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


PhD or MS Assistantship - Fire-adapted Tree Traits

PhD or MS Assistantship, University of Montana, Forestry and Conservation Sciences

Applications are being sought for a graduate assistantship to investigate the role of fire- and drought-resistance traits in mediating post-fire tree mortality. The graduate student will conduct field research and analyze new data as well as a large existing database to elucidate how fire injury, drought stress, tree characteristics, and other factors contribute to the likelihood and timing of tree mortality. The research will improve our fundamental understanding of tree mortality and the results will be integrated into decision support systems used by land managers. The student will work with an established team of federal and academic researchers with ample opportunities for networking and professional development beyond their academic program. 

Responsibilities include data collection, management, and analysis; project management; publication of results in refereed journals; management outreach and science communication; collaboration with university researchers, federal scientists, and land managers; communicating results through presentations, webinars, and other formats; and service as a teaching assistant.

Applicants may apply to either the MS or PhD degree track. Two years of support are available at the MS level and three years of support are available at the PhD level. Academic year support will be split between Research and Teaching Assistant appointments and includes salary, tuition, and mandatory fees. Travel funds are available for fieldwork and a scientific conference presentation. Paid field work for the project is scheduled for May-July 2025. Academic start dates are flexible, with potential start dates of August 2024, January 2025, or August 2025.  

Required Qualifications:
All the requirements for admission to the relevant degree program.
Coursework in botany, plant physiology, dendrology, dendrochronology, forest ecology, or fire ecology.
Experience managing and visualizing ecological data.
Ability to work independently and to manage multiple responsibilities and deadlines.
Preferred Qualifications:
Ability to implement applied statistical analyses in R.
A record of publication in the peer-reviewed literature.
Field or laboratory experience in botany, plant physiology, dendrochronology, forest ecology, or fire ecology.
MS degree in a related field.

To apply: Send a single file containing application materials to Dr. Alina Cansler at alina.cansler@umontana.edu with a subject line of “Fire-adapted Tree Traits Assistantship”. The file should contain a cover letter describing interest in an MS or PhD program and an explanation of your qualifications, current CV, unofficial transcripts, and contact information for three professional references. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis beginning on April 8, 2024. Members of historically underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.

About UM and Missoula. The University of Montana is in aboriginal territories of the Salish and Kalispel people, and draws a diverse population of students, faculty, staff, and researchers. The UM W.A. Franke College of Forestry & Conservation is located in Missoula, Montana’s second-largest city with a population of 80,000 residents. Missoula offers a high quality of life, with multiple rivers, trails, and wilderness areas within minutes of campus, outstanding amenities for families, a vibrant arts community, and regular performances by national musical acts. Missoula and the surrounding area host an impactful land management and conservation community, including major federal research labs, state, federal, and tribal land management agencies, and significant conservation and environmental NGOs.

Dr. C. Alina Cansler
she/her/hers
Assistant Professor
Department of Forest Management
W.A. Franke College of Forestry & Conservation
University of Montana
Missoula, MT 59812, USA
Email:
alina.cansler@umontana.edu

Posted 3/28/24

M.S. Assistantship: Assessment of rare bumble bee conservation in Texas using eDNA

The Mitchell Lab in the Department of Wildlife and Natural Resources at Tarleton State University is seeking a highly motivated student seeking a M.S. in Agriculture and Natural Resources to assess the efficacy of environmental DNA monitoring techniques in detecting the presence, abundance, and host plant use of variable cuckoo bumble bee (Bombus variabilis) and American bumble bee (Bombus pensylvanicus) across their range in the state of Texas. This project is funded by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts to address knowledge gaps and improve conservation efforts in determining if listing of either species if warranted at the state level. The student will be expected to conduct field work including conventional pollinator and vegetation sampling techniques as well as collection of floral resources for DNA extraction. The student will also conduct labwork developing species-specific primers and metabarcoding, as well as spatial habitat suitability models to determine areas at greatest risk of decline or conservation need. The student will also help contribute to Tarleton State University’s Insect Collection (TIC).

Qualifications: B.S. in Biology, Entomology, Natural Resources, Plant Science, Wildlife Biology, or related fields with a GPA of at least 3.0 required. Students must be self-motivated, able to work independently in adverse field conditions (esp. hot weather and stinging insects) and in remote areas. Students must have a valid driver’s license. Experience with plant and insect identification and molecular techniques preferred but not required.

Salary and Benefits: Students will receive a monthly salary of $1600 for a 2 year commitment, including health benefits as an employee of Tarleton State University and the Texas A&M University System. Out-of-state tuition costs are waived; students are responsible for costs of in-state tuition and fees and are encouraged to apply for scholarships through the university to compensate for tuition costs. Students will receive assistance through the hire of field technicians, compensation for travel and lab costs, and funding to present research at a professional conference of their choice.

Application: To apply, please email the following materials as a single PDF file to Dr. Adam Mitchell (abmitchell@tarlteon.edu) 1) A single-page cover letter describing professional goals, 2) a resume or CV, 3) copy of academic transcript (official or unofficial), and 4) contact information for three references. Please include the subject line YOURNAME_BOMBUS in your email.

The deadline to apply is April 15th with a quick turn-around for interview. For questions, contact Dr. Mitchell by email.

Adam Mitchell, Ph.D (He/Him/His)
Certified Wildlife Biologist ®
Assistant Professor of Entomology
Department of Wildlife and Natural Resources
Tarleton State University
Office: Autry 203B
Phone: (254)-459-5334

Posted 3/27/24

PhD Position in Arctic Plant Traits and Vegetation Dynamics at the University of Illinois

A PhD position is available in the lab of Dr. Jennifer Fraterrigo in the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) starting in August 2024. The project will focus on plant trait distributions in areas of thawing and degrading permafrost across northern Alaska and is part part of a larger, collaborative effort to determine the micro-scale mechanisms driving hot-spot and hot-moment carbon dynamics for improving predictions of macro-scale carbon balance in the Arctic. The position involves field work in northern Alaska, lab work and lab experiments for evaluating changes in leaf and root traits, and empirical modeling. The student will also have the opportunity to work closely with other scientists to detect plant traits with remote sensing, investigate how plant-soil-microbe interactions influence ecosystem and biogeochemical responses to abrupt permafrost degradation across time and space, characterize fine-scale heterogeneity in the environmental factors that govern carbon dynamics, and simulate vegetation dynamics in models.

Qualifications
Applicants should have a B.S. or M.S. in ecology, biology, environmental science or a closely related field and previous research experience, ideally in ecology. Applicants should be able to work independently, but also cooperatively with other researchers. Applicants should also have a strong work ethic, excellent communication skills, ability to problem solve, demonstrated writing and quantitative capabilities, and a record of leadership. Preference will be given to applicants who have experience with vegetation sampling, characterizing plant traits, or working in tundra ecosystems. The position will be supported through a combination of research and teaching assistantships (including stipend, tuition waiver, and health insurance).

If interested, please send a "pre-application" as a single pdf document to Dr. Jennifer Fraterrigo (jmf@illinois.edu) including: a short letter explaining your background and interests, a CV or résumé, and contact information for least 3 references. Please enter "RA application [your surname]" in the subject field of the e-mail. I will review these upon receipt. In order to minimize expense and hassles for applicants, I will respond to pre-applications to encourage/discourage full a NRES Graduate Program application.

Our lab strives to maintain an inclusive and supportive environment and welcomes all applicants regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical ability, veteran status, or socio-economic status.

Posted 3/26/24

M.S. Graduate Research Assistantship for Osprey Conservation and Ecology, University of Illinois Springfield

An MS-level Graduate Research Assistantship is available for participating in research and conservation of osprey, currently a state-threatened species, in Illinois. The Graduate Research Assistantship will be for two years with a 16 August 2024 start date. The assistantship will provide tuition waiver, stipends for the spring and fall semesters, summer income as a field technician, and research support. The selected student will assist with an osprey re-establishment project in central Illinois that involves field work, with a MS thesis project addressing either population viability analysis for recovery or osprey migration strategies and movement ecology.

The successful candidate must have the following qualifications:
1. Background in ecology and conservation.
2. Strong writing skills and quantitative skills.
3. Coursework and extensive use of GIS and statistics.
4. High academic performance.
5. Experience or interest working with raptors.
6. Endurance for long field season.
7. Strong work ethic and keen attention to detail.

Interested applicants should send the following (via email) to Dr. Tih-Fen Ting at tting1@uis.edu as soon as possible, no later than 22 April 2024.  Review of applications will start immediately, until the position is filled.

1. Cover letter addressing background, extent of qualifications, and research interest.
2. Resume including contact information for three references.
3. Transcripts (unofficial or scanned copy acceptable).

Suitable candidates will be encouraged to submit a formal application to the Graduate Assistantships program. Please do not hesitate to contact me at
tting1@uis.edu if you have questions.

Tih-Fen Ting, Ph.D.
Director, School of Integrated Sciences, Sustainability, and Public Health
Acting Program Lead, Environmental Studies
College of Health, Science, and Technology
University of Illinois | Springfield
Springfield, IL 62703
(217) 206-7876

tting1@uis.edu
https://www.tinglabuis.org/

Posted 3/23/24

M.S. Graduate Research Assistantship for GIS/GeoAI and Environmental Monitoring, University of Illinois Springfield

An MS-level Graduate Research Assistantship is available for participating in one of the several projects utilizing GeoAI for surveying or monitoring. The Graduate Research Assistantship will be for two years with a 16 August 2024 start date. The assistantship will provide tuition waiver, stipends for the spring and fall semesters, summer income as a field technician, and research support. The selected student will be co-advised by Dr. Yun Zhao and Dr. Tih-Fen Ting.  Potential projects include: habitat management and restoration; monitoring of invasive species; and wildlife conservation.

The successful candidate must have the following qualifications:
1. Background in ecology, conservation, environmental science, or computer science.
2. Strong writing skills and quantitative skills.
3. Coursework and extensive use of GIS and statistics.
4. High academic performance.
6. Endurance for field work.
7. Strong work ethic and keen attention to detail.

Interested applicants should send the following (via email) to Dr. Tih-Fen Ting at
tting1@uis.edu as soon as possible, no later than 22 April 2024.  Review of applications will start immediately, until the position is filled.

1. Cover letter addressing background, extent of qualifications, and research interest.
2. Resume including contact information for three references.
3. Transcripts (unofficial or scanned copy acceptable).

Suitable candidates will be encouraged to submit a formal application to the Graduate Assistantships program. Please do not hesitate to contact me at
tting1@uis.edu if you have questions.

Tih-Fen Ting, Ph.D.
Director, School of Integrated Sciences, Sustainability, and Public Health
Acting Program Lead, Environmental Studies
College of Health, Science, and Technology
University of Illinois | Springfield
Springfield, IL 62703
(217) 206-7876
tting1@uis.edu
https://www.tinglabuis.org/

Posted 3/23/24

PhD Position in Plant-Insect Interactions at Texas Christian University

*PhD position*:

A fully funded graduate research assistantship position (funded by teaching assistance) is available in the lab of Dr. Annika Nelson in the Department of Biology at Texas Christian University (TCU) starting in August 2024. The project will be centered on the population and community ecology of plant-insect or insect-microbe interactions. The project is designed to give the student opportunities to learn and apply techniques from field ecology, chemical ecology, and/or microbial ecology to answer questions about the ecology and evolution of mutualisms involving plants and insects. Opportunities for both field and lab work are available and will depend on student interest. Applicants should send a CV, a cover letter describing their research interests and reasons for applying, and the names and contact details of THREE potential referees to Dr. Annika Nelson (annikasn@uci.edu).

For more details on the Department of Biology at TCU and the graduate program, please see https://cse.tcu.edu/biology/graduate-programs/index.php

For more information about the type of research that will be done in the Nelson lab, please see https://annikanelson.weebly.com/
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=zozBz40AAAAJ&hl=en

Dr. Annika Nelson
Incoming Assistant Professor (starting August 2024)
Department of Biology
Texas Christian University
2800 S University Drive
Fort Worth, Texas 76109
940-368-9081

Qualifications
The candidate should have or be expected to have (by August 2024) an undergraduate degree in biology or related discipline with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Previous research experience, ideally in ecology or a related field, is required. Interested applicants should send a CV, a cover letter describing their research interests and reasons for applying, and the names and contact details of THREE potential referees to Dr. Annika Nelson (
annikasn@uci.edu). Review of applicants will begin immediately.

Posted 3/23/24

MS student position

Masters Student position in Biology (Southeast Missouri State University) investigating the impact of essential fatty acids subsidies from aquatic habitat on upper trophic levels of terrestrial food webs. This project will focus on the impacts of essential fatty acids on immune function of upper-level consumers. This position will be supported by a teaching assistantship and will have a tuition waiver. Summer funding is also likely.

Please email a copy of your CV, cover letter, and unofficial transcripts to Dr. Kelley Fritz (kfritz@semo.edu).

Review begins immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

Dr. Kelley A Fritz
Assistant Professor
Department of Biology
Southeast Missouri State University
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
Office: Rhodes Hall 202

Posted 3/22/24

Two Graduate Assistantships (Ph.D.) to Study Climate Change Impacts on Rural Communities

The Department of Earth and Spatial Sciences at the University of Idaho (Moscow, ID) is recruiting two Geography Ph.D. students to conduct research related to human adaptation to, and perceptions of, climate change. The successful applicants will work with a team of scientists from Idaho, Nevada, and South Carolina as part of a National Science Foundation funded 4-year project focuses on Local and Place Based Adaptation to Climate Change in Undeserved Rural Communities. One PhD student will focus on remote sensing and spatial analysis of environments under change and the second will focus on climate science, modeling, and visualizations.

Please submit inquiries directly to Dr. Alistair Smith (alistair@uidaho.edu) and Dr. Erich Seamon (erichs@uidaho.edu). Positions include a competitive research assistantship (~$30,000/year), health insurance, and full tuition covered, with an anticipated start of August 12, 2024.

Posted 3/21/24

PhD Position in Coastal Plant Ecology

The Zerebecki Coastal Plant Ecology Lab (https://zerebeckir.wixsite.com/home) at the University of Louisiana Lafayette invites applications for a PhD position in Evolution and Environmental Biology starting in either Fall 2024 or Spring 2025.

Research in the lab focuses on: 1) the ecological effects of genetic diversity within coastal and wetland foundation plant species; 2) eco-evolutionary feedbacks in coastal marshes; and 3) the impacts and responses of wetlands to changing environmental conditions. We use a variety of techniques in our work, including field surveys, field and greenhouse experiments, and molecular analyses, to address ecological and evolutionary questions.

The desired candidate will be interested in coastal plant ecology. They will lead the development of a dissertation project exploring eco-evolutionary questions within coastal salt marshes in alignment with their own interests. The student will have opportunities to conduct experiments in the lab, greenhouse, and field setting, working with a fun, and supportive lab group.

Candidates with experience conducting fieldwork in aquatic and wetland ecosystems, or with standard molecular assays (e.g., DNA extractions, and PCR), possessing strong quantitative and writing skills, ability to work collaboratively and independently and with a passion for ecology are particularly encouraged to apply.

A BS (and preferably a MS) in the field of ecology, ecology & evolution, botany, marine biology, environmental science, biology or other related field of study is required.

The graduate student will be supported with a teaching and/or research assistantship consisting of a $22,000 USD per academic year (10-month) stipend and a tuition waiver. Note this minimum stipend is a starting point: additional top-up is possible contingent on scholarships and additional funds in the lab.

Interested candidates, please email (1) a statement of interest describing what area(s) of research you are most interested in exploring and any previous experience and skills related to those interests; (2) CV/resume and 3) contact information for 2 professional references to Dr. Robyn Zerebecki (robyn.zerebecki@louisiana.edu). I will contact candidates for further discussion and at which time a formal application process will be discussed. Review of applications will begin April 1st, 2024, and the position will remain open until filled. Individuals from historically underrepresented groups in STEM are encouraged to apply.

Posted 3/19/24

MS Assistantship studying Cattle-carnivore conflict prevention - Colorado State University

Project Focus: Cattle-carnivore conflict prevention
Location: Fort Collins, Colorado (majority time) and San Mateo County, California (field)
Job Category: Graduate Assistantships
Salary: $26,000/year

Project Description:
The Yovovich Lab in the Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology at Colorado State University is seeking motivated applicants for a master’s project focusing on livestock-carnivore conflict and livestock predation deterrents. This position will be a part of the Bay Area Carnivore-Livestock Interactions Project (BACLIP), a joint collaboration among CSU, Panthera, the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, UC Cooperative Extension, and others. The overall project goal is to better understand how to prevent conflict between cattle and pumas and coyotes in rangeland settings. There are many components to this ongoing larger research and extension effort, and the incumbent student’s master’s thesis will focus on one or two components, which could include analyzing the efficacy of livestock protection tools (e.g., FoxLights and turbo-fladry) and/or whether these tools influence cattle behavior. The successful applicant will design their thesis to achieve the following project objectives:

Build a positive and highly collaborative lab environment at CSU.
Measure how coyotes and pumas respond to livestock protection tools (e.g., FoxLights and turbo-fladry)
Measure whether predation deterrents influence cattle behavior on rangeland sites
Generate publications, management recommendations for cattle producers in California’s Central Coast, and extension materials based on the research findings
This is a highly collaborative project, and the student will spend considerable time working with project partners within and external to CSU, including local ranchers. The student will also need to have strong self-motivation and be very comfortable and confident working independently. The incumbent will take classes at CSU in Fort Collins, and will spend summers and other non-coursework time conducting fieldwork in San Mateo County, California.

Qualifications:
Candidates from underrepresented groups in STEM are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants must possess an B.A./B.S. in wildlife biology, ecology, environmental studies, or a related field. Applicants should be highly motivated with a strong interest in collaboration and establishing a positive team environment in the lab and with collaborators, strong work ethic, experience/coursework analyzing data in R, some statistical analysis experience/coursework, well-developed oral and written communication skills, and a can-do attitude toward the setbacks that inevitably come with nascent research projects. Competitive candidates will demonstrate experience conducting independent research, and presenting research/extension. Applicants must have the ability to work well with people who may hold differing views from their own and have a strong ability to communicate well with diverse project partners. Successful applicants will demonstrate capacity to work in a team-oriented environment, to learn new analytical skills, and experience conducting fieldwork and problem-solving in remote settings. Applicants must also possess a valid driver’s license.

Compensation:
Students will be supported with a research assistantship for 2.5 years and an additional semester of teaching assistantship (for 3 years of secured support for a 3-year program). The student will apply for additional funding to supplement the project and develop their grant-writing skills.

To apply:
Please send a single document (e.g., a Word or pdf document) that includes: 1) a cover letter, 2) a brief writing excerpt (1-2 paragraphs from a publication, class writing assignment, etc.), 3) a CV (including confirmation that you have a valid driver’s license and where you encountered this posting), 4) unofficial transcripts, and 5) contact information for three references (no letters needed yet). The name of the document should be titled YourName_Mastersapplication2024. This file should be sent to Dr. Veronica Yovovich (v.yovovich@colostate.edu), with “Fall 2024 graduate student position” in the subject line.

Start date: Fall semester, August 2024

Application due: April 18, 2024

Posted 3/19/24

Graduate Assistantship (M.S.) to study Southern Fox Squirrels

The Herpetology and Applied Conservation Lab in the Department of Biological Sciences at Marshall University is recruiting a graduate student (M.S.) to conduct research on Southern Fox Squirrel demographic monitoring as part of our long-term research program at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, SC. We use radio telemetry, remote videography, and mark-recapture data in an adaptive framework to manage the re-established population.

The funded position requires a 2.5-3 yr commitment, with the successful applicant starting field work in summer 2024. The student will work under the mentorship of Dr. Shane Welch and will spend ~8 months per year in the field (including summer and 1 semester/year). While on campus (1 semester/year; Huntington, WV), the student will be expected to teach biology labs in Biological Sciences as a Graduate Teaching Assistant. The student will be expected to manage and train field technicians, as needed.

Salary and compensation: ~$18,000/year plus a tuition waiver (excluding fees). Because the position requires use of personal vehicle, we will compensate for mileage accrued at the study site @ $0.55/mile. Field housing is provided approximately 30 minutes from the study site, and the student is required to share utility costs with housemates.
We are seeking a highly motivated student with prior field experience (preferably mammal-focused) and an interest in population demography. The applicant must be adaptable, tolerant of uncomfortable field conditions (hot, high humidity, biting insects), and work well with others (peers and technicians).

Send application materials, including unofficial transcripts, resume (including contact information for three references), and a 1-page state of interest to Dr. Shane Welch (welchsh@marshall.edu). We will begin reviewing applications immediately and the position will remain open until filled.

Posted 3/19/24

M.S. Graduate Assistantship (Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnakes)

The Herpetology and Applied Conservation Lab in the Department of Biological Sciences at Marshall University (Huntington, WV) is recruiting a graduate student (M.S.) to conduct research on Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnakes (EDB) at the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune (Jacksonville, NC). The project was initiated in 2022 and uses an individual-based monitoring approach (radio telemetry, remote videography, and mark-recapture) to study EDBs at their northern range limit. The funded position requires a 2.5-3 year commitment, with the successful applicant starting field work in summer 2024. The student will work under the mentorship of Dr. Jayme Waldron and will spend ~8 months per year in the field (including summer and 1 semester/year). While on campus (1 semester/year; Huntington, WV), the student will be expected to teach biology labs in the Department of Biological Sciences as a Graduate Teaching Assistant. The student will be expected to manage and train field technicians, as needed.

Salary and compensation: ~$18,000/year plus a tuition waiver (excluding fees). Because the position requires use of personal vehicle, we will compensate for mileage accrued at the study site @ $0.55/mile. Field housing is provided approximately 10 minutes from the study site.

We are seeking a highly motivated student with prior field experience and an interest in rattlesnake ecology. Applicants must be committed to following strict safety protocols and tolerant of uncomfortable field conditions (hot, high humidity, biting insects). Applicants must demonstrate maturity and have a history of working well with others (peers and technicians).

Send application materials, including unofficial transcripts, resume (including contact information for three references), and a 1-page state of interest to Dr. Jayme Waldron (waldron3@marshall.edu). We will begin reviewing applications immediately and the position will remain open until filled. 

Jayme L. Waldron, Professor
Biological Sciences
Marshall University
One John Marshall Drive
Huntington, WV 25755
Office: 304-696-3361
http://science.marshall.edu/waldron3

Posted 3/19/24

M.Sc. opportunities in the behavioral ecology of stream fish in Iceland

Territoriality, foraging and social organisation in stream salmonids: Repeatability and plasticity
M.Sc. opportunities in fish ecology in Iceland

The Department of Aquaculture and Fish Biology of Holar University in northern Iceland (www.holar.is) seeks bright, hard working individuals for two graduate positions associated with the research project "Territoriality, foraging and social organisation in stream salmonids: Repeatability and plasticity", funded by the Icelandic Center for Research (RANNIS). The research project involves a collaboration between Dr. Stefan O. Steingrimsson, Dr. Camille Leblanc, Dr. David Benhaim at Holar University, Dr. James W.A. Grant at Concordia University in Montréal, Canada, and Dr. Laura K. Weir at St. Mary's University, in Halifax, Canada. Holar University is a small university, with an ambitious research program in fish biology, aquaculture and aquatic ecology, with focus on evolution and ecology (www.holaraquatic.is).

In this research project we examine the patterns and temporal stability of space use (territory size, foraging mode, social behavior) and spatial organization in juvenile stream salmonids, and how these behaviors change across ecological situations. Specifically, we will conduct both observational studies and field experiments to estimate how these space use patterns, and their individual repeatability, vary between (i) related species (Arctic charr, brown trout, Atlantic salmon), (ii) day and night, and (iii) situations where prey are dispersed or clumped in space. We will also test whether these behaviors and their repeatability, are associated with individual growth in the wild. This study will improve our understanding of how individual plasticity in behavior may mediate growth and survival in response to natural and human induced changes.

The positions are for two M.Sc. candidates. Ideally, one should start in June 2024 and the other in September 2024. The M.Sc. candidates will be enrolled at the Dept. of Aquaculture and Fish Biology of Holar University. Applicants should have a B.Sc. degree in biology or related disciplines and have a strong academic record. Each M.Sc. candidate will receive partial funding for 2 years (244 000 ISK / 1600 EUR per month).

Applicants should contact Dr. Stefan O. Steingrimsson at Holar University (stefan@holar.is). Applications should include a CV, a short statement of research interest, names and contact information for two references, and a copy of academic transcripts. The application deadline is 5 April 2024, or until appropriate candidates have been recruited.

Stefan O. Steingrimsson (Ph.D.), Professor
Dept. of Aquaculture and Fish Biology, Holar University, 551 Saudarkrokur, Iceland

Posted 3/14/24

PhD Position in Microbial Ecology

The Muscarella Lab at the University of Alaska Fairbanks is recruiting a Ph.D. student interested in studying microbial communities in Arctic ecosystems. This is a great opportunity for someone interested in combining field, lab, and computational approaches.

This position is part of a large collaborative project studying the dynamics of Arctic tundra ecosystems, from microbes to landscapes. The graduate student will participate in remote field campaigns, lab work (soil incubations, DNA extractions, metagenomics, and qSIP), and bioinformatics. A strong microbiology, microbial ecology, or ecosystem genomics background is preferred.

The start date for this position is Fall 2024. For more information on our graduate program and requirements:
General Info: https://www.uaf.edu/bw/graduate/index.php
PhD Program Info: https://www.uaf.edu/bw/graduate/phd-biological-sciences.php
Application Process: https://www.uaf.edu/bw/graduate/application-tips.php

Location: University of Alaska Fairbanks
Start: Fall 2024. Option available to start mid-July for fieldwork
Lab Website: MuscarellaLab.github.io

For more information: Contact Dr. Mario Muscarella (memuscarella[at]alaska.edu) with CV and statement of interest.

Mario Muscarella
Assistant Professor of Microbiology

Institute of Arctic Biology
Department of Biology and Wildlife
University of Alaska Fairbanks
PO Box 757000
Fairbanks, AK 99775
(907) 474-7955
muscarellalab.github.io
pronouns: he/him/his

UAF is located on Troth Yeddha', the traditional lands of the Lower Tanana Dene People
UA is an AA/EO employer and educational institution and prohibits illegal discrimination against any individual: www.alaska.edu/nondiscrimination/

Posted 3/13/24


Biology MS opening in Kaproth Lab - Minnesota State University, Mankato

The Kaproth Lab is looking for an exceptional Biology MS graduate student to work on oak functional traits or herbarium/prairie conservation projects starting in the Fall of 2024. https://cset.mnsu.edu/departments/biological-sciences/faculty-and-staff/matthew-kaproth/matthew-kaproths-research/

The position includes a full tuition waiver and a $10k Graduate Teaching Assistantship stipend (additional summer Graduate Research Assistantships are possible if working on herbarium curation or funded projects). https://cset.mnsu.edu/departments/biological-sciences/graduate-programs/ready-to-apply/

The academic portion of the degree will take place at Minnesota State University, Mankato. https://cset.mnsu.edu/departments/biological-sciences/graduate-programs/

The candidate must be *highly motivated* and have a strong interest in plant ecology (projects can include investigations in biogeography and ecophysiology using GIS, statistics/analysis, and biodiversity surveys). Projects have potential to fit within model systems in the evolution of stress tolerance developed with a group of collaborators across the Americas and Europe. The research may be conducted as analysis of large datasets, models, regional field work and/or greenhouse/lab work. Research and teaching could require that the graduate student mentors and coordinates undergraduate student assistants, and that they can drive/work in adverse (hot) conditions.

Caveat: I do not expect the candidate to know exactly what project they would want to research going into the degree, but they should be driven to investigate ecological or plant systematics/conservation questions.

To apply, email Dr. Matthew Kaproth by March 29th with the following:
1. A letter of interest that tells me about your research interests, background, types of questions you are interested in, etc.;
2. An unofficial university transcript (your undergraduate GPA should be >3.0 - see second link above for minimum requirements);
3. Outstanding communication and writing skills;
4. Your CV with the names and contact information for three references;
5. Anything else that you think makes you uniquely qualified for the position.

Here is a part of what I can contribute:
1. Attentive mentorship and career development;
2. Training in plant systematics, biostatistics, plant biology/ecology, ecophysiology and experimental design;
3. Teaching opportunities (TA with stipend and tuition waiver);
4. Summer and supplemental Research Assistantship support during school breaks may be possible - but is not promised (projects would need to be funded or base on herbarium curation);
5. Contacts in academia and with regional partners (Dept. of Natural Resources, the University of Minnesota, The Prairie Enthusiasts, Morton Arboretum, The Chicago Botanical Garden, etc.);
6. An ally and an environment that encourages a healthy work-life balance.

Matthew Kaproth, PhD (he/him/his)
Associate Professor
Minnesota State University, Mankato
Dept. of Biological Sciences
https://cset.mnsu.edu/departments/biological-sciences/faculty-and-staff/matthew-kaproth/

Posted 3/9/24

MSc Project in Conservation Biology

The Spatial Community Ecology Laboratory at Utah State University (http://www.spatialcommunityecology.com/) is seeking MSc applicants to undertake research in the field of freshwater community ecology. The position is part of a project funded by Utah State to identify climate corridors for wildlife across the state. The central goal of the project is increase the resilience of future on-the-ground management actions by informing management agencies about climate refuges. The project will predominantly utilize existing datasets in direct conjunction with state agencies, however the successful student will also be encouraged to conduct their own research within the sphere of conservation planning. The project will start in August of 2024, and the successful applicant will be based in Logan UT.

The successful candidate will have access to office spaces, computing facilities, lab space if they require, and Utah State University's nearby outdoor Aquatic Research Facility that houses 90 mesocosms and experimental ponds. The research group also has strong ties to global conservation programs such as the United Nations Environmental Program. Experience/knowledge of GIS techniques will be looked upon favorably. Candidates interested in pursuing field projects should be reasonably physically fit, and be able to carry a 40lb backpack 1 mile.

Utah State University (http://www.usu.edu) is a Research I (Extensive Doctoral) land-grant institution with a student body of over 24,000, 42 departments, 8 academic colleges, a school of Graduate Studies, and diverse research programs. The main campus is located in Logan, a community of 100,000 people. Logan is 85 miles north of Salt Lake City in scenic Cache Valley, a semi-rural mountain basin with nearby ski resorts, lakes, rivers, and mountains providing many recreational opportunities. The area has a low cost of living and provides a high quality of life. For more information on Logan see http://www.tourcachevalley.com.

This is a fully funded position for the first year, however candidates will be encouraged to source additional funds to run their own projects. Starting salaries are $23,000 for a MSc. In addition, successful candidates will have the opportunity to work as teaching assistants to supplement their starting salaries.

Please contact Edd Hammill (edd.hammill@usu.edu, 435 265 5964) for more information or to submit application materials (CV, cover letter, any publications, details of their research interests). Initial review of applications will begin May 1st 2024. As the funding has been secured through an external award made to the research team, the position is open to international students.

Edd Hammill's google scholar page - https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=THOE6q0AAAAJ&hl=en

Posted 3/7/24

PhD Position in Microbial Ecology

The Muscarella Lab at the University of Alaska Fairbanks is recruiting a Ph.D. student interested in studying microbial communities in Arctic ecosystems. This position is part of a large collaborative project studying the dynamics of Arctic tundra ecosystems, from microbes to landscapes. The graduate student will participate in remote field campaigns, lab work (soil incubations, DNA extractions, metagenomics, and qSIP), and bioinformatics. A strong microbiology, microbial ecology, or ecosystem genomics background is preferred.

Location: University of Alaska Fairbanks
Start: Fall 2024. Option available to start mid-July for fieldwork
Graduate Program Details: https://www.uaf.edu/bw/graduate/phd-biological-sciences.php

For more information: Contact Dr. Mario Muscarella (memuscarella[at]alaska.edu) with CV and statement of interest.

Posted 3/7/24

Ph.D. Graduate Research Assistantships (2) at the USGS Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, University of Wyoming

https://www.uwyo.edu/zoology/index.html; https://wyocoopunit.org/labs/chalfoun‐lab/; https://www.uwyo.edu/pie/index.html; https://wyobird.org/

Application Deadline: Open until positions filled.
Starting date: Approximately 8/26/24
Stipend: $26,400 ($2200/month), plus tuition, fees, health insurance Location: Laramie, WY USA

Description:
The Chalfoun lab within the USGS Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit and Department of Zoology and Physiology/Program in Ecology and Evolution has vacancies for two new doctoral Graduate Research Assistants for fall 2024 (or earlier). One will be focused on sagebrush‐obligate songbirds, and the other on investigating the mechanisms underlying western forest songbird declines. The students will be part of the Coop Unit, campus‐wide doctoral Program in Ecology and Evolution, and new WYOBIRD initiative (https://wyobird.org/).

The sagebrush songbird project has some flexibility in terms of specific foci, but the student could take advantage of a partially marked (color‐banded) population of the three sagebrush‐obligates (Brewer’s sparrow, sagebrush sparrow, sage thrasher) and on‐going nest‐monitoring (since 2008) and mark‐recapture (since 2021) data collection within a landscape spanning a gradient of human disturbance (natural gas development). This long‐term project is in collaboration with the USGS Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative (WLCI) and Wyoming Game and Fish Department.

The forest songbird project will focus on testing hypotheses for the factors underlying declines in many species of western forest songbirds. The first phase of the project will entail using existing data sources (BBS, IMBCR) to broadly test potential hypotheses, and the second phase can include a follow‐up field component. The student selected for this project must have strong quantitative skills, and an interest in working with existing trend, spatial, and climatic data. This project is a collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service, Wyoming Game and Fish Department, and Greater Yellowstone Conservation Coalition.
 
Minimum Requirements/Qualifications:
1. B.S. or B.A. in wildlife, biology, ecology, statistics, or a related field.
2. Strong quantitative skills (especially forest songbird position).
3. Some relevant field research experience.
4. Commitment to maintaining an inclusive and respectful work environment.
5. Commitment to dissemination of research results via publication in peer‐reviewed journals and presentations at conferences and to project partners.
6. Strong work ethic and ability to work well independently and collaboratively.
7. Strong interest in research, avian ecology, and wildlife conservation.
8. Ability and willingness to communicate respectfully with project partners and other colleagues/peers.

Highly Desirable Qualifications:
1. M.S. degree in wildlife, biology, ecology, statistics, or a related field.
2. Experience with trend and/or spatial analyses in R or similar and working with large datasets (forest songbird position).
3. Record of at least one peer‐reviewed scientific publication.
4. Experience with capture, safe handling, and marking of small birds.
5. Strong writing skills.

To Apply:
Please email (1) a cover letter outlining interests and qualifications, (2) an up‐to‐date CV, and (3) names and contact information (phone and email) for three potential professional references, aggregated in a single pdf document to: Dr. Anna Chalfoun, achalfou@uwyo.edu. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until qualified candidates are identified. Please address any questions to Dr. Anna Chalfoun at
achalfou@uwyo.edu.

Posted 3/6/24

MS Graduate Research Assistantship (Pygmy rabbits) at the USGS Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, University of Wyoming

https://www.uwyo.edu/zoology/index.html; https://wyocoopunit.org/labs/chalfoun‐lab/

Application Deadline: Open until positions filled. Starting date: Approximately 8/26/24
Stipend: $24,000 ($2000/month), plus tuition, fees, and health insurance
Location: Laramie, WY USA

Description:
The Chalfoun lab within the USGS Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit and Department of Zoology and Physiology at the University of Wyoming has a funded, masters‐level Graduate Research Assistantship available for fall 2024. The research will focus on understanding the relative influence of different types of habitat components (e.g., microclimate versus shrub and soil characteristics) on the occurrence, abundance, and habitat preferences of pygmy rabbits (Brachylagus idahoensis) within their range in Wyoming. The Pygmy rabbit recently was petitioned for listing under the Endangered Species Act, and is a Species of Greatest Conservation Need in Wyoming. The work will be in collaboration with the main funder, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. Some components of the project also will be in collaboration with the lab of Dr. Janet Rachlow at the University of Idaho, such that the results have broader and regional applicability.

Minimum Requirements/Qualifications:
1. B.S. or B.A. in wildlife, biology, ecology, statistics, or a related field.
2. Some relevant field research experience.
3. Commitment to maintaining an inclusive and respectful work environment.
4. Commitment to dissemination of research results via publication in peer‐reviewed journals and presentations at conferences and to project partners.
5. Strong work ethic and ability to work well independently and collaboratively.
6. Strong interest in research, ecology, animal behavior, and wildlife conservation.
7. Ability and willingness to communicate respectfully with project partners and other colleagues/peers.
 
Highly Desirable Qualifications:
1. Undergraduate research and publishing experience.
2. Experience with capture and safe handling of small mammals. 3. Strong writing and quantitative skills.

To Apply:
Please email (1) a cover letter outlining interests and qualifications, (2) an up‐to‐date CV, and (3) names and contact information (phone and email) for three potential professional references, aggregated in a single pdf document to: Dr. Anna Chalfoun,
achalfou@uwyo.edu. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a qualified candidate is identified. Please address any questions to Dr. Anna Chalfoun at achalfou@uwyo.edu.

Posted 3/6/24

Ph.D. Assistantship: PFAS in wild game - University of Maine

A PhD position is available at the University of Maine, starting in the Fall 2024 semester. The student will be advised by Dr. Pauline Kamath and collaborate closely with wildlife biologists and researchers at the University of Maine, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, and U.S. Geological Survey Maine Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, to examine exposures to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS; also known as "forever chemicals") in native game species, including wild turkeys, deer, waterfowl, and moose. This project will also involve examining relationships between PFAS, parasite infections, movement and space use, and fitness in these species. The contamination of wildlife by PFAS is a significant concern for both animal and public health, and wild game hold considerable cultural and economic value to the state of Maine.

A PhD position is available at the University of Maine, starting in the Fall 2024 semester. The student will be advised by Dr. Pauline Kamath and collaborate closely with wildlife biologists and researchers at the University of Maine, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, and U.S. Geological Survey Maine Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, to examine exposures to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS; also known as "forever chemicals") in native game species, including wild turkeys, deer, waterfowl, and moose. This project will also involve examining relationships between PFAS, parasite infections, movement and space use, and fitness in these species. The contamination of wildlife by PFAS is a significant concern for both animal and public health, and wild game hold considerable cultural and economic value to the state of Maine.

HOW TO APPLY: Please send (1) a cover letter describing your qualifications, including relevant research experience, including field, laboratory and quantitative skills, coursework, experience working in interdisciplinary teams, as well as a description of how your interests relate to the described project; (2) a CV; (3) unofficial transcripts; and (4) contact information for three references.

Combine materials into one (PDF) application file, and email it with the subject line, "PFAS in Game PhD Position," to Pauline Kamath at pauline.kamath@maine.edu.

DEADLINE: All applications received before March 29th will receive full consideration, but applications will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

The University of Maine is an EEO/AA employer and does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, including transgender status and gender expression, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, genetic information or veteran's status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. Please contact the Director of Equal Opportunity, 101 N. Stevens Hall, Orono, ME 04469 at 207-581-1226 (voice), TTY 711 (Maine Relay System), or equal.opportunity@maine.edu with questions or concerns.

Posted 3/6/24

Masters in Conservation and Restoration (MCRS) Graduate Program at UC-Irvine accepting applications for Fall 2024

Are you or do you have students or colleagues who are interested in a career as a leader in the conservation and management of natural resources?

The Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and the Center for Environmental Biology (CEB) at the University of California, Irvine, are accepting applications for our professional, field-based Masters in Conservation and Restoration Science (MCRS) graduate program providing training for students interested in careers in the research and management of our terrestrial and marine natural resources. The MCRS degree provides students with the academic and professional skills needed to study, protect, and conserve natural resources and to hold leadership and management positions in environmental fields related to conservation, restoration, and sustainability.

For more information, visit the MCRS webpage (http://mcrs.bio.uci.edu), or contact Courtney Hunt, MCRS Academic Coordinator, at cchunt@uci.edu.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis; the final review deadline is June 30.

Posted 3/6/24

M.S. Assistantship Position in Tree Ecophysiology for Conservation

M.S. Assistantship: Does Adaptive Flood Management in Greentree Reservoirs Improve Red Oak Seedling Survival and Health?

College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources,
University of Arkansas at Monticello

The College of Forestry, Agriculture & Natural Resources at the University of Arkansas at Monticello is seeking applicants for a M.S. Assistantship available beginning August 16, 2024. The assistantship carries an annual stipend of $18,000 plus tuition.

Project: Greentree reservoirs (GTRs), wetland forests with human-controlled hydroperiods, provide a variety of ecosystem services, including habitat for migratory waterfowl. Red oak species are key components of these ecosystems, but are threatened by current management practices. Studies are needed to test potential sustainable management practices for GTRs. The MS student's thesis research will include field studies and possibly controlled environment studies to better understand the interactive effects of temperature, flood, and dormancy on oak health and root physiology. Studies will answer questions that are not only key to improving GTR management, but also invaluable for restoration of bottomland hardwood forests with natural hydroperiods. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to learn relevant research techniques, and to interact with representatives from state and federal conservation agencies working to develop scientifically informed management recommendations for GTR forests.

Requirements: Applicants must have a 2.7 overall undergraduate GPA or 3.0 GPA in the last 60 semester hours of undergraduate courses and satisfactory GRE scores. A B.S. degree in a natural resources-related field is also required. Applicants must have a valid U.S. driver's license or obtain the same within 60 days of starting employment. Overnight travel is required as well as the ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.

Location and Facilities: The College of Forestry, Agriculture & Natural Resources is located in Monticello, Arkansas in the southeastern portion of the state. The Arkansas Forest Resources Center is also headquartered here, and is administered by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. The Arkansas Forest Resources Center is the research and extension arm for forest-based programs within the State. Additionally, the US Forest Service Arkansas Forestry Sciences Lab is located at the College. The College and Center maintain several state-of-the-art laboratories (hydrology, soil, quantitative analysis, silviculture, wildlife ecology & management) available for graduate research and education.

Application & Additional Information: Graduate program information can be found at https://www.uamont.edu/academics/CFANR/grad-degrees.html. Applicants must apply to the College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources at https://cfanr.embark.com/apply/graduateschool2023

You will be required to submit application information, unofficial transcripts, a statement of interest, and three references. Applicants must be admitted to the University of Arkansas at Monticello and apply to the College of Forestry, Agriculture & Natural Resources before they can be considered for an assistantship. For application assistance, contact Rhonda Parris at parris@uamont.edu.

For position information, contact Dr. Benjamin Babst, babst@uamont.edu, (870) 460-1348.

The position is available until a qualified applicant is selected.
UAM is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer
Position #2024-05

Posted 3/6/24

Accepting graduate students in evolutionary demography of mycoheterotrophic plants

The Shefferson lab at the University of Tokyo is recruiting graduate students at both the MS and PhD levels for a JSPS-funded research project dealing with life history evolution in long-lived, mycoheterotrophic plants.

The Shefferson lab specializes in evolutionary demography, plant/microbial evolution, and computational methods in ecology and evolution. In addition to our current work on mycoheterotrophy, we also study trade-offs, population dynamics, the conservation of rare plant populations, and mycorrhizal evolution, and we develop computational packages related to these topics (e.g., R package lefko3 at https://cran.r-project.org/web/packages/lefko3/index.html). Students applying to work in the lab may focus on these topics, or choose other research themes in plant and microbial evolutionary ecology. Research methods typically involve in situ monitoring and experimentation, combined with modeling and analysis based in R and/or C++. Ongoing field projects are located in Estonia, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Interested students may read about our projects through our website, www.sheffersonlab.com, as well as the Journal of Ecology blog (https://jecologyblog.com/2018/03/22/richard-shefferson/), Popular Science (https://www.popsci.com/plants-dormant-climate-change), and other media sources.

We are located within the University of Tokyo, at the Komaba Campus. U Tokyo is home to some of the finest scientists in Japan, including ecologists and evolutionary biologists, and more Nobel laureates than you can shake a stick at. We offer graduate programs in both Japanese and English. Students wishing to pursue their graduate research may do so fully in English via the Graduate Program in Environmental Sciences (http://gpes.c.u-tokyo.ac.jp/), or may pursue study in Japanese via the General Systems Sciences program (http://system.c.u-tokyo.ac.jp/).

Please note that we have two entry periods per year, with strict application deadlines. Please contact the lab for updated deadlines, but note that applications must be complete and include an official GRE score. There will be an application deadline in July 2024 for entry in April 2025, and another deadline in November 2024 for entry in September 2025.

If interested, please contact me, and please also explore the Shefferson lab website:
www.sheffersonlab.com

E-mail:cdorm@g.ecc.u-tokyo.ac.jp 
HTML: www.sheffersonlab.com

Posted 3/5/24

Graduate Research Assistant Position at the University of Southern Mississippi

One M.S. position is available in the Division of Coastal Sciences, School of Ocean Science and Engineering, The University of Southern Mississippi (https://www.usm.edu/ocean-science-engineering/index.php). The campus is located at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory (https://www.usm.edu/gcrl) in the City of Ocean Springs on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

The graduate student is expected to start in the fall semester of 2024, and will conduct research on evaluating the impact of climate change and sea-level rise on coastal wetlands and help provide guidance on the design of living shoreline projects. Coastal wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems in the world and provide a wide variety of key ecosystem services. Conserving and restoring coastal wetlands applying nature-based solutions such as living shorelines is critical for them to continue to provide societal benefits. In addition to conducting field experiments and computer simulations, the student has the opportunity to work with an interdisciplinary research team and study the questions using a social science perspective.

Applicants should be highly motivated to learn new research skills, have a BS with background in ecology, geography, or a closely related field with a GPA of 3.0 and above. Experiences in quantitative modeling, or GIS/Remote Sensing are desirable but not required. Assistantship with competitive stipend and tuition waiver will be provided.

Interested candidates should send an email describing their past experiences and their motivation for pursuing a graduate degree, along with a resume, unofficial college transcripts, and the names and contact information of 3 references to Dr. Wei Wu wei.wu@usm.edu, Professor, Division of Coastal Sciences, The University of Southern Mississippi, Ocean Springs, MS 39564. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer/Americans with Disabilities Act institution, The University of Southern Mississippi encourages minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities to apply.

Posted 2/29/24


Open position: Texas A&M M.S. student in grassland restoration, climate-smart strategies and C cycling

Open position: fully funded M.S. student in grassland restoration, climate-smart strategies and C cycling
Start date: Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
Position: Fully funded M.S student in grassland restoration and C cycling
Offered by: Texas A&M Department of Rangeland, Wildlife, and Fisheries Management
Department’s application deadline: April 1, 2024
Lab supervisor: Dr. Nuria Gomez-Casanovas, Assistant Professor
Research fields: biogeochemistry, climate-smart strategies, restoration ecology

DESCRIPTION
The Gomez-Casanovas Lab is seeking for an enthusiastic and highly motivated student to investigate how invasive woody species removal and climate-smart strategies (biochar amendments) affect the C cycling of grassland ecosystems in Texas. The successful candidate will join the Department of Rangeland, Wildlife, and Fisheries Management at Texas A&M University under the supervision of Dr. Gomez-Casanovas, Assistant Professor, and Dr. Jeff Goodwin, Assistant Professor and Director of the Center for Grazinglands and Ranch Management.

The successful applicant will conduct biogeochemistry-focused research using lab-based gas exchange methods, process-based modeling, stable isotope tools and biometric methods. Ideally, the student will start in Summer or Fall 2024. This is a funded position supported by a research assistantship that includes tuition and fees, health insurance and competitive salary. Typically, M.S. students spend 2 semesters on the main campus at College Station (TX) before moving to the Gomez-Casanovas’ Lab at Texas A&M AgriLife Research Center at Vernon (TX). The selected student will be expected to publish their work in peer-reviewed journals.

The Lab combines novel lab, field and modeling experiments in a holistic way to advance science at the nexus of Food, Energy and Environmental Security. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to join a vibrant and diverse research community promoting a culture of collaboration and cross-disciplinary research at Texas A&M AgriLife and the Department, and work with scientists at the Texas A&M University Natural Resource Institute. The project is part of a larger Department of Defense initiative that aims at integrating climate adaptation and resilience into all aspects of decision-making including natural resources management.

Required QUALIFICATIONS
-Bachelor's degree in biology or related field.
-Great written and oral communication skills
-Ability to work independently and with a team
-Clear interest in biogeochemistry

Department GRADUATE Program Requirements
For more information check https://admissions.tamu.edu/apply/graduate
-GPA higher than 3.0 out of 4.0 (3.25 preferred)
-International students, TOEFL (internet-based test) of 85 or greater

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
-Previous experience in a research laboratory
-Experience using biometric methods, lab-based gas exchange methods, process-based models and stable isotopes.
-Demonstrated coursework in biogeochemistry and grassland ecology

HOW TO APPLY
Applicants should email a statement of interest (2 pages maximum) a resume or CV copy of GPA, and names, phone numbers and e-mail addresses for three references

To: Dr. Gomez-Casanovas via email (nuri.gomez-casanovas@ag.tamu.edu) with subject line ‘MS assistantship in grassland restoration, climate-smart strategies and C cycling’.
The review of candidate applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. The Department’s application deadline is April 1, 2024. Contact Dr. Gomez-Casanovas via email (
nuri.gomez-casanovas@ag.tamu.edu) for more information.

Posted 2/28/24


Ph.D. Student Wanted: Genomics of mammals, Oregon State University

The Epps Conservation Genetics lab in the Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences at Oregon State University seeks a Ph.D. student to generate and analyze mammalian genomic data sets from ongoing research projects on species such as bighorn sheep, blacktailed deer, aardvarks, and pikas.

Requirements: We seek a candidate with an undergraduate degree in a (broadly) relevant field, and demonstrated experience with bioinformatics, laboratory research (DNA based in particular, e.g., library prep), and genetic or genomic data.

Preferred criteria: We prefer candidates with some field experience or interest in field work, as this graduate position could include some field work in the western United States or sub-Saharan Africa, but this is not required. Additionally, we prefer candidates with a research-based Master’s degree in a relevant field. For Master’s level students, evidence of prior publication in peer reviewed journals is strongly preferred.

Applications will be considered as they are received until a suitable candidate is identified, but we suggest applying by April 1 if a fall start is desired.

Expected Start Date: September 16, 2024 or later

Expected End Date: Completion of Ph.D.

Funding status: Partly funded, will incorporate a mix of Graduate Research Assistantships and Graduate Teaching Assistantships, will seek additional funding depending on project

To apply, please email Prof. Clinton W. Epps at Clinton.epps@oregonstate.edu, and include “genomics Ph.D.” in subject line.

The Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences has just approved shifting to a holistic graduate admissions process, in part out of a desire to attract a broader range of applicants. We are still working out the details! But, at this time, in your application email please include:
(1) a cover letter detailing how you meet the required and preferred qualifications, and outlining your existing research interests, personal background, and career goals. If you have completed a Master’s degree, please include specifics about that research, and PDFs of any publications that you have authored or co-authored.
(2) a CV
(3) an unofficial copy of all transcripts from completed or ongoing degrees
(4) a sample of your professional writing
(5) GRE scores are not required but you are welcome to report them (report verbal, quantitative, and written scores separately, and report percentiles)

Posted 2/21/24

Graduate Student Positions in Algal Ecology and Biotechnology

The Corcoran Lab (corcoranalgaelab.com) is currently recruiting graduate students to start in August 2024 in the NMSU Biology Department. Research in the lab focuses on the structure and function of aquatic ecosystems, with an emphasis on microalgal biology and ecology. A strong focus is algal-bacterial interactions, including both beneficial and parasitic relationships. At present, there are very few algal-bacterial model systems. We seek to develop new model systems in a variety of platform algae to better understand these interactions at all levels: from molecular to population. Day-to-day work in the lab can be conducted in the lab or field. The Corcoran Lab maintains over twenty 300L outdoor cultivation ponds at the nearby Fabian Garcia Science Center, offering a unique opportunity to ask cultivation-relevant questions. Exact research topics are flexible but should build on the group's resources and or previous work.

Earning a biology degree with a focus on algal biology, ecology, and biotechnology provides graduates with a diverse skill set and a broad understanding of microorganisms, ecological systems, and biotechnological applications. This skill set is relevant to addressing current challenges in health, the environment, and sustainability. Additionally, the emphasis on algal ecology offers opportunities to explore sustainability and the potential for sustainable practices, such as the development of algae-based biofuels. A graduate degree in the Corcoran Lab will equip you with comprehensive training in laboratory techniques, experimental design, data collection and analysis, manuscript preparation, and scientific communication, preparing graduates for their careers ahead.

The minimum qualifications for the position include:
(1) a B.S. or M.S. in biology, marine science, microbiology, or related field
(2) basic knowledge of algal or plant biology, molecular biology, and microbiology
(3) a minimum GPA of 3.25
(4) laboratory experience (experience with algal and bacterial cultures is a plus)
(5) the ability to work independently as well as with a diverse research group

For consideration, please email (1) a one-page cover letter describing your research interests and career goals, (2) your CV, (3) unofficial transcripts, and (4) contact information for three professional references (all compiled into a single PDF) to Dr. Corcoran at acor@nmsu.edu.  If there is a good fit, applicants will be required to apply to the Graduate School (deadline: April 15, 2024).  At this point, we are only considering applicants with work authorization in the US. For more information on the application process in the Biology Department, please see the department's webpage.

Alina Corcoran, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Department of Biology
New Mexico State University
Office: (575) 646-3228; Cell: (207) 465-6116

corcoranalgaelab.com

Posted 2/21/24


Graduate Assistantships: mussel ecology - Texas A&M University

1 PhD graduate assistantship and 2 MS graduate assistantship are available under the supervision of Dr. Charles Randklev and Dr. Roel Lopez in the Texas A&M Natural Resource Institute and Department of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management. The PhD assistantship will focus on evaluating population dynamics for rare species to inform recovery efforts. The first MS assistantship will focus on evaluating growth using lab and field-based methods. The second MS assistantship will focus on testing lethal and sublethal temperature assays to inform environmental flow efforts.

Funding for this project is from state and federal natural resource agencies

For the PhD assistantship a full stipend (grant funded Research Assistantship) for 3 years will be provided: ~$35,000/yr (tuition + salary).

For the MS assistantships a full stipend (grant funded Research Assistantship) for 2 years will be provided: ~$32,000/yr (tuition + salary).

Start date: flexible but ideally Summer of 2024

Last Date to apply: May 15, 2024

More information about the graduate program in the Department of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management - https://rwfm.tamu.edu.

More information about the mussel research program at NRI-TAMU: https://dallas.tamu.edu/research/mussels/

Qualifications:
Required: For MS assistantship - BS in Biology or related field; previous research experience in aquatic ecology, community ecology, or ecotoxicology. For PHD assistantship - MS in Biology or related field; previous research experience in environmental modeling and statistics. Applicants should have strong analytical, oral, and written communication skills, plus detail oriented and the ability to work independently; valid drivers license is required; must be comfortable in the water and outdoors. GPA >3.0; GRE scores > 60th percentile (153 verbal and 156 quantitative).

Preferred: For MS assistantship - research experience with freshwater mussels (unionids); publications in ecotoxicology, stream ecology, or community ecology; For PHD assistantship - publications using species distribution models, strong statistical background, and ability to code; GPA >3.5; GRE scores >70th percentile (156 verbal and 159 quantitative).

Before applying, please email a single PDF document to BOTH Dr. Randklev (crandklev@ag.tamu.edu) AND Dr. Lopez (roel.lopez@ag.tamu.edu) that contains: (1) a letter of interest describing your qualifications, experience and background, (2) your CV, (3) GRE scores, (4) GPA and unofficial transcripts, and (5) contact information for 3 academic/research references. Feel free to contact us for more information about the graduate program, our research, and more specifics about the project.

Posted 2/8/24


Graduate Student Positions in Algal Ecology and Biotechnology

The Corcoran Lab (corcoranalgaelab.com) is currently recruiting graduate students to start in August 2024 in the NMSU Biology Department. Research in the lab focuses on the structure and function of aquatic ecosystems, with an emphasis on microalgal biology and ecology. A strong focus is algal-bacterial interactions, including both beneficial and parasitic relationships. At present, there are very few algal-bacterial model systems. We seek to develop new model systems in a variety of platform algae to better understand these interactions at all levels: from molecular to population. Day-to-day work in the lab can be conducted in the lab or field. The Corcoran Lab maintains over twenty 300L outdoor cultivation ponds at the nearby Fabian Garcia Science Center, offering a unique opportunity to ask cultivation-relevant questions. Exact research topics are flexible but should build on the group's resources and or previous work.

Earning a biology degree with a focus on algal biology, ecology, and biotechnology provides graduates with a diverse skill set and a broad understanding of microorganisms, ecological systems, and biotechnological applications. This skill set is relevant to addressing current challenges in health, the environment, and sustainability. Additionally, the emphasis on algal ecology offers opportunities to explore sustainability and the potential for sustainable practices, such as the development of algae-based biofuels. A graduate degree in the Corcoran Lab will equip you with comprehensive training in laboratory techniques, experimental design, data collection and analysis, manuscript preparation, and scientific communication, preparing graduates for their careers ahead.

The minimum qualifications for the position include:
(1) a B.S. or M.S. in biology, marine science, microbiology, or related field
(2) basic knowledge of algal or plant biology, molecular biology, and microbiology
(3) a minimum GPA of 3.25
(4) laboratory experience (experience with algal and bacterial cultures is a plus)
(5) the ability to work independently as well as with a diverse research group

For consideration, please email (1) a one-page cover letter describing your research interests and career goals, (2) your CV, (3) unofficial transcripts, and (4) contact information for three professional references (all compiled into a single PDF) to Dr. Corcoran at acor@nmsu.edu.  If there is a good fit, applicants will be required to apply to the Graduate School (deadline: April 15, 2024).  At this point, we are only considering applicants with work authorization in the US. For more information on the application process in the Biology Department, please see the department's webpage.

Alina Corcoran, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Department of Biology
New Mexico State University
Office: (575) 646-3228; Cell: (207) 465-6116
corcoranalgaelab.com

Posted 1/27/24


Two PhD Positions Available in Climate Change AI at Michigan Technological University

Assistantship Description: Two PhD positions are available with Dr. Tao Liu at Michigan Technological University. The student will use machine learning\deep learning methods with remote sensing data to solve problems relevant to climate change. Specifically, the student will choose one of the following three areas:

1.      Phenotyping Individual Trees with Drone and Handheld Remote Sensing Systems
·         Utilize LiDAR data to precisely map the individual trees in natural forests.
·         Employ LiDAR data for detailed analysis of morphological traits at the individual tree level, including measurements of height, stem form, diameter at breast height (DBH), and leaf characteristics such as leaf area index (LAI), leaf area density (LAD), color, distribution, and angle, along with canopy features like volume, coverage, structure, and phenological aspects (e.g., flowering periods, leaf coloration timing, leaf expansion, and leaf fall).
·         Process optical remote sensing data to assess biochemical traits, including chlorophyll and lignin content, and water use efficiency at the individual tree level.

2.      Forest Health Mapping and Understanding Mechanisms
·         Utilize aerial and satellite remote sensing platforms combined with deep learning techniques to conduct large-scale forest health mapping at the national level.
·         Employ AI technologies for predicting forest health trends.
·         Investigate the influence of various factors on forest health, particularly the role of climate change, using AI technologies.

3.      Wildfire Mapping and Forecasting
·         Integrate Sentinel and Landsat imagery to accurately identify the ignition points of wildfires.
·         Use the Pytorch forecasting package, integrating multiple data types, to predict wildfire probabilities.

Qualifications:
·         U.S. citizens, nationals and permanent residents
·         MS or BS degree in environmental science, forestry, geography, computer science, data science or other related fields.
·         Programming skills using Python.
·         Remote sensing research or image processing experience
·         Strong communication skills, both in terms of formal written reports/manuscripts and oral presentations.

Funding: The selected candidate will be funded with NSF Research Traineeship program.

Timing: The start date is Fall 2024. Please send your materials by April 1st 2024.The position is available immediately and open until filled.

Application Procedure:
Applicant should email Dr. Tao Liu at taoliu@mtu.edu to express your interest in the position. Please include a brief cover letter describing your relevant qualifications and interest in the project.

MTU Description:
Michigan Tech is located in Houghton, MI in the heart of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Houghton is situated on the hills bordering the beautiful Portage Waterway and is only minutes from the Lake Superior shoreline. The area offers a bounty of cultural and recreational opportunities and a low cost of living. Houghton was rated as the 15th Greatest Place to Live in America by Outside Magazine in 2014. This environment combined with a great research opportunity results in an excellent quality of life.

Tao Liu, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor in Remote Sensing and GIS
College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science
Michigan Technological University
Office number: +1(906) 487-1720
Email:
taoliu@mtu.edu
Noblet Building 169
1400 Townsend Drive
Houghton, MI 49931

Posted 1/11/24


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