Biofuel from Ecosystem Restoration: University of Arkansas

School: University of Arkansas

Location: Monticello, AR

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

Website: http://www.afrc.uamont.edu/employment.htm

Salary: $15,000 plus tuition

Start Date: 01/02/2017

Last Date to Apply: 12/02/2016

 

Description:

     The Ozark National Forest, located in northwest Arkansas, is undergoing a multi-year ecosystem restoration project. Timber harvests and prescribed fire are used to restore desired ecosystem conditions to promote oak and pine savannah habitats for elk, turkey, and several species of threatened and endangered plant and bird species. This project is designed to estimate the potential for using wood residues from these ecosystem restoration harvests for bio-energy in the form of wood pellets for heating multi-residential wood-framed structures in the region. The project involves the measurement of biomass residuals and the development of regional supply curves for wood energy products.

 

Qualifications:

    Applicants must have a 2.7 overall undergraduate GPA or 3.0 GPA in the last 60 semester hours of undergraduate courses and satisfactory GRE scores. A B.S. degree in a natural resources-related field is also required. Applicants must have a valid U.S. driver’s license or obtain the same within 60 days of starting employment. Overnight travel is required as well as the ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions. 

 

     Graduate program and application information can be found athttp://www.uamont.edu/sfnr. Applicants must be admitted to the University of Arkansas at Monticello and apply to the School of Forestry & Natural Resources before they can be considered for an assistantship. Applicants must submit all GRE scores, official transcripts, a statement of interests, and three letters of recommendation. Please indicate the position number (2016-011) on all application materials and inquires. For additional information, please contact Dr. Matthew Pelkki (pelkki@uamont.edu). The position is available until a qualified applicant is selected.

Ph.D. and M.S. position in Community Ecology starting Fall 2017: University of Connecticut

School: University of Connecticut

Location: Storrs, Connecticut, USA

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

Website: http://bagchi.eeb.uconn.edu/join-us/graduate-student-opportunities/

Salary: $24,000 (approx.)

Start Date: 08/21/2017

Last Date to Apply: 10/31/2016

 

Description:

     The Bagchi laboratory in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Connecticut invites applications from motivated and independent Ph. D. and M. S. students to start in the Fall of 2017. Our group combines experimental and quantitative approaches to investigate processes that regulate diversity in ecological communities, especially in the context of natural and anthropogenic gradients. Our work involves both tropical forests and temperate systems.

Some questions that we are interested in are:
1) Is coexistence of competing plant species maintained by natural enemies?
2) How do interactions between plants and their natural enemies vary along environmental (e.g. precipitation and soil fertility) and anthropogenic (e.g. habitat fragmentation and hunting) gradients?
3) What factors influence the relative abundances of host-specialist and host-generalist herbivores in ecological communities?
4) How does fruiting synchrony affect seedling survival in Southeast Asian rain forests and what factors increase asynchronous fruiting?
5) How do different coexistence mechanisms influence the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning?

     This is far from an exhaustive list and ideas for other questions that fit in with our overall research themes are welcome.

 

Qualifications:

Essential qualifications:
1) Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Ecology or a related discipline.
2) Strong written and verbal communication ability in English and quantitative skills.

Preferred:
1) Broad knowledge of ecology.
2) A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Ecology or related discipline if applying for a Ph. D. position.
3) Preference for proven research aptitude (e.g. published papers).
4) Experience of field work.
5) An interest and knowledge of natural history (especially in intended study system).

Application process:
Interested and qualified candidates should browse my web page (http://bagchi.eeb.uconn.edu) and then email me (robert.bagchi@uconn.edu) with:

1) A cover-letter including a description of (i) qualifications, (ii) research interests and (iii) brief ideas for research projects (5-6 sentences).
2) An up-to-date CV, transcript (unofficial is fine).
3) GPA and GRE scores.
4) A sample of scientific writing (e.g. a published paper, a manuscript or an excerpt from a thesis/dissertation or scientific essay).

      I will give preference to applicants who contact me by Monday, October 31st 2016 so that we have plenty of time to discuss projects and funding opportunities before the UConn Graduate School’s application deadline on December 15th 2016. Strong applicants will be contacted to schedule an informal interview via Skype.

     Financial support is available through research assistantships, teaching assistantships and university fellowships, but applicants are strongly encouraged to seek external funding. The UConn Graduate School has several funding opportunities for outstanding applicants and groups that are historically under-represented in science. For additional information please contact Robert Bagchi (robert.bagchi@uconn.edu).

M.S. Assistantship: Use of prescribed burning to restore and maintain forest health: University of Arkansas at Monticello

School: University of Arkansas at Monticello

Location: Monticello/Fayetteville

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

Website: http://www.uamont.edu/pages/department/school-forest-resources/

Salary: Annual stipend of $15,000 plus tuition

Start Date: 01/02/2017

Last Date to Apply: 11/30/2016

 

Description:

     The School of Forestry & Natural Resources at the University of Arkansas at Monticello is seeking applicants for a M.S. Assistantship available beginning January 2, 2017. The assistantship is half time and carries an annual stipend of $15,000 plus tuition. The project will examine prescribed burning effects on shortleaf pine and upland hardwood systems. Areas of focus are broad and accommodating to the student’s interest and may include the evaluation of shortleaf sprouting ability after burning, burning effects on oak regeneration, fire effects in long unburned stands, and fuel consumption.

 

Qualifications:

    Applicants must have a 2.7 overall undergraduate GPA or 3.0 GPA in the last 60 semester hours of undergraduate courses and satisfactory GRE scores. A B.S. degree in a natural resources-related field is also required. Applicants must have a valid U.S. driver’s license or obtain one within 60 days of starting employment. Overnight travel is required as well as the ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions. For additional information please contact Mohammad Bataineh (bataineh@uamont.edu).

MS Opportunity: Arthropod-Borne Disease Ecology – University of Maine

School: University of Maine, Orono

Location: Orono, ME

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

Salary: Tuition and competitive salary

Start Date: 08/28/2017

Last Date to Apply: 01/15/2017

 

Description:

     A position is open for a Master's student to join my research group in the School of Biology and Ecology at the University of Maine (Orono) in Fall 2017. My lab studies the ecology of infectious diseases that are transmitted by mosquitoes and ticks. The research topic will broadly address the effects of landscape and/or climate change on arthropods of medical importance in Maine's Midcoast and Downeast regions using a combined lab/field approach, with specific research questions and hypotheses determined in discussion with the student. The most important prerequisites to joining the lab are experience with and enthusiasm for conducting field work and openness to developing new scientific skills (e.g., experimental design, molecular techniques, the analysis and presentation of quantitative data).
     Research assistant support is available from the Maine Agricultural and Forest Experiment Station for at least one semester, and teaching assistant support is guaranteed for the duration of the graduate program (course assignments may include Basic Biology, Biology of Organisms, and General Entomology). Applications submitted prior to 15 January 2017 also may be considered for UMaine fellowships. The student may be admitted through the program in 1) Ecology and Environmental Science, 2) Entomology, or 3) Zoology depending upon his/her interests and professional goals. 

Qualifications:

     Applicants must meet the requirements of the School of Biology and Ecology and the Graduate College of the University of Maine, outlined on the following web-site: https://sbe.umaine.edu/graduate/program-requirements/degree-offerings/application-to-the-program/.

     Please send inquiries to Dr. Allie Gardner (allison.gardner@maine.edu) by 1 November 2016 with the following to ensure consideration:
1) Cover letter discussing your interest in graduate study in ecology and relevant coursework and research experience;
2) Names and contact information for three references;
3) Writing sample (e.g., an undergraduate paper or lab report of ~5-10 pages in length, which does not necessarily need to be related to biology).

   

 

MS Research Assistantship on Wading Birds: Florida Atlantic University

School: Florida Atlantic University

Location: Boca Raton, Florida

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

Website: http://cescos.fau.edu/biology/gawliklab/

Salary: $12,848/year plus tuition waiver.

Start Date: 02/01/2017

Last Date to Apply: 10/16/2016

 

Description:

     Successful applicants will join an active lab at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) conducting research on wetland birds and the aquatic ecosystems that support them. The student will become part of a team conducting field studies on Lake Okeechobee that address questions related to wading bird breeding biology and behavior, foraging ecology, habitat selection, wetland drivers of prey communities, and the responses of birds and aquatic fauna to water management (see lab web page for details http://www.science.fau.edu/biology/gawliklab/). In the course of conducting research the student will be exposed to the process of using science to guide one of the nation’s most comprehensive wetland ecosystem restoration projects. The successful candidate will be hired as a Research Associate in Feb 2017. Conditional on acceptance to the MS degree program in Environmental Science (http://science.fau.edu/envirosci/; http://www.fau.edu/graduate/applyonline/degree-seeking.php), the candidate will transition to graduate student status in Aug 2017.

 

Qualifications:

     Applicants should have experience in avian ecology, wetlands, or wildlife science, possess a good analytical mind, a strong sense of curiosity, and a demonstrated ability to work well in teams. The position is based on FAU’s main campus in Boca Raton, Florida. Boca Raton is located between the Everglades and an extensive coral reef tract, two of Florida’s most unique natural features. FAU has over 30,000 students and a Carnegie Classification of High Research Activity. Applicants should send as a single pdf, a letter of interest indicating their specific research interests and qualifications, CV, transcripts, GRE scores (unofficial copies will suffice), and the names and contact information for 3 references to Dale Gawlik at dgawlik@fau.edu (561-297-3333) by Oct 16, 2016. For additional information please contact Dale Gawlik (dgawlik@fau.edu).

 

Graduate Research Assistant – MS and PhD Research Technician: Auburn University, Fish Ecology Group – Alabama

School: Auburn University

Location: Auburn, Alabama

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

Last Date to Apply: 11/13/2016

 

Description: 

     Graduate Research Assistant – MS, PhD and Research Technician, Auburn University Fish Ecology Group (Drs. Russell (Rusty) Wright and Dennis DeVries). We are seeking interested and qualified applicants for four positions – three Graduate Research Assistantships (two MS level, one PhD level) and one Research Technician to participate in a large scale, comprehensive study of the influence of dams with low‐use navigational locks on riverine fish populations. The overall project will combine field sampling and tracking, laboratory experiments, and hydrological /behavioral simulation modeling components, all in a collaborative research effort.

The Program: 

     The Fish Ecology Group at the Ireland Center in Auburn University’s School of Fisheries, Aquaculture & Aquatic Sciences is currently involved in a variety of projects investigating the ecology and management of aquatic organisms in a variety of systems. Recent/ongoing work has included the ecology of coastal fishes in the northern Gulf of Mexico, the effects of an introduced planktivore on resident fishes and other aquatic organisms in an Alabama reservoir, adaptations of freshwater fishes to life in estuarine waters, respirometry of non‐game fishes to quantify thermal and DO stress, use of lock chambers to pass riverine fishes, and management of small impoundment fishes, and study of the role of introduced yellow perch in two Alabama impoundments. Laboratory and field facilities are outstanding, including expansive pond facilities, large wet labs, controlled environment space, and newly renovated student office space. Our staff and students work with natural resource agency biologists, travel widely for professional activities, and maintain a team approach to research.

The GRA Positions: 

      We are seeking graduate student applicants at both the M.S. and Ph.D. levels. Students are expected to conduct their thesis/dissertation research project and complete required course work. Students will receive a stipend (currently approx. $17,000/year for MS, $19,000/year for PhD), waiver of both in‐state and out‐of‐state tuition, as well as required technical help, all costs of conducting the research (including travel to field sites, supplies and equipment, etc.), and travel to scientific meetings.

The Technician Position: 

      We are seeking applicants with a B.S. degree for a full‐time research technician position to assist with all aspects of the project, including field sampling, equipment/gear maintenance, laboratory work, data entry, and possibly some data analysis. Our technicians are integral components of our research programs, assisting graduate students and working on a number of ongoing projects in our laboratory. Salary is commensurate with experience, and the position includes benefits. 

 

Qualifications:

For additional information, please contact either:
Rusty Wright (wrighr2@auburn.edu; 334/844‐9311)
Dennis DeVries (devridr@auburn.edu; 334/844‐9322)

To Apply: 

      Send a letter of interest, along with a current CV (including GPA and GRE scores, if available), contact information for three (3) references, and photocopies of transcripts to: Dr. Dennis DeVries, devridr@auburn.edu.

 

MS or PhD Assistantship – Alligator Snapping Turtles – Mississippi: University of Southern Mississippi

Agency: University of Southern Mississippi

Location: Hattiesburg, MS

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

Website: http://www.usm.edu/biological-sciences

Salary: Annual stipend of $15,000 (MS) or $18,000 (PhD) plus tuition waiver & medical insurance

Start Date: 01/17/2017

Last Date to Apply: 10/15/2016

 

Description: I am seeking a PhD or MS student to conduct a multi-year trapping survey to assess the geographic distribution and relative abundance of alligator snapping turtles throughout river systems in Mississippi. The student will develop a thesis/dissertation that not only includes survey results on the species’ distribution and abundance, but also other aspects of its biology, including population genetics. This project is an opportunity to extensively survey, over multiple field seasons, for alligator snapping turtles throughout Mississippi’s river systems. Depending on the student’s interests and background, additional related studies will be developed, taking full advantage of the opportunity to work so extensively with this rarely encountered and little studied species of conservation concern.

 

Qualification: Applicants must have a BS or MS in ecology/environmental biology, zoology, wildlife biology, or other relevant areas. GPA and GRE scores must be competitive for admission to the graduate program. Prior experience with the safe operation of small motorboats and with trapping of aquatic turtles (especially chelydrids) is preferred but not required. Willingness and ability to work independently under potentially challenging field conditions is a must.

Review of applications will begin immediately, and continue until the position is filled. To apply, please send the following in a single PDF file: cover letter, resume or CV, unofficial transcripts, GRE scores, and contact information for three references to Carl Qualls, Carl.Qualls@usm.edu. Also address any inquiries about the position to the same address. A start date of January 2017 is anticipated, but a summer 2017 start may be possible, if necessary.

 

Contact Person: Carl Qualls

Contact Email: Carl.Qualls@usm.edu

 

Ph.D. Graduate Assistantship: Succession in Freshwater Fish and/or Invertebrate Communities: University of Alabama

School: University of Alabama

Location: Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

Website: http://bama.ua.edu/~jghoweth/index.html

Salary: Competitive with health benefits

Start Date: 05/15/2017

Last Date to Apply: 12/05/2016

 

Description: The Howeth Lab (http://bama.ua.edu/~jghoweth/index.html) in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Alabama invites applications for one or two Ph.D. students in community ecology beginning January, May, or August 2017 (January or May start-date applicants will receive priority). Highly motivated and qualified students with a B.S. or M.S. in Biology/Ecology are sought to conduct studies to understand the role of succession in metacommunity and food web structure using replicate successional pond mosaics. Projects will focus on fish, macroinvertebrate, and/or zooplankton community composition and ecosystem properties among beaver-formed ponds in different stages of succession. This work will utilize field-based approaches in the streams and beaver ponds of the Talladega National Forest in Alabama, including the NSF NEON Domain 8 core site. The project will also involve dendrochronology, GIS, stable isotope analyses, and experiments at the University of Alabama Tanglewood Biological Station. This is a NSF-funded research project.

Applicants with a strong background in related research topics and venues are particularly encouraged to apply. Successful applicants will be dedicated students who are highly motivated to conduct research in the field and in a laboratory environment. Students will be funded on teaching and research assistantships, which include a competitive stipend, health insurance, and a tuition waiver. Highly qualified applicants will be considered for departmental Aquatic Biology Fellowships, which offer a research assistantship during the student’s first year.

 

Qualifications: B.S. or M.S. in Biology/Ecology. Interested students should send an e-mail to Dr. Jennifer Howeth (jghoweth@ua.edu) no later than November 1 with "Graduate Assistantship" in the title, and include a (1) cover letter, (2) CV, (3) statement of research interests and experience, (4) scientific writing sample (e.g., laboratory report, thesis, manuscript), (5) GRE scores (if available), (6) unofficial copies of transcripts, and (7) contact information for two references in biology/ecology.

Qualified applicants will be invited to apply to the Department of Biological Sciences by the December 5, 2016 departmental deadline for Summer or Fall 2017 admission. Those interested in a January 2017 start date will be invited to apply by mid-fall 2016.

 

Contact Person: Jennifer Howeth

Contact Email: jghoweth@ua.edu

 

MS Research Assistantship (Fisheries): Tennessee

School: Tennessee Technological University

Location: Cookeville, TN

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

Website: http://www.coopunits.org/Tennessee/

Salary: Annual stipend of $15,400 and full waiver of tuition and fees

Start Date: 01/09/2017

Last Date to Apply: 11/01/2016

 

Description: Conduct field sampling and modeling research on Asian Carp in Tennessee reservoirs. The student will develop a thesis describing relative densities of Silver and Bighead Carp in impoundments in the lower Tennessee and Cumberland rivers; use occupancy modeling methods to estimate detection probabilities of sampling gears for helping determine the leading edge of Asian Carp invasion in Tennessee.

 

Qualification: B.S. in fisheries science, aquatic ecology, or related field. GPA > 3.0 and competitive GRE scores required. Send cover letter, resume, list of three references, and unofficial copies of transcripts and GRE scores to Mark Rogers, mwrogers@tntech.edu

 

Contact Person: Mark Rogers

Contact Email: mwrogers@tntech.edu

 

MS Assistantship – Trout Management / Spatial Modeling: University of Georgia

School: University of Georgia

Location: Athens, GA USA

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

Website: https://www.warnell.uga.edu/

Salary: Competitive stipend, tuition waiver, health insurance options

Start Date: 01/05/2017

Last Date to Apply: 10/15/2016

 

Description: We are seeking a highly motivated graduate student to work on a GIS-based model estimating trout supply in fishable waters of Georgia. Project description: This is a collaborative assessment to help the Georgia Department of Natural Resources formulate a trout management strategy that will satisfy a plurality of GA’s trout anglers and be robust to uncertainties in fishing pressure and population status. To do this we have proposed a coordinated evaluation that will examine socioecological dynamics relevant to trout management and synthesize information and uncertainties that inform decision-making for Georgia trout fisheries. Simply put, we will evaluate both the “supply” and “demand” in a geographically-explicit manner that will help inform trout management goals. This announcement is for a student who will focus on trout “supply” by using available data to inform predictive models of trout population characteristics throughout Georgia’s fishable waterways. This will complement work by another MS student currently focusing on trout “demand” and we expect excellent collaborative opportunities. The selected student will be co-advised by Cecil Jennings (fish ecology/management) and Nate Nibbelink (spatial ecology/GIS).

 

Qualification: Minimum entry requirements are 3.0 GPA and combined verbal + quantitative GRE score > 1000 (old scale), or roughly 300 (new scale). Post-baccalaureate work experience is preferred. The successful applicant will be motivated, have well-developed writing and communication skills, strong work ethic, and ability to work cooperatively in team setting. Coursework and experience in aquatic ecology and/or fisheries are preferred. Proficiency using ArcGIS for spatial analysis, strong quantitative skills, and most of all… creative energy, are required! To apply: Send a cover letter, CV, and an example of your writing, via email, to: Dr. Cecil Jennings 

(jennings@uga.edu). 

Contact Person: Cecil Jennings

Contact Email: jennings@uga.edu

Graduate Research Assistant (M.S.): University of Wisconsin – Green Bay

School: Aquatic Ecology and Fisheries Laboratory, University of Wisconsin – Green Bay

Location: Green Bay, Wisconsin

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

Website: http://www.uwgb.edu/

Salary: Based on experience

Start Date: 01/15/2017

Last Date to Apply: 10/31/2016

 

Description: The Aquatic Ecology and Fisheries Laboratory at the University of Wisconsin – Green Bay (PIs Dr. Patrick Forsythe and Dr. Chris Houghton) is seeking to hire 4 graduate research assistants at the M.S. level across three project areas listed below. In addition to the application materials requested, prospective students are encouraged in their cover letter to specify a position of interest and indicate how previous experiences have prepared them to achieve the project goals. Note that all students hired will have the opportunity (and will be encouraged) to develop other research aspects related to each project.

Position 1: We are seeking a graduate student to address important knowledge gaps regarding many of the small tributaries directly connected to Green Bay. Responsibilities will include but are not limited to: 1) quantifying intra and inter-annual variation in water temperature, discharge, nutrient (P, N) concentrations, suspended solids, and others, and 2) determining the underlying biological and ecological mechanisms controlling the community of fishes that inhabit these small streams and 3) estimating temporal and spatial use of food resources by individual fish species and determining how diet is impacted by anthropogenic use in the watershed.

Position 2: We are seeking a graduate student to evaluate the lower Fox River Area of Concern and west shore tributaries of Green Bay for the timing, production and drift of lake whitefish larvae. Lake whitefish adults have resumed spawning in all major tributaries after being extirpated for nearly 100 years. A secondary objective of this project will be to determine the spatial resolution in which trace elements in otoliths (i.e., micro-chemical fingerprints) can be used to appropriately delineate the natal origin of whitefish larvae produced from the major tributaries of Green Bay vs. offshore reefs in Green Bay and Lake Michigan proper.

Position 3: We are seeking a graduate student to obtain basic ecological and behavioral information on lake sturgeon reproductive ecology and early life history dynamics that can be used to direct specific restoration activities in the Fox, Oconto, Peshtigo and Menominee Rivers. The main objective is to quantify lake sturgeon larval production and drift dynamics of larval lake sturgeon in the Fox River. This graduate project will further seek to determine the location and diversity of benthic habitats that support adult spawning, as well as habitat selection of juvenile lake sturgeon and general river outmigration movement patterns using a combination of acoustic profiling and acoustic telemetry.

 

Qualifications: Prospective students should be highly motivated and display potential for working with various partners including the Department of Natural Resources and the Fish and Wildlife Service. A B.S. in fisheries/ecology/biology is required and experience with aquatic field work (including operating boats) and analytical/statistical techniques is desired. Applicants much have strong written and oral communication skills, and competitive GPA/GRE scores. Students must be willing to work as part of a dynamic research team and conduct extensive field and laboratory work in various conditions. Email cover letter, resume, transcripts, GRE scores, and contact information for 3 references to Dr. Chris Houghton mentioning this position in the subject line.

Contact Person: Dr. Chris Houghton

Contact Email: houghtoc@uwgb.edu

 

M.S. Research Assistantship – Invasive species management of bottomland forests: Auburn University

School: Auburn University School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences

Location: Auburn, AL

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

Website: http://wp.auburn.edu/sfws/

Salary: $16,540 including tuition waiver

Start Date: 01/09/2017

Last Date to Apply: 10/31/2016

 

Description: We are seeking an M.S.-level graduate student to focus on using fire to restore Alabama bottomland hardwood forests invaded by Chinese privet and other exotic species. Specifically, the student will examine privet and native species response to fire regimes and help evaluate the feasibility of using prescribed fires for controlling invasive species. Student will also have the opportunity to develop other research aspects related to the project.

 

Qualifications: Prospective students should be highly motivated, demonstrate good communication skills (written and oral), have some background in forest ecology, and be willing to conduct extensive field and laboratory work. A B.S. (GPA >3.0) in environmental science, ecology, or natural resources is desirable along with field experience in the southeast U.S. A valid U.S. driver’s license is also necessary. The ideal candidate would be available to start in January 2017.

The 2-yr research assistantship is through the Auburn University School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences (SFWS) and includes tuition waiver and annual stipend ($16,540). Further details regarding graduate education, application, and admission to Auburn University and the SFWS can be found at (http://www.grad.auburn.edu/) and (http://wp.auburn.edu/sfws/). Information about the Anderson wetland and riparian ecology lab can be found at (https://cws.auburn.edu/andercj/).

 

Contact Person: Chris Anderson

Contact Email: andercj@auburn.edu

 

IGERT Ph.D. Traineeship in Water Resources: University of Idaho

School: University of Idaho

Location: Moscow, ID

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

Website: http://www.uidaho.edu/igert

Salary: $30,000 stipend per year plus tuition and fees for 2 years with funding opportunities available for following  years.

Start Date: 06/01/2017

Last Date to Apply: 11/01/2016

 

Description: We invite applications for the National Science Foundation’s Integrated Graduate Education and Research Traineeship (IGERT) Program on “Adaptation to change in water resources: science to inform decision-making across disciplines, cultures and scales.” Doctoral trainees will work in interdisciplinary teams to research the drivers and consequences of changing water dynamics in the Pacific Northwest.

To Apply: Applicants should send a letter of interest and qualifications, a resume that includes contact information for three references, and copies of transcripts and GRE scores (unofficial is fine) to Mary Schierman (marys@uidaho.edu). Applications will be reviewed as they are received and will continue to be reviewed until a suitable cohort of students is selected. Deadline for applications is November 1, 2016. We anticipate selected students will officially apply to enroll at the University of Idaho for the Summer 2017 semester and will start the IGERT PhD Traineeship on June 1, 2017.

 

Qualifications: Trainees MUST be citizens or permanent residents of the U.S., its territories or its possessions. Applicants should have a Master’s degree (exceptional candidates with an undergraduate degree will also be considered) and an interest in integrating science and application. We are seeking students from the following disciplines: hydrology and watershed management, environmental science, ecohydraulics, fisheries science, water resources engineering, climate science, ecology, sociology/rural and community economics, law, and public policy and management. 

Contact Person: Mary Schierman

Contact Email: marys@uidaho.edu

PhD position in conservation genomics

Description: A PhD position in conservation genomics is available to study the evolution and conservation of the rare Californian endemic, Torrey Pine with Jill Hamilton at North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota in collaboration with Jessica Wright (USDA Forest Service, Research Geneticist, Pacific Southwest Research Station).
Torrey pine (Pinus torreyana Parry) in one of the rarest pine species in the world, restricted to two discrete populations, a mainland grove of approximately 3400 trees just north of San Diego and an island population of approximately 2000 trees approximately 280 km up the coast on Santa Rosa Island, one of the Channel Islands. This project will evaluate the genomic structure of natural populations and take advantage of a wealth of phenotypic data available from a common garden experiment of mainland, island and F1 individuals planted at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. The combination of a long-term common garden experiment coincident with large-scale genomic surveys in natural populations will provides a valuable resource to direct in situ and ex situ conservation guidelines for Torrey pine conservation. In addition, there will be plenty of room to pursue particular questions of interest depending on the interest and experience of the candidate. This interdisciplinary research will combine field work at both the common garden site and within the natural populations in California, collaboration with the Institute of Forest Genetics in Placerville, CA and lab work in the Hamilton Lab at North Dakota State University.

Requirement: The ideal PhD student will be prepared to conduct field-based research as well as have some experience in molecular ecology/population genetics or bioinformatics for genomic data analyses. For more information on the Department of Biological Sciences at NDSU visit https://www.ndsu.edu/biology/. Fargo is the largest city in the northern Midwest and as the 'Gateway to the West' is a vibrant, growing community that has access to numerous outdoor opportunities for all seasons.

To apply: Interested students are encouraged to contact Dr. Hamilton (jill.hamilton@ndsu.edu). Please include a brief description of your research interests and a CV in your email. Funding options are available for both US and international students.

For more information please contact:

Dr Jill Hamilton

Department of Biological Sciences
North Dakota State University
Room 114, Stevens Hall
Fargo, ND, 58102
jill.hamilton@ndsu.edu 

PhD Assistantship (Environmental microbiology and Contaminant bioremediation)

Description: A PhD assistant position is available in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Michigan State University.  The successful applicant is expected to conduct research in the area of environmental microbiology and contaminant bioremediation (http://www.egr.msu.edu/~cupplesa/).

Requirement: BS and MS graduates in Environmental Engineering are preferred.

Interested students are encouraged to send an email, including a CV, GRE and TOEFL scores (if applicable), and contact information for three references to Dr. Alison Cupples (cupplesa@msu.edu). The review process will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

For more information please contact:
Dr. Alison Cupples
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Michigan State University
cupplesa@msu.edu

PhD Graduate Assistantship in Environmental Chemistry

Description: Two fully-funded PhD graduate assistantship, starting in spring 2017, is available in Dr. Yandi Hu’s group in the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering at University of Houston, TX, United States of America. We seek highly self-motivated PhD candidates. The student will gain knowledge and learn advanced techniques of nanomaterial characterization, the student will also have the chance to collaborate with top scientists at several national labs. More information on the current research of the group can be found at http://www.cive.uh.edu/faculty/hu.

Requirements: 

1) The candidate need to have a MS degree in engineering (Environmental, chemical, Material and others), with a strong interest in chemistry.

 2) The minimum language requirements are: TOEFL > 80 and GRE > 304. 

More information can be found at http://www.cive.uh.edu/admissions/environmental-engineering. For pre-application evaluation, you may email one single pdf file which includes your CV, unofficial transcripts, GRE/TOEFL scores, your writing materials, and contact information of three references to yhu11@uh.edu. Please send the application as soon as possible, and the application deadline is October 1 for spring 2017 enrollment.

For more information please contact: 

Dr. Yandi Hu

Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering

University of Houston, TX.

yhu11@uh.edu

Ph.D. student assistantship (U. Maryland): Ecological genomics of trees

Description: The Gugger Lab (http://pgugger.al.umces.edu) at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) is seeking a motived Ph.D. student to develop a dissertation project on ecological genomics of trees. The lab uses next-generation sequencing approaches to understand how populations of long-lived trees respond evolutionarily to environmental change, the molecular basis of local adaptation, the factors influencing population divergence, the role of hybridization in adaptation and speciation, and implications for conservation under global change.

Requirement: The ideal applicant will have prior research experience in population genetics or plant ecology/evolution, molecular laboratory skills, strong quantitative skills, and proficiency in or interest in learning basic bioinformatics. A Master’s degree is preferred, but not required.

The Ph.D. student will matriculate through the Marine, Estuarine, and Environmental Sciences (MEES) Graduate Program (http://mees.umd.edu/) at the University of Maryland, College Park but will reside at the Appalachian Laboratory in Frostburg (western MD, http://www.umces.edu/al) for the duration of the degree. Three years of support are available through research assistantships, with additional support possible through competitive teaching assistantships and fellowships (e.g., http://www.umces.edu/education/graduate/fellowships). Starting date can be as soon as January 2017 and no later than August 2017.

To apply: To apply, please first email Paul Gugger (pgugger@umces.edu) a single PDF containing (1) a statement of interest, (2) a CV, and (3) contact information for three references. Please indicate “Genomics PhD position” in your subject line.

For more information please contact:

Paul Gugger 

pgugger@umces.edu

Multiple PhD and postdoctoral positions in climate change ecology and evolution

Description: Three postdoctoral positions and one PhD position are available in the Pinsky Lab at Rutgers University to work on climate change ecology and evolution in marine ecosystems. The positions represent an exciting expansion of research efforts in this area. Broadly, research in the Pinsky Lab uses empirical data, mathematical models, and population genomics to study global change in the coastal ocean.

Key themes across all new positions include understanding the ecological and evolutionary processes that determine how climate variability and climate change filter through ocean communities to affect human behavior and the success or failure of conservation efforts. Postdocs and students will join an international network of collaborators across conservation, marine science, climate science, economics, sociology, and policy, including Josh Abbott (Arizona State U.), Daniel Schindler and Andre Punt (U. Washington), Dan Holland and Melissa Poe (NOAA), William Cheung and Daniel Pauly (U. British Columbia), Jorge Sarmiento (Princeton), Carl Folke (Stockholm U.), and Pat Halpin (Duke).

Three (3) postdoc positions are open:

1) Coupled Natural Human (CNH) systems postdoc: The postdoc will take the lead on a research project investigating the causes and consequences of ecological synchrony in the California Current large marine ecosystem. Key questions include how portfolio effects emerge in open systems and how oceanographic processes and fishing interact to affect population dynamics. The postdoc will also be part of a broader NSF-funded team studying coupled social-ecological dynamics and feedbacks from physics to fish to people.

2) Nereus Fellow: As part of the Nereus Program (http://www.nereusprogram.org), the Fellow will design and lead empirical research to understand the consequences of climate change and shifting species distributions for human behavior and adaptation in marine ecosystems. Resources for the research include large datasets of fishing vessel behavior over decadal time-scales, as well as other datasets on environmental changes and ecological states.

3) Eco-evolutionary dynamics postdoc: The postdoc will develop models and theory to understand the extent to which ecological turnover and evolutionary rescue could preserve coral reef function over the coming centuries, and whether conservation efforts can facilititate the adaptation process at the landscape scale. Application of the theory to case studies in three geographies will also be part of the research.

All postdoc positions are two years.

One (1) graduate assistant position is open, preferably for a Ph.D. degree:

1) CNH Graduate Assistant: The GA will use statistical and process-based models to understand the mechanisms linking climate variability to marine animal population dynamics in the California Current large marine ecosystem, including recruitment and distribution. The GA will also be part of a broader NSF-funded team studying coupled social-ecological dynamics and feedbacks from physics to fish to people.

Across all positions, the ideal candidates will be skilled with data analysis, statistics, and ecological modeling (or a strong aptitude for learning these skills, in the case of the GA). Applicants with evidence of creativity, productivity, strong oral and written communication abilities, and enthusiasm are especially encouraged to apply, particularly those that bring a new perspective, new ideas, or a new skillset to the team. For postdoctoral applications, a promising record of publication is highly valued. The successful applicants will be independent, motivated problem solvers who communicate well and enjoy working in a collaborative setting.

The positions will be based at Rutgers with extensive opportunities for research visits across campuses, including U. Washington, U. British Columbia, and NOAA offices. Additional opportunities are available to interact with scientists at  the Institute of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences; the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Lab; the Princeton Environmental Institute; the Center for Discrete Mathematics and Theoretical Computer Science; and beyond.

**Application process**

The postdoc start dates are flexible and the positions are open until filled. The GA will begin in summer or fall 2017. Review of postdoc applications will begin on October 1, 2016 and will continue on a rolling basis. Review of GA applications will continue until December 2016, when applications to Rutgers graduate programs are due.

Interested postdoc candidates should submit: 1) a one­-page cover letter that describes which position(s) they are applying for (and preferred position if applying to more than one) and their preferred start date, 2) a two­-page research statement describing their relevant background and anticipated research approach to the problem they would be addressing, 3) a CV, and 4) the names and contact information of three other scientists familiar with their work.

GA applicants should include a 1-2 page cover letter describing their interests, CV, a recent transcript, GRE scores, and contact information for three references. Qualified GA candidates will be contacted and encouraged to apply to the graduate program in either Ecology & Evolution (http://ecoevo.rutgers.edu/) or Oceanography (http://marine.rutgers.edu/main/IMCS-Academics/Graduate-Program-in-Oceanography.html), depending on student interests. Ph.D. applications to Rutgers are due in December.

Please submit all materials to malin.pinsky@rutgers.edu with “Postdoc application 2016” or “Graduate application 2016” as the subject.

Malin Pinsky
Assistant Professor
Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Natural Resources
Institute of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences
Rutgers University
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
USA

M.S./Ph.D. Assistantship in forest biogeochemistry

Description: A graduate student position is available for investigating how acid deposition affects the nutrient dynamics and productivity of deciduous forests in central Appalachia.

The student will conduct their research at the Fernow Experimental Forest and would receive training in the use of analytical instrumentation, experimental design, data analysis, computer modeling, communication skills, and teaching.  More about our research at the Fernow can be found at: www.as.wvu.edu/fernow/

Summer support is available for four years and this would supplement support received during the academic year for being a teaching assistant in the Department of Biology at West Virginia University. Information about the graduate program in biology, and how to apply, is available at: http://biology.wvu.edu/graduate/admission.

Requirement: A successful applicant should have: (1) a bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant field of study; (2) a strong interest in ecosystem ecology and environmental change; (3) a willingness to learn techniques used to analyze the chemical composition of soil, water, and plant samples; (5) strong writing skills,  and (6) a commitment to the effective communication of science to technical and non-technical  audiences.

A student able to begin in the Summer 2017 and who has experience, or a strong interest, in using  computer models to synthesize long-term ecological data is desirable.

To learn more, please contact:
Dr. William Peterjohn
Department of Biology
West Virginia University
bpj@wvu.edu
304-293-1300

A PhD Position Available: Restoring Function in Grassland Ecosystems

Description: A Ph.D. Assistantship as part of the ReFuGE Project is available beginning in January 2017.  We seek a Ph.D. student to investigate the effects of tallgrass prairie restoration and management (prescribed fire, bison grazing, and predator exclusion) on insect community assembly and plant-insect interactions. 

Requirement: Experience with arthropod identification, quantification of functional traits, or stable isotope analysis are desirable.  Applicants should have a B.S. in ecology, environmental science, wildlife science, entomology, natural resource conservation, or closely related discipline, with at least one peer-reviewed publication or an M.S. degree; a M.S. is preferred.  Preference will be given to candidates who have past experience leading their own research project, with strong basic ecology backgrounds, and those that have experience working in inclement conditions.  The assistantship includes two years of support (tuition, stipend, and research funds) after which the student will be supported by a departmental teaching assistantship. 

Northern Illinois University is a 20,000-student research university located in DeKalb, IL, a diverse community with a low cost of living west of the Chicago suburbs.  The Department of Biological Sciences at NIU is a highly collaborative department with a supportive graduate program and ideal opportunities for students to develop research, teaching, and science outreach skills.  Field work for the ReFuGE project takes place at The Nature Conservancy’s Nachusa Grasslands, a landscape-scale tallgrass prairie restoration project 40 minutes from NIU’s campus. 

How to apply: Qualified candidates should submit the following to Nick Barber (nbarber@niu.edu) by September 9, 2016:

1) Cover letter explaining your research interests and qualifications

2) CV including GRE scores

3) Names and contact information of three references

For details please contact:
Nick Barber
Assistant Professor

Department of Biological Sciences

Northern Illinois University

DeKalb, IL 60115

Lab:  317 Montgomery Hall

Office: 449 Montgomery Hall

Phone: (815) 753-4215

Email: nbarber -AT- niu.edu