assistants and undergraduates working in the field is also required. To apply submit the following to the URI Graduate School: a letter stating your qualifications and research interests, a resume or CV, official college transcripts, official GRE scores, and three letters of reference by no later than 15 January 2017 (early application is encouraged). For more information please contact: Prof. Scott McWilliams (srmcwilliams@uri.edu),

Doctoral Fellowships and other assistantships: University of Louisiana at Lafayette

School: Dept of Biology, University of Louisiana at Lafayette

Location: Lafayette Louisiana

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

Website: https://biology.louisiana.edu/

Salary: variable

Start Date: 08/10/2017

Last Date to Apply: 01/15/2017

 

Description:

   Doctoral Fellowships and other assistantships available for entering Ph.D. students in Environmental and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Louisiana. We will be awarding University of Louisiana Fellowships and Board of Regents Fellowships to Ph.D. students entering Spring and Fall 2017. UL Fellows are funded for 3-4 years and have limited teaching responsibilities, while BoR Fellows are funded for 4 years and have no formal teaching duties. Stipends are up to $30,000 per year (plus tuition waiver). Eligibility requirements include US citizenship (or permanent residency) or degree from a US institution. We will also have teaching assistantships available for incoming Ph.D. students. Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to directly contact prospective advisors, whose contact information and research interests can be found at our departmental web site (http://biology.louisiana.edu/), which also has a link to our graduate programs (http://biology.louisiana.edu/programs/graduate). The Department of Biology has approximately 75 graduate students and 25 graduate faculty members conducting research on a wide variety of topics. More information on application is available from Dr. Scott C. France (france@louisiana.edu).

 

Qualifications:

    More information on application is available from Dr. Scott C. France (france@louisiana.edu).

PhD Assistantship in Urban forest ecosystem services: University of Northern British Columbia

School: University of Northern British Columbia

Location: Prince George, British Columbia, Canada

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

Salary: 18000

Last Date to Apply; 12/15/2016

 

Description: 

    Dr. Oscar Venter and the Integrated Forest Decisions (IFD) Laboratory at the University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George are now inviting applications for fully funded Masters and PhD positions starting in 2017. Students will undertake thesis projects on the ecosystem services provided by urban forests. Urban forests provide crucial opportunities for people living in cities to experience nature on a daily basis, and receive the benefits from these natural environments, including air and water purification, climate mitigation, noise reduction and recreation. It is at the wildland urban interface that these ecosystem services are most important. Two students are sought to undertake thesis work to quantify and map ecosystem services from urban forest in Prince George, BC. It is anticipated that students will undertake projects to enhance our understanding of how urban forests provide benefits to people at local and global scales, and how these benefits are valued by urban residents.
    Located in north-central British Columbia, Prince George is proudly known as the ‘city in nature’, largely because of its extensive and varied forests. These forests, and the greater region, provide a wide range of recreational amenities including skiing, canoeing, kayaking, fly-fishing, hiking and mountain biking. Northern and central British Columbia offers an unparalleled natural environment in which to live and work. UNBC is one of Canada's best small universities and was ranked #1 by the 2015 Maclean's survey. We are also Canada's Green University TM (voted #1 for environmental commitment in the Globe and Mail survey). We are leading the way to a more sustainable future through our passion for discovery, people, the environment and the North.
     Prospective graduate students will be expected to develop their own research goals, and should have curiosity, motivation, and independence. Students should also be interested in coupling field surveys with remote sensing, GIS, and modeling. Students could have a background in ecology, geography, environmental science or ecological economics. Students with a strong quantitative background (remote sensing, GIS, statistics, modelling) are especially encouraged to apply. Full funding is available, but students will be expected to apply for additional funding. Prospective students will apply to the Natural Resources and Environmental Studies program (http://www.unbc.ca/nres-graduate-program). Prospective students should email a short summary of their research interests as well as a CV to Dr. Venter (oscar.venter@unbc.ca) before applying to the program. 

Qualifications:

    Prospective students should have completed a bachelor's degree in ecology, geography, forestry, environmental science or ecological economics. Students with a strong quantitative background (remote sensing, GIS, statistics, modelling) are especially encouraged to apply.

Two PhD Positions in Mule Deer Ecology: U Idaho and UBC-Okanagan.

School: UIdaho and UBC-Okanagan

Location: Idaho; Britiish Columbia

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

Salary: TBD

Start Date: 09/01/2017

Last Date to Apply: 11/30/2016

 

Description:

    Mule deer ecology in the Boundary Region of British Columbia, Canada. We are seeking two PhD students to conduct dissertation research focused on how changing habitat conditions, predation, and competition affect mule deer demography in the Boundary Region of British Columbia. This region – located along the BC-WA state border – once supported British Columbia’s most productive mule deer population, but this population has not rebounded since declining in the 1970s. A recent, large-scale fire has provided the rare conditions needed to conduct a landscape-scale experiment on how habitat change affects mule deer population dynamics.
    Working closely with the BC Wildlife Federation (http://www.bcwf.net/) and the Okanagan Nation Alliance (http://www.syilx.org/), one student will be supervised by Dr. Sophie Gilbert (http://www.gilbertresearch.org/) at the University of Idaho and one student will be supervised by Dr. Adam Ford (http://atford.weebly.com/) at the University of British Columbia – Okanagan Campus. The Idaho-based student will examine how nutritional quality of the landscape impacts fawn and adult female fitness (body condition, survival, and reproductive performance) and use these individual responses to understand population-level consequences of landscape change. Approaches include GPS-collaring of adult females, VHF telemetry of fawns, and plant surveys to develop spatial-explicit, integrated population models. The UBC-based student will address how landscape and community context impact mule deer forage and exposure to predation. Approaches include herbivore-specific experimental exclosures, plant surveys, multi-species occupancy modelling with camera traps, and telemetry to assess predator-prey interactions, competition, and migratory connectivity.
    The PhD students are expected to work collaboratively on this team-based project and to engage with stakeholders, fish and game clubs, provincial range and wildlife agencies, industry, and First Nations.

 

Qualifications:

    Desired qualifications for both candidates include experience with or willingness to learn large mammal handling, VHF/GPS telemetry, plant identification, 4x4 vehicle operation, wilderness first aid, GIS analyses, habitat selection, population modeling, and occupancy analysis. Required qualifications include a MSc in ecology or related fields, proficiency in English, and valid driver’s licence and passport. To apply for these positions, please send a single pdf attachment (file name formatted as lastname_firstname_phd_date.pdf) to boundarydeerproject@gmail.com containing:

(1) A cover letter indicating: (a) preferred placement location, (b) past experiences in field ecology, and (c) approaches to stakeholder engagement

(2) A recent CV.

(3) Copies of undergraduate and graduate transcripts

(4) Copies of GRE scores for US applicants 

(5) Contact information for three references. 

Please use the subject header “Mule deer PhD application”. We expect the students will commence graduate studies in September 2017. Review of applications will begin November 30th. We anticipate confirmation of funding in March 2017. Prospective candidates are encouraged to apply to the respective graduate programs of their desired placement by January 31st, 2017.

Wildlife Responses to Cover Cropping: Purdue University

School: Purdue University

Location: West Lafayette, Indiana

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

Website: https://ag.purdue.edu/fnr/Pages/Profile.aspx?strAlias=rswihart&intDirDeptID=15

Salary: 12-month stipend, full tuition, and insurance

Start Date: 08/15/2017

Last Date to Apply: 12/15/2016

 

Description:

    Graduate student (PhD and MS) assistantships available to participate in research projects exploring responses of mammals and birds to cover crops in corn and soybean agroecosystems. Projects will involve comparative field studies and experiments in conjunction with quantitative modeling and analysis. Possible foci include vole population dynamics and determinants of damage to soybeans, cover crop impacts on spatial distribution and density of upland game species, and cascading effects of cover crops on avian predators.

 

Qualifications:

    Minimum qualifications include a BS (for MS position) or MS (for PhD position) in Wildlife Biology, Ecology, or related field; GPA of 3.2 or greater; and above average GRE scores (at least 50th percentile for quantitative and verbal; at least 4.0 for analytical writing). For full consideration, please respond by 15-December-2016 and submit via email a cover letter, CV, GRE scores (unofficial is fine), transcript (unofficial is fine), and names and contact numbers of three references. For more information please contact: Robert K Swihart (rswihart@purdue.edu).

New Master of Science in Environmental Policy & Management at UC Davis

School: University of California - Davis

Location: Davis, CA

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships, Training

Website: http://epm.ucdavis.edu/

Salary: --

Start Date: 08/15/2017

Last Date to Apply: 01/15/2017

 

Description:

    The University of California, Davis is pleased to announce a new Master of Science in Environmental Policy and Management (EPM) (epm.ucdavis.edu) degree program at the John Muir Institute of the Environment. We are now accepting student applications or the Fall 2017 academic year. The EPM program focuses on the application of environmental sciences to real-world environmental policy and management issues. UC Davis provides an ideal setting for this pursuit as one of the world’s strongest campuses in environmental research and science. Individuals with scientific and engineering backgrounds who seek applied professional careers in environmental policy and management are especially encouraged to apply. The availability of an accelerated one-year program makes EPM an ideal option for early and mid-career professionals. EPM students will conduct policy analysis on projects proposed by partner agencies and institutions. We encourage environmental organizations to contact us with their pressing environmental policy analysis needs and become EPM program partners. Visit the EPM website (epm.ucdavis.edu) for details on applying to the program. The priority application deadline is January 15, 2017. For more information, contact us at: epminfo@ucdavis.edu.

Qualifications:

    See degree requirements: http://epm.ucdavis.edu/degree-requirements.html, 

MS or PhD in Wildlife Ecology to study avian and mammalian predators and sagebrush-obligate songbirds: Oregon State University.

School: Oregon State University

Location: Western Wyoming

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

Website: http://www.oregonstate.edu

Salary: $1,800/month + health benefits

Start Date: 01/02/2017

Last Date to Apply: 12/15/2016

 

Description:

     Opening for someone seeking an MS or PhD degree starting January 1, 2017 or sooner (starting date is negotiable). Study focused on avian and mammalian predator abundance and resource selection within and outside of Wyoming Sage-grouse Core Areas. Potential for analysis of sagebrush-obligate songbird abundance.

 

Qualifications:

     Duties Include: Writing, study design, analyzing aerial infrared imagery, and conducting point-count surveys during summer. The position requires long and irregular hours (early mornings) under adverse field conditions (wind, rain, snow, mud). Individual will be required to work in the field by themselves and in group settings. Camping between field days will be required in the summer. Study sampling sites will be located near the Bighorn, Medicine Bow, Uinta, Wind River, and Wyoming Range mountains of Wyoming. These areas are renowned for fishing, hiking, hunting and camping opportunities.

Preferred Qualifications: 

    Self-motivated applicants experienced with study design, avian point count surveys, 4WD manual vehicles, ATVs, GPS, and data collection. Potential candidates should be excellent writers, well organized, self-motivated and able to perform duties independent of constant direct supervision; a valid driver license is required for this position. Work vehicles and work-related equipment will be provided; employees are responsible for personal equipment including cold-weather clothing. GRE scores required. For more information please contact: Jonathan Dinkins (jonathan.dinkins@oregonstate.edu).

PhD Assistantship in Wildlife Biology: University of Montana

Agency: University of Montana

Location: University of Montana

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

Website: http://www.cfc.umt.edu/research/heblab/

Salary: 20,000

Start Date: 05/01/2017

Last Date to Apply: 01/15/2017

 

Description:

   PhD Assistantship in Wildlife Biology at the University of Montana, I have an opening for Fall 2017 for one graduate student project (PhD, but may consider MS) focused on understanding the spatial and population ecology of the Fortymile caribou herd, one of Alaska’s most important caribou herds. The successful PhD student will work with an interagency group including the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFG), the National Park Service (NPS) and the Yukon Territorial Government to develop their research and field activities, and deliver applied ecological science to improve cooperative management of this herd. The Fortymile caribou herd is one of the most intensively studied populations in Alaska, and also experiences intensive habitat and predator management. The focus of the project is to understand the fundamental roles of top-down and bottom-up factors in driving spatial and population ecology. Opportunities for fieldwork to support the research could be developed by the PhD student and collaborating agencies and include developing nutritional forage models and assisting collaborating agencies with population-level fieldwork. For more information about the Fortymile herd see here. Funding is provided by the Alaska BLM office and collaborating agencies. This project will also collaborate and work synergistically with a broader, Arctic-Boreal Vulnerability Experiment (ABoVE) project in which Hebblewhite is a co-PI . For more information about the NASA project see the project description.

 

Qualifications:

   M.Sc./M.A. in wildlife biology , ecology, conservation biology, or related field preferred; outstanding work ethic; exceptional quantitative skills and motivation; field experience in ungulate or predator ecology preferred; field experience in remote wilderness settings in the subarctic or arctic preferred; experience with analyses of GPS movement data from animals; demonstrated excellence in oral and written communication and interpersonal skills; demonstrated experience working with wildlife management agencies. Experience with statistical modeling, programming, R, GIS analyses, remote sensing, scientific writing, and spatial modeling an asset. For more information please contact: Mark Hebblewhite (mark.hebblewhite@umontana.edu).

MS Assistantship in Ecotoxicology: University of Georgia

School: University of Georgia

Location: Athens, GA

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

Website: https://www.warnell.uga.edu/people/faculty/dr-robert-bringolf

Salary: Stipend, full tuition waiver, health insurance

Start Date: 08/01/2017

Last Date to Apply: 12/15/2016

 

Description:

   An M.S. assistantship in ecotoxicology is currently available at the UGA Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources for Aug 2017. Students interested in evaluating the effects of agrochemicals on early life stages of freshwater mussels, including the parasitic relationship with host fish, are encouraged to apply. In addition to research activities, the successful applicant will serve as a teaching assistant for one semester per year of support.

 

Qualifications:

   BS in biology, environmental science, fisheries/wildlife biology, or related area. Preference will be given to applicants with a record of previous research experience. Competitive applicants will have a GPA > 3.5 and combined (math and verbal) GRE > 310. 

To Apply:
    Please send Dr. Bringolf unofficial copies: 

(1) Transcripts 

(2) GRE scores

(3) Resume with contact info for three references

(4) A letter of application that specifically addresses research experience, career objectives, and interest in the field of ecotoxicology. 

For additional information please contact: Robert Bringolf (bringo@uga.edu).

PhD and MS Assistantships: Fish and Aquatic Ecology – Purdue University, Indiana

School: Purdue University, Department of Forestry and Natural Resources

Location: West Lafayette, IN

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

Website: http://web.ics.purdue.edu/~thook

Salary: Assistantships include 12-month stipend, full tuition coverage, and insurance.

Start Date; 08/01/2017

Last Date to Apply: 12/15/2016

 

Description:

   Graduate student (PhD and MS) assistantships available to participate in various research projects exploring dynamics of fish in the Great Lakes and inland systems. These projects involve an integration of field studies, laboratory analyses, controlled experiments and quantitative modeling analyses.
   Specific research topics include:
1) Linking land-use to population and community structure of fish and invertebrates.
2) Intra-specific variation of life history and trophic traits (e.g., maturation schedules, growth rates, egg characteristics, morphometrics and biochemical trophic indicators) and potential anthropogenic influences on these traits.
Selected individuals will enroll in Purdue University’s Department of Forestry and Natural Resources (www.ag.purdue.edu/fnr) in West Lafayette, IN. 

Qualifications:

    Minimum qualifications include a BS (for MS position) or MS (for PhD position) in Biology, Ecology, Fisheries Science, or related field; GPA of 3.2 or greater; and above average GRE scores (at least 50th percentile for quantitative and verbal; at least 4.0 for analytical writing). Assistantships include 12-month stipend, full tuition coverage, and insurance. Exact start date is negotiable (can start sometime from April-August 2017). For more information please contact: Tomas Hook (thook@purdue.edu).

M.S. and Ph.D. Graduate Assistantships – Fisheries Research: University of Georgia

School: University of Georgia

Location; Athens, Georgia

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

Salary: Full Stipend, tuition waiver, health insurance

Start Date: 07/05/2017

Last Date to Apply: 12/15/2016

 

Description:

    Several M.S. and Ph. D. assistantships are currently available at the UGA Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources beginning any time from May-Aug, 2017. Successful applicants will join one of several new research initiatives investigating linkages between nearshore marine habitats and recruitment success of marine sportfish in the Gulf of Mexico. Students interested in biotelemetry, population dynamics, or recruitment ecology of marine sportfish (e.g., redfish, sea trout, snapper, grouper, etc.) are encouraged to apply.

 

Qualifications:

     BS (or MS for PhD post) in biology, ecology, fisheries/wildlife biology, or related area. Previous experience with field research is desirable but not required. Applicants with a GPA > 3.2 and GRE > 310 in math and verbal, combined, are competitive.

To Apply:
     Please send unofficial copies of:

(1) transcripts

(2) GRE scores

(3) Resume with contact info for three references

(4) A letter of application that specifically address how your interests and qualifications make you a good fit for a research position in the Peterson lab (publications available at: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Douglas_Peterson3)

Masters in Biological Science: University of New England, Maine

School: University of New England

Location: Biddeford, ME

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

Website: http://www.une.edu/cas/biology/graduate

Salary: $20,000

Start Date: 05/01/2017

Last Date to Apply: 12/07/2016

 

Description:

     Looking for an MS graduate student to join the Perlut Lab (http://blog.une.edu/perlutlab/). This position will involve both molecular and field work focusing on a long-term study of Bobolinks breeding in agricultural fields of Vermont. The thesis topic can be shaped by the student’s interests and should include genotyping/parentage analysis from the long-term dataset. The University of New England Masters in Biological Science (http://www.une.edu/cas/biology/graduate) is a small program with a heavy emphasis on research.
      Prospective students must have experience studying birds in the field, strong interest and preferably experience working in a molecular lab, have conducted or participated in research as an undergraduate and/or after graduation, be able to meet the academic requirements listed on the program webpage, and have an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.5 (to be competitive for a teaching assistantship). Interested potential students should review the lab and program webpages, and email a CV and cover letter stating your professional interests and goals, particularly noting that your can meet the criteria for acceptance into the program to nperlut@une.edu, Dr. Noah Perlut, Department of Environmental Studies, 11 Hills Beach Road, University of New England, Biddeford, ME 04005. Program application deadline is Feb 1, however, phone interviews will begin in early-December. I encourage interested people to send informal materials listed above as soon as possible. 

Qualifications:

     Prospective students must have experience studying birds in the field, strong interest and preferably experience working in a molecular lab, have conducted or participated in research as an undergraduate and/or after graduation, be able to meet the academic requirements listed on the program webpage, and have an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.5 (to be competitive for a teaching assistantship).

PhD Assistantship – Carnivore community ecology: University of Michigan

School: University of Michigan

Location: Ann Arbor

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

Website: http://lsa.umich.edu/eeb/people/faculty/nyeema.html

Salary: >$25,000

Start Date: 08/28/2017

Last Date to Apply: 11/23/2016

 

Description:

    Seeking PhD student to collaborate on the MESONICHE project with Dr. Nyeema Harris in the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Michigan. Sympatric species within the same guilds coexist through various mechanisms to reduce competition. In this research, we aim to elucidate how mesocarnivores partition resources as well as their sensitivities to spatial variation in biotic conditions; specifically, prey availability, parasite load, and diversity of competitor species.
    The successful candidate will be expected to collaboratively develop a project that align with MESONICHE goals. This scholar will have full access to previous data including: 1) images from remote camera surveys conducted across three distinct geographies in Michigan 2015-2016; and scat collected from carnivores and associated sympatric prey as well as reference vegetation samples to incorporate in their dissertation. Student will assist in expanding study to include an urban area and contribute to citizen science project (Michigan ZoomIN). Current prey analysis via stable isotopes and molecular identification as well as gut microbial community analysis are underway. Camera and scat surveys will continue through 2018 with additional opportunities to incorporate museum species/records, stress hormones, or animal capture. Student will receive annual stipend of at least $25,000 + full tuition waiver + health insurance.
     Interested applicants should send CV including GRE scores, transcripts, and coverletter with research interests in a single PDF by November 23. After evaluation, strong applicants would be encouraged to apply for doctoral program prior to department deadline (DEC 1). Start date is negotiable between May - August 2017.

 

Qualifications:

    A MS degree or other substantial research experience. Candidates with a publication record, molecular experience, demonstrated public engagement, and strong quantitative skills will be highly competitive. For more information please contact: Nyeema Harris (carnivores@umich.edu).

Graduate position in restoration/rangeland ecology: Utah State University

School: Utah State University

Location: Logan, UT

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

Salary: $24,000

Start Date: 08/15/2017

Last Date to Apply: 03/15/2017

 

Description:

    I am recruiting a student interested in pursuing a graduate degree in ecology at Utah State University. My research emphases include plant community ecology, plant-herbivore interactions, restoration ecology, and rangeland ecology and management (http://qcnr.usu.edu/directory/veblen_kari).
The overall project is aimed at developing techniques for restoration of native plant species in alkali semi-desert areas, where restoration research historically has focused largely on non-native species. The graduate student will perform soil and vegetation mapping, followed by implementation of experiments testing establishment of native grasses, forbs, and shrubs in different types of vegetation patches and under different site preparation treatments.    

    This project is best suited for students with genuine interest in generating practical restoration approaches for land management agencies. The student will have the freedom to further develop and test broader restoration concepts including, but not limited to: 

1) Efficacy of high-effort restoration approaches (e.g., plantings vs. broadcast seeding)

2) Establishment of ‘restoration islands’ or ‘nucleation plantings’ to encourage colonization and persistence beyond the initial planting areas. A PhD student will have the most freedom to pursue these concepts (or others), given the time constraints of an MS degree.
   The project will be conducted in collaboration with Dr. Janis Boettinger (https://psc.usu.edu/htm/people/faculty?memberID=23), Dr. Tom Monaco (https://www.ars.usda.gov/pacific-west-area/logan-ut/forage-and-range-research/people/dr-thomas-monaco/), and the Pocatello Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The home base for the student will be Utah State University, which has a strong natural resources program; its location in the beautiful Cache Valley provides easy access to world class outdoor recreation. Students in my lab typically earn degrees through the Ecology Center (http://www.usu.edu/ecology/), but could alternatively earn a degree through the Department of Wildland Resources http://www.cnr.usu.edu/. 

Qualifications:

    Interested students should have a degree in ecology, biology, soil science, natural resources, or a related field. Students must be prepared to work in remote field conditions. Past independent field research experience and evidence of excellent written communication skills are strongly desired; experience working with both soils and vegetation also is desired. Minimum requirements for entry into USU’s Graduate Program are a cumulative 3.0 GPA and 40th percentile on GRE, but the most competitive applicants will exceed these minimums. MS and PhD candidates must apply to USU’s School of Graduate Studies (http://www.usu.edu/gradsch) and may be interested in applying to the interdisciplinary Climate Adaptation science program (https://climateadaptation.usu.edu/. PhD students are required to apply for the USU Presidential Doctoral Research Fellowship (https://rgs.usu.edu/pdrf/) and S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney Ph.D. Fellowships Program (announcement forthcoming).
    Before beginning the formal USU application process potential students should send:

1) a letter of interest and qualifications

2) CV

3) Unofficial transcripts

4) GRE scores

5) Contact information for three references to Dr. Kari E. Veblen (kari.veblen@usu.edu). Review of applications will begin Dec 12 and continue until the position is filled.

M.S. Assistantship Fruit Crop Entomology – Microbiology: University of Wisconsin – Madison

School: University of Wisconsin - Madison

Location: Madison, WI

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

Website: http://labs.russell.wisc.edu/fruitcropentomology/

Salary: Stipend and tuition waiver for two years with possibilities to extend depending on availability of funds.

Start Date: 01/17/2017

Last Date to Apply: 12/07/2016

 

Description:

     The Fruit Crop Entomology Laboratory at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is looking for a highly qualified and motivated individual who wishes to pursue a MS in Entomology. The research project will explore the interaction between the invasive pest Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD) and microbes. The selected student will develop methods to assess the contribution of microbes to the diet of SWD, determine the effect of host and landscape on the contribution of microbes, and use Compound Specific Isotopic Analyses to accurately determine the trophic position of SWD.

 

Qualifications:

    Interested candidates should possess a B.S. degree in entomology, microbiology, biology, or related fields. Preference will be given to students who have relevant work experience/training in microbiology. The candidate is expected to work independently and within a team, and have excellent verbal and written communication skills. This project will require a student who is proficient in performing laboratory assays and field work. Strong work ethic and the ability to work outdoors for extended periods of time are a must. For more information please contact: Christelle Guédot (guedot@wisc.edu).

M.S. Assistantship Fruit Crop Entomology – Parasitology: University of Wisconsin – Madison

School: University of Wisconsin - Madison

Location: Madison, WI

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

Website: http://labs.russell.wisc.edu/fruitcropentomology/

Salary: Stipend for two years and tuition waiver for one year with the possibility to cover the second year through a teaching assistantship.

Start Date: 01/17/2017

Last Date to Apply: 12/07/2016

 

Description: 

    The Fruit Crop Entomology Laboratory at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is looking for a highly qualified and motivated individual who wishes to pursue a MS in Entomology. The research project will address the susceptibility of tart cherries to spotted wing drosophila (SWD), identify natural enemies of SWD, and assess parasitism rates in field populations of SWD in Wisconsin berry and cherry crops.

 

Qualification:

    Interested candidates should possess a B.S. degree in entomology, biology, or related fields. The candidate is expected to work independently and within a team, and have excellent verbal and written communication skills. This project will require a student who is proficient in performing laboratory assays and field work. Strong work ethic and the ability to work outdoors for extended periods of time are a must. For more information please contact: Christelle Guédot (guedot@wisc.edu). 

MS and PhD positions in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology: University of Connecticut

School: University of Connecticut

Location: Storrs, Connecticut, USA

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

Website: http://eeb.uconn.edu/

Salary: $22,910 - $24,106 (9 month salary) + full tuition waiver and health benefits

Start Date: 08/23/2017

Last Date to Apply: 12/15/2016

 

Description:

   The Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Connecticut (UConn) invites applications from prospective graduate students (M.S. and Ph.D.) to begin in Fall 2017. Research in the department includes a wide range of topics in ecology, evolutionary biology, systematics, computational biology, global change biology and conservation biology in a highly collaborative environment at a leading public research university. Applicants should demonstrate a strong commitment to and potential for academic work in ecology and evolutionary biology. Applications from individuals of groups historically underrepresented in STEM fields are particularly encouraged with scholarships available from the university to promote a diverse and inclusive academic community.

 

Qualification:

    A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in any facet of biology is expected although students with unusual backgrounds are also encouraged to apply if they can demonstrate aptitude and commitment to ecology or evolutionary biology. Because acceptance to the program depends on a good match between the interests of faculty members and students, applicants should communicate about project ideas with potential advisers (see http://eeb.uconn.edu/faculty/) before initiating the on-line application. Applicants are also encouraged to visit UConn to meet faculty members and current graduate students.
    We will start reviewing applications on December 15th 2016. The on-line application process requires submission of the formal graduate school application, transcripts, GRE scores (general test required, biology GRE recommended), three letters of reference, a personal essay, and, for non-native speakers of English, TOEFL or IELTS scores. For more information please contact: Anne St-Onge (anne.st_onge@uconn.edu).

Graduate Position in Insect Community & Ecosystem Ecology: University of Dayton, Ohio.

School: University of Dayton

Location: Dayton, OH (summers in TX)

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

Salary: a stipend of ~$20,000/year

Last Date to Apply: 12/20/2016

 

Description:

    An opportunity exists at the University of Dayton (UD) for graduate-level training related to questions at the interface of community and ecosystem ecology utilizing insect communities. The student will be based at UD (although, there may be a substantial field component in grasslands in Texas) and will work in the laboratory of Dr. Chelse Prather. I am seeking a motivated student who is eager to perform the arduous tasks associated with ecological field research and chemical analyses in the lab, the careful work of experimentation, and who has an eagerness to learn and implement complex statistical analyses. Potential students must be excited to work with insects and have substantial fieldwork experience. Students must be able to work well in potentially inclement conditions (e.g., hot summers with many biting insects), and work well with others in the field. Other desirable qualities include: familiarity with sampling grassland vegetation and insects, insect identification, rearing insects, laboratory feeding trials with insects, and laboratory chemical analyses. I would be open to applications from potential Masters or PhD level students.
    I am currently working on two major projects in my lab: 

1) An NSF-funded large-scale manipulation to determine the role of micronutrients in structuring herbivore communities in grasslands

2) A USDA-funded mesocosm experiment (in collaboration with Dr. Angela Laws and others) to determine if herbivore diversity affects grassland functioning. These projects are both located in Texas, and could provide an excellent framework for an intellectually curious student to develop independent, interesting complementary projects.
     The student will be initially supported by a teaching assistantship through the Department of Biology at UD. The assistantship is associated with a stipend of ~$20,000/year; however, a portion of this comes in the form of a University summer fellowship which is awarded through a competitive process. The assistantship also comes with 100% tuition remission. Support is guaranteed for the life of the project pending satisfactory performance.
     UD is the largest private University in the state of Ohio, and is consistently award winning for both academic programs and scholarship http://www.udayton.edu/awards_and_rankings.php. Enrollment is ~11,000 with approximately 3,000 graduate students.
      Interested individuals are encouraged to view the following web sites:
Dr. Prather’s Lab Pages: https://chelseprather.wordpress.com
UD Department of Biology: http://biology.udayton.edu
University of Dayton: http://www.udayton.edu 

University of Houston’s Coastal Center (where field work is located): http://www.eih.uh.edu. 

 

Qualifications:

    Students must be able to work well in potentially inclement conditions (e.g., hot summers with many biting insects), and work well with others in the field. Other desirable qualities include: familiarity with sampling grassland vegetation and insects, insect identification, rearing insects, laboratory feeding trials with insects, and laboratory chemical analyses. I would be open to applications from potential Masters or PhD level students. For more information please contact: Chelse Prather (cprather1@udaton.edu).