Graduate School Opportunities

Graduate School Opportunities Listings will be kept for a month after being posted or until their deadline (if listed). I do not post positions that require a masters degree,
as this site is aimed at undergraduates. Please send any opportunities not listed here by clicking on this link:

Email


M.S. Assistantship in Feeding Ecology of Native Freshwater Mussels in the Columbia River to begin August 2024

Dr. Gretchen Rollwagen-Bollens and Dr. Stephen Bollens, Co-Directors of the Aquatic Ecology Lab at Washington State University, Vancouver, WA, USA have one paid position available for a new master’s degree student to start in August 2024 (or potentially earlier in the summer).

This M.S. assistantship will specifically support a student to conduct research related to the feeding dynamics of native freshwater mussels (i.e., grazing on phytoplankton and microzooplankton) in the lower Columbia River.  The academic position will officially begin in August 2024, however there is an opportunity to begin the position in summer 2024, prior to the start of the Fall 2024 semester.

The successful graduate student will be supported on a combination of Research Assistantships and Teaching Assistantships, and possibly Fellowships, plus full tuition waivers and health benefits.

Please visit our website for more information about the lab and our research (https://labs.wsu.edu/aquatic-ecology/).  Our group is committed to supporting the professional development of diverse students in aquatic science, with a focus on equity and inclusion in all aspects of our research, collaboration, and mentoring.  We welcome applications from students who will contribute to this mission.

Degree program:  M.S. in Environmental Science

Deadline:  For admission to our graduate program, we are currently accepting applications, with priority given to those who apply by January 10, 2024.  For further information about the graduate programs in Environmental Science, and for instructions on how to apply, please visit the website (https://cas.vancouver.wsu.edu/science-graduate-programs).

Fellowship opportunity:  In addition, there is an exciting new fellowship opportunity available through the National Science Foundation's Research Traineeship (NRT) Program on "Rivers, Watersheds & Communities: Training an Innovative, Cross-Sector Workforce for Equitable, Multi-Scale Decision-Making Towards Human and Ecosystem Health" (RWC NRT) at WSU.  This program trains graduate students to do research that tackles water challenges in the Columbia River Basin hand-in-hand with the communities impacted.  For more information on how to apply, please follow this link: https://nrt-rwc.wsu.edu/how-to-apply/.   **Please note the RWC deadline of November 8, 2023, which is separate from the priority due date for applications to the MS Environmental Science graduate program.

Contact:  Please contact Dr. Gretchen Rollwagen-Bollens (rollboll@wsu.edu) or Dr. Stephen Bollens (sbollens@wsu.edu) for further information and before applying to either program.

Campus and Facilities:  Washington State University Vancouver is one of five campuses in the WSU system, and is located within the greater Portland, OR-Vancouver, WA metropolitan area, near the Columbia River, Cascade Mountains and coastal ocean.  The 351-acre campus offers new, state-of-the-art classroom and research facilities, where teaching and research are conducted in an interdisciplinary and collaborative atmosphere.  WSU Vancouver is a welcoming campus to faculty, students and staff of all backgrounds, is actively dedicated to equity and diversity, and recipient of the 2019 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award from Insight Into Diversity Magazine.

Posted 9/30/23

Graduate Student Opportunity (PhD level): Interdisciplinary PhD on the Implementation of a Wildlife Health Program in a One Health Framework

Position description:
The Massachusetts Div. of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) is in the process of developing a robust wildlife health program as part of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service's Zoonotic Disease Initiative. MassWildlife Health will utilize a network of diagnostic and pathology labs to expand disease surveillance, implement communication strategies to address disparities in impact of zoonotic diseases, and prepare for emerging diseases through the development of strategies for detection.

Over the last few years, MassWildlife has partnered with other state and federal agencies on an ad hoc basis to test for SARS-CoV-2 in wildlife, respond to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in domestic/wild flocks and coastal seals, monitor for Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) in white-tailed deer, and address rabies concerns with increasing human-wildlife conflict. These emerging issues are in addition to already existing wildlife disease issues of White-nose Syndrome in bats, Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV), Eastern Equine Encephalitis (Triple E), West Nile Virus among avian flocks, maintaining prevention from invasion of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), and regional surveillance for P. tenuis (brain worm) in moose.

In collaboration with MassWildlife, we are seeking applications for a PhD level graduate student position at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst that will conduct research that will aid in the implementation of MassWildlife Health and more broadly, wildlife epidemiology and zoonotic disease transmission prevention. We highly encourage people from historically underrepresented groups or non-traditional backgrounds to apply especially those with fluency in multiple languages (e.g., Spanish or Portuguese). The successful candidate will enroll in the PhD program in the Organismic & Evolutionary Biology Department (https://gpls.cns.umass.edu/oeb) and be part of the MA Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit (https://www1.usgs.gov/coopunits/unit/Massachusetts).

Project objectives:
Potential objectives, which are subject to modification based on the successful applicant's interests, include:
1. Analyze existing disease surveillance and wildlife health system frameworks and create optimized processes for detection, response, and management of pathogens.
o The student would have the opportunity to explore different configurations of One Health wildlife programs and contribute significantly to theoretical development in this emerging area of epidemiology and public health.
2. Address disparities in impact of zoonotic diseases with underrepresented communities by implementing communication plans and programming targeting these groups with strategies to overcome language and resource barriers.
o The student will develop surveys of underrepresented groups to gauge their knowledge, behaviors, and attitudes.
3. Conduct targeted surveillance in the field of zoonotic diseases
o The student will have the opportunity to work with MassWildlife taxa specific biologists (Deer & Moose biologists, state ornithologist, fish pathologist, state herpetologist, coastal waterbird biologist, turkey & upland game biologist, waterfowl biologist, and/or bear & furbearer biologist) to develop disease surveillance and conduct epidemiological research.
o There are significant funds for project development in this area depending on the interest of the graduate student and cooperating biologists.
4. In coordination with the MassWilldife Outreach and Education section, develop communication plans for inter/intra-agency coordination of public communication about wildlife health issues with a holistic One Health approach and develop/implement measures of success.
5. Develop scientific communication materials around wildlife health topics and measure effectiveness.
6. Develop, implement, and analyze public reporting strategies for surveillance activities similar to TickReport or NYSDEC EHD reporting.
7. Develop prevention and monitoring strategies for reducing risk of disease transmission during translocation of wildlife, particularly amongst herps and rehabilitated wildlife.
The successful candidate will work with a large team of professionals on each of these objectives and will gain a significant professional network across the Northeast.

Salary/Benefits
The graduate student will be provided:
1. Research assistantship funding and teaching assistantship funding for at 5 years through the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, which includes graduate student stipend (~$32,000 per year for 20 hrs/week), health benefits, and tuition waiver. More information about benefits is available through the UMass Graduate Employee Organization (https://www.geouaw.org/).
2. Professional development experiences relevant to federal and state jobs but transferable to other conservation agencies.
3. Be a valued member of an integrated team that is part of a regional effort
4. Mentoring, encouragement, and autonomy to ensure that they see and understand how they and their perspectives are vital to achieving the goals of the project.

Qualities of preferred applicants
The following will be considered positive factors in choosing a successful candidate. We do not expect applicants to have all of these qualities and is not meant to discourage applicants.
• Holds a Master's degree in a wildlife/epidemiology related field or professional degrees related to health (e.g., DVM, Mph, DPH)
• Skills in scientific communication for both professional and public audiences.
• Experience with human dimensions/sociology research and/or epidemiological/wildlife disease research.
• Fluency in multiple languages, especially Spanish and/or Portuguese
• Membership in one of the following groups that have been historically underrepresented in the wildlife field:

o Women
o Black/African American
o Hispanic/ Latinx
o Asian
o Native American
o Alaska Native
o Pacific Islander
o LGBTQIA
o Disabled (https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/disability-employment/reference-materials/#url=Glossary)

• Evidence of a strong desire to learn (as supported by evidence of superior academic achievement, extracurricular activities, or life experiences)
• Interest and/or experience conducting field work
• Interest in population ecology and conservation
• Interest in working at the nexus of OneHealth (i.e., public health, education, and disease ecology)
• Creativity (e.g., problem solving and creative solutions to answering objectives)

Training & products
The graduate student will be provided training and support to learn and accomplish the following:
• Work alongside MassWildlife, USGS, and other stakeholders to accomplish the objectives of this project
• Collect and analyze data
• Present research findings at quarterly meetings with stakeholders
• Prepare at least three manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed journals

Eligibility
- Minimum of a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent) for undergraduate students
- Have graduated from undergrad by May 2024 to start graduate school in Summer or Fall 2024

Application
Priority will be given to applications received before or by: 1 pm EST on Oct 23, 2023

To apply, please send the following materials in a single PDF with the following document name "YOUR LAST NAME-OneHealth app- 2023.pdf" in an email with the subject "OneHealth application" to Dr. Graziella DiRenzo at gdirenzo@umass.edu AND Martin Feehan martin.feehan@mass.gov:
(a) A cover letter or personal statement that describes your interest in the position, past research experiences, interest in conducting fieldwork, desire to pursue graduate work, and any discrepancies in your academic record [1-2 pages in length]
(b) A curriculum vitae or resume;
(c) The contact information (name, position, relationship to applicant, email, and phone number) for three references;
(d) Unofficial transcripts

This is optional supplemental materials to include in your application, and if you feel that your cover letter/personal statement addresses these questions directly, you should still include the optional supplemental materials and just copy and paste your responses below each prompt:
- The four prompts are an opportunity for you to describe in a paragraph or two how you demonstrate strengths that can serve you well in graduate school.
(i) What motivates you to apply for this position? Graduate school is a multiyear commitment to learning and to a research project. The decision to attend graduate school is a major step in your career. Please tell us what motivates you to go to graduate school and why you think the this position at UMass is where you would like to go?
(ii) Tell us about your perseverance and maturity completing graduate-level coursework, independent study, and research definitely requires perseverance in handling deadlines, challenges, and even failures along the way. Briefly describe a challenging time (one where you did not fully succeed in achieving a goal or completing a task) and describe how you responded to that and what you learned from that experience. Then, briefly describe an experience where you struggled through a challenging time but eventually succeeded. What helped you get through that struggle and the stress associated with it?
(iii) Tell us about how you work in teams. As a graduate student, your research will often involve working as a team with your advisor and other collaborators. Think about a past experience being a part of a team (academic or extra-curricular), and please answer the following questions: What was the purpose or goal of your team? What role(s) did you play on the team (leader, synthesizer, heavy-lifter, etc.) that contributed to its success? What did you learn about successful teamwork and/or team culture through the experience?
(iv) Tell us about your independence, curiosity and problem-solving skills. Conducting research as a graduate student requires curiosity in developing a question or hypothesis and independence along with creative problem-solving in conducting self-directed research. Please describe a time when you took initiative on something, either academic or outside of academics, that highlights some of these qualities.

Project investigators
Dr. Graziella DiRenzo (gdirenzo@umass.edu), U.S. Geological Survey, MA Coop Unit
Martin Feehan - Deer & Moose Biologist/Wildlife Health Specialist, MassWildlife

Nondiscriminatory AA/EEO statement
The University of Massachusetts provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, genetic information, pregnancy or a pregnancy-related condition, or membership in any other legally protected class. The University of Massachusetts complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the university operates.

Posted 9/30/23

MS or PhD position in plant-microbe interactions, plant population ecology, and global change at Boise State University

Dr. Allison Simler-Williamson in the Department of Biological Sciences at Boise State University is seeking an enthusiastic MS or Ph.D. student to conduct NSF-funded research focusing on how climate change may alter plant-microbe interactions in declining plant populations.

The prospective graduate student will explore the role that soil fungi and bacteria play in shaping local adaptation in big sagebrush populations, including how populations from contrasting abiotic environments may differ in susceptibility to disruption of plant-microbe interactions with climate change. This work will involve a combination of fieldwork in sagebrush steppe ecosystems, laboratory and greenhouse experiments, and modeling. The project involves opportunities to cultivate diverse skills in plant population ecology, bioinformatics, microbiology and plant pathology, soil science, statistical analysis, and mathematical modeling. The Simler-Williamson lab (https://www.simlerwilliamsonlab.com/) broadly studies the impacts of changing host-microbe interactions on plant population persistence, including work focused on climate, disturbance, and emerging plant diseases; the prospective student would have additional opportunities to collaborate in these research systems.

This project is supported by the NSF Broadening Research Capacity in Biology program, and the Simler-Williamson lab is committed to supporting mentees in a welcoming, inclusive environment. Graduate students will receive additional mentorship from project collaborators (Drs. Leonora Bittleston, Trevor Caughlin, and Marie-Anne de Graaff), and they will serve as a graduate mentor for a team of undergraduate researchers involved in this project. Boise State University embraces and welcomes diversity, including (but not limited to) people of any gender identity, race, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, and neurotype. Accordingly, applicants who would add to the diversity and excellence of our academic community are encouraged to apply.

Preferred qualifications include:
-A B.S. or B.A. degree in ecology, biology, environmental science, soil science, plant science, or a related field.
-Experience with (or a strong interest in cultivating skills in) statistical analysis, programming, and bioinformatics.
-Experience with (or a strong interest in cultivating skills in) microbial ecology or plant disease ecology.
-Past experience coordinating or completing field research in challenging conditions.
-An ability to work independently, as well as part of a diverse collaborative team, including an interest in undergraduate mentorship.
-Strong verbal, interpersonal, and written communication skills.

Graduate students will be admitted through the Boise State University Masters in Biology program or the PhD in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior program, to begin in August 2024. Additional information about the programs can be found at: https://www.boisestate.edu/biology/graduate-programs/ms-biology or https://www.boisestate.edu/eeb/. The project includes a minimum of 2 years of NSF-funded support, with additional funding provided through a combination of research assistantship and teaching assistantship. The position includes coverage of tuition and health insurance, with a minimum salary of $28,000/year.

Please contact Dr. Allison Simler-Williamson (allisonsimlerwil@boisestate.edu) by November 29th with the following documents, to indicate your interest in this position before officially applying:
-a 1-page cover letter summarizing how the described research aligns with your interests and what you are hoping to gain from a masters degree or PhD;
-a CV or resume;
-Contact details for 2-3 professional references.

Please use the email subject, "Grad position in plant-microbe interactions". Letters of interest will be reviewed by Dr. Simler-Williamson on a rolling basis through November 29th. Following this review, top candidates will be asked to formally apply to graduate programs (deadlines: January 15, 2024). All admission decisions must be approved by the Graduate Dean.

Posted 9/29/23

Grad student, postdoc, and research assistant positions in bioacoustics and quantitative ecology at Kitzes Lab (University of Pittsburgh)

The Kitzes Lab at the University of Pittsburgh (http://kitzeslab.org) is seeking applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar, Research Assistant, and Graduate Student to work in the areas of bioacoustics, quantitative ecology, avian ecology, machine learning, and/or data science. The ideal candidates will contribute to our long-term goal of developing and applying automated acoustic survey and machine learning methods to study the ecology and conservation of birds, frogs, and other sound-producing taxa. These new hires will have the opportunity to work on a wide variety of projects, including a newly funded NSF Global Center on AI and Biodiversity Change. More details on the three positions and how to apply are below:

Postdoctoral Scholar - https://www.kitzeslab.org/postdoc-positions/
Research Assistant - https://www.kitzeslab.org/research-assistant-positions/
Graduate Student - https://www.kitzeslab.org/grad-student-positions/

The successful candidates will join a large research group currently consisting of one postdoc, five graduate students, three research assistants, and numerous undergraduate students. Our lab strives to create a supportive and healthy workplace culture, emphasizing collaborative work, active mentorship, effective communication, and professional development for all of our lab members.

Please email Justin (justin.kitzes@pitt.edu) with any questions, and also please circulate to others who may be interested!

Posted 9/29/23

Graduate Position Available in Aquatic Ecology at Penn State University

We are recruiting a MS/PhD student interested in restoration ecology to work on a new project funded by the Chesapeake Bay Trust Pooled Monitoring Initiative's Restoration Research Award Program. Stream restoration projects do not often achieve the desired ecological uplift of restoring benthic macroinvertebrate biodiversity, and our project seeks to evaluate the potential of using benthic macroinvertebrate translocations from pristine streams to restored streams in restoring macroinvertebrate biodiversity in a manipulative field experiment. The student would work with faculty at Penn State and University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science and project stakeholders at the Chesapeake Bay Trust, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, and Anne Arundel County. The student would have the opportunity to learn new techniques, or build upon existing skill sets, in using morphological methods to identify benthic macroinvertebrates and/or using novel methods of biodiversity assessment with eDNA metabarcoding.

Funds are available to fully support either a MS for two years or a PhD student for four years, including a competitive stipend and medical, dental, and vision insurance. The graduate student would be physically housed in the Department of Ecosystem of Science and Management at Penn State (https://ecosystems.psu.edu/) and be co-advised by Daniel Allen (www.allenlab.org) and Jon Sweetman (www.jonsweetman.com). The graduate student would begin enrollment in the Fall 2024, but we have funds to allow the student to begin working on the project beginning in Summer 2024, which is preferred.

Interested applicants are encouraged to complete this informal google form (https://forms.gle/FGwWk8aQCpPmhTEX9) to express their interest, which includes the submission of a CV/resume and a cover letter that describes their prior academic and professional experience, their interest in the position, and a description of how this graduate opportunity aligns with their career goals. Formal graduate applications to the Penn State Intercollegiate Graduate Degree Program in Ecology (https://www.huck.psu.edu/graduate-programs/ecology/applications/apply-now) and the Wildlife and Fisheries Science Graduate Program (https://ecosystems.psu.edu/graduate/apply) are accepted at any time; however, to receive full consideration for fellowships, campus interview, and financial aid, students should formally apply through the graduate college by December 1. Please contact daniel.c.allen@psu.edu for any other questions.

Posted 9/29/23

Graduate Student Traineeships in Rivers | Watersheds | Communities (NSF NRT Program)

We invite applications for the National Science Foundation's Research Traineeship (NRT) Program on "Rivers, Watersheds & Communities: Training an Innovative, Cross-Sector Workforce for Equitable, Multi-Scale Decision-Making Towards Human and Ecosystem Health" (RWC NRT). This program trains MSc and PhD students in science (incl. social sciences) and engineering to do research to tackle water challenges in the Columbia River Basin hand-in-hand with the communities impacted. By valuing Traditional Ecological Knowledge and western science, students will learn how to find solutions to these pressing water-related challenges via community-engaged research. Please visit our website for more information on how to apply: https://nrt-rwc.wsu.edu/. Priority deadline for application is November 8, 2023.

Posted 9/29/23

PhD student in Environment and Natural Resources
University of Alabama

The Forest Dynamics Lab at the University of Alabama is seeking a PhD student to investigate disturbance and development patterns in mixed pine-oak forests, including effects of prescribed fire, thinning, and harvesting treatments. The primary mission of our lab is to provide science-based solutions to pressing forest management issues. Our research projects in applied forest ecology are wide ranging and have included work on trees, herbs, forest fuels, soils, deadwood, and macrofungi. We place special emphasis on forest stand dynamics and forest disturbance ecology.The PhD student will work collaboratively with state and federal partners to improve our understanding of stand dynamics in pine-oak mixedwoods and to refine silvicultural prescriptions to promote mixed species stands. We seek a student with a background in forestry, environmental science, geography, ecology, or a related field that has research experience in field and lab settings.

Applicants will be evaluated based on their educational record, recommendation letters, statement of purpose, and prior experiences. Funding during the academic year will be provided from a Graduate Teaching Assistantship through the Department of Geography and the Environment and during the summer from a Research Assistantship. The position carries a full tuition waiver, a stipend, and health insurance.  Additional funding for conference presentations and workshops will also be provided.  Fellowships through the University of Alabama Graduate School are available for exceptional applicants.

Interested students should contact Justin Hart (hart013(at)ua.edu) and should provide a statement of interest and unofficial transcripts.  Additional information is available from the following links:

Forest Dynamics Lab: http://fdl.ua.edu
Department of Geography and the Environment: http://geography.ua.edu
Graduate School: http://graduate.ua.edu
University of Alabama: www.ua.edu

Posted 9/29/23

PhD position in spatial eco-evolutionary dynamics

The Weiss-Lehman lab at the University of Wyoming is recruiting a PhD student to join our group in fall 2024. The PhD student will work with laboratory microcosms, computational models, and genomic data to test ecological and evolutionary mechanisms behind the formation of stable range limits as part of a recently funded NSF grant. The student will also be encouraged to develop independent projects based on their own interests as part of their dissertation. Research in our lab largely focuses on spatial eco-evolutionary dynamics, using models and careful experiments to understand how rapid evolutionary changes can impact species' ranges. This includes factors affecting range limits, but also understanding the dynamics of species spreading via invasions or range shifts in response to climate change.

The Weiss-Lehman lab is a highly collaborative group and members are encouraged to work together on group projects while also developing independent projects based on their own interests. Our lab is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive group of researchers in which all lab members feel valued and supported. For more details on the lab and our research, see our website: https://weisslehmanlab.weebly.com/

The position will be fully funded for 5 years through a combination of research and teaching assistantships and includes tuition, a stipend, and health insurance. Applicants need a bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, evolution, or a related field by the fall of 2024. Additional preferred qualifications include quantitative and/or bioinformatic skills, familiarity with a scientific computing language (R, Matlab, Python, etc.), and previous research experience.

To apply, please email Topher Weiss-Lehman (cwiessle@uwyo.edu) with your CV, transcripts (unofficial are fine), a statement of interest, and contact information for 2-3 professional references.

Posted 9/29/23

Graduate Research Assistant Position in Remote Sensing Available at the University of Wyoming

Graduate Research Assistant Position Available at the University of Wyoming, Wyoming Geographic Information Science Center (WyGISC)/School of Computing

Description:
We are seeking a motivated MS student to work on an exciting applied remote sensing research project examining land use and land cover change in the Shoshone River watershed (near Cody, WY) at the University of Wyoming. This project utilizes cutting-edge uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) and high-resolution satellite remote sensing data to derive land cover and detect geomorphic changes over time. The student will be involved in remote sensing data acquisition and processing, land cover classification, change detection analysis, accuracy assessment, and presenting results to project partners. This is a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art remote sensing platforms and analytical techniques while addressing environmental issues.

The successful applicant will work under the guidance of Drs. Di Yang and Austin Madson and collaborate with state/federal agencies to inform best management practices in the watershed. This project is funded through the USGS and the Wyoming Water Research Program.

Qualified applicants should have:
Background in remote sensing, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and/or environmental science
Experience with image classification, change detection, and accuracy assessment.
Proficiency in remote sensing software such as ENVI, ERDAS Imagine, Google Earth Engine, or other coding-based tools (e.g., Python, R)
Strong quantitative skills
Ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively.
Competitive graduate stipend, tuition, and health insurance will be provided. The position start date is flexible, ideally spring or fall 2024.

To apply:
Please send the following materials as a single PDF document in an email to Dr. Di Yang (dyang1@uwyo.edu) and Dr. Austin Madson (amadson@uwyo.edu) with the subject line “USGS/WRP GRA”. The PDF should contain 1) a CV (including contact information for at least three references), 2) a cover letter outlining your research interests and how they align with this project, and 3) unofficial transcripts. The submission deadline is November 15, 2023, but note that applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

About UW and Laramie:
The University of Wyoming is located in Laramie, a town of 30,000 in the heart of the Rocky Mountain West. The state of Wyoming continues to invest in its university, helping to make it a leader in academics, research and outreach. The university has state-of-the-art facilities in many areas and the community provides the advantages of a major university. Located in a high mountain valley near the Colorado border, Laramie offers both outstanding recreational opportunities and close proximity to Colorado’s Front Range, a bustling group of metropolitan cities including Denver, Boulder, and Fort Collins. This beautiful mountain landscape offers outdoor enjoyment in all seasons, with over 300 days of sunshine annually. For more information about the region, please visit http://visitlaramie.org/

Hiring Statement:
UW is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Educator and Employer. WE are committed to a multicultural environment and strongly encourage applications from women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities. The Division of Communication Disorders’ Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion statement can be found here: http://www.uwyo.edu/comdis/_files/docs/division-dei-statement-.pdf

Di Yang, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Geospatial Digital Informatics (GeoDI) Lab | University of Wyoming
Wyoming Geographic Information Science Center | School of Computing
Adjunct Faculty, Program in Ecology and Evolution (PiEE)
Editorial Board, Nature - Scientific Reports
Science Advisor, NASA DEVELOP
(307) 766 - 2744 | dyang1@uwyo.edu | Twitter | ResearchGate

Agriculture C Building, 329, Laramie, Wyoming 82071

Posted 9/29/23

1-2 PhD Positions in Animal-Ecosystem Interactions

My research group (Shelby Rinehart's Bio-Funk Lab) in the Department of Biodiversity, Earth and Environmental Sciences (BEES) at Drexel University (Philadelphia, PA) is seeking 1-2 PhD students to start in Fall 2024.

Research topics in the lab are diverse, and include a variety of theoretical and applied topics, such as ecosystem engineering, consumer-resource interactions, zoogeochemistry, restoration ecology, environmental ethics, and coastal resource management. My group works mainly in coastal habitats (e.g., salt marshes, seagrass beds, oyster reefs) and drylands (e.g., Negev desert), but I am open to supervising projects outside of these systems if the broad themes fit into my research program and we have the resources to support such projects.

Drexel University has a formal application process, but I am looking to connect with perspective students prior to the application deadlines.

If you are interested, please email (sr3695@drexel.edu) a copy of your CV and a short (1-2 paragraphs) email introducing yourself by discussing your research background and interests (and how these interests fit my group's research themes). Please include "Perspective Graduate Student 2024" in the email subject line. I will follow up with candidates to set up a zoom/teams meeting to discuss the program and potential projects in more depth. If we both agree that my lab and Drexel's program is a good fit, I will encourage candidates to submit a formal application (due December 1st, 2023).

Accepted PhD students will have guaranteed Research or Teaching Assistantships and full Tuition Waivers.

For more information about my research group, visit our website: Bio-Funk Lab at Drexel University (shelbyrinehartecology.com)

For more information about the BEES Department, visit: https://drexel.edu/coas/academics/departments-centers/bees/

For more information about the graduate application processes at Drexel, visit: https://drexel.edu/academics/grad-professional-programs/coas/ecology-evolution-and-earth-systems/

Posted 9/28/23

Graduate Student / Post-Doctoral / Consultant Positions - Forest Conservation and Agriculture in the Brazilian Amazon

Graduate Student / Post-Doctoral / Consultant Positions
Forest Conservation and Agriculture in the Brazilian Amazon

The Global Land Use and Environment Group (GLUE; https://gibbs-lab.wisc.edu) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison has openings for graduate students and post-doctoral scientists to conduct research focused on cattle supply chains in the Brazilian Amazon and how they impact land use, biodiversity conservation, climate, and agricultural production. Their work will contribute to a large, ongoing project investigating the outcomes and pathways of zero-deforestation commitments. The projects are currently very broad, and we welcome and encourage new ideas! Examples of possible research topics include analysis of leather supply chains in Brazil and internationally, forest conservation and economic outcomes of various policies and company actions, and solutions to reconcile agricultural production with biodiversity.

The candidate will join a thriving and interdisciplinary team that integrates property-level and supply chain analyses, data science, econometrics, and field surveys to better understand land use change associated with commodity production. As part of our group, they would work closely with policymakers, companies, media, and environmental groups with the aim to leverage our rigorous science to make change.

Ideal candidates will be interested in publishing papers in scientific journals, writing policy briefs and communicating the results of science to broader audiences, and be proficient in speaking and writing in English, as well as in Portuguese preferably. Experience in Brazil or with cattle production is a plus. Students are encouraged to apply to both the Department of Geography and the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies (Applied and Agricultural Economics is also an option). The Post-Doctoral position is flexible and could also be a shorter-term or part-time consultancy.

Ideal qualifications include some of the following:
Experience designing farmer surveys and leading field research.
Analytical skills such as econometrics and statistics.
Expertise in GIS and remote sensing.
Knowledge of Supply Chain Sustainability Initiatives.
Practice working with stakeholders such as companies, policymakers and NGOs.
Portuguese language skills.

GLUE is a vibrant and energetic research group, with strong experience working in Brazil.

Madison is widely recognized for its warm and international community, high quality of life, culture and arts scene, and easy access to natural areas. Costs of living are moderate, and public transportation and bicycle paths are easy commuting options.

For more information: http://www.gibbs-lab.com/recent-publications
Department of Geography: http://www.geography.wisc.edu
Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies: https://nelson.wisc.edu/graduate/
Center for Sustainability and the Global Environment: http://www.sage.wisc.edu

To apply, please submit a cover letter detailing qualifications and interest, CV, and phone and email addresses of three references to Holly Gibbs (hkgibbs@wisc.edu). Finalists will be contacted by November 15, 2023.

Posted 9/27/23

PhD position in plant-herbivore interactions at the University of Florida

The Plant-Herbivore Interaction Lab at the University of Florida seeks enthusiastic scientists to join our group. We will be recruiting 1-2 PhD students beginning Fall 2024 (applications due 15 January 2024). We are located in the Department of Entomology and Nematology at the University of Florida, Gainesville, FL. The lab's research focuses on the ecology and evolution of plant-herbivore interactions, with major themes including the evolution of plant defense, spatial variation (both small and large scales) in plant-herbivore interactions, and insect community ecology. We work mainly with herbaceous plants and insect herbivores in natural, managed, or agricultural systems. Graduate students should expect to conduct research along the major themes of the lab, although there is some flexibility. For further information on Phil Hahn's lab at UF see plant-herbivore-interactions.net.

Prior to applying, please send an inquiry email and CV to Phil Hahn at hahnp@ufl.edu. In the body of the email, please describe your research interests and experience, career goals, and potential study topics you may be interested in pursuing. Applicants should have a B.S. in biology, ecology, entomology, or closely related field and previous research experience; an M.S. with experience with statistical analysis in R and peer-reviewed publications are preferred.

Gainesville is a great place to live, with affordable cost of living, ample outdoor recreational opportunities, and more. UF has a very strong ecology program across many departments and recently ranked as one of the top universities in the world for ecology.

Posted 9/27/23

M.SC. POSITION TO STUDY JUVENILE LOBSTER BEHAVIOUR

*Interested in aquatic animal behaviour, with practical implications for sustainable fisheries and marine conservation?
*Interested in building expertise in a range of techniques, including field work (snorkeling or SCUBA), Remotely Operated Vehicle use, and machine-learning-assisted video analysis of behavioural observations?

https://wyethlab.ca/2023/02/24/m-sc-position-to-study-juvenile-lobster-behaviour/

Dr. Russell Wyeth in the Biology Department at St. Francis Xavier University (StFX) is accepting applications for an MSc student to start Jan or May 2024.

Our research is focused on building a more detailed understanding of juvenile American Lobster behaviour. We have developed tripod-mounted underwater camera systems that are effective at recording lobster behaviours in their natural habitat. The cameras provide unprecedented detail over durations far longer (up to 9 h of recording time) than has been achieved in past studies via SCUBA or other methods.  To date, we have focused on foraging behaviours of adult lobsters.  Our goal now is to shift our focus to juvenile lobsters behaviour and behavioural ecology. Additional observations are planned using a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV).

Our primary goal is to establish a baseline data set of juvenile lobster behaviour.  The Department of Fisheries and Oceans has recently created a series of marine protected areas in the Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence. The Scallop Buffer Zones exclude scallop dragging, and are designed to protect juvenile lobster habitat. Our behavioural work will establish a baseline for on-going monitoring of juvenile lobsters into the future.  The behavioural data will be combined with additional population density surveys to assess the effectiveness of the marine protected areas, to help manage the lobster fishery, and to monitor the possible effects of climate change on the lobster population.

For further information or to apply, contact Dr. Russell Wyeth: rwyeth@stfx.ca 

Russell Wyeth
Biology, St Francis Xavier University
P.O. Box 5000 Antigonish, NS B2G 2W5 Canada
Shipping: 2321 Notre Dame Ave. Antigonish, NS B2G 2W5 Canada
http://wyethlab.ca
Ph: 9028673886 Fx: 9028672389
Cell: 9023180250
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrRCWyeth

Posted 9/27/23

PhD Position: Biotic interactions and biogeochemical cycling

We are looking for PhD students interested in joining our research group at University of Miami (amyzanne.org). Students would join an interactive lab group and develop an independent research focus in line with ongoing lab projects. Broadly we study how biotic interactions impact biogeochemical cycles. Many in our group explore how plant construction influences community structure and function (from morphology to genes) of biotic decay agents, such as microbes and termites. Our lab also examines the consequences of these interactions for ecosystem carbon and nutrient cycles, especially in USA, Australia, Chile and Brazil as climate changes. New lab projects will be based in the New World Tropics including south Florida coastal systems, Chilean fjords and Antarctica coastal systems in collaboration with Eduardo Castro (University of Talca) and Brazilian savannas and wetlands in collaboration with Rafael Oliveira and Natashi Pilon (University of Campinas). Other lab projects include solar radiation impacts on litter and wood decay, microbiome assembly on leaves and fruits, and macroevolution and functional ecology of plants, termites and microbes around the globe. The fully funded graduate program will be completed at University of Miami.

If you are interested in working with us, send an email to me (Amy Zanne: aezanne@gmail.com) with brief details about your research interests and experiences, why our group is a fit for you and why you want to go to graduate school. A TOEFL exam may be required depending on applicant background. For information about applying to the program, go to the University of Miami, Department of Biology website (https://biology.as.miami.edu/graduate/index.html). For fall 2024 admission, the application deadline is 1 December 2023. Students from Brazil and Chile especially encouraged to apply. I am happy to answer any further questions you might have.

Posted 9/27/23

PhD Opportunities in Evolutionary Ecology

The Bassar lab at Auburn University is inviting applications for PhD students interested in evolutionary ecology starting in fall 2024. Members of the lab address diverse topics in evolutionary ecology including eco-evolutionary feedbacks and their role life history evolution, the evolution of species coexistence, and host-parasite interactions. We address these questions in a diversity of ways, including the development of theory and empirical research. Most of the empirical research involves studies of fish communities (guppies and killifish) on the Caribbean Island of Trinidad. Both fish species are amenable to experiments in the lab, in seminatural artificial streams, and natural populations. Students working on their dissertation research have access to each of these facilities and to a long-term experimental evolution study of guppies in Trinidad run by my collaborators and me.

Please visit my webpage (https://ron-bassar.squarespace.com/) for more information about the lab group and The Guppy Project page (https://theguppyproject.weebly.com/) for more information about the long-term experimental research in Trinidad.

The Biological Sciences Department at Auburn is a growing group researchers interested in a diversity of questions. Graduate students in the department receive guaranteed funding for 5 years, typically in the form of Teaching Assistantships. I also have funding for several Research Assistantships.

Prospective students should email Ron Bassar at rdb0057@auburn.edu. Please include a cover letter describing your research interests, future goals, and how doing a PhD in the group will help you to achieve those goals. Please also include a CV and contact information for two references.

Ron Bassar
Assistant Professor
Department of Biological Sciences
Auburn University
Personal Webpage: www.ron-bassar.squarespace.com
Guppy Project Webpage: www.theguppyproject.weebly.com

Posted 9/27/23

Plant & soil ecology 5-yr PhD opportunity at Michigan State University

Michigan State University's Department of Forestry and Plant, Soil, and Microbial Sciences (PSM) are pleased to announce a 5-year graduate research assistantship to support a PhD student in conducting research in Plant and Soil Ecology. The student will be co-advised by Dr. Akihiro Koyama (MSU Forestry) and Dr. Christopher Blackwood (MSU PSM). Other collaborators include Dr. Brook Wilke (MSU W.K. Kellogg Biological Station), Dr. Pedro Antunes (Algoma University, Ontario, Canada), Dr. Christopher Fernandez (Syracuse University) and Dr. Catherine Fahey (Smithsonian Environmental Research Center). The successful candidate will help to lead a project investigating how crop rotation affects crop performance and yield through plant-soil feedbacks. This will include field, greenhouse, and laboratory-based research, investigating plant-soil feedbacks, focusing on the interaction between crops (canola, maize, soybean and wheat) and root and soil microorganisms, such as mycorrhizal fungi and pathogens. Field work will take place in W.K. Kellogg Biological Station (Hickory Corners, MI) and greenhouse and lab-based activities will take place on MSU campus (East Lansing, MI). The assistantship is available for formal Spring 2024 enrollment. Funding for tuition, health and stipend is available for 5 years.

To show interests in the position (before formal application process), please send a one-page cover letter, CV, and the names and contact information of three referees by email as a single pdf file to Dr. Aki Koyama at koyamaak@msu.edu by October 20, 2023. The cover letter should address what are the motivation to apply for this research assistantship and what are the strengths as a candidate for this position.

More details here: https://www.canr.msu.edu/jobs/graduate-research-assistantship-plant-and-soil-ecology

Posted 9/27/23

PhD and MS in mammalian reproduction, behavior and urban ecology

MS and PhD openings are available in my research group (Javier delBarco-Trillo) in the School of Biological Sciences at Illinois State University to start in the fall of 2024. My research topics are quite diverse, including mammalian sperm competition, olfactory communication, and urban ecology/evolution. I’m happy to supervise projects in topics and organisms beyond what you can read in my website (about.illinoisstate.edu/jdelbar) as long as the project is feasible given my expertise and available resources. I’m mostly interested in supporting self-driven, independent, and imaginative students with high proficiency in written and spoken English.

There is a formal application process, but I will be conducting a preliminary selection. Please send (jdelbar@ilstu.edu) a copy of your CV, and a one-page cover letter explaining your background, any research outcomes to date, your future research interests and expectations, and what type of research projects you would envision developing in my lab. Please include “Graduate Student Application 2024” in the email subject line. I will make an initial selection of a group of candidates that I think could be a good fit in my lab, set up short zoom conversations with those candidates in October-November, and then I will tell a subset of candidates to go ahead and submit an application. The application deadline is February 1, 2024.

All accepted applicants into our program are guaranteed Teaching Assistantships and full Tuition Waivers (you must still pay fees). This support is 6 semesters for MS and 10 semesters for PhD students provided sufficient progress and performance are maintained. There is no need to apply for these until acceptance into the program.

The application procedure including requirements is laid out here: https:// biology.illinoisstate.edu/graduate/bio-as-graduate/application-procedure/.
International admission requirements are here: https://illinoisstate.edu/admissions/international/requirements/.
You can find more information about the School of Biological Sciences here: https://biology.illinoisstate.edu

Javier delBarco-Trillo, PhD
Assistant Professor of Evolutionary Physiology
School of Biological Sciences
Campus Box 4120
Illinois State University
Normal, IL 61790-4120

Pronouns: he, him, his
email (ISU): jdelbar@ilstu.edu
email (personal): delbarcotrillo@gmail.com
website: about.illinoisstate.edu/jdelbar
ORCID: 0000-0002-9948-6674
tel: +1 (309) 438 2666

Posted 9/27/23

Graduate Openings in Temperate and Tropical Forest Ecology

The Swenson Lab (www.swensonlab.com) at the University of Notre Dame is searching for 2-3 new graduate students to begin in the fall of 2024. We are particularly interested in recruiting students interested in the structure and dynamics of tree populations and communities in the temperate zone and/or tropics. Students in the lab take integrating approaches that typically leverage information regarding the functional biology of trees to address fundamental questions in population and community ecology. We are interested in recruiting students in any area of forest ecology and especially students with an interest in the functional biology of seasonal temperate and tropical forests, forest dynamics across latitude and/or the quantification of forest functional diversity using trait, transcriptomic and/or hyperspectral data.

Applicants should have previous ecological research experience, a desire to integrate across fields and an interest in working as a part of a diverse team. Students with experience working in Puerto Rico and/or Costa Rica are particularly encouraged to apply as are those that are proficient in Spanish.

Additional graduate fellowship funding is available at Notre Dame upon a competitive basis to students of Puerto Rican descent.

Interested applicants should contact Nate Swenson (nswenson@nd.edu) with a CV and a brief description of their interests.

The Swenson Lab is housed in the Department of Biological Sciences at Notre Dame (https://biology.nd.edu). Answers to FAQs regarding the Department and graduate program can be found at: https://biology.nd.edu/graduate/application-faqs/

Posted 9/26/23


MS in Avian Ecology and Migration

The Contina Lab in the School of Integrative Biological and Chemical Sciences at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) is looking for two motivated graduate students (MS) to join our team. We study the ecological mechanisms underlying species resilience under local and global change, with emphasis on migratory populations. Our lab focuses on species that exhibit quantifiable variation in response to environmental change such as buntings, warblers, jays, and plovers. Through a combination of cutting-edge tools including tracking devices and molecular methods, we promote a novel framework in Movement Ecology. Prospective students are expected to develop their own research questions and explore new interdisciplinary approaches. The lab offers several research opportunities with particular emphasis on stable isotopes, modeling, and bioacoustics. An overview of the research conducted in recent years can be found here: https://sites.google.com/view/contina

Required qualifications. An undergraduate degree in Biology, Ecology, Wildlife Conservation, or related field from an accredited institution in the United States or an equivalent institution abroad is required to begin a MS program. The selected individual must meet eligibility requirements to work in the United States at the time of appointment. Proficiency in written and spoken English is required. UTRGV admission guidelines can be found here: https://shorturl.at/coG04

Application description. Complete applications must include: 1) a one-page cover letter that addresses your experiences and goals with respect to this position as well as how you meet the required and desired qualifications; 2) curriculum vitae; 3) contact information for three references; and 4) copies of all post-secondary transcripts. All materials should be compiled as a single PDF document and submitted to Dr. Andrea Contina (andrea.contina@utrgv.edu). Please include "Graduate Student Application" in the email subject line.

Application deadlines. October 15 (Spring 2024) and June 1 (Fall 2024).

Location. Considered a biodiversity hotspot, Lower Rio Grande Valley and the surrounding region lie at the confluence of the desert, temperate, and tropical biomes, which have undergone significant fragmentation due to agricultural expansion and subsequent urbanization. The region boasts more than half the U.S. bird species, 42% of all U.S. butterfly species, and 45 federal and state threatened or endangered species. Within a 150-mile radius, there are multiple National Wildlife Refuges, State Parks, and private reserves, even as industrialization (e.g., SpaceX, LNG, Port of Brownsville) continues.

About UTRGV. It is UTRGV's Vision "to be one of the nation's leaders in higher education, its premier Hispanic-serving institution, and a highly engaged bilingual university, with exceptional educational, research, and creative opportunities that serve as catalysts for transformation in the Rio Grande Valley and beyond." As a federally designated Hispanic Serving Institution with a student population that is over 90% Hispanic, UTRGV is committed to preparing its students to succeed, contribute and excel in an increasingly diverse, global, and interconnected world.

Posted 9/23/23

PhD positions in Urban Wildlife Ecology and Human-Nature Interaction at the University of Iowa

Dr. Heather Sander’s lab in the Department of Geographical and Sustainability Sciences at the University of Iowa has openings for two-to-three, funded PhD students to start in the fall of 2024.  Dr. Sander’s lab conducts research focused on identifying relationships between urban wildlife communities, landscapes, and human well-being and is an active partner in the Urban Wildlife Information Network. Students with research interests in urban wildlife ecology, particularly of mammals, and urban human-nature interaction, including relationships between wildlife and human well-being, are especially sought.  Previous field experience involving mammals (camera trapping, live trapping) and ecological modelling experience (e.g., occupancy modelling) or experience with ethnographic and survey techniques are desirable.

Interested students should contact Dr. Heather Sander via email (heather-a-sander@uiowa.edu) prior to applying. That email should include a curriculum vitae, unofficial transcript, and a one-page statement describing  past experience and research and career interests. Information on the department’s graduate programs and application process is available at https://clas.uiowa.edu/geography/graduate-program.

Posted 9/23/23

PhD opportunities in Environmental Sensing and Modeling

The Environmental Sensing and Modeling Group in the Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities seeks applicants for 1-2 PhD positions interested in using remote sensing to study terrestrial ecosystems and/or sensing instrumentation.

Individuals with undergraduate and/or graduate degrees in environmental science, environmental engineering, climate science, data science, computer science, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or other quantitative fields are encouraged to apply. We also strongly welcome students from underrepresented groups to apply.

More information about the positions including potential research topics is listed on our lab opportunities page (https://ruillercoaster.github.io/EnvironmentalSensingLab/). For full funding consideration, please apply before Dec 15th, 2023. The program page is at https://bbe.umn.edu/graduate

Interested students may request additional information by contacting Dr. Rui Cheng (ruicheng@umn.edu). We are looking forward to your application.

Posted 9/23/23

Comparative Biology PhD Program
American Museum of Natural History

Deadline Date 15-Dec-2023
Contact Email Info-rggs@amnh.org
Sponsor Website https://www.amnh.org/
Deadline Dates (ALL) 15-Dec-2023

Synopsis
 
The AMNH Ph.D. Program in Comparative Biology is training the next generation of biologists through an integrative approach focused on the history, evolutionary relationships, and interactions among species. It builds on the Museum’s strength and experience in research and training, educating a new generation of scientists to become leaders in understanding the history and diversity of life on Earth and in disseminating their work in ways that will support advances in biological research, human health, biodiversity conservation, and other related fields. This is an accelerated program, designed for students to complete their degrees in four years. The Richard Gilder Graduate School will typically provide full financial support to students matriculating in the Comparative Biology Ph.D. Program.

Posted 9/22/23

MS/PhD positions in Fish Physiology at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science

Dr. Angelina Dichiera is looking for 1-2 motivated MS or PhD students to investigate how fishes of the Chesapeake Bay region cope with environmental stressors. The Graduate Research Assistant position will be fully funded for up to three years for MS and up to five years for PhD, to start in Summer or Fall 2024. Students will be enrolled in the graduate program through College of William & Mary's School of Marine Science at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) located in Gloucester Point, VA.

Interested applicants can find more information on the positions at: https://angelinadichiera.weebly.com/opportunities.html. To be considered, applicants should email Dr. Dichiera (dichiera@vims.edu) a CV or resume, the contact information for three references, and responses to the following questions:

1. What are your research interests and why you are pursuing graduate studies?
2. How will this help you achieve your long-term goals?
3. How would you contribute to an inclusive and collaborative research team?
4. How have your personal and academic experiences prepared you for graduate studies?

Please contact Dr. Dichiera by October 13, 2023. Virtual interviews will be conducted in October 2023. Selected applicants will then be invited to formally apply for admission to the graduate program at VIMS. Applications to VIMS are due January 1, 2024.

Posted 9/21/23

PhD positions on behavior and resilience in plant-animal interactions

The Tarwater (www.tarwaterlab.com) and Kelley (www.kelleylab.org) labs are looking for two highly motivated, extremely hard-working, and creative Ph.D. students to work on plant-animal interactions, with a particular focus on how bird behavior alters seed dispersal, the importance of abiotic factors on temporal and spatial variation in seed dispersal, and resilience in the novel ecosystem of Hawaii.

Successful applicants will be expected to be part of a larger team collecting data in Hawaii (Oahu) on seed dispersal. There will be flexibility for students to develop particular foci for their dissertation. We anticipate that two chapters will be focused on questions that are part of a new SERDP grant, while the other two chapters will be developed by the student. Students will be collecting data in Hawaii for >4 months per year for the first few years, and the remainder of their time, they will be in Laramie, WY (location of the University of Wyoming).

The University of Wyoming has a new, exciting initiative, WYOBIRD, that students would have an opportunity to take part in. This initiative includes local outreach opportunities, invited seminar speakers, hands-on experience with birds and mentoring of students, collaborations with ornithologists locally and regionally, and workshops.

Successful applicants will be expected to participate in a team environment, present results at professional conferences, publish results in a timely manner in peer-reviewed scientific outlets, and assist with preparation of grant proposals.

Students will be funded off of a Research Assistantship for their first 3.5 years and for the remaining time of their Ph.D.s, they will be funded off of a combination of Teaching Assistantships and Research Assistantships. Assistantships include a living wage, tuition, and benefits. One student will be in the Tarwater lab and one student will be in the Kelley lab, but they will collaborate with a larger team.

Qualifications: Candidates must possess a B.S. or M.S. degree in biology, wildlife ecology, natural resource management, or a related field. Ideal candidates would have 2+ years of field experience, including experience in the mist-netting of passerines and plant identification, and ideally some experience with large data sets and R, and experience in writing manuscripts. We strongly encourage underrepresented students in STEM and international students to apply.

Contact: Dr. Corey E. Tarwater (corey.tarwater@uwyo.edu) and Dr. J. Patrick Kelley (Patrick.Kelley@uwyo.edu). Please submit your application to https://forms.gle/dEiMs4BQAiMcm8SE7. Include in your application a single document that includes a cover letter outlining experience and specific research interests, curriculum vitae, transcripts, and contact information for 3 references familiar with your experience and qualifications. If an international student, please include your TOEFL scores. Review of applications will begin October 23rd and continue until filled. Successful applicants would start in July/August 2024.

Posted 9/20/23

Graduate student positions at Northern Illinois University

The Ecology, Evolution, Behavior, and Conservation faculty in the Department of Biological Sciences at Northern Illinois University are seeking applicants to the M.S. and Ph.D. graduate programs starting Fall 2024.
 
Research interests among the faculty are diverse and include community ecology, restoration ecology, conservation genetics, vertebrate and invertebrate evolution, behavioral ecology, and microbial ecology.

EEBC faculty that are taking graduate students for Fall 2024 are:

-Michael W. Henson: Combining lab-based experiments and -omic approaches to explore Earth's "First Responders". Research topics: Aquatic Microbiology; Microbial genomics; Microbial Physiology; Molecular Biology; Microbial Ecology; Computation Biology
https://www.theaquaticmicrobiologylab.com/

-Holly P. Jones, restoration ecology and conservation biology: https://hjones82.wixsite.com/website

 -Jennifer A.H. Koop, ecology and evolution of host-parasite interactions; invasion biology: https://jenniferkoop.weebly.com/
 
-Karen E. Samonds, paleontology, skeletal biology and paleobiogeography: http://www.sadabe.org/Samonds/Index.html
 
Details of the graduate program and application process are available at https://www.niu.edu/clas/biology/academics/graduate-studies/index.shtml The department offers teaching assistantships including stipend and tuition-waiver, on a competitive basis.  The deadline for application materials is January 1, 2024.  However, prospective students should contact potential faculty advisors well in advance of applying to discuss research interests and relevant qualifications.

Northern Illinois University is a ~16,000-student research university situated an hour from downtown Chicago in DeKalb, Illinois, a diverse community of 50,000 with a low cost of living. Regional research resources include The Field Museum, Burpee Museum of Natural History, Nachusa Grasslands, Morton Arboretum,  Fermilab, Argonne National Laboratory, the NIU Lorado Taft campus, and numerous local county forest preserves and state parks.

Posted 9/20/23

PhD position in Soil Microbial Ecology at UW-Madison

Summary: Dr. Zac Freedman at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is recruiting a PhD student to start in Summer or Fall 2024. This student will be supported by a USDA-funded project with the goal of improving understanding of key microbial taxa and microbial processes disrupted by chemical fungicides that ultimately result in the resurgence of plant disease. Competitive applicants will have a strong interest in soil ecology, biogeochemistry, metabolomics, or related fields. They will also have a commitment to contributing to a collaborative, inclusive, and fun learning environment. Some experience with assessments of soil microbial composition and functions, metabolomics, and/or comfort with statistical modeling using R is preferred. For more information about the Freedman Lab, please visit the lab webpage (https://freedmanlab.soils.wisc.edu)

Tuition Waiver and Stipend: The selected applicant will be appointed as a Graduate Research Assistant with a stipend of at least $30,500 per year plus health benefits and tuition remission.

To Apply: Interested students should apply to the Soil Science Graduate Program within the UW-Madison Graduate School (due January 5th; GRE not required; https://grad.wisc.edu/apply/). Prior to applying, interested students are strongly advised to e-mail Dr. Zac Freedman atzfreedman@wisc.edu with the following information: 1) a CV, 2) a one-page personal statement describing your scientific interests and career objectives, 3) transcripts (unofficial is OK), and 4) contact information for two or three references. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

University and Community: UW-Madison has a strong culture of collaboration across fields, and the selected graduate student will interact with researchers from diverse fields, including soil science, ecology, environmental science, microbiology, and agronomy. The university ranks consistently among the top research universities in the United States. Total student enrollment is 43,000 of which approximately 12,000 are graduate and professional students, and there are over 2,000 faculty. UW-Madison is an exciting place to learn and conduct research! The city of Madison ranks as one of the most attractive places in the U.S. to live and work. For information about the campus and city, please see http://www.wisc.edu/about/

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. We promote excellence through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.

Posted 9/19/23

PhD opportunity: Mechanisms of climatic adaptation in plants

Are you interested in the genetic and physiological mechanisms of adaptation, the costs of plasticity, and/or understanding potential maladaptive responses to climate change?
The Oakley lab in the Department of Botany and Plant Pathology at Purdue University is recruiting a PhD student for Fall 2024 for an NSF funded project connecting the genotype-phenotype-fitness map for cold acclimation, an adaptive plastic response in seasonally freezing environments. Cold acclimation is common in plants throughout the temperate zones and involves dramatic metabolic and physiological changes in response to cool autumn temperatures which increase winter freezing tolerance. It is energetically costly, particularly in cool but non-freezing environments, and climate change may exacerbate the negative fitness consequences of this cost. This project (in collaboration with the Dilkes lab in Biochemistry at Purdue) is a unique opportunity to investigate the effects of a naturally occurring sequence polymorphism in a key regulatory gene on molecular and organismal phenotypes and fitness in contrasting conditions that mimic the native environments in which the ecotypes evolved. There are many opportunities for new directions building off the main themes of the project.There is a vibrant community of interdisciplinary plant biologists (https://ag.purdue.edu/cpb/faculty/) at Purdue, providing ample opportunity for interaction and collaboration.

A BS/BA degree in ecology & evolution, genetics, plant biology, or related field is required (by Spring 2024), as is a strong interest in learning to use transcriptomic and metabolomic tools to answer evolutionary questions. No specific skills are required, but some combination of experience in experimental biology, molecular genetics, plant care, and bioinformatics/quantitative analysis is strongly preferred.

If you are interested in applying, please email your CV and a short (1-2 paragraph) email explaining your interest in graduate school in general, and the lab and project in particular. This should be done prior to applying, ideally no later than 4 weeks prior to the application deadline. Applications are due by Nov. 15th, 2023 and do NOT require the GRE. This is a direct admit program (no rotations). Students interested in doing rotations may also apply via the interdisciplinary plant science program (https://ag.purdue.edu/cpb/apply-now.html).

Chris Oakley
oakleyc@purdue.edu
https://btny.purdue.edu/labs/oakley

Posted 9/19/23

Forestry and Environmental Conservation - Graduate Assistantship

FEC Graduate Assistantships

One Graduate Assistantships will be awarded to support the recruiting and training of a master's and/or a Ph.D. student in FEC from racial and ethnic groups historically underrepresented in higher education (BIPOC).

Clemson University's Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation has designated funding for a Graduate Assistantship (MS and/or PhD) each academic year, for aspiring students from groups historically underrepresented in STEM fields (e.g., BIPOC). The assistantships are 12-month assistantships in the amount of $21,000/year for 2 years (MS students) or $25,000/year for 3 years (PhD students). A full university tuition waiver is included, and full-time enrollment as a graduate student is required.

Please note that aspiring students will need to connect with a faculty advisor and be accepted into the Department's Graduate Program to be eligible for the assistantship. Students interested in this award should contact potential faculty advisors as the application requires a letter of support and should be submitted by an FEC faculty member. Students receiving these assistantships will be expected to TA for the Clemson Online Masters of Wildlife and Fisheries Resources program one semester each year.

To apply, a supporting faculty member must submit a nomination letter by January 15th, 2024. Prospective students must submit a CV, unofficial transcripts, and a personal statement outlining the novelty and impact of their proposed research and interest in being a teaching assistant by January 15th, 2024. All documents can be sent to Toni Becker (tbecker@clemson.edu).

Posted 9/19/23

PhD position in coral resilience and growth mapping in Grottoli lab

SEEKING APPLICANTS FOR A PHD POSITION IN THE GROTTOLI LAB AT THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY.  The successful applicant will participate in a recently funded project to construct high-resolution 3-D maps of reefs to evaluate individual coral colony growth at the reef scale. Some aspects of the project development will take place at the Reef Systems Coral Farm in Ohio and field testing at the Hawaii Insititute of Marine Biology. This project is in collaboration with Dr. Ronjun Qin at Ohio State University and Dr. James Porter at the University of Georgia. The successful applicant will also participant in ongoing research in the Grottoli lab on coral resilience in the face of climate change.

Desired (but not required) qualification of applicants:
-Masters degree in relevant field (e.g., biology, marine science, earth science, engineering, other relevant)
- image analysis skills
-scuba certified (advanced and rescue)
-record of publication and/or presentation at international conference

Application deadline is 1 December 2023. Applications details can be found at https://earthsciences.osu.edu/academics/graduate-programs/applying-our-program

Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact Dr. Grottoli directly at grottoli.1@osu.edu with a statement of interest, CV, and grade report or transcript. Learn more about ongoing research the Grottoli Lab website https://u.osu.edu/grottoli.1/

Posted 9/19/23

Graduate Positions in Plant Ecology and Evolution at University of South Carolina

The Toll lab at the University of South Carolina is recruiting graduate students (master's or PhD). Students will develop a project on the genetic basis or ecological significance of traits contributing to adaptation and speciation in monkeyflowers. Monkeyflowers (Mimulus, Erythranthe, Diplacus) are an ecological genetic model system with a wealth of natural phenotypic, genetic, and ecological (life history, mating system, habitat, etc.) diversity, coupled with genomic tools to address fundamental evolutionary questions. We are currently working on projects about the genetic basis of abiotic and biotic stress tolerance, adaptive divergence and the coexistence of closely related species, and ecological specialization and endemism to harsh and unusual soils.

The Department of Biological Sciences at the University of South Carolina has a great ecology and evolution group and a large graduate student community. In addition to our lab, there are many related labs including the labs of Drs. Carrie Wessinger (plant evolution, pollination), Brian Hollis (speciation, evolutionary genetics), and Eric LoPresti (plant-insect ecology and evolution). Columbia is a small city with many parks within the city boundaries and Congaree National Park less than half-hour away, with Charleston, Charlotte, and Greenville also within a couple hours. The cost of living is very reasonable and stipends for graduate students are competitive ($26,000/year for master’s and PhD students).

A bachelor’s degree in biology and an interest in plant ecology and evolutionary genetics is required. Previous experience with any of the following is preferred but not required: plant growth, molecular biology lab work, bioinformatics, and field experience. I encourage all interested students to reach out, nomatter your background, GPA in college, or country of residence. We do not require GRE scores for applicants and consider both potential master's and doctoral students equally. In addition, the graduate school is waiving all graduate application fees this year.

Katherine Toll
Incoming Assistant Professor (January 2024)
Department of Biological Sciences
University of South Carolina
Email: ktoll@mailbox.sc.edu
Website: https://sites.google.com/view/katherinetoll/

Posted 9/19/23

MS graduate assistantship (Oklahoma State) — camera traps & population dynamics

Agency: Oklahoma State University
Location: Stillwater, Oklahoma
Job category: Graduate assistantships
Salary: $20,004 per year + subsidized health insurance
Start date: 1/8/2024
Last date to apply: Review of applications will begin 10/15/2023 and continue until a successful candidate is identified.

Description: Dr. Anna Moeller at Oklahoma State University is seeking one highly motivated Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) to improve existing approaches to noninvasively estimate abundance of multiple species using camera traps. Abundance estimates are critical for understanding population dynamics and informing wildlife conservation decisions. Camera traps capture around-the-clock data that can be used to estimate abundance but require a clearer understanding of animals' availability for detection throughout a 24-hour period. Species-specific behaviors influence availability (e.g., burrowing underground, roosting in trees, migrating), which may result in underestimates of abundance.

The Moeller Lab develops analytical models to improve conservation decisions and population monitoring (https://sites.google.com/view/moellerquantitativeecology). This student's primary responsibility will be to develop and test different strategies for correcting for imperfect availability in camera trap abundance estimators. This will involve collecting camera trap field data and performing computer simulation. The student will be able to tailor questions to their species of interest (e.g., elk, deer, carnivores, etc.). The successful candidate will be fully involved in project idea development, data collection, data analysis, and publication of results. This position will allow the student to develop quantitative and coding skills; although the applicant will need to have a strong interest in developing these skills, no previous experience is required.

The successful applicant will pursue a Master of Science (MS) degree in the Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management at Oklahoma State University. The GRE is not required. To apply, please send application packet PDF to Dr. Anna Moeller (anna.moeller@okstate.edu) with the subject "Cameras MS application". Packets should include the following in a single PDF file:

1) cover letter describing your interest in the project, relevant skillset, and skills you want to develop during graduate school
2) CV including contact information for at least 3 references
3) writing sample (e.g. a scientific paper, grant application, class project) that demonstrates your ability to synthesize complex information

Qualifications
Candidates must have:
• A bachelor's degree in ecology, wildlife management, biology, statistics, mathematics, or related field
• Self-motivation with a strong work ethic, organization, and time management
• Demonstrated ability to complete all parts of the scientific process (generating creative questions, searching and integrating primary scientific literature, collecting data, performing statistical analysis, communicating results)
• A strong interest in learning quantitative skills, including statistical analysis and R coding
• A valid US driver license without restrictions
• Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or greater (as required by the Department and Graduate College)
• TOEFL score 79, IELTS score of 6.5, or PTE Academic score of 53 (required for students from a country in which English is not a recognized primary language)
Ideal candidates will have experience in:
• Analysis using R, Python, GIS, etc.
• Coursework in upper-level mathematics or statistics
• Working with biologists from agencies, nongovernmental organizations, etc.
• Publishing peer-reviewed articles

Contact person: Dr. Anna Moeller
Contact email:
anna.moeller@okstate.edu

Institutional Information
Oklahoma State University (OSU) is located in Stillwater, Oklahoma, which is within an hour of both Tulsa and Oklahoma City. OSU is a land-grant institution with an enrollment of ~25,000 students, and it is located on the ancestral lands of the Kickapoo, Osage, Kiowa, and Quapaw peoples. Indigenous people from other Native nations also reside here, many of whom were forcibly removed from their ancestral lands. They all contribute to the history and current vitality of our region. The Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management is part of the Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources and conducts interdisciplinary research, instruction, and extension education to address the sustainable management and conservation of the wildlife, forest, rangeland, and fishery resources of Oklahoma and beyond. The Department is a source of cutting-edge research, quality instruction, and effective outreach to students, landowners, managers, and public agencies.

Any offer of employment is contingent on the university's verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to a criminal background check. Oklahoma State University, as an equal opportunity employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. Oklahoma State University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all individuals and does not discriminate based on race, religion, age, sex, color, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, or veteran status with regard to employment, educational programs and activities, and/or admissions.

Posted 9/16/23

PhD opportunity in Evolutionary Ecology - - Polyploidy Univ. Pittsburgh

The Ashman and Turcotte Labs at the University of Pittsburgh are looking to co-advise a PhD student interested in ecological and evolutionary impacts of whole genome duplication (polyploidy). The student will utilize our rapidly growing experimental duckweed system to test various hypotheses concerning the benefits and limitations of this widespread important major evolutionary change.

Please visit our lab webpages for more information:
https://ashmanlab2012.wixsite.com/ashmanlab
www.martinturcotte.net

The Department of Biological Sciences is a dynamic and growing team of enthusiastic researchers and educators. All graduate students in the department are provided with a competitive stipend and benefits for 5 years through a combination of fellowships, TAships, and research assistantships.

Prospective students should email me at: both tia1@pitt.edu   and turcotte@pitt.edu  
with a short paragraph stating why you are interested in our labs and describe your past research experience. Please include your C.V., any publications, and contact information for a few references.

Tia-Lynn Ashman, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor
Martin Turcotte, Ph.D., Assistant Professor
Department of Biological Sciences
University of Pittsburgh

Posted 9/16/23

Graduate Assistantship in Forest Nutrient Cycling

Ruth Yanai is seeking new graduate students (MS or PhD) to participate in a large collaborative project investigating forest ecology and nutrient cycling. The Multiple Element Limitation in Northern Hardwood Ecosystems (MELNHE) project has field sites located at Hubbard Brook, Jeffers Brook, and Bartlett Experimental Forests in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Since 2011, thirteen stands have received full-factorial N x P treatments annually in 0.25-ha plots, with seven stands also including plots treated with CaSiO2.

Previous students in the MELNHE project have studied tree diameter growth, leaf production by species, foliar nutrient resorption, soil respiration, soil nutrient availability, soil enzymes, litter decomposition, beech bark disease, mycorrhizae, and snail and arthropod communities. We are in the early stages of a series of linked projects studying carbon and nutrient dynamics and microbial communities involved in decomposition of leaves, wood, fine roots, and fungal hyphal necromass; candidates with experience in molecular ecology and bioinformatics would be especially qualified to work on that project. We welcome other ideas for research in the context of the MELNHE project. More information on the project can be found at http://www.esf.edu/melnhe.

Applicants should be self-motivated, excited to work as part of a multi-investigator project, have laboratory and field experience, and be comfortable living and working in a group setting. A field crew blog from previous years is available at https://shoestringproject.wordpress.com/.

Ideally, new students join us at the start of the summer field season at the beginning of June, so as to become familiar with the field sites and our research activities before starting classes in late August.

Funding will consist of a combination of research and teaching assistantships. A stipend, full tuition waiver, health insurance, and a summer position with the field crew in New Hampshire will be provided. Prospective students may apply to the Department of Sustainable Resources Management or the Graduate Program in Environmental Science, both at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY.

Communicating with students is part of our selection process. Students are encouraged to review MELNHE data to begin thinking about how they might contribute to the project. Prospective students should begin that conversation by requesting the password for MELNHE project materials from Mary Hagemann at forestecology@esf.edu.

Posted 9/16/23

PhD position available starting January 2024 in Freshwater Ecosystem Ecology at University of New Mexico

A unique graduate training opportunity grounded in watershed science & ecosystem ecology is available starting in January 2024 at the University of New Mexico.

The Webster Lab is currently seeking one graduate student (PhD preferred) who is interested in exploring the response of headwater stream networks to changing flow regimes in a warming climate. The student will be based in the Webster Lab (alexjwebster.weebly.com) at the Univ. of New Mexico's Dept. of Biology (biology.unm.edu) and will conduct field work in the Upper Santa Fe River Watershed in Northern New Mexico's high elevation forests. They will join a multi-institutional group of graduate students and researchers working in watersheds spanning the continental US, including at the Univ. of Alabama, Univ. of New Hampshire, Univ. of Arkansas, Univ. of Oklahoma, and Univ. of Nevada Reno. The project is also in collaboration with the Watershed Dynamics & Evolution Science Focus Area at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (wade.ornl.gov), and opportunities to interact with the National Lab will occur.

Research activities will span stream reach to watershed scales and use multiple water quality monitoring techniques. The student will focus on collecting and analyzing high-frequency data from a network of water quality sensors and interpreting results for applications in water management and the advancement of ecological science. Students with interests in ecosystem ecology, biogeochemistry, hydrology, and/or data science are encouraged to apply. Students should be interested in both conducting field work in rugged terrain and in learning advanced data analysis techniques. We are particularly interested in recruiting and training students that represent and support diversity and equity in science.

Albuquerque is is an affordable, diverse, culturally vibrant city with excellent outdoor recreation access. UNM is New Mexico's flagship research university and is proud to be one of only a few Research I institutions in the nation that is also a minority-majority institution.

The strongly preferred start date is January 2024. If a later start date is needed for an exceptional candidate, we will consider starting the student as a technician as late as May 2024, with a start date of graduate school in August 2024.

Interested students should contact Dr. Alex Webster (awebster2@unm.edu) and provide a CV, cover letter, and list of three professional references.

Posted 9/15/23

Ph.D. positions in coastal ecology at University of Virginia / VCR LTER

[Full ad available at: https://castorani.evsc.virginia.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Ad-for-grad-student-2023.pdf]
 
The Castorani Lab at the University of Virginia is recruiting 1-2 Ph.D. students to study coastal ecology at the Virginia Coast Reserve Long Term Ecological Research project (VCR LTER; https://vcrlter.virginia.edu/). The Virginia Coast Reserve is a temperate coastal lagoon with a 20-year legacy of seagrass and oyster reef restoration led by The Nature Conservancy and studied by researchers at UVA and beyond (https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/where-we-work/united-states/virginia/stories-in-virginia/vcr-marine-restoration/).
 
Research in the Castorani Lab is diverse and focused on themes including spatial ecology, biodiversity, population dynamics, disturbance/recovery, and restoration. The student will conduct independent research at VCR LTER that may include field experiments, remote sensing, analysis of long-term data, and modeling. Students will be advised by professor Max Castorani (https://castorani.evsc.virginia.edu/) and join UVA's Department of Environmental Sciences (https://evsc.as.virginia.edu/). Students will interface with a large community of VCR LTER scientists, as well as educators and restoration practitioners at The Nature Conservancy.
 
Students will join the UVA Graduate Program in Environmental Sciences (https://evsc.as.virginia.edu/prospective-graduate-students), which offers interdisciplinary training and conducts research in ecology, hydrology, geology, and atmospheric science. Graduate students accepted into the program are typically supported through teaching and research assistantships that provide a competitive stipend, tuition, and health insurance.
 
At the time of enrollment, highly qualified applicants will have an undergraduate or master's degree in biology, ecology, oceanography, fisheries, or a related field. Ideal candidates will have strong interests in coastal ecology at the scale of populations, communities, ecosystems, or landscapes; experience in field ecology; and demonstrated quantitative skills, such as data analysis or scientific programming (or a strong motivation to acquire such skills).
 
Those interested should send the following items, as a single PDF, to Dr. Max Castorani (castorani@virginia.edu): (1) a brief description of their background, career goals, motivations for pursuing a graduate degree, research ideas, and why they are specifically interested in joining the Castorani Lab; (2) a CV with academic and professional experience (including GPA); (3) contact information for 3 references; and (4) a writing sample, if available.
 
The application deadline is January 15, 2024 for enrollment in Fall 2024. However, serious applicants should express their interest by email as soon as possible.
 
The Castorani Lab is committed to creating an inclusive, equitable, and diverse research environment. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and family medical or genetic information.

Posted 9/15/23

PhD Assistantship - Ohio University - Global Change Ecology

The Zimova Lab at Ohio University, Dept of Biological Sciences is looking for 1 - 2 PhD students to join our group in Spring or Fall 2024. Our research focuses on quantifying consequences of climate change for vertebrate populations and understanding the potential for evolutionary change to facilitate adaptation to climate change-related stressors. Our work integrates a broad range of tools and approaches including intensive field surveys, museum specimens, high-resolution climate and environmental data, genetics, and advanced statistical modeling. The students would work with Dr. Marketa Zimova on a research project related to camouflage mismatch in seasonally molting mammals including snowshoe hares and weasels. All students will develop strong field ecology- and quantitative skills and additional skills based on their research interest. Students admitted to the program are guaranteed a teaching assistantship (min $23k/year + full tuition waiver) and whenever possible a research assistantship (min. $26k/year + tuition waiver). GRE scores not required for admission.

The successful candidate will have a BS and or MS in a relevant field and interest in conservation biology, animal ecology and/or evolutionary biology. A valid US driver's license, strong work ethic, ability to work independently, and excellent verbal and written communication skills are required. Preferred qualifications include prior research experience, record of peer review publications, strong field or laboratory skills (e.g., camera trapping, live-trapping, telemetry, genetic techniques). Highly competitive applicants will also have taken statistical coursework and have experience with software such as R, and ArcGIS.

The Department of Biological Sciences has a diverse intellectual community of faculty and scientists. The University is located in Athens, which is a small and affordable college town situated in the Appalachian foothills of southeastern Ohio. It has a vibrant downtown, large farmer's market, multiple breweries, and an active music scene. It is adjacent to several state forests and offers many opportunities for outdoor recreation.

If you are interested in this grad school opportunity, please fill out this form (https://forms.gle/uZH3MKxPxiejdRqX7). Students interested in starting in Spring 2024 should submit their materials by October 9th 2023 for full consideration. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Do not hesitate to reach out to Dr. Zimova at zimova [at] ohio.edu with any questions.

Posted 9/14/23

PhD Univ. Pittsburgh - Experimental Evolution to Pollution

PhD opportunity in Evolutionary Ecology

The Turcotte Lab of Experimental Evolutionary Ecology at the University of Pittsburgh is looking for a PhD student interested in studying rapid evolution in response to environmental pollution using experimental evolution. The research would utilize our rapid and manipulatable duckweed system allowing for a combination of field, mesocosm, and lab experiments.

Please visit the lab webpage for more information: www.martinturcotte.net

The Department of Biological Sciences is a dynamic and growing team of enthusiastic researchers and educators. The department also runs the Pymatuning Lab of Ecology, which is equipped with lab space and housing to facilitate field-based research in northwestern Pennsylvania. The City of Pittsburgh is a vibrant and beautiful place to live. All graduate students in the department are provided with a competitive stipend and benefits for 5 years through a combination of fellowships, TAships, and research assistantships.

Prospective students should email me at: turcotte@pitt.edu  
with a short paragraph stating why you are interested in the lab and describe your past research experience. Please include your C.V., any publications, and contact information for a few references.

Martin Turcotte, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Department of Biological Sciences
University of Pittsburgh

Posted 9/14/23

PhD UCLA - Theoretical and Computational Ecology

PhD opportunity in Theoretical and Computational Ecology

Our lab is homed at the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, UCLA, starting in Summer 2024. The lab aims to tackle fundamental questions in ecological dynamics as well as applied questions in forecasting and conservation. To this end, we develop rigorous theory through interdisciplinary tools and devise monitoring-applicable metrics. While our work leans towards the theoretical and computational aspects, we widely collaborate with field and experimental ecologists to work on a broad range of ecosystems. Please visit the lab webpage for more information: clsong.com.

The lab has openings for 1-2 PhD students who are passionate about ecology with a strong quantitative background. The lab accepts students through the Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology at UCLA. The deadline for application is December 1st. More information about the program can be found on this webpage (https://www.eeb.ucla.edu/doctoral-program).

Our lab believes in fostering a space where students can chase their research curiosities and passions. To ensure a symbiotic mentor-mentee relationship, we hope your interests resonate with one or more of the following: species coexistence, priority effects/community assembly, eco-evolutionary dynamics, ecological time series, and spatial pattern analysis.

Selecting an advisor that suits your interests and needs is critical to being happy and successful. I'd appreciate the opportunity to connect before applying. To start a conversation, please drop me an email at clsong.ecology@gmail.com with:
- Your CV
- An unofficial transcript
- Research interests (including why you want to work in this lab)

Thank you for your interest, and I look forward to hearing from you!

Posted 9/14/23

Recruiting PhD students in Forest Ecology and Global Change, Department of Biology at West Virginia University

Ph.D. student positions are available in the Ecosystem Physiology and Global Change lab headed by Dr. Steve Kannenberg, located in the Department of Biology at West Virginia University. Research in the lab is centered around understanding the health and functioning of plants in the face of global change, with a particular focus on western US drylands and eastern US temperate forests. To do so, we integrate physiological methods, tree rings, eddy covariance, and vegetation modeling. Details about current projects in the lab can be found at: stevekannenberg.weebly.com. Incoming students are expected to develop their own research projects in these areas. Importantly, we strive to promote a fun, supportive, and enthusiastic lab environment that encourages an atmosphere of shared intellectual development.

These positions guarantee a $32k stipend for 5 years (contingent on satisfactory progress towards degree completion) through research assistantships, fellowships, or teaching assistantships. The preferred start date is August 2023 or January 2024. Interested applicants should contact Steve (steven.kannenberg@mail.wvu.edu) prior to submitting an application, and include a CV along with 2-3 paragraphs detailing: 1) their research experiences, and 2) why they are interested in the lab. Students are encouraged to apply for internal and external fellowships, and Steve would be happy to help develop proposals.

More detailed information about the WVU Biology graduate student program is available at: biology.wvu.edu/students/graduate-students. The GRE is not required to apply. Although we accept students on a rolling basis there is a January 31, 2023 deadline for university-wide fellowships (graduateeducation.wvu.edu/fellowships). The Department of Biology at WVU has a strong core of faculty members with expertise in forest ecology and biogeochemistry, and is in close proximity to world-class research sites including the WVU Research Forest and the Fernow Experimental Forest (as.wvu.edu/fernow/). Morgantown, West Virginia is a medium-sized college town that offers a low cost of living and bountiful access to a variety of outdoor activities.

Posted 9/13/23

Openings for 1-2 fully funded graduate positions (MS or PhD) for research related to: Seedling ecophysiology and seed based restoration

Openings for 1-2 fully funded graduate positions (MS or PhD) for research related to:
Seedling ecophysiology and seed-based restoration

Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA

Start date: Fall semester 2024

Applications due: November 15, 2023 (please reach out to Mandy well before submitting)

Contact: Mandy Slate at slate.41@osu.edu 

Please email: Your CV and an email introducing yourself, your research experience and interests, and tell me why you are interested in doing research in my lab.

The EEOB Department at The Ohio State University is a diverse, open, inclusive, and collaborative place to explore exciting research questions. Student projects will likely involve a combination of field and lab-based research. Successful applications will be working as part of a collaborative team that includes researchers at Colorado State University and the University of Montana. Thus in addition to looking for applicants that are excited about plant ecophysiology and restoration, I also seek applicants who value collaboration and teamwork.

For more information on the type of research we do, OSU, and the grad school at OSU see: slatemandy.weebly.com

Posted 9/12/23

Johnson Laboratory seeking new graduate students

Come join the dark side of biology!

We are currently seeking exceptional and highly motivated graduate students to join the Johnson laboratory (http://johnsonlaboratory.com)! We are looking for an independent, self-motivated student who is passionate about pursuing research in aquatic ecology and conservation. Students in the lab can employ a diverse range of approaches, including laboratory experiments, field research, and modeling, to address broad questions in ecology. As a lab we are deeply committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in our field. Students interested in joining the Johnson Laboratory for Ph.D.-level research are encourage to include all requested questions in a composed letter of interest.

Please include the following in your letter of interest (PDF):
• Curriculum vitae or resume;
• Which of the two following projects you are interested in;
A. Understanding the role of disease in coral reef ecosystems: this project aims to more deeply explore the hidden role of parasites and pathogens within tropical ecosystem. Our system of focus has been Black Spot Syndrome, which is emerging among keystone fish grazers in the Caribbean. We are studying the parasite responsible and working to ascertain what factors influence its emergence and identify the likely consequences for individual hosts and communities. This is a newer project focused in parts of the Caribbean, such as Curacao and Bonaire.

B. How extreme weather events affect disease and threatened species: A key part of this project involves understanding how severe drought can directly and indirectly alter species interactions, both for free-living as well as parasitic organisms, and determine the outcomes for conservation and disease management. We are also exploring ways to forecast disease "hotspots" into the future and even use whole-ecosystem manipulations to manage wildlife infections. This work will combine large-scale analyses with collection of new empirical data, with field work focused at our long-term study sites in California.

• Your general research interests, previous research experience;
• Why you are specifically interested in the work being done in the lab;
• Your contributions to inclusion and diversity;
• Post-graduate career plans.

Send your letter of interest in PDF as an attachment in your introduction email to: Pieter.Johnson@colorado.edu by October 15th, 2023. Please use "Prospective Graduate Student" in the subject line.

Posted 9/12/23

PhD Research Assistantship in Agro-Ecology at Pennsylvania State University

We are seeking PhD applicants interested in agroecology and sustainable agriculture to begin a PhD program in PSU's prestigious Intercollege Graduate Degree Program in Ecology. This research will greatly contribute towards our understanding the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, specifically the student will be investigating how the composition of cover crop mixtures influences their provisioning of ecosystem services. The student will be co-advised by Dr. Carolyn Lowry (Plant Science) and Dr. Jason Kaye (Ecosystem Science and Management) and will have the opportunity to be exposed to diverse training experiences including research methods in molecular and plant ecology, statistics, as well as quantifying diverse ecosystem services. Students will be a part of a large network of diverse researchers involved in PSU's long-term cover crop cocktails project.

The position will be located in State College, PA. The position includes full stipend, tuition, and health insurance.

Applicants must be highly motivated, and have: 1) bachelor's (but masters preferred) degree with strong academic record in agronomy, soil science, ecology, plant sciences or a related field; 2) strong written and oral communication skills; and 3) previous field/ greenhouse/lab research experience.

Interested students should first send a cover letter stating research interests and experience, as well as a curriculum vitae including references to Dr. Carolyn Lowry: carolyn.lowry@psu.edu.

We will review applications as they are received.

Posted 9/12/23

PhD Assistantship in Riparian Invasion Ecology - South Dakota State University

Job Title: PhD Assistantship in Riparian Invasion Ecology - South Dakota State University

Job Description:
The Stream Ecology Lab at South Dakota State University is seeking applicants for a Ph.D. Graduate Research Assistantship. The student will assess the effects of hydrology on establishment and spread of invasive riparian vegetation (Russian olive) in riparian habitats on US Bureau of Land Management lands in Wyoming. Student will develop remote sensing models to map current distributions and develop risk models for riparian habitat invasion by Russian olive. Student will have the opportunity for collaboration with state and federal collaborators and SD State faculty including Dr. Lora Perkins, Dr. Maitiniyaze Maimaitijiang, and Dr. John Ball. Data collection will include field work in remote locations, remote sensing, and geospatial data analysis. Responsibilities include the completion of research projects (planning, analysis, writing), sharing results via conference presentations and publications, and the completion of coursework. The location is in Brookings, South Dakota with travel to field sites throughout Wyoming. Start date is August 2024.

Qualifications:
Required: Minimum GPA of 3.0, B.S. and M.S. in Environmental Science, Fisheries, Wildlife, Ecology, or related field (Completed by start date), valid driver's license. Candidates should have enthusiasm for or background with quantitative analysis and modeling.

Preferred: Experience analyzing remotely sensed data and working with ArcGIS, Python, R, or other similar platforms. Experience with field vegetation surveying techniques. Research experience (from job, internship, or undergraduate research) including any of the following - writing, experimental design, data analysis, conference presentations, or publications. Energetic, optimistic students that work will with people and independent under challenging conditions are encouraged to apply. BIPOC, LGBTQ+, women, and other underrepresented groups in STEM are encouraged to apply. GRE not required.

To Apply: Please submit 1) unofficial transcripts, 2) resume or CV, 3) a cover letter detailing your interest in the position, and 4) a list of three references and their contact information. Application materials should be combined into a single pdf and submitted to Dr. Christopher Cheek (Christopher.Cheek@sdstate.edu). For full consideration, apply by October 15th, 2023.

Compensation: $24,000 + tuition waiver

Deadline: October 15th, 2023

Contact person -
Christopher.Cheek@sdstate.edu 

Posted 9/9/23

Fully funded M.Sc. in Geography: Marine biodiversity and conservation in traditional waters of Miawpukek First Nation.

We seek a student for a marine biodiversity and traditional knowledge education project in cooperation with Miawpukek First Nation (MFN) and DFO, beginning in May or September 2024 at Memorial University, NL.  The student will work with MFN Marine Forestry Guardians and MUN and DFO scientists to describe marine biodiversity in Bay d’Espoir and nearby parts of the marine territory of Miawpukek First Nation.  The student will help Guardians to describe deep and shallow water marine biodiversity information through a variety of sampling methods, and combine this with multibeam sonar data to make predictive maps of biodiversity.  The student will also work with Guardians and others at MFN to map Indigenous knowledge of marine biodiversity in these waters.  The student will spend extended periods of time living in the community and working with Guardians, as well as participating in a intensive ROV-based research cruise.   Required skills include a quantitative background in marine biology or ecology, or in community-based science with Indigenous communities.  Previous experience with GIS systems, acquiring or processing acoustic or underwater video data and/or experience working with the public and/or with Indigenous groups will be highly advantageous.  Preference will be given to Indigenous students, especially those from Miawpukek or Qalipu First Nations.

For more information, please contact Evan Edinger (eedinger@mun.ca) or Katleen Robert (Katleen.robert@mi.mun.ca) with a CV and cover letter stating your main interests in this project.
Closing date: Nov 15, 2023.
Prospective start date: May or September 2024.

Katleen Robert
Canada Research Chair in Ocean Mapping,
Associate Professor,
School of Ocean Technology,
Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University,
St. John’s, NL, Canada

Posted 9/8/23

MSc projects in Habitat Mapping

The 4D OCEANS Lab (https://www.4d-oceans.com/) in the School of Ocean Technology of the Marine Institute of Memorial University, NL, is looking for MSc students with interest in seafloor and habitat mapping.  This is an inherently multi-disciplinary field, and we are looking to recruit from a range of backgrounds including: seafloor mapping, spatial ecology, geology, acoustic surveying, remote sensing and geostatistics.

Projects may involve activities such as collection and processing of acoustic or imagery datasets, biological or geological samples, and statistical analysis.  Research topics may involve examining species-environment relationships, developing automated classification techniques, addressing issues of scales and much more.  Students will be encouraged to develop their own line of scientific inquiry.

A strong quantitative background, fieldwork (e.g. boat handling or offshore) experience and prior research activities will be an asset.  If you are interested, please contact Katleen Robert (Katleen.robert@mi.mun.ca) with a CV and a brief statement of your research interest.

Katleen Robert
Canada Research Chair in Ocean Mapping,
Associate Professor,
School of Ocean Technology,
Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University,
St. John’s, NL, Canada

Posted 9/8/23

Forest Ecology Postdoc and PhD students wanted

Postdoctoral Researcher and PhD Students - Temperate forest dynamics and plant-fungal interactions

The LaManna lab in the Department of Biological Sciences at Marquette University is currently seeking a postdoctoral researcher and 1-2 PhD students to address questions related to population/community ecology and the maintenance of plant species diversity.

Postdoctoral Researcher: Seeking a postdoctoral researcher interested in forest population and community ecology to start sometime between Fall and Winter 2023 or early 2024. Looking for a postdoc interested in addressing fundamental and applied ecological questions by integrating continental forest datasets (e.g., FIA) with remotely sensed datasets (including Lidar and satellite-derived datasets). This position is part of a federally-funded project examining impacts on tree growth and survival at continental scales.

PhD Students: Seeking 1-2 PhD students interested in forest population and community ecology to start in Fall 2024. Looking for PhD students interested in examining factors influencing forest population and community dynamics in Pacific Northwest old-growth forests, especially involving density-dependent interactions with fungal associates (including pathogens and mycorrhizae). These positions are part of an NSF-funded project examining plant-fungal interactions and their implications for forest communities. The students will be expected to attend Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI and conduct their field research at the H. J. Andrews Experimental Forest in Oregon. The H. J. Andrews Experimental Forest is an NSF Long-tern Ecological Research (LTER) site that is located roughly 45 minutes east of Eugene, Oregon. The area is known for its recreational opportunities including hiking and backpacking, for its scenic volcanoes, and the Three Sisters Wilderness.

The Department of Biological Sciences at Marquette University is expanding its strength in the areas of Ecology and Environmental Science. Current faculty research in Ecology is centered on investigating the processes that generate and maintain species diversity. Marquette faculty are currently studying plant, animal, and microbial diversity in tropical and temperate ecosystems. We are seeking graduate students who are interested in pursuing large-scale conceptual questions in ecology. Marquette University offers competitive graduate stipends and benefits. Marquette is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values excellence in scholarship and teaching, as well as a diverse academic community. We encourage underrepresented groups to apply. To apply, please send a CV and letter of interest to joseph.lamanna<at>marquette.edu. Application review will begin on October 16, 2023, but please inquire if interested, we are very interested in finding the best candidates for these positions. Thank you!

Posted 9/8/23

PhD Fellowships/Assistantships

Fellowships/assistantships are available for self-motivated students to pursue PhD degrees and conduct innovative and high-impact research in the Center for Systems Integration and Sustainability (CSIS) at Michigan State University (http://csis.msu.edu).

Applications are welcome from students with a variety of backgrounds and in a wide range of disciplines, such as anthropology, artificial intelligence, behavioral science, biology, computer science and engineering, conservation, data science, demography, ecology, economics, environmental science and engineering, geographic information science, geography, geosciences, land science, remote sensing, sociology, sustainability science, and other related fields.

Research topics may include telecoupling (telecoupling.org),  sustainability science, UN Sustainable Development Goals, coupled human and natural systems, systems integration (e.g., integration of natural sciences such as ecology with social sciences such as economics, policy, and technology), biodiversity conservation, computer modeling and simulation (e.g., agent-based modeling), ecosystem services, food-energy-water-climate nexus, forest ecology, human well-being, global change, land change science, landscape ecology,  nature-based climate solutions, and wildlife ecology and conservation. Studies on these and other related topics by faculty and students at CSIS have been published in journals such as Science and Nature.

With flexible start dates (e.g., spring, summer or fall of 2024), successful candidates can build on previous studies and explore new frontiers.

Initial application materials include:  (1) CV or resume, (2) GPA scores, (3) GRE scores (including percentile information), and (4) TOEFL scores (for non-native English speakers only).  Unofficial copies of GRE, TOEFL and transcripts are OK initially.  Applicants are encouraged to submit their application materials as soon as possible. Additional information will be requested from the semi-finalists and finalists.  Applications and questions about these opportunities should be emailed to:

Jianguo (Jack) Liu
Rachel Carson Chair in Sustainability &
University Distinguished Professor
Center for Systems Integration and Sustainability
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48823-5243, USA
liuji@msu.edu (email)
http://csis.msu.edu/people/jianguo-jack-liu

Posted 9/8/23

Graduate Research Assistant Positions

We are excited to recruit self-motivated students with a wide range of interests, such as climate change, complexity science, computer modeling, food systems, land use and land cover change, remote sensing, resilience, systems integration (e.g., integration of natural sciences with social sciences, policy, and technology), sustainability, telecoupling, and/or metacoupling.

The students will join a transdisciplinary and multi-institutional USDA-funded research project and pursue a PhD or MS degree at Michigan State University. This project will investigate the complex interactions and cumulative impacts of multiple shocks (e.g., climate change, disease outbreaks) on the resilience and sustainability of agri-food systems in the U.S. Midwest and beyond. One student will focus on land use and land cover change under multiple shocks using various sources of data (e.g., satellite, field data), while the other will focus on the integration of multiple shocks into a multi-agent-based model to understand the complexity of ecological and socioeconomic changes. Both students will lead and participate in data collection and analysis, result interpretation, preparation of documents for publication in different outlets, including peer-reviewed and education/extension materials, and presentations at various meetings and conferences.

With flexible start dates (e.g., spring, summer or fall of 2024), the successful candidate will have opportunities to interact and work with a large transdisciplinary team with expertise in agricultural economics and supply chain management, artificial intelligence and digital agriculture, food and nutritional science, modeling, remote sensing, social network analysis, K-12 educational outreach, rural development, science communication, system integration, sustainability, and sustainable food systems and food security, to explore new frontiers of interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research.

Application materials include: (1) a letter of application, (2) CV or resume, (3) transcripts, (4) GRE scores, (5) TOEFL scores (for non-native English speakers only), and (6) list of 3 referees (names and contact information). Unofficial copies of the transcripts, GRE, and TOEFL are OK initially.

Applicants are encouraged to submit their application materials as soon as possible. Reviews of applications will continue until a suitable candidate is identified. Please e-mail any questions and application materials to:

Dr. Jianguo (Jack) Liu                                  Dr. Andrés Viña
Rachel Carson Chair in Sustainability           Assistant Professor
liuji@msu.edu (email)                                 vina@msu.edu (email)
http://csis.msu.edu/people/jianguo-jack-liu                     https://www.canr.msu.edu/people/andres_vina
Center for Systems Integration and Sustainability
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48823-5243, USA

Posted 9/8/23

PhD and Postdoc opportunities Ecology Environment & Society - Tumber-Davila Lab Dartmouth College

PhD Students
We are looking for 1-2 PhD students to join the lab beginning Fall 2024! Students will develop an independent research trajectory broadly related to these research topics: 1) the size and shape of plant root systems, plant allometry, and trait-based ecology 2) climate change and disturbance impacts on terrestrial ecosystems 3) forest carbon offsets and policy 4) justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM and the academy.All accepted PhD students are guaranteed 5 years of funding including summer salary and health insurance. No GRE or application fee is required.

Prospective students should apply to the Ecology, Evolution, Environment & Society (EEES) Graduate Program at Dartmouth College.

For graduate studies in EEES, we seek creative and committed scholars who share our interests in ecology, evolution, environments and society. New students generally enter EEES by joining a specific lab with a pre-identified major advisor. We encourage prospective applicants to communicate directly with one or more individual faculty to explore shared interests and learn about current openings. Applications can be submitted to EEES at any time and Ph.D. programs can begin in any academic term. However, we normally have interviews in January or February, make offers in March, and most new students begin in summer or fall term. For full consideration on this cycle, applicants are encouraged to have their applications complete by 1 December. To submit an application, please go the Dartmouth Graduate Programs online application site.

We recognize that the graduate application process can be opaque and difficult to navigate, presenting many barriers to prospective students. As part of efforts to increase the diversity and accessibility of graduate studies in ecology, evolutionary biology, environmental studies and earth systems, we encourage applicants to apply to the Dartmouth EEES Scholars Program, an in-person, fully funded 3-day workshop designed to demystify the graduate school application process. Applications are accepted in the spring for the fall workshop.

Postdoctoral Researchers
We are looking for 1-2 postdocs to join the lab beginning in January 2024! Prospective postdocs are encouraged to contact me by filling out the form (preferred), or you can email me to discuss potential projects. I encourage postdocs to explore independent funding sources and am happy to discuss ideas for proposals. External sources include the NSF PRFB, USDA-NIFA, Ford Fellowships, Smith Fellows, and more. Dartmouth also funds postdoctoral fellows through the Society of Fellows, the Provost's Fellowship (PROF) Program, and the Neukom Fellows for Computational Science.

To Inquire About the Positions:
If you are interested in discussing PhD or Postdoctoral positions in the lab, please fill out the following form: cutt.ly/JoinLabForm
To learn more about the lab: cutt.ly/JoinLab

Additional Information
The Tumber-Dávila lab provides individual-centered mentorship utilizing multi-mentor models that center mentee career goals in a collaborative, co-learning environment. Applicants who self-identify as individuals from groups historically excluded from ecology and/or persons excluded because of their ethnicity or race (PEERs) are particularly encouraged to apply. All lab members contribute to the cultivation of an equitable, inclusive, and antiracist lab group.

My teaching and mentoring philosophy relies on three main principles: 1) centering the trainee, 2) teaching and mentoring for lifelong learning, and 3) cultivating inclusivity, community, and joy. I have a continued commitment to mentoring and have had the privilege on mentoring countless students through organized research experiences, and through more informal mentoring pathways. I acknowledge the value and opportunities that I have received through mentorship and am committed to ensuring that the next generation of scientists, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, receive all the opportunities, supports, and empowerment they justly deserve.

Tumber-Dávila Lab graduate students and postdoctoral researchers are a part of the Ecology, Evolution, Environment & Society (EEES) Program, a highly interactive and vibrant interdisciplinary community of over 100 faculty, graduate students, and post-docs. Dartmouth College is a research-intensive Ivy League university located in Hanover, New Hampshire, 2.5 hours northwest of Boston and nestled between the picturesque Green and White Mountains.

Shersingh Joseph Tumber-Dávila (he/él)
Harvard Forest LTER Postdoctoral Fellow
Incoming Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies, Dartmouth College (2024)
Ph.D. & M.S. Environmental Earth System Science, Stanford University
🌐  SJTumber.com
  @JosephTumber
    Información sobre Pertenecer/YouBelong y Con Ciencia en las Américas
ORCID iD icon  https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7336-3943

Posted 9/8/23

Teaching assistantship - Microbial ecology in Jamaica

Doctoral student position available (funded TA, teaching assistantship)

Dr. Crystal N. Johnson is seeking 1 Ph.D. student interested in studying biogeochemical cycling, bacterial and fungal microbiomes, and hydrology in collaboration with Dr. Susan Koenig and scientists in the Cockpit Country area of northwest Jamaica.

Methods will include metagenomics, real-time qPCR, bioinformatics, agarose gel electrophoresis, kit-based DNA extractions, and aseptic sample collections in the field. The project will include work in a BSL-2 laboratory, field work in Jamaica, and many computer hours. International travel between Baton Rouge, LA and Cockpit Country, Jamaica will be required of the student.

Successful candidates will likely have a GPA of at least 3.0, prior lab and field experiences, and prerequisite courses, such as introductory statistics, chemistry, biology, and other natural sciences. Applicant must be mature, responsible, capable of thinking critically and working independently, meticulous, and tolerant of early mornings, some evenings, warm temperatures, and biting insects. Some field collections will occur on weekends.

The individual must strictly adhere to established laboratory protocols. They must be meticulous, reliable, honest, trustworthy, and attentive to detail. Prior training, prior hands-on experience, and an interest in publishing a paper in a peer-reviewed journal are highly valued. Students with established connections to Jamaica are particularly invited to apply.

The stipend is US$23,000 per 9 months, and summer months will be further funded based on the student's research productivity. Tuition costs are covered by the department, but some fees are not.

The student will spend an average of 20 hours/week on dissertation research in the Johnson Lab and 20 hours/week serving as a departmental teaching assistant (TA) in cooperation with LSU Online. TA duties will include assisting with existing courses, e.g., ENVS 1126, ENVS 2126, and other large-enrollment courses. TA duties will also include the development, administration, and delivery of novel ENVS courses and assessments, particularly leveling courses for new incoming students.

Standardized tests are encouraged but not required. The most successful candidates will have GRE scores of at least 150 verbal and 150 quantitative. Preferred TOEFL scores for international students are at least 213 computer, 550 paper, or 80 internet-based.

If interested, submit application materials to Dr. Johnson at cnjohnson@lsu.edu and to Dr. Koenig at windsor@cwjamaica.com with the number 2625748 in the subject line.

Application materials may include unofficial transcripts, the contact information for 3 references, a personal statement, resume/CV, GRE scores, papers that include the applicant as an author, and other products that support the application. Successful semi-finalists will then be invited for a Zoom-based and/or face-to-face interview with Dr. Johnson and her collaborators on the project. More background information on Dr. Johnson can be found at https://www.lsu.edu/cce/about/cce-directories/faculty-profiles/johnson_crystal.php.

After preliminary interviews and evaluation, the finalist will be invited to submit a formal application to the LSU Graduate School for the Department of Environmental Sciences. The teaching assistantship begins in Spring, Summer, or Fall of 2024. LSU is committed to diversity and is an equal opportunity / equal access employer.

Posted 9/8/23

Graduate Positions in Forest Ecology

The Spasojevic Ecology lab is recruiting 1-2 Ph.D. students to start in Fall of 2024. Specifically, we are seeking students to work within our Forest Dynamics plot (https://mspaso.wixsite.com/traitecology/our-research). We are specifically seeking people interested in linking dispersal, demography, community assembly, and/or ecosystem function in dry temperate forests. Academic year funding is primarily provided through TAships and Summer Support is through ongoing USDA funding. Information on TA funding and Salary can be found here (https://graduate.ucr.edu/graduate-student-employment#ase-and-gsr-salary).

If you are interested, please email me (markos@ucr.edu) with a short note describing why you are interested in joining the lab, which of the above interest areas best fit you, and your CV so we can schedule a meeting to chat. Prospective students from traditionally excluded groups are encouraged to apply.

Posted 9/7/23

PhD position in Antarctic Terrestrial Ecology

The van Gestel lab (www.nvangestel.com) and the Johnson lab (www.mossmatters.com) at Texas Tech University are seeking a highly motivated student interested in studying plant responses to global change. Prospective students should have a background and genuine interest in plant physiology, plant ecology, polar ecology, carbon cycling, plant genomics, gene expression or similar field, preferably pertaining to bryophytes. Experience in lab or field work is preferred.

Application materials (combine into 1 pdf)
1) Letter of interest that should include a statement research interests, and a statement of the student's professional goals. Include GPA (including graduate GPA if applicable).
2) Names and contact information of 3 references.
3) Curriculum vitae.

Email the single pdf to: natasja.van-gestel@ttu.edu on or before: October 20, 2023

Posted 9/6/23

Two graduate Positions in Aquatic Ecology - Ohio State University

Hood Lab, Aquatic Ecology Laboratory, Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, The Ohio State University

The Hood Lab is recruiting a masters and a PhD student to conduct research that generally examines stream and river phosphorus cycling. The goal of this research is to improve understanding of the role rivers play in shaping phosphorus exports in agricultural watersheds and inform the management of phosphorus and harmful algal blooms. Here is a brief description of both projects:

MS position: Phosphorus transformations from riverine loads to summer cyanobacteria blooms. This project, which is a collaboration with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Cooperative Institute for Great Lakes Research (CIGLR), looks at how phosphorus cycles across a transect from the upstream reaches of the Maumee River to the western basin of Lake Erie by characterizing longitudinal patterns in different phosphorus fractions (total phosphorus, dissolved phosphorus, colloidal phosphorus, as well as phosphorus associated with specific organic and inorganic fractions). This project can support a student on a graduate research assistantship for 1 semester and 1 summer for two years. The student would be supported by a GTA for the other semester.

Ph.D. position: Pilotwatershedproject: This is part of a large, collaborative U.S. Department of Agriculture funded project that is using a control-impact approach to understand how implementation of best management practices on agricultural fields influences phosphorus exports from two pairedwatersheds. My lab’s component of this project examines how these management interventions influences phosphorus cycling in streams and ditches. This project can support a student on a graduate research assistantship for 1 semester and 1 summer for four years. The student would be supported by a GTA for the other semester.

The ideal candidate will be highly motivated and honest, with strong quantitative skills, an interest in applied aquatic ecology, and a background in ecology, biogeochemistry, and/or aquatic science. I seek to maintain a productive, diverse, and team-orientated lab group and especially encourage students from under-represented groups to consider joining the lab.

Both students would be supported by teaching and research assistantships. In EEOB, graduate assistantship includes a stipend of ~$2,400 per month, health benefits, and a tuition/fee waiver.

If interested, please email Jim Hood (hood.211@osu.edu) a single PDF containing (1) a statement of interest, (2) a CV, and (3) contact information for three references. I will begin reviewing candidate applications immediately and ultimately invite selected applicants to apply to the department. The department's application deadline is 15 Nov 2023.
Additional information about application procedures and requirements: https://eeob.osu.edu/grad/program-admissions
More information about the Aquatic Ecology Lab: https://ael.osu.edu

The Ohio State University
Jim Hood (he, him, his)
Associate Professor, Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology
Core faculty, Translational Data Analytics Institute
Co-Director, Aquatic Ecology Laboratory

Aquatic Ecology Laboratory, 230 Research Center, 1314 Kinnear Road, Columbus, OH 43212
College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology
614-292-5383Office / 614-292-0181Fax
hood.211@osu.edu Email / http://ael.osu.edu

Posted 9/6/23


PhD Assistantship in Ground Squirrel Responses to Climate Change – Colorado

Funded PhD position at Colorado State University!

Are you interested in if/how mammals adapt to climate change? Want to gain expertise in behavioral and molecular techniques? Work in the gorgeous Colorado Rocky Mountains?

The Wells lab in the Dept. of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology at Colorado State University is seeking a PhD student to work on these or related topics: mammalian life-history acceleration, thermal responses, range shifts, movement ecology, or genomic adaptation to climate change. Our long-term research on golden-mantled ground squirrels is based at the picturesque Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory, home to many multi-decadal studies of organismal responses to climate change.

Position: PhD in either Ecology (https://ecology.colostate.edu/) or Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology (https://warnercnr.colostate.edu/fwcb/graduate-study/graduate-program/) starting in January 2024.

Funding: The position is funded with 2.5 years of Graduate Research Assistantship and 1.5 years of Teaching Assistantship. Funding includes tuition, 50% of graduate fees, student health/dental insurance, and stipend ($2100/month).

Required qualifications
-BS and/or MS in biology, wildlife, conservation, ecology/evolution, or closely related field.
-Strong communication skills both in writing and orally
-Ability to work both independently and collaboratively

Preferred qualifications
-Interest in mammalian conservation, life histories, climate change, and behavior or genetics.
-The position will involve 3 months/year of small mammal trapping and handling. Field experience or small-mammal handling is a plus but not essential.
-The position may involve working with low-coverage whole genome data. Lab or bioinformatic experience is a plus but not essential.

To apply, please email the following materials in a single merged document to Dr. Caitlin Wells (Caitlin.Wells@colostate.edu) in the Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology with a subject line stating "GMGS Climate PhD Position": (1) 1-2-page cover letter summarizing your background, fit to the project, and career goals, (2) CV including contact information for three professional references, and (3) unofficial transcripts [GRE scores are not required by the department, but may be included if you choose]. Application deadline is Friday October 6, 2023.

Colorado State University is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or pregnancy and will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action.

Posted 8/31/23


MS Assistantship at the University of Vermont Examining Forest Dynamics and Restoration of Fire-Dependent Ecosystems on the Green Mountain National Forest

Project: The University of Vermont, Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources is seeking a master’s-level graduate student to participate in a research project focused on the ecological characteristics, dynamics, and restoration of fire-dependent ecosystems on the Green Mountain National Forest. The student will join a team of collaborators from the University of Vermont, U.S. Forest Service Forest Health Protection program, and Green Mountain National Forest in quantifying the historical and contemporary distribution and dynamics of fire-dependent ecosystems on the Green Mountain National Forest. This includes informing best adaptation practices to ensure maintenance of these threatened forest communities into the future. The position is available for Summer 2024 and includes two guaranteed years of funding (stipend, tuition waiver, and health insurance).

Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in forestry, biology, natural resources, environmental sciences or a closely related field.  Applicants should be able to work independently, but also cooperatively with project partners and other researchers in the lab and on the larger project. Applicants should also have a strong work ethic, demonstrated writing and quantitative capabilities, plant identification skills, and a record of leadership.

Application: Interested applicants should supply all application materials to the UVM Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources (RSENR) Program (MS in Natural Resources) by February 1, 2024 – when applying, please state your interest in this position in the "Statement of Purpose." (https://www.uvm.edu/rsenr/applying_rubenstein_school_graduate_program).

Contact:
Anthony D'Amato
Professor and Director
Forestry Program
Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources
University of Vermont
204E Aiken Center
Burlington, VT 05405
Phone: (802) 656-8030
FAX:   (802) 656-8683
Email: awdamato@uvm.edu
Website: https://site.uvm.edu/tdamato/

Posted 8/30/23


Gulf Coastal Plain graduate positions available

The Davis Lab in the School of Biological, Environmental and Earth Sciences at the University of Southern Mississippi seeks Ph.D. and M.S. students (starting January 2024) interested in studying various projects in the diverse longleaf pine forests of the Gulf Coastal Plain.  All projects are funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S. Forest Service.

Projects include:
Effects of forestry management practices (e.g., clearcutting, herbicide site preparation, etc.) on soil microbiomes.  This will be a Ph.D. position in collaboration with the lab of Dmitri Mavrodi
Habitat characterization of two crayfish currently considered for protection under the Endangered Species Act, Procambarus fitzpatricki and Creaserinus danielae (M.S. or Ph.D. position). 
Population ecology of the critically endangered frog, Lithobatus sevosus (M.S. or Ph.D. position).
Pitcher plant bog restoration (M.S. or Ph.D. position).

All study sites are within longleaf pine forests and wetlands within the unique Pascagoula River Watershed.  Sites will also be nested within the DeSoto National Forest, Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge, or Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve.  All sites are near the epicenter of the North American Coastal Plain Biodiversity Hotspot.  Upland habitats are dominated by the second largest cluster of biologically diverse longleaf pine forests in the United States.  Visit the links below for more information about these ecologically unique areas.

https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/pascagoula-river-watershed

https://www.fws.gov/refuge/mississippi-sandhill-crane

https://www.nationalforests.org/blog/longleaf-pine-expansion-on-mississippi-national-forests

The successful applicant will be able to adapt their thesis/dissertation to include areas such as ecology, biogeography, physiology, or taxonomy.  Students will have the opportunity to work closely and network with staff from multiple state and federal agencies as well as environmental non-profit organizations.

Required experience: B.S. in biological sciences, conservation biology, ecology, or related field with coursework in botany and statistics.

Preferred experience: Previous research involving plant ecology, microbial genomics, or crustacean biology.

Full tuition scholarships for the successful applicant are provided.  Stipends are provided by Research Assistantship (January-mid August) and Teaching Assistantship (mid August-December).  Women and students from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

The University of Southern Mississippi, a Carnegie R1 institution with 14,000 students, is located in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, near the Gulf Coast and has abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation. Hattiesburg is the medical, commercial and cultural center of southern Mississippi and is ranked in the top five small metropolitan areas in the United States. The School of Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences is comprised of about thirty faculty and offers B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees. Over 60 graduate students are currently pursuing degrees. Further information about the school may be found at: https://www.usm.edu/biological-sciences

Deadline for Spring 2024 applications is 15 October 2024, but interested parties should contact Dr. Davis as soon as possible prior to formal application submission. To inquire, submit (via e-mail) a cover letter with a brief (~ one page) review of your research experience and interests and goals and a CV to: Mike.Davis@usm.edu.  Although the School of Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences at USM does not have a minimum set of scores to be eligible for entrance into the graduate program, potential applicants should expect to have a minimum GPA of 3.00 and have taken the GRE before application. For more information on admission follow this link: https://www.usm.edu/graduate-programs/biologcal-sciences.php. Information about Hattiesburg may be found following this link: https://www.visithburg.org

Micheal Davis
Professor
Assistant Director, School of Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences
Director, Lake Thoreau Environmental Center
118 College Drive, Box 5018
Hattiesburg, MS 39406
601-266-5419
Mike.Davis@usm.edu

Posted 8/26/23


PhD position in oyster adaptation to climate change and disease

The Gignoux-Wolfsohn lab <https://sarahgw.com> at the University of Massachusetts Lowell <https://www.uml.edu/sciences/biology/people/gignoux-wolfsohn-sarah.aspx> is looking for a PhD student starting Summer or Fall 2024 to work on projects related to climate change adaptation and impacts of the changing environment on infectious disease in the eastern oyster. There is flexibility in terms of focus, with the opportunity to contribute to one or multiple ongoing funded projects. Two years of RA funding and an additional 3 years of TA funding is guaranteed. Graduate students in our lab are enrolled in the Applied Biology PhD program <https://www.uml.edu/sciences/biology/programs-of-study/phd-applied-biology.aspx#:~:text=Overview,and%20preparation%20for%20career%20advancement.>. Experience in research is desired, but experience in a particular field is not required! A love for science, interest in using molecular techniques to answer questions about climate change and infectious disease, and commitment to being a part of an equitable research community are most important. Inquiries from individuals from minoritized and/or underrepresented backgrounds are specifically welcomed!

If you are interested in applying, please email your resume or CV to Sarah (sarah_gignouxwolfsohn@uml.edu) by November 1, 2023. Your email should include descriptions of:

1) your career goals (2-4 sentences)

2) your interest in climate and infectious disease impacts on oysters (2-4 sentences)

3) why you are interested in our lab in particular (2-4 sentences).

4) any fellowships that you are eligible for and/or interested in applying to

Posted 8/25/23


Recruiting 1-2 PhD students and postdoctoral scholars in coupled biogeochemical cycles at Michigan State University

The Watershed Biogeochemistry in the Anthropocene Lab (http://gersonlab.weebly.com) at Michigan State University is recruiting motivated, collaborative, and curious PhD students and postdoctoral scholars in coupled biogeochemical cycles. We study how anthropogenic activities have altered the coupled cycling of nutrients and contaminants through watersheds. While we have historically focused on mercury, we are expanding our focus. We examine the fate, transport, and transformation of these elements within and between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, including their consequences for people and animals.

The PhD students and postdoctoral scholars will have flexibility in their research to find a topic that excites them but could focus on one of the following projects: the fate of mercury from artisanal gold mining in Peru, Ghana, or Kenya; the impact of agricultural sulfur use in California vineyards or midwestern croplands; the potential antagonism between mercury and selenium; or the local and global fate of trace elements from human activities. This research will involve a combination of fieldwork, laboratory analyses, lab experiments, and modeling. The student will be expected to work both independently and collaboratively, to communicate results in peer-reviewed scientific articles and conferences presentations, and to share their work with relevant community members and leaders.

The Gerson Lab is part of the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences and Kellogg Biological Station at Michigan State University. Graduate students can also affiliate with the Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior Program. Collectively, these communities provide great opportunities for students to work and interact with other watershed and ecosystem scientists in a supportive and collaborative environment. We are committed to promoting and enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM.
I encourage all students applying to graduate school to check out this article I co-authored about demystifying the graduate school application process.

Minimum qualifications for PhD positions: Students from a range of academic majors are encouraged to apply, including biology, chemistry, ecology, environmental engineering, environmental science, geochemistry, hydrology, and other related fields. Applicants from historically underrepresented groups in STEM are particularly encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to students with a M.S. degree by the start date, although we will consider all students with a B.A. or B.S.

Desired qualifications for PhD and postdoc positions: Previous research experience and/or relevant coursework, self-motivation, willingness to learn, positive attitude, interest in a cross-disciplinary approach, ability to work collaboratively in teams, and a commitment to creating an inclusive culture in the research group and more broadly in research science and education.

Note that GRE scores are not required or considered as part of the grad school application. FreeApp waivers for application fees are available with priority given to those who apply by November 15, though submissions after that date will still be considered for support.

Funding: The PhD positions will be funded on a combination of teaching and research assistantships, which include a competitive stipend for five years (including summers), tuition waiver, and health insurance benefits. The Earth and Environmental Science program also provides funding to support moving costs to East Lansing and the purchase of a personal computer. The postdoctoral position is funded for at least one year (with the potential for an extension for an additional one to two years). For both the PhD students and postdocs, there will also be opportunities for professional development, including presentation of research at conferences.

I also highly encourage you to apply for competitive fellowships, and I would be happy to work with you to develop your applications. If you are a graduate student, applications for the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) are due in October. If you are a postdoc, I can work with you to compile an application to the MSU Ecology Evolution and Behavior Postdoctoral Fellowship, Smith Fellowship, NSF Biology Postdoctoral Fellowship, or NSF Geoscience Postdoctoral Fellowship, among others. Application deadlines for each of these fellowships differs.

If interested, please review our lab website for more information and then contact Dr. Jacqueline Gerson at gersonja@msu.edu to arrange a zoom call. In your email, please include your CV and briefly address the following: 1) your previous research experience and/or relevant skills, 2) your research interests, and 3) why you are interested in joining this lab. The application deadline for PhD students in Earth and Environmental Sciences is December 7. Initial contact is requested prior to formally applying to the department. Postdoctoral scholar applicants will be considered as they are received.

Location: Michigan State University is located in East Lansing, Michigan, with Kellogg Biological Station ~1.5 hours away in Hickory Corners, Michigan. MSU is a community of ~50,000 undergraduate and graduate students. East Lansing offers an excellent quality of life, with a reasonable cost of living and access to many outdoor activities (hiking, paddling, biking, cross-country skiing). East Lansing is also ~1 hour from Detroit and Ann Arbor, and ~4 hours from Chicago. MSU is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from women, persons of color, veterans, persons with disabilities and other individuals who can contribute to the intellectual diversity and cultural richness at Michigan State University. Michigan State University occupies the ancestral, traditional, and contemporary Lands of the Anishinaabeg–Three Fires Confederacy of Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi peoples. The University resides on Land ceded in the 1819 Treaty of Saginaw.

Jacqueline Gerson
Pronouns: she/her
Assistant Professor
Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences & W.K. Kellogg Biological Station
Michigan State University
288 Farms Lane, East Lansing, MI 48824
http://gersonlab.weebly.com

Michigan State University occupies the ancestral, traditional, and contemporary Lands of the Anishinaabeg–Three Fires Confederacy of Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi peoples. The University resides on Land ceded in the 1819 Treaty of Saginaw.

Posted 8/23/23

Graduate positions in population ecology

We are looking for multiple PhD students to join our lab at Kansas State University starting in Fall 2024. We do a mix of population and community ecology, looking at drivers of population dynamics as well as how individual species' population dynamics manifest into community changes. We do a mix of field and modeling work (with some greenhouse work), mostly focused on plants.

PhD students' work could focus on one of the following projects: fire effects on native plant populations, effects of large herbivore grazing on plant population or community dynamics, or conservation of narrowly distributed plant species. All projects include the opportunity to use long-term data already collected in the system and include a significant modeling component (as well as field work). Students will be expected to develop their own research questions in their study system.

Before submitting a formal application, students should get in touch with Dr. Louthan at amlouthan@ksu.edu with a CV, succinct description of previous research experience and current research interests, and an explanation of why you want to join the lab. A formal application is due December 15, 2023 to the Division of Biology at Kansas State University.

Posted 8/23/23


MS assistantship – Impact of sharpshooting on white-tailed deer behavior

Location: Southern Illinois University - Carbondale, Illinois

Salary: Range: 20,000$ to $28,000 + tuition waiver

Start date: 01/16/2024

Last date to apply: 09/30/2023

Description: The Spatial Wildlife Ecology Lab at Southern Illinois University is seeking an outstanding MS student beginning Spring 2024. The student's project will focus on evaluating white-tailed deer responses to sharpshooting happening in northern Illinois to reduce chronic-wasting disease prevalence. The incoming student will have access to data on white-tailed deer occurrence in areas with varying levels of sharpshooting obtained using camera traps in collaboration with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The student may also assist in other ongoing work involving capture of white-tailed deer. The academic home for the position is at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois under the supervision of Dr. Guillaume Bastille-Rousseau.

Qualifications:
• BSc in Ecology, Wildlife Ecology, or Biology, or a closely related field, with a strong academic record.
• Excellent quantitative skills. Experience in R and ArcGIS software. Previous experience with camera traps data is desirable.
• Ecological knowledge regarding spatial ecology.
• Ability to perform fieldwork.
• Experience in trapping mammals is beneficial.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills including a demonstrated ability or potential to publish in peer-reviewed journals.
• Motivated with an excellent work ethic.

To apply: Submit a single pdf that includes a cover letter summarizing your qualifications and interest in the position, followed by CV, unofficial transcripts, and contact information for three references to Dr. Guillaume Bastille-Rousseau (gbr@siu.edu).

Websites: https://bastillerousseau.wixsite.com/research

Posted 8/22/23


Research Assistantship Available for Graduate Student (MS) in Forest Ecology

Michigan State University's Department of Forestry is pleased to announce a graduate research assistantship to support an MS student in conducting research in Forest Ecology. The student will be supervised by Dr. Akihiro Koyama, in collaboration with Dr. Lars Brudvig in the MSU Department of Plant Biology. The successful candidate will help to lead a project investigating how the restoration of oak savannas through prescribed fire affects native tree species through plant-soil feedbacks. This will include field, greenhouse, and laboratory-based research, investigating biotic and abiotic plant-soil feedbacks, focusing on the interaction between native tree seedlings and root and soil microorganisms, such as mycorrhizal fungi and pathogens. Fieldwork will take place in an oak savanna restoration experiment at the MSU MacCready Nature Reserve, near Jackson Michigan, and greenhouse and lab-based activities will take place on campus. The assistantship is available for formal Spring 2024 enrollment. Funding for tuition, health, and stipend is available for two years.

The candidate should have:
• Undergraduate degree in ecology or a related field
• Previously attained and maintained exceptional academic standing
• A GRE score
• A TOEFL score of 84 iBT or higher (required for students with non-English credentials only)
• Experience in report-writing or drafting research articles
• A self-motivated, well-organized nature, adaptive to collaborative work
• A valid driver's license (by the time in spring 2024 when fieldwork starts)

Preference will be given to applicants with:
• Bachelor's degree in terrestrial ecology or closely related field
• Experience conducting field and/or greenhouse-based studies
• Experience with statistical analyses
• Some background of soil microbiology
• Peer-reviewed publications

Additionally, candidates must meet the minimum requirements outlined by Michigan State University's Graduate program, found here: https://grad.msu.edu/

The successful candidate will be supported for two years. Assistantships include:
• A bi-weekly stipend, determined by prior experience and education levels (first year stipend will be $28,234)
• A tuition waiver of up to nine credits per semester fall and spring and five credits during the summer with an out-of-state tuition waiver for students who take more than the covered number of credits each semester
• Enrollment in the University's graduate health insurance plan

Sources of graduate funding in addition to this assistantship are available through national and MSU programs. Students will be encouraged and assisted in seeking this funding.

To show interest in the position (before the formal application process), please send a one-page cover letter, CV, and the names and contact information of three referees by email as a single pdf file to Dr. Aki Koyama at koyamaak@msu.edu. The cover letter should include motivations and strengths as a candidate for this position. Current MSU students and recent graduates may also apply via Handshake by searching for Posting # 8127550. To be accepted into the graduate program, potential students must also apply through the MSU Graduate School at https://grad.msu.edu/apply. When formally applying, please indicate an interest in the Forest Ecology Graduate Assistantship in the required Statement of Interests. Applications must be completed by December 10, 2023 (November 1, 2023 for international applicants) for Spring 2024 enrollment.

Please visit http://www.for.msu.edu/graduate/important_information_for_graduate_applicants for specific information regarding the Forestry graduate program.

Michigan State University is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. The Department of Forestry is committed to promoting diversity in research. Members of underrepresented groups in STEM fields are highly encouraged to apply. We thank all applicants, but only those selected will be contacted.

Posted 8/18/23


PhD Assistantship: Whitetail Deer Research – University Florida

The University of Florida/IFAS Forage Team is recruiting a PhD student to work on the interface between agronomy, animal sciences and wildlife management, focusing on forage production, nutrition and health of whitetail deer.

This position will be housed in the University of Florida's Agronomy department, Gainesville, FL, co-advised by Drs. Marcelo Wallau (forages) and Diwakar Vyas (ruminant nutrition). The main research objectives to be pursued are to evaluate the use of different forages on the nutrition, behavior and health of whitetail deer in pens and preserves. Work will include aspects of forage production, diet preferences, parasite and habitat management.

Candidate will be expected to develop research project, review literature, conduct field work, process and analyze samples, analyze data and be proficient in scientific writing. Experience in animal sciences and agronomy is desired, especially related to forage production, animal handling and laboratory procedures.

The candidate will be expected to travel for farm visits, and have endurance to tolerate field work during Florida's summer conditions. Is essential for the candidate to be independent, proactive and innovative, be curious and engaging, and have interpersonal skills to work in the interface of the different research groups.

This position will also include extension components, such as interaction with producers, implementation of on-farm demonstrations, and participation on field days and other extension events.

Application deadline: October 15th, 2023
Salary: $25k
To apply, first send email to forages@ifas.ufl.edu (for first contact)

Posted 8/18/23

M.S. Assistantship: Soil microbiomes

We are recruiting a student to University of Georgia's Savannah River Ecology Laboratory in Aiken, SC to study the agricultural soil microbiome of Pennsylvania farms. The goal of this project is to understand how different agricultural practices (conventional, organic, and tillage intensity) influence the soil microbiome composition and how their related functions influence soil health and crop productivity. This project is part of a larger USDA-NIFA grant to understand the soil viromes of agricultural systems. This project includes field work such as soil sampling, laboratory work including nucleic acid extractions and PCR, and bioinformatic analysis. Experience in these techniques is preferred, but not required.

The successful applicant would join the Bier Lab (https://ravenbier.weebly.com/) and would enroll in a 3-year MS program at the University of Georgia's Odum School of Ecology. Typically, M.S. students spend 2 semesters on the main Athens, GA campus before moving to the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (SREL; Aiken County, SC). This position includes beginning summer research at SREL and at the field site in Pennsylvania before starting Fall 2024 semester coursework in Athens, GA. The 1st academic year may be supported by a teaching assistantship before transitioning to a research assistantship in years 2 and 3. SREL is a remote unit of the University of Georgia and is located on the Savannah River Site, approximately 2.5 hours away from the UGA main campus. The selected student will be expected to publish their work as peer-reviewed manuscripts, with manuscripts in "submission-ready" form prior to graduation.

Applicants should submit their C.V., contact information for 3 professional references, and a one-page letter describing previous educational and research experience, research interests, and professional goals as they relate to the position to Dr. Raven Bier (rbier@srel.uga.edu). Please put "MS assistantship" in the subject line of the email. Submissions will be considered as they are received but for full consideration are due no later than 15 October 2023.

Minimum qualifications include a B.S. or B.A. degree in ecology, biological sciences, environmental sciences, agroecology, or related disciplines. Preferred qualifications include previous field and laboratory experience, prior experience conducting independent research in microbial ecology, writing skills and the ability to work well in a team.

Posted 8/17/23


Seeking graduate student for fall admission

Seeking an MS and a PhD student within The Coastal Benthic Ecology Laboratory at the University of New Orleans, Department of Biological Sciences. Students will work in one of three related research areas: (1) analyzing the microchemistry of reef fish otoliths and tissues to better understand trace element pollution (2) global climate change effects on benthic species and (3) resilience of seagrass beds. Students would be supported on a teaching assistantship. Deadlines are October 15th for spring admissions. Interested applicants should email tecox@uno.edu prior to applying https://www.cbeluno.org/, https://www.uno.edu/academics/grad/programs

Posted 8/10/23


M.S. Assistantship Position in plant phenology

A Master's assistantship position is available at Georgia Southern University (GS), in the lab of plant ecologist Dr. Isaac Park. The graduate student will develop a thesis project examining the effects of changes in local climate on the timing of plant flowering and bee foraging among communities throughout Georgia, using a combination of in-situ plant observations and historically collected plant specimens. In addition, the student will be expected to assist in identifying sites for long-term monitoring of plant phenology in and around the Statesboro campus, and to lead undergraduate researchers in extracting phenological information from historically collected plant specimens. The preferred start date is January 2024, but an August 2024 start date would be considered.

The assistantship includes a full tuition waiver and competitive stipend for at least two years. The student is also expected to assist in the field and lab activities of the Park lab. More information about the graduate program can be found at the Biology department's web page (http://cosm.georgiasouthern.edu/biology/graduate-program-2/). GS is a 26,000-student comprehensive research university spread across three campuses and located in one of the most biodiverse regions of the southeastern U.S. (http://www.georgiasouthern.edu/). This position will be based on the Statesboro campus.

Required qualifications include (1) a B.S. degree in Biology, Botany, Ecology and Evolution, Geography, or a related field, (2) good interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills, (3) strong self-motivation and ability to work well independently and with a team. Preferred qualifications include demonstrated previous experience with one or more of the following: (1) developing and executing a research project, (2) field ecology research, and (3) data skills, which could include past experiences managing datasets, conducting statistical analyses, or programming. Additional admission requirements for the Biology graduate program can be found here: https://cosm.georgiasouthern.edu/biology/masters/admissions/

To apply, please email the following as a single pdf file: (1) a letter summarizing your background, research interests, and career goals, (2) a curriculum vitae, (3) names and contact information for 2-3 academic or professional references, and (4) an unofficial copy of your college transcript. Standardized testing (such as the GRE) is no longer required for admission to the GS graduate program. Review of applications will begin on 9/30/2023 and continue until the position is filled. Applications and inquiries should be emailed to Dr. Isaac Park (Isaac_park@ucsb.edu).

Posted 7/26/23


Postdoc and graduate positions in Forest dynamics and theoretical ecology: UT Austin, Farrior group

The Farrior lab at UT Austin is happy to announce openings for one postdoc and two graduate student positions associated with our newly funded project: Tropical to temperate forest dynamics and their potential influences on plant performance strategies, a theory-data fusion approach.

The research will include data analyses, modeling, and applications of our findings to fundamental questions in community ecology. This project is made possible through collaborations with several ForestGEO researchers.

Review of applications for the postdoc position will begin August 1, 2023 (flexible January 1, 2024 start).
The deadline for graduate students is December 1, 2023 (Fall 2024 start).

Please see our website for more information and application details.
https://sites.cns.utexas.edu/cfarrior/forest-dynamics-plant-strategies-and-inclusive-theoretical-ecology

And please reach out with any questions - Caroline Farrior - cfarrior@utexas.edu  .

Posted 7/11/23


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