Listings will be kept for a month after being posted or until their
deadline (if listed). Please send any opportunities not
listed here by clicking on this link:
Graduate
Assistantship in cold-season ecology of arctic tundra plants Florida International University,
Miami, Florida
A M.S. or Ph.D. Graduate Assistantship is available in the Department
of Biological Sciences to work on an interdisciplinary project on
cold-season plant ecology based at Toolik Lake Arctic Research Station
beginning in Spring or Summer of 2009. The candidate's research
interests should include plant ecophysiology, ecosystem physiology, or
plant ecology. The project will focus on understanding of winter
and transition-season physiological processes and survival of plants in
two tundra ecosystems. Work will involve both field studies at
Toolik Lake Field Station and controlled environment work at Florida
International University. The student will be working closely
with scientists from the University of Alabama and the Arctic
LTER. Familiarity with plant water relation techniques and LI-COR
gas exchange instrumentation is a plus. To learn more about
Toolik visit: http://www.uaf.edu/toolik.
Florida International University is the public research university in
Miami with a highly diverse, vibrant, and growing student body located
near the edge of the Florida Everglades. The Department of
Biological Sciences has strengths in Everglade, Arctic, and Tropical
Ecology. To learn more about the Department of Biology at FIU
visit (http://www.fiu.edu/~biology)
This is a fully-funded assistantship that includes: stipend, travel and
living accommodations during the research work at Toolik Lake.
Interested students should email pdfs of 1) a current Curriculum Vita,
2) statement of research interest, 3) unofficial copy of transcripts,
and names of three references. For more information contact Steve
Oberbauer (oberbaue@fiu.edu, http://www.fiu.edu/~oberbaue).
Posted 8/17/08 PhD
positions in population, community, evolutionary ecology - Univ. of
Calgary
I am currently seeking 2 PhD students to start in January or Sept.
2009. I will also consider strong MSc candidates.
I welcome students who want to pursue fundamental work in any area of
population, community, or evolutionary ecology. My own work combines
mathematical modeling and microcosm experiments to examine spatial
population dynamics, community assembly, food web structure, ecosystem
function, and feedbacks between ecology and evolution. However, I
encourage and expect PhD students to develop their own projects, with
my guidance. For instance, a current student in my lab is pursuing
field work on the ecological and evolutionary determinants of range
limits in alpine plants.
Guaranteed funding of over $20,000/year is available through a
combination of TAships, RAships, and fellowships.
The Dept. of Biological Sciences at the University of Calgary is home
to a strong and growing group of ecologists and evolutionary
biologists; see http://www.bio.ucalgary.ca/
Calgary is a rapidly-growing city of 1 million people located less than
an hour's drive from the Canadian Rockies, with extraordinary
opportunities for both field work and recreation.
For further information or to apply, please send me an email including cv, transcripts
(unofficial is fine), and contact details for three referees.
Posted 8/16/08 Graduate
Progam in Plant Biology and Conservation
Addressing a growing need for expertise in plant science and
conservation, Northwestern University and the Chicago Botanic Garden
continue to jointly offer a Master's program in Plant Biology and
Conservation and now also offer a doctoral degree! The graduate program
provides students advanced training in plant ecology, evolution, and
biology and in applied plant conservation theory and methods. For more
information, visit http://www.plantbiology.northwestern.edu
or contact
Nyree Zerega
Director of Graduate Program in Plant Biology and Conservation
Northwestern University and the Chicago Botanic Garden n-zerega@northwestern.edu
Posted 8/15/08 Ph.D.
Assistantship in Ecosystem Integrity and Restoration at the Dauphin
Island Sea Lab
A Ph.D. assistantship is available at the Dauphin Island Sea
Lab/University of South Alabama to carry out work on ecosystem
restoration. The student will participate in a multidisciplinary,
multiyear project looking at how marsh, seagrass and oyster reef
restoration improves the services and benefits provided by coastal
ecosystems. The student is expected to complement that project
with other case studies and well-targeted field and lab experiments
that will help improve our understanding of the functioning and
integrity of restored coastal habitats.
To apply for the position, please send a resume, a letter stating why
you are interested in the position and what you intend to achieve with
your work at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, and the names and contact
information of three references to Dr. Just Cebrian (jcebrian@disl.org). The
assistantship is available immediately.
The School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences at Auburn University
currently has a graduate assistantship (M.S. $15,540) available in
Forest Ecology. Auburn University assistantships include tuition
and fee waivers as well as shared funding of health insurance.
The starting date for this position is January 5, 2009.
As part of a larger research project the student will examine the
structure and functioning of urban forests, particularly with regard to
ecosystem services. Minimum qualifications include a B.S. degree,
and an interest in urban forest ecology and or ecosystem
services. Tree identification, silvics and GIS/remote sensing
skills are highly desirable (but not required). Additional
information is available by contacting Dr. Arthur H. Chappelka in the
School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, Auburn University (chappah@auburn.edu, 334-844-1047).
Interested students should send a letter of interest, resume,
transcripts (photocopy is acceptable), and GRE scores if available
(photocopy is acceptable) to Dr. A.H. Chappelka, School of Forestry and
Wildlife Sciences, 602 Duncan Drive, Auburn, AL 36849-5418.
Posted 8/6/08 Graduate
Research Fellowship - Dynamics of West Nile Virus in Urban Areas
We are seeking highly qualified applicants to pursue graduate degrees
in ecology, starting in the Summer or Fall of 2009 in the lab of John
Drake at the University of Georgia Odum School of Ecology (website: http://dragonfly.ecology.uga.edu/drakelab/index.html.
Research in this lab focuses on population dynamics in experimental
systems, infectious disease ecology, and ecology of invasive species.
We have strengths in modeling, computation, and stochastic population
theory. Recent projects include invasive aquatic species in the Great
Lakes of North America, extinction in experimental zooplankton
populations, and modeling disease outbreaks. For other past research
see http://dragonfly.ecology.uga.edu/drakelab/research.html.
Students interested in either modeling/computation/theory or empirical
research are encouraged to apply. Potential students are strongly
encouraged to email (jdrake@uga.edu)
a letter of introduction and expression of interest well in advance of
the application deadline (approx. November 1, 2008).
POPULATION DYNAMICS AND CONTROL OF WEST NILE VIRUS IN URBAN ENVIRONMENTS
A research assistantship is available for a PhD student to join a joint
project between the University of Georgia and the New York Department
of Health and Mental Hygiene on the population dynamics of West Nile
Virus in New York City. Goals of this project are to understand the
environmental drivers of transmission in heterogeneous environments, to
develop early warning systems for outbreaks, and to identify strategies
for containment and control. The successful applicant should be
committed to a research program in theoretical or computational ecology
and should have a background in quantitative methods. Prior training
may be in ecology, biology, physics, chemistry, or other quantitative
field. Ecology of infectious disease is a growing area at the
University of Georgia which also boasts excellent programs in
veterinary medicine and public health and hosts the Southeast
Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, a national center for the study of
wildlife diseases.
For more information about the Graduate Program in Ecology and
instructions for applying, please see http://www.ecology.uga.edu/programs.htm.
Funding is immediately available for the this position. Outstanding
applicants with other interests are encouraged inquire for information
about fellowships and other sources of funding.
Posted 8/2/08 Graduate
Research Fellowship - Extinction in Zooplankton Communities
We are seeking highly qualified applicants to pursue graduate degrees
in ecology, starting in the Summer or Fall of 2009 in the lab of John
Drake at the University of Georgia Odum School of Ecology (website: http://dragonfly.ecology.uga.edu/drakelab/index.html.
Research in this lab focuses on population dynamics in experimental
systems, infectious disease ecology, and ecology of invasive species.
We have strengths in modeling, computation, and stochastic population
theory. Recent projects include invasive aquatic species in the Great
Lakes of North America, extinction in experimental zooplankton
populations, and modeling disease outbreaks. For other past research
see http://dragonfly.ecology.uga.edu/drakelab/research.html.
Students interested in either modeling/computation/theory or empirical
research are encouraged to apply. Potential students are strongly
encouraged to email (jdrake@uga.edu)
a letter of introduction and expression of interest well in advance of
the application deadline (approx. November 1, 2008).
EXPERIMENTAL EXTINCTION IN ZOOPLANKTON COMMUNITIES
A research assistantship is available for a PhD student to develop a
new experimental project on the community ecology of extinction in
experimental zooplankton systems. The project will build on several
recent experiments looking at extinction in fluctuating environments,
metapopulations, and source-sink environments. New directions are
intended to expand the scope of this work to encompass interspecific
interactions and a joint field project in temporary ponds on the
Savannah River Site. To learn more about the experimental system,
please send an email request for reprints/preprints of previous work.
While no background in either aquatic ecology or theoretical ecology is
required, the successful applicant should be committed to a research
program involving both. Prior training (e.g. bachelor's degree) may be
in ecology, biology, physics, chemistry, or other quantitative field.
For more information about the Graduate Program in Ecology and
instructions for applying, please see http://www.ecology.uga.edu/programs.htm.
Funding is immediately
available for the this position. Outstanding applicants with other
interests are encouraged inquire for information about fellowships and
other sources of funding.
Posted 8/2/08 Graduate
Research Fellowship - Ecology of Branchiopoda in temporary ponds
We are seeking highly qualified applicants to pursue graduate degrees
in ecology, starting in the Summer or Fall of 2009 in the lab of John
Drake at the University of Georgia Odum School of Ecology (website: http://dragonfly.ecology.uga.edu/drakelab/index.html.
Research in this lab focuses on population dynamics in experimental
systems, infectious disease ecology, and ecology of invasive species.
We have strengths in modeling, computation, and stochastic population
theory. Recent projects include invasive aquatic species in the Great
Lakes of North America, extinction in experimental zooplankton
populations, and modeling disease outbreaks. For other past research
see http://dragonfly.ecology.uga.edu/drakelab/research.html.
Students interested in either modeling/computation/theory or empirical
research are encouraged to apply. Potential students are strongly
encouraged to email (jdrake@uga.edu)
a letter of introduction and expression of interest well in advance of
the application deadline (approx. November 1, 2008).
POPULATION ECOLOGY OF BRANCHIOPODA IN TEMPORARY PONDS
Drs. John Drake (University of Georgia) and Stephen Golladay (Joseph W.
Jones Ecological Research Center) are seeking a graduate student at
either the MS or PhD level to study the population ecology of rare
branchiopod crustaceans in temporary ponds of the Ichauway conservation
site in southwest Georgia. Results of this work will be used in the
conservation and restoration of coastal plain isolated wetlands. The
successful applicant will complete coursework at the Odum School of
Ecology (University of Georgia) and will be subsequently stationed at
the Jones Center for research. For more information about the UGA
graduate program in ecology, please see http://www.ecology.uga.edu/programs.htm.
For more information about joint program between the Odum School of
Ecology and the Jones Center, please see http://www.ecology.uga.edu/facilities/assocfacil/josephjones.htm.
For more information about the Jones Center, including information
about the site, facilities, and programs, please see http://www.jonesctr.org/.
For more information about the Graduate Program in Ecology and
instructions for applying, please see http://www.ecology.uga.edu/programs.htm.
Funding is immediately available for the this position. Outstanding
applicants with other interests are encouraged inquire for information
about fellowships and other sources of funding.
Posted 8/2/08 Graduate
student wanted for rare butterfly work
Wanted: graduate student interested in butterfly ecology and
conservation to conduct research on two butterfly species (Mitoura thornei and Lycaena hermes)
in the San Diego area, including remote locations on the
California/Mexico border. Work will include monitoring populations,
mapping habitats, ecological experiments in lab and field, as well as
population genetics. Student will be part of the Ecology,
Evolution, and Conservation Biology graduate program at the University
of Nevada, Reno, and will work in collaboration with the Carlsbad
office of the Fish and Wildlife Service in California.
Three years of funding may be available, starting in summer of 2009,
though resources have not yet been finalized. This research could
comprise a Master's project, or a significant portion of a Ph.D.
dissertation. Applicants should have field experience, particularly
under challenging conditions, as well as a general interest in work
with invertebrates.
Please submit (by email to mforister@unr.edu)
a cover letter, CV, and the names and email addresses of three
references by Sep 1, 2008.
I will be at the Ecology meetings this August in Milwaukee, and will be
happy to meet there with interested students.
Matthew L Forister
Assistant Professor
Department of Biology / MS 314
University of Nevada, Reno
Reno, Nevada 89557
Posted 8/1/08 Graduate
Assistantship in Ecosystem Carbon Dynamics of a Long Leaf Pine Forest
Managed with Fire The University of Alabama
A M.S. or Ph.D. Graduate Assistantship is available in the Department
of Biological Sciences to work on a large interdisciplinary project at
Jones Ecological Research Center beginning spring of 2009. The
student's research interests should focus on plant ecophysiology,
ecosystem physiology, fire ecology, forest productivity, or plant
ecology. The project will focus on developing a comprehensive
understanding of fire's impact on ecosystem carbon dynamic along a
natural moisture gradient of long leaf pine systems. The student
will have the opportunity to interact with scientists from the
University of Alabama, Jones Ecological Research Center, USFS,
University of Edinburgh and University of New Hampshire. A
general knowledge of photosynthetic equipment, eddy covariance
techniques and data logger use is a plus.
Rationale for this study:
Fire regulates the dynamics of many forest ecosystems but in complex
ways that remain poorly understood. Fires are a natural component of
the ecology of forests in the southeastern United States. These forests
are an important economic resource, and also govern critical ecosystem
services such as carbon storage, sustaining biodiversity and watershed
protection. The goal of this research studentship is to determine the
interactions between fire behavior, forest dynamics, and energy balance
and carbon sequestration. The student will also investigate the role of
moisture gradients on fires and forest processes, to improve
predictions of forest response to precipitation changes expected due to
global change.
This is a fully funded assistantship that includes: stipend, health
insurance, living quarters at the Jones Center, and a small research
budget for the student. Interested students should send a copy of
their CV, statement of research interest, and unofficial copy of
transcripts to Dr. Gregory Starr or contact Dr. Starr for more details (gstarr@bama.ua.edu
or 205-348-0556). The student selected for this assistantship
will be co-advised by Dr. Gregory Starr (U of A) and Dr. Robert
Mitchell (Jones Ecological Research Center).
Posted 8/1/08 Graduate
Assistantship in Arctic Plant Physiological Ecology The University of Alabama
A M.S. or Ph.D. Graduate Assistantship is available in the Department
of Biological Sciences to work on a large interdisciplinary project at
Toolik Lake Research Station beginning spring of 2009. The
student's research interests should focus on plant ecophysiology,
ecosystem physiology, or plant ecology. The project will focus on
developing a comprehensive understanding of winter physiological
processes for two tundra ecosystems. The student will have the
opportunity to interact with scientists from the University of Alabama,
Florida International University, and the Arctic LTER. A general
knowledge of LI-COR photosynthetic equipment and Campbell Scientific
equipment is a plus.
Rationale for this study:
Inverse modeling studies of atmospheric [CO2] and 13CO2
have identified northern latitudes as regions that are sequestering CO2
derived from anthropogenic activities. However, the status of
these ecosystems as a global sink of C in the future hinges upon the
physiological responses of ecosystem components to changes in
climate. There is overwhelming evidence for rapid climate change
in the Arctic. These changes include the physical environment,
carbon balance, plant community structure. Furthermore, warming in the
high latitudes is predicted to predominantly occur in the winter, and
climate data support that prediction. However, the vast majority
of research on tundra vegetation has focused on physiological processes
during the short 2-3 month growing season, with only a handful of
studies of physiological processes during the 9-10 month cold
season. Although the rates of these processes are low, summed
over the long cold season they are extremely important. A comprehensive
understanding of cold-season physiological processes of tundra
vegetation is critically needed given the large potential for further
climate changes in the Arctic.
This is a fully funded assistantship that includes: stipend, health
insurance, travel and living accommodations at Toolik Lake.
Interested students should send a copy of their CV, statement of
research interest, and unofficial copy of transcripts to Dr. Gregory
Starr or contact Dr. Starr for more details (gstarr@bama.ua.edu or
352-846-0889).
Posted 8/1/08 Graduate
Assistantship in Arctic Plant Physiological Ecology Using Stable
Isotope Techniques The University of Alabama
A M.S. or Ph.D. Graduate Assistantship is available in the Department
of Biological Sciences to work on an interdisciplinary project at
Toolik Lake Arctic Research Station beginning spring of 2009. The
student's research interests should focus on plant ecophysiology,
ecosystem physiology, or plant ecology. The project will focus on
developing a comprehensive understanding of winter physiological
processes for two tundra ecosystems. The student will have the
opportunity to interact with scientists from the University of Alabama,
Florida International University and the Arctic LTER. Familiarity
with applications of stable isotopes and LI-COR photosynthetic and
Campbell Scientific equipments is a plus.
Rationale for this study:
Northern latitudes are thought to be sequestering CO2
emitted from anthropogenic activities. However, the status of
these ecosystems as a global sink of C in the future hinges upon the
physiological responses of ecosystem components to changes in
climate. There is overwhelming evidence for rapid climate change
in the Arctic. Changes include the physical environment, changes in
carbon balance, vegetation change. Furthermore, warming in the high
latitudes is predicted to predominantly occur in the winter, and
climate data support that prediction. However, the vast majority
of research on tundra vegetation has focused on physiological processes
during the short 2-3 month growing season, with only a handful of
studies of physiological processes during the 9-10 month cold
season. Although the rates of these processes are low, summed
over the long cold season they are extremely important. A comprehensive
understanding of cold-season physiological processes of tundra
vegetation is critically needed given the large potential for further
climate changes in the Arctic. To learn more about Toolik
visit: http://www.uaf.edu/toolik.
This is a fully funded assistantship that includes: stipend, health
insurance, travel and living accommodations during the research season
at Toolik Lake. Interested students should email pdfs of 1) a
current Curriculum Vita, 2) statement of research interest, 3)
unofficial copy of transcripts to Dr. Behzad Mortazavi (bmortazavi@ua.edu).
For more information contact Dr. Behzad Mortazavi at University of
Alabama, Dauphin Island Sea Lab, 101 Bienville Blvd, Dauphin Island, Al
36528; 251-861-2189.
Posted 8/1/08 Graduate
Research Assistantship in Restoration Ecology
We invite applications for a graduate research assistantship (GRA; Ph.
D. level preferred) from students interested in arid lands restoration
and specifically grass-shrub interactions at the critical seedling
establishment phase of the shrub life cycle. Desired starting
date is January 2008. The student will be based in the School of
Natural Resources, University of Arizona, Tucson, but will actively
collaborate with USDA/ARS CO-PIs in Las Cruces, NM on a 4-year project
aimed at improving our understanding of patterns of woody plant
encroachment into ecosystems in the Southwestern USA. Field sites
include the Sevilletta and Jornada LTER sites in New Mexico and the
Santa Rita Experimental Range in southeastern Arizona. The
overall goal of the project is to provide analytical and conceptual
tools to guide the management aimed at shrub proliferation and
grassland restoration. The graduate research assistant will focus
on shrub dispersal and shrub seedling establishment questions within a
broader framework that seeks to use geospatial mapping of soils,
land-use history, climate, and shrub invasion patterns to distinguish
four basic classes of land on a regional basis: 1) shrub dominated
areas that are poor candidates for grassland restoration, 2)
shrub-dominated areas where restoration to savanna is feasible, 3)
grasslands that are at risk of invasion but are not yet invaded, and 4)
grasslands/savannas that are at low risk of shrub domination. For
additional details, go to http://ag.arizona.edu/research/archer/
.
The assistantship includes an annual salary of $14,502 (MS) or $15,815
(PhD) (with 3% annual increases); waiver of out-of-state tuition; 90%
remission of in-state tuition; and health insurance. Applications
will be accepted until until suitable candidate is found, and should
include 1) a statement of interests and goals, 2) a CV with copies of
transcripts and GRE scores, and 3) names and contact information for
3-5 references.
Applications and information requests should be
directed (preferably via email) to Steve Archer (sarcher@ag.arizona.edu), 325
Bio Sciences East, School of Natural Resources, University of Arizona,
Tucson, AZ 85721-0043; 520 626-8791).
Posted 7/31/08 Graduate
Research Fellowship at UGA - Modeling Invasive Species
We are seeking highly qualified applicants to pursue graduate degrees
in ecology, starting in the Summer or Fall of 2009 in the lab of John
Drake at the University of Georgia Odum School of Ecology (website: http://dragonfly.ecology.uga.edu/drakelab/index.html.
Research in this lab focuses on population dynamics in experimental
systems, infectious disease ecology, and ecology of invasive species.
We have strengths in modeling, computation, and stochastic population
theory. Recent projects include invasive aquatic species in the Great
Lakes of North America, extinction in experimental zooplankton
populations, and modeling disease outbreaks. For other past research
see http://dragonfly.ecology.uga.edu/drakelab/research.html.
Students interested in either modeling/computation/theory or empirical
research are encouraged to apply. Potential students are strongly
encouraged to email (jdrake@uga.edu)
a letter of introduction and expression of interest well in advance of
the application deadline (approx. November
1, 2008).
MODELING INVASIVE SPECIES
A research assistantship is available for a Master's or PhD student to
join a new project on the ecology of invasive plants. The main goal of
the project is to develop bioeconomic decision support tools for
invasive species risk assessment. The project will build on ongoing
collaborations with natural resource economists and computer scientists
to develop computational models that probabilistically assess risk,
weighted by the expected damages of making erroneous judgments. While
no background in computer science or machine learning is required, the
project will involve considerable computation and the successful
applicant should be committed to developing expertise in computational
ecology. Prior training (e.g. bachelor's degree) may be in either
ecology/biology or a quantitative field such as statistics, computer
science, or applied mathematics.
For more information about the Graduate Program in Ecology and
instructions for applying, please see http://www.ecology.uga.edu/programs.htm.
Funding is immediately available for the this position. Outstanding
applicants with other interests are encouraged inquire for information
about fellowships and other sources of funding.
NOTE: DR. DRAKE WILL BE AT THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA MEETING IN
MILWAUKEE FROM SUNDAY 8/3 TO FRIDAY 8/8.
Posted 7/31/08 Graduate
opportunity in microbial ecology
We invite applications for a graduate research assistantship (Ph. D. or
M.S.) from students interested in microbial ecology, community ecology
and biogeochemistry. We plan to accept two students to begin Fall
2009 as members of the Horner-Devine Lab at the University of
Washington. Please see http://www.fish.washington.edu/people/horner-devine/.
Possible areas of research include, but are not limited to, the
following: 1) temporal and spatial patterns of microbial communities in
a low oxygen system; 2) impact of invasive plants on microbial
communities and the processes these microbes mediate; 3) impacts of
urban development on lake microbial communities and processes; and 4)
the role of microbial communities in disease of macroorganisms.
Students should have some prior experience in population and community
ecology. Experience in molecular techniques, statistics and
biogeochemistry recommended. Students should be self-motivated,
hard working and creative. Interested students should send a CV
and letter of interest that includes the nature of your background and
specific research interests to Dr. Claire Horner-Devine (mchd@u.washington.edu).
Students will apply to the School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences (http://www.fish.washington.edu/graduates/admissions.html).
Posted 7/23/08 PhD:
Spatial Processes in Deciduous Forest Understories
Understory plant communities of the eastern deciduous forest of North
America are extensively studied but remain poorly understood due to the
complexity of limiting processes that affect their member species.
Emerging evidence points to the importance of spatial distance and
environmental heterogeneity, but how these factors vary by spatial
scale, site history, phylogenetic relatedness, latitude, and isolation
distance is unclear. We seek a highly motivated PhD student to examine
these issues using trait-based, statistical, and experimental
approaches in deciduous forest understories of southern Ontario,
Canada. These understories are diversity hotspots in Canada, containing
large numbers of rare and endangered plants. Their declines are
well-described but the causal mechanisms are elusive, giving this study
theoretical and applied significance. Interested applicants should
ideally have an MSc in ecology, biogeography, or statistical biology,
with field experience including experimental approaches and plant
identification. The successful student will be remunerated with a
combination of fellowships, research or teaching assistantships, with
funding guaranteed for three years. APPLICATION DEADLINE: January 2009;
START DATE September 2009. Please send CV, PDFs of prior publications,
and names of two potential referees to cottenie@uoguelph.ca or amacdo02@uoguelph.ca
Drs. Karl Cottenie and Andrew MacDougall
Department of Integrative Biology
University of Guelph
Guelph, Ontario, Canada
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