Graduate Assistantship (MS or PhD) – ecology of juvenile desert tortoises: University of Georgia

School: University of Georgia

Location: Athens, GA (coursework); Mojave National Preserve, CA, USA (field site)

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

Website: http://www.srel.uga.edu/facstaffpages/tuberville/opportunities.html

Salary: commensurate with degree program

Start Date: 08/01/2017

Last Date to Apply: 12/01/2016

 

Description:

     We are seeking a motivated graduate student to join our research team in studying the ecology of juvenile desert tortoises. As part of a recently initiated long-term head-starting program, we are interested in an exceptionally qualified student who would study the ecology, survivorship, and habitat selection of wild and released head-started juvenile desert tortoises. The goal of the research project is to identify factors that promote juvenile recruitment and survivorship in the wild, guide the selection of release sites for head-started desert tortoises, and evaluate the effectiveness of head-starting as a species recovery tool in the Mojave Desert. The incumbent would be joining a team currently composed of three faculty researchers and two UC-Davis graduate students. The student’s research project will be developed in consultation with all PIs and significant portions of it must contribute to the overall project goals, although some portions may address broader ecological and management-related topics. In addition to conducting his/her own research project, the selected student would also be responsible for assisting with captive husbandry, outdoor tortoise pen maintenance, data management, and overall research facility care and management, and other duties necessary to achieve the overall project goals. Permitting requirements and project logistics require intensive field work and extended residency at research facility / field site.
    The successful applicant would be enrolled in UGA’s Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources (http://www.warnell.uga.edu/) starting Fall 2017, but conduct their field research at Mojave National Preserve, California. Preference will be given to those applicants who qualify for a teaching assistantship through Warnell while taking course work on campus. Preference will also be given to candidates available to participate in the Summer 2017 field season activities as a research technician prior to starting course work.
    Applicants should submit their CV (including GPA and GRE scores), contact information for at least three references, and a one or two-page letter describing their research interests as they relate to this position to:
Dr. Tracey D. Tuberville, tubervil@uga.edu. More information about Dr. Tuberville’s lab, including people and publications, can be found at: http://www.srel.uga.edu/facstaffpages/tuberville/index.html

Collaborators:
Dr. Kurt Buhlmann at UGA (http://www.srel.uga.edu/facstaffpages/buhlmann.html)
Dr. Brian Todd at UC-Davis (http://toddlab.ucdavis.edu/)

     Application deadline for being considered for assistantship support in UGA’s Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources is 31 January 2017. Information about the application process can be found at: https://www.warnell.uga.edu/graduate/future-students/application-process. 

 

Qualifications:
     Applicants can apply for either a PhD or MS assistantship. However, any applicants to the PhD program must already have their master’s (requirement of Warnell). Warnell also requires an undergraduate GPA of 3.0, a graduate GPA of 3.5 (if applicable), and GRE scores of 1200 (or ~305 in new scoring system) for admission, but higher scores will be necessary to be competitive for an assistantship.
    We seek a candidate able to think critically, solve logistical problems, and work independently with minimal supervision yet work collaboratively as part of a multi-organization research team. The candidate should be able to work in the field under adverse, remote conditions and have excellent organizational and data management skills. A strong interest in the research topic (and conservation in general) is essential, as is prior field, research and writing experience. Previous field research experience specifically with turtles and/or tortoises preferred. Both field experience and a record of peer-reviewed publications will factor strongly in the selection process. Applicants must have a reliable personal field vehicle (4WD not required but high clearance vehicle recommended). Experience with and willingness to perform general maintenance activities to help operate a remove field station, such as pen repairs, is desirable.

     Only applicants with a strong academic record should apply.

 

Ph.D. Assistantship in Environmental Education Research: North Carolina State University.

School: NC State University

Location: Raleigh, NC

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

Salary: ~$17,000/yr, tuition, health insurance. Additional compensation, including student fees (~$1,200/semester) may be available.

Start Date: 08/15/2017

Last Date to Apply: 11/30/2016

 

Description:

    The Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management at North Carolina State University invites applications for a three to four-year doctoral research assistantship focused on the role of outdoor education in building connection to nature and interest and achievement in science, the development of conservation-minded adults, and the intersection of these areas with human health and well-being.
     The PhD student will assist with completing long-term evaluations of an outdoor education program designed for fifth grade students. We are currently measuring program impacts on science achievement, science efficacy and connection to nature. This phase will focus on long-term program impacts. One objective will be to conduct retrospective interviews of program graduates (e.g., interviewing eighth graders or high school seniors about their fifth grade experiences). A second objective will be to conduct a survey of students in grades 5, 6, 8, 10 and 12 in counties where the program is active to assess persistence of impacts measured at the fifth grade level. The third objective is to explore connections between currently measured impacts (e.g., science achievement) with other benefits of time outdoors such as decreased stress or increased physical activity through initiating and fostering collaborations with current and new partners. The PhD student will be expected to dedicate 20 hours a week to research activities as described above and departmental service (e.g., teaching) as directed by the advisor and/or department head. The remaining 20 hours week should be dedicated to coursework in service to a PhD in Parks, Recreation & Tourism Management. The student may have opportunity to work with several PRTM faculty, but will be directly supervised by Kathryn Stevenson.

 

Qualifications:

     Applicants should have an M.S. in parks, recreation & tourism management, education, sociology, conservation biology, or other related field, at least a 3.0 GPA, and a competitive GRE score. Preference will be given to applicants with:

(a) Research experience in environmental education, the human dimensions of natural resource management, or environmental sociology.

(b) Interest or demonstrated proficiency in statistics.

(c) Interest or experience in survey administration, conducting and analyzing interviews, or both. 

Students should also have excellent organizational and communication skills. Interested individuals should send a cover letter outlining experience and research interests, curriculum vitae, unofficial copies of university transcripts and GRE scores, contact information for three references, and writing sample if available. For more information please contact: Kathryn Stevenson (kathryn_stevenson@ncsu.edu).

 

MS position – Conservation Biology: North Dakota State University

School: North Dakota State University

Location: Fargo, ND

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

Website: http://www.jillahamilton.com

Salary: $17,000/year and 100% tuition waiver

Start Date: 01/01/2017

Last Date to Apply: 12/14/2016

 

Description:

       A MSc position in evolutionary and ecological conservation genetics is available to study local adaptation of the perennial native prairie plant, Prairie Smoke with Jill Hamilton at North Dakota State University in Fargo, North Dakota.
    Identifying the appropriate seed sources for restoration efforts can be challenging, particularly for geographically isolated populations where historical isolation or contemporary fragmentation may have contributed to differentiation in adaptive traits across a species range. In this project we are investigating the genetic basis of adaptation in Prairie Smoke (Geum triflorum) plant populations. Prairie Smoke is an herbaceous perennial that has a wide geographic distribution spanning much of contemporarily fragmented midwestern prairies, but it is also common to disjunct alvar habitats around the Great Lakes region. Alvar habitats are characterized by thin layers of soil over limestone that harbor unique assemblages of plants that are largely isolated from the core of their continuous range.
      The ideal MS student will be prepared to conduct field-based research in a common garden experiment that has been established in Minnesota, with an opportunity to expand locations. There is plenty of room to pursue particular interests in adaptive trait variation depending on the interest and experience of the candidate. The student will also be involved in outreach activities associated with the project engaging local state and NGO stakeholders in applied research. Ability to work independently in the field and basic botany expertise and experience in quantitative analysis in R is preferred.
      For more information on the Hamilton Lab please visit the lab website at: http://www.jillahamilton.com and more information on the Department of Biological Sciences at NDSU at https://www.ndsu.edu/biology/. Fargo is the largest city in the northern Midwest and as ‘Gateway to the West’ is a vibrant, growing community that has access to numerous outdoor opportunities for all seasons. 

Qualifications:

      Requirements: Ability to work independently in the field and basic botany expertise, along with some experience in quantitative analysis in R is preferred. Interested students are encouraged to contact Dr. Hamilton (jill.hamilton@ndsu.edu). Please include a brief description of your research interests and experience and a CV in your email. Funding options are available for both US students and international students and include a full tuition waiver.

MS position – waterfowl ecology: University of Nevada Reno

School: University of Nevada Reno

Location: Reno, Nevada

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

Salary: $1500 month, 80% tuition waiver, and health insurance

Start Date: 01/01/2017

Last Date to Apply: 10/31/2016

 

Description:

     We have installed 150 geolocators on mallards, 83 on canvasbacks, and 180 on wood ducks since 2014. We will install another 50 on canvasbacks in February 2017 and efforts to retrieve geolocators will continue through time by bait trapping, nest box checks, rocket-netting, and contacting hunters. Analyses will occur using R and using packages such as SGAT, FlightR, and others. Most field work will occur in the Fallon, Nevada area approximately 60 miles east of Reno, Nevada. Field work will include banding February through October, and monitoring wood duck nesting boxes March through July to maintain a 14 year dataset on wood ducks. A good number of volunteers have cooperated each year to assist in field work. Analyses will include assessment of movement patterns, breeding propensity, and effects of carrying geolocators.
     Additional field work required will be to lead the Nevada Department of Wildlife pre-season mallard banding operation in August and September (~50 days annually). Additionally, this position will also lead the 5 day Nevada Department of Wildlife breeding waterfowl survey in May and to analyze the data for presentation to the Pacific Flyway Study Committee (total of ~50 hours annually). Housing during field season and a vehicle will be provided.

 

Qualifications:

     Requirements – A four-year degree in a wildlife program, experience capturing and banding waterfowl, ability to work independently, ability to conduct low level fixed wing surveys, and basic experience in analysis in SAS or R. An outgoing personality to maintain very positive relationships with private landowners and other wildlife professionals is mandatory. 

Supervision:

     This position will be co-advised by Dr. Chris Nicolai (Nevada Waterfowl Association) and Dr. Kevin Shoemaker (University of Nevada Reno). Russell Woolstenhulme (State Waterfowl Biologist; Nevada Department of Wildlife) will also be heavily involved in this effort.

How to apply:

    Please send a cover letter, resume, full undergraduate transcripts, GRE scores, and contact information for 3 references in a single pdf to chris.a.nicolai@gmail.com by October 31, 2016.

   This is a cooperative project between Nevada Waterfowl Association, Nevada Department of Wildlife, and University of Nevada Reno. For more information please contact: Chris Nicolai (chris.a.nicolai@gmail.com)

M.S.Research Assistantship: University of Houston Clear Lake – Texas

School: University of Houston Clear Lake

Location: Houston, Texas

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

Website: http://www.uhcl.edu/home

Salary: $2000.00 month; 50% 9 months; 100% summer

Start Date: 01/15/2017

Last Date to Apply: 11/30/2016

 

Description:

    Excellent opportunities exist for new graduate students interested in freshwater, estuarine, and marine ecology. Several projects have already started or will begin immediately. These include: 

1) Statewide evaluation of the condition of reservoirs. 

2) Freshwater inflow study to estuaries

3) Ecology of native estuarine and freshwater fishes. 

    Individuals will be responsible for conducting applied research projects under direction of a graduate advisor in coastal and/or river, stream and reservoirs in Texas. Student will be responsible for learning and operating various field and laboratory methodologies such as: banding, telemetry, survey instruments, ADCP current meters, side scan sonar, aerial drones, electrofishing gear, nets and boats. Students will work with interdisciplinary team of scientists and fellow graduate students in sometimes remote locations. Campus is located in beautiful natural area adjacent to NASA and the Armand Bayou Nature Center, and five minutes from Galveston Bay and Clear Lake and thirty minutes from the Gulf of Mexico. Recruiting for RA starting spring 2017 session. Funding to support up to 3-5 M.S. students. Possibility of starting prior to January 2017 as intern. RA affiliated with the Environmental Institute of Houston http://prtl.uhcl.edu/environmental-institute.

 

Qualifications:

*Graduation from recognized accredited university with a B.S. degree in an appropriate field depending on research interest (e.g. fisheries, wildlife science, herpetology, aquatic/marine biology) with excellent academic credentials and letters of reference.
* Acceptance into graduate school in the Environmental Science Program at UHCL (M.S. Thesis Option)
* Ability to carry out strenuous field work.
* Depending on project: previous experience using boats, sampling gear, and taxonomic skills (e.g. plants, fish or aquatic invertebrates) a plus.
* Academic commitment to work on project fulltime and timely completion of project. 

    For more information please contact: George Guillen (guillen@uhcl.edu) 

PhD student opportunities in Ecology at Clemson University.

School: Clemson University

Location: Clemson, SC

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

Website: https://sites.google.com/site/clemsonbarrettlab/home

Salary: TBD

Start Date: 08/15/2017

Last Date to Apply: 10/30/2016

 

Description:

     The Barrett Lab at Clemson University is accepting applications for two PhD positions to start August 2017. Applicants should be self-motivated and also capable of working as part of a team. The ideal applicant will have substantial experience in ecology or conservation biology, as well as competencies in statistical analysis, technical writing, and GIS. Applicants with M.S. degrees (or degrees that will be completed by the start date) are preferred. The projects associated with these positions are flexible, but will likely focus on the vulnerability of amphibians and reptiles to large-scale stressors such as land use change, climate change, or invasive species.
     These positions could be based in either Biological Sciences or Forestry and Environmental Conservation, depending upon funding availability and the student’s background. The students will be supported predominately by a Teaching Assistantship, so prior teaching experience is desired.

 

Qualifications:

      Desired qualifications include: Prior field experience, prior teaching experience, M.S. degree, background in statistical analyses and GIS, 3.0 GPA or higher, combined verbal and quantitative GRE score of 314 or higher.

To apply:

     Please submit:

(1) A cover letter explaining your interest in the position, your qualifications, and any specific research areas you hope to pursue at Clemson.

(2) A CV. Please be sure to include your GPA (undergrad and graduate), GRE scores, and contact information for three references somewhere within your CV. 

Documents should be submitted via email to rbarre2@clemson.edu as a single PDF file with the subject heading “PhD application”. Applications must be received by October 30, 2016 to receive full consideration. For more information please contact: Kyle Barrett (rbarre2@clemson.edu).

Graduate Student (MS) Position: Value of Urban Natural Areas – Colorado State University.

School: Colorado State University

Location: Fort Collins, CO

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

Website: http://cd.colostate.edu

Salary: ~$1,800 per month

Start Date: 01/17/2017

Last Date to Apply: 10/14/2016

 

Description:

     This study will take place in partnership with the City of Fort Collins’ innovative Nature in the City initiative (http://www.fcgov.com/natureinthecity/), which envisions “a connected open space network accessible to the entire community that provides a variety of experiences for people and functional habitats for plants and wildlife.” In collaboration with faculty and research scientists at Colorado State University (CSU), the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), and environmental planners at the City of Fort Collins, this study will combine citizen science with social and ecological research to examine the value of urban natural areas for biodiversity and human well-being. This project is designed to support rapidly growing communities in making evidence-based conservation and development decisions.
     The graduate student will be responsible for coordinating an ongoing citizen science project and conducting complementary social and ecological studies. To date, the project has focused on birds and butterflies; however, including additional taxonomic groups will also be possible. The graduate student will be co-advised by Dr. Liba Pejchar (CSU) and Dr. Sarah Reed (WCS). S/he will work collaboratively with the PIs on study design and implementation, will take the lead on data analysis and writing, and will also have access to social and ecological data collected in prior years of the study. Funding is pending, and it will include salary (~$1,800/month) and tuition for the 2-year duration of the student’s degree program, with 1-2 semesters as a graduate teaching assistant. 

Qualifications

     We invite applications from prospective graduate students, with an anticipated start date of January 2017. Highly-qualified applicants will have an undergraduate degree with an excellent GPA (>3.3) in Ecology, Conservation Biology, Human Dimensions of Natural Resources, or a closely-related field. Competitive applicants should have demonstrated interest and experience in urban ecosystems and interdisciplinary approaches to conservation problem-solving. Excellent communication skills are required, including the ability to converse with a diversity of citizens, manage volunteers, and coordinate with land managers and private landowners. Experience conducting point counts, butterfly surveys, vegetation measurements, and social surveys is also desirable, but not required. All applicants must have a strong work ethic, be organized, have the ability to work independently and with others, and be able to meet the physical requirements of the position (rising early, carrying equipment, hiking across uneven terrain). A valid driver’s license and good driving record are required. Please see the admission requirements of CSU’s Graduate Degree Program in Ecology (http://ecology.colostate.edu/prospective.aspx) for more details.

To Apply:
    Please send the following as a single, merged pdf document: 

1) 1-2 page cover letter describing your qualifications, relevant experience, and career goals.

2) 2-3 page résumé or CV.

3) A list of three professional references and their contact information. 

The name of the file should contain the first and last name of the applicant. Please send applications via email to: MSUrbanNaturalAreas@gmail.com. Review of applications will begin on October 14th and will continue until a suitable candidate is identified. For more information please contact: Sarah Reed (MSUrbanNaturalAreas@gmail.com).

MS, Effects of risk-enhancing and nutrition-reducing treatments on white-tailed deer behavior and crop depredation: University of Idaho.

School: University of Idaho

Location: Moscow, Idaho

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

Website: http://www.gilbertresearch.org

Salary: $22,300

Start Date: 01/10/2017

Last Date to Apply: 10/20/2016

 

Description:

     We are recruiting a graduate student (M.S.) to lead a study investigating white-tailed deer behavior and response to management actions in the Clearwater Region of Idaho, with the goal of identifying management tools for reducing deer damage to crops. The primary objectives of the project are to: 

1) Evaluate the effects of crop treatments (increasing perceived predation risk or decreasing nutrition) on deer behavior at multiple spatial scales.

2) Characterize the effects of habitat types, deer density, and relative abundance of predators on deer behavior. 

3) Identify deer preferences for crop types and natural forages throughout the growing season and phenological stage of plants. 

    The student will be expected to carry out fieldwork for this project, including contributing to study design, capturing and monitoring female white-tailed deer in an agricultural landscape, assisting with feeding trials, and interacting with landowners, stakeholders, and Idaho Department of Fish & Game personnel.

     This project is a collaboration between the University of Idaho and the Idaho Department of Fish & Game. The project is fully funded for 3 years, with an anticipated start date of January 2017. The student will be advised by Dr. Sophie Gilbert (Department of Fish & Wildlife Sciences, www.gilbertresearch.org) while pursuing a Master of Science Degree in Natural Resources. 

     The University of Idaho is located in scenic Moscow, ID, a vibrant small town (~25,000) in northern Idaho that is well known for its high quality of life, excellent outdoor recreational opportunities, abundant public land, and low cost of living. 

     To apply please send a cover letter outlining your qualifications and why you are applying for this position specifically, a CV, transcripts, GRE scores, and contact information for three references to Dr. Sophie Gilbert (sophiegilbert@uidaho.edu). The student must also meet the minimum requirements for admission into the Graduate School at UI (https://www.uidaho.edu/admissions/graduate/graduate-programs/natural-resources). 

Qualifications:

     B.S. degree in Wildlife Ecology, Natural Resources, or a related field. Strong field, analytical and writing skills, and an inquisitive and creative mindset are required. An interest in and knowledge of ungulate ecology and management is highly beneficial. The student will be expected to produce high-quality manuscripts suitable for peer-reviewed journal publication. Further, because this project is a collaboration with agency personnel and local landowners, applicants with experience living and/or working in rural environments, and/or working with the public and with stakeholder groups, will be given preference. For additional information please contact: Dr. Sophie Gilbert: (sophiegilbert@uidaho.edu).

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

School: Virginia Tech, Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation

Location: Blacksburg, Virginia

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

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

Salary: Tuition and competitive salary

Last Date to Apply: 01/15/2017

 

Description:

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

Qualifications:

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

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

(2) Your CV.

(3) Undergraduate/graduate transcripts and GRE scores.

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

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

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

School: Texas State University

Location: San Marcos, Texas

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

Salary: $13,500/9 months

Start Date: 01/17/2017

Last Date to Apply: 11/01/2016

 

Description:

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

 

Qualifications:

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

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

School: Clemson University

Location: Clemson, SC

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

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

Salary: $18,000

Start Date: 01/01/2017

Last Date to Apply: 10/15/2016

 

Description:

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

 

Qualifications: 

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

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

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

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

(2) Your resume/CV. 

(3) Unofficial copies of transcripts and GRE scores. 

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

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

School: Watershed Studies Institute at Murray State University

Location: Western Kentucky

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

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

Salary: $12,000

Start Date: 01/15/2017

Last Date to Apply: 11/04/2016

 

Description:

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

Qualifications:

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

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

2) Resume/CV.

3) Unofficial transcript.

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

5) Test scores from the GRE.

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

The University of Montana; PhD position linking sub-lethal stressors to vital rates and population abundance.

School: The University of Montana

Location: Missoula, MT

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

Salary: DOE

Start Date: 08/15/2017

Last Date to Apply: 01/15/2017

 

Description:

    The Breuner lab at the University of Montana in Missoula is looking to recruit a Ph.D. student in a collaborative project with Dr. Blake Hossack at USGS. Dr. Breuner and Dr. Hossack have funding to support a PhD project examining the effects of brine contamination in wetlands from energy development in the northern Great Plains. The student’s research will complement existing USGS research projects on the effects of brine contamination on amphibian communities, but the student will have latitude to design their own questions focused around amphibian stress physiology and toxicology, habitat use, and survival or reproductive success. Applicants with experience in physiological ecology and/or population modeling techniques are encouraged to apply. The PhD position is set up as half-time RA and half-time TA, and has funding for summer support and lab expenses.

 

Qualifications:

    Applicants with experience in physiological ecology and/or population modeling techniques are encouraged to apply. Interested students are encouraged to email Dr. Breuner (creagh.breuner@umontana.edu) and Dr. Hossack (Blake_Hossack@usgs.gov). Please include a brief description of your research interests and a CV in your email. Note that applications for Fall 2017 admission to the Wildlife Biology program must be submitted by January 15th at the latest.

MS Graduate Student: Sagebrush Insect Ecology, Sage-grouse Food Arthropods, and Rangeland Management in Sage-brush Steppe Ecosystems.: Montana State University

School: Montana State University/Department of Animal and Range Sciences

Location: Bozeman, MT

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

Website: http://animalrange.montana.edu/

Salary: $22,000 per year plus health

Last Date to Apply: 10/31/2016

 

Description:

     Available is one M.S. graduate research assistantship at Montana State University (MSU) in the lab of Dr. Hayes Goosey (Department of Animal and Range Sciences) with co-advising and collaboration from Dr. Craig Carr (Department of Animal and Range Sciences). This position will focus on Arthropod conservation in Montana sagebrush steppe ecosystems in relation to greater Sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) conservation efforts. The selected student will complete coursework on the MSU campus with field work located in central Montana, approximately 3-5 hrs. from campus.
      Arthropods are a significant driving force of rangeland plant diversity and health and dominant land uses, such as livestock grazing, can greatly alter arthropod locations, abundance, and diversity. As a result, the interactions between arthropods and land use regimes of sagebrush steppe habitats are reflected in rangeland ecosystems. Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks (MTFWP) has identified a portion of central Montana as a sage-grouse core area and efforts are in place to utilize a science based approach to conserve sage-grouse habitats through eliminating sod-busting activities and implement conservation oriented livestock grazing strategies of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Sage Grouse Initiative (SGI). The selected student will work to complete the following objectives: 

1) Quantify the influence of SGI grazing systems on arthropod populations by comparing lands enrolled in the SGI program, traditionally grazed lands and idled Lake Mason National Wildlife Refuge (LMWR) lands.

2) Quantify relationships between arthropod populations and vegetation structure (i.e. bare ground, plant litter, live herbaceous cover, etc.) with permanent plots established on SGI, traditionally-grazed, and LMWR lands.

3) Use these data to train predictive models of vegetation structure and arthropod abundance based on Landsat 8 imagery to build a continuous spatial coverage of food arthropod abundance for the SGI study area. 

4) Transfer knowledge gained and tools from objectives 1 and 2 to livestock producers, public/private landowners and managers, and wildlife management agencies.
      The position will start January, 2017 and continue for up to 2.5 years ($22,000/yr. plus health insurance). We are seeking an independent student who is entomological, native habitat, and conservation minded. The student must be capable of weekly trips to remote and often ‘Out-of-Cellular Service’ places in central Montana. This cannot be emphasized enough as weather conditions can often make roads impassable during field season. 

Required qualifications: 

     Applicants must possess a B.S. degree in Entomology, Range Science, Wildlife Biology, or a related natural resources field; be an independent and self-staring person; possess a strong interest in applied ecology. Applicants must also possess a driver’s license valid in the US.

Preferred qualifications: 

     Those applicants who have documented and extensive experience leading field research projects in remote locations, conducting vegetation inventories, and using GPS and GIS technology will be competitive during the selection process.

To Apply: 

     Submit an application packet consisting of:

1) A cover letter addressing the required and preferred qualifications.

2) A CV. 

3) Unofficial transcripts.

4) GRE scores.

5) Contact information of three professional references to Dr. Hayes Goosey (hgoosey@montana.edu) 

     For information about either Dr. Goosey or Dr. Carr, see: http://animalrange.montana.edu/faculty/entomology/ ; http://animalrange.montana.edu/faculty/rangescience/index.html.

Research Graduate Assistantship in Forest Recreation: University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point, College of Natural Resources

School: University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point, College of Natural Resources

Location: Stevens Point, WI

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

Website: http://www.uwsp.edu/cnr/graduateProgram/Pages/default.aspx

Salary: One-year, half-time (20 hrs/week) graduate research assistantship, $16,000 for 12 months, is available through the project. Graduate teaching assistantships – approximately $13,000 for the academic year – are likely available to support the second year of graduate study and to provide additional experience. With a half-time assistantship, out-of-state residents pay Wisconsin tuition. Minnesota residents pay tuition costs determined by the Minnesota/Wisconsin reciprocity agreement: http://www.uwsp.edu/admissions/Pages/Affordability/minnesotaReciprocity.aspx Health insurance benefits may be available based on university policy for graduate students.

Start Date: 01/15/2017

Last Date to Apply: 11/01/2016

 

Description:

     A research project and assistantship is available for a student interested in pursuing a Master of Science in Natural Resources. The graduate assistant will help lead a study to better understand the extent to which personal technology enhances or detracts from forest visitor recreation experiences, and to identify associated implications for managing technology use on remote and urban-proximate forests.

 

Qualifications:

     The graduate assistant will contribute to all stages of the research project, including questionnaire development, preparation of paperwork for needed research approvals, collection of field data, data entry and analysis, and preparation and presentation of reports and papers. Successful completion of the project will require strong communication skills, comfort speaking with forest visitors from a variety of diverse backgrounds, a desire to work in urban and rural forests, willingness to travel for data collection, and an ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
      Requirements for graduate application to UW – Stevens Point and the College of Natural Resources may be found here: http://www.uwsp.edu/cnr/graduateProgram/Pages/applicationProcedure.aspx. Students on a graduate assistantship must maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher and enroll in at least 4 credits (part-time graduate student status) during the academic year. For more information please contact: Dr. Laura Anderson McIntyre (landerso@uwsp.edu)

MS Position: Conservation biogeography of regional endemic dragonflies – University of Arkansas – Fayetteville, AR

School: University of Arkansas

Location: University of Arkansas - Fayetteville, AR

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

Website: https://asiepielski.wordpress.com

Salary: $13-19,000/Year, with tuition waver

Start Date: 01/01/2017

Last Date to Apply: 11/01/2016

Description:

     We are offering a fully-funded research assistantship focused on surveys, modeling, and prioritization of dragonfly species endemic to the lovely Ozark-Ouachita mountain region of Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. The purpose of the project is to improve knowledge of the distribution, requirements, and priority status of Gomphus ozarkensis, Ophiogomphus westfalli, Cordulegaster talaria, and Somatochlora ozarkensis. We anticipate doing this through a combination of habitat-directed surveys, ecological niche modeling to predict and map potential distributions (both current and projected under climate change), and ranking each species based on range-wide vulnerability and endemicity.

      The position is housed in the Siepielski lab (https://asiepielski.wordpress.com/) in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Arkansas. Additional partners include the Missouri Department of Conservation, New York Natural Heritage Program, Oklahoma Biological Survey, University of Oklahoma, and University of Tennessee.
     The University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR (UARK) is a Tier I research university located in the Ozark Mountains. The faculty and graduate students at UARK are highly interactive and include an internationally known group of evolutionary biologists and ecologists.  We are located in an ideal setting for field-based projects in aquatic systems (AR boosts more than 2,300 lakes and thousands of smaller ponds, and equally impressive numbers of rivers, streams and creeks). Fayetteville is located in beautiful northwest Arkansas and offers a high quality of living at a low cost, an excellent climate, and is a large enough city to offer diverse activities and amenities. Rock climbing, hiking, kayaking, canoeing, and mountain biking opportunities are in close proximity.

Qualifications:

    The strongest candidates will have the following skills, experience, and interests: Interest in conservation science; Interest in odonates and lotic habitats; Ability to conduct extended periods of field work in remote settings (lots of hiking); Strong organization skills and the ability to work independently and with a team; Quantitative skills or aptitude; Experience with R, GIS, and/or ecological niche modeling (or the aptitude to learn quickly).
      Anticipated Start date will be ~ January 2017, although this is flexible. 

To apply, please send the following: 

(1) A cover letter that highlights relevant skills, experience, and interests

(2) A CV. 

(3) Contact information for three references to amsiepie@uark.edu.

(4) GRE scores. 

     Review of applications will begin immediately. Applicants must also apply to the graduate program in the department of biological sciences and the graduate school. The deadline for all application materials for the Spring 2017 semester is Nov 1, 2016. More information can be found on the ‘JOIN US’ section of the lab webpage ( https://asiepielski.wordpress.com/). Please contact Adam Siepielski (amsiepie@uark.edu) or Jason Bried (bried@uark.edu) with any questions. 

PhD Assistantship – Canada Goose Ecology: Illinois Natural History Survey.

Agency: Illinois Natural History Survey

Location: Champaign, IL

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

Website: http://wwx.inhs.illinois.edu/fieldstations/forbes/job-opportunities

Salary: The position includes a 50% research assistantship with a tuition waiver (approx. $24K/yr).

Start Date: 01/15/2017

Last Date to Apply: 10/10/2016

 

Description:

     Successful applicants will be awarded a research assistantship at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign through the Illinois Natural History Survey and the Forbes Biological Station (Havana, IL; http://www.bellrose.org/) in cooperation with Southern Illinois University. Graduate work will include examining movements and factors affecting habitat use of Canada geese throughout their annual cycle in the northern portions of the Mississippi Flyway. The student will propose research using location data of geese outfitted with GPS transmitters during winters 2014–2016 in the Greater Chicago Metropolitan Area. Possible foci could include migration phenology, winter habitat selection, breeding season habitat selection, response to disturbance and harassment, and many other topics. The student will work closely with other graduate students, full time technicians, full-time INHS staff, and staff from cooperating agencies such as the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and USDA/APHIS Wildlife Services. The student will be required to complete coursework through the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and may have the opportunity to complete coursework through and spend time at Southern Illinois University. 

Qualifications:

    Applicants should have BS and MS degrees in ecology, natural resources, wildlife biology, or a related field before 31 December 2016; demonstrated writing ability; GPA ≥ 3.5; and GRE scores in the 60th percentile or better. Preferred candidates will have extensive experience analyzing data, including survival analysis in MARK; spatial modeling in ArcGIS, R, SAS, or other software packages; and working with large volumes of spatial data. Candidates must have a strong work ethic, contribute to a positive work environment, be able to supervise technicians, work with private landowners, and work effectively within a team and independently. Self-motivation and a passion for research are critical personality traits for successful completion of this project.

Salary and Appointment: 

    The position includes a 50% research assistantship with a tuition waiver (approx. $24K/yr). Please contact potential supervisors Dr. Heath Hagy (hhagy@illinois.edu) and Dr. Mike Ward (mpward@illinois.edu) for more information. Assistantship and tuition waiver contingent upon admission into UIUC NRES.

Application: 

     Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a suitable candidate is identified. Interested students should send a cover letter, CV, unofficial transcripts and GRE scores, and contact information for three references electronically in a single document to Dr. Heath Hagy (hhagy@illinois.edu) by 10 October 2016 for full consideration.

Quantitative Human Dimensions of Wildlife – Determining use, economic impacts and value of Game Lands in North Carolina: NC State University.

School: NC State University

Location: Raleigh, NC

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

Salary: ~$20,000/yr, tuition, health insurance

Start Date: 08/15/2017

Last Date to Apply: 10/31/2016

 

Description:

    The Ph.D. student will lead a unique state wide project to estimate and evaluate the use and value of Game Lands in North Carolina. The student will integrate multiple data sources (e.g., camera traps, in-person surveys, online surveys) to estimate game land use while working closely with state agency and interdisciplinary team of researchers (e.g., biologists, economists, sociologists, statisticians) to understand the overall market and non-market value of game lands. Primary advisors will be Drs. Peterson and Pacifici in the Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation, Biology Program. The student will have opportunities to explore their own research questions in conjunction with the project.

 

Qualifications:

    M.S. degree in Wildlife Biology, Sociology, Statistics or related fields. Strong quantitative skills, interests in hierarchical modeling, strong interpersonal skills. Experience with R and BUGS (i.e. WinBUGS, OpenBUGS, JAGS) programming languages preferred. For more information please contact: Nils Peterson (nils_peterson@ncsu.edu).

 

 

M.S. or Ph.D. Assistantship in Fisheries/Aquatic Ecology: University of Illinois/ Illinois Natural History Survey.

School: University of Illinois/Illinois Natural History Survey

Location: Champaign, Illinois

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

Website: http://wwx.inhs.illinois.edu/fieldstations/kbs/kaskaskia

Salary: Dependent upon education level & academic unit, up to $2,001.42/mo. for a 50% appointment offered for 11 mos. Students must be enrolled during the semester to receive a tuition waiver.

Last Date to Apply: 01/01/2017

 

Description:

     Research topics are varied and flexible, but individuals with interests related to three projects below are preferred:

(1) Invasion ecology of Asian carp. 

(2) Recruitment, behavior, physiology, reproductive strategies, and management of largemouth bass.

(3) Population ecology of crappie. 

Duties will include conducting experiments, analyzing data, presenting findings in a publication, and other research activities. 

Qualifications:

     B.S. or M.S. in fisheries/aquatic ecology, estimated start date is  between June and August 2017.
Send cover letter, resume, copies of transcripts and GRE scores, and three letters of reference to Dr. David Wahl at d-wahl@illinois.edu or University of Illinois, 1816 S. Oak Street, Champaign, IL 61820 and to hro@inhs.illinois.edu. 

     Illinois is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability. Illinois welcomes individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and ideas who embrace and value diversity and inclusivity. (www.inclusiveillinois.illinois.edu).

Graduate Assistantships: Nicholls State University, Louisiana

School: Nicholls State University

Location: Thibodaux, Louisiana

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

Website: https://www.nicholls.edu/biology-graduate/

Salary: $4500 per semester plus tuition wavier

Start Date: 01/11/2017

Last Date to Apply: 10/31/2016

 

Description:

     Four Teaching Assistantships will be available for the Spring 2017 semester for the Master of Science in Marine and Environmental Biology program at Nicholls State University. Teaching Assistantships include tuition wavier and stipend of $4500 a semester. For more information about the program visit http://www.nicholls.edu/biology_graduate/.
     Some potential research projects associated with the positions are listed below:
Dr. Raj Nathaniel: project will examine the impact of bacteriophage therapy in an aquaculture setting on the production of biofilm and on lytic toxins. Quorum sensing coordinates gene expression according to the density of the bacterial population. The expression of genes based on quorum sensing results in biofilm formation and toxin production. Bacteriophage therapy might alter quorum sensing and therefore has potential to be used to improve biofilm safety and as a control mechanism of toxin production during bacterial pathogen outbreaks. Contact Dr. Nathaniel for more information: rajkumar.nathaniel@nicholls.edu
     Dr. Raj Boopathy: (two projects listed below or email ramaraj.boopathy@nicholls.edu)
1). Presence of Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria in Fresh and Salt Water Marshes of Louisiana: we propose to sample three sites of bayou Petite Caliou in southeast Louisiana, testing for antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARBs) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) under various salinity regimes. We also propose to analyze the differences in antibiotic resistance and fecal coliform bacteria levels among different salinities (0.5, 5, and 12 ppt) in the bayous. The results of this project will demonstrate the prevalence of antibiotic resistance in local waterways, which will eventually lead to preventative measures by installing properly functioning septic tanks and individual sewage treatment plants by the local citizens living near the bayous.
2. Influence of Antibiotics on the Natural Nitrogen Cycle Process in the Wetlands: major goal of this proposal is to study the impact of various common antibiotics on the nitrogen cycle of Louisiana wetlands. Water samples will be collected from the wetlands that directly receive Mississippi River water and these samples will be exposed to various concentrations of antibiotics. Nitrification and denitrification rates will be monitored along with bacteria responsible for these processes. The results from this study will demonstrate the effect of antibiotics on nitrogen cycle and how this natural process is impacted by human activity. 

Qualifications:

     Admission requirements include: B.S. degree in science curriculum, minimum GPA of 3.0, and combined GRE (verbal + quantitative). Application procedure includes an online application and fee (http://www.nicholls.edu/apply/), and cover letter, CV, official GRE scores and academic transcripts, and departmental application package (http://www.nicholls.edu/biology_graduate/application-information/) including three letters of recommendation (forms included in departmental application).
     Deadline for applying is October 31, 2016. Application materials and questions regarding the program should be sent to: 

Dr. Aaron Pierce, 

P.O. Box 2021, 

Nicholls State University, Thibodaux, LA 70310, 

985-493-2628, 

aaron.pierce@nicholls.edu. 

   See Graduate Faculty (http://www.nicholls.edu/biology-graduate/faculty/) for more information on faculty research interests.