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Assistantship and Fellowships:

Arctic University of Norway: Arctic food web ecology (PhD). The Department of Arctic and Marine Biology at UiT seeks a highly motivated PhD fellow in ecology. The position is attached to the research group Northern Populations and will be relevant for the Climate Ecological Observatory for Arctic Tundra (coat.no). COAT is a monitoring system based on the principles of adaptive management and monitoring. Qualifications: A Master’s degree or equivalent in Biology or a relevant branch of biological/environmental sciences such as Ecology. We will prioritize candidates with training and/or experience in: Theoretical/mathematical/quantitative modeling, Field and/or laboratory sampling, experiments, data analysis, Combining theoretical and empirical perspectives. Questions can be directed to Dr. Jarad Mellard at jarad.p.mellard@uit.no. Application details. Deadline for application November 29, 2020. Posted: 11/13/20.

Arizona State University: The Cadillo Lab in the School of Life Sciences is seeking two PhD students. Research in the Cadillo Lab examines interdisciplinary subjects related to ecosystems processes, carbon cycling and the role of microbes at different spatial scales. The first PhD position focus on transdisciplinary work in ecosystem analysis and integrative modeling of microbes and methane flux predictions for Amazon peatlands. The incoming PhD student will participate in studies of spatial ecology of methane emission and ecosystem-level flux modeling, integrating trait-based predictions for microbial guilds including decomposers and methane-producing microbes. The student will join an NSF CAREER project including: field work in Spanish and Portuguese-speaking countries, geochemistry studies and strong emphasis on ecosystem modeling. Prior research experience in CH4 modeling, or ecosystem studies is desirable, and any level of microbial ecology is a plus but not strictly required. The student will be expected to demonstrate an ability to work collaboratively, participate in international training, and bridge field and laboratory-based research. The second PhD position will focus on a collaborative research quantifying the activity and contribution of anaerobic methane oxidation to the annual budget in Amazon peatlands. Research in this program includes isotope tracers and SIP labelling, geomicrobiology assays, molecular ecology, and microbial genomics. Research in this program includes studies on greenhouse gas flux, isotope (natural abundance and tracer addition), SIP labelling and geomicrobial assays. Prior research experience in greenhouse gases fluxes and isotopic studies or geochemistry of anaerobic methane oxidation are highly desirable. Student will develop laboratory skills and field research experiences. Students with appropriate background from any related field (geosciences, environmental microbiology, biochemistry, environmental sciences and others) are encouraged to apply to this multidisciplinary position. Students with a record of publication or master's degree, strong quantitative skills, and appropriate experiences will be given preference. Start date for graduate studies is Summer or Fall 2021. To express interest in the positions please email Prof Cadillo-Quiroz at cadillo-lab-appl@asu.edu and include 1) a statement of research interests and experience, 2) a CV, and 3) a writing sample, if available. Candidates will be considered for PhD admission through either of the following programs: Environmental Life Sciences PhD program, PhD in Microbiology, or PhD in Biological Design (see program details. Preferred initial contact is requested before Dec 15 2020 to be closely follow by PhD application. Posted: 11/25/20.

Arkansas State University: The Marsico Lab is seeking a master's student interested in basic or applied plant ecology, with a desire to study the evolutionary ecology of plant life on the flood-disturbed islands of the Mississippi River, one of the largest river systems in the world. Specifically, we are seeking a driven student interested in researching plant diversity patterns and/or phenological shifts due to flooding on Mississippi River islands. Possible research projects include the use of field observations, greenhouse experiments, river gage records, and geographic information systems (GIS). A bachelor's degree in botany, biology, ecology, or related field is required. Experience with or an interest in learning to identify vascular plant species with a variety of taxonomic keys and techniques for specimen collection and curation is required. Applicants should have a strong desire for scientific discovery, a thirst for adventure, and a knowledge of or willingness to learn boating and boat safety on an open river, trailering a boat, and GIS. Funding for this position is provided through a combination of a 9-month teaching assistantship and by the National Science Foundation through their Scholarships in STEM program (SUPERB). Applicants who are first-generation college students and/or underrepresented minority students are encouraged to apply. The successful applicant should plan to begin in August 2021, though there is a possibility for employment as a field technician on established projects beginning in May or June 2021, prior to the start of graduate school. If interested contact Dr. Travis Marsico at tmarsico@astate.edu or 870-680-8191. If you plan to apply, please send an email that includes 1) a cover letter describing your interests, career goals, and relevant research experiences and skills; 2) your Curriculum Vitae [including names and contact information for three references]; and 3) a copy of your academic transcripts. Review of requested pre-application materials listed above will begin on January 25, 2021. Posted: 1/6/21.

Auburn University: Two graduate research assistantships (Ph.D. or M.S.) in applied aquatic ecology and limnology are available in Alan Wilson’s lab. Current lab research projects, including USDA ARS and NSF Dimensions of Biodiversity grants, take advantage of 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. There are abundant 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 have numerous opportunities to engage students from institutions with limited research opportunities, students with disabilities, and students in financial need in their research and outreach projects through current NSF projects (REU, INCLUDES, S-STEM). Qualifications: Ideal candidates will be hard-working, honest, highly motivated, team-oriented, and excited about studying freshwater plankton 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 GC-MS, GC-FID, HPLC, ELISA) are desirable, but not required. Minimum qualifications include a B.S./B.A. (for M.S. position) or M.S. (for Ph.D. position) in Biology, Ecology, or related field; GPA of 3.2 or greater; and above average GRE scores (at least 50th percentile for quantitative and verbal; at least 4.0 for analytical writing). Support: Competitive graduate research assistantships include 12-month stipend and full tuition waivers. Highly qualified PhD candidates will be considered for an AU Presidential Graduate Research Fellowship, which can last 3 years and include an annual stipend of $30k. Start date: Flexible but summer to fall 2021 would be ideal considering current projects. How to apply: Interested students are encouraged to email Alan Wilson (wilson@auburn.edu) describing why the lab is a good fit for you by 1 April 2021 for full consideration. In addition, please include your CV, GRE scores, copies of transcripts, and contact information for three references. Posted: 3/17/21.

Auburn University: We are looking to recruit a graduate student (MS or PhD level) this fall, with the hopes to start sometime in early 2021. Our goal is to begin evaluating applications starting by the end of October, hopefully getting folks for interviews during November. The position will be to participate in a broad-scale study of the influence of dams on riverine fish populations. The overall project is combining field sampling and tracking, laboratory respirometry and swimming performance studies, hard part chemistry, energetics and modeling, etc., all in a collaborative research effort. Additional details (pdf). Students are expected to conduct their thesis/dissertation research project and complete required course work. Students will receive a stipend (currently approx. $17k/year [MS level] - $19k/year [PhD level]), waiver of both in-state and out-of-state tuition, as well as required technical help, all costs of conducting the research (including travel to field sites, supplies and equipment, etc.), and travel to scientific meetings. To apply send a letter of interest, along with a current CV (including GPA and GRE scores, if available), contact information for three (3) references, and copies of transcripts to: Dennis DeVries, devridr@auburn.edu. For additional information, please contact either: Dennis DeVries (devridr@auburn.edu) or Rusty Wright (wrighr2@auburn.edu) We anticipate beginning the evaluation of applications in late October 2020. Posted: 9/30/20.

Auburn University: The Tree Physiological Ecology Lab in the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences is recruiting 1 MS and 1 PhD student for Fall 2021. Research in the lab focuses on tree responses to environmental change and management, genetic variation in tree growth and physiology, and the interactive effects of genetic variation and environmental change on physiological processes ranging from the leaf- to forest-scale. Current research areas include biogeographic controls of tree responses to warming and heat stress, the influence of adaptation vs acclimation in tree responses to warming and drought, main and interactive effects of genetic variation and resource availability on tree and forest function, and physiological ecology of coastal trees/forests. Requirements: 1) Bachelor’s degree (or Master’s degree if applying for PhD) in relevant field including Biology, Botany, Ecology, Forestry, Environmental Science, Agriculture, 2) highly self-motivated with ability to manage/maintain field and growth chamber experiments and travel to field sites. Preference will be given to candidates with demonstrated experience in plant physiology/ecology, experimental design, data management, and analysis. If interested, please contact Dr. Mike Aspinwall at aspinwall@auburn.edu. Candidates are encouraged to supply (1) A cover letter briefly describing your research interests/experience (2) resume/CV including contact information for at least two references, (3) unofficial transcripts. Posted: 9/30/20.

Auburn University: Three graduate research assistantships (Ph.D. or M.S.) in applied aquatic ecology and limnology are available in Alan Wilson’s lab. Current lab research projects, including USDA ARS and NSF Dimensions of Biodiversity grants, take advantage of 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. There are abundant 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 have numerous opportunities to engage students from institutions with limited research opportunities, students with disabilities, and students in financial need in their research and outreach projects through current NSF projects (REU, INCLUDES, S-STEM). Qualifications: Ideal candidates will be hard-working, honest, highly motivated, team-oriented, and excited about studying freshwater plankton 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 GC-MS, GC-FID, HPLC, ELISA) are desirable, but not required. Minimum qualifications include a B.S./B.A. (for M.S. position) or M.S. (for Ph.D. position) in Biology, Ecology, or related field; GPA of 3.2 or greater; and above average GRE scores (at least 50th percentile for quantitative and verbal; at least 4.0 for analytical writing). Support: Competitive graduate research assistantships include 12-month stipend and full tuition waivers. Highly qualified PhD candidates will be considered for an AU Presidential Graduate Research Fellowship, which can last 3 years and include an annual stipend of $30k. Start date: Flexible but a mid-2021 arrival would be ideal considering current projects. How to apply: email Alan Wilson (wilson@auburn.edu) describing why the lab is a good fit for you by 1 December 2020 for full consideration. In addition, please include your CV, GRE scores, copies of transcripts, and contact information for three references. Posted: 9/16/20.

Clemson University and Louisiana State University: Two NSF-funded PhD graduate student positions are available in the labs of Drs. Brandon Peoples at Clemson University and Stephen Midway at Louisiana State University beginning in January 2021. The students will work closely with a diverse, interdisciplinary team from multiple institutions to investigate continental patterns of riverine fish invasions. We seek a diverse group of students who are enthusiastic about interdisciplinary research at the nexus of big data, community ecology, and fish conservation. Duties will range from developing and working with a large fish database, to analyzing ecological patterns of invasions, among many other things. Required Qualifications: - A master's degree in ecology, biology, fisheries/aquatic science or equivalent - Demonstrated excellence in written, verbal, and quantitative skills - GPA and GRE scores sufficient for admission into the Clemson or LSU Graduate School. Ideal candidates will have some combination of experience in: - Community ecology - Invasion ecology - Statistical analysis using R - Working with large datasets - Hierarchical modeling. To Apply: Please email application packets to both Brandon Peoples (peoples@clemson.edu) and Steve Midway (smidway@lsu.edu) with the subject "Graduate Application". Applications should be a single, merged PDF including 1) a cover letter describing your interest in the project and career goals, 2) your CV, including at least 3 references, 3) unofficial transcripts, and 4) GRE scores. Application reviews will begin 5 October 2020. For more information or questions: Dr. Brandon Peoples, Clemson University, peoples@clemson.edu. Dr. Steve Midway, Louisiana State University, smidway@lsu.edu. Posted: 9/17/20.

College of William and Mary: Fully-funded Masters Opportunities in Behavioral Ecology and Conservation. John Swaddle in the Biology Department and Faculty Director of the Institute for Integrative Conservation at William & Mary is recruiting new research Masters students in areas of behavioral ecology and applied conservation science, to start in Fall 2021. The Biology Department offer a two-year research-intensive Masters program where students are supported by teaching assistantships and full tuition waivers. For many students, getting paid to complete a Masters in two years and writing publications and grants before applying to highly competitive Ph.D. programs or getting jobs is a very attractive option. We have a great track record of recent MS students going on to excellent PhD programs and professional positions. In particular, working in collaboration with the Institute for Integrative Conservation will allow students to complete collaborative projects with international conservation NGOs and other governmental and private sector partners, opening up career opportunities. Admissions are rolling with application review beginning Dec. 1st. We do NOT require the GRE in this application cycle. See also: Biology MS program. For more information, please reach out to John at jpswad@wm.edu. Posted: 11/18/20.

College of William and Mary: The Puzey Lab is looking for 1-2 new M.S. graduate students to begin in Fall 2021. We are looking for students who are passionate about plants, conservation, and/or genomics. The lab uses a range of big-data approaches to address pressing conservation questions Specifically, we are interested in using milkweed plants (Asclepias) and its associated insect herbivores (monarch butterfly, milkweed beetle, milkweed bug, etc.) as a model to understand how the Anthropocene has impacted plant and insect interactions. Experience with GIS and/or Python is desirable. Please email Josh Puzey (jrpuzey@wm.edu) for additional information. Chartered in 1693, William and Mary (W&M) is the second oldest school in the US and located in historic Williamsburg, VA. W&M offers a two-year, research-intensive M.S. program where students are supported by teaching assistantships and full tuition waivers. For many students, getting a Master's degree in two years while earning grants and publications allows them to gain admittance to high-profile Ph.D. programs or take that next career step. With a low student to faculty ratio (8-10 new students and 23 full-time faculty), we can offer an intimate and highly personalized research and education experience rarely attainable at larger universities. Our graduate students also work closely with and mentor undergraduates, offering numerous informal teaching and personal development opportunities. Additional information. The GRE is not required for admission. Posted: 9/30/20.

Colorado State University: The Davis forest health lab is hiring two new PhD students to begin projects in July 2021. The positions are 4-year NSF-funded graduate research assistantships, and projects will integrate elements of chemical, microbial, and insect ecology. Students will investigate the role of environmental stress in moderating chemical signaling and tree defense responses in spruce forests, with a focus on interactions between phytohormones and terpenoid-based defenses. Graduate students will conduct both field and lab work, as well as greenhouse experiments, to test fundamental hypotheses in plant physiology and plant defense theory. Students will be trained in and employ a variety of analytical methods including gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, and high-performance liquid chromatography. In addition, graduate students will take part in a new program to mentor high school and early college students from underrepresented populations in natural resource ecology, and students will have opportunities to gain teaching and outreach experience. The positions are located in Fort Collins, Colorado in the Warner College of Natural Resources. Field sites are situated across five high-elevation mountain pass regions in the southern Rocky Mountains. Applicants should be comfortable travelling and working in remote high-elevation forest locations, sometimes alone, for extended periods. Preference will be given to applicants with demonstrated research experience. To apply, please email seth.davis(at)colostate.edu and include a personal statement and CV. Apply by 4/1/2021. Posted: 1/28/21.

Cornell University: PhD Graduate Research Assistantship, Solar energy-carnivore interactions in the Sonoran Desert. U.S. Geological Survey New York Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York. The PhD student will conduct research on the effects of solar energy development on carnivore site use in and around solar facilities in the Sonoran Desert under the supervision of Dr. Steve Grodsky (Assistant Unit Leader, New York Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit & Assistant Professor, Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, Cornell University). The PhD student will play an integral role in this flagship project for the newly instated Cornell branch of the Wild Energy Initiative (Wild Energy Cornell) led and directed by Dr. Grodsky. The PhD student will work with a team of researchers, including Dr. Angela Fuller (NY Coop Unit/Cornell) and Dr. Rebecca Hernandez (Wild Energy Initiative at UC Davis). The PhD student will conduct the following research activities: 1) collect field data on carnivore site use during and after construction of solar facilities (~3 month fieldwork/yr) using various methods, including camera trapping, scat surveys, and non-invasive genetic sampling; 2) curate and analyze data (e.g., occupancy modeling); 3) write progress reports to be submitted to the Bureau of Land Management; and 4) publish peer-reviewed publications and disseminate research findings to stakeholders. The PhD student will be expected to conduct quality, applied ecological research, publish in peer-reviewed journals, and contribute to a team of creative, interdisciplinary researchers. This position comes with a highly competitive, annual 12-month salary (~$38k/yr) and full support in the forms of tuition remission and student health insurance. Please see flyer at http://www.stevegrodsky.com/opportunities for additional information. - Master's degree in wildlife ecology or related field - Proven capacity to publish peer-reviewed papers - Advanced modeling and computational skills and working knowledge of statistical software - Capacity to conduct geospatial analyses - Ability to conduct fieldwork in rugged conditions - Experience with camera trapping - Ability to work independently and as part of a group - Minimum undergrad GPA of 3.6. Applicants are to send a single PDF containing: 1) cover letter; 2) CV; 3) GRE scores; 4) contact information for 3 references and 5) PDFs of relevant peer-reviewed publications (if applicable) to Dr. Steve Grodsky (grodsky@cornell.edu) by 30 June 2021. Applications will be reviewed on a continual basis. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted and required to apply for admission to the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment's Graduate Program at Cornell. Posted: 5/14/21.

Dartmouth College: Ph.D. graduate fellowship to study forest ecology of the Hubbard Brook ecosystem. We have a Ph.D. graduate fellowship available to begin in summer 2021 in Dartmouth’s Graduate Program in Ecology, Evolution, Environment and Society (EEES). The successful candidate will design and conduct original research on biota of the Hubbard Brook Forest as part of the NSF-sponsored Long Term Ecological Research project. Possible study organisms include insects, bats, birds, and other heterotrophs. Possible topic areas include phenology, population dynamics, species interactions, connections between green and brown food webs, connections between biogeochemistry and heterotrophs, and more. Requirements include ability to conceive and conduct original research within the umbrella of a larger project; enthusiasm for field biology and collaborative research; and an interest in linkages among ecology, evolution, ecosystems, and society. The EEES Graduate Program at Dartmouth is top tier in terms of intellectual environment, support for graduate students, and success of alumni. To initiate an application, email a CV and statement of interest to Hannah ter Hofstede and Matt Ayres. Applications should be completed by 1 December 2020 using the online application portal. International applications are welcome. Highly qualified candidates may be eligible for a McCulloch Fellowship with a stipend of $34k and a research budget of $5k in year one. Hannah ter Hofstede, Associate Professor of Biological Sciences. Posted: 10/30/20.

Dartmouth College: The Agroecology lab is offering a Ph.D. graduate fellowship to begin summer 2021 in Dartmouth’s Graduate Program in Ecology, Evolution, Environment and Society (EEES). The successful applicant will have the opportunity to design and conduct research on the Dartmouth Organic Farm, which borders the Connecticut River and Dartmouth-owned forest, including active maple-sugar bush or on Chinatown urban food supply networks on the east coast. Possible topics include, but are not limited to, critical transition theory, complex hysteretic patterns and land-use change dynamics. Requirements include ability to conceive and conduct original research within the umbrella of a larger project; a background in theory and quantitative analysis; and enthusiasm for collaborative and interdisciplinary agroecology research. The EEES Graduate Program is top tier in terms of intellectual environment, support for graduate students (5 years guaranteed) and success of alumni. To initiate an application, email a CV and statement of interest to Theresa Ong (theresa.w.ong@dartmouth.edu) as soon as possible. Applications should be completed by December 1, 2020 using the online application portal, but applicants are encouraged to reach out to the PI well before this deadline. International applicants are welcome. Highly qualified candidates may be eligible for a McCulloch Fellowship with a stipend of $34k and a research budget of $5k in year one. More information about the position. Posted: 9/11/20.

Eastern Illinois University: The Meiners lab is recruiting a MS student to work on a project designed to evaluate management impacts on native plantings and their associated pollinator communities. This position will focus on evaluating management strategies on plant community structure. A second MS position will be added in 2022 to assess pollinator communities. The MS student will be responsible for monthly plant surveys (with an assistant), data analysis, and report generation. The student will also develop an independent project that builds upon the central themes of the project. Candidates must be physically able to do field surveys, carry supplies for extended distances, and drive a University vehicle to field sites. The ideal candidate will have some experience in plant sampling and be able to learn local flora. Students interested in applied ecology are particularly encouraged to apply. This position starts June 2021 and is fully funded (summer and academic year) including tuition remission for two years. The successful candidate will join a diverse research group within the Department of Biological Sciences. To apply, please send a cover letter, resume/cv, and provide contact information for three references to: Scott Meiners - sjmeiners@eiu.edu. Queries may also be directed to that address. Evaluation of applications will begin April 1. Posted: 3/19/21.

Florida International University: I am looking for PhD students to join my new lab at FIU in ecological and evolutionary plant physiology. Students are encouraged and supported to develop their own projects under these broad categories. Current and ongoing projects in the lab include (1) the effects of genome size-cell size allometry on plant structure, function, and evolution, (2) the physiological dimensions of floral evolution, and (3) speciation of the desert genus Encelia (Asteraceae). Recent funding will support work on the development and evolution of the mesophyll tissue in flowers, using 3D imaging and physical modeling. Active collaborations with evolutionary genomicists and soft matter physicists provide ample opportunities for novel, interdisciplinary work. Furthermore, the diverse living collections in Miami (Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden and Montgomery Botanical Center) provide a plethora of opportunities for comparative studies of tropical and subtropical plants, in addition to the diversity of ecosystems available in south Florida. Incumbents will be part of a growing plant science community associated with the International Center for Tropical Botany, which is housed at The Kampong, part of the National Tropical Botanical Garden. Further details about recent publications and ongoing work can be found at https://www.adamroddy.com/. Interested applicants should send me (aroddy@fiu.edu) a brief description of potential research interests and a resume or CV. The lab is strongly committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We recognize that science does not happen devoid of social context, and we strive to actively incorporate conversations about this context into how we do science. We aim to flatten the traditional hierarchy of access and reward through active inclusion. Posted: 9/30/20.

Florida International University: We have a fully funded Ph.D. position available for a student interested in plant community ecology. The student will be enrolled for Ph. D. (to start in Fall 2021) in Earth Systems Science within the Department of Earth and the Environment. The ideal candidate will have some experience in vegetation ecology, vegetation-environment relationships, quantitative ecology, and geographic information systems (GIS). A candidate with master’s degree and strong quantitative skill is preferred. Our research focus is on ecological processes involved in vegetation responses to change in hydrologic and fire regimes in short- and long-hydroperiod ecosystems in the Florida Everglades. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to develop research questions independently, but within the framework of the overall goals of the ongoing USACE-funded project(s). To be eligible for the position, students must meet FIU graduate admission requirements (select Earth Systems Science). The deadline for the graduate (PhD) application for Fall 2021 admission in the Department of Earth & Environment is Feb 1st, 2021. To be considered for Fall 2021admission with PhD Research Assistantship, please reply by Nov 30th, 2020 to Dr. Jay Sah (sahj@fiu.edu) with a statement of interest and CV (including relevant coursework and GPA) and contact information for 3 professional references. Dr. Jay Sah is a full-time faculty in the Institute of Environment, and an affiliated faculty in the Department of Earth and Environment working in the area of plant community ecology. Earth and Environment is a member of Institute of Environment, a pre-eminent program in environmental research in the US. Posted: 11/20/20.

Florida International University: Are you interested in studying the physiology, ecology, and evolution of awesome animals? Do you like exciting fieldwork in amazing places? If so, consider joining the Cox Laboratory of Integrative Evolutionary Physiology at FIU in Miami, Florida. There are currently opportunities for 2-3 PhD students in the Cox laboratory. These positions will be supported by a combination of research and teaching assistantships. FIU has a great PhD program in Biology, with excellent support for field research. We study the evolution of diversity in nature. Our research at Florida International University integrates evolutionary biology, physiology, transcriptomics, and genomics to understand both the evolution and function of phenotypic and genetic variation at different levels of biological organization - between sexes, within species, and among species. We study this diversity in amazing ecosystems from the subtropics of south Florida to lowland tropical rainforest in central Panama and the arid highlands of Mexico and the American southwest. While current research in our lab generally centers around reptile and amphibian systems, I also study other animals and am open to exciting project ideas involving other organisms. We are strongly committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion by creating an environment where scientists of all backgrounds are empowered to conduct great science. In particular, we acknowledge that science has systematically disadvantaged women, LGBTQ people, and Latinos/Latinas, Black, Indigenous, and other non-Black People of Color. We seek to contribute to rectifying this injustice through training, dialogue, and support of initiatives that will to make science more just for everyone. You are encouraged to apply if these same values are also important to you. If you are interested in working in the lab, please contact me by email (ccox@fiu.edu) with your CV and brief (~1 paragraph) statement of research experience and interests. Review of applicants will continue through October 16. Posted: 9/17/20.

Florida State University: Dr. Xiao Feng is recruiting PhD and Master students to start in Fall 2021. Dr. Feng's research focuses on large-scale biogeographic and biodiversity patterns under global changes and human impacts, using quantitative approaches, including statistical models, ecological niche model/species distribution models, Bayesian models, big-data, and large-scale simulations (see more details at lab.fengxiao.info). Graduate students will be supported through a combination of research and teaching assistantships. Prospective students sharing similar research interests, including biogeography, biodiversity informatics, and ecological niche modeling/species distribution modeling, are highly encouraged to apply. Qualifications: - Bachelor/Master degree in environmental science, ecology, geography, or relevant field; - Good verbal and written communication skills; - Being able to work independently and as part of a team. Application Deadline: January 15th, 2021. Interested students should contact Dr. Feng (xfeng@fsu.edu) with the following information: - current CV, - a description of research interests, and - experience working with statistical models, programming, or GIS. Posted: 1/5/21.

Friedrich Schiller University of Jena et al.: The Collaborative Research Centre AquaDiva in central Germany invites applications for 10 doctoral and 4 postdoctoral positions, to be filled in 2021. Funded by the German DFG for the last 8 years, the principle aim of the CRC AquaDiva is to increase our understanding of the links between surface and subsurface, especially how organisms inhabiting the subsurface CZ reflect and influence their physical, ecological, and geochemical environment, and affect water and matter transiting the Critical Zone from vegetation to groundwater. The research is highly interdisciplinary, involving related projects that use data collected at two Critical Zone sites in Central Germany, one in limestone and one in sandstone settings; publications from previous phases of the project can be found on the website. The PhD positions are part of a graduate school structured around the project that ensures interaction across projects and disciplines. Descriptions and additional information for the individual positions. Work will be located at one of the several collaborating Institutions: the Friedrich Schiller University of Jena, the Max-Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry in Jena, and the Helmholz Center for Environmental Research in Leipzig. Posted: 6/11/21.

George Mason University: The Glaberman Lab at GMU's Potomac Environmental Research and Education Center is seeking a highly motivated PhD student (starting August 2020) to develop new approach methodologies for assessing chemical risk to aquatic organisms. The student will work within one of the following study areas: (1) using high throughput toxicity data, computer modeling, and water chemistry data to forecast risk from chemical mixtures; (2) developing immunotoxicity biomarkers using genomics, transcriptomics, and cell-based assays; (3) using evolutionary biology to understand the biological basis for variation in species sensitivity. These projects will primarily focus on fish or amphibians. There will be opportunities to collaborate with researchers from U.S. EPA, U.S. Geological Survey, Smithsonian, and other universities. Full support will be provided for the first two years. Support during subsequent years can be provided through a teaching assistantship or extramural funding. However, the successful candidate will be expected to apply for graduate fellowships during his/her PhD. The successful candidate will have a Master's degree OR previous research experience and a strong interest in environmental toxicology. Some background or experience in laboratory or field toxicology, water chemistry, molecular biology, or computer programming and bioinformatics is encouraged, but not required. Prospective students should send a short description of their research interests and past research experience along with a resume or CV (including the names of three people who could serve as a reference on your behalf) to sglaberm@gmu.edu. Selection of candidates will begin immediately, but letters of interest should be submitted no later than December 11th, 2020. The deadline for admission to the PhD program is January 1, 2021. Environmental Science and Public Policy PhD program. Posted: 11/25/20.

Georgia Tech: I am seeking 1-2 highly motivated Ph.D. students to join my laboratory at the School of Biological Sciences of Georgia Institute of Technology, in Fall 2021. My primary research interests are in community ecology (see more information at Lin Jiang), and students interested in community ecology and related fields should apply. The successful candidates will have the freedom to choose their study systems (laboratory, field, or theoretical) and develop their own research projects during their graduate studies. Competitive stipends are provided in the format of research and teaching assistantships, with graduate fellowships also available for outstanding students. Note that as of fall 2020, GRE is no longer required for admission to our graduate program; the application deadline is Dec 15, 2020. For more information about our graduate program and online application, please go to https://biosciences.gatech.edu/graduate/prospective-students. Potential applicants may wish to contact me (Lin Jiang; email: lin.jiang@biology.gatech.edu) prior to filing an application. Posted: 9/30/20.

Georgia Tech: Start date: January 2021. A PhD position is available in the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech). The position is part of the project "Soil Moisture Dynamics And Water Fluxes In The Amazon Basin During Dry Periods And Droughts- An Application of SMAP Observations" funded by NASA. The successful applicant will join the Prof. Jingfeng Wang research group and will collaborate with project partners at JPL (Andreas Colliander) and the LBNL (Robinson Negron-Juarez). The main objective of the project is to produce process-based algorithms to improve SMAP soil moisture observations in the Amazon using extensive field data. Experience in field campaigns, excellent communication and writing skills, and programing knowledge (Fortran and python) are needed for this position. Trips to the Amazon rain forest will be part of this position too. Please check the Georgia Tech home page for details about the graduate student program requirements. For specific details about the position please contact Prof. Jingfeng Wang at Jingfeng.wang@ce.gatech.edu. Posted: 9/17/20.

Idaho State University: Kathleen Lohse’s Soil and Watershed Biogeochemistry laboratory is looking for a highly motivated PhD student to start in this summer 2021. Research in the lab focuses on soil and watershed biogeochemistry with research interests in hydrology and biogeochemical interactions. The research topic for a funded position is examining the role that climate and lithology play in controlling the distribution of microbial communities and biogeochemistry in soils. The student will join a collaborative team of scientists focused on understanding the role of climate and lithology play in controlling the distribution of microbial communities and functions in soils across a set of five critical zone observatories (CZOs), Southern Sierras, Reynolds Creek, Luquillo, Catalina-Jemez, and Calhoun. The student will support collection and analysis of data at the Reynolds Creek Experimental Watershed and Critical Zone Observatory but will work across sites with an amazing team of scientists as a part of the Critical Zone Collaborative Network (CZCN) Geomicrobiology and Biogeochemistry Cluster. Potential research topics on the CZCN Geomicrobiology and Biogeochemistry include: 1. Evaluating the role of different parent materials, especially loess deposition, in shaping soil microbial communities and biogeochemistry 2. Evaluating the effects of climate on soil carbon biogeochemistry and microbial communities 3. Modeling soil carbon across CZO sites. Candidates must have prior research experience and be comfortable working as part of a team and working in the field. Students with an MS in Soil Science or related environmental sciences degree will be preferred. If interested, please contact Kathleen Lohse (klohse@isu.edu) and provide a cover letter describing your research experience, interests, and professional goals and a CV that includes your GPA. Students from underrepresented backgrounds are especially encouraged to apply. Posted: 11/13/20.

Idaho State University: PhD and DA positions open to start Summer 2021: spatial and temporal patterns of dissolved organic carbon in urban streams. I have two graduate positions available on an NSF-funded collaborative project on urban aquatic DOC. Students will be part of a team working in 5 urban areas across the US to understand human and biophysical drivers of DOC dynamics over space and time. The PhD and DA students will be part of a team collecting data in Salt Lake City, UT. Research will include field sampling, high-frequency sensors, lab experiments and analysis. Students will learn a variety of spatial and time-series analysis tools and have the opportunity to lead analysis and writing and collaborate as part of a larger team on comparative papers. Funding for the PhD student is a mix of research and teaching assistantships, with summer funding. Funding for the DA student is as a fellowship with additional summer funding. The DA program is a unique program for students who are interested in a teaching-focused career. It is a highly flexible program that includes pedagogical training, teaching internships, as well as disciplinary research and a dissertation. I'd be excited to collaborate with a student in this program to develop curricular or outreach materials related to this research. Requirements: The DA applicants should have a master's degree. PhD applications with a master's degree will be given preference. I will also consider applications for MS students for this project. See http://www2.isu.edu/bios/grad/ for more information about our degree programs and requirements. Note that while the Biology Dept does require the GRE, I do not consider these scores in choosing prospective students. If your scores are not above the minimum application requirements, don't let that stop you from applying! If interested, please send a letter with your research interests, experiences, and career goals, and a CV to Dr. Rebecca Hale at halereb3@isu.edu by Oct 31st. Posted: 9/11/20.

Idaho State University: The Reinhardt Lab is seeking a highly motivated person for a PhD student position studying the implications of long-term stored water inside trees to whole-plant water relations. The ideal candidate will have expertise in some combination of the following skills and knowledge area: gas exchange, hydraulics, sap flow, dendrometry, stable isotopes, and tree morphology. Much of the field work will occur at the Reynolds Creek Critical Zone Observatory. This NSF-supported position comes with three years of funding, with additional years of TA support available. This project is highly collaborative, and the hired student will work closely with other students and faculty at ISU, North Carolina State University, and University of Georgia. We are looking for a student who can start as early as January 2021 and no later than May 2021. A MS degree is required for this position. The student will measure water transport (sap flow, transpiration) and storage reservoirs (using stable isotopes) in multiple species of trees across several summers. The student will have an opportunity to participate in a unique field course and related outreach activities. There is also the potential to develop your own research project within the larger, overall project. See https://keithreinhardt.com/opportunities/ for more information and ISU Biology for information on degree programs. If interested, please send a letter with your research interests, experiences, career goals, and a CV to Dr. Keith Reinhardt at reinkeit@isu.edu. Posted: 8/14/20.

Illinois State University: Masters Student Position in Agriculture - Stream Ecology Interface, Laboratory of Bill Perry, Funded by USDA. We are looking for one masters students to join an interdisciplinary team exploring how cover crops can improve water quality in agricultural regions. This project is examining the potential ecosystem benefits of field pennycress as a new cover crop. Pennycress is a novel cover crop that can also be used to create oil that can be used as jet fuel, for example. At the Illinois State University Research Farm, we have established a replicated experiment plot system with independent subsurface drainage and automated water samplers to sample water leaving the plots for nutrients and discharge. The main goal of the thesis will be to work to explore the potential nutrient load reductions of phosphorus and nitrogen by this cover crop. The successful student will also have the option to expand the studies where they have particular interests. Desired qualifications: Bachelors degree in biology, environmental science or a similar field. Ability to work independently, willingness to be outside inclement conditions, a driver's license and transportation to a field site. It is expected that the candidate has experience with basic computer programs including Excel, Word, PowerPoint. A basic understanding of R/RStudio is a benefit and willingness to learn and become proficient is anticipated. Contact Bill Perry if you are interested. You can also apply directly to the graduate school at Illinois State University, potential degree programs could be within the School of Biological Sciences or hydrogeology. You can learn more about the School of Biological Science and its programs here. Applications are due February 1 for fall admission. For further information and questions, contact Dr. Bill Perry at wlperry@ilstu.edu or call at 309-438-8160. Posted: 1/5/21.

Iowa State University: M.S. Research Assistantship - Riverine Fish Community Response to Experimental Flow Releases From Reservoirs. Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management. With guidance from academic advisors and agency collaborators, evaluate the effects of Red Rock Dam experimental flow releases on downstream fish communities in the Des Moines River, including impacts on food resources (zooplankton, benthic macroinvertebrates) and abiotic conditions. Supervise technicians, perform fieldwork, compile data from various sources, conduct analyses, write annual progress reports, and carry out other duties as needed. Complete thesis and other requirements of M.S. degree, including submitting manuscripts for publication. Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in ecology, environmental science, fisheries, or related field. Coursework or comparable experience with aquatic ecology, freshwater fish and/or fisheries, rivers, and biostatistics is desirable. Demonstrated strength in written and oral communication, analytical skills, strong academic credentials, and boat operating/trailering experience are preferred. Applicants should be highly motivated, demonstrate a strong work ethic, be physically capable and willing to frequently work in demanding outdoor conditions, and possess a valid driver's license. Salary: ~$25k/year plus benefits and 50% tuition waiver. Contact/Email: Send pre-application (cover letter, resume, copies of transcripts, and contact information of 3 references) electronically to Dr. Michael Weber (mjw@iastate.edu). Closing Date: Review begins February 8, 2021. Start Date: On or before May 24, 2021. Posted: 1/14/21.

Iowa State University: The Silviculture and Applied Forest Ecology Lab at ISU is seeking a MS - level graduate student to join a project assessing forest response to restoration efforts targeting the removal of non-native, invasive species. The student will benefit from the opportunity to work on a large, experimental study and will develop and pursue questions related to invasive species impacts and management, restoration, deer browse, and natural regeneration tailored to the student's specific interests. Work will involve collaboration with a team that includes scientists and managers at ISU and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The position begins in spring or summer 2021 and includes two years of funding. It is based in Ames, Iowa and will involve field work in upland forests distributed across the southern half of the state. Qualifications: B.S. in forestry, ecology, silviculture, natural resources, conservation biology, environmental science, biology or a closely related field. Previous field and/or extensive outdoor work experience is required. Skills in plant identification are strongly preferred. Experience or interest in remote sensing is also preferred. Application process: submit a CV, GRE scores, contact information for three references, unofficial transcripts, and a cover letter summarizing relevant experience, research interests, and professional and academic goals to Dr. Miranda Curzon (mcurzon@iastate.edu). Submitted materials should demonstrate effective communication through writing, an ability to work both independently and collaboratively, a passion for natural resources, and a strong work ethic. If nominated for the position, three letters of reference, official GRE scores, and official transcripts will be required for application to ISU. The process for admission to graduate studies in the Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management is described at https://www.nrem.iastate.edu/admissions. Submit materials prior to October 16, 2020 for full consideration. Posted: 9/17/20.

Johns Hopkins University: Come work with Dr. Meghan Avolio and her wonderful lab members to study domestic selection in red and Norway maple trees in Baltimore. Dr. Avolio is in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences. We have diverse research interests and strive to create a research environment where everyone can thrive. This is a funded PhD position to understand how the nursery trade industry and urban tree planting practices are affecting the genetic diversity of native red maple and non-native and invasive Norway maple tree populations. Trees with varying genetic background (cultivar, wildtype, and F1/F2 generation) will be tagged and studied for several years across Baltimore to understand the ecological consequences of domestic selection on tree physiology and insect and mycorrhizal communities. This is a collaborative project with scientists at the University of Maryland College Park and US Forest Service Baltimore Field Station. The goal of the projects is to understand the implications of domestic selection for long-term sustainability and resilience of urban forests. The PhD student will be in-charge of molecular analyses as well as tree physiology and mycorrhizal community measurements. Applicants should have an interest or experience in molecular work and ecology. If interested please email Dr. Meghan Avolio directly (meghan.avolio@jhu.edu) with an up-to-date CV and a brief paragraph of why this research interests you. Applications for admission to the graduate program are due January 1, 2021. Posted: 11/25/20.

Kansas State University: The Johnson Lab in Plant Ecological Genomics in the Division of Biology is recruiting graduate students for summer 2021 for funded projects on 1) plant host-ecotype and soil microbiome co-adaptation and 2) physiological and genetic response to drought in an ecologically dominant Great Plains grass. The successful applicants will have an opportunity to join collaborative teams with interests in the soil microbiome, genomics and transcriptomics of plant physiological response to drought, and bioinformatics. Research will benefit from long term reciprocal gardens of grass ecotypes cross-transplanted across the Great Plains rainfall gradient and experimental manipulation of rainfall. The successful applicants will benefit from interaction within a wider group of ecologists, evolutionary biologists, geneticists, and bioinformaticists as well as taking advantage of outstanding genomics facilities. Please send inquiries to Loretta Johnson at johnson@ksu.edu. Interested applicants should submit a cover letter describing interest, relevant experience, and career goals and a CV. Application deadline to the Division of Biology is Dec 15. GRE scores not required. Posted: 11/25/20.

Kansas State University: The Louthan lab in the Division of Biology is looking for a graduate student in population and community ecology. This position is fully funded and, ideally, will begin in the spring or fall of 2021. Our lab focuses on how species interactions and climate change jointly influence population dynamics and distribution patterns. We use a combination of observational fieldwork, field- and greenhouse- based experiments, and modeling to explore how species interactions might impact future biodiversity patterns in a changing climate. We are particularly interested in graduate students who are open to working at the Konza Prairie Long-Term Ecological Research site. Konza has extensive experimental and logistical infrastructure already in place and also conducts ongoing monitoring, which will facilitate graduate student projects conducted there. If interested, please email Allison Louthan (amlouthan at ksu.edu) with a brief statement detailing your research interests, as well as contact information for three references and a current CV that includes previous research experience, relevant coursework, and your GPA. Posted: 10/10/19, revised: 6/25/20.

Kennesaw State University: The Bretfeld PlantEcoFizz lab is seeking students who are interested in plant physiological research with agricultural and horticultural applications. The lab has currently one MS position available with focus on an applied research project on thermo-physiological properties of plants (e.g., tomatoes) grown at the KSU Field Station greenhouse and hydroponics facility. Graduate students are fully funded through a combination of teaching and research assistantships. Students will join the Department of Ecology, Evolution & Organismal Biology on KSU's main campus, located in Kennesaw with easy access to downtown Atlanta as well as natural areas in the southern Appalachian region. See Master of Science in Integrative Biology program (MSIB). If interested, please contact Dr. Bretfeld at mbretfel@kennesaw.edu prior to submitting an application to the MSIB program. Students with previous plant physiological research experience in a horticulture and agriculture setting are especially encouraged to apply. Please include the following in your email: 1) A brief description of your research interests and motivation for pursuing an M.S. degree (i.e., cover letter) 2) Unofficial transcripts 3) Current C.V. or resume The deadline to apply to the KSU MSIB program is May 20th. Posted: 4/16/21.

Kent State University: The Costello Biogeochemistry Lab is recruiting at least 1 PhD student in Fall 2021 to study nutrient and trace metal limitation of stream biofilms. Three years of NSF-funded CAREER grant support is available with additional support for at least 1 additional year through the Department of Biological Sciences as a TA (12 month support). The PhD student will join a vibrant community of aquatic researchers at KSU and work with a team of collaborators at institutions within the Great Lakes region. This NSF-funded project will explore the prevalence, cause, and consequence of trace metal-nutrient co-limitation of algal biofilms in streams throughout the Great Lakes region. The project uses a combination of field sampling and experimentation from the patch to whole-stream scale to explore micronutrients as drivers of algal metabolism and growth. Ample flexibility will provide a PhD student freedom to develop independent research projects. I encourage applicants from historically excluded and underrepresented groups in science as well as scientists with interests in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in aquatic sciences. The project also includes opportunities to engage first-generation and low-income undergraduate and high school students through the KSU Upward Bound program. Prior undergraduate and/or masters level independent research experience is required and experience with ecosystem ecology or biogeochemistry is preferred. If interested in this position, please contact David Costello directly (dcostel3@kent.edu) and provide a CV or resume and a cover letter that briefly describes your background, expertise, and research interests. An official application must be submitted through KSU Admissions, and the admission deadline for Fall 2021 is Dec. 15 (Dec. 5 for international students). Posted: 9/17/20.

Louisiana State University: Research assistantships in Renewable Natural Resources are available starting Fall semester 2021. Students will work with Dr. Brett Wolfe at the School of Renewable Natural Resources at LSU in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Research will focus on how forest trees respond to environmental stresses. In the Southeastern United States, bottomland and upland forests provide globally important ecosystem services, yet they are impacted by local hydrologic modifications and extreme whether associated with climate change. The situation puts trees in novel conditions that challenge our ability to predict species-level performance and to manage for desired site characteristics. Students will develop projects that addresses these challenges by providing insights into the physiological processes that determine tree species performance during floods and droughts. Funding, including a competitive annual stipend and tuition waiver, is available for MS and PhD students through the LSU School of Renewable Natural Resources' Gilbert Foundation Research Assistantship. Qualifications: Applicants should be self-motivated and eager to learn about forest ecology and tree eco-physiology. An undergraduate degree and GRE test report are required. Research experience is preferred. For prospective PhD students, completion of an MS degree with a cumulative graduate GPA of 3.6 on a 4-point scale (or equivalent) is required. For prospective MS students, an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 overall and 3.25 (or equivalent) for last two years. GRE test score requirements are 310 overall and 153, 144, 4.0 on the verbal, quantitative and writing sections, respectively. For international students with English as a second language, minimum scores are TOEFL, 550 (paper-based exam), 213 (computer-based exam), 79 (internet-based exam); IELTS, 6.5; or Pearson (PTE), 59. Inquiries should be sent to Brett Wolfe (bwolfe@agcenter.lsu.edu). Email a letter of interest, CV including two references, and unofficial transcripts. Applications for the funding are due February 15, 2021. Posted: 2/8/21.

Louisiana State University: M.S. Graduate student opportunity at Watershed Hydrology Laboratory. I am inviting applications for a graduate position at MS level to work with me on carbon transport and transformation in aquatic systems. The research involves field sampling of the Mississippi River and an urban lake with a research focus on biogeochemical cycling of carbon, especially CO2 outgassing. Applicants should have a BS degree in earth science, environmental science, natural resources, or a closely related field. Successful applicants must have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 overall and 3.25 for last two years. Verbal and quantitative scores of the GRE should be at least 310 with at least 150 and 150 on the verbal and quantitative sections, respectively. The writing score must be at least a 4.0. Performance on the GRE will be evaluated in combination with GPA, letters of reference, and other evidence of the applicants’ potential success in pursuing a graduate degree. Expected starting date is the Spring 2021 semester. The available assistantship has a stipend of $17k per year. Interested applicants should send to me, Y. Jun Xu, Ph.D., (yjxu@lsu.edu) a copy of their CV, GPA and GRE scores, a written statement of graduate research interests, and contact information for three references. Posted: 10/8/20.

Louisiana State University: Two PhD Assistantships in evolutionary and microbial ecology. The Tan lab at the Department of Biological Sciences is seeking two PhD students to join us in the spring or fall of 2021. We use an integrative approach, including laboratory experiments, field observation, and data analysis, to explore a wide range of topics in ecology, including causes and consequences of biodiversity, community assembly, eco-evolutionary dynamics, species diversification, and plant-microbe interactions. We are specifically looking for candidates who are interested in one of the following topics. Adaptive radiation. High phenotypic diversity can emerge through adaptive radiation when various ecological opportunities are available. Due to their high large population size and short generation time, microbes can undergo rapid adaptive radiation. We use Pseudomonas fluorescens and microbes from plant and freshwater microbiomes as model organisms. We explore the mechanisms that determine the origins and maintenance of biodiversity in microbes. Plant-microbe interactions. Plants host diverse microbiomes. Because microbes can grow and evolve rapidly, ecological interactions, such as competition, predation, mutualism, and evolutionary changes, such as adaptation and diversification, can happen at the same time and strongly feedback on each other. We use aquatic plants and the associated microbiomes to explore the impacts of microbial eco-evolutionary dynamics on plants' morphology, physiology, and competitive fitness. The ideal candidates for the positions are expected to be highly self-motivated and have a general interest and some research experience in evolutionary biology, ecology, microbiology, or plant biology. Previous experience in aquatic ecology or microbial ecology is preferred, but not required. Interested students can send inquiries with CV, unofficial transcripts, and a brief statement of research experience and interests to Dr. Jiaqi Tan (jtan7@lsu.edu). Information about the graduate program in Biological Sciences. Posted: 9/17/20.

Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry: The International Max Planck Research School for Global Biogeochemical Cycles (IMPRS-gBGC) in Jena, Germany is looking for motivated young scientists who would like to pursue a career in Earth System Science. Please, see open projects and more information on how to apply. Deadline for applications is: February 28, 2021. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us. Posted: 1/28/21.

Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry: In cooperation with the Friedrich Schiller University Jena, the Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry houses a unique and flexible research program that grants German and foreign students a broad selection of learning opportunities while still maintaining a research focus. The International Max Planck Research School for Global Biogeochemical Cycles (IMPRS-gBGC) offers a PhD program specializing in global biogeochemistry and related Earth System sciences. See the detailed description of all open projects. Application deadline for these fully funded PhD positions is September 06, 2020. Pre-interviews via web conference will be carried out and promising candidates will be invited to take part in our recruitment symposium (November 02-04, 2020). Posted: 8/6/20.

Memorial University: Graduate Student Positions in Marine Habitat Mapping and Species Distribution Modeling. The 4D OCEANS Lab at the Marine Institute of Memorial University, St John’s, NL, Canada, is looking to recruit two graduate students (1 MSc, 1 PhD) with interest in marine habitat mapping and/or species distribution modelling. For more information, please Katleen Robert (Katleen.robert@mi.mun.ca) with a CV and a cover letter stating your main research interests. Closing date: January 15, 2021. Prospective start date: May 2021. Please visit: https://www.mi.mun.ca/graduateopportunities/. Posted: 9/11/20.

Michigan State University: We are recruiting two graduate students to work on projects related to PFAS contamination in fish. One position will involve laboratory work characterizing the bioaccumulation of PFAS in fish, and develop toxicokinetic models. The second position will involve exploring the impacts of PFAS on immune function in fish and linking AOP models to Disease Models. These positions are in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, at Michigan State University, and are projects based in the new Center for PFAS research at MSU. These opportunities will build empirical and modeling skills, as well as promote collaboration and networking skills. Depending on qualifications of the applicants, these opportunities could lead to either a Masters's or PhD level project. Please contact Cheryl Murphy (camurphy@msu.edu) for more details. Posted: 3/19/21.

Michigan State University: The Pechal Lab is looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic candidate for a Masters of Science (MS) program in the Department of Entomology. This funded graduate position will focus on the implementation of high-throughput omics, big data analytics (including machine learning), and molecular biology to evaluate and characterize decomposition dynamics. Anticipated Start Date: Fall 2021. The overall project goal is to better understand how microbial communities and their functions change using a survey of postmortem microbiomes. The primary goal is to analyze these postmortem microbiomes for their application during forensic investigation, including potential entomological sources. The successful candidate will be part of a project that involves a combination of molecular bench work, field work, metagenomics, bioinformatics, and statistical analysis. He/She/They will acquire highly desirable skills including the generation, curation, and analysis of high-throughput sequencing datasets. Requirements Include: A bachelor's degree in Entomology, Molecular Biology, Genomics, Bioinformatics, Microbiology, Ecology or relevant fields; Strong work ethic, problem solving capabilities, self-motivation, and independence; Strong organizational and time management skills; Strong teamwork and collaboration skills; Excellent writing and speaking communication; and although not required, the preferred candidate will have prior scientific research experience, programming experience (e.g., R or Python), and/or demonstrated scientific writing skills. Interested candidates should send an email with the following information to Dr. Pechal (pechalje@msu.edu) and "2021 Prospective MS Student" in the subject line: 1. A one-page cover letter describing research interests, career goals, and accomplishments; 2.CV; 3.Sample of scientific writing (e.g., undergraduate thesis, research paper developed during coursework, please reach out if you need ideas on what to send); 4. Unofficial transcript(s); and 5. Names and email addresses for three references. Please submit all application material no later than 1 May 2021. Posted: 2/8/21.

Michigan State University: Fellowships/assistantships are available for self-motivated students to pursue PhD degrees and conduct innovative and high-impact research in the Center for Systems Integration and Sustainability (CSIS). Applications are welcome from students with a variety of backgrounds and in a wide range of disciplines, such as anthropology, behavioral science, biology, computer science and engineering, conservation, data science, demography, ecology, economics, environmental science and engineering, geographic information science, geography, geosciences, land science, mathematics, remote sensing, sociology, statistics, sustainability science, and other related fields. Research topics may include telecoupling (telecoupling.org), sustainability science, UN Sustainable Development Goals, coupled human and natural systems, systems integration (e.g., integration of natural sciences such as ecology with social sciences such as economics, policy, and technology), biodiversity conservation, ecosystem services, food-energy-water-climate nexus, human well-being, forest and landscape ecology, global change, wildlife ecology and conservation, land change science, and computer modeling and simulation (e.g., agent-based modeling). Studies on these and other related topics by faculty and students at CSIS have been published in journals such as Science and Nature. With flexible start dates (e.g., spring, summer or fall of 2021), successful candidates can build on previous studies and explore new frontiers. Application materials include: (1) letter of application, (2) CV or resume, (3) academic statement, (4) personal statement, (5) transcripts, (6) GRE scores, (7) TOEFL scores (for non-native English speakers only), (8) list of 3 references (names and contact information), and (9) up to three representative publications if any. Unofficial copies of GRE, TOEFL and transcripts are OK initially. Applicants are encouraged to submit their application materials as soon as possible. Applications and questions about these opportunities should be emailed to: Professor Jianguo (Jack) Liu (liuji@msu.edu), Rachel Carson Chair in Sustainability, Center for Systems Integration and Sustainability, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48823-5243, USA. Posted: 9/17/20.

Michigan Technological University: A PhD position is available in my lab to join a multi-year NSF-funded project. In general, research in my lab seeks to understand the origin, maintenance, and changes of genetic, phenotypic and species diversity patterns and current projects are related to plant genome size evolution and ecology, species interactions (plant-herbivore-pathogen-pollinator-plant interactions), and invasive species biology. The overall premise of this funded project is to examine whether and how nutrient availabilities, disturbances, and plant genome size together contribute to the structuring of terrestrial biodiversity patterns from the molecular and functional attributes of organisms to multispecies assemblages. PhD student will combine field data from across the United States with phylogenetic modelling approaches to examine how changes in nutrient conditions, disturbance regimes, and species interactions affect functional traits and multispecies biodiversity patterns across sites that vary in multiple environmental factors. Student will also have the opportunity to work with national and international teaching and research collaborators, be involved in teaching workshops/activities to enhance scientific teaching and communication skills, and to develop complementary research projects. Funding for this position is provided for 4 years (stipend and tuition; including 3 years of GRA and 1 year of GTA). Candidates must have prior research experience in plant ecology and/or evolutionary biology and in working in field settings. Desired qualifications also include: an M.S. in ecology, evolutionary biology, plant sciences or a related discipline, an excellent academic record, a good quantitative background (including statistics), and strong writing and computing skills; skills in flow cytometry, with a Li-Cor machine, and/or in community phylogenetic methods are highly favored. Interested candidates should contact Dr. Erika Hersch-Green by email (eherschg@mtu.edu) and include a statement of research interest, an updated CV, and contact information for 3 references. Review of applicants will begin November 1st and preferred candidates will be contacted for an interview and encouraged to submit a formal application. I anticipate student starting mid-May to early June, although the start date is flexible. Posted: 10/8/20.

Michigan Technological University: We seek a graduate student with interests in conservation genetics, epigenetics and environmental toxicology to pursue a research project at Michigan Technological University. The overall goal of the project is to evaluate the epigenetic responses of lake trout exposure to mine tailings deposits ("Stamp Sands") endemic to Lake Superior's Keweenaw Peninsula region. The position will be responsible for characterizing the Lake Superior lake trout genome and epigenome, coordinating stamp sand exposure experiments, and participating in field sampling activities with state and federal agencies. Ideal candidates will have laboratory experience preferably in a genetics laboratory setting. Applicants should send 1) a letter of interest and qualifications, 2) a resume that includes contact information for two references, 3) GRE scores, and 4) transcripts (unofficial) to Dr. Gord Paterson (gpaterso@mtu.edu) and/or Dr. Kristin Brzeski (kbrzeski@mtu.edu). Position funding is available but qualified applicants will also be encouraged to apply for scholarships. We anticipate the student would officially apply to enroll for the fall semester, starting ideally September 2020 or possibly January 2021. International candidates are encouraged to apply but priority will be placed on US citizens and permanent residents. Posted: 8/6/20.

Michigan Technological University: The Forest Health Lab is seeking a Ph.D. candidate interested in earthworm ecology and maple decline. As a PhD student in our team, you will work towards the development of novel decline risk predictions for maple forest management in northern hardwoods forests. The position will be responsible for field data collection across the Upper Great Lakes region and modelling the impacts of exotic invasive earthworms on forest composition and tree health. The successful applicant will collaborate as an active member of a research group, but will also be self-motivated and comfortable working independently. We are looking for someone with good written communication, and computational skills. Prior experience participating in field research is desired. A MS or work experience in a related field is an advantage. Please contact Dr. Tara Bal at tlbal@mtu.edu for more information. To apply, please email Dr. Bal your CV and unofficial transcripts with a cover letter that includes a description of your research interests and previous research experience. Include contact information for at least one reference. It is anticipated that the applicant will submit an official application to the Graduate School and may start as early as the Fall Semester 2020. Though funding through the USDA Forest Service is available, qualified applicants may be encouraged to apply for scholarships. Posted: 7/16/20.

Mississippi State University: The Mississippi State University Coastal Conservation and Restoration Program and the Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve are seeking applicants for a research & outreach assistant position (M.S. or Ph.D. student) working under the co-direction of Eric Sparks at MSU and Kim Cressman at the Grand Bay NERR. The successful applicant will be a Mississippi State University (MSU) employee with full benefits and enrolled in the MSU graduate school program (either a M.S. or Ph.D. student), but stationed at the Grand Bay NERR in Moss Point, MS (6005 Bayou Heron Road, Moss Point, MS 39562). The primary purpose of this position is to conduct a bacterial source-tracking project in the Grand Bay NERR and surrounding waterbodies. The results of this project will improve understanding of the primary sources, magnitude, and timing of contaminant loading into the estuary and inform coastal and upstream management. The roles of this position fall into three categories: field, laboratory, and outreach/education. The first category involves assisting with a variety of coastal environmental monitoring activities from land and boat, including water quality, coastal wetlands and uplands, seagrass, fish, and invertebrates throughout the Grand Bay NERR. The second category involves completing various laboratory processing tasks using samples collected from the field. The third category involves helping with outreach and education events and developing materials to use at these events. Travel for field work and outreach events may be necessary. Application deadline is June 27th. More information and application. Posted: 6/11/21.

Mississippi State University: I am seeking motivated graduate students at either the Ph.D. or M.S. level who are interested in studying host-consumer interactions and the processes that govern persistence across multiple scales. My lab has employed mathematical and statistical models, as well as field studies to address patterns of host-disease persistence as well as plant-consumer interactions. Much of our field work has focused on biotic interactions of prickly pear cactus (Cactaceae: Opuntioideae: Opuntieae) across the southern United States, and landscape-scale patterns of herbivore infestation. I would encourage enthusiastic students to send a brief note of interest and introduction and a CV to Chris Brooks (cpbrooks@biology.msstate.edu). I work hard to provide an inclusive and welcoming lab that values both people and productivity. I am particularly interested in students from demographic groups that are underrepresented in ecology. Posted: 9/17/20.

Montana State University: The Ulrich lab in the Ecology Department is seeking an independent and motivated M.S. student to investigate physiological responses of high-elevation conifer species whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis), limber pine (Pinus flexilis), and Great Basin bristlecone pine (Pinus longaeva) to abiotic and biotic environmental stress and global change. More information. The M.S. position is supported for 2- years through teaching and research assistantships. The position begins August of 2021. Applications are due April 1, 2021. To apply, please send an email with the subject “Grad Student Application” to: Dr. Danielle Ulrich (ulrichlab@montana.edu) that contains the following: (1) one-page cover letter describing your academic and research experience, reasons for pursuing graduate school, your specific current research interests, and how your research interests fit the lab; (2) curriculum vitae; (3) email address and phone number for three references; and (4) unofficial copy of university transcripts. Inquiries about the position are welcome. Posted: 3/3/21.

Montana State University: We are seeking a M.S. student to use remote sensing and hydrological modeling to quantify the effect of whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis) on watershed hydrology to improve ecological understanding and projections of effects of whitebark pine mortality on snowpack and streamflow in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE). The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in plant or landscape ecology, forestry, watershed science, modeling, remote sensing, or related field; a considerable interest in computer modeling, remote sensing, quantitative analyses, and publishing in peer-reviewed journals; experience and enjoyment using R, GIS, and Microsoft Excel; strong attention to detail and written and oral communication skills; experience working both independently and collaboratively with others; and an interest in using science to inform management of stunningly beautiful places undergoing dramatic change. The M.S. position is supported for 2-3 years through teaching and research assistantships. The position begins June of 2021. Full job ad here: https://daniellemulrich.weebly.com/opportunities.html. To apply, please send, by January 6 2021, an email with the subject “Grad Student Application” to: Dr. Danielle Ulrich (danielle.ulrich@montana.edu), Dr. Brian Smithers (brian.smithers@montana.edu), and Dr. David Thoma (Dave_Thoma@nps.gov) that contains the following: (1) one-page cover letter describing your academic and research experience, reasons for pursuing graduate school, and your specific current research interests; (2) curriculum vitae; (3) email address and phone number for three references; and (4) unofficial copy of university transcripts. Posted: 12/10/20.

New Mexico State University: The Mabry and Orr laboratories in the Department of Biology are recruiting a graduate student(s) to participate in an NSF-funded project investigating the effects of animal movement and social behavior on disease dynamics, with a focus on bats and SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Candidates who have interests in and/or experience with social network analysis, movement ecology, disease ecology, and the behavior and ecology of bats are encouraged to apply. The admitted student(s) will participate in field work with bats of the desert southwest and will be expected to formulate a MS or PhD project that contributes to overall project goals. The student(s) will be co-advised by Drs. Mabry and Orr and will join a graduate program with strengths in animal behavior and disease ecology. Rabies vaccinations will be provided if needed. Start date is somewhat flexible, but the admitted student(s) are expected to begin no later than the fall semester of 2021. The priority application due date for fall 2021 admission to NMSU is 15 January 2021. We anticipate that selected students will be supported through a combination of research and teaching assistantships, including guaranteed summer support for the duration of the NSF grant. Interested individuals should direct a single email to both Dr. Mabry (kmabry@nmsu.edu) and Dr. Orr (teriorr@nmsu.edu) by 30 November 2020. Please include in your email a brief statement of interest and experience and attach a current CV, and include "bat movement study" in the subject line of your email. Promising candidates will be contacted for a Zoom interview and encouraged to submit a full application for admission to the NMSU Graduate School. Posted: 10/8/20.

New Mexico State University: A Graduate Research Assistantship in algal biology is available under the advisement of Dr. Alina Corcoran in the Molecular Biology Program. The successful applicant will work on algal biology and ecology projects, with opportunities to (1) study field-reared cultures of the microalga Nannochloropsis and (2) work with industrial partners. The student will obtain their Ph.D. degree through the Molecular Biology Program, an interdisciplinary degree program. The position is available as early as Spring 2021. 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 cultures is a plus). Interested individuals should email a cover letter, CV, unofficial transcripts, and GRE scores in a single PDF file to Dr. Corcoran at alina.corcoran@outlook.com. If there is a good fit, applicants will be required to apply to the Molecular Biology Program by October 15th for admission in the Spring 2021 and by December 15th for admission in the Fall 2021. Posted: 9/11/20.

New Mexico Tech: The Duval Lab housed in the Biology Department at New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (New Mexico Tech) is recruiting a Master's student to work on a funded project related to grassland restoration in the northern Chihuahuan Desert. Work has already begun with the Bureau of Land Management to treat creosote-dominated shrub lands with the aim of grassland restoration. The student will have latitude to develop a novel thesis project that fits within this broad scope. Our lab has instrumentation for measuring greenhouse gases from soil, nutrient analysis in soil and plant tissue, and access to qPCR, stable isotope analysis and ICP-MS for elemental quantification. We also work closely with the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences and the NM Bureau of Geology. Given that our lab routinely works with Sandia National Laboratory, US citizens are encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to students with strong chemistry backgrounds and quantitative skills. Please visit duvalecology.org to learn more about our lab BEFORE submitting. 1)letter/email of interest 2)contact information for 2 references to: benjamin.duval@nmt.edu. Posted: 8/14/20.

North Carolina State University: Research Assistantships available for two outstanding PhD students to pursue projects at the intersection of forest health genomics and chemical ecology at NCSU in Raleigh, North Carolina (United States). The Christmas Tree Genetics lab integrates functional and quantitative genomics approaches to rapidly facilitate the development of novel conifer genotypes through breeding and genome editing approaches with enhanced resilience to pests and pathogens. The two available PhD positions will develop new knowledge and genomic resources for the conifer species Fraser fir. Fraser fir is an endangered conifer that forms the foundation of a $125 mil Christmas tree industry for the state of North Carolina. Selection of students will be based on academic achievements, reference letters, and previous research experience. Strong verbal, written, and computational skills are essential. Excellent oral communications skills are also necessary for success in these positions as the students will be expected to give regular updates as part of contributions to the NCSU extension program. Tuition, fees, health insurance and a competitive Graduate Assistantship stipend is offered with opportunities for additional assistance. Both positions are available to start in the Summer (June – August) of 2021. Applicants must meet the entrance requirements for the NCSU Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources. Interested candidates should email the following information no later than January 15, 2021: (1) an unofficial copy of transcripts, (2) curriculum vitae or resume, (3) a 1-page cover letter/statement of research interests in the area of conifer genomics and/or conifer-insect interactions, (4) GRE scores (if available but not required), and (5) the names and contact information of three referees, to Dr. Justin G. A. Whitehill, Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources. Email: jwhiteh2@ncsu.edu. Additional information can be obtained via email or phone. Phone: (919)-515-5851. Twitter - @whitehilljustin. Posted: 1/5/21.

Northeastern University: The Three Seas Master of Science in Marine Biology Program is now accepting applications on a rolling basis for Fall 2021. A Master’s in marine biology from Northeastern University gives graduates the hands-on experiential learning needed to succeed in a career in Marine Biology. This signature program provides graduate students the opportunity to study marine biology in three different marine environments: 1. New England at the Northeastern University Marine Science Center (Nahant, MA) 2. Caribbean at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (Bocas del Toro, Panama) 3. Pacific Northwest at Friday Harbor Laboratories (San Juan Island, Washington) The program culminates in a mentored research project that students can conduct anywhere, offering them flexibility in their research goals. This is a unique opportunity for students to live and work in the environments that they are studying and explore three diverse ecosystems through field-intensive courses in marine biology and ocean science. The program is SCUBA intensive, and students complete an average of 70 dives over the course of 15 months! Interested in Three Seas? Email Andrea (Program Manager) at a.jerabek@northeastern.edu and APPLY HERE. Posted: 9/14/20.

Northern Arizona University: Are you passionate about ecology and data science? NAU's Informatics PhD program with an emphasis in Ecological and Environmental Informatics integrates informatics (data science, computing, statistical analysis, synthesis, modeling) ecology, environmental and climate science, and other disciplines to address pressing global issues. NAU is located in the scenic mountain town of Flagstaff, AZ with access to outdoor recreation, a vibrant community, and dedicated faculty doing internationally renowned research. Our T3 option, funded through a National Science Foundation Research Traineeship (NRT) award, aims to train students in team science and science communication as they gain expertise in Ecological and Environmental Informatics, and to prepare trainees for a diverse range of career paths. Fellowships ($34k/year stipend, tuition benefits, health insurance, for 1-2 years) are available for outstanding applicants; we strongly encourage applications from women and members of underrepresented minority groups. Additional funding is available via research and teaching assistantships. All funded students receive a tuition waiver. Exceptional early applicants may be eligible for supplemental funding through NAU’s Presidential Fellowship. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the final (Graduate College) deadline on January 1, 2021. For full funding consideration, we recommend applying during the Fall 2020 semester; prospective students should apply to the Informatics and Computing (INF) program, and explicitly indicate interest in the EEI T3 program within the personal statement. We strongly encourage interested students to contact prospective faculty mentors or the T3 Program Coordinator (Dr. Kimberly Samuels-Crow, Kimberly.Samuels@nau.edu). Posted: 10/8/20.

Ohio University: A graduate student (MS) position is available to start January 2022 as part of a DOE-Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy funded research project: Combined Nitrogen and Phosphorus Recovery via Electrochemical Technology Integration into Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plants. The research focus will investigate the effectiveness of recovered nutrients as a fertilizer and its impact on soil quality and plant growth. The ideal candidate will be broadly trained in the natural sciences, but should have an interest in agriculture, plant biology, soil fertility, sustainability, or a related field. Application review begins August 23rd. For more details, please contact Dr. Jared DeForest (deforest@ohio.edu) in the Department of Environmental and Plant Biology. Posted: 6/17/21.

Ohio University: We are looking for 2 capable students to join our Forest Ecology research team at the Masters or PhD level in the Department of Environmental and Plant Biology. Position 1: The student will use various tracking and experimental methods to explore seed dispersal and the dispersal of herbaceous species by animals across a range of scales. Demographic models will be paired with micro-environmental heterogeneity to compare the roles of disturbance history, animal behavior, physical gradients, and plant life history in shaping species distributions at the population and landscape scale. Position 2: The student will work on population dynamics of the urban forest. Remote sensing and ground truthing will be used to characterize change in urban tree communities through decades and centuries, comparing tree demography across gradients of urban development and land ownership. Both: In addition to research commitments, students take courses and serve as teaching assistants in the Department of Environmental and Plant Biology. The positions are fully funded including tuition waivers. Applicants should have a GPA of at least 3.2 and an average GRE score above the 60th percentile. A strong work ethic, quantitative skills, and the ability work independently are essential. Applicants should be physically fit and capable of field work under less-than-ideal conditions. Previous field experience is desirable. The positions will begin in Summer or Fall of 2020; applications must be received by January 15. Application procedures. If you are interested please contact Glenn Matlack at Matlack@ohio.edu. Posted: 11/25/20.

Oklahoma State University: The Zhang Lab in the Department of Integrative Biology is keen to recruit two bright and highly motivated graduate students (one M.S. and one Ph.D.) to join our lab for Spring 2022. Our lab is interested in understanding and predicting how global changes and anthropogenic disturbances affect ecological dynamics at regional and global scales via scaling up individual behaviors and interactions between organisms and environments. We use a wide range of approaches, including long-term field data, greenhouse/laboratory experiments, and mathematical modeling. We are currently interested in two main projects: 1) How do climate and anthropogenic factors drive biological invasions? and 2) How does modeling movement project ecological dynamics at large scales? Students will also be encouraged to develop their projects under the lab's general interest. 1. Salary/Benefit: Graduate students are supported by teaching assistantships, research assistantships, or fellowships. Graduate teaching assistantship are readily available, and the 9-month stipend is $19,944 (for M.S. students) and $23,175 (for Ph.D. students). 2. Qualifications: Applicants should have: 1) A B.S. in biology, ecology, or a related field; 2) An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher. Desired qualifications include: 1) Experience in greenhouse studies, especially in the soil microbiome; or 2) Laboratory experience with the nematode worm, C. elegans; and 3) Willingness to learn computer programming skills. 3. Applications: If you are interested in working with me, I strongly recommend that you reach out to me before applying for graduate study. Applicants must create a single PDF with the name containing the first and last name of applicant. Send the PDF to Dr. Bo Zhang by email to: bozhang@okstate.edu before September 15, 2021. The PDF must contain: 1) A brief research interest; 2) Curriculum Vitae or resume; and 3) Names and contact information for three professional references. We no longer require GRE scores. Posted: 6/11/21.

Oklahoma State University: Zhai Lab is looking for a highly motivated M.S. student to study forest productivity under drought disturbance in the Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater. In this project, students will learn to use statistical models and remote sensing analysis to determine forest productivity dynamics during drought. Salary/Benefit: A graduate stipend of $18,900 annually, tuition waiver, and health insurance at $20 per month (for student only, family coverage available for an additional fee). Starting Date: June or August 2021. Qualifications: Applicants should have: (1) A B.S. in natural resources (forestry, rangeland, or agriculture), ecology, botany, geography, or a related field; (2) An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher. Desired qualifications include: (1) Experience or coursework in statistical analysis; (2) Interest in plant ecology; (2) Willingness to learn computer programming skills. Previous programming and quantitative analysis background are very helpful. Applicants must create a single PDF with the name containing the first and last name of applicant. Send the PDF to Dr. Lu Zhai (lu.zhai@okstate.edu). The PDF must contain: (1) A 1 or 2-page letter of interest stating motivation to pursue an M.S. degree and research experiences and interests; (2) Curriculum Vitae including GPA, GRE, and TOEFL/IELTS scores (international students only); (3) Three references: names, emails, and connection with references (i.e., if you participated in a specific project with one reference, please add the project title or topic), (4) Unofficial college transcript and GRE transcript. Closes: 5/15/2021. Posted: 5/4/21.

Oklahoma State University: Zhai Lab is looking for a highly motivated M.S. student to study drought impacts on species invasion in the Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater. This project will integrate multiple approaches, including greenhouse experiment, vegetation model, stable isotope analysis, functional trait analysis, and meta-analysis. Salary/Benefit: A graduate stipend of $18,900 annually, tuition waiver, and health insurance at $20 per month (for student only, family coverage available for an additional fee). Starting Date: summer or fall 2021 (summer and fall semester begins in June and August, respectively). Qualifications: Applicants should have: (1) A B.S. in natural resources (forestry, rangeland, or agriculture), ecology, botany, geography, or a related field; (2) An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher. Desired qualifications include: (1) Experience or coursework in statistical analysis or greenhouse experiment; (2) Interest in plant ecology; (2) Willingness to work in greenhouse and learn computer programming skills. Previous programming and quantitative analysis background are very helpful. Applicants must create a single PDF with the name containing the first and last name of applicant. Send the PDF to Dr. Lu Zhai (lu.zhai@okstate.edu). The PDF must contain: (1) A 1 or 2-page letter of interest stating motivation to pursue an M.S. degree and research experiences and interests; (2) Curriculum Vitae including GPA, GRE, names, and emails for three references, and TOEFL/IELTS scores (international students only); (3) Unofficial transcripts. Closes: 3/31/2021. Posted: 3/17/21.

Oklahoma State University: Zhai Lab is looking for a M.S. student to study forest production dynamics under drought disturbance in the Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater. Our lab is interested in understanding vegetation dynamics by integrating multiple approaches: statistical- and process-based vegetation model, stable isotope analysis, functional trait analysis, and remote sensing. Salary/Benefit: A graduate stipend of $18,900 annually, tuition waiver, and health insurance at $20 per month (for student only, family coverage available for an additional fee). Starting Date: summer or fall 2021 (summer and fall semester begins in June and August, respectively). Qualifications: Applicants should have: (1) A B.S. in natural resources (forestry, rangeland, or agriculture), ecology, botany, geography, or a related field; (2) An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher. Desired qualifications include: (1) Experience or coursework in statistical analysis or greenhouse experiment; (2) Interest in plant ecology; (2) Willingness to learn computer programming skills. Previous programming and quantitative analysis background are very helpful. Applicants must create a single PDF with the name containing the first and last name of applicant. Send the PDF to Dr. Lu Zhai (lu.zhai@okstate.edu). The PDF must contain: (1) A 1 or 2-page letter of interest stating motivation to pursue an M.S. degree and research experiences and interests; (2) Curriculum Vitae including GPA, GRE, names, and emails for three references, and TOEFL/IELTS scores (international students only); (3) Unofficial transcripts. Closes: 3/31/2021. Posted: 3/17/21.

Oklahoma State University: We are seeking one PhD student and one MS student to work on the ecology and productivity of hybrid and native sweetgum stands in southeastern Oklahoma, eastern Texas, and northeastern Louisiana. The research is funded by USDA-NIFA’s SunGrant and involves collaboration with Louisiana State University and private landowners. The successful candidates will work as a team to 1) measure the productivity, stand structure, and canopy dynamics of novel sweetgum stands planted across southeastern Oklahoma and northern Texas, 2) use drone imagery and terrestrial LiDAR to study the relationship between canopy structure, productivity, and biodiversity, and 3) use machine learning, deep learning, and other cutting-edge modeling methods to determine the feasibility of using hybrid plantations across the region as a biofuel feedstock and its potential for carbon sequestration. We are looking for two students and specific research objectives will be partitioned based on student interest. The positions provide graduate research assistantship (GRA) plus benefits ($16,500 for MS and $20k for PhD). Benefits include tuition waiver and student health insurance at $20 per month (for student only, family coverage available for an additional fee). Anticipated start date is June or August 2021. Qualifications: BS (MS preferred for PhD position) in plant ecology, forestry, natural resources, or related degree, minimum GPA of 3.0 (A = 4.0), and GRE scores. To apply contact Dr. Rodney Will (rodney.will@okstate.edu), Dr. Bryan Murray (bryan.murray@okstate.edu), and/or Dr. Lu Zhai (lu.zhai@okstate.edu). Review of applicants will begin March 10, 2021.

Oklahoma State University: Zhai Lab in the Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management is looking for two highly motivated students to join ongoing projects in our lab, including species invasion and forest production dynamics under climate change and management. Our lab is interested in understanding plant dynamics by integrating multiple approaches: statistical- and process-based vegetation model, stable isotope analysis, functional trait analysis, and remote sensing. Salary/Benefit: A graduate stipend of $18,900 annually, tuition waiver, and health insurance at $20 per month (for student only, family coverage available for an additional fee). Starting Date: summer or fall 2021 (summer and fall semester begins in June and August, respectively). Qualifications: Applicants should have: (1) A B.S. in natural resources (forestry, rangeland, or agriculture), ecology, botany, geography, or a related field; (2) An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher. Desired qualifications include: (1) Experience or coursework in statistical analysis or greenhouse experiment; (2) Interest in plant ecology; (2) Willingness to learn computer programming skills. Previous programming and quantitative analysis background are very helpful. Applicants must create a single PDF with the name containing the first and last name of applicant. Send the PDF to Dr. Lu Zhai (lu.zhai@okstate.edu). The PDF must contain: (1) A 1 or 2-page letter of interest stating motivation to pursue an M.S. degree and research experiences and interests; (2) Curriculum Vitae including GPA, GRE, names and emails for three references, and TOEFL/IELTS scores (international students only); (3) Unofficial transcripts. Posted: 1/14/21.

Oklahoma State University: We are looking for motivated graduate students (one M.S. student and one Ph.D. student) to join our labs at the Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management to study the impact of different land use and vegetation change on ecosystem carbon dynamics and water use within the grassland and forest transition zone - the Cross-timbers of the south-central Great Plains. These are fully funded positions by NSF and Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science. Students will join in a larger, multi-institutional team focusing on terrestrial water and carbon dynamics. Specifically, the goals are to continue and expand the ongoing field-based studies on ecosystem carbon dynamics and water budgeting for the native prairie, prairie undergoing woody encroachment, and oak forest using the paired experimental watershed approach and the eddy covariance technique. In addition, the students will extend the site-specific measurements to regional projection using remote sensing technologies or ecohydrological models. These projections will be used to assess trade-offs between regional carbon sequestration potential and water resource availability across a wide precipitation gradient and evaluate its interaction with seasonal and sub-seasonal climate variabilities. The applicants are expected to have a background in forestry, range science, soil science, or a related field. Additionally, experience with field data collection, operating field instruments, particularly the eddy covariance systems, and data analysis are desirable. We expect the M.S. position to start in the spring of 2021 and the Ph.D. position to begin in the summer or fall of 2021. Please send a letter of interest, CV, unofficial transcript, GRE scores if any, and the names and contact of three references to Dr. Chris Zou (chris.zou@okstate.edu). Submissions will be considered as they are received but are due no later than 30 November 2020. Posted: 10/26/20.

Oklahoma State University: I am recruiting 1-2 graduate students to join my lab beginning August 2021. If your passions involve plant, insects, and fungi, the BachelotLab is for you! Research in the lab is focused on plant demography, species interactions, coexistence, and global change biology, with emphasis on plants, insects, and fungi. Current projects are examining: - effects of enemies (herbivores, pathogens, etc.) and mutualists on plant communities - effects of altered climate on species interactions and coexistence - roles played by enemies and mutualists along succession - coexistence theory. Incoming students will be expected to develop an independent research program within these or related areas. A major theme of the lab is combining field observations, theoretical methods, and genomic approaches to tackle ecological questions. Prospective students with strong quantitative skills and experience or interest in theoretical ecology and theory/data interface are especially encouraged to apply. The Department of Plant Biology, Ecology and Evolution is home to a collegial and vibrant community of scholars. We have an unusually strong concentration of faculty and students studying the plant biology from the molecular to the ecosystem scales. Applicants should contact me directly (benedicte.bachelot@okstate.edu) and provide the following: (1) a paragraph describing your academic background, including any research experience and a statement about why you want to earn a graduate degree, (2) a paragraph describing the type(s) of research you would like to pursue as a graduate student and how your research interests would fit the lab, (3) CV, (4) undergraduate transcripts, and (5) contact information (name, institution, email, and phone) for 2-3 references. Please contact me (benedicte.bachelot@okstate.edu) if you would like additional information. Posted: 9/30/20.

Oklahoma State University: The Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management is seeking a MS student to become part of a project that is investigating how drought, temperature, and seasonal variability affects foliar moisture in plant species from across Oklahoma, and how this relates to vegetation greenness. The student will conduct field work, a greenhouse experiment, and contribute to the development of an empirical model to forecast live fuel moisture content. The position is budgeted for two years beginning January 2021 and includes a graduate stipend of $19k annually, tuition waiver, and health insurance at $20 per month (for student only, family coverage available for an additional fee). Applicants should have a B.S. in plant science, ecology, forestry, or a related field, with a GPA of 3.0 (A = 4.0) and have taken the GRE. Desired qualifications include experience conducting field research and/or greenhouse experiments, and an interest in improving wildfire risk predictions. Interested individuals should contact Dr. Bryan Murray (bryan.murray@okstate.edu). To apply, please send via email a brief letter of interest, CV (including GPA, GRE scores, and contact information for three references), and unofficial transcripts to Dr. Murray. Review of applications will begin October 2, 2020. Posted: 9/23/20.

Oregon State University: MS graduate research assistantship (GRA) in the Department of Crop and Soil Science. The GRA position is located at Hermiston Agricultural Research and Extension Center (HAREC), Hermiston, OR. The student will work with a multi-disciplinary team that includes researchers in the fields of agronomy, soil science, breeding, and plant physiology. The focus of the research will be nutrient/water management and soil health for irrigated crops (e.g., potato, wheat, alfalfa, and dry beans). The student will take the required coursework hours at the main campus of OSU in Corvallis and carry out the research activities in HAREC. Qualifications: Preferred applicants will have an undergraduate degree in Agronomy, Soil Science, Irrigation, Crop Physiology, Environmental Science or a related field, some research experiences, and a GPA of 3.0 or greater. The position provides a competitive stipend, plus tuition and benefits. It is a NNF grant funded position, so US citizenship is required. Interested candidates may send a single pdf file containing (1) a cover letter describing research experience and interests, (2) CV, (3) unofficial transcripts, (4) contact information of three references to Dr. Ruijun Qin (ruijun.qin@oregonstate.edu). Posted: 3/25/21.

Pennsylvania State University: We are seeking an individual to pursue a Ph.D. in fish landscape genomics. Anticipated start date: Fall 2021. The student will take the lead in two projects: 1) a riverscape genetics project characterizing the population connectivity and invasion dynamics of flathead catfish, and 2) a landscape transcriptomics project connecting brook trout gill transcriptomes to landscape variables such as water temperature. Several large genomic datasets will be available at the start and there will be opportunities to participate in further field collections of tissue samples, work on DNA and RNA extractions, develop better methods for analyzing the data, and develop experiments to validate the transcriptomic results. The student will be co-advised by Dr. Ty Wagner and Dr. Jason Keagy and be expected to contribute to an inclusive and equitable lab group. Competitive candidates will be highly motivated to both work with fish and analyze large genomic datasets. They will possess a B.S. and/or M.S. in Biology, Ecology, Wildlife and Fisheries, Zoology, Natural Resources, or related field. Individuals with a degree in Bioinformatics, Computer Science, or similar with a strong interest in wildlife biology would also be extremely competitive. Experience with R and bioinformatics and/or computer programming is preferred, but not essential. However, because much of the research will involve bioinformatic analyses of large genomic datasets, candidates will need to demonstrate strong interest and desire to learn about this topic. We particularly welcome applications from under-represented groups in wildlife and fisheries management and ecology. To apply: Send a single PDF that includes a brief cover letter outlining experience and research interests, curriculum vitae, unofficial university transcripts (a list of relevant coursework and grades is acceptable), and contact information for two references to Dr. Jason Keagy at keagy@psu.edu. Applications will be accepted until April 19th. Posted: 3/25/21.

Purdue University: Agroecology (1 Msc, 1 PhD) Two graduate research assistantships are available in the Hoagland Agroecology and Soil Microbiology Lab located in the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture. One student will participate in a large multistate, multidisciplinary project aimed at managing diseases in organic tomato production systems. Specifically, they will investigate factors affecting the development of disease suppressive soils and survival of individual microbial isolates with suppressive activity, and contribute to a project investigating how tomato breeding strategies influence beneficial plant-microbial relationships. The other student will participate in a statewide effort investigating relationships between soil management and the nutritional quality and safety of vegetables grown on urban farms. Factors affecting the bioavailability of heavy metals and survival of foodborne pathogens in these systems will be emphasized. Ideal candidates for these positions will have an academic background in soil science, microbiology, ecology, plant pathology, horticulture and/or food science, experience conducting laboratory assays to characterize the composition and activity of soil and plant-associated microbial communities, and interest in engaging with growers through outreach and participatory research activities. Interested candidates should send an email to Lori Hoagland (lhoaglan@purdue.edu) describing their background, why they are interested in these topics and how a graduate program in this area would help them achieve their long-term career goals. Posted: 10/26/20.

Purdue University: PhD student positions: Fish and Aquatic Ecology, Department of Forestry and Natural Resources. Closing Date: August 15, 2020. We have openings in the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources for 3 PhD students starting January 2021. Selected students will be supported on research assistantships and will develop PhD research projects that address important management issues in the Great Lakes. Examples include assessing the ecological effects of eutrophication in nearshore habitats in Lake Superior, projecting climate change impacts on larval fish dispersal in Lake Michigan and understanding how seasonal hypoxia influences fish distribution and movement patterns in Lake Erie. Successful applicants will have experience with or strong interest in developing statistical and process models with the goal of informing fisheries and ecosystem management. An ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally with a variety of agencies and collaborators is also strongly desired. To express interest please send a copy of your CV or resume, a letter of interest describing your qualifications for the positions, names and contact information of three references, and unofficial transcripts. Submission of unofficial GRE test reports is optional. Contact pcolling@purdue.edu, Tomas Höök (thook@purdue.edu). Posted: 6/30/20.

Rice University: PhD student opening in tropical ecology, community ecology, macroecology & conservation. The Beaudrot Lab in the Department of BioSciences is looking for a new PhD student to begin Fall 2021 in the Graduate Program in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology. The Rice EEB graduate program does not require GRE scores and there is no application fee for US based applicants. We use observational data and quantitative approaches to investigate questions at the interface of ecological theory and conservation biology. Major aims of the lab are to identify the mechanisms that structure tropical vertebrate communities across spatial scales, to understand how tropical mammals and birds respond to global change, and to apply results to biodiversity conservation. We are particularly interested in individuals who have prior experience with or an interest in developing stills in machine learning and/or remote sensing. Prospective students should contact Dr. Lydia Beaudrot (Beaudrot@umich.edu) with a description of your background, research interests and CV. The deadline for applications is December 31st and more information can be found at https://biosciences.rice.edu/ecology-and-evolutionary-biology-graduate-program. Posted: 11/25/20.

Sonoma State University: Two M.S. positions available in the Bentley Lab starting in Spring 2021 (applications due Oct 31, 2020) or Fall 2021 (applications due Dec 15, 2020). Students will work on grant-funded projects related to remote sensing (terrestrial laser scanning and drones) of forests in Northern CA to investigate effects of forest management and wildfire on forest structure, carbon accounting and modeling of future wildfire risk. Those who are interested should email Dr. Bentley (lisa.bentley@sonoma.edu) with a CV and description of: 1) research interests, 2) experience with field work and 3) skills related to spatial data processing, modeling, or coding (e.g., ArcGIS, R, python, Pix4D, etc) to discuss the position before applying. Posted: 9/17/20.

Southern Illinois University: Graduate Research Assistantships in Water and Soil Quality. The Forestry program at SIU announces the availability of a M.S. research assistantship beginning May or August 2021. The assistantship include annual stipends of ~$18k and a tuition waiver. Successful candidates will join a team of researchers and graduate students led by Jon E. Schoonover and Karl W.J. Williard. The team is looking for a candidate to investigate water and soil quality responses to Water and Sediment Control Basins in agricultural watersheds. Assistantships are funded through grants from the Illinois Nutrient Research and Education Council. Research will include significant field and laboratory components. Qualified applicants should possess a bachelor's degree in soil science, agronomy, forestry, environmental science, chemistry, biology, or a related discipline. The position will require a valid driver's license. Please email a letter of interest, resume, and GRE scores (if available) to Dr. Jon Schoonover, jschoon@siu.edu by March 31, 2021 for full consideration. Contact Dr. Schoonover with any questions at 618-453-7468. Posted: 3/19/21.

SUNY ESF: Ruth Yanai is seeking new graduate students (MS or PhD) to participate in a large collaborative project investigating above and belowground carbon allocation, nutrient cycling, and tradeoffs involved in multiple resource allocation. The Multiple Element Limitation in Northern Hardwood Ecosystems (MELNHE) project has field sites located at Hubbard Brook, Jeffers Brook, and Bartlett Experimental Forests in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Since 2011, thirteen stands have received full-factorial N x P treatments annually in 0.25-ha plots, with six stands treated with Ca. Research in the MELNHE project has included aboveground diameter growth, leaf production by species, foliar nutrient resorption, soil respiration, soil mineralization, beech bark disease, mycorrhizae, and snail and arthropod diversity. Prospective students could follow up on those topic areas or supply ideas for research in new areas in the context of the MELNHE project. QUERCA (Quantifying Uncertainty Estimates and Risk for Carbon Accounting) is a new project, building on the strengths of QUEST (Quantifying Uncertainty in Ecosystem Studies). The goal of QUERCA is to develop and disseminate peer-reviewed tools and approaches for error propagation for use by carbon accounting technicians and researchers, especially those in tropical countries seeking support from REDD+ to reduce deforestation and forest degradation for climate mitigation. QUERCA will help support students working in the MELNHE project who are interested in contributing to this effort. We welcome inquiries from prospective students interested in forest ecology, nutrient cycling, and uncertainty analysis. Applicants should be self-motivated, excited to work as part of a multi-investigator project, have laboratory and field experience, and be comfortable living and working in a group setting. A field crew blog from previous years is available at https://shoestringproject.wordpress.com/. Ideally, new students join us at the start of the summer field season at the beginning of June, so as to become familiar with the field sites and our research activities before starting classes in late August. Funding will consist of a combination of research and teaching assistantships. A stipend, full tuition waiver, health insurance, and a summer position with the field crew in New Hampshire will be provided. Prospective students may apply to the Department of Sustainable Resources Management or the Graduate Program in Environmental Science, both at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY. We appreciate communicating with students as part of the application process. Students are encouraged to review MELNHE (and QUEST) data to begin thinking about how they might contribute to the project. Prospective students should begin that conversation by requesting the password for Ruth's project materials from Mary Hagemann at forestecology@esf.edu. Posted: 9/30/20.

Stockholm University: we are currently recruiting a PhD student to work on plant-soil interactions in permafrost systems. The research plan might include field work, lab experiments and modelling, and there is plenty of opportunity for the student to shape the direction. Details and how to apply. Deadline is 23 April. Posted: 3/25/21.

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences: We are looking for two enthusiastic PhD students to work on thresholds and tipping points to global warming in the ERC-funded project THRESHOLD at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences in Umeå. Position 1 will broadly focus on temperature effects on functional trait composition of plant and soil communities (microbes, nematodes, and other groups of soil fauna). For this, you will use forest-alpine and forest-tundra ecotones (from woody- to herbaceous-dominated vegetation) which cover temperature gradients on par with expected global warming scenarios. In the field, you will link the trait composition of plant and soil communities to ecosystem functions, in particular carbon and nutrient cycling. You will also use temperature-controlled climate chambers for mesocosm studies using plant and soil material collected from the field. This may include soil sterilization and re-inoculation approaches. The scope of this PhD project is deliberately broad, and is adaptable to suit the specific interests of the student that is appointed. This project would be ideal for anyone intending to specialize in community ecology, ecosystem ecology, plant ecology, or soil ecology. Position 2 will focus on community and individual species responses to shifts in temperature, with special attention to the role of soil biota in shaping plant response functions. You will explicitly look at the soil organisms most intimately associated with plant roots, i.e., mycorrhizal fungi and root pathogens. You will measure temperature response functions for physiological processes underlying the plant’s carbon-nutrient balance. Here, you will also study responses to ‘extreme temperatures’ (as in heatwaves). These studies will be largely lab-based using state-of-the-art climate chambers and temperature gradient systems, but with the possibility of a field-based component. Both positions are fully funded for a period of 4 years, with a starting date between 1 October 2021 and 1 January 2022. We welcome your application no later than 2 August 2021. See the links above to apply. For more information, please contact Paul Kardol: paul.kardol@slu.se. Posted: 6/11/21.

Tarleton State University: Starting Fall 2020 or Spring 2021, the Parasitology Lab at Tarleton State University in Stephenville, TX is seeking an excellent graduate student to examine trematode prevalence in freshwater mussels in river systems of north central Texas. The two-year project, in collaboration with Texas A&M Agrilife, will involve sampling mussels in rivers, assessing infection in the field, tag and release of mussels, necropsy, and identification of trematodes via morphological and genetic techniques. Morphological identification will involve fixing, preserving, staining and mounting larval trematodes, and may include illustrating specimens using a microscope and drawing tube. Molecular identification will involve DNA extraction, PCR, and sequencing. The student will take graduate level courses as advised, such as Biological Scientific Writing, Parasitology, Aquatic Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, Conservation Biology, Research Design and Analysis, Seminar, and Thesis. The successful candidate will be supported with a summer research stipend of $1,350/month plus insurance for 3 months. In addition, the student may also be considered for a graduate assistantship with the Department of Biological Sciences to teach 20 hours/week in biology laboratories and receive a stipend of $1,200/month plus insurance during the 9-month academic year. To be considered, send pdf files of a cover letter, resume and unofficial copy of your undergraduate transcript as email attachments to Dr. Kristin Herrmann (herrmann@tarleton.edu) by September 1, 2020. Posted: 8/6/20.

Technion Institute of Technology: Urban Ecology, Public Health, and Environmental Psychology. As part of an innovative ERC-funded research project on Nature-based solutions, Professor Assaf Shwartz is looking for a Ph.D. student and a Postdoc to join the Human and Biodiversity (HUB) lab at the Technion Institute of Technology (Israel). The project Niche4NbS will develop a new methodology to plan Nature-based solutions that maximize social and ecological benefits. It will use nature dose-response experiments to establish the functional relationships between different types of nature-based solutions and well-being measures and adapt niche modeling tools to jointly map social and ecological outcomes. The work will thus contribute to bridge the gaps between ecology and social sciences and to develop the theoretical bases of new approaches to sustainable urban planning. We are looking for highly motivated and creative thinkers candidates with a strong quantitative and analytical background who are interested in addressing the human dimension in conservation science. We are seeking one Ph.D. and one post-doc with background and expertise in social sciences, notably environmental psychology, public health or related fields . In addition, we are looking for one Ph.D. student with an interest and background in quantitative landscape ecology and conservation planning. The positions will start from spring 2021, or as soon as possible hereafter. Application deadline is mid-January 2021. Review of applications will begin on 1st of January. For details, please see: https://shwartzlab.net.technion.ac.il/new_positions/. Posted: 12/10/20. Chestnut-bellied scaled quail have experienced distribution-wide declines in recent decades and currently occupy a smaller portion of their historic range. Although the mechanistic causes of this decline are unknown, habitat loss and fragmentation resulting from land-use changes may be contributing factors. Moreover, these relationships may be context and scale specific, leading to increased uncertainty of large-scale changes in chestnut-bellied scaled quail populations. We are seeking 1 Ph.D. student to conduct research modeling chestnut-bellied scaled quail population performance in relation to spatio-temporal landscape changes throughout their distribution in South Texas. Furthermore, the successful candidate will develop models to determine changes in landscape function related to biotic and abiotic variables, and determine regional variation in these patterns. The successful candidate with have access to long-term spatial and population trend datasets which will require knowledge in coding, data processing, and statistical skills. Additionally, the successful applicant will be encouraged to work with the Principle Investigator to design research questions that best serve their personal interests; potentially related to population dynamics, landscape ecology, or other related subjects. This position will include assistance from multiple field research associates, ome M.S. student, and multiple research scientists, while also working in collaboration with scientists from Sul Ross State University and the Borderlands Research Institute. The successful applicant will work under the supervision of Drs. Evan Tanner and Leonard Brennan (co-advisor). The successful applicant will be expected to publish manuscripts in internationally recognized peer-reviewed journals and present findings at national and regional scientific conferences. This is a fully funded 4-year position.

Texas A&M University-Kingsville: Field research will be conducted on private ranches in the Tamaulipan thornscrub ecoregion. Qualifications Required: B. S. and M.S. degrees in ecology, wildlife science, natural resources, range science, biology, or closely related fields. Competitive applicants will ideally have coding and statistical experience in R and/or Python, with a proven track record of publishing high quality scientific manuscripts. A strong work ethic, good verbal and written communication skills, ability to work independently and as a productive member of a research team, and ability to work under adverse field conditions (hot/humid Texas environment) are essential. Ability to operate 4-wheel drive vehicles and conduct field research. Students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA (>3.5 GPS in graduate course work). Stipend/Salary: $2k/month plus benefits (medical package has a 60-day waiting period) plus tuition wavier. Start Date: September 1 2021. Deadline: 6/30/2021. To Apply: Application packet must consist of 1) cover letter, 2) resume, 3) academic transcripts, and 4) 3 letters of reference. Unofficial transcripts will suffice for application review but official transcripts will be required if selected. Send the application as 1 PDF file via e-mail with a subject line of, Multi-scale assessment of habitat connectivity on scaled quail assistantship, to: Dr. Evan Tanner (Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute, Texas A&M University-Kingsville) Email: evan.tanner@tamuk.edu. Posted: 6/17/21.

Texas A&M University-Kingsville: The Xi Lab is seeking a highly qualified and motivated graduate student (MS) to complete a funded project addressing drought impacts on biomass and sustainable management of forests under climate change. The assistantship includes an RA stipend and out-of-state tuition waiver for one year with the possibility to cover the second year through another RA or a teaching assistantship depending on funding availability. Our lab has broad interests and expertise in forest landscape modeling and geo-spatial analysis. The student will be expected to make use of forest landscape models, Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) data and related geo-spatial climate and soil data. Since this project is computational, it offers flexibility during the current pandemic. Qualification: B.S. in biology, forestry, ecology, botany, environmental science, geography or Geographic Information Science (GIS) or a closely related fields. Ability to meet the entrance requirements of the Graduate School. Excellent English writing and communication skills are essential. Self-motivated and highly organized. Preferred: The student will be primarily responsible for statistical and spatial analysis. Preference will be given to candidates with demonstrated potential in the areas of GIS and geo-spatial analysis. The most qualified applicants will have experience and demonstrated interest in ecological modeling. The ability to use the statistical program R is beneficial. We hope to have the successful candidate appointed by fall 2020 and the successful candidate is expected to start in January 2021. If interested, please email Dr. Weimin Xi at weimin.xi@tamuk.edu a single document containing: 1) a letter of interest describing previous educational and research experience, 2) a curriculum vitae, 3) an unofficial copy of transcripts, and 4) contact information for three professional references. Posted: 8/14/20.

Texas State University: Ph.D. position: Effects of disturbance and nutrient enrichment on grassland ecosystems. The Martina Lab in the Department of Biology is seeking applicants for a Ph.D. position to investigate the role of disturbance and nutrient loading on grassland ecology, including plant community composition, invasion dynamics, and C and N cycling. The position is available starting Fall 2021. Funding is provided through a combination of teaching and research assistantships. The focus of this funded Ph.D. position is to determine the effects of disturbance and eutrophication on grassland community structure, invasibility, and carbon cycling. This project is part of a collaboration among Texas State University, Texas A&M University, and USDA-ARS using a newly established DRAGNet field site at the Grassland, Soil, and Water Research Lab in Temple, TX. DRAGNet builds from a decade of highly successful collaborative research by Nutrient Network, but examines a new set of theoretically-motivated questions about the effects and interactions between two pervasive global changes, land disturbance and elemental nutrient influx. The student will have freedom to develop their own research questions related to the overall goals of the project. The student should expect to incorporate some combination of field, laboratory, greenhouse, and/or computational modeling techniques to answer critical questions on the role of disturbance and eutrophication on grassland ecology. The ideal candidate will have research experience in plant ecology, ecosystem ecology, or a related field. The Department of Biology at Texas State offers a strong environment for training students in ecology and conservation. The Ph.D. program in Aquatic Resources and Integrative Biology strongly recommends applicants have a MS degree before the position start date, but exceptional applicants with only a bachelor's degree will be considered. To apply, submit a cover letter, CV, and unofficial transcripts (as a single PDF) to: Dr. Jason Martina, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Biology, Texas State University (jpmartina@txstate.edu). Please send materials by December 4. Reference letters for top candidates will be solicited at a later date. Applications to the graduate school are due January 15. Posted: 11/25/20.

Texas Tech University: I seek a PhD research assistant in the Landscape Ecology and Fire (LEAF) Lab, beginning August 2021. Three years of full support ($25k/yr stipend, tuition, fees, and fringe benefits) are available through a USDA Hispanic Serving Institution Education Grant, with additional support contingent on funding. The student will help mentor undergraduate cohorts through The Bridge Adventure Program, a program that aims to foster diversity and inclusion through field-based experiential learning opportunities, including regular excursions for mentored research, service learning, and community-building adventure. The PhD student will serve in a leadership role in the program while earning a doctoral degree in Wildlife, Aquatic, and Wildlands Science and Management, conducting dissertation research under the advisement of Dr. Nathan Gill. The student will be at liberty to decide, with advisor input, the nature of research questions for dissertation chapters related to the broader research agenda of the LEAF Lab, such as fire regime change in the Southern Rockies, invasive plants and fire behavior, and post-disturbance ecoacoustics and landscape ecology. Applicants holding a master’s degree (anticipated by August 2021) and who have a firm commitment to building a community of diversity and inclusion are encouraged to apply. Applicants should submit a resume/cv and 1-page cover letter to nathan.gill@ttu.edu to describe their interest in the position by December 1, 2020. Students from historically underrepresented communities are strongly encouraged to apply. Posted: 10/28/20.

Texas Tech University: I am looking for motivated PhD or Masters students interested in exploring terrestrial ecosystem responses and feedbacks to global change. In the Smith Plant Ecophysiology Lab, we use a combination of empirical, theoretical, and simulation studies to examine direct and indirect feedbacks between terrestrial plants and soils and the Earth's climate system. As such, you will have the opportunity to work on a variety of topics at a number of different scales, from the leaf to the globe. Topics currently being studied in the lab include: - Acclimation to climate change - Physiological mechanisms underlying plant and ecosystem responses to soil resources - Land use decision - climate feedbacks - Agricultural responses to climate change - Development of next generation land surface models The lab has financial support for multiple students through a combination of research and teaching assistantships. Requirements: (1) Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, including but not limited to Ecology, Botany, Environmental Science, Microbiology, Atmospheric Science, Geoscience, Physics, Computer Science, or Statistics; (2) interest in gaining empirical and modeling skills; (3) curiosity about how the natural world works; (4) ability to work independently and collaboratively. Interested students are encouraged to first contact Nick at nick.smith@ttu.edu. Application details. Positions are available starting as early as Fall 2021. Posted: 9/17/20.

Umeå University: I'm advertising for an exciting 4-year PhD position working in Scandinavian boreal forests. See the advert and application links. The PhD student will establish a network of plots spanning Scandinavian forests, measuring all key carbon fluxes in a repeatable and standardized way over multiple years. By employing the network across different natural environment gradients, integrating satellite imagery and finally incorporating the data into a modelling framework the project will a provide a powerful new comprehensive and detailed picture of boreal forest functioning. The PhD will be at Umeå University which is located in Umeå, a small town in northern Sweden. It's a great place to live and work, lots of open wilderness and great skiing/hiking. Apply before 2021-05-31. Posted: 5/10/21.

Université Laval: PhD RESEARCH ASSISTANTSHIP: Apparent competition in a food web of large mammals in boreal forest. The spatial and demographic relationships between the population of a predator and of a prey can be largely determined by the presence of alternative prey in the system. This PhD project will evaluate indirect interactions between alternative prey through their common predators, an indirect interaction referred to as apparent competition. This information has strong conservation implication, as apparent competition is often the proximal cause of declines in Threatened boreal caribou populations. Field data will include aerial surveys and GPS-tracking of boreal caribou, wood bison, moose, wolf and black bear. Qualifications: Hold an MSc in terrestrial ecology or a related field. Be familiar with the use of Geographic Information Systems and R programming, and have a strong interest for statistics and quantitative ecology. Université Laval is a French university, and the student will be asked to learn French within the first two years. A scholarship of 21k$/year is available for 3 years. Small scholarships from U. Laval will be added to this amount. Students admissible for NSERC and FRQNT fellowships will be favored. Documents to provide by email: Applicants for this position should forward a short cover letter indicating their motivation, accompanied by a current CV, unofficial transcripts and contact information of three references to: Daniel Fortin (Daniel.Fortin@bio.ulaval.ca). We will start reviewing the applications on 15 December 2020. Posted: 11/25/20.

[Position filled] University of Alabama: The Staudhammer Lab in the Department of Biology is seeking a self-motivated PhD student to complete a NSF-funded project addressing the relative importance of management, climate, disturbance, and edaphic factors in determining change in forest ecosystem composition, structure, and function at a macrosystem scale. The assistantship includes an RA stipend and tuition waiver for three years, with additional years covered through teaching assistantship. The student will be co-advised by Dr. Christy Rollinson (Morton Arboretum) and interact with an interdisciplinary team from Boston University, University of Wisconsin, Montana State University, University of Florida, and Colorado State University. The student will use process models to evaluate the importance of various extrinsic factors in shaping forest dynamics and quantify linkages among possible drivers and outputs. Students should have demonstrated experience in statistics and modeling, as well as a background forest ecology, geography, or environmental science. A solid working knowledge of R and/or Python is required, and those with strong quantitative skills will be given preference. The student will be expected to use the Ecosystem Demography model (ED2), Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) data and related geo-spatial climate and soil data. Qualifications include a BS in biology, forestry, environmental science, statistics, or a closely related field, with a GPA > 3.0 overall. If interested, see further information here. Posted: 11/13/20.

University of Alberta: A graduate research position (MSc or PhD) is available in Dr. Lien Luong’s research group starting September 2021. Project background: Exposure to parasites can lead to changes in host behavior, morphology, or physiology, even in the absence of infection. These non-consumptive effects (NCE) can be understood in the context of the “ecology of fear”. Potential projects include, but are not limited to investigating the: 1) state-dependent nature of NCE, 2) trait-mediated NCE, 3) NCE of parasites on host metabolism, and 3) evolutionary consequences of NCE. Successful applicants will investigate these questions using a fruit fly-mite system, applying concepts and techniques from behavioral ecology, physiological ecology, and/or experimental evolution. For more information: https://grad.biology.ualberta.ca/luong/. To learn more, please send a brief statement of your research experience/interest and a copy of your curriculum vitae to lluong@ualberta.ca. Application deadline is February 1, 2021. Posted: 10/26/20.

University of Arkansas at Monticello: M.S. Assistantship, Tree root research for improving GTR management. College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources. Oak species are key components of green tree reservoirs (GTRs), wetland forests with human-controlled hydroperiods, but are threatened by current management practices. The MS student’s thesis research will include a combination of field and controlled environment studies to better understand the interactive effects of temperature, flood, and dormancy on oak root physiology. Studies will answer questions that are not only key to improving sustainable management of GTRs, but also invaluable for restoration of bottomland hardwood forests with natural hydroperiods. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to learn relevant physiological techniques, and to work with representatives from state and federal conservation agencies to develop scientifically informed management recommendations for GTR forests. To apply: http://www.uamont.edu/academics/forestry/grad-degrees.html. For more information contact: Dr. Benjamin Babst, babst@uamont.edu, 870-460-1348. Posted: 9/23/20.

University of Bayreuth: PhD Position in Statistical Ecotoxicology. The Junior Research Group Statistical Ecotoxicology at the University of Bayreuth (Germany) is seeking to fill a 3-year-PhD position (f/m/d) in statistical ecotoxicology starting as early as possible. The PhD project aims to better understand toxic effects of different microplastic particles and their associated chemicals and to predict effects for untested species and substances. To this end, both statistical methods and machine learning models will be used to identify trait-trait-combinations associated with particularly toxic (or non-toxic) outcomes. The project will be conducted in close collaboration with the Collaborative Research Centre (CRC) 1357 Microplastics. See the more detailed description. Application deadline: 29th April 2021. For further information please contact: Dr. Magdalena Mair (magdalena.mair@uni-bayreuth.de). Posted: 3/19/21.

University of Bayreuth: We would like to advertise the application deadline this summer for an attractive and intense international MSc study program in Global Change Ecology at the University of Bayreuth in Germany. The program is devoted to understanding and analyzing the most important and consequential environmental concern of the 21st century; namely, the ecological consequences of Global Change, especially the effects of climate change and biodiversity loss. One of the program's focus is the linking of natural science and socio-economic perspectives. The international program is realized in close contact with research institutions, NGOs and companies and administration. Our study program has been acknowledged by the United Nations as an observer organization. During the last years, we received applications from more than 70 countries. Teaching language is in English. There is no application fee and accepted candidates do not have to pay tuition fees. Applicants from any academic background that is related to the scope of this study program are welcome to apply. Applications can be uploaded on the Online Application portal. The deadline is 15th of June 2021. Please see application details. Application open until June 15th 2021. Posted: 3/17/21.

University of British Columbia: We are seeking a highly motivated person to conduct research that addresses impacts of climate change on forests in western Canada. In British Columbia alone, 60 million hectares are forested. How we manage these forests now will have a large impact for decades to come and sound research is the foundation of sustainable management. As the successful candidate, you will contribute to these objectives by analyzing data from long-term forest experiments to evaluate how silvicultural interventions like thinning or fertilization can increase forest resilience to drought. Annual growth variations will be linked to climatic extremes and the anatomy of the wood will be linked to underlying mechanisms. The position will be supervised by Dr. David Montwé in the Department of Forest Resources Management. Please refer to https://www.grad.ubc.ca/ad/54640 for additional details and requirements. Please send your application including a cover letter, CV, academic transcripts, and contact information for three references by email to david.montwe@ubc.ca. We will begin reviewing applications on January 25th, 2021, and will continue until the position is filled. The anticipated starting date for this position is September 1st, 2021. Posted: 12/29/20.

University of British Columbia: We are seeking a highly motivated person to conduct research that addresses impacts of climate change on forests in western Canada. Increasing frequency and intensity of drought is causing wide-spread mortality and reduced health. At the same time, warming causes changes in tree phenology that may increase the risk of frost damage. The successful candidate will analyze data from long-term forest experiments designed to evaluate tree competition, tree species and genetic quality in British Columbia (BC), Canada. Annual growth variations will be linked to climatic extremes and the anatomy of the wood will be linked to underlying mechanisms. Results will guide forest management interventions to increase forest resilience to climate warming and extremes. The position will be supervised by Dr. David Montwé. What we offer § Commitment to excellence, diversity and impact § Mentorship and support in an expanding team § A competitive salary and support for scholarships § Training in statistics, laboratory techniques and reproducible research § Participation in scientific conferences § Collaboration with government and industry Please refer to https://www.grad.ubc.ca/ad/54579 for additional details and requirements. Please send your application including a cover letter, CV, academic transcripts, and contact information for three references by email to david.montwe@ubc.ca. We will begin reviewing applications on January 11th, 2021, and will continue until the position is filled. The anticipated starting date for this position is September 1st, 2021. Posted: 12/10/20.

University of Calgary: I am seeking three graduate students (MSc and/or PhD) interested in addressing broad, fundamental questions in population and community ecology. Research in my lab combines mathematical modeling with experiments in model systems. My lab is currently pursuing two main lines of research, but I am open to applications from students interested in pursuing other lines of research as well. 1. Spatial synchrony. Spatially-separated populations of the same species often fluctuate synchronously, even though they're hundreds or even thousands of km apart. The result is that, across vast areas, all populations increase (or decrease) simultaneously. Coexisting populations of different species also often fluctuate synchronously. Alternative hypotheses to explain spatial synchrony are difficult to test in nature. My lab's solution is to scale nature down. We manipulate the hypothesized causes of synchrony in microcosms of protists and other small organisms that play by the same basic "rules" that natural populations play by (even though they don't precisely mimic any particular natural populations). Microorganisms have very short generation times, making them ideal for long-term experiments on population dynamics. The results complement studies of natural systems. One question of current interest is whether the causes of spatial synchrony differ between species that exhibit cyclic fluctuations in abundance, and those that do not. 2. Higher order interactions and species coexistence. Are ecological communities more than just the sum of their parts? If you knew enough about the population dynamics of each species on its own, and about all the pairwise interspecific interactions, could you predict the population dynamics of every species in the entire community? If not, the community dynamics are driven in part by "higher order" interactions: "emergent" effects that can't be predicted just from knowledge of single-species and pairwise dynamics. Higher order interactions can arise because of adaptive phenotypic plasticity, and for other reasons. Higher order interactions present a major challenge to our ability to explain and predict community dynamics, but we don't know much about their prevalence or importance. My lab is developing and testing hypotheses about the circumstances in which higher order interactions matter for community dynamics and species coexistence. Guaranteed funding at a minimum level of $23k/year (higher depending on availability of lab funds and success of scholarship applications) is available for 2 years (MSc) or 4 years (PhD). See Department of Biological Sciences. Note that the guaranteed funding period covers the anticipated length of the degree program, which is shorter in Canada than in the US. To apply, send an introductory note to jefox@ucalgary.ca, along with a transcript (unofficial is fine), cv, and contact details for three references. Applications from students of diverse backgrounds and perspectives are welcome and encouraged. Posted: 9/17/20.

University of California, Davis: we are accepting applications to a graduate Research Traineeship (NRT) program "Sustainable Oceans: From Policy to Science to Decisions", supported by a $3M award from NSF. Our Sustainable Oceans NRT trains the next generation of PhD marine scientists under a new paradigm that puts the policy focus on the front-end of the research and training enterprise as a means of building more effective links between the science and decisions on sustainable use of living marine resources. The basis of the interdisciplinary paradigm is combining traditional graduate training in core disciplines and interdisciplinary courses on marine science and policy with immersion into the policy process and politics surrounding ecosystem-based fishery management. Starting in 2018, over 5 years, we anticipate training 60 PhD students, including 30 funded trainees, from the fields of ecology, conservation biology, economics, environmental policy, geology, physiology, biogeochemistry, and oceanography. If you would like to learn more about this program, please visit the link above. For general questions, please contact our Program Coordinator, Pernille Sporon Boving (boving@ucdavis.edu). Posted: 10/8/20.

University of California, Davis: I am seeking a motivated PhD student to start in the Fall of 2021 in Jennifer Funk's lab. Research will focus on drought strategies of herbaceous species in California grassland systems. Students will have the opportunity to conduct field and laboratory studies, developing their knowledge of plant physiology, community ecology, and ecological restoration. My lab takes a trait-based approach to understanding how plants influence a range of ecological processes including invasion, community assembly, and ecological restoration. This position is funded through a 4-year USDA grant, and students will be encouraged to seek additional funding through external fellowships through the NSF, USDA, and other sources. The applicant should have an M.S. degree or substantial undergraduate research in the areas of plant biology or ecology. Applicants from under-represented groups are encouraged to apply. Applications will be reviewed on October 15, prior to UC Davis graduate program deadlines. To apply, please send me an email (funk@ucdavis.edu) with "Prospective student" in the subject line and include (1) your CV, (2) an unofficial transcript or list of courses taken including your GPA, (3) a sample of scientific writing (e.g., published paper, manuscript in preparation, MS or undergraduate thesis, research paper or essay from a class), (4) a brief (1-2 paragraph) narrative of your past experience and interest in our research, and (5) names and email addresses for three references. Posted: 9/30/20.

University of California, Santa Cruz: Dr. Kai Zhu is recruiting 1-2 PhD student(s) starting in Fall 2021 in the Department of Environmental Studies. The Zhu Lab works on research questions at the intersection of climate change, biodiversity, and ecosystem processes, using quantitative approaches such as remote sensing, species distribution models, and Bayesian statistical methods. Current research projects include (1) phenological responses to climate change and human activity in the Northern Hemisphere; (2) the biogeography of soil fungi in North America; and (3) wildfire propagation and forest regrowth in California. The Zhu Lab also collaborates with other research groups, such as the Peay Lab at Stanford University through a collaborative NSF grant. Students are encouraged to develop their own projects, which is an essential part of their advancement as independent and creative researchers. Dr. Zhu expects students to have previous research experience and a strong background in ecology and environmental science, as well as math, statistics, and programming. However, in the Zhu Lab students will learn new methods and tools by attending classes, workshops, and working on projects, so the most important quality is the willingness to learn. The PhD program in Environmental Studies is explicitly interdisciplinary, with expectations to engage in both natural and social sciences coursework and research. The department guarantees five years of support for graduate students. Through working with faculty advisors, graduate students in Environmental Studies have been very successful in obtaining external funding. For information about program requirements, funding, and admissions, please consult the graduate program coordinator Amy Profitt (envsgpc at ucsc dot edu), the department website, and the Graduate School website. Interested students should contact Dr. Kai Zhu (kai dot zhu at ucsc dot edu) as early as possible and no later than the application deadline in December 2020 with the following information: (1) research experience, ideas, and questions; (2) motivations to pursue a PhD and long-term career goals; (3) why interested in the Environmental Studies Department at UCSC; and (4) current CV, academic transcript, and TOEFL score (if applicable). Posted: 9/14/20.

University of Canberra: Six new, funded PhD positions are open at the University of Canberra (Australia) in the Centre for Applied Water Science (CAWS). Please note that the application deadline is APRIL 30, 2021. Details for each position are available by contacting the lead academic listed under each position. Please contact them immediately if you have any interest. Evaluation of the applications will begin immediately, with an anticipated start date in the second half of 2021. (1) Reference: 2021.CAWS_ARCDE1 PhD Scholarship: Effect of flow variation on benthic invertebrate or zooplankton communities Contact: darren.giling@canberra.edu.au (2) Reference: 2021.CAWS_ARCDE2 PhD Scholarship: Effect of flow variation on food-web structure. Contact: darren.giling@canberra.edu.au (3) Reference: 2021.CAWS_GW1 PhD Scholarship: Traditional knowledge and freshwater refugia Contact: Bradley.moggridge@canberra.edu.au (4) Reference: 2021.CAWS_PLAT1 PhD Scholarship: Understanding the urban ecology of Australia's iconic aquatic mammals Contact: ross.thompson@canberra.edu.au (5) Reference: 2021.CAWS_NORRIS PhD Scholarship: Richard Norris Post-graduate Scholarship in Applied Ecology (open topic) Contact: ross.thompson@canberra.edu.au (6) Reference: 2021.CAWS_UrbanSW PhD Scholarship: Understanding the mechanisms that contribute to algal blooms in urban lakes. Contact: fiona.dyer@canberra.edu.au. Posted: 4/16/21.

University of Central Arkansas, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and University of Wyoming: The Stoichiometric Traits of Organisms In their Chemical Habitats (STOICH) team is recruiting applicants for 7-8 graduate student research assistant positions for Summer/Fall 2021 across three different institutions. Information about positions. Our interdisciplinary team will combine tools emerging from the data revolution and the ecological stoichiometry framework to advance our understanding of how the supply of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and other essential elements constrain ecological, environmental, and evolutionary processes in aquatic ecosystems. Students will receive training in data science and team science as they develop relevant dissertation/thesis projects, and will interact with a diverse team including ecologists, biogeochemists, evolutionary biologists, data scientists, and artists. We aim to foster the development of a diverse group of trainees, and we particularly encourage applications from members of underrepresented groups. Student applicants will join graduate programs at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Drs. Jessica Corman and Steve Thomas), the University of Wyoming (Drs. Sarah Collins, Amy Krist, and Katie Wagner), or the University of Central Arkansas (Dr. Hal Halvorson). These positions are funded by the National Science Foundation EPSCoR Track-2 program. General questions about the project can be directed to: stoich.hiring@gmail.com. To apply, please 1) fill out the standard coversheet, and 2) submit your CV and a 1-2 page statement of interest to stoich.hiring@gmail.com. Applications should be submitted by March 15, 2021 for full consideration. Posted: 3/3/21.

University of Central Arkansas: Stream Ecology M.S. Research Assistantship: Macroinvertebrate communities in Gulf Coastal Plains Streams of Arkansas. The Halvorson Aquatic Ecology laboratory is recruiting interested and qualified applicants for a 2-year fully funded (12 months/yr) Graduate Research Assistantship to study macroinvertebrate assemblages across Gulf Coastal Plains streams in relation to land use in Arkansas. The overall objective of this project, funded by Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment, Division of Environmental Quality, is to collect physical, chemical, and biological data to establish a robust database toward establishing nutrient criteria for streams in the region. Graduate Assistantship Position - M.S. Biology at the University of Central Arkansas (UCA): I am seeking applicants for a graduate position at the M.S. level to start in January 2021. UCA has a strong M.S. graduate program in Biology (~ 30 students), and there are opportunities for additional competitive funding through the university. Students will benefit from participating in this cross-discipline collaboration between faculty in the Biology Department and will join an existing team of students. Qualifications: B.S. or B.A. in Biology, Environmental Science, or related fields. Minimum GPA of 3.0. The applicant must have the ability to work independently, enjoy long hours in beautiful Ouachita / Gulf Coastal plains streams, and work with a team. Strongest applicants will have prior research experience and/or macroinvertebrate identification experience. Experience with GIS analyses preferred, but not required. To Apply: Send a C.V. or resume, cover letter, transcripts (unofficial is OK), and contact information for three references to Dr. Halvor Halvorson (hhalvorson@uca.edu) with the email subject line "RA Position (last name)". Review of applications will begin October 10, 2020. Posted: 9/17/20.

University of Florida: Study source-sink and transport attenuation of photosynthesis (PhD assistantship and Postdoctoral scholar). Photosynthesis is limited by the capacity of plants to translocate sugars from leaves to sinks. Source-sink relations affect translocation and thus may be key in optimizing photosynthesis in crop plants broadly. The selected candidates will be working on a USDA AFRI-NIFA Foundational project to quantify the interacting relationships among source-sink allocation, carbohydrate translocation speeds, and the regulation of net carbon fixation. The underlying hypothesis of this work is that increased allocation to sink growth interacts with phloem transport limitations to govern the regulation of carbon fixation. Thus, carbohydrate allocation can be co-optimized to enhance net assimilation rates. The selected candidates will be involved in a variety experiments to quantify these underlying relationships and the degree to which they affect growth. Experiments will include the impact of ploidy on translocation characteristics, methods of assessing total sink demand, impact of loading on translocation speed, and population-wide growth analysis and photosynthetic regulation. The selected candidate will have the opportunity to use unique methodologies at the UF Tree Ecophysiology Lab, including a range of methods to assess photosynthesis and radioisotopic methods of assessing carbohydrate translocation and allocation, as well as collaborate in assessing genetic components regulating these processes. This project will focus on the woody subtropical genus, Citrus, but opportunities to collaborate across disciplines or species groups will be encouraged or provided. The work involves combinations of field, greenhouse, and laboratory work. The work environment is highly collaborative, and demonstration of the ability to work in diverse teams will be valued in the selection process. Critical thinking, independent judgment, and interest in the subject matter are essential. Other valued skills include: - Quantitative analysis - Written communication - Experience with gas exchange methods - Knowledge of plant carbohydrate allocation processes or phloem function. The Tree Ecophysiology lab at the Citrus Research and Education Center in Lake Alfred, Florida, uses whole-plant physiological approaches to address challenges in horticultural productivity in perennial plants. The Citrus Research and Education Center offers ample opportunities for collaboration with 25 labs working in areas as varied as genetics, plant pathology, and entomology. The PI of lab places a high importance on mentorship and the development of skills of and opportunities for students and post-doctoral scholars. If you are interested, please send your questions or a resume to Christopher Vincent at civince@ufl.edu. Posted: 12/7/20.

University of Florida: PhD Position on Grassland Ecosystem Service and Climate Resilience. Understanding how to foster sustainable and long-term resilient agroecosystems in an altered climate remains challenging. Such knowledge is particularly crucial for grasslands that account for 70% of the global agricultural production area. This research aims to address how land management and grazing regime interact to affect grassland ecosystem services under future climate variabilities, and the extent to which manipulation of grazing could serve as adaptations to enhance climate resilience of grasslands. Knowledge gained from this project will provide vital information to be integrated into decision support tools to guide climate adaptations and inform innovative best management practices. Ideal candidate is expected to have the following qualifications and experience: Interests and/or experience in ecosystem service, landscape ecology, and global change ecology, and interests in interdisciplinary research; MS degree in a related field (e.g., ecology, environmental science, etc.); Experience in conducting field studies and lab analyses with demonstrated quantitative skills (e.g., statistics, geospatial analyses, modeling, etc.); Strong motivation and independent research abilities with teamwork spirit; Good written and oral communication skills. Anticipated start date: Fall semester, 2021. Deadline: Review of applications will start on 15 December, 2020. It is a fully-funded position, and the selected candidate will be offered a competitive annual stipend plus the comprehensive health insurance and full tuition waiver. Interested students are strongly encouraged to contact Dr. Jiangxiao Qiu (qiuj@ufl.edu) through sending a current resume/CV with GPA, GRE and TOEFL (or equivalent for non-native English speaker candidates only), a list of references, and a brief statement of research interests and experience as a single PDF. Qiu Lab is in the School of Forest Resources and Conservation, and based at Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Posted: 11/25/20.

University of Eastern Finland: Fire-vegetation interactions in the boreal forest (PhD). We are looking for a motivated Early Stage Researcher (PhD student) to work on the interactions between forest fire and vegetation in the Fennoscandian boreal forests. The work aims in building understanding of the local (bottom-up) controls of forest fires in a changing environment, and the effects of changing fire regimes on ecosystems. The exact focus of the work will be developed jointly with the successful candidate and, depending on their interests, may include the application of experimental work, modeling, dendrochronology, or remote-sensing based approaches to address the research questions. More information, and how to apply. Review of applications will begin December 14, 2020. Posted: 12/3/20.

University of Florida: A 2.5-year MS graduate student assistantship in Environmental Engineering Sciences is available as part of an EPA-funded project to assess the status of wetlands across the United States. Beginning in 2021, the H.T. Odum Center for Wetlands will be implementing Florida's participation in the National Wetlands Condition Assessment (NWCA), a collaborative survey of our nation's wetlands. The NWCA examines the chemical, physical and biological integrity of wetlands through a set of commonly used and widely accepted indicators. The MS student hired through this program will participate in intensive field monitoring to assess the ecological integrity of >50 wetlands across the state of Florida. Students will receive training in field data collection and analysis techniques from the EPA and from UF faculty and project staff. Fieldwork will begin in May 2021 will include multi-day travel, long field days, and challenging conditions (heat, insects, strenuous physical conditions). Applicants must be available for the full first field season beginning May 1, 2021, and attendance at EPA-led trainings (virtual or in-person TBD) in March/April is strongly encouraged. Ideal applicants will have a strong background in wetland ecology, hydrology, soil science, and/or biology, excellent written and oral communication skills, and a demonstrated potential to conduct intensive, field-based research as part of an interdisciplinary team. Experience in science communication is a plus. Students will be encouraged to use the field data collected, as well as a large database of previously collected NWCA data, to motivate their own research, but will also have the flexibility to pursue relevant and complementary topics. Assistantships include stipend, tuition, and benefits. Interested applicants should email a copy of their CV and a brief statement (<500 words) outlining their interests, suitability, and availability for the assistantship to Dr. David Kaplan (dkaplan@ufl.edu) by January 15th, 2021. Posted: 1/5/21.

University of Florida: PhD Fellowship to join interdisciplinary project addressing biogeochemical effects of reclaimed water. The School of Natural Resources and Environment (SNRE) is accepting applications for a prestigious UF Graduate Fellowship Award to begin in August 2021 under the supervision of Dr. AJ Reisinger in the Urban Ecosystem Ecology Lab. This fellowship is part of an interdisciplinary collaborative study on the beneficial use of reclaimed water (RW) in Florida. The successful applicant will join a cohort of five total PhD fellows spanning various disciplines. This cohort of students will develop and enable interdisciplinary investigations and share learning experiences with their advisors and other faculty participating in the program. The cohort will benefit from integrative activities to enhance interdisciplinary skills, including a shared seminar course, reading and discussion groups, joint proposal and manuscript development, and a team-building field trip to visit RW production and use sites of national significance. Each Fellowship provides four years of competitive 12-month stipend, plus tuition waiver and health care. Potential dissertation topical areas: Multiple units at the University of Florida are involved in the program, providing opportunities for linking disciplinary work in the areas of agriculture, bioengineering, biogeochemistry, and human-environmental geography. Specific topics for dissertation research are open but in general the fellow working with Dr. Reisinger will focus on potential benefits and impacts of using reclaimed water in residential landscapes and effects on water quality, particularly taking a watershed-perspective to focus on traditional (i.e., nitrogen, phosphorus) and emerging (i.e., pharmaceuticals and personal care products) contaminants and their effects on biogeochemical processes in urban ecosystems. Who Should Apply: Prospective doctoral students with background and interests in one or more of the following areas are encouraged to apply: biogeochemistry; coupled natural-human systems; ecosystem ecology; nutrient dynamics; or analytical chemistry. Although not required, applicants with either an MS degree and/or substantial research experience in ecosystem ecology, environmental chemistry, biology, or related fields, are preferred. The University of Florida, The UF Water Institute, the School of Natural Resources and Environment, and the Reisinger Lab are committed to supporting and expanding the diversity, equity, and inclusion of STEM, and therefore especially encourage BIPOC applicants and/or applicants from other underrepresented groups. Due to privacy restrictions, interested applicants must apply separately to both the Water Institute and the School of Natural Resources and Environment. Additional information on the 2021 WIGF program. SNRE application information. Online applications are due to the Water Institute by January 15, 2021 (12:00 PM EST) and to SNRE by February 1. Questions can be addressed to Dr. AJ Reisinger (reisingera@ufl.edu). Questions about the larger collaborative research project can be addressed to Dr. Reisinger and inquiries related to the UF Water Institute Graduate Fellows Program may be addressed to Karen Schlatter (kschlatter@ufl.edu). Posted: 12/29/20.

University of Florida: A Ph.D. graduate assistantship is available at the University of Florida to work on sustainable nutrient management and soil health in vegetable systems. The research will focus on how to optimize nutrient management and promote soil health in vegetable production of Northern Florida, using legume cover crops, organic amendments and other management practices. The research will combine different experimental approaches and focus on several indicators of crop productivity, nutrient cycling, and soil health, with a strong emphasis on carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus cycling. The exact scope of the research will be determined in collaboration with the successful candidate, based on their qualifications and interests in addition to current projects in the lab (see examples of recently funded projects here and here). A strong background in biogeochemistry, soil science and/or plant sciences, with a MS degree in a related field, is preferable. Experience in conducting independent research in a field and/or lab setting, including statistical analysis and publication of experimental results, is also desirable. The research will include field work conducted in hot and humid conditions during the Florida summer, and candidates should be comfortable working in these conditions. A graduate assistantship is available to support this position for four years – stipend, tuition waiver, and health care coverage. The expected start date is Fall 2021, at the University’s main campus in Gainesville (FL). Complete application packets are due by January 4, 2021, but applicants are encouraged to contact maltaislandryg@ufl.edu by Dec. 1, 2020 with a CV and a statement of research interest and experience prior to applying formally. Instructions on how to apply to graduate school in the Soil and Water Sciences Department. For questions, contact maltaislandryg@ufl.edu. Posted: 11/18/20.

University of Georgia: The Tree Physiology Lab in the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources is seeking a highly motivated person for an MS or a PhD starting in August of 2021. Possible research topics include (but are not limited to) tree water storage, drought tolerance, xylem anatomy, impacts of climate change on tree distributions or processes, young tree seedling biology, and conifer comparative physiology. There are opportunities to be involved in projects in the piedmont of Georgia, longleaf pine savannas, Rocky Mountain forest systems, and other forest ecosystems. The potential student will be funded by a research assistantship, teaching assistantship, or a combination depending on prospective project. More information about Warnell graduate admissions. For more information email Dan Johnson (danjohnson@uga.edu). Posted: 4/16/21.

University of Georgia: PhD assistantship on remote sensing science for forestry applications at the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources. The successful candidate will work on research related to the assessment of understory vegetation in the coastal plain region of the Southern US. This research project will provide the opportunity to potentially test a variety of remote sensing data, including multispectral and hyperspectral satellite and UAV derived imagery, as well as terrestrial and aerial lidar data. The assistantship is expected to start in Spring 2021 (January 11, 2021). Programming and modeling are expected to be the core for data processing, and generation of results during the development of the student research and dissertation, therefore having previous knowledge on how to code in any programming language (including R) will be a plus, and the ability to work independently will be desirable. Excellent written and oral communication skills are expected. The graduate student will receive an annual stipend of $22,645/yr for a 40% or 16 hours/week appointment, a full tuition waiver, and partial coverage of student health insurance. If interested, please send an email to Dr. Alicia Peduzzi apeduzzi@uga.edu and attach your CV and a paragraph with a brief description of your research and career interests, along with a copy of your GRE score (if available). A full application to the Graduate School will be required for an official offer to be made. Posted: 10/2/20.

University of Georgia: The Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources invites applications from highly motivated and enthusiastic potential Ph.D. students starting in Spring/Summer 2021. This collaborative work will be conducted with Dr. Kamal J.K. Gandhi (Warnell School) and Dr. JT Vogt (USDA Forest Service, Southern Research Station). As a part of the multi-disciplinary and multi-agency team on the Regional Assessment of Catastrophic Wind Damage (RACD) project, the Ph.D. research will focus on the interactions between hurricane-related forest disturbances and ground-dwelling arthropod taxa. Extensive fieldwork in the southeastern region, and lab work will be required. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in entomology, ecology, and statistics with an independent spirit to develop, conduct, and publish research. A M.S. in a related field, especially in forest ecology and entomology is a prerequisite for the position. A competitive salary and benefits package will be provided for three years. The Forest Entomology Laboratory is a dynamic group that works on a broad range of ecological issues, forest insect species, and ecosystems across the country. The USDA Forest Service, Southern Research Station's Insects, Diseases, and Invasive Plants Research Work Unit works to provide the basic biological and ecological knowledge and innovative management strategies required for management and control of native and non-native insect pests, disease pathogens and invasive plants in changing forest ecosystems. Interested personnel should submit a statement of interest, current CV along with contact information for three references to Dr. Gandhi (kjgandhi@uga.edu; 706-247-4025). Posted: 7/16/20.

University of Hamburg: Are you passionate about forest ecology and global change research? I am recruiting two highly motivated Ph.D. students to join my lab 'Functional Forest Ecology' at the University of Hamburg, which is a University of Excellence and one of the strongest research universities in Germany. Both Ph.D. positions will investigate the mycorrhizal control of plant functions. *Position 1* will focus on the mycorrhizal control of tree diversity effects on roots and rhizospheres. Research will be conducted in the MyDiv tree diversity experiment (https://www.idiv.de/de/research/platforms-and-networks/mydiv.html) in Central Germany, with extended at the Penn State University, USA. The student will investigate in situ root exudation and decomposition of arbuscular and ectomycorrhizal trees, conduct substrate addition experiments, explore the role of mycorrhizal type abundances in biogeochemical cycling, and support the set-up of innovative image analysis. *Position 2* will explore the mycorrhizal control of roots and rhizospheres across different forest-use types. The student will establish a gradient of different defined forest-use types in the area of the Hainich National Park (Central Germany), which differ in their management, tree diversity, and mycorrhizal type. She or he will investigate in situ root exudation, turnover, and decomposition, and explore the role of mycorrhizal type abundances in biogeochemical cycling. *Both positions* are fully funded with benefits. A university degree in a relevant field is required. Strong skills in experimental root ecology, biogeochemical methods, and/or image analyses are a plus. Willingness for field work is required. The positions will begin in spring or early summer of 2021. For more details on the positions please refer to vacancies or contact Ina Meier at ina.meier@uni-hamburg.de. Applications should include a cover letter, a tabular curriculum vitae, and copies of degree certificate(s). Please send applications by December 15, 2020, in one PDF document to: ina.meier@uni-hamburg.de. Posted: 12/7/20.

University of Idaho: Three PhD assistantships are available in the Cropping Systems Agronomy Program and the Soil Biogeochemistry Program to investigate pea-cereal intercropping systems for transitioning conventional to organic systems. The successful applicants will join an interdisciplinary project investigating crop physiology, irrigation management, soil health, and agricultural economics. One research assistant will focus on 1) examining crop growth, yield, and quality in pea-cereal cropping systems, 2) quantifying crop water use and creating different water regimes, and 3) estimating water use efficiency and N uptake in intercropping systems. The second assistant will work on belowground plant-soil interactions including 1) characterizing root distributions, 2) quantifying microbial diversity, and 3) measuring greenhouse gas efflux (CO2, CH4, N2O). The third assistant will focus on crop modeling based on the field experiment above and other intercropping projects. A Bachelor’s degree is required in Crop Science, Agronomy, Biology, Soil Science, or relevant fields. A Master’s degree in Crop Science, Agronomy, Plant Biology, Soil Science or related areas is preferred. Demonstrated written and oral skills are essential, and previous experience working in field experiments is desired. For these positions, the candidate needs to meet the requirements to be accepted in the Graduate Student Program in the Department of Plant Sciences and the Department of Soil and Water Systems, University of Idaho. The expected starting date is fall 2021 or spring 2022. The assistantships include a tuition waiver, health insurance, and an annual stipend of $22k. Candidates interested in these opportunities should specify which position they are interested in and send their CV, GRE and TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo (international students) scores, and academic transcripts (unofficial) via email to: Dr. Xi Liang, Associate Professor of Cropping Systems Agronomy, Department of Plant Sciences, University of Idaho, Email: xliang@uidaho.edu; Dr. Zachary Kayler, Assistant Professor of Soil Biogeochemistry, Department of Soil and Water Systems, University of Idaho, Email: zkayler@uidaho.edu. Posted: 7/10/21, revised: 7/14/21.

University of Idaho: A Ph.D. student position is available in the Cropping Systems Agronomy Program to investigate crop physiology and water use efficiency of pulse crops in different cropping systems. The successful applicant will join an interdisciplinary project investigating crop physiology, irrigation management, and soil health. The primary responsibilities of the candidate will include 1) examining pulse crops yield and quality in different pulse-cereal cropping systems, 2) estimating crop water use and creating different water regimes, and 3) evaluating physiological parameters of pulse crops, including carbon assimilate and allocation, water use efficiency, root biomass and morphology, and carbon and nitrogen isotope discrimination. A Bachelor's degree is required in Crop Science, Agronomy, Biology, Soil Science, or a related field. A Master Degree in Crop Science, Agronomy, Plant Biology or other related areas is preferred. Demonstrated written and oral skills are essential, and previous experience working in field experiments is desired. For this position, the candidate will need to meet the requirements of acceptance for the Graduate Student Program in the Department of Plant Sciences. The position is located at the University of Idaho, Aberdeen Research and Extension Center. The expected starting date is January 2021, with an estimated annual salary of $22k. To apply, please submit a current CV including contact information of three references to Dr. Xi Liang at xliang@uidaho.edu. Posted: 9/30/20.

University of Idaho: PhD Assistantship in Fire Ecology evaluating the effectiveness of fuel breaks in mitigating size and risk of damaging wildfires and the fuel break ecological impacts in sagebrush steppe ecosystems. Dr. Eva Strand (evas@uidaho.edu) and Dr. Tim Prather (tprather@uidaho.edu) are seeking a highly motivated PhD student in Natural Resources at the Department of Forest, Rangeland, and Fire Sciences and Department of Plant Sciences. The successful applicant would conduct research involving vegetation and fuel sampling in the field, spatial and statistical analysis of data from past interactions of fuel breaks and fire, modeling of fire behavior using existing tools and decision support systems, and conduct plant community analysis within and around fuel breaks. Desired skills include experience with some aspect of computer modeling and spatial analysis, vegetation sampling, and utilize herbicides for annual grass management and ability to work in natural areas. Evidence of good oral and written communication skills is required. The research will be conducted in an interdisciplinary team of faculty and students evaluating the effects of fuel break types on fire mitigation, plant community ecology, and the rural economy. The team collaborates closely with research partners including the Bureau of Land Management and the local ranching community of southern Idaho. The project is funded by the Joint Fire Science Program. The PhD assistantship has a starting date of January 2021. To apply, please email Eva Strand (evas@uidaho.edu) or Tim Prather (tprather@uidaho.edu) with a cover letter describing your research interests, goals and relevant experience, a complete CV, college transcripts, GRE scores and contact information of three references. Review of applications will begin immediately, and the position is scheduled to remain open until a suitable candidate is found. After the selection, the successful candidate will apply to be admitted to the College of Graduate Studies with the earliest start date of January 2021; information about the application procedure is available online. Posted: 9/30/20.

University of Illinois: Conservation physiology of invasive fish (MS). The Suski lab is seeking a motivated MS student to work on a project intended to define the role of aquatic pollutants at deterring the upstream movement of invasive Bigheaded Carp in the Illinois River. The Suski lab uses physiology and behavior to define how natural and anthropogenic stressors influence individual fish, and how this knowledge can be used to design conservation strategies to protect fish populations. The current project is a partnership between several state and federal agencies (USGS, Illinois DNR), along with Dr. Andrew Esbaugh, and is a continuation of a long-term research program dedicated to controlling the spread of invasive fishes. The successful candidate will be involved in a both field and laboratory studies that involve wild-caught and hatchery-reared carp. Responses to pollutants will be quantified at a number of scales, ranging from physiological (molecular) to whole-animal (behavior, metabolic rate). Results will have implications for management of invasive fishes. Interested students should send the following via email to Cory Suski (suski@illinois.edu): (1) unofficial transcripts, (2) GRE scores, (3) names of 3 academic references, (4) CV, and (5) brief cover letter outlining relevant experience, career goals, and perceived fit within the lab group. Materials should be received by November 22, 2020, for full consideration. Posted: 10/26/20.

University of Kansas et al: The Aquatic Intermittency effects on Microbiomes in Streams (AIMS) team is seeking enthusiastic, qualified, diverse applicants for 11 graduate student positions across seven different institutions. Students will join a collaborative team of scientists focused on understanding the role of microbiomes and stream intermittency in controlling downstream water quality in the Mountain West, Great Plains, and Southeastern Forest ecosystems. All students will take a cross-institutional Team Science and Collaboration course in their first year, receive support for data science instructor training through The Carpentries Foundation, have opportunities to mentor undergraduate research projects, and will work with an amazing team of scientists. Dr. Amy Burgin at the University of Kansas is the overall contact point for the project; if you have questions about the benefits of working on the AIMS project or how the project will be coordinated, please feel free to contact her at burginam@ku.edu. Students will be recruited into graduate programs at the University of Kansas, Kansas State University, University of Oklahoma, Idaho State University, University of Alabama, University of Mississippi, and University of Southern Mississippi; more information about each position. AIMS is funded by an NSF-EPSCoR Track 2 Collaborative grant. Posted: 9/17/20.

University of Kentucky: The Burger lab will be joining the Department of Biology at the University of Kentucky in the Fall of 2021 and is currently seeking Master's and Ph.D. students. The lab is generally interested in field, theoretical and macroecological approaches to studying metabolic ecology, life history, biodiversity and human ecology across scales. We value diverse perspectives to modern socio-biological problems and welcome applicants traditionally underrepresented in ecology and evolutionary biology. Students interested in combining natural history and biodiversity knowledge with quantitative approaches using theory, informatics and field tests are particularly encouraged. Research projects are flexible and potential themes include: 1) metabolic theory of life history including field and comparative studies, 2) biogeography and conservation of island and montane biodiversity, 3) urban biodiversity and the importance of scale, 4) human macroecology and sustainability. Experience in or desire to learn field techniques and/or data skills (e.g., R and GIS) preferred. Interested individuals should contact Robbie Burger (josephrobertburger@gmail.com) with a CV and short statement of interests before applying. Please see the admission guidelines and the Department of Biology Graduate Program for further information. Note the GRE is not required. The program provides a base stipend of $22k through 9-month Teaching Assistantships with additional opportunities for summer funding and Research Assistantships. Competitive fellowships are also available. Applications should be received by January 1st, 2021 for full consideration. Questions about the Biology Graduate program can be sent to the Director of Graduate studies, David Weisrock (david.weisrock@uky.edu). Posted: 11/25/20.

University of Leeds: Climate warming and microbial carbon-use in tropical soils. We are recruiting a Ph.D. student to join our project studying the effects of climate warming on the tropical forest soil carbon cycle. Further information on the project is available here and here. The student will join the Ecology and Global Change research cluster in the School of Geography, at The University of Leeds. Potential students interested in biogeochemistry, forest ecology, microbiology and soil science are welcome to apply. We offer 3.5 years fully funded studentships including full tuition fees for all successful applicants, and stipend at the UKRI rate plus a training grant. The position is open to international students. The successful candidate will join our strong research network led by Dr Andrew Nottingham. Work will be performed with project partners at The UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, the University of Vienna, Edinburgh University and the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. Preferred qualifications: * Masters Degree or equivalent in the Natural Sciences (environmental, biological or Earth) or related disciplines, especially biogeochemical, molecular and soil science. * Programming ability in R * Excellent writing skills * Highly self-motivated and able to work independently, with remote partners and during periods of tropical forest fieldwork. Please apply following the guidelines here: https://panorama-dtp.ac.uk/how-to-apply/. Applications are open until 5 January. Applicants are also encouraged to send a cover letter with expression of interest and CV to Dr. Andrew Nottingham by email () with the subject line "PhD application - microbial carbon". Posted: 11/25/20.

University of Lethbridge: A PhD Fellowship is available to measure the viability of some of Canada's most at-risk plant populations in the Carolinian Forest region. The student will collect demographic data for several plant species at risk, including natural and recently translocated populations. They will use these data to link population growth rates with microhabitat conditions, threats and habitat suitability. The student will be working with Dr. Jenny McCune from the University of Lethbridge and the Nature Conservancy of Canada. More details - click on Weston Family Conservation Science Fellowship. Apply by by June 30, 2021. Posted: 6/11/21.

University of Lethbridge: The McCune lab at the University of Lethbridge, Alberta, is looking for graduate students or postdoctoral fellows interested in plant ecology and plant conservation in Canada. Potential projects include: analyzing the influence of habitat amount on the probability of occurrence of rare species, measuring genetic variation between isolated rare plant populations, modeling habitat suitability for rare plants across a landscape, and experimental rare plant translocations. Some projects require fieldwork while others involve GIS or lab-based work only. Fieldwork will occur primarily in southern Ontario or in southern Alberta. If you are interested, please email Jenny McCune (jl.mccune (at) uleth.ca) and tell me about your research interests and experiences. Include your CV and unofficial transcripts. Additional Information: U of L Biological Sciences, U of L Graduate Studies. Posted: 6/30/20.

University of Louisville: I am currently recruiting 1-2 Ph.D. students to join my lab starting Fall 2021. My lab combines evolution, ecology, and behavior to study how populations and communities respond to environmental change. We are particularly interested in how population responses and their consequences for community interactions vary across time and space. We use lab and field experiments, field collections, and population genomics. Work in the lab currently focuses on two study systems: Rhagoletis flies and Ambystomatid salamanders. More details are available at: alyciarlackey.weebly.com Potential research topics include, but are not limited to: 1) Testing how environmental changes affect selection on populations and evaluating how these changes alter community interactions (e.g., competition, predation, parasitism). 2) Testing how response to environmental change affects (the potential for) gene flow by measuring differences in habitat use, timing of reproduction, mating interactions, and/or reproductive success and estimating consequences for divergence and speciation. 3) Comparing population responses to environmental change across latitudinal gradients and examining potential contributions (e.g., differences in standing genomic variation, evolutionary history of selection and/or gene flow). I welcome students from underrepresented groups in STEM. My mentoring approach is supportive, flexible, and student-centered. I am currently involved in efforts within my department and one of my professional societies to take actions that improve inclusivity and equity. There are also university fellowships to support students from underrepresented groups. If you are interested in potentially joining my lab, please email me (alycia.lackey@louisville.edu) with (1) a ~1pg statement of your research interests, research experience, and motivation for going to grad school and (2) your CV or resume. Previous research experience in evolution, ecology, or behavior and with field work or genomics would be great, but this experience is not required. Details on the application process: http://louisville.edu/biology/graduate. Email me first before applying. Please note that the GRE is not required. Applications for fall 2021 are due by Jan. 15, 2020 to be considered for financial support. Posted: 9/23/20.

University of Louisville: Applicants are invited for one doctoral student to join (start date January 2021) the lab of Dr. Andrew Mehring. The position will focus on the drivers of wetland greenhouse gas emissions, and may involve the effects of nutrient inputs, algae, macrophytes, and benthic invertebrates (or larger fauna) on fluxes of methane, carbon dioxide, and nitrous oxide. Preferred experience: related coursework in ecology, and field research experience in wetlands or other aquatic ecosystems. Initial support is provided by a teaching assistantship (research assistantship when available). The Department of Biology is waiving GRE score requirements during the pandemic, but potential applicants should have a minimum GPA of 3.00. To inquire, submit (via e-mail) a cover letter with a brief (~1-2 pages) review of your research experience, interests, and goals and a CV to: Andrew S. Mehring, Ph.D. (andrew.mehring@louisville.edu), Department of Biology, University of Louisville. Applications will be reviewed on October 15. See the link above for more information on current and past research. Posted: 9/11/20.

University of Louisville: The Department of Biology at UofL is seeking applicants to our Ph.D. graduate program starting fall 2021. UofL Biology faculty research interests broadly include conservation biology, urban ecology, community ecology, evolution, animal behavior, tropical ecology, plant biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, and microbiology. Multiple TA positions and fellowships are available. Please see our website for more information: http://louisville.edu/biology. Interested students are encouraged to contact individual Biology faculty before applying. The application deadline for Fall admission is January 15, 2021 for students seeking financial support. We are waiving our GRE requirement for 2021 due to COVID-19 and submission of GRE scores is optional. Contact Sarah Emery (sarah.emery@louisville.edu), Director of Graduate Studies, for more information. Posted: 9/11/20.

University of Maine: Tree Pest Ecology (PhD). The Mech Forest Entomology Lab is offering a PhD opportunity (starting fall 2021) to work on the ecology and management of browntail moth – a currently outbreaking tree pest that has ecological, economic, and human health impacts. In particular, research will investigate the use of sex pheromones for both developing a monitoring program and as a potential mating disruption tool. Qualifications: MS in Entomology, biology, natural resources or related field, a strong work ethic, quantitative skills, and the ability to work independently. Field work may occur under all climatic conditions and the position will require a valid driver's license. This position is funded for 4 years through research and teaching assistantships. To express interest please send a copy of your CV or resume, a letter of interest describing your qualifications for the position, and names and contact information of three references to Angela Mech (angela.mech@maine.edu). Posted: 4/16/21.

University of Maine: We are recruiting for an RA-funded PhD position in the Charney lab at the University of Maine's flagship campus to complete a graduate program in Wildlife Ecology or Ecology & Environmental Science. The successful student would work on either: developing novel remote-sensing techniques of forests and landscape ecological metrics to understand and guide urban-planning in Nashville, TN; landscape ecology and conservation of vernal pools in New England working with unisexual salamanders and/or other vernal-pool dependent species; or another project of their choosing that links rare species conservation and landscape ecology. This is an exciting opportunity for an outstanding student to contribute to solving real-world conservation challenges while learning and advancing cutting-edge techniques, gaining experience in the field, establishing their career, and working within a supportive and collaborative environment. The ideal candidate would have: an independent work ethic; a strong quantitative skill set (preferably including fluency in R and GIS); passion for natural history; intense curiosity; strong written and oral communication skills; a desire to engage with collaborators and stakeholders in solving problems. A completed Master's degree is preferred but not required, as is success in publishing past work. Funding includes stipend, health insurance and tuition. To apply: please submit as a single PDF (if possible): (1) a cover letter detailing the project you are interested in and why you would be the ideal candidate; (2) a CV; (3) unofficial transcripts; (4) contact information for 3 references; and (5) a writing sample. Materials and questions may be emailed to: noah.charney@maine.edu. Application review will begin April 15th, 2021. Anticipated start is summer/fall 2021 (TBD). Posted: 3/25/21.

University of Maine: A MS position is available to work in Alessio Mortelliti’s lab focusing on how individual variation in behavior (personality) impacts population, community, and ecosystem dynamics. The MS student will participate in a NSF Career project focusing on the ecological consequences of personality, using small mammals and seed dispersal as a model system. The MS study will be conducted in the context of an ongoing large scale field experiment focused on land-use change and will include a citizen science component. The ideal candidate would have a strong passion for field work as well as the potential to develop strong quantitative and writing skills. Previous experience working with small mammals is not mandatory. The position is at the University of Maine flagship institution in Orono, with an active and diverse wildlife graduate department. The position includes a stipend (through RA and TA, for up to 2.5 years), full tuition and 50% of the health insurance. Expected start of the position: summer 2021 (TBD). To apply please send (as one unique PDF file): 1) A cover letter addressing why you want this position and what skills you would bring to the project, 2) curriculum vitae, 3) unofficial transcripts, 4) GRE scores (if available) 5) contact for 3 references, to: Dr. Alessio Mortelliti (alessio.mortelliti@maine.edu). Application review will begin on April 12, 2021. Posted: 3/19/21.

University of Maine: A 2-year Masters position is available in the Morano and Kamath Labs, starting in the Fall 2021 semester to examine questions related to habitat ecology and population dynamics of Maine moose (Alces alces). The successful applicant will work as part of a collaborative team composed of faculty and graduate students at the University of Maine, and professionals from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW) to consider questions of moose habitat use and survival dynamics in the context of resource allocation, habitat selection, winter severity, winter tick dynamics and other potential epidemiological factors. This is primarily a modeling project, taking advantage of data collected by the MDIFW; field work may consist of assisting agency personnel with data collection, or collecting and processing biological samples. The student will be a member of the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Conservation Biology, with options for pursuing a MS in Wildlife Ecology or Ecology and Environmental Sciences, co-advised by Dr. Sabrina Morano and Dr. Pauline Kamath. Assistantship support provided (stipend, tuition, (50%) of health insurance), which may include a combination of both research and teaching assistantships. Full Job Ad (pdf). Posted: 12/29/20.

University of Maine: The Wason Lab of Forest Ecosystem Physiology in the School of Forest Resources is seeking a highly motivated Master's student to research tree ecophysiology and xylem water transport in northeastern forests. The research will study xylem anatomy and tree ecophysiology to better understand how climate-change will impact northeastern forest trees. This research will use a combination of lab- and field-based measurements including experimental and observational approaches. There is room for the student to develop aspects of the project towards their interests. Fully funded. Start date Fall 2021. Applications due December 30th. More details (pdf). Posted: 11/25/20.

University of Maine: MS Assistantship: Golden-winged Warbler survival. Location: University of Maine (Orono, ME) with fieldwork in the Midwest and Appalachians. Stipend: ~$21k per year plus tuition (up to 13 credits per academic year) and health insurance premium. Dr. Amber Roth seeks a graduate student to pursue a MS degree over a 3 to 3.5-year period in association with the School of Forest Resources and Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Conservation Biology at the University of Maine. The student will be charged with estimating Golden-winged Warbler annual survival as part of a population viability assessment. The graduate student will work closely with a post-doctoral student developing range-wide population and habitat models. This position is a combination of a Teaching Assistantship (fall semesters) and Research Assistantship (spring and summer semesters). The student has the option to pursue a degree in Wildlife Ecology, Forest Resources, or Ecology & Environmental Science. Peer reviewed publications are expected as a product of this research. My intent is to hire the likely graduate student to begin a program of study beginning in Spring 2021 (potential to begin Fall 2020), with an expected graduation date of December 2023. Funding is still pending (and may be delayed due to COVID-19) so the position will be filled upon confirmation of funding approval. Qualified applicants will possess a BS/BA degree in biology, ecology, natural resources, environmental science, or other relevant field, strong interpersonal skills, and a valid driver's license. Competitive candidates will also have 1) considerable experience capturing and banding songbirds including attachment of telemetry tags (i.e., should be comfortable with training others in banding and tag attachment techniques), 2) ability to work independently in the field, 3) ability to work remotely and coordinate multiple field crews, 4) spatial analysis skills using GIS, and 5) have an interest in undergraduate teaching. Additionally, I'm seeking someone who has a strong work ethic and an outgoing personality. This project will require the physical ability to work in dense, regenerating forests and the mental toughness to implement a relatively short but intensive field season. To apply: Email your resume, cover letter summarizing your experience and interests, college transcripts, GRE scores (percentiles), and contact info for three references as a single PDF file to Dr. Amber Roth via amber.roth AT maine.edu Deadline for applications: July 10, 2020 or until filled. Posted: 6/29/20.

University of Maryland: I am seeking a motivated PhD student to start in the spring of 2021 in the AgroEcoLab. Research will focus on the effects of saltwater intrusion on nitrogen, phosphorus, and carbon cycling. Fieldwork will be conducted in Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia the student will be part of a multi-disciplinary and multi-institutional team funded by the NSF. Students will have the opportunity to conduct field and laboratory studies, developing their knowledge of biogeochemistry, soil science, hydrology, and plant community ecology. My lab takes a systems approach to evaluating agricultural sustainability and works closely with farmers to determine how best the scientific community can meet the needs of practitioners. Applicants must, therefore, possess integrity, enthusiasm, creativity, and effective communication in a collaborative setting. The applicant should have an M.S. degree or substantial undergraduate research in the areas of agroecology, wetland ecology, soil science, environmental science, agronomy, or a related field. Applicants should have at least two years of field and laboratory experience and research focusing on dissolved organic carbon is a plus. Preference will be given to those with experience running atomic absorption spectrometers, flow injection colorimeters, ion chromatographs, gas chromatographs, and other wet chemistry analytical instrumentation. The AgroEcoLab is directed by Dr. Kate Tully. Our research examines how to balance food and environmental objectives in a changing world. The specific project will test the effect of saltwater intrusion, the landward movement of sea salts, on crop productivity, water quality, and metrics of soil health. Our objectives are to develop management strategies and policy frameworks that can balance farmer needs and environmental health on coastal farms that are losing land to saltwater intrusion. To apply, please send me an email (kltully@umd.edu) with your CV, GRE scores, three references, and a brief narrative of your past experience and interest in the program. All applicants must also apply online to the UMD Graduate School and indicate interest in my lab. This position is a fully-funded (competitive graduate stipends, full benefits, and tuition remission) through a 5-year NSF grant. Posted: 9/30/20.

University of Maryland, Baltimore County: The Swan Lab is currently recruiting a PhD student to start in Fall 2021. Research interests are generally open, but should align with the lab’s historically diverse interests in research on the application of theory on how local vs regional effects explain species coexistence in built (plants) and non-built (streams and rivers) environments. Survey, experimental and synthesis approaches are welcome. As the student will be expected to develop their own project, a Master’s degree is desirable in biology or ecology. If interested, please send an email cover letter describing research interests, career goals, any related experience, a current CV; unofficial academic transcript; and, the name and full contact information for three references to Dr. Christopher M. Swan (chris.swan@umbc.edu). Review of applications will be rolling until the University’s official deadline to apply at the end of January 2021. Posted: 9/23/20.

University of Massachusetts Amherst: We are recruiting a PhD student to join our NSF funded project on environmental drivers of local adaptation in a marine predatory gastropod. Project details | Application details. The PhD student will be recruited to join the Organismic and Evolutionary Biology program at UMass Amherst in fall 2021. Briefly, the project seeks to decouple latitudinal and local environmental effects on population differentiation by quantifying phenotype (thermal performance led by PhD student) and genomics (population structure and gene expression led by a postdoc). The project includes field work on oyster reefs along the Atlantic coast of the US and laboratory experiments at Gloucester Marine Station to quantify thermal performance in F1 and F2 progeny. Applicants from under-represented groups are encouraged to apply (additional funding scholarship support may also be available). Applications will be reviewed on Oct 15, prior to the Dec 1 graduate program deadline. Please email bscheng@umass.edu if you have any questions. Posted: 9/17/20.

University of Massachusetts, Boston, Georgetown University, and University of Denver: We are recruiting 3 graduate students to start fall 2021, one in each of our labs at the University of Massachusetts, Boston (Vidal), Georgetown University (Wimp), and the University of Denver (Murphy). Salary differs by institution and degree (MS or PhD), but all include tuition waiver and healthcare. The deadline for applications varies by institution, but are between December 1 and January 15. The successful applicants will join our NSF-funded, collaborative research program studying the ecology and evolution of diet breadth of a generalist caterpillar, fall webworm. The new students will work closely with all three of us as well as two postdoctoral fellows (Dhaval Vyas and Mariana Abarca) to study how bottom-up and top-down selective pressures affect the diet breadth of a generalist insect; the research will involve both field and lab work. More information about our previous research and also our published work on fall webworm can be found here. We are committed to increasing inclusion and diversity in Ecology and Evolution and are aware of the systemic barriers that have restricted participation of certain groups in STEM. We foster a welcoming and inclusive academic environment. We do not discriminate by race, nationality, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, beliefs, or abilities; all are welcome to apply. Our NSF-funded research includes outreach activities, and applicants who care about DEI and are interested in participating in these activities are especially encouraged to apply. Please, reach out to us at Mayra.CadorinVidal@umb.edu, gmw22@georgetown.edu, and/or Shannon.M.Murphy@du.edu. If you have a geographic preference, you can contact one of us directly. Alternatively, you can email all of us and we can discuss together which lab would be the best fit. In your email, please tell us why you are interested in a graduate degree and whether you are interested in a MS or PhD. Please also include a CV, describe why you are interested in studying plant-insect interactions, and relate any previous research experiences you have in this area. Posted: 10/8/20.

University of Melbourne: PhD Student Opportunity in Freshwater Ecology and Management. An exciting PhD project is available for a motivated and suitably qualified candidate to undertake original research in a multi-disciplinary area. You will work with a dynamic and industry-aligned team to explore the potential to apply conservation planning principles to water resource management. Your findings will inform the water industry and contribute to the international body of knowledge. You will be supervised by Dr Avril Horne, A Prof Angus Webb (University of Melbourne and Prof Julian Olden (University of Washington). Project: Many freshwater ecosystems are in decline because of anthropogenic disturbances including extractions for human consumption, exotic species invasions, and river regulation for power generation or water security. Climate change has the potential to further exacerbate tradeoffs between water for human uses and water for the environment. This project will explore the potential of adopting spatial network and conservation planning techniques within the field of water resource management. The project would adapt existing methods from conservation planning to prioritize decisions around environmental water use, infrastructure locations and agricultural development. Application: Australian and international students are eligible to apply. Candidates must be eligible to apply for an Australian Government Research Training Program Stipend Scholarship (4-year degree or Masters) and be highly competitive for that award (approximate weighted average over final two years of study of >82% for local applicants or >88% for international applicants). Applicants will be assessed on their scholarship score and relevant skills and previous experience. Selection criteria include outstanding written communication skills, demonstrated competency in ecology, hydrology or natural resource management, and experience with mathematics or statistics. Industry experience is preferred, and female and indigenous applicants are highly encouraged to apply. If you are interested, please send a cover letter, responses to selection criteria, an un-official transcript and CV to Dr Avril Horne (avril.horne@unimelb.edu.au) by 7 October 2020 (earlier applications preferred). Please do not apply directly with the university at this stage. We will select a preferred candidate, who will then need to obtain University of Melbourne scholarship funding through standard the competitive scholarship selection processes. That application will be due by 7 October 2020. PhD conditions: The successful applicant will receive a stipend of $30k AUD p.a. tax-free plus an additional $5k p.a. top up scholarship. The candidate will enter the PhD program in the Melbourne School of Engineering in 2021 and be enrolled on a full-time basis. Given the uncertainties of travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic, remote work is a possibility at the start of the project. Australian PhD candidatures run for 3-4 years full time, and candidates are given considerable intellectual freedom to pursue their individual interests. This is backed up by considerable professional development opportunities, including presenting at local and international conferences, specific training courses, and limited paid work in consulting-style projects or teaching. As the PhD will be co-supervised by Julian Olden, the candidate will have the opportunity to spend 12 months or more of their candidature based in the Olden Lab at The University of Washington. Posted: 9/11/20.

University of Memphis: I am looking to recruit one PhD student to start Spring 2021 (January) to join the Brown Lab in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Memphis. This is a funded PhD research assistantship (2 years funding) with financial support for additional years to be provided by the candidate acting as a teaching assistant (11-month support). Because of this, F1 visa applicants are required to have sufficient TOEFL or IETLS scores. This NSF funded research examines biological and chemical interactions on biofilm heavy metal adsorption and release. Candidate will be investigating biofilm community dynamics and gene expression as related to heavy metal contamination. Preference will be given to students who have a strong background in next generation sequencing, bioinformatics, are interested in machine learning, and who possess and a strong sense of scientific curiosity. A MS degree is not required but preferred. If interested, please contact me (Shawn Brown) at spbrown2@memphis.edu with "Memphis PhD position" in the subject line. Include in the email (in PDF format) a short description of your interests, experience, and career goals that includes undergraduate (and graduate if applicable) transcripts (unofficial). Also include a CV/resume. The GRE is not required. Posted: 8/14/20.

University of Montana: We seek an MS student to start May 2021 on a project examining the influence of beaver mimicry on the structure and function of headwater stream and riparian food webs in western Montana. The student will be part of the Systems Ecology program at the University of Montana and jointly advised by Drs. Ben Colman (Franke College of Forestry and Conservation) and Rachel Malison (Flathead Lake Biological Station). The project is focused on understanding changes to aquatic insect communities due to the installation of Beaver Dam Analogs (BDAs), which are increasingly used as a method of stream restoration. Aquatic insects are an important component of streams and their surrounding riparian ecosystems. The MS student will also contribute to ongoing work that focuses on how BDAs influence fish communities and stream/riparian biogeochemistry. Applicants from a range of backgrounds are encouraged to apply, especially those from historically excluded groups. Two years of funding is available through a combination of teaching and research assistant positions. Tuition, research funding, and support for conference travel are also provided. Preference will be given to candidates with experience working with aquatic invertebrates, especially those with experience in aquatic insect taxonomy. The ideal candidate would also have prior research experience and possess both good organizational skills and an attention to detail. Priority will be given to those who apply by January 10, 2021 by uploading the following information as a single pdf document to this link 1) a resume or CV; 2) a letter of interest describing past research experiences and future goals (1-page limit); 3) unofficial transcript(s) from undergraduate institution(s); 4) the names and contact information for three references. Please send an email to introduce yourself to us at ben.colman@umontana.edu and rachel.malison@flbs.umt.edu. Posted: 11/25/20.

University of Nebraska-Lincoln: The new Center for Resilience in Agricultural Working Landscapes is seeking a motivated Ph.D. student to pursue cutting-edge, multidisciplinary research at UNL and at our partner institution, the University of Montana. The student will contribute to an NSF-funded project (Resilience Informatics for the Convergence of Critical Capacities to Address Regional-scale Environmental Change) to advance resilience theory and its use in conservation planning. The Ph.D. student will work with an interdisciplinary team of researchers from Nebraska and Montana to detect and track large-scale ecological transitions and the interactions of these transitions with social dynamics. The student will take a lead role in constructing and analyzing large social-ecological datasets, publishing results in peer-reviewed scientific journals, and translating findings into interpretable, customized products for conservation planning. Through the Center for Resilience in Agricultural Working Landscapes, the student will have opportunities to engage with an international network of resilience scholars and to link recent advances in resilience theory with state-of-the-art data and technology. The successful applicant will pursue their degree through the School of Natural Resources (Department of Agronomy and Horticulture is also possible) at the University of Nebraska. At UNL, the successful applicant will work with Drs. Daniel Uden and Craig Allen; and at the University of Montana with Dr. Brian Chaffin. In addition, there are a number of faculty, postdocs and students involved in this project at both institutions who will also be actively engaged. The ideal candidate will have an M.S. degree and expertise in one or more of the following fields: landscape ecology, rangeland ecology, computational biology, geography, sustainability sciences, human dimensions of natural resources, or related fields. Programming experience and familiarity with spatial data analysis is preferable. The candidate should also have demonstrated evidence of excellent writing and communication skills and be highly motivated to publish in scientific journals. To Apply: send a single PDF with the following information to Ronica Stromberg (Program Coordinator; rstromberg3@unl.edu) for immediate consideration: (1) a statement of interest; (2) a curriculum vitae; (3) unofficial transcripts; (4) an example of written work, preferably in the form of a peer-reviewed journal article; and (5) contact information for three professional references. Application review will begin Dec 5, 2020. We prefer a start date in January 2020 but are flexible. The Ph.D. stipend is ~$26k with full tuition waiver and standard graduate student health benefits. Posted: 11/25/20.

University of Nebraska: The Department of Plant Pathology is recruiting highly motivated, talented candidates for three GRA positions starting Spring 2021. The Funnell-Harris lab is seeking a candidate to develop wheat lines with increased resistance to Fusarium head blight using global gene expression analyses to identify genes or pathways involved in this enhanced resistance. The Everhart lab is seeking a candidate to characterize the pathogen(s) causing Alternaria leaf blight disease on broccoli in the eastern U.S. to determine the reason for fungicide control failure and/or relative importance of different inoculum sources using population genetics. The Zeng lab is seeking a candidate to elucidate the molecular basis of plant immunity against microbial pathogens by characterizing the roles and underlying molecular mechanisms of ubiquitination, a major posttranslational protein modification in plant immunity using the tomato-Pseudomonas syringae and Arabidopsis-P. syringae pathosystem. Review of applications begins September 15th, 2020. Competitive candidates are those that provide a strong letter of intent that describes professional goals and reasons for applying to the plant pathology program, including a description of research interests and/or areas of focus. GRA positions pay ~$25k plus tuition and subsidized health insurance. More details and to apply: https://go.unl.edu/plant-path-spring21. Posted: 8/6/20.

University of Neuchâtel: The laboratory of Soil Biodiversity (Edward Mitchell Lab at the University of Neuchâtel, Switzerland) is seeking a PhD student in protistology. We study primarily soil protist diversity with a strong focus on testate amoebae, biogeography, ecology and forensic ecology. The PhD student will study the morphological and molecular diversity, ecology and geographical distribution of free-living protists ideally testate amoebae. The exact topic is however open to discussion. The work is primarily based in Switzerland but involves international collaboration. The position involves teaching (practical labs at bachelor and/or master level in French or English on general protistology, soil biology, problem-based learning). A driving license and capacity to conduct field work are requirements for this position. For applications, please email edward.mitchell@unine.ch and include 1) a motivation letter, 2) a cv, 3) names and contact of two reference persons, and 4) publications if any. Applications deadline: June 7th 2021. A decision is expected by mid-end June 2021. The position starts on September 1st 2021. Funding is secured for 4 years, possibly 5. Posted: 6/4/21.

University of Neuchâtel: The laboratory of Soil Biodiversity (Edward Mitchell Lab at the University of Neuchâtel, Switzerland) is seeking a PhD student in peatland microbial ecology and biogeochemistry. We study primarily soil protist diversity with a strong focus on testate amoebae, biogeography, ecology and forensic ecology. The PhD student will: 1) conduct field measurements of gas exchanges at the surface of Swiss peatlands, 2) model the annual budgets of gas fluxes based on these measurements, 3) analyse testate amoeba communities by microscopy and based on these data 4) develop inference models (transfer functions) for rapid assessment of current and past carbon fluxes from peatlands. The work involves microscopy, field measurements of gas fluxes, and modelling. The work is primarily based in Switzerland but involves international collaboration. Some limited contribution to teaching (labs) is expected. A driving license and capacity to conduct field work are requirements for this position. For applications, please email edward.mitchell@unine.ch and include 1) a motivation letter, 2) a cv, 3) names and contact of two reference persons, and 4) publications if any. Applications deadline: June 7th 2021. A decision is expected by mid-end June 2021. The position may start in July or later in 2021. Funding is secured until end 2024, possibly somewhat longer. Posted: 5/21/21.

University of Nevada Las Vegas: I am recruiting a Ph.D. student interested in the climate, ecology and hydrology of forest ecosystems in the southwestern United States. My lab is leading research projects to better understand declining natural regeneration in coniferous forests. This particular position includes a Research Assistantship focused on 3 projects: (1) better understanding of the stress tolerance of juvenile trees; (2) linking microclimate and ecohydrological dynamics to juvenile tree mortality using ground-based instrumentation; and (3) forecasting the changing effectiveness of forest management actions in scenarios of 21st century climate change using computational modeling. Ideally, this appointment will begin in summer 2021 (field research), with entry into the UNLV graduate program in the fall. Priority will be given to students who have completed a master's degree, have published peer-reviewed journal articles, and who have experience conducting quantitative ecological research. Experience using tools and building things is a bonus! Applicants should first contact me (Dr. Matthew Petrie: matthew.petrie@unlv.edu) with a letter of interest and a CV or resume. A departmental application is due in early 2021. I am happy to answer any questions you might have about this position and the research attached to it. This position will be in the School of Life Sciences. Posted: 9/17/20.

University of Nevada-Reno: We are seeking an MS student to work on a continuing study of drought resilience in singleleaf pinyon pine (Pinus monophylla), the most dry-adapted pine species in North America. This project aims to identify traits and strategies that confer seedling tolerance to drought, using common garden experiments that compare performance of seedlings from different populations of origin. This project is improving our understanding of the mechanisms that affect regeneration success, including gene-by-environment interactions, nurse shrub facilitation, and resource availability. The student working on this project will have the opportunity to work in beautiful, remote landscapes of the Nevada Great Basin as well as to develop a range of technical skills. The student will be jointly advised by Peter Weisberg (University of Nevada, Reno) and Alexandra Urza (USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station), and can pursue an MS degree in either Natural Resources and Environmental Science (NRES), or Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology (EECB). The successful candidate will have: - BS or BA in ecology, biology, ecophysiology, or related field - Strong quantitative skills - Research experience in field- or lab-based plant ecology - Ability to work collaboratively with multiple researchers Ideal starting date is January 2020. A Fall 2020 start date may also be considered, particularly if the applicant can start by early summer of 2020. Funding is available for at least two years (monthly stipend plus research support and tuition), with the expectation to work as teaching assistant for part of that time. TO APPLY: Send a single file including a CV, cover letter, unofficial transcripts, and contact information for three references to Peter Weisberg (pweisberg@unr.edu). Email with questions. Posted: 9/17/20.

University of Nevada-Reno: The Shriver Lab is recruiting 1-2 graduate students (Ph.D. or M.S.) to join the lab beginning the fall of 2021. Our research seeks to understand and predict the demography and dynamics of plant populations. We use a combination of field monitoring data, remote sensing, and modeling to understand the drivers and resilience of plants populations in the face global change, how disturbance and human management alter plant populations, and use this information to help inform management decisions (e.g. restoration). Potential research topics include (but are not limited to): (1) Forecasting plant restoration outcomes (2) Understanding how climate and disturbance impact plant dynamics and resilience across space and time (3) Improving our understanding of restoration outcomes with modeling (3) Scaling demographic inference to large spatial scales. The ideal candidates for the positions have previous ecological research and data analysis experience (e.g. R, statistics coursework), is highly self-motivated, and has a strong interest in ecological modeling and being a part of a collaborative team. While field work can be a major component of a project, this is not required. If interested, please contact Dr. Bob Shriver at rshriver@unr.edu by October 15th, 2020 with the following as attachments: (1) A one-page cover letter briefly describing your research interests, research experience, and degree program of choice (M.S. or PhD) (2) your resume/CV including contact information for at least two professional references, and (3) unofficial transcripts. Posted: 9/11/20.

University of Nevada-Reno: I am looking for a PhD student to join our research team (Dr. Vladimir Pravosudov, Cognitive and Behavioral Ecology Lab to work with our long-term mountain chickadee field system in beautiful Sierra Nevada starting Fall 2021. Applications to our EECB graduate program are due November 2020. Please see the lab website (chickadeecognition.com) for more information about the lab and our recent publications. If interested, please email me directly (vpravosu@unr.edu) and include your CV and a statement of research experience. Posted: 8/6/20.

University of Nevada-Reno: The Bisbing (forest ecology & silviculture) and Parchman (ecological genetics) labs are seeking a PhD student with interest and/or expertise in forest ecology, evolutionary ecology, and genetics to lead a Sierra Nevada-wide provenance trial to support climate-based seed selections in reforestation efforts. This project aims to examine the degree of local adaptation versus adaptive potential in five of the most economically and ecologically important tree species in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California - Calocedrus decurrens, Pinus jeffreyi, Pinus lambertiana, Pinus ponderosa, and Sequoiadendron giganteum. Identifying appropriate provenances for reforestation will be critical to increasing Sierra Nevada forest ecosystem resilience and supporting forest landowners and resource managers in post-wildfire recovery under altered current and predicted future climate conditions. The PhD student will join the Ecology, Evolution, & Conservation Biology program at UNR and be jointly advised by Sarah Bisbing and Tom Parchman. The student will have the opportunity to work in close collaboration with researchers and managers from the California Department of Forestry & Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), University of California-Berkeley, UC Cooperative Extension unit, and USDA Pacific Southwest Research Station. The successful candidate will have: - a MS in forest ecology, forestry, ecology, evolutionary ecology, biology, or related field by start date. - research experience in forest ecology, silviculture and/or genetics. - strong quantitative skills and be highly competent in R and ArcGIS. - interest and ability to work collaboratively with forest managers and a large network of researchers. Networking and people skills essential. Starting date as early as January 2020. Funding is available for three years ($1900/month stipend plus research and tuition), with teaching opportunities available to support ongoing work. Applicants should compile a single pdf file to sbisbing@unr.edu including a CV, cover letter, transcripts, GRE scores, representative publications, and contact information for three references. Review of applications will begin September 1, 2020. Posted: 8/6/20.

University of North Carolina Wilmington: The Schweikert Lab is recruiting a graduate student to join the 'Evolutionary Neuroecology' group in the Department of Biology and Marine Biology (BMB) in the Fall of 2021. The available position is for the Master's program, with possible advancement to PhD. The lab primarily studies the neuroecology of marine vertebrate vision, centering on topics that include the sensory basis of dynamic skin color change, deep-sea bioluminescence, and the visual ecology of gamefish and whales. Project selection is flexible, as the student will be encouraged to develop an independent research idea that aligns with lab interests. Research in the Schweikert Lab is integrative, and students with interest in developing molecular, histological, and computational skills are encouraged to apply. The early application deadline is Feb 15th 2021, with the application period extending to June 30th 2021. Prior to applying, interested students are strongly encouraged to contact Dr. Lorian Schweikert directly. Please send an email to schweikertl@uncw.edu containing (1) a detailed curriculum vitae that includes your GPA and GRE scores (if available) and (2) a letter of interest outlining your rationale for pursuing a graduate degree, your career goals, and your motivation for applying to the Evolutionary Neuroecology lab. Posted: 9/17/20.

University of North Dakota: The Darby Ecological Genomics Lab is seeking a Ph.D. student for a USDA-funded soil health monitoring research project. The goal of this project is to quantify the ecological and economic soil health effects of the Conservation Reserve Program. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in field work, experience with plant and soil sampling, laboratory techniques related to soil health and microbiota, and analyzing geospatial data (such as the use of GIS, R, and/or SAS), with a M.S. degree in a related field (with a preference for experience in fields such as soil or agro-ecology). This Research Assistantship will require interacting with landowners and producers in the Central and Western states and will involve considerable travel and field work across multiple states during the summer. To apply, please send a single PDF file to Dr. Brian Darby (brian.darby@und.edu) that includes at least 1) a 1-2 page cover letter (including your academic background and current status, scientific interests, professional goals, and experiences with the relevant lab and analytical skills), 2) curriculum vitae (plus any significant publications), 3) graduate and undergraduate (unofficial) transcripts and GRE scores, and 4) contact information for three references (institutional affiliation, email, and phone). Review of applications will begin immediately, and will continue until a candidate is identified and invited to apply for admission to the University of North Dakota graduate program to begin as soon as January 2021. Preliminary letters of inquiry are welcome. Posted: 10/13/20.

University of Notre Dame: The Swenson Lab is searching for 1-2 new graduate students to begin in the fall of 2021. We are looking for students interested in tree functional ecology, life history tradeoffs, demography and community ecology. Funding is available to support students interested in working in eastern North American forests and/or Asian subtropical or tropical forests. Previous research experience is essential for either position. Experience working in Asia or experience in tropical botany is essential for applicants interested in working in southeast Asia. Both positions will be associated with an NSF-funded Dimensions of Biodiversity project and will be expected to leverage existing data from long-term forest dynamics plots and NEON as a part of their research. The lab will be joining the Department of Biology at the University of Notre Dame in January 2021 and the University of Notre Dame Environmental Research Center will serve as a hub for our research on North American tree biology. If you are interested in joining our team, please email a description of your research experiences and interests and a CV to Dr. Nate Swenson (nswenson "a" nd.edu). Posted: 9/30/20.

University of Oregon: Forest disturbance, geospatial patterning and carbon accounting in coastal forests of Alaska and Canada. Start date: Fall 2021. An exciting new project in the Lucash lab studying the role of past forest management and natural disturbances in constraining or promoting future conservation, harvest, and carbon-market activities is starting in 2021, funded by the National Science Foundation GeoSpatialScience (GSS) program. The project will quantify carbon stocks at a high spatial resolution across the Alaskan and Canadian coast, one of the most carbon-dense forests in the world. We are recruiting a Ph.D. student to work with academics and professionals (SciLive, TerraVerde) in the United States and Canada to make future projections of carbon storage on the landscape under various conservation and management scenarios using the LANDIS-II forest simulation model. This will be the first high-resolution carbon mapping and modeling of this globally significant region. Potential students interested in biogeography, programming, geospatial analysis, and carbon markets are welcome to apply. The project pays approximately $22-24k/12 months plus tuition and health benefits. It is located at the University of Oregon, Eugene, OR. Students will be funded by a teaching assistantship for two years and funded by the research grant for the remaining two years. The successful candidate will join our strong research group led by Drs. Brian Buma (CU), Melissa Lucash (UO), and Rob Scheller (NC State) and senior personnel Drs. David D’Amore (US Forest Service; Juneau Alaska), Caren Dymond (Senior Research Scientist, BC Gov.), Sari Saunders (Research Head, Coastal Region of BC), Allison Bidlack (Alaska Coastal Rainforest Center), and Brian Kleinhenz (VP of Operations, TerraVerde, AK and WA). Preferred qualifications: · M.S. in Ecology, Forestry, Geography or associated fields · Programming ability in R and/or ArcMap · Excellent writing skills · Ability to work closely with remote partners, including frequent phone calls and personal visits. Please submit a cover letter, CV, and list of three references to Dr. Melissa Lucash by email (mlucash@uoregon.edu) with the subject line “Ph.D. student application- southeast Alaska”. Review of the applications will begin on 9 November 2020. Posted: 11/3/20.

University of Pittsburgh: Interested in how evolution impacts biodiversity and vice-versa? The Turcotte Lab of Experimental Evolutionary Ecology is looking for a PhD student to work on an NSF funded project testing on how rapid evolution impacts species coexistence. The project combines experimental evolution in field mesocosms using duckweed with the modern coexistence theory. The student would participate in these studies as well as develop their own projects. The Department of Biological Sciences is a dynamic and growing team of enthusiastic researchers and educators. The department also runs the Pymatuning Lab of Ecology, which is equipped with lab space and housing to facilitate field-based research in northwestern Pennsylvania. All graduate students in the department are provided with a competitive stipend and benefits for 5 years through a combination of fellowships, TAships, and research assistantships. Although funding from the lab itself is available, I expect all prospective students to apply for external funding. Prospective students should email me turcotte -AT- pitt.edu with a few short paragraphs stating why you are interested in the lab and describe your past research experience. Please include your C.V., any publications, and contact information for a few references. Martin Turcotte, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh. Posted: 9/17/20.

University of Pittsburgh: The Kitzes Lab in the Department of Biological Sciences is seeking one Ph.D. student to join our lab in the Fall of 2021 (applications accepted in Fall 2020). Research in our lab broadly seeks to understand how human alteration of natural habitat impacts species abundance and diversity at large spatial scales. Our ongoing projects mainly use bioacoustic methods to investigate the conservation and spatial ecology of temperate bird communities. The research focus for this student will be somewhat flexible, but will likely focus on field surveys of Pennsylvania breeding birds conducted using automated acoustic recorders, with recordings analyzed using our lab's machine learning classifiers and advanced statistical models. Students with a background in field work involving birds, acoustic surveys, statistics, and/or machine learning models are particularly encouraged to apply. Our department provides competitive financial support for graduate students that includes a stipend, full tuition remission, health insurance, and free access to public transportation. We anticipate that the incoming student will receive a five year support package that includes up to 4 years of research funding. Although applications are not due until December 7th, interested applicants should contact Dr. Kitzes during the fall term. Please send an email (justin.kitzes@pitt.edu) that includes a few paragraphs describing the type of work that you are hoping to do for your dissertation and why you are interested in our lab in particular, as well as your CV. Posted: 8/6/20.

University of Rhode Island: Project title: Effects of forest management on woodcock and associated avian wildlife in southern New England forests. A research assistantship is available at the M.Sc. or Ph.D. level to study the distribution and abundance of wild birds associated with early successional forests in southern New England and to develop a forest management plan for enhancing such wildlife. Selected species of songbird and gamebird that prefer early successional habitats will be censused to determine how forest management type and history influences their occurrence. An ongoing radiotelemetry study will be used to estimate home range and seasonal activity patterns of woodcock, an important gamebird associated with these forests. Significant habitat assessment and mapping will also be involved. Most field work will be conducted in Rhode Island on public and private forested land. Qualifications: Only hard-working, motivated, intelligent, good-natured persons interested in birds 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 bird capture and handling, techniques for censusing songbirds, radiotelemetry and woodcock, and GIS is highly desirable. Experience with quantitative analysis skills and field research is required. Ability to work collaboratively and to supervise research assistants and undergraduates working in the field is also required. Stipends are approx. $25k/yr (includes a mix of RA & TA) and tuition is paid. Start date is September 2021. To apply submit the following to the URI Graduate School: a letter stating your qualifications and research interests, a resume or CV, college transcripts, and 3 letters of reference by no later than 9 January 2021 (early application is encouraged). Once you have completed your application, please send an email to: Dr. Scott R. McWilliams, Dept. Natural Resources Science, University of Rhode Island (srmcwilliams@uri.edu) notifying him of your interest in the position and of your completed application. Graduate students will be trained in the Ecology & Ecosystem Science graduate specialization within the Biological & Environmental Sciences graduate program. Posted: 11/25/20.

University of Rhode Island: Graduate Research Assistantship: Carbon Accounting in Salt Marshes. We are seeking an individual with experience in soil science, environmental science, geology, or estuarine biology to work on a study focused on carbon accounting in eastern salt marshes. The candidate will research the relationships among geomorphic parameters and blue carbon stocks and distribution in New England salt marshes. This research is part of a regional investigation of blue carbon accounting. Interested students should have a foundation in soils, environmental science, coastal ecology, or geomorphology. Applicants should be experienced in working in the field under adverse conditions. Experience with GIS is required. Please send statement of interest to: Dr. Mark Stolt, mstolt@uri.edu The University of Rhode Island's Department of Natural Resources Science conducts research in wetland and watershed science, soil ecology, hydropedology, landscape ecology, GIS, and wildlife conservation and management. Mark H. Stolt, Professor of Pedology and Soil-Environmental Science, Department of Natural Resources Science, 112 Kingston Coastal Institute, 1 Greenhouse Road, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881. voice 401-874-2915, fax 401-874-4561. Posted: 9/17/20.

University of South Alabama: I am seeking motivated and enthusiastic students to fill Marine Science MSc (2 years fully funded) and PhD positions (4 years fully funded) in the Department of Marine Sciences, University of South Alabama based at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab. Preferred start date is Fall 2021 (Aug 17, 2021), although Spring 2022 is possible for exceptional applicants. The positions are funded as a Research Assistantship which requires the student to work as a research assistant for up to 20 hours per week in addition to conducting their own research. The Assistantship covers a stipend and tuition. Preferred PhD applicants will have a Masters' degree and have primary authored at least one manuscript. The overarching RESTORE-funded project seeks to build upon existing living shoreline success while also advancing the science behind living shoreline restorations by making a comprehensive monitoring plan which will assess and monitor the performance of existing living shorelines in Alabama's coastal waters. The comprehensive monitoring effort will develop a standard set of parameters, including measurements of secondary productivity, habitat values, and other similar parameters. There is some flexibility for students to develop their projects according to their interests and preliminary findings, but general project topics include: - metrics of habitat quality for fisheries species (e.g. growth and condition) - community responses to restoration (food webs, community composition) - synthesizing existing living shoreline monitoring data - developing and testing techniques for using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and machine learning algorithms as a restoration monitoring tool (coding experience preferred). Interested applicants should first ensure eligibility, and then contact Dr. Baker (bakerlab@disl.org) by Friday, June 11th to express interest and discuss ideas before completing the online application process through USA. Please use the email subject "Living Shorelines RA" and include: 1) a cover letter with a description of your research interests as they relate to this project, 2) your CV including contact details for 3 references, 3) academic transcripts and test scores, and if applicable 4) pdf(s) of any peer reviewed publications you have authored. If the applicant has no authored publications, an applicant-led writing sample can be submitted in lieu. Please title all documents using the format LastName_DocumentName, for example Rodriguez_CoverLetter. Posted: 6/4/21.

University of South Alabama: We are searching for a graduate student at the MS or PhD level to join the Marine Mammal Research Program at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab through the Department of Marine Sciences at USA. The selected student will be co-advised by Senior Marine Scientist, Dr. Ruth Carmichael, and the Program Veterinarian, Dr. Jennifer Bloodgood, and will work closely with the staff, researchers and volunteers as part of the Alabama Marine Mammal Stranding Network (ALMMSN). The selected student will conduct research on the effects of water quality on skin conditions in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in Mobile Bay, Alabama and adjacent waters of the northern Gulf of Mexico. Research will focus on pathophysiology of freshwater skin lesions and how the skin microbiome changes in response to these conditions. The student will work in field and laboratory settings, with live and dead dolphins. The required start date is no later than Fall 2021, with an opportunity to join ALMMSN as a research technician prior to matriculation. Candidates must meet the requirements for admission to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and the Marine Sciences Department at USA. For applicants to the PhD program, an MS degree or DVM with relevant research experiences and outputs (papers, presentations, etc.) is preferred. The candidate should be comfortable sampling dolphins in a necropsy (animal autopsy) setting. The ideal student will have strong written and verbal communication skills, be motivated and organized, and work well independently and with a team. Interested applicants should first ensure eligibility, and then contact Drs. Ruth H. Carmichael and Jennifer Bloodgood (rcarmichael@disl.org, jbloodgood@disl.org) to express interest and discuss ideas before completing the online application process through USA. Please use the email subject "ALMMSN Graduate Student Research Opportunity" and include: 1) a BRIEF description of your research interests as they relate to this project; 2) CV, including GPA, GRE test scores, and 3 references; and 3) a writing sample or pdf of a peer-reviewed publication, if applicable. Posted: 8/14/20.

University of South Alabama: Ph.D. assistantship in Marine Ecology to start January or May 2021 at the University of South Alabama and based at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab. Dr. Lee Smee is seeking a doctoral student to study phenotypic plasticity in oysters and oyster reef ecology. Funding for three years is provided. Interested candidates should send an email to Dr. Jessica Lunt, jlunt@disl.org with "PhD student application - Last Name" in the subject line. Please include a cover letter with relevant experience, then names and contact information for 3 references, unofficial transcripts, unofficial GRE scores, and a CV or resume. This position will be filled by Sept. 30, 2020. The student selected will need to apply to the University of South Alabama and include a complete application with official transcripts and GRE scores. Inquiries can be sent to Dr. Smee lsmee@disl.org. Posted: 8/6/20.

University of South Dakota: The Department of Biology seeks applications for an MS research assistantship to study Asian carp invasion biology. We anticipate funding for one MS research assistant for two years beginning January 2021. The stipend is $23,500/year with full tuition remission. The student will join a collaborative effort between researchers at the University of South Dakota, the SD Department of Game, Fish and Parks, and the USGS Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center. The aim of the study is to document presence/absence and seasonal use patterns of Silver and Bighead Carp in three tributaries of the Missouri River acoustic telemetry and environmental DNA (eDNA). Qualifications: Applicants must have an undergraduate degree in Biology, Fisheries Biology, Ecology, or a related field with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Due to COVID-19, no GRE scores are required at this time. Field work will involve fish collection using electrofishing and other techniques, surgery, telemetry, and water collection for eDNA analysis. Lab work will include water sample filtration, DNA extraction, and qPCR analyses of samples. Individuals with experience relevant to both the study’s field and lab aspects will be preferred, but any interested students are encouraged to apply. Contacts: Jeff Wesner, Ph.D., Jeff.Wesner@usd.edu, Hugh Britten, Ph.D., Hugh.Britten@usd.edu, For full consideration, please submit materials through USD’s Graduate School. In your application letter, mention your interest in the project and mention Drs. Wesner and Britten as potential advisors. Posted: 9/11/20.

University of Southern Mississippi: Applicants are invited from one doctoral student (official start date January 2021) to join the lab of Dr. Donald Yee. The position will focus on aspects of the population or community ecology of ants in El Yunque National Forest in Puerto Rico at the NSF funded Luquillo Long Term Ecological Research site (LTER). The position will be supported during the summer months by the LTER (travel, lodging, and per diem). Multiple areas of ant-focused research interests are welcomed. Research at the LTER site is currently focused on effects of climate change including drought and large disturbances like hurricanes on various taxa and on food web dynamics. We have data from ant communities pre- and post-Hurricane Maria (2017) that would serve as a good foundation for more specific hypothesis driven questions. Amazing opportunities exist to collaborate with scientists in the LTER studying ant-relevant topics and to explore some foundational questions about ants in the rain forests of Puerto Rico. The LTER in Puerto Rico has multiple decades worth of data on various taxa that may be relevant. Required experience: coursework in ecology, entomology (specifically ants), and statistics. Preferred experience: tropical field work, Spanish. Full tuition scholarships for the successful applicant are provided. Support is provided by teaching assistantships and research assistantships (when available). Although the School of Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences at USM does not have a minimum set of scores to be eligible for entrance into the graduate program, potential applicants should expect to have a minimum GPA of 3.00 and have taken the GRE before application. More information on admission. Deadline for Spring 2021 applications is 1 October 2020. To inquire, submit (via e-mail) a cover letter with a brief (~ one page) review of your research experience and interests and goals and a CV to: Donald A. Yee, Ph.D. (donald.yee@usm.edu), School of Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences, University of Southern Mississippi. twitter: @mosquitolab. Posted: 8/6/20.

University of Tennessee, Knoxville: The Blum Lab in the Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology (EEB) is seeking PhD students to join research endeavors focusing on eco-evolutionary dynamics related to global change. Students will have opportunities to contribute to ongoing pursuits leveraging highly persistent soil-stored seed banks in Chesapeake Bay marshes to reconstruct century-long records of eco-evolutionary responses to climate change and corollaries thereof (e.g., sea level rise). Students also will have opportunities to become involved in a newly funded “Bridging Ecology and Evolution” project that will assess whether and how rapid evolution of an ecologically dominant plant to global change influences carbon cycling in Chesapeake Bay marshes. Joining one or both pursuit(s) will present opportunities to collaborate with partners at the University of Notre Dame, the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, Bryn Mawr College, and other leading institutions. Prospective students should have a mix of primary interests related to evolutionary biology, quantitative genetics, population genetics and genomics, transcriptomics, and epigenetics. Interests should also extend to plant physiology and functional traits, plant-microbe associations, coastal ecology, global change ecology, soil biogeochemistry as well as ecosystem processes related to carbon and nutrient cycling. Students will be provided a competitive stipend as well as support for tuition and health insurance through a graduate research and/or teaching assistantship. Support is available for students to begin in the Fall semester of 2021 or Spring semester of 2022. Applicants must have an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution in Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, Genetics, Botany, Plant Sciences or a related discipline so long as relevant coursework has been completed. Preference will be given to candidates with a MS degree and with relevant work experience. Candidates should email a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, unofficial transcripts, and contact information for three references as a single pdf to Dr. Michael Blum (mblum@utk.edu) by 1 May 2021. Posted: 4/16/21.

University of Tennessee: We continue to expand our cross-campus activities in Conservation Science. We are looking to recruit excellent conservation-centric graduate students as part of this expansion. At this time, we seek excellent students interested in pursuing Masters or PhD study through our Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. Successful applicants will receive tuition, health care, and a stipend from guaranteed TA line support. More details. Applications are due 1st December 2020 for enrollment in August 2021, but applicants are strongly encouraged to contact prospective advisers now. For information about other graduate opportunities in EEB, see https://eeb.utk.edu. Posted: 8/14/20.

University of Texas at Arlington: The Walsh lab is recruiting PhD students for Spring or Fall 2021. Research in the Walsh lab addresses questions at the interface of ecology and evolution in aquatic environments. We work in a variety of systems including streams in Trinidad and lakes in Wisconsin, Utah, and Alaska to examine the ecological drivers of evolution in natural populations of fish and zooplankton. In particular, I am seeking students that will contribute to NSF funded projects that are using resurrected populations of Daphnia to address evolutionary questions. This includes testing the link between plasticity and adaptation in lakes in Wisconsin and evaluating the evolutionary consequences of nuclear testing in lakes in Utah. If interested, please send a brief statement of interests, CV, and GRE scores to Matt Walsh (matthew.walsh@uta.edu). Review of applicants will begin on 9/1/2020. For information regarding the graduate program at UTA, please see https://www.uta.edu/biology. UTA offers very competitive stipends that include a tuition waiver and health insurance coverage. Posted: 8/14/20.

University of Texas at Austin Marine Science Institute: Applications are being sought for a fully funded PhD student in the lab of Dr. Andrew Esbaugh in the Department of Marine Science. The Esbaugh lab is broadly interested in questions that integrate cellular physiology, organismal performance, and behavior to explore impacts of environmental stress on marine fishes. This position is part of a National Science Foundation grant studying respiratory plasticity in marine fish following exposure to prolonged environmental hypoxia. The successful candidate will be expected to participate in the development of new research projects within this theme, which will ideally incorporate additional environmental stressors, such as temperature, pH or carbon dioxide. The position will be based out of the Fisheries and Mariculture Laboratory at the University of Texas Marine Science Institute (UTMSI) in Port Aransas, Texas, and includes a competitive graduate student stipend, tuition, health care coverage and access to affordable on-campus housing in Port Aransas. Qualifications: All highly motivated students with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Biology or a related field will be considered. Students with a demonstrated background in fish physiology and previous research experience with respirometry, enzyme biochemistry or fish behavior are preferred. The Esbaugh lab is an inclusive environment and applications are encouraged from students with diverse perspectives and backgrounds. Interested applicants should contact Andrew Esbaugh at a.esbaugh@austin.utexas.edu. Official application procedures and additional program details can be found at https://utmsi.utexas.edu/academics/graduate. Posted: 10/28/20.

University of Texas at Austin Marine Science Institute: The Casey Lab at UTMSI is recruiting a postdoctoral researcher and a graduate student to conceive and conduct research in marine trophic ecology. Our research investigates marine trophic interactions using molecular techniques, with a special focus on coral reef fishes. To learn more about the Casey Lab, check out ourresearch themes and publications. Most of our research occurs on tropical coral reefs, but we are expanding our work to the Texas Coastal Bend. UTMSI is a leading marine research facility located in Port Aransas, a small community on the Gulf coast of Texas. Closing date: August 3, 2020. Successful applicants will be interviewed in mid-August. Preferred start date: January 16, 2021 (flexible) I am committed to promoting diversity in science and actively seek to include racial or ethnic minorities, women, people that identify as LGBTQ+, and other disadvantaged/underrepresented groups. A graduate research assistantship is available for students seeking a M.S. or Ph.D. degree. The topic is flexible, but it should align with the current research themes of the Casey Lab. To qualify, the applicant must have a Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate science discipline, a strong academic background, experience conducting marine field and/or labwork, and a demonstrated capacity to contribute to a collaborative research environment. Desired, but not required, training/experience includes small boat operation, scientific diving, proficiency with R, and publishing scientific research. The successful candidate will receive appropriate training, participate in collaborative lab projects, and have access to research funds. The preferred start date is January 16, 2021, but it may be delayed to summer 2021. To apply, please submit the following to Dr. Jordan Casey (jcasey508@gmail.com) by August 3rd: (1) CV – including degree(s), work experience, and publications (if applicable) (2) Letter of interest / research proposal (2 pages) (3) Academic references – names and contact information of two referees. Post-interview, successful applicant(s) will need to formally apply through UTMSI by September 2020. Find out more about UTMSI's Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees and admission requirements. Posted: 6/29/20.

University of Texas at El Paso: The McLaren lab is looking for a PhD student interested in working on a recently funded ‘Critical Zone Thematic Cluster’ grant to study nutrient cycling and microbial communities in the carbonate-dominated soils of dryland ecosystems, with a particular focus on phosphorus cycling. This NSF-funded project is highly collaborative, interdisciplinary and focuses on field-based investigations in Texas, New Mexico and Idaho. The student will be supported through a combination of research and reaching assistantships. Qualified candidates should have a B.S. or M.S. (preferred) in Ecology, Biology, Environmental Science or related field, and show a strong interest in plant ecology, ecosystem ecology or biogeochemistry. Ideal candidates will have some previous research experience in field ecology, a strong work ethic, be able to work independently and with a field crew, and availability to begin in Fall 2021. More information about the Department of Biological Sciences and its graduate programs. Applications for graduate school are due Feb 1 but students are encouraged to contact me in advance of that date. Interested students should send a C.V., unofficial transcripts short statement of research interests to Jennie McLaren at jrmclaren@utep.edu prior to applying. Posted: 1/16/21.

University of Texas at El Paso: The McLaren lab is looking for a MS student to be involved in an NSF-funded project examining the role of small mammals in affecting carbon cycling through a combination of field experiments manipulating mammal densities, measurements of plant and soil responses, and modeling. The project is a collaboration with faculty at Columbia University, Towson University, University of New Hampshire and the Marine Biological Laboratory and involves summer field work at Barrow in northern Alaska. The student will assist with data collection for the larger project as well as conduct his/her own project in conjunction with our research questions. The student will be supported primarily through TAships, with partial RAship support. Qualified candidates should have a B.S. in Ecology, Biology, Environmental Science or related field, and show a strong interest in plant ecology, ecosystem ecology or biogeochemistry. Ideal candidates will have some previous research experience in field ecology, a strong work ethic, be able to work independently and with a field crew, and availability to begin in June-July 2021. More information about the Department of Biological Sciences and its graduate programs. Applications for graduate school are due Feb 1 but students are encouraged to contact me well in advance of that date. Interested students should send a c.v. and short statement of research interests to Jennie McLaren at jrmclaren@utep.edu prior to applying. Posted: 1/5/21.

University of Texas at El Paso: The Lavretsky Lab is currently recruiting a graduate student to start in the Fall of 2021! The NSF funded PhD position will unravel genomic consequences when domesticated individuals interbreed with their wild sister taxa. The student will join a vibrant and growing research body in the Department of Biological Sciences, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Program. The student will work to uncover the genomic and morphological consequences from a century of interbreeding between domestic and wild mallard ducks. The student will join a multi-institutional research team, and will apply a comprehensive set of molecular techniques to geographically broad species-wide sample sets from contemporary populations, where they will work with >100 full genomes of genetically vetted pure wild mallards, domestic mallards, and their hybrids. Genetic sampling will be extended 100 to 150 years into the past using ancient DNA approaches with museum specimens. Moreover, using 3D morphometric analysis of museum specimens, as well as feeding trails with live wild and domesticated mallards, we will examine how the movement of traits associated with domesticated birds (e.g., bill morphologies that affect feeding efficacy) into wild populations may affect the adaptability of wild populations. The PhD student will have the opportunity to live in Washington D.C. for several summer months where they will work alongside Smithsonian collaborators to collect ancient DNA and 3D morphometric data. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: - B.S. Degree in evolutionary biology, molecular biology, conservation genetics, bioinformatics or a related field - Highly self-motivated, independent, and creative thinkers that are enthusiastic about pursuing a career in population, conservation, and evolutionary genetics. DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS: - M.S. Degree in evolutionary biology, molecular biology, conservation genetics, bioinformatics or a related field - Experience in population genetics, evolutionary genetics, or molecular evolution and with molecular data - Experience with programing language such as Perl or Python - Experience with analysis of NGS sequence data. To apply, please submit: a cover letter describing research interests, career goals, and experience related to, or interest in, a current CV; unofficial academic transcript; and, the name and full contact information for three references to Dr. Philip Lavretsky (plavretsky@utep.edu). Review of applications will begin December 15, 2020 (extended). Posted: 9/17/20, revised: 11/25/20.

University of Texas Rio Grande Valley: We are inviting applications for a graduate position (MS) to participate in a seedling conditioning study aimed at enhancing thornforest seedling field performance and restoration success. The study is funded by The Nature Conservancy. The appointment is to begin January 2021 if possible (preferred), and no later than the summer 2021. Critical factors limiting the effective restoration of thornforest in South Texas include the harsh environmental conditions often encountered by transplanted seedlings. These commonly result in water loss by transpiration that is not replaced in the short term leading to severe hydric stress and damage. Also, initial root growth (after planting) is sustained by the reserves seedlings accumulated during their growth at the nursery, and are thus critical for survival and establishment. The research component of this position is aimed at evaluating conditioning pretreatments to minimize the transplant shock and improve initial field performance of thornforest seedlings. Opportunities exist for complementary research activities in other on-going thornforest and estuarine restoration studies. Applicants must have a Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, agronomy or a related field. Successful candidates must demonstrate an aptitude for research and ability to work independently. Prior experience in native plant communities and/or plant biology is preferred, as is the ability to conduct fieldwork occasionally under hot weather conditions. A current, valid U.S. driver's license and good driving record is also preferred. The successful applicant will be expected to enroll full time in the UTRGV Biology MS program or in the Agricultural, Environmental, and Sustainability Sciences MS program pursuing the thesis option. The position has a tuition scholarship in addition to a stipend of $16,500 per year. This grant support is currently available for one year with the possibility of a second year. If grant funding were not available for the second year, various UTRGV assistantships (graduate student assistantship or teaching assistantship) may be available (about $5k per semester). Interested applicants should send to Dr. Alejandro Fierro (alejandro.fierrocabo@utrgv.edu) a copy of their CV or resume, GPA (minimum 3.0) and GRE scores (not required for admission but send them if available), transcripts, a written statement of graduate research interests, and contact information for two references. Posted: 9/17/20.

University of Tokyo: The Shefferson lab is recruiting graduate students at both the MS and PhD levels. We specialize in evolutionary demography, plant/microbial evolution, and scientific computing in ecology and evolution. We are currently working on JSPS-funded projects related to the impacts of individual history on population and adaptive dynamics, the development of computing tools in population and evolutionary ecology, and symbiotic evolution in the mycorrhiza. Students applying to work in the lab should have interests broadly related to these topics. Research methods typically involve in situ monitoring and experimentation, combined with modeling and analysis based in R and/or C++. The Shefferson lab is global in its scope, with active field sites in East Asia, North America, and Europe. Our current collaborations include projects that are global, as well as projects focused on field systems in Estonia, China, Taiwan, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Although we work with all plants and fungi, we are particularly interested in herbaceous plants and mycorrhizal fungi. Interested students may read about our projects our interests through several sources, including the Journal of Ecology blog, and various media sources, such as Popular Science. The Shefferson lab is 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. Komaba in particular has a particularly large community of ecologists and evolutionary biologists working on plants, animals, and fungi. We also 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, or may pursue study in Japanese via the General Systems Sciences program. Please note that there is a strict application deadline of 9 July 2021 for entry in April 2022, and that the GRE is required for consideration. If interested, please contact me at cdorm@g.ecc.u-tokyo.ac.jp, and please also explore the Shefferson lab website. Posted: 6/11/21.

University of Toledo: We are currently recruiting a graduate student (PhD preferred) for the Spanbauer lab in the Department of Environmental Sciences & the Lake Erie Center. The position is partially funded by the Ohio Sea Grant and will assess the environmental microbiomes of near-shore Lake Erie habitats that have differing shoreline management practices. The ideal candidate will have experience in DNA extraction and sequencing. The Spanbauer lab's research interests are focused on how the environment impacts communities and populations of microorganisms over evolutionary and ecological timescales. We employ an interdisciplinary approach, fusing traditional paleoecological methodology with molecular and theoretical ecology. Interested students should contact Dr. Trisha Spanbauer at trisha.spanbauer@utoledo.edu. Inclusion of a letter of interest and CV will help mediate our conversation. A BS and/or MS in ecology, biology, environmental science, or a related field is required. Additional information: https://www.utoledo.edu/Programs/grad/Ecology-and-Organismal-Biology and here: https://www.utoledo.edu/nsm/envsciences/grad/ The position start date is May 2021. Application and instructions. Apply before February 15, 2021. Posted: 1/5/21.

University of Toronto Scarborough: The Porteus Lab in the Department of Biological Sciences is looking for two highly motivated and enthusiastic students to perform PhD research on: 1) The effect of multiple stressors on the sensory physiology of fish; or 2) the role of hydrogen sulfide on the ageing process of vertebrates; other project options are available. Research in our lab is integrative in nature combining molecular and cellular biology with whole animal studies using a variety of techniques including electrophysiology, immunohistochemistry, behavioural assays, and transcriptomics. Students will benefit from newly refurbished lab and aquatic facilities. Candidates should have a MSc in comparative physiology or related field (or be in the process of completing one) and excellent academic qualifications. Exceptional BSc students will be considered for direct entry if minimum requirements for program entry are met and they have research experience. The graduate appointment will be made through the Department of Cell and Systems Biology (CSB) at the University of Toronto (CSB requirements). Interested students should submit a cover letter, CV, unofficial transcripts and the names of two referees to Dr. Cosima Porteus (cosima.porteus at utoronto.ca). The position is open to Canadians and permanent residents of Canada only. Anticipated Start Date: Fall 2021; Application deadline: March 8th, 2021. Posted: 2/14/21.

University of Vermont: The Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources is seeking a Ph.D.-level graduate student to conduct research on community disease ecology in an amphibian system. While the general theme of the project is defined, the successful candidate will co-develop research questions based on their interests. Questions could relate to: the role of particular amphibian species in driving community disease dynamics; how community structure or composition influences infection dynamics for susceptible species; methods development related to detecting, quantifying, and modeling pathogen prevalence and load; or other areas of interest. The project may use field, lab, and/or computational approaches to explore research questions. The position is available beginning in Summer or Fall 2021 and includes four years of funding (stipend, tuition waiver, and health insurance). Applications are due by January 15th. For more information, contact Dr. Brittany Mosher (brittany.mosher@uvm.edu). Posted: 1/5/21.

University of Vermont: Masters Assistantship Examining Perspectives on Forest Adaptation and Restoration Strategies. The Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources is seeking a MS-level graduate student to participate in research examining forest stakeholder perspectives on restoration, adaptation, and transition management techniques at fostering forest health and productivity in the face of novel climate, insect, and disease threats. This research will use survey analysis and focus group data to assess perspectives on ecological change and adaptive management in both urban and rural forest settings. The student will join a team of collaborators from the University of Vermont, the University of Maine, the U.S. Forest Service Northern Research Station and Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science, and Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center in assessing likely adoption of management options to promote diverse and productive rural and urban forests considering the stress of climate change and other disturbance agents. The position is available for Summer/Fall 2021 and includes two guaranteed years of funding (stipend, tuition waiver, and health insurance). Qualifications: B.S. in forest ecology, forestry, silviculture, biology or a closely related field. Applicants should be able to work independently, but also cooperatively with other researchers and managers on the larger project. Applicants should also have a strong work ethic, demonstrated writing and research capabilities, and a record of leadership. Application: supply all application materials to the UVM Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources (RSENR) Program (MS in Natural Resources) by February 1, 2021 – when applying, please state your interest in this position in the "Statement of Purpose." Contact: Dr. Anthony D’Amato (awdamato@uvm.edu, 802-656-8030). Posted: 9/17/20.

University of Washington: A PhD opportunity is available in the Prugh lab to join a NASA-funded study examining how changing snow conditions are affecting ungulates and their predators. The student will join an interdisciplinary team of wildlife and snow scientists to investigate how snow conditions are changing in northwestern North America, and how these changes impact the movements, demography, and predation risk of Dall sheep, moose, elk, white-tailed deer, and mule deer. This project is funded through NASA's Interdisciplinary Science program, and it builds from the NASA ABoVE Dall Sheep study and the WA Predator Prey Project. The Prugh lab consists of a dynamic group of students and postdocs in the School of Environmental and Forest Sciences. Although the broad goals for this study have been determined, there is considerable flexibility in terms of specific questions that could be addressed. The project will require winter fieldwork in northern Washington and Denali National Park, Alaska. The student will have access to existing GPS location and demographic datasets of ungulates and carnivores in Alaska, Canada, and Washington. Grant support for this project includes 3 years of stipend and tuition, and additional fellowship and teaching assistantship opportunities are available. The student would ideally be available to begin January 2021, but a Fall 2021 start is also possible. An MS degree, strong academic record, and previous relevant fieldwork experience is required. Exceptional applicants with BS degrees may be considered. The student must work well on a large, collaborative team and be able to manage a field project with winter fieldwork. Strong quantitative skills and a record of publishing in peer-reviewed journals are highly desirable. To be considered for this opportunity, please send a cover letter outlining your research interests and qualifications, a CV, unofficial copies of your transcripts, and contact information for 3 references as a single PDF document to Laura Prugh (lprugh@uw.edu). Please include your undergraduate GPA and GRE percentiles (NOT raw scores) in your materials. To ensure full consideration, submit your materials by October 2, 2020. Posted: 9/17/20.

University of Wisconsin-Madison: The Freedman Lab is seeking applications for a PhD-level Graduate Research Assistantship in Sustainable Agroecosystems. The successful applicant will work with a collaborative and multi-institutional group of researchers on a USDA-sponsored project to investigate the impact of land management strategies on the sustainable production of bioproduct agroecosystems on poor quality agricultural land across the Mid-Atlantic region of the USA. The expected start date is May 15, 2021 or sooner. Competitive applicants will have a strong interest in soil microbiology, sustainability or a related field as well as a commitment to contributing to a collaborative, inclusive and fun learning environment. Some experience with assessments of soil microbiomes and biogeochemical processes as well as comfort with statistical analyses and bioinformatics using R is preferred. The selected applicant will be appointed as a Graduate Research Assistant with a stipend of $24k per year plus health benefits and tuition remission. To Apply: Interested students should send a single document with 1) a CV, 2) a one-page personal statement describing your scientific interests and career objectives, 3) undergraduate and graduate transcripts (if applicable) and 4) contact information for three references to Dr. Zac Freedman at zfreedman@wisc.edu. Posted: 10/8/20.

University of Wisconsin-Madison: The Guedot Fruit Crop Entomology Laboratory is looking for a highly qualified and motivated individual who wishes to pursue a MS in Entomology. The research project will assess a novel management strategy for Japanese beetle in cold climate grapes. The project will focus on the impact of an attract-and-kill strategy on Japanese beetle infestation in vineyards and the impact of this strategy on natural enemies. The position will be in the Department of Entomology (see link for more information on the application process). Qualifications: Interested candidates should possess a B.S. degree in entomology, biology, or other related fields. The candidate is expected to work independently and within a team, and have excellent verbal and written communication skills. The student should be prepared to work with laboratory assays and do intensive field work. Strong work ethic and the ability to work outdoors for extended periods of time are a must. The assistantship includes an RA stipend and tuition waiver for one year with the possibility to cover the second year through another RA or a teaching assistantship depending on funding availability. The successful candidate is expected to start in January 2021. Interested applicants should submit 1) a current CV including GPA (GRE scores are not required), 2) unofficial transcripts, 3) a cover letter stating your research interests, experience, and career goals, and 4) contact information for three references to Christelle Guedot at guedot@wisc.edu. Posted: 8/10/20.

University of Wuerzburg: The Schuldt lab at the Chair of Ecophysiology and Vegetation Ecology, University of Wuerzburg, Germany is seeking a highly motivated PhD student who will investigate drought-induced tree mortality of European beech by analysing small-scale heterogeneity in soil properties and tree neighbourhood composition with remote sensing, forest mensuration and soil science techniques. The extreme 2018/19 drought resulted in large-scale partial crown dieback and tree mortality in this dominant tree species of Central Europe’s natural forest vegetation. At affected sites, a high heterogeneity was observed with individuals showing strong drought responses up to death occurring next to vital and seemingly unaffected individuals. Most likely, complex interactions of various abiotic and biotic factors are responsible for this uneven distribution, which will be quantified. In a companion dendrochronological study, the loss of vitality among the same trees will be characterized and compared through decline indicators. The salary is paid according to German TV-L (65%) for the duration of three years starting on July 1, 2021. Applicants should hold an excellent degree in ecology, forestry, geography, environmental sciences, or a related discipline. Due to intensive fieldwork, a driving licence is a prerequisite. Advanced command of English and the ability to write scientific manuscripts is essential, while advanced knowledge in statistical analyses with R is a plus. Applications including the usual documents and names and contact information of two references should be sent by April 30, 2021 as a single pdf-document to Prof. Dr. Bernhard Schuldt (bernhard.schuldt@uni-wuerzburg.de). Posted: 3/17/21.

University of Wuerzburg: Tree Ecophysiology (2 PhD positions). We are seeking two highly motivated PhD students who will characterize the drought-stress resistance of temperate tree species by plant hydraulic and dendroecological techniques. Since the extreme 2018/19 drought that stroke Central Europe and caused unprecedented tree mortality rates, non-native temperate tree species from Northern America and Central or East Asia are frequently referred to as an all-in-one solution. However, given that several of these species have likewise evolved in a humid-cold climate, it remains questionable whether they indeed are more drought-stress resistant than native Central European species. The salary is paid according to German E13 TV-L (65%) for the duration of three years starting on February 1, 2021 latest; the position is settled at Chair of Ecophysiology and Vegetation Ecology, University of Wuerzburg, Germany. Applicants should hold a very good master or diploma degree in biology, forestry, environmental sciences, or a related discipline. Candidates with field and laboratory research experience in plant hydraulics, wood anatomy or dendroecology are preferred. Due to intensive fieldwork, a driving licence is a prerequisite. Advanced command of English and the ability to write scientific manuscripts is essential, while advanced knowledge in statistical analyses with R is a plus. Applications including the usual documents and names and contact information of two references should be sent by December 13, 2020 as a single pdf-document to Prof. Dr. Bernhard Schuldt (bernhard.schuldt@uni-wuerzburg.de). Posted: 10/30/20.

University of Wyoming: The Merkle Research Group in collaboration with Yellowstone National Park is looking for a highly motivated, creative, and quantitative Ph.D. student to lead a project studying the movements and space use of migratory ungulates in Yellowstone National Park. The successful applicant will be admitted through the Program in Ecology at the University of Wyoming and will be based in Laramie, Wyoming (USA). Field work will occur in and around Yellowstone. The goals of the research project will be to make fundamental contributions to the field of movement ecology while also providing reliable knowledge to manage and conserve ungulate migration. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to shape the specific research questions within the following topics: 1) the ecology and evolution of movement and habitat selection strategies in bison, elk, mule deer, pronghorn, and bighorn sheep; and 2) how bison grazing affects the movements of other, sympatric ungulates. Candidates must have a B.S. and preferably a M.S. degree in Ecology, Biology, Wildlife, or related field. Applicants should have experience working independently and with a team in the lab and field. Applicants with experience managing and analyzing large datasets (including remote sensing and animal movement data) in program R, working with multiple statistical frameworks, and publishing peer-reviewed research will be favored. Successful applicants will be expected to participate in a collaborative team environment, conduct field work, present at professional conferences, and publish results in a timely manner in peer-reviewed scientific outlets. A competitive graduate assistantship will be provided, which includes annual stipend, tuition, and benefits. To apply, please email a SINGLE PDF file that includes 1) a detailed cover letter outlining quantitative experience and interest in studying animal movement, 2) a CV, 3) contact information for three references, and 4) transcripts to Jerod Merkle (jmerkle@uwyo.edu). Review of applicants will begin 15 July 2020. Start date is negotiable but January 2021 is preferred. Posted: 5/12/20.

Utah State University: Peter Adler is recruiting a PhD student to join his group at Utah State University. Funding is available to support research on empirical tests of coexistence mechanisms, in collaboration with Robin Snyder (Case Western) and Steve Ellner and Giles Hooker (Cornell). Previous research experience and a strong interest in developing statistical and simulation modeling skills are essential; existing quantitative skills are a bonus. Applications from students from under-represented groups are especially welcome! To apply, email a cover letter, CV, and contact information for three references to peter.adler [at] usu.edu. Posted: 1/4/21.

Utah State University: Project: Understanding the role of dust in catchment biogeochemistry. The Environmental Biogeochemistry Lab in the Watershed Sciences Department is seeking a Ph.D. candidate on a fully-funded NSF Critical Zone Network project (tuition, stipend, fees, and insurance for 4 years). The student will explore the role of atmospheric dust in watershed biogeochemical cycles and aquatic ecosystems. The project is primarily focused on understanding the fate and mobility of dusts within watersheds. Additionally, the candidate will conduct a thorough review of the relevant research while developing their contribution to the field within a thesis supported by the above project. The student will have the opportunity to collaborate with post-docs and other graduate students working on closely related projects. Wide latitude in approach and methods will be extended to the successful candidate. Qualifications: The student(s) must have completed an MSc by the start date and have a strong interest and background in one or some of the following subjects: biogeochemistry, geochemistry, hydrology, water quality, limnology, and/or ecosystem ecology. Minimum academic requirements include a 3.2 GPA and 70th percentile on analytical and verbal GRE scores (or a combined score of > 306). Students with experience in analytical laboratory work, an interest in biogeochemistry, strong communication skills, and experience with R, Matlab, or Python are preferred. How to Apply: Please send 1) a letter describing your background, interest in the research area specifically addressing how you anticipate contributing to the project goals, and your educational and career goals, 2) your unofficial transcript, and 3) a CV that includes your GRE scores and the names and contact information for three references to Janice.brahney@usu.edu. The start date is flexible though we are aiming for a January 2021 start date, a Summer or Fall start in 2021 are also acceptable. We will begin reviewing interviews in October 2020. Posted: 9/17/20.

Utah State University: An NSF-funded MS assistantship is available starting in January or May 2021 to work in the Beard Lab and closely with the Atwood Lab and the Waring Lab. The project focuses on the role of herbivory, climate change, and wetland ecology and management in affecting microbial communities and carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas exchange in Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska. The successful applicant will conduct a lab experiment, and spend two summers in a remote research camp. Applicants should have experience or interest in living in remote field sites for extended periods of time. Review of applications begins on October 10, 2020 and will continue until filled. A competitive stipend (~$18K) and full tuition package will be offered. To apply send: (1) a cover letter that explains how your research and experience aligns with the skills and research activities listed above (2) a CV or resume, including your GPA and relevant experience (GRE scores are optional) and (3) a list of three professional references and contact info, to Karen Beard: karen.beard@usu.edu. Posted: 9/14/20.

Victoria University of Wellington: A PhD scholarship in alpine ecosystem ecology is available with Dr Julie Deslippe (Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand) and Professor Aimee Classen (University of Michigan, USA). The project will be part of the WaRM network (Warming and Removals in Mountains) and will focus on the interactive effects of warming and plant invasions on ecosystem carbon cycling along alpine gradients. The successful candidate will have a strong background in field ecology and experience in plant eco-physiology and carbon flux measurements. The position is fully supported by the Royal Society of New Zealand's Marsden Fund for three years and will be based in New Zealand although field work at other WaRM sites is anticipated. Interested applicants should sent their CV and a brief statement of interest to Julie Deslippe (Julie.Deslippe@vuw.ac.nz). Posted: 3/25/21.

Virginia Commonwealth University: We are recruiting: --one PhD student interested in studying plant trait variation across spatiotemporal scales using publicly available data (NEON, FIA, LTER, etc.) and field-collected data and --one MS student interested in modeling plant-insect interactions of the flora and fauna of Puerto Rico using lab-collected data (an entirely data-driven project). Part of our research group is based in Puerto Rico and Costa Rica and collaboration between temperate and tropical regions is encouraged and financially supported. Funding is available for travel, field supplies, summer research stipends, and research and teaching assistantships during the academic year. Visit Biodiversity Research Lab for information about our team, ongoing projects, and work philosophy. We value grit and creativity over past accomplishments. I strongly encourage underrepresented minorities to contact me. Because we collaborate with international partners, familiarity with Spanish (or willingness to learn) is a strength, but not a requirement. We are located in the Department of Biology at VCU in Richmond, Virginia. Students should apply to the PhD Program in Integrative Life Sciences by 10 January. Students interested in the Master's program in Biology should apply by 15 January. Those who are interested should contact Dr. Hulshof (cmhulshof@vcu.edu) with a CV and description of research interests to discuss the position before applying. Posted: 9/17/20.

Virginia Tech: A highly motivated candidate is sought to pursue a PhD on the movement ecology of arapaima in the Amazon. This position is part of a larger interdisciplinary, NSF-funded project on the coupled social-ecological dynamics of freshwater fisheries. Interested candidates should contact Leandro Castello (leandro@vt.edu) with questions or submit [in one PDF document] a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, transcripts and contact information for three references. The letter of interest must specify: (i) your research interests, (ii) why you are interested in this particular position, and (iii) why you feel qualified to successfully complete a PhD in this project. Pre-selected candidates will later have to apply for formal admission with VT's Graduate School. Funding is a combination of GRA and GTA. Start date is flexible. Posted: 6/30/21.

Virginia Tech: PhD Assistantship Focusing on Interactions Among Plant, Soil Organic Matter, and Microbial Diversity. We are recruiting one PhD student into the School of Plant and Environmental Sciences. The assistantship is supported by an interdisciplinary project focusing on the linkages among plant diversity, soil processes, and the soil microbiome. The broad focus is understanding how interactions within the plant-soil-microbial system contribute to agroecosystem services. While the student will be expected to contribute to an interdisciplinary team, this assistantship is best suited for students interested in exploring plant-microbiome dynamics. Students with relevant experience will be considered for admission for Spring 2021. Preference will be given to those with an MS. Please send a cover letter outlining your interests and experience along with a CV and contact information for three references to badgley@vt.edu to be evaluated by the project team (Brian Badgley, Brian Strahm, and Jacob Barney). Posted: 7/16/20.

Virginia Tech and Indiana University: Five qualified and motivated candidates are sought to complete PhD studies at Virginia Tech and Indiana University in an interdisciplinary project on the coupled social-ecological dynamics of freshwater fisheries. With a focus on arapaima fisheries in the Brazilian Amazon, including two decades of community-based management programs, the project addresses four main topics: (i) habitat effects on arapaima movement, (ii) effects of fishers’ perceptions on rule compliance in light of community culture, leadership, and institutional arrangements; (iii) effects of markets, institutions, and government rules on arapaima management, and (iv) effects of habitat and rule compliance on the dynamics of arapaima populations. The research will involve local fishers and decision-makers in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of extensive datasets on floodplain habitat, fish movement, community culture, institutions, and rule compliance. Funded by NSF, the project is led by four main faculty who will coordinate different aspects of the project: L. Castello (habitat, movement), H. Kindsvater (population dynamics), M. Sorice (social psychology), and E. Brondizio (institutional analysis). Candidates interested in specific aspects of the project should contact the respective faculty by submitting [in one PDF document] a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, transcripts and contact information for three references. Following this process, selected candidates will have to apply for admission to their respective faculty department/university. The letter of interest must specify: (i) your research interests, (ii) why you are interested in this particular position, and (iii) why you feel qualified to successfully complete a PhD in this project. Positions are for a January or August 2021 start, and are supported by a combination of Graduate Research and Teaching Assistantships. Posted: 8/14/20.

Western Sydney University: Tree Ecophysiology – Heat tolerance (PhD). The Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment is recruiting 1 PhD student to study how extreme temperatures affect plant function in urban forests. The student will join a large, multi-institutional research team aimed at creating cool, resilient green cities in a warmer world. This 3-year project is fully funded by the Australian Research Council to address: Which plant species survive heatwaves by maintaining or increasing transpiration? Does high heat tolerance rely on plant water access through deep rooting and/or supply of irrigation? Skills or an interest in near-surface remote sensing (i.e. drones) is preferred. See full job ad at https://bit.ly/3wn869k and contact Dr. Renee Marchin Prokopavicius at r.prokopavicius@westernsydney.edu.au to discuss your intention to apply. Closes: 30 June 2021. Posted: 5/21/21.

Western Washington University: Dr Alia Khan is recruiting for Two MS positions in Aquatic Biogeochemistry of the Cryosphere available for Fall 2021 in the Department of Environmental Sciences. These positions will come with two academic years of support as a teaching and/or research assistant within the Department of Environmental Sciences. Research projects will involve local fieldwork at Mt. Baker and the North Cascade Mountains, as well as analytical laboratory work for biogeochemical analyses. One position will focus on a NASA funded project to quantify impacts of deposition of black carbon on Arctic sea ice. The second position will focus on quantifying impacts of snow algae on snow and ice albedo in the Pacific Northwest. How to Apply: Applications to the Department of Environmental Science at WWU are due February 1st, 2021. For these positions, please send a CV and statement of interest to: alia.khan@wwu.edu. To be formally accepted, a full application must be submitted by the deadline, with a note of interest to this position. Posted: 11/25/20.

Assistantships and Fellowships | Fellowship Program Links | Short Courses

Fellowship Program Links:

• Department of Homeland Security Scholarship and Fellowship Program
• Ford Foundation and Howard Hughes Medical Institute
• Hertz Foundation - supports PhD students in the physical, biological, and engineering sciences
• International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis Young Scientists Program
• Link Foundation Ocean Engineering and Instrumentation Ph.D. Fellowship Program
• NASA Earth System Science Fellowship Program
• NASA Graduate Student Researchers Program
• NASA Harriett G. Jenkins Pre-doctoral Fellowship Program
• National Academies Christine Mirzayan Internship Program
• National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship Program
• National Estuarine Research Reserve System Fellowships
• National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis Visiting Graduate Student Fellowships
• NOAA Graduate Sciences Program
• National Science Foundation Doctoral Dissertation Improvement Grants
• National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program
• The Nature Conservancy - NatureNet Science Fellowship Program
• NSF/New England Wild Flower Society Fellowship Program in Conservation Biology
• National Wildlife Federation Campus Ecology Fellowship Program
• Organization for Tropical Studies
• Rainforest Alliance Kleinhans Fellowship
• Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarships
• Smithsonian Environmental Research Center
• Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Opportunities
• Udall Foundation Environmental Public Policy & Conflict Resolution Ph.D. Fellowship
• US Department of Energy Global Change Education Program
• US EPA STAR Fellowships
• US Forest Service Presidential Management Fellows
• WWF Kathryn Fuller Doctoral Fellowships

Assistantships and Fellowships | Fellowship Program Links | Short Courses

Short Courses:

No current listings.

Assistantships and Fellowships | Fellowship Program Links | Short Courses