Graduate Assistantship – Human dimensions of citizen science: North Carolina State University

School: NC State University

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

Start Date: January or Fall 2017 (flexible)

Last Date to Apply: 11/07/2016

 

Description:

     Graduate opportunities in Fish and Wildlife Conservation within the Department of Forestry & Environmental Resources for self-motivated and hardworking student interested in the human dimensions of citizen science. The graduate student will conduct research via resources and tools available in collaboration with SciStarter.com, the largest repository of citizen science projects in the world and a comprehensive database detailing project design features and outcomes. Thanks to a NSF-AISL Pathways award, SciStarter will soon offer each member a dashboard to manage and display their citizen science activities, track their progress in projects, network with others, and consent to have their online behavior tracked across citizen science projects.
      Possible research directions include, but are not limited to:
• Linkages between pathway of initial recruitment and subsequent retention in citizen science.
• Explore practices for the co-management of citizen scientists with awareness of their enrollment in multiple projects.
• Linkages between citizen science project design and scientific, learning, and conservation outcomes
• Linkages between participation dynamics within and among projects and scientific, learning, and conservation outcomes.
• Design of recommender systems to enhance participant agency in navigating an ecosystem of highly varied projects.
• Project owner perceptions about project aggregation, competition, and collaboration.
     Students will be expected to engage with the activities of the university-wide cluster on Leadership in Public Science (https://facultyclusters.ncsu.edu/clusters/leadership-in-public-science/) which offers unique intellectual focus and professional development in the realm of citizen science, open science, and science communication. The students will spend time in the Biodiversity Research lab at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences (http://naturalsciences.org/research-collections/biodiversity-lab) where they will have ample opportunities to develop their science communication skills.  

Qualification

Minimum qualifications:
     BS (MS for PhD opening) degree in social sciences, information sciences, human dimensions or similar with some coursework in ecology, GPA of 3.4 or higher GRE scores near or above 160 in verbal and quantitative areas demonstrated research experience (data collection, analysis, and writing), interest in interdisciplinary (social and biological), research commitment to public science, excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred qualifications:
     Experience with citizen science, experience with quantitative research and survey development, experience with google analytics and quantitative analysis skills. 

To apply:
    To apply, submit a pre-application to Dr. Cooper at cbcoope3@ncsu.edu by Nov 7. Submit pre-application as a single PDF file attached to an email introducing yourself with “Human dimensions of citizen science graduate application” in the email subject line:
1) Cover letter summarizing interest in the position, qualifications, and experience, as well as research and career goals.
2) Curriculum Vitae.
3) Academic transcripts (can be unofficial).
4) GRE scores (can be unofficial).
5) Names, contact information, and short description of relationship for three professional references.
    Selected applicants will also need to apply to the Dept of Forestry & Environmental Resources at North Carolina State University before acceptance. 

Graduate Research Assistants: USGS Mississippi Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit.

School: Mississippi State University (USGS Mississippi Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit)

Location: Mississippi State, fieldwork in Puerto Rico

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

Salary: Nationally competitive

Start Date: 01/06/2017

Last Date to Apply: 12/15/2016

 

Description:

    I am currently seeking three graduate students at the M.S. (two) and PhD (1) level for a funded research project on coastal wetlands in Puerto Rico. Students interested in avian population and community ecology, movement ecology and species-habitat modeling are encouraged to apply. This project will address ecological and management questions on conservation and restoration of coastal wetland ecosystems in tropical oceanic islands at local, island and regional scales.
    Master’s students will address wetland bird community and nesting ecology. Results will highlight wetland restoration needs and habitat conditions for wetlands birds. Doctoral student will address movements, resource selection and survival of the West Indian Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna arborea) using GPS telemetry. Results will highlight the functional role of this species as indicator of coastal wetlands at multiple spatial scales.
    The Master's program in Wildlife Ecology at Mississippi State University will provide 3-years of graduate research assistantship funding, including tuition and insurance. PhD program will provide up to 4 years of support in the form of graduate research assistantship with full tuition and insurance covered. Stipend amounts are competitive on a national level. For more information on the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture at Mississippi State University visit: http://www.cfr.msstate.edu/wildlife/. 

Qualifications:

     Candidates interested in applying for either MS or PhD positions are encouraged to email Dr. Francisco J. Vilella (fv1@msstate.edu, fvilella@usgs.gov) with the following information: 

1) An unofficial transcript (undergraduate and/or MS, as appropriate).

2) Curriculum vitae including contact information for three professional references.

3) A brief personal statement describing research and career goals, and how this degree would help the student achieve these goals.

MS and PhD Positions in Ecology and Environmental Science at Washington State University Vancouver.

School: Washington State University Vancouver

Location: Vancouver, WA

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

Website: https://cas.vancouver.wsu.edu/science-graduate-programs/

Salary: **

Start Date: 08/16/2017

Last Date to Apply: 01/10/2017

 

Description:

    Graduate student positions are currently available for the MS and PhD programs in Biology, Plant Biology, Environmental Science, and Mathematics at Washington State University's Vancouver campus. Positions are funded with teaching and/or research assistantships that include tuition waivers. Faculty research areas in biology, environmental science and math include:

• Animal Behavior
• Aquatic Ecology
• Biological Oceanography
• Butterfly Ecology
• Community Ecology
• Conservation Biology
• Disease Ecology
• Disturbance Ecology
• Ecosystem Ecology
• Environmental Chemistry
• Environmental Hydrology
• Environmental Physics
• Evolutionary Ecology
• Global Change Biology
• Landscape Ecology
• Marine & Freshwater Plankton Ecology
• Microbial Ecology
• Mathematical Biology
• Neuroscience
• Physical Oceanography
• Plant-insect interactions
• Plant-herbivore interactions
• Plant Ecology
• Restoration Ecology
• Statistical Ecology
• Successional Dynamics
• Watershed Biogeochemistry

     Please see our website for more information about our graduate programs: https://cas.vancouver.wsu.edu/science-graduate-programs/ .

 

Qualifications:

     Because graduate students work closely with faculty in pursuing their research, you must contact a mentor before applying. Explore our Faculty Research pages to find someone whose research interests fit with your own, then contact that person to discuss applying to graduate school at WSU Vancouver: https://cas.vancouver.wsu.edu/science-graduate-programs/faculty-research-directory. Faculty members can be most helpful if they know a little about you. At a minimum, please provide a resume or CV, educational transcripts and information about your research background and interests.
    WSU Vancouver is just across the Columbia River from Portland, Oregon, and is close to the Cascade Mountains, Puget Sound and the Pacific Ocean. In addition to its celebrated quality of life, the Pacific Northwest boasts a fruitful climate for scientific collaboration, with opportunities at numerous medical, environmental, research and teaching institutions throughout the region.
      Priority applications are due January 10, 2017, please contact Cheryl Schultz (schultzc@wsu.edu) for additional information.

PhD position – Population dynamics of white-tailed deer in south Florida: implications for management of the endangered Florida panther: Virginia Tech.

School: Virginia Tech

Location: Blacksburg, Virginia

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

Website: http://myfwc.com/hunting/by-species/deer/project/

Salary: Competitive stipend

Start Date: 01/02/2017

Last Date to Apply: 11/01/2016

 

Description:

    We are seeking a PhD candidate to participate in a study of white-tailed deer population dynamics within the range of the endangered Florida panther. Objectives of the research include determining the effects of changing hydrological conditions, predation pressure, and hunting regulations on deer populations, and developing a long-term deer monitoring program using camera traps. The monitoring program will be used to inform management actions aimed at maintaining the viability of both deer and panther populations. This research is a multifaceted project involving multiple universities, NGOs, and state and federal agencies. The successful applicant will interface with all these collaborating organizations as well as many passionate stakeholders.
     Responsibilities will include fieldwork, data management, and the integration of large scale hydrologic and fire history data sets with GPS collar data. Fieldwork will involve capturing, collaring, and monitoring white-tailed deer in Big Cypress National Preserve and the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge, as well as maintaining an extensive camera trapping array. Applicants must be prepared to work in remote, hot, and humid conditions where biting insects, venomous snakes, and large carnivores are common.

 

Qualifications:

    Applicants should have some background in population ecology, spatial ecology, ungulate ecology and management, and disturbance ecology. Preference will be given to candidates with experience analyzing telemetry data. A positive attitude, strong work ethic, and the ability to work independently and as a team member are required.
     The student will join the Dept. of Fish and Wildlife Conservation in the College of Natural Resource and Environment (CNRE) at Virginia Tech. The CNRE was ranked the best National Resource Program in the Nation for the last 2 years by USA Today.
     The student will be jointly advised by Dr. Michael Cherry at Virginia Tech, and Dr. Richard Chandler and Dr. Karl V. Miller at the University of Georgia's Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources. The start date is as soon as January 2, 2017. Send statement of interest, CV, unofficial transcripts, GRE scores, and contact information for three references as a single PDF to Dr. Michael Cherry: mjcherry@vt.edu. The application deadline is November 1, 2016.

M.S. – Wildlife Community Response to Native-Grassland Restoration: Texas A&M University-Kingsville

School: Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute / Texas A&M University

Location: Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Kingsville, Texas.

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

Website: http://www.ckwri.tamuk.edu/fileadmin/user_upload/docs/Position_Announcements/Hernandez-Hixon_restoration_-M_S__Oct_2016.pdf

Salary: $1,500/month plus benefits (medical package has a 60-day waiting period) Nonresident tuition waived (resident tuition fees apply). Partial assistance for resident tuition and fees may also be available based on availability of funds.

Start Date: 01/01/2017

Last Date to Apply: 12/15/2016

 

Description:

     Invasion of non-native grasses has degraded wildlife habitat on vast areas of the southwestern United States. We are seeking a student to assist in a research project to document if landscape-scale restoration of native plants on rangeland dominated by buffelgrass and Old World Bluestems increases northern bobwhite, scaled quail, songbird, small mammal, and butterfly populations. The successful applicant for this assistantship will focus on the non-game wildlife community response but will work as part of a team of graduate students and undergraduate assistants involved in this large, collaborative research project. The successful applicant will be expected to present papers at scientific meetings and publish manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals.

 

Qualifications:

      B. S. in wildlife science, natural resources, range science, ecology, biology, or closely related fields. A strong work ethic, good verbal and written communication skills, ability to work independently and as a productive member of a research team, and ability to work under adverse field conditions (hot humid South Texas environment) are essential. Ability to operate 4-wheel drive vehicles and conduct field research. Students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and competitive GRE scores (application package must include GRE scores). For more information please contact: Dr. Fidel Hernandez (fidel.hernandez@tamuk.edu)

Gamebirds on the Coastal Prairie: Texas A&M University-Kingsville

School: Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute / Texas A&M University

Location: Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Kingsville, Texas.

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

Website: http://www.ckwri.tamuk.edu/fileadmin/user_upload/docs/Position_Announcements/Grahmann_Hernandez_Bobwhites_Coastal_Prairie_M_S__Oct_2016.pdf

Salary: $1,400/month plus benefits (medical package has a 60 day waiting period). Nonresident tuition waived (resident tuition fees apply). Partial resident tuition fee assistance may be provided based on availability of funds.

Start Date: 01/01/2017

Last Date to Apply: 12/15/2016

 

Description:

     We are seeking a student to conduct research as part of a collaborative study to determine if red imported fire ants impact nest success and site use of northern bobwhites and re-introduced Attwater’s prairie chicken on the coastal prairie of Texas. Research responsibilities will include:

1) Working with graduate advisors to design a research project as part of an overarching collaborative project.

2) Oversight of research technicians.

3) Sampling fire ant densities and vegetation.

4) Capture, radio-collaring, and tracking of northern bobwhites

5) Analysis of data. 

     The successful applicant will work as part of a team of natural resource professionals under the supervision of Drs. Eric Grahmann and Fidel Hernandez. Research data will be used by the successful applicant for their thesis. Successful applicants will be expected to publish manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals and present papers at scientific meetings. 

Qualifications:

     B. S. in ecology, wildlife science, range science, or closely related fields. A strong work ethic, good verbal and written communication skills, ability to work independently and as a productive member of a research team, and ability to work under adverse field conditions (hot humid South Texas environment). Training in plant taxonomy and plant identification skills are desirable. Ability to operate 4-wheel drive vehicles and conduct field research. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and competitive GRE scores (application package must include GRE scores; applications with no GRE scores will not be considered). For more information please contact: Dr. Eric Grahmann (eric.grahmann@tamuk.edu).

Graduate Assistantship – Ecotoxicology: Oklahoma State University

School: Oklahoma State University

Location: Stillwater, OK

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

Website: http://jbelden.wixsite.com/beldenlab

Salary: $22860 annual plus benefits and tuition

Start Date: 01/07/2017

Last Date to Apply: 11/01/2016

 

Description:

     PhD Research Assistantship studying the occurrence of trace metals-tolerant snail and amphipod populations as an indicator of historic and current trace metal toxicity. The successful applicant is encouraged and expected to be a significant contributor to the design and implementation of the study approach.

 

Qualifications:

     A strong work ethic, enthusiasm, and desire to be fully engaged in the design and implementation of the study. GPA and GRE scores meeting university minimums are required as well as three letters of recommendation, and other material as described by the university. Please visit our website (integrativebiology.okstate.edu) for application instructions to the department and university. Contact Jason Belden (jbelden@okstate.edu) or Scott McMurry (scott.mcmurry@okstate.edu) for more information.

Graduate Assistantships: Coupled natural-human systems: North Carolina State University

School: North Carolina State University

Location: Raleigh, NC

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

Salary: TBD

Start Date: 01/01/2017

Last Date to Apply: 11/07/2016

 

Description:
    Graduate opportunities (1 MS and 1 PhD position) in Fish and Wildlife Conservation within the Department of Forestry & Environmental Resources for self-motivated and hardworking students interested in the social and ecological dimensions of avian stewardship on private lands. As part of the Cooper lab, the graduate students will conduct research via field work, broad-scale citizen science, and survey research with bluebird enthusiasts across the United States. Possible research directions include, but are not limited to, management of invasive house sparrows, mapping environmental contaminants based on their levels of bioaccumulation in house sparrow eggs, and the influence of soundscapes and lightscapes on avian and human well-being. Students will be expected to engage with the activities of the cluster on Leadership in Public Science which offers unique intellectual focus and professional development in the realm of citizen science, open science, and science communication. The students will spend time in the Biodiversity Research lab at the North Carolina Museum of Natural sciences where they will have opportunities to develop their science communication skills. 

Qualifications

Minimum qualifications:
     BS (MS for PhD opening) degree in ecology, wildlife, natural resources, conservation or related discipline with coursework in social sciences, or in human dimensions with coursework in ecology and behavior, GPA of 3.4 or higher GRE scores at or above 160 in verbal and quantitative areas, demonstrated research experience (data collection, analysis, and writing), background in management, conservation, or urban ecology, interest in interdisciplinary (social and biological) research, commitment to public science, excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred qualifications:
     Experience in science communication, advanced geospatial and quantitative skills.

To apply:

     To apply,  submit a pre-application to Dr. Cooper at cbcoope3@ncsu.edu:
Submit pre-application as a single PDF file attached to an email introducing yourself with “Coupled Human Natural Systems graduate application” in the email subject line.:
1) Cover letter summarizing interest in the position, qualifications, and experience, as well as research and career goals
2) Curriculum Vitae
3) Academic transcripts (can be unofficial)
4) GRE scores (can be unofficial)
5) Names, contact information, and short description of relationship for three professional references
     Selected applicants will also need to apply to the Dept of Forestry & Environmental Resources at North Carolina State University before acceptance.

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.