Graduate Research Assistant in Aquatic Ecology: Murray State University, Kentucky

School: Murray State University

Location: Murray, KY, and DeBeque, CO, USA

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

Website: http://campus.murraystate.edu/academic/faculty/hwhiteman/index.shtml

Salary: Commensurate with experience

Start Date: 01/15/2017

Last Date to Apply: 11/15/2016

 

Description:

     Graduate Research Assistant in Aquatic Ecology, Watershed Studies Institute and Department of Biological Sciences, Murray State University. One full-time position to begin January 2017. Qualifications: B.S. in biology, ecology, or related discipline. Previous experience with field and/or lab experiments, pond ecosystems, and amphibian and invertebrate ecology highly desirable. 

 

Responsibilities: 

     To conduct experimental research on the predatory effects of size-structured salamander populations on population, community and ecosystem interactions while completing a M.S. degree in Watershed Science. 

 

Salary: 

     Commensurate with experience; potential for competitive tuition waivers. Other benefits include housing at the Hancock Biological Station (Murray, KY) during the academic year. 

 

To Apply: 

     Email a letter of application, curriculum vitae including undergraduate GPA and GRE scores, and the names and email addresses of three references to Dr. Howard Whiteman (hwhiteman@murraystate.edu). 

 

Deadline: 

    November 15, 2016 or until the position is filled. Women and minorities are strongly encouraged to apply. Murray State University is an equal education and employment opportunity, M/F/D, AA employer. 

Qualifications:

    B.S. in biology, ecology, or related discipline. Previous experience with field and/or lab experiments, pond ecosystems, and amphibian and invertebrate ecology highly desirable.

 

M.S. Assistantship in Wildlife Spatial Ecology at the University of Florida

School: University of Florida

Location: Gainesville, FL

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

Website: http://plaza.ufl.edu/robert.fletcher/

Salary: 17,000-20,000

Start Date: 08/15/2017

Last Date to Apply: 11/18/2016

 

Description:

     Graduate student opportunity in wildlife spatial ecology and conservation at the University of Florida. We are seeking a highly motivated M.S. student for the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation (WEC) at the University of Florida, starting Spring 2017 or Fall 2017 (Fall 2017 more likely). This student will work as part of a landscape-scale research project on the spatial ecology, population biology, and conservation of Southeastern American Kestrels (Falco sparverius paulus). In Florida, kestrels are listed as Threatened, but the current trend and status are largely unknown. The subspecies is closely tied to upland habitat (e.g., scrub, sand pine, sandhill, prairie, pasture), which have been declining in recent decades. The project offers a unique opportunity to work alongside state biologists and University faculty to conduct research that will directly inform development of habitat management guidelines (HMG) for a Species of Greatest Conservation Need.
      The project has three primary objectives. However, students with strong initiative and desire to carve out their own research questions within this theme are highly encouraged to apply.
Objective 1. Provide a current baseline population estimate and subsequent monitoring protocol for Ocala National Forest, one of the three largest breeding populations of southeastern American kestrels in Florida.
Objective 2. Develop HMG for southeastern American kestrels in scrub based on occupancy and productivity in different habitat conditions.
Objective 3. Identify common habitat needs as well as potential conflicts associated with managing Florida scrub-jays and other imperiled species in southeastern American kestrel habitat.  

Qualifications:

     The student will be co-advised by Robert Fletcher (University of Florida) and Karl Miller (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission). Preferred applicants will be highly motivated, have field experience conducting avian point counts, have strong quantitative skills, and competitive GPA/GRE scores. If you are interested in pursuing a graduate degree on this project, please send Dr. Fletcher a CV, GRE scores and GPA, contact information for three references, and a brief statement of your research interests, career goals, and why you would like to pursue a graduate degree prior to November 18, 2016 (email to: robert.fletcher@ufl.edu). Please see the WEC Graduate Program website for more details on application procedures. For more information, see: http://plaza.ufl.edu/robert.fletcher/.

M.S. Graduate Research Assistantship- Loggerhead Shrike Population Survey Design and Population Assessment: West Virginia University

School: West Virginia University

Location: West Virginia and Virginia

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

Website: http://forestry.wvu.edu/faculty_staff/christopher_lituma

Salary: $16,536/year plus health insurance and university tuition waiver

Start Date: 01/01/2017

Last Date to Apply: 11/30/2016

 

Description:

    The School of Natural Resources at West Virginia University is searching for an MS student to help develop surveys for Loggerhead Shrikes (Lanius ludovicianus), using playback, automated recording unit technology, and decoys. Loggerhead Shrikes populations continue to experience range-wide declines (3.2%/year), and are a species listed as greatest conservation need in West Virginia and Virginia. The research project will focus on grazed high-elevation pastures in West Virginia and Virginia, and reclaimed mine lands in West Virginia. In addition to Loggerhead Shrikes, the student will be asked to survey for other grassland and early successional bird species to develop multi-species occupancy and abundance models. This student will work with cooperators from the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, and Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries as well as private landowners. The student will be working towards an MS in Wildlife and Fisheries Resources at West Virginia University (http://wildlife.wvu.edu/).

 

Qualifications:

     The ideal applicant should be familiar with grassland/early successional bird identification by sight and sound via point counts or other bird survey experiences. Applicant should also be familiar with plant species identification, collecting vegetation measurements, and preference will be given to applicants with GIS experience. Applicants should be comfortable working long days in the field during hot summer months, and energetic and excited about applied avian conservation research. Applicants will also be responsible for hiring and supervising a research team. These data are being collected in conjunction with a loggerhead shrike banding effort supervised by state agencies. 

 

Qualifications:

     Applicants must have completed a BS in Wildlife Biology, Ecology, or a closely related field. Applicants must have a minimum 1100 combined GRE score (V+Q) on the previous scale or 300 on the current scale, and a minimum 3.25 GPA. Applicant can begin as early as January 2016 or as late as May 2017, depending on applicant pool and student timeline. Position will remain open until filled. Application review will begin immediately.

To Apply: 

     Electronic applications are preferred. Send a single file including: 

1) Cover letter outlining any relevant work experiences with bird surveys or grassland birds 

2) Resume including unofficial copy of transcripts and GRE scores

3) Contact information for 3 references to Dr. Chris Lituma; cml0017@mail.wvu.edu

     For more information please contact Dr. Chris Lituma (cml0017@mail.wvu.edu)

MS Assistantship in the BIOLOGY department at Western Kentucky University

School: Western Kentucky University

Location: WKU, Bowling Green, KY

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

Website: http://www.wku.edu/biology

Salary: ~7200/year with full tuition waiver, summer support possible

Start Date: 08/16/2017

Last Date to Apply: 03/01/2017

 

Description:

     MS Assistanship in the Biology Department at Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, Kentucky, USA. I am seeking a motivated, qualified individual with appropriate prior experience in the fields of Cell and Molecular Biology, Genetics to conduct independent research towards the completion of a Master’s of Science Degree while acting as one of the two graduate teaching assistants for our undergraduate Cell and Molecular Biology and Genetics courses. The starting date for this assistantship will be fall 2017. The successful candidate will conduct research in the areas of developmental and cancer genetics using Drosophila melanogaster. More specifically the project aims at understanding the contributions of Extracellular Matrix (Basement Membrane) to development and tumor progression and will involve characterization of novel genes identified in genetic screens in the lab. Desirable skills include a familiarity with Drosophila genetics and experience with basic laboratory techniques (PCR, sequencing, Western etc.). 

 

Qualifications:

     A B.S. degree in Biology or closely related discipline with a CGPA of 3.5/4 or higher, a GRE score of 310 or better is required. The successful applicant receives full tuition waiver, two years of stipend support at ~$7200/year as a Graduate Teaching Assistant and contributions towards health insurance benefits. Summer financial support is possible but not guaranteed. For further details about this position please contact Dr. Ajay Srivastava: ajay.srivastava@wku.edu with your CV, personal statement, GRE score and three letters of reference. Review of applications will begin immediately (09/15/16) and will continue until filled.

MS or PhD assistantship: Oklahoma State University

School: Oklahoma State University

Location: Stillwater, OK

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

Website: http://integrativebiology.okstate.edu

Salary: $22,000 -$24,000/yr plus health insurance and tuition waiver

Start Date: 01/02/2017

Last Date to Apply: 11/01/2016

 

Description:

     Developing wetland sampling protocol for the USDA Natural Resources Inventory. This project is part of the national Conservation Effects Assessment Program (CEAP Wetlands).

 

Qualifications:

     BS or MS in natural resources or biological sciences field. To apply send letter of interest, resume, transcripts, and GRE scores to Dr. Loren Smith (loren.smith@okstate.edu) . Also have three letters of reference sent to the same address.

PhD position – hydrological modelling and characterization of the coupled dynamics of natural and human systems in Northern Botswana: Water quality, microbial dynamics, and human and wildlife health – Virginia Tech

School: Virginia Tech

Location: Blacksburg, Virginia

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

Salary: Competitive stipend and tuition

Last Date to Apply: 12/01/2016

 

Description:

     The Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation at Virginia Tech, in collaboration with the Centre of African Resources; Animals, Communities and Land use (CARACAL) in Botswana would like to recruit a PhD candidate to participate on an NSF CNH funded project under the direction of the PI, Dr. Kathleen Alexander and co-PI Dr. Adil Godrej. This project is directed at coupled natural-human dynamics, exploring dryland river floodplain systems and their complex influences on microbial communities, water quality, and health. The PhD candidate will use the hydrological model, MIKE SHE, together with other models from the MIKE series, to assess hydrology and water quality dynamics of the Chobe River in Northern Botswana and evaluate linkages and feedbacks to the health of animals and human communities in the region. For more information on our program please visit the following sites:
http://fishwild.vt.edu/faculty/alexander.htm
www.caracal.info
www.facebook/caracalbotswana.com
www.healthbotswana.blogspot.com 

 

Qualifications:

Required qualifications: 

     Candidates must have a Master’s degree in engineering, earth science, or quantitative ecology with an interest in hydrological modelling and disease ecology. A strong background in either hydrological science/modelling or ecological science/modelling and an interest in working across disciplines is required. The candidate must demonstrate strong quantitative and analytical abilities and have a proven capacity to publish high quality research. The candidate will have the opportunity to work with a large multidisciplinary team that engages a diverse set of disciplines including disease ecology, epidemiology, microbial ecology, public health, veterinary medicine, hydrology, environmental engineering, mathematical modelling, dry land river ecology, and anthropology.

Application procedure: 

    To apply for this position please provide:

1) A letter of interest

2) A current curriculum vitae

3) Contact information for three references

4) Copies of recent transcripts and GRE scores

5) Example(s) of published scientific work first authored by the candidate

Please send this as a single *.pdf document to Kathleen Alexander (kathyalx@vt.edu) and Claire Sanderson (clairees@vt.edu). Candidate must be able to work independently, as well as collaboratively. Non-native English speakers must also be fluent in English, as demonstrated by a recent IELTS or TOEFL test. 

     Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled, with an anticipated start date spring of 2017. Competitive candidates may be invited to Virginia Tech for an interview. 

Masters Game Bird Ecology: New Mexico State University

School: New Mexico Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, NM State University

Location: NM Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, NM State University, Las Cruces, NM

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

Website: http://web.nmsu.edu/~carleton/index.html

Salary: 23,000

Start Date: 01/14/2017

Last Date to Apply: 11/15/2016

 

Description:

   One Masters Graduate Assistantship will be available starting January, 2017 to work on the response of sympatric scaled and bobwhite quail population demography and space use to prescribed fire and mesquite removal in eastern New Mexico. The successful applicant will be supported for three years on a graduate assistantship, but will be required to assist as a graduate teaching assistant for two different semesters.

 

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications: 

     Applicants must have an undergraduate degree in Wildlife, Biology, Conservation Biology or related field by December 2016 with a graduate GPA of 3.0 or higher. Direct experience with field studies that involved trapping, tracking, and handling of birds is highly desirable.

Desired Qualifications: 

     The most qualified applicants will have wildlife related field experience, including but not limited to, telemetry, working independently at remote field sites, supervising technicians, and demonstrated skills in data organization. Duties will include managing technicians, trapping, banding, attaching VHF transmitters, tracking birds, vegetation sampling, assisting with the preparation of reports and publications, and presentations for scientific audiences. The successful applicant must be willing to work, sometimes long hours, under variable climatic conditions and be comfortable living at remote locations for up to 6 months.

How to Apply: 

     Interested applicants should send a cover letter, CV/Resume, unofficial undergraduate transcripts, and GRE scores (preferably as one pdf document) to Dr. Scott Carleton in the New Mexico Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit at New Mexico State University (carleton@nmsu.edu or as a last resort to NMSU, MSC 4901, Las Cruces, NM 88003). If you are selected as a finalist for the position, you will be asked to provide three letters of reference. For more information please contact: Scott Carleton (carleton@nmsu.edu)

PhD position – Coupled dynamics of natural and human systems: Water quality, microbial dynamics, and human and wildlife health: Virginia Tech.

School: Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Tech

Location: Blacksburg, Virginia

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

Salary: Competitive stipend, tuition waiver

Last Date to Apply: 12/01/2016

 

Description:

    We are seeking an outstanding researcher to join our interdisciplinary team and contribute to the characterization of ecological processes associated with fecal microbial dynamics, water quality, and human waterborne disease risk in a dry-land river floodplain system in Northern Botswana located in southern Africa. The project is funded under the National Science Foundation Dynamics of Coupled Natural and Human Systems. Temporal and spatial dynamics of water quality and the associated bacterial community will be characterized through community sequencing. A microbial source-tracking approach targeting the fecal indicator bacteria E. coli and human-associated Bacteroides and other human commensal bacteria will be used to identify potential transmission linkages between the different sub-environments, vegetation, sediment, soils, water, humans, and animals (domestic animals and diverse wildlife communities). We will also assess microbial dynamics through bacterial fate studies in these subenvironments and quantify the abundance of the human-specific bacteria in river and floodplain environments to identify where and when inputs of human fecal waste occur.
   The candidate will be co-supervised by the Project PI K. A. Alexander and co-PI Dr. M. Ponder. The candidate will work with other program collaborators and co-PIs representing, all together, a diverse portfolio of disciplines including disease ecology, epidemiology, microbial ecology, public health, veterinary medicine, hydrology, environmental engineering, mathematical modeling, dry land river ecology, and anthropology.

 

Qualifications:
    The individual must possess a Masters degree in Microbiology, Biology or related discipline. Successful candidates will be independent and highly productive showing demonstrated experience in molecular biology. Applicant must demonstrate ability to publish research outputs in peer-reviewed journals with quantitative PCR, and/or microbiome analysis/metagenomics. Bioinformatics experience is also preferred. Familiarity with water quality and bacterial source tracking would be ideal but not required. Candidate must be able to work independently, as well as collaboratively. An interest in exploring disease dynamics across scales, species, and disciplines will be an advantage.

Application Process:
     To apply for this position please send:

1) A letter of interest

2) A current curriculum vitae

3) Contact information for three references

4) Scientific publications produced by the candidate as a lead author

5) Copies of transcripts and GRE scores as a single *.pdf document to Dr. Kathleen Alexander (kathyalx@vt.edu) and Claire Sanderson (clairees@vt.edu). Non-native English speakers must also be fluent in English, as demonstrated by a recent IELTS of TOEFL test. 

     Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled, with an anticipated start date spring of 2017. Competitive candidates may be invited to Virginia Tech for an interview.

For more information on our program please visit the following sites:
www.caracal.info
www.facebook/caracalbotswana.com
www.healthbotswana.blogspot.com
http://fishwild.vt.edu/faculty/alexander.htm 

Masters graduate position – Dispersal and disease transmission dynamics in Banded mongooses in Botswana: Virginia Tech.

School: Virginia Tech and CARACAL

Location: Blacksburg, Virginia

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

Salary: Competitive stipend, tuition waiver

Last Date to Apply: 12/01/2016

 

Description:

     The Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation at Virginia Tech, in collaboration with the Centre of African Resources; Animals, Communities and Land use (CARACAL) in Botswana would like to recruit a Master’s student to participate in a multidisciplinary project directed at enhancing our understanding of disease transmission in social wildlife species. This project is funded under the National Science Foundations Ecology of Emerging Infectious Disease under the direction of PI, Dr. Kathleen Alexander. Banded mongoose (Mungos mungo) in Botswana are infected with a novel, emerging tuberculosis (TB) pathogen, Mycobacterium mungi that is transmitted in anal gland secretions. This long-term study system will be used to investigate the manner in which infectious disease and Allee Effects interact to influencing disease dynamics and group persistence in group-living species. The successful Master’s candidate will use microsatellite genotyping together with detailed observational data to determine inbreeding, relatedness within and between banded mongoose troops, and estimate troop dispersal and fusion/fission events across a diverse landscape. These outputs will be incorporated into infectious disease transmission models. For more information on our program please visit the following sites:
www.caracal.info
www.facebook/caracalbotswana.com
www.healthbotswana.blogspot.com
http://fishwild.vt.edu/faculty/alexander.htm

 

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

     Candidates must have a BS in molecular ecology, biology or a related field. Candidates must have a highly competitive GPA and GRE score. Knowledge of molecular genetics, mammalian biology, and statistics are critical. Strong candidates will also demonstrate excellent writing skills, a strong work ethic, as well as the ability to work with others and independently.

Desired Qualifications: 

    Competitive candidates will have prior experience with ARLEQUIN, FSTAT, STRUCTURE, and BOTTLENECK (or similar programs), and experience analyzing data in the R computing environment.
    To apply for this position please send:

1) A letter of interest.

2) A current curriculum vitae.

3) Contact information for three references

4) An example of written material produced by the candidate 

5) Copies of transcripts and GRE scores as a single *.pdf document to Kathleen Alexander (kathyalx@vt.edu) and Claire Sanderson (clairees@vt.edu). 

    Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled, with an anticipated start date spring of 2017.
 

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)