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
on LiDAR and species at risk
Interested in pursuing graduate studies on a significant
conservation issue and contributing to the development of a
decision support tool based on LiDAR technology? I am looking for
a candidate for a PhD thesis focusing on developing a predictive
model of habitat occupancy for the Bicknell's Thrush in the
province of Québec, a threatened species in Canada, and vulnerable
internationally. The project consists of three main objectives:
1: Develop and calibrate the habitat occupancy model for
Bicknell's Thrush.
2: Model the spatio-temporal dynamics of the habitat occupancy for
Bicknell's Thrush following silvicultural treatments and natural
disturbances.
3: Evaluate the effectiveness of various habitat protection
measures for Bicknell's Thrush in time and space.
4-y scholarships is planned for the anticipated duration of the
doctoral program in forest sciences based in Québec City
(Université Laval)
Starting date: Fall 2024 or Winter 2025
Please send your CV and a motivation letter via email to
jatre223(at)ulaval.ca.
Posted 7/26/24
Master
of Science in Ecology + Master in Environmental Management at
Western Colorado University
Western Colorado University seeks outstanding and diverse
candidates to apply for graduate programs in the Clark Family
School of Environment and Sustainability!
We offer multiple pathways including a residential, thesis-based
Master of Science in Ecology program and a hybrid Master in
Environmental Management degree. Students engage in research
theses and community projects, coursework, and training to prepare
them for science and management careers in an era of unprecedented
social and ecological change. Faculty research interests include
wildlife and fisheries management, forest/fire ecology and
adaptive silviculture, plant community ecology, aquatic ecology,
soil science and paleoecology.
Additionally, a program called EMPLOYS -- Ecological Management
and Public Lands Opportunities for Young Scientists -- allows
students to receive both of those degrees in an accelerated
timeline. This program's emphasis on big data and remote sensing
also allows students to learn cutting-edge research and
professional skills, perform data management and analysis using
advanced technology, and implement management actions to respond
to complex environmental challenges. Earn two degrees, and put
your science to work!
EMPLOYS offers a limited number of competitive assistantships,
available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents and funded by
the National Science Foundation (National Research Traineeship,
Award Number 2125921).
More information about these programs including the application
process and can be found at our websites!
- https://western.edu/program/master-science-ecology/
- https://western.edu/program/master-environmental-management-mem/
- https://www.centerforpubliclands.org/cpl/employs-traineeship
Those applying to the M.S. in Ecology and/or EMPLOYS program are
expected to enter in conversations with potential advisors
regarding research opportunities in advance of our application
deadline. We encourage all prospective applicants to reach out to
our Project Coordinator at msecology@western.edu.
Posted 7/25/24
Ph.D.
position – Effects of Climate Change on Vernal Pool Amphibians –
Ohio University
The Giery Lab in the Department of Biological Sciences at Ohio
University us recruiting a graduate student (Ph.D. preferred) to
join the lab in Spring 2025. Our research focuses on understanding
the interactions between evolutionary and ecological processes in
nature: www.seantgiery.com. We
leverage a wide range of tools and approaches including historical
resurveys, field surveys, stable isotopes, genomics, and
experiments to address fundamental questions about nature on a
changing planet.
We are seeking a student to contribute to a newly funded project
on the effects of climate change on ephemeral/vernal pond
ecosystems. While the details are flexible, the student will be
expected to integrate field work and experiments in their
dissertation research. Experienced candidates interested in
evolutionary ecology, community ecology, aquatic ecology, or
herpetology are encouraged to apply. Note that we are particularly
interested in applicants that can start in Spring 2025. However,
exceptional applicants interested in a Fall 2025 start will be
considered.
Successful candidates will possess a valid US driver's license and
be able to work independently in the field. They must also
demonstrate excellent organization, writing, and communication
skills. Preferred qualifications include a record of peer-reviewed
publications, experience working with reptiles and amphibians
and/or aquatic ecosystems, a strong record of academic
achievements, and research experience. A basic knowledge of data
analysis and experience with R will be viewed positively.
Support will be provided through a combination of Teaching and
Research Assistantships. All students admitted to the program are
guaranteed tuition waivers and teaching assistantships (starting
at $23k/year).
Ohio University is in Athens, an affordable and easygoing college
town situated in the lush Appalachian foothills of southeastern
Ohio. Adjacent to Wayne National Forest and Zaleski State Forest,
OU offers many opportunities for ecological research and outdoor
recreation.
Additional information on the Ohio University graduate program can
be found at: www.ohio.edu/cas/biology/graduate
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until
the position is filled. To apply, interested candidates should
fill out an online form that requests a CV, a Letter of Interest,
and contact information for two References. The form can be
accessed directly: https://forms.gle/2ZESeabn6pTZKD1d9,
or through the lab's webpage: www.seantgiery.com/people.
Sean T. Giery
Assistant Professor
Department of Biological Sciences
Ohio University
Athens, Ohio 45701
Posted 7/24/24
Ph.D.
Assistantship (Spring 2025) – Productivity, nutrient cycling and
soil health in organic row crops and forages of North Florida
We are seeking a Ph.D. research assistant to join an
interdisciplinary team at the University of Florida working on
organic row crops and forages of North Florida. The Ph.D. student
will be chaired by Dr. Gabriel Maltais-Landry in the Department of
Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences (Sustainable Nutrient
Management Systems lab (https://soils.ifas.ufl.edu/sustainable-nutrient-management-systems/)).
The research assistant will conduct field and laboratory work to
measure the effects of different systems (row crops vs. forages,
reduced tillage or not) in organic systems. The primary focus will
be on crop growth and productivity, nutrient cycling, and soil
health. The assistantship is expected to start in Spring of 2025
and includes a twelve-month stipend and full tuition coverage over
a four-year period.
The research assistant will focus on several of the following
areas:
- Crop growth and yields of row crops used for grain and/or
forage, as well as cover crops;
- Nutrient cycling, including nutrient cycling rates and nutrient
budgets;
- Soil health, including measurements of different soil carbon
indicators;
- Other research focus areas chosen by the research assistant to
develop independent research that is complementary to measurements
and experiments conducted as part of the main project.
The successful applicant will have all or some of the following:
- A degree in soil sciences or plant sciences (e.g., Agronomy) – a
MS degree is preferred but applicants with a BS and a strong
record of relevant work experience will be considered;
- Experience conducting field work in agroecosystems, ideally
sampling crops and soils;
- Experience with field and lab protocols related to crop growth
and nutrition, soil fertility, and soil health;
- Experience with basic statistical analyses (regression, ANOVA),
ideally in R, and interest in expanding data analytical skills to
more advanced methods;
- The capacity to work outside in hot and humid conditions during
the Florida summer;
- A valid driver’s license – a valid US driver’s license is
preferred, although applicants with a valid international driver’s
license that can obtain a US license within two months of the
start of the position will be considered.
Before applying officially, interested applicants are encouraged
to contact Dr. Gabriel Maltais-Landry (maltaislandryg@ufl.edu)
directly with a CV, a one-page letter of research experience and
interests, and contact information (no letters required) of three
referees, all in pdf format. Interested applicants should reach
out by August 12, 2024, and be ready to formally apply to
the Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences and/or the
School of Natural Resources and the Environment by September 1,
2024. Only selected applicants will be encouraged to formally
apply.
Posted 7/24/24
MS
position at University of Wisconsin-Madison, water quality in
cranberry agroecosystems
Drs. Steven Hall and Amaya Atucha in the Department of Plant and
Agroecosystem Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Madison are
seeking an enthusiastic and hard-working Masters of Science (MS)
student to conduct research on water quality in Wisconsin's
cranberry production systems, with a start date of January 2025.
The position will be supported through a Research Assistantship.
The work will address how to best measure and manage water quality
in cranberry farms (known as "marshes"), taking into account their
diverse water sources and interactions with other agricultural and
natural ecosystems.
The ideal candidate will have strong field and laboratory research
experience and preferable prior coursework related to water
quality, soil, and agriculture. The project will involve frequent
travel between Madison and central Wisconsin to conduct field
measurements from early spring through late fall, so driving
experience and a tolerance for inclement conditions (cold, heat,
rain, mosquitoes, etc.) are essential. Also, the project will
involve close interaction with cranberry grower collaborators, so
strong communication skills and an interest in applying science to
real-world problems are highly desired. The student will be
expected to contribute to chemical analysis of samples in the lab,
and to conduct quantitative syntheses of their data, so experience
and/or interest in learning statistical computing (i.e., R
software) are also necessary.
To apply, please submit a one-page cover letter with contact
information for at least two professional references, along with a
curriculum vitae (CV) or resume (including GPA), via email to steven.hall@wisc.edu
and atucha@wisc.edu.
We will encourage competitive applicants to formally apply to a
relevant academic program at UW-Madison, likely the Agroecology MS
program: https://agroecology.wisc.edu/
Posted 7/20/24
Fully
funded MS at the University of Wyoming
Starting Date: after 1/1/2025
Hours per Week: 40
Salary: $17,500
Education Required: Bachelors
Experience Required: none
Location: University of Wyoming
Description
Graduate Research Assistantship, MS
University of Wyoming, Ecosystem Science and Management and School
of Energy Resources
We are seeking candidates for a fully-funded master of science
(MS) position to develop a project related to the impact of coal
char on soil and soil microbial communities in shortgrass prairie
restoration and agriculture. Potential projects include
characterization of the soil microbial communities, interaction of
the coal char with nutrient additions and the impact of coal char
on soil and plant communities more broadly. The student can focus
on restoration or agriculture only if desired, or examine both
systems.
Location
MS course requirements will be done at the University of Wyoming
with field sites throughout the state.
Position Benefits
All research, tuition, health insurance, travel expenses, and
stipend are included.
Qualifications
Minimum: Ideal candidates will have a BS in Soil Science, Ecology,
Microbiology or related field.
Preferred: Experience in DNA extractions and sequencing, fieldwork
and one or more scripting languages (e.g. R, Python, etc.) is
desired but not at all required.
How to Apply
Please send 1) a cover letter summarizing research interests and
experience, 2) a current CV, 3) a copy of your latest academic
transcript, and 4) the names and contact information for three
relevant professional references to Dr. Jennifer Bell at the
University of Wyoming (jbell3@uwyo.edu).
Application Deadlines
Review of candidates will begin immediately, but the position will
remain open until a suitable candidate is found. Preference will
be given to applications received before Oct. 31, 2024.
Contact
Jennifer Bell
jbell3@uwyo.edu
(preferred contact method)
Posted 7/19/24
Funded
PhD Position in Tropical Forest Reassembly
The Restoration Ecology Lab at Virginia Tech is seeking a PhD
Student to study tropical forest community reassembly in NW
Ecuador The Restoration Ecology Lab aims to improve ecological
restoration outcomes through applied research and effective
capacity building. We work in diverse terrestrial ecosystems
including tropical forests and temperate grasslands, woodlands,
and forests. We value strong ecological curiosity, tenacity in
pursuing and communicating research, compassion for others within
and beyond our team, and diversity of life, culture, discipline,
and opinion.
This project aims to learn how multitrophic tropical forest
community assembly is impacted by three factors: the functional
composition, diversity, and spatial structure of
early-establishing vegetation. To do this, we leverage a
25-hectare, locally-led forest restoration experiment, the
Choconexión Experiment, in the critically endangered Chocó rain
forest, Mache Chindul Mountains, northwestern Ecuador. Your role
will depend on your research interests and may include development
of a regional seed dispersal network, passive seed rain
monitoring, DNA metabarcoding, vegetation survey, environmental
monitoring, assisting a new study abroad program, and/or
organizing workshops for tropical forest restoration
practitioners.
If interested, please send your CV and a letter expressing your
motivation, experience, and career goals to Leighton Reid (jIreid@vt.edu)
For details, visit our website: https://restorationecologylab.com/
For more information, email me to set up a meeting at ESA or come
by my poster: (PS 50-159) Community reassembly in restored
tropical forests, Wednesday 8/7, 5-6:30 PM.
J. Leighton Reid, PhD (he/his)
Assistant Professor, School of Plant and Environmental Sciences
Virginia Tech
Posted 7/1924
3
PhD positions in marine ecology at the University of Virginia
The Castorani Lab at the University of Virginia is recruiting 3
PhD students to study coastal marine ecology starting in August
2025.
(1) PhD position in kelp forest community ecology at University of
Virginia / Santa Barbara Coastal LTER
Link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Sj7l1R5bCjlXyc9ifj67ggN4cV9k6Z77/view?usp=share_link
The Castorani Lab at the University of Virginia is recruiting a
PhD student to study the drivers of kelp forest ecosystem
structure and function at the Santa Barbara Coastal Long Term
Ecological Research project (SBC LTER; http://sbc.lternet.edu/). The
interdisciplinary SBC LTER research program has been supported by
the National Science Foundation for 25 years to study the
long-term dynamics of kelp forest ecosystems. The student will use
data from SBC LTER and other ecological research programs to study
the processes maintaining biodiversity and stability in kelp
communities from local to regional scales (this position does not
include support for field work).
Research in the Castorani Lab focuses on three major themes:
community ecology and biodiversity; disturbance ecology and
restoration; and spatial connectivity and synchrony. The student
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/).
The student will have the opportunity to interact with a large
community of SBC LTER scientists, and be a part of the broader
LTER Network (https://lternet.edu).
The student 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, statistics, computer science, mathematics, or a
related field. Ideal candidates will have interests in kelp forest
ecology at the scale of populations, communities, ecosystems, or
landscapes, and demonstrated quantitative skills, such as data
analysis, ecological modeling, or scientific programming (or
motivation to acquire such skills).
(2) PhD position in seagrass community ecology at University of
Virginia / Virginia Coast Reserve LTER
Link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RhrMq7aXW73WfRdhoDTgd9XuzEVvYEPB/view?usp=share_link
The Castorani Lab at the University of Virginia is recruiting a
PhD student to study seagrass biodiversity and community 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 restoration led by The Nature
Conservancy (TNC) 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/).
The interdisciplinary VCR LTER research program has been supported
by the National Science Foundation for >40 years to study the
long-term dynamics of this coastal barrier-island landscape. The
student will use field studies and long-term data from VCR LTER to
study the processes structuring assemblages of fishes and
invertebrates across the world's largest restored seagrass meadow.
Research in the Castorani Lab focuses on three major themes:
community ecology and biodiversity; disturbance ecology and
restoration; and spatial connectivity and synchrony. The student
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/).
The student will have the opportunity to interact with a large
community of VCR LTER scientists, TNC restoration practitioners
and educators, and the broader LTER Network (https://lternet.edu).
The student 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 interests in seagrass biodiversity, food webs, or species
interactions; experience in field ecology; and demonstrated
quantitative skills, such as data analysis or scientific
programming (or a motivation to acquire such skills).
(3) PhD position in oyster reef ecology at University of Virginia
/ Virginia Coast Reserve LTER
Link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Rt_eCmT9qOmQAfHFg_GVVM2lopCSTTnh/view?usp=share_link
The Castorani Lab at the University of Virginia is recruiting a
PhD student to study the population dynamics of oysters on
restored reefs 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 oyster restoration led by The Nature Conservancy
(TNC) 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/).
The interdisciplinary VCR LTER research program has been supported
by the National Science Foundation (NSF) for >40 years to study
the long-term dynamics of this coastal barrier-island landscape.
The student will use field studies and long-term data and models
from VCR LTER to study the dispersal and demography of oyster
populations, contributing towards the broader goal of informing
TNC restoration planning in a changing climate.
Research in the Castorani Lab focuses on three major themes:
community ecology and biodiversity; disturbance ecology and
restoration; and spatial connectivity and synchrony. The student
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/).
The student will have the opportunity to interact with a large
community of VCR LTER scientists, restoration practitioners and
educators at TNC, and the broader LTER Network (https://lternet.edu).
The student 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 interests in oyster reef ecology and restoration; experience
in field ecology; and demonstrated quantitative skills, such as
data analysis or scientific programming (or a motivation to
acquire such skills).
TO APPLY:
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 PhD, 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, 2025, for
enrollment in Fall 2025. However, serious applicants should
express their interest by email as soon as possible.
Max Castorani | Associate Professor | Dept.
of Environmental Sciences | University of Virginia | castorani@virginia.edu
| https://castorani.evsc.virginia.edu
Posted 7/17/24
Funded
PhD positions in microbial ecology: climate change effects on
desert microbial communities, seagrass microbiomes and
plant-microbe interactions
The Microbial Ecology lab at Florida Atlantic University has fully
funded graduate student positions (combination of TA and/or RA)
through the Integrative Biology doctoral program (https://biology.fau.edu/academics/graduate/phd-biology-degree-programs.php).
Prospective students interested in climate change effects on soil
microbial communities, plant-microbe interactions, and human
impacts on microbial communities will fit best in the lab. They
will have the opportunity to collaboratively design a project that
fits their interests and goals. Projects can focus on microbial
community structure (targeted sequencing), whole-genome and
metatranscriptomics, to cultivation-based microbial ecology. My
projects are currently ongoing in the highly diverse ecosystems of
South Florida, as well as in a. collaboration with the Sevilleta
LTER in New Mexico (https://sevlter.unm.edu).
Qualifications: Ideal candidates will be data driven,
hard-working, honest, highly self-motivated, team-oriented, and
excited about studying microbial communities. Prior coursework in
ecology, microbiology, and statistics, a strong interest in
mentoring undergraduates and participating in outreach, and
relevant research experiences (including analytical skills, DNA
extraction, sequencing and Introduction to R) are desirable, but
not required.
Support: Competitive graduate research assistantships include a
12-month stipend (mix of TA/RA). Moreover, all students in the lab
are well supported to conduct high quality research and are
strongly encouraged and supported to share their research at
scientific conferences.
Start date: Flexible but January 2025 would be ideal considering
current projects.
To apply, prospective students should email Dr. Vanessa Moreira
Fernandes (vfernandes@fau.edu), with a
CV and brief description of their research interests. More about
the lab's research can be found at https://moreirafernandeslab.weebly.com.
Dr. Vanessa Moreira C. Fernandes
(she/her/hers)
Assistant Professor
Department of Biological Sciences
Florida Atlantic University
Phone: (954) 236 - 1207
vfernandes@fau.edu
https://moreirafernandeslab.weebly.com
Posted 7/17/24
Research
Assistantship Position for Master's Student in Spring 2025
LSU Department of Entomology
Project description:
Monitoring the distribution of Roseau Cane (Phragmites
australis) and Roseau Cane Scale (Nipponaclerda
biwakoensis) using high-resolution drone imagery and machine
learning.
Overview:
The IGLab provides a range of opportunities for developing
professional skills in areas such as precision pest management,
machine learning, and GIS-based remote sensing analysis. Our
research group values teamwork, mentorship, and inclusivity.
Students engage with cutting-edge technology and multidisciplinary
projects, gaining hands-on research experience and developing
valuable career skills.
We are looking for an enthusiastic graduate student to join an
innovative project for Roseau Cane monitoring in the lower
Mississippi River Delta. This project uses advanced remote sensing
techniques to support restoration efforts. It also explores the
application of machine learning for automated detection and
counting of Roseau Cane Scale, an invasive species affecting P.
australis, using remote imagery. By integrating remote
sensing, machine learning, and entomology, the project wants to
improve species management in aquatic environments. The selected
student will work alongside a diverse team of experts in
entomology, ecology, and remote sensing at Louisiana State
University.
Key responsibilities:
▪ Conduct a literature review on wetland remote sensing and
machine learning techniques for object detection.
▪ Collecting and analyzing multispectral and LiDAR data to monitor
Roseau Cane distribution in wetland areas using drone technology.
▪ Developing interactive online maps to visualize Roseau Cane
distribution.
▪ Collecting and analyzing imagery to monitor Roseau Cane Scale
distribution.
▪ Creating and validating machine learning models to detect Roseau
Cane Scale.
▪ Designing a mobile-friendly web interface for real-time Roseau
Cane Scale monitoring.
▪ Working collaboratively with interdisciplinary research teams.
▪ Disseminating research findings through research publications
and presentations at professional conferences.
Requirements:
▪ Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant field (e.g.,
computer science, geography, geospatial sciences, biological or
agricultural engineering, agricultural sciences or similar).
Candidates from STEM groups are particularly encouraged to apply.
▪ Experience with or willingness to learn collection and analysis
of remote sensing data (multispectral and LiDAR) using drone
technology.
▪ Experience with or willingness to learn software packages (such
as ArcGIS Pro and QGIS) and programming languages (such as Python
and R).
▪ Strong interest in GIS, remote sensing and machine learning.
▪ Excellent problem-solving abilities and capacity for independent
work.
▪ Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
▪ Field work experience preferred.
What we offer:
▪ A work environment where mentorship and teamwork are a priority.
▪ The selected applicant will be appointed as Graduate Research
Assistant with a stipend commensurate with experience plus health
benefits and tuition remission.
To apply:
Please submit the following documents as a single PDF to Dr. Ivan
Grijalva (ivangrijalvalab@gmail.com)
using the subject line "Roseau Cane Project" by Sept 17, 2024:
▪ 1-page cover letter summarizing your research interest and
relevant experience.
▪ A detailed curriculum vitae (CV).
▪ Contact information of three references.
For more information, visit https://www.lsuagcenter.com/roseaucane
or the IGLab (Precision Pest Management) https://iglab.ghost.io/
Posted 7/16/24
PhD
position in the Davies Marine Population Genomics Lab at Boston
University!
Seeking PhD Student in the Davies Marine Population Genomics lab
Fall 2025
The Davies Marine Population Genomics lab is recruiting a
prospective Ph.D. student focused on fundamental questions in
coral thermal physiology. Our lab was recently recommended for
funding for a project focused on understanding how diel thermal
variability influences coral performance. This project will
require significant time spent in Bocas del Toro Panama (weeks to
months at a time) and the work will involve a combination of
fieldwork, mesocosm work, and genomic analyses.
Skills or experiences that are specifically relevant to the funded
research include:
-AAUS certified scuba diver (or desire to be an AAUS diver)
-Comfortable conversing in basic Spanish
-Experience in the rigors of field research
-Strong team player
-Background or strong interest in thermal physiology and genomics
We encourage scientists from diverse backgrounds to apply, as we
strive to promote historically excluded groups in ecology and
evolution. The PhD student would be accepted through the Ecology,
Behavior and Evolution (EBE) Biology graduate program at Boston
University and be based in Boston, MA. The program offers a
guaranteed stipend (~$43k/year) and health insurance for 5 years
through a combination of teaching fellowships, an entrance
fellowship, and research grants. It is worth noting that the
BU Graduate Student Union is currently on strike and in
negotiations regarding salary and benefits, among other things (https://bugwu.org/),
therefore these parameters are likely to be modified over the
coming year. In general most students in the lab teach during the
spring and fall semesters and are supported on research stipends
for the summer months or semesters where they are conducting
intensive field research
In addition, there is the potential that the incoming student
could be hired as a field technician starting as early as January
2025.
Students who will thrive in our lab tend to be interested in:
-molecular and genomic approaches with strong backgrounds in
quantitative approaches and bioinformatics
-answering core ecological and evolutionary questions
-fieldwork opportunities with a deep interest in investing in the
local community
-being a research mentor to high school and undergraduate students
through a series of established relationships with local programs
-increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion in science through
pedagogy and outreach
Details can also be found here: http://sites.bu.edu/davieslab/join-the-lab/
To apply, please send the following to daviessw@gmail.com
by August 31, 2024! Our lab conducts pre-screening of
candidates, followed by zoom interviews and then the top
candidates are invited to apply to the PhD program formally. We do
recruitment this way to ensure transparency and save folks
application fees.
1. Current CV
2. 1 page cover letter describing the scientific questions that
excite you and how you will ensure an inclusive environment
3. Contact email for 3 references (academic or non-academic are
appropriate). Letters will not be requested immediately, however
references will be contacted for short-listed candidates.
Sarah W. Davies M.Sc. Ph.D.
she/her/hers
Associate Professor
Department of Biology
Boston University
Office: (617) 353-8980
Twitter @DaviesswPhD
Email: daviessw@bu.edu
Website: http://sites.bu.edu/davieslab/
Posted 7/13/24
Funded
PhD positions in pollination ecology, floral microbiome, and
pollinator behavior
The Pollination Ecology lab at Florida Atlantic University has
fully funded graduate student positions (combination of TA and/or
RA) through the Integrative Biology doctoral program (https://biology.fau.edu/academics/graduate/phd-biology-degree-programs.php).
Prospective students interested in pollinator behavior, chemical
ecology, and community ecology (of plants and microbes) will fit
best in the lab. They will have the opportunity to collaboratively
design a project that fits their interests and goals. Projects can
span the gamut from lab-based pollinator behavioral trials and
experiments with synthetic microbial communities to field-based
plant community ecology in the highly diverse ecosystems of South
Florida.
To apply prospective students should email Dr. Jake Francis (francisj@fau.edu),
with a cv and brief description of their research interests. More
about the lab's research can be found at www.jacobsfrancis.com.
Stipends are nationally competitive and include summer funding.
Dr. Jacob Francis
Asst. Professor
Department of Biological Sciences
Florida Atlantic University
Davie West 436
Office phone: 954-236-1336
Lab website: jacobsfrancis.com
Posted 7/11/24
Ph.D.
- Graduate Assistantship in Wild Turkey Ecology and Management
Department of Natural Resources Science, University of
Rhode Island
Project title: Ecology of wild turkeys in southern New England.
A graduate assistantship is available at the Ph.D. level to study
the ecology of wild turkeys in southern New England. This project
will hinge on the capture and marking of individuals with GPS
transmitters to investigate various aspects of wild turkey ecology
including nesting ecology, survival, gobbling chronology, habitat
selection and movement patterns, and potential differences between
turkeys that utilize suburban vs rural areas. We expect results
from this project to directly inform wild turkey management. This
study will hopefully be the first of a long-term effort between
the university and state agency to understand the population
dynamics of wild turkeys in Rhode Island.
Qualifications: Only hard-working, motivated, intelligent,
good-natured persons interested in upland gamebird ecology and
movements need apply. Applicants must have completed an
undergraduate degree in animal/wildlife biology or ecology, earned
at least a 3.2 GPA, and must have excellent oral and written
communication skills. Field experience with gamebird capture and
handling, telemetry, and GIS is highly desirable. Experience with
quantitative analysis and field research is required. Applicants
who have successfully completed a relevant M.Sc. are strongly
preferred. Those applicants with only a BSc degree must have
exceptional field experience to be considered. Ability to work
collaboratively and to supervise research assistants and
undergraduates working in the field is also required. Stipends are
approx. $25,000/academic year, tuition is paid, and an additional
summer stipend of approx. $18,000 is provided. Starting date is
either January 2025 or September 2025.
To apply submit the following: a letter stating your
qualifications and research interests, a resume or CV, college
transcripts, and 3 letters of reference by no later than 1
October 2024 (early application is encouraged) to:
Dr. Scott R. McWilliams
Dept. Natural Resources Science, University of Rhode Island,
Kingston, RI 02881
401-874-7531; srmcwilliams@uri.edu
Graduate students will choose to be trained in the Ecology &
Ecosystem Science graduate program (https://web.uri.edu/cels/academics/bes/ecology-and-ecosystem-sciences/)
or the Evolution & Marine Biology graduate program (https://web.uri.edu/cels/academics/bes/evolution-and-marine-biology/)
at URI. These are interdepartmental graduate groups within our
College of the Environment and Life Sciences (https://web.uri.edu/cels/academics/bes/)
that are designed to provide students with a strong,
interdisciplinary and integrative learning environment.
Selected candidates will be asked to apply to the Graduate School
at the University of Rhode Island.
Posted 7/10/24
MS
position in plant water use at Utah State University
I am looking for a MS student to examine plant water use and
response to climate change in sagebrush systems across the western
US. We will be performing tracer experiments in CA/NV, UT, and MT
to measure water uptake by dominant species, then use this
information in ecohydrological models to simulate shrub and forage
growth over the next century. It is surprisingly difficult to
understand how different species absorb water from the soil, but
tracer experiments are providing an unprecedented view into this
process.
Applicants should be interested in field work and modeling in
rangeland ecosystems. The position will be based out of Utah State
University, Logan, UT. Successful applicants will receive $25K per
year.
Interested applicants should send a cover letter and CV to andrew.kulmatiski@usu.edu.
Posted 7/9/24
Ph.D./M.S.
research assistantships - Auburn University (AL) - applied
aquatic ecology
Ph.D. and M.S. research assistantships: Aquatic Ecology and
Harmful Algal Blooms
Auburn University, School of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic
Sciences
Auburn, Alabama USA
Description: Three graduate research assistantships (Ph.D.
(preferred) or M.S.) in aquatic ecology and harmful algal blooms
are available in Alan Wilson's lab at Auburn University (https://www.wilsonlab.com/).
We are an active and productive lab with current research projects
that are funded by a variety of grants from USDA ARS and USDA NIFA
that leverage our field station that includes hundreds of
aquaculture ponds and nearby recreational and drinking water
reservoirs. Here, we pursue basic and applied questions associated
with understanding the ecological, evolutionary, and limnological
mechanisms controlling the structure and function of freshwater
plankton communities. Harmful algal blooms are the foci for many
of our projects. My students are welcome to participate on
existing projects, which include large-scale field experiments and
monitoring, lab-based analytical analyses, modeling, and
meta-analysis, but are strongly encouraged to develop their own
projects in addition to applying for external grants and
fellowships, such as the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship program.
There are numerous opportunities to work directly with important
stakeholders, such as aquaculture farmers, water utilities, and
natural resource managers.
I am motivated to maintain a productive, diverse, and inclusive
lab and encourage students from under-represented groups to
consider joining us. Moreover, lab members are strongly encouraged
to develop outreach activities to broaden the impact of their
research.
Qualifications: Ideal candidates will be data driven,
hard-working, honest, highly self-motivated, team-oriented, and
excited about studying freshwater communities. Prior coursework in
ecology, limnology, and statistics, a strong interest in mentoring
undergraduates and participating in outreach, and relevant
research experiences (including analytical skills, such molecular,
GC-MS, HPLC) are desirable, but not required.
Support: Competitive graduate research assistantships (starting
for Ph.D. = $35k/yr and M.S. = $30k/yr) include a 12-month stipend
and full tuition waivers. Highly qualified Ph.D. candidates will
be considered for an AU Presidential Graduate Research Fellowship
(http://graduate.auburn.edu/au-presidential-graduate-research-fellowships/)
or AU Presidential Graduate Opportunity Fellowship
(http://graduate.auburn.edu/prospective-students/presidential-graduate-opportunity-program/),
which can last 3 years and include an annual stipend of at least
$50,000. Moreover, all students in the lab are well supported to
conduct high quality research and are strongly encouraged and
supported to share their research at scientific conferences.
Start date: Flexible but January 2025 would be ideal considering
current projects.
How to apply: Interested students are encouraged to submit their
application materials (CV, GRE scores (if available), copies of
transcripts, and contact information for three references) at https://forms.gle/WocXAMDtfSs5vWHm9
Questions: email Alan at wilson@auburn.edu
The University: Auburn University is an R1 land-grant institution
organized into twelve academic colleges and schools and ranked
40th among public universities in the U.S. News and World 2021
Report. For 2020, 24,505 undergraduates as well as 6,232 graduate
and professional students were enrolled. The University is
nationally recognized for its academic excellence, commitments to
community engagement, positive work environment, flourishing
student life programs, and beautiful campus. To learn more about
the University, please visit: http://www.auburn.edu/
The Community: Auburn is recognized as one of America's best small
towns with a moderate climate and easy access to major cities,
beaches, and mountains. The city is situated along the rapidly
developing I-85 Atlanta, Georgia, and Montgomery, Alabama,
corridor. The combined Auburn-Opelika Metropolitan Statistical
Area boasts a growing population of over >60,000. The City of
Auburn grew 43% in the past decade and is known for an excellent
public school system and a local medical center acknowledged as
among the best in the region. The City of Auburn website has
information on the community and services that can be accessed at:
https://www.auburnalabama.org/
Posted 7/3/24
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