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Top | Fellowship Program Links

Assistantship and Fellowships:

American Museum of Natural History: We seek applicants for a PhD position in the Sensory Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Lab (SEEC) at the AMNH with an interest in moths, bats, sensory ecology, and conservation. Our current program is focused on understanding how light pollution changes insect-bat interactions. The AMNH's Richard Gilder Graduate School PhD Program in Comparative Biology is an accelerated and well-resourced 4-year doctoral degree in evolutionary biology, including a competitive stipend. Our research will be conducted in the museum, using the world-class Lepidoptera collections of the AMNH, and in the field at the AMNH's Southwestern Research Station (SWRS), using 3D high-speed videography and ultrasonic bioacoustics to document moth-bat battles in an outdoor flight facility. Please contact Jesse Barber, head of the SEEC Lab, with a letter of interest that describes your background and research interests in sensory ecology and a copy of your CV: barber.jesse@gmail.com. We are especially interested in candidates experienced in data analysis and dissemination of research findings via peer-reviewed publications. The deadline to submit your application is Nov. 1, 2024, prior to formal submission to our graduate program. Posted: 9/19/24.

Australian Research Council Training Centre in Plant Biosecurity: We currently have 10 PhD projects with AU$40k/year tax-free scholarships open in the newly funded ARC Training Centre in Plant Biosecurity. Students in the Training Centre will be joining a research partnership between three universities and over 20 partner organisations that is funded by the Australian Research Council (ARC). We encourage expressions of interest from students with Honours or Masters by Research degrees, or who are currently completing their qualification, as well as people with an equivalent level of research expertise. See the link above for more details and contact plantbiosecurity@anu.edu.au for more information. We are accepting expressions of interest until 30 September 2024. All projects are designed to prepare students for a career. Students will gain the skills and networks to land a job in government, industry, or academia upon graduation, with the confidence to move up to leadership roles that are diverse, rewarding and with great earning potential. Non-Australian citizens can be considered for most projects. More PhD projects as well as four post-doc positions will be announced in the next few months. Posted: 9/19/24.

Arizona State University: The Terry Dryland Plant Recruitment Lab is seeking a motivated graduate student at the MS level to start in the Fall of 2025. The student will join the School of Life Sciences with options to get a degree in Biology or Plant Biology and Conservation. Our lab is recruiting students with an interest in plant-climate interactions that are motivated to research climatic requirements/limits of plant recruitment in dryland systems. This project will specifically study plant reproduction in post-fire scenarios. We will use small-scale field experiments across climatic gradients to understand limits to native plant recruitment from seed following fire. These relationships will then be used with satellite imagery and climate models to forecast future viability of plant populations. This research has aims to improve our restoration efforts, but also informs us of important critical ecological relationships with climate and fire. Work in our lab provides experience that can be leveraged to continue a career in research or start a career in natural resource management. LOCATION: Tempe, Arizona START DATE: May or August 2025 COMPENSATION: ~30k/yr plus tuition coverage and benefits. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS -Field research experience with plants -Coding/analysis experience in R MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS -Bachelor's degree in ecology or a related field -Enjoys the outdoors -Driving/camping experience. To apply, please submit: a cover letter describing research interests and qualifications, a current CV, and the full contact information for two references to Dr. Tyson Terry (Tyson.Terry@asu.edu). Review of applications will begin on October 1, 2024. Posted: 9/18/24.

Colorado State University: Arctic ground squirrel ecophysiology (PhD). We are currently recruiting a PhD student for Fall 2025 to work jointly with the Williams Lab and the Aubry Lab at CSU. The research project will focus on physiological ecology, population ecology, and/or life-history strategies of arctic ground squirrels, with field work taking place at Toolik Field Station in northern Alaska. Please provide a letter of interest to Cory Williams & Lise Aubry that describes your background and research interests, a copy of your CV (include contact information for three references), writing sample such as a published manuscript or M.S. thesis, and unofficial university transcripts: cory.williams@colostate.edu. Please apply by December 15th, 2024 for full consideration. Prospective graduate students at CSU have the option of which graduate program they would like to join. For this position, prospective graduate students may either apply to the Biology Graduate Program or the Graduate Degree Program in Ecology (GDPE) (Dec 1 is a free graduate application day). You may wait to officially apply until after we’ve contacted you to let you know you are a preferred candidate. Posted: 11/13/24.

Columbia University: The Uriarte lab in New York is seeking two doctoral students to work on questions related to either (1) Tropical forest recovery after Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico or (2) Forest restoration in Madre de Dios, Peru. Within these general areas, the topic of research is flexible. A master's degree and strong quantitative skills are desirable. Interested parties should contact Dr. Maria Uriarte at mu2126@columbia.edu. Please include your CV and a brief statement about your interests. Details about applying to graduate school at Columbia. Posted: 9/19/24.

East Carolina University: I am seeking to fill a doctoral student position with an individual having research interests in the population and community ecology of freshwater ponds; particularly the animals that live within and around them. Research in my lab is largely focused on enhancing our understanding of three fundamental questions in ecology: (1) why are some ecological communities more diverse than others, (2) how does the biodiversity of a community affect ecological processes and the stability of ecological systems, and (3) what mechanisms control the population size of a species? Example topics that students could pursue include 1) predator-prey and competitive interactions, 2) habitat selection and the process of community assembly, and 3) ecological causes and consequences of variation in biodiversity but I am open to the possibility of working with students on other topics in aquatic ecology as well. Students will have the opportunity to address ecological questions via a multitude of quantitative approaches (including modeling, experimental and macroecological). The student would be a member of the Department of Biology at ECU and enrolled in the Interdisciplinary Doctoral Program in Biology, Biomedicine and Chemistry. Ideally, the student will begin during the fall semester of 2025. Interested individuals should contact David Chalcraft (chalcraftd@ecu.edu). Please include a copy of your resume/cv, information about your past academic performance (e.g., GPA), and a description of your interest in this position. Posted: 11/13/24.

Louisiana State University: Research assistantships in the School of Renewable Natural Resources are available starting Spring and/or Fall semester 2025. Students will work with Dr. Jun Xu with a research focus on forested wetland dynamics and forest hydrology in southeast Louisiana. Wetland forests in this region play a key role in protecting coastal ecological integrity and ecosystem services, but they are seriously impacted by sea level rise, saltwater intrusion, and extreme weather conditions associated with climate change. Students will develop projects that addresses these challenges through field monitoring and spatial analysis of long-term existing data. Funding, including a competitive annual stipend and tuition waiver, is available for PhD students through the LSU SRNR Gilbert Foundation Research Assistantship. Qualifications: Completion of an MS degree with a cumulative graduate GPA of 3.6 on a 4-point scale (or equivalent) is required. GRE test score requirements are 310 overall and 153, 144, 4.0 on the verbal, quantitative and writing sections, respectively. Research experience in forest hydrology and spatial analysis (i.e., GIS/RS) is preferred. 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 Jun Xu (yjxu@lsu.edu). Email a letter of interest, CV including GRE scores (required), and unofficial transcripts. Applications for the funding are due October 1, 2024 to be considered for enrollment in Spring 2025 and February 1, 2025 to be considered for enrollment in Fall 2025. Posted: 9/19/24.

Louisiana State University: Dr. Crystal N. Johnson in the Department of Environmental Sciences is seeking 1 Ph.D. student interested in conducting a collaborative microbiome study. Mastery of methods such as real-time PCR, metagenomics, and bioinformatics is highly valued. The project will include some field work in Louisiana (10%), work in a BSL-2 laboratory (70%), and work on local and remote computers (20%). The student will be responsible for supervising up to two undergraduate researchers. Successful candidates will likely have a GPA of at least 3.0, prior laboratory experiences, and mastery in preparatory courses, such as microbiology, molecular biology, introductory statistics, and computational biology. Applicant must be mature, responsible, capable of thinking critically and working independently, meticulous, and highly attentive to detail. Some field collections will be urgent (e.g., less than 24 hours notice) and will include occasional weekends. The candidate will have a bachelor's or master's degree in a science field. The stipend is $30,667 per 12 months. Tuition costs are covered by the grant, but fees are not. Other optional tests include GRE (ideally with scores of at least 150 verbal and 150 quantitative) and TOEFL for international students (ideally with scores of at least 213 computer, 550 paper, or 80 internet-based). If interested, submit application materials to cnjohnson@lsu.edu with the number 49376436 in the subject line, ideally by June 15, 2024. Application materials may include unofficial transcripts, the contact information for 3 references, a personal statement, resume/CV, GRE scores, papers that include the applicant as an author, and other products that support the application. After interviews and evaluation, the finalist will submit a formal application to the LSU Graduate School for the Department of Environmental Sciences. The graduate assistantship begins in fall of 2024 (August 2024). Posted: 5/8/24.

Michigan State University: We (Genomics and Chemical Ecology Lab) seek a colleague (postdoc or PhD student) to join our research efforts on pheromone communication in sea lamprey. The successful applicant will work as part of an interdisciplinary group and lead a project focused on the relative roles of multiple male pheromone components in female mating behavior. The project builds on nearly 30 years of research on communication via sex pheromones in sea lamprey, a destructive invasive species in the Great Lakes. The selected applicant will lead 1) summer field work out of the US Geological Survey’s Hammond Bay Biological Station (HBBS) in Millersburg, MI and 2) chemical analysis of pheromone samples, behavioral data analysis, and manuscript/report writing out of Michigan State University’s campus in East Lansing MI. Qualified candidates will have an educational background in zoology, fisheries, evolutionary biology, or a related area; experience or interest in field work; expertise or interest in animal behavior, fish biology, invasive species, sensory ecology, or related topics. Applications are welcomed from candidates either 1) with a PhD seeking a postdoc or 2) with a MSc (or BSc and substantial experience) seeking a PhD. Funding is secured for 3 years starting January 2025. Start date before May 2025 is preferred. Review of applications will begin 2 December 2024. Applicants seeking a postdoc position: Please apply at https://careers.msu.edu/en-us/job/521160/research-associatefixed-term. Applicants seeking a PhD assistantship: Please send a letter of interest including a brief summary of background and qualifications and a CV to Tyler Buchinger (buching6@msu.edu). Posted: 11/18/24.

Michigan State University: The Ecological Remote Sensing and Modeling (ERSAM) Lab is looking for an MS student to work on a newly funded NSF Macrosystems project focused on forest canopy - climate interactions in collaboration with folks at Colorado State University and the National Center for Atmospheric Research. This project will involve US-based field work in the early summer of 2025, so we are hoping to find someone to start either in January or mid-May. If you are interested please email me (kdahlin@msu.edu) with "Macrosystems MS" in the subject line, briefly describe your background and interests, and attach or link to your resume/CV. Posted: 9/19/24.

Minnesota State University, Mankato: For Spring 2025, the Kaproth Lab is looking for an *exceptional* MS graduate student to work on a new USDA grant related to sugar maples (Acer saccharum). Students must be *highly motivated* and have a strong interest in plant ecology (projects should include investigations in soil health and ecophysiology with a focus on GIS, statistics, analysis, and forest sustainability) using lab and field work. The student will work with a team to assist in building a remote sensing model to predict maple syrup production and forest health. The research may be conducted at local field sites (e.g. in Minnesota), but will also have summers in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The academic portion of the degree will take place at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Caveat: Due to deadlines, this opportunity is only open to domestic (USA) students. The position includes a full tuition waiver, an annual $10k Graduate Teaching Assistantship stipend, and additional $5k summer Graduate Research Assistantships. To apply, email Dr. Matthew Kaproth by October 7th, 2024 with the following: 1. A letter of interest that tells me about your research interests, background, types of questions you are interested in, etc.; 2. An unofficial university transcript (your undergraduate GPA should be >3.0 - see link for minimum requirements); 3. Outstanding communication and writing skills; 4. Your CV with the names and contact information for two or three references; 5. Anything else that you think makes you uniquely qualified for the position. Here is a part of what I can contribute: 1. Attentive mentorship and career development; 2. Training in statistics, plant biology/ecology, ecophysiology, plant systematics, and experimental design; 3. Teaching opportunities (TA with $10k stipend and tuition waiver); 4. Additional summer support (RA with $5k stipend for two summers) and travel costs covered; 5. Contacts in academia and with regional partners (University of Montana, Michigan State University, MN Dept. of Natural Resources, the University of Minnesota, The Prairie Enthusiasts, Morton Arboretum, etc.); 6. An ally and an environment that encourages a healthy work-life balance.A letter of interest that tells me about your research interests, background, types of questions you are interested in, etc.; Posted: 9/25/24.

Montana State University: The Montana State Ecohydrology Lab is recruiting an enthusiastic Master's or Ph.D. (preferred) student for Fall 2025 based in beautiful Bozeman, Montana. The successful candidate will conduct collaborative research at Tenderfoot Creek Experimental Forest, Montana and/or Niwot Ridge, Colorado that includes the application of eddy covariance carbon and water flux data to problems in ecohydrology with implications for climate change or water resources in the western USA. Beyond that, the candidate will have significant freedom to tailor the project to their particular area(s) of interest including plant-water relations, watershed hydrology or biogeochemistry, micrometeorology, snow science, remote sensing, modeling, or similar. Preference will be given to self-motivated applicants with all-weather outdoor experience and strong communication, critical thinking, quantitative, scientific coding, and/or interdisciplinary research skills. The Montana State Ecohydrology lab works together to cultivate an inclusive culture of scholarship, leadership, and accountability, and candidates of diverse backgrounds are particularly encouraged to apply. If you are interested, please email john.knowles@montana.edu with a brief description of your background and interests, your CV, and a writing sample if possible. Compensation for this position includes a stipend (~$30k/year), 24-credit tuition waiver, and insurance for a minimum of two years with the potential for additional support through research or teaching assistantships thereafter. For more information and application details, please visit the department of Land Resources and Environmental Sciences (LRES). Although the Fall 2025 LRES application deadline is July 1, 2025, priority will be given to applications received by December 1, 2024. Posted: 10/25/24.

Montana State University and Minnesota State University: We, Dr. Anna Schweiger at Montana State University in Bozeman, MT, and Dr. Matthew Kaproth at Minnesota State University in Mankato, MN, are looking for two exceptionally motivated grad students to work with us on carbon dynamics in sugar maple trees and the development of predictive models for sugar maple sap quality models. This work is done in collaboration with Dr. Jesse Randall, director of the Forestry Innovation Center, Michigan State University, in Escanaba, MI, our field site. The PhD student will be based in Bozeman, MT, and work under Dr. Schweiger. Focus of the PhD will be seasonal carbon dynamics in sugar maples and their quantification with spectral data. The position is initially for three years at ca. $32 K p.a. Research Assistantship (plus benefits). For more info, see www.montana.edu/ees/ and Dr. Anna Schweiger. The MS student will be based in Mankato, MN, and work under Dr. Kaproth. Focus of the MS will be seasonal carbon dynamics in sugar maples and variation attributable to soils. The position is for two years at ca. $15 K p.a. Teaching Assistantship plus summer Research Assistantship (plus benefits). For more info, see Dr. Matthew Kaproth. Strong skills and/or interest in plant physiology, analytical chemistry, spectroscopy, statistics, programming and writing are required. The anticipated starting date is January 2025. The MS opportunity is only available to domestic students. Please send your motivation letter, CV and writing sample directly to anna.schweiger@montana.edu and matthew.kaproth@mnsu.edu. Positions close by November 1st. Posted: 9/26/24.

New Mexico State University: I am looking for one or two graduate students to join my lab (Romero-Olivares fungal ecology lab) in fall of 2025. Our work aims to understand how microbes will respond and adapt to global climate change and determine consequences to our ecosystems and society (i.e., carbon stock dynamics, public health threats, etc.). If you’re interested in joining, please fill in this form and email me (alro@nmsu.edu) to express your interest in a position. Posted: 10/25/24.

New York Botanical Garden: we are seeking applicants to our Graduate Studies Program. Deadline: January 1st, 2025. This program is operated in partnership with several universities in the New York area, including Yale, Columbia, NYU, CUNY, and Cornell. Students apply to and enroll at a university and complete the degree requirements of the school, but have full access to the staff, facilities, and research opportunities available at the New York Botanical Garden. More information on the affiliated programs. NYBG is particularly seeking applicants interested in the spatial ecology and biogeography of global change issues, including the spread of invasive species, climate change, and land-use change. This research would be part of the new Center for Conservation and Restoration Ecology, which aims to expand the ecological expertise and applied mission of the New York Botanical Garden. Prospective students are encouraged to contact Larry Kelly (lkelly@nybg.org) with general questions about the program and Evelyn Beaury (ebeaury@nybg.org) to discuss potential research directions. Posted: 11/18/24.

North Carolina State University: The Statistical Ecology and Forest Science Lab led by Jeff Doser in the Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources at North Carolina State University is recruiting a graduate student (PhD or MS in Forestry in Environmental Resource) to join the lab in Fall 2025! We are seeking a student interested in quantitative forest science or statistical ecology. The specific research topics are flexible, but there will be substantial opportunities to help develop methods and software tools that support national forest inventory data user needs, particularly surrounding forest carbon monitoring and reporting. Basic details on the position are included below, with full information available on the lab website. The position includes a $28k annual stipend as well as the graduate student support plan that covers tuition and provides health insurance. 2 years of funding are guaranteed for an MS position and 3 years of funding are guaranteed for a PhD position. To apply, please send an email with subject “Gradute student position Fall 2025” that includes a CV and 1 page cover letter to Jeff Doser (jwdoser@ncsu.edu). The cover letter should briefly describe who you are, describe your research interests, and why you want to pursue a degree in the Statistical Ecology and Forest Science Lab. Review of applications will begin September 30, 2024. Posted: 9/19/24.

Northern Arizona University: How fast is the permafrost carbon climate feedback happening and what can be done? Graduate student positions available to build the Arctic Carbon Warning Network, providing real-time carbon cycle updates to society. The research spans both field work and data synthesis, including a primary field location near Denali National Park, Alaska. The experimental research foci are (1) net ecosystem carbon exchange (eddy covariance) from a gradient of sites undergoing permafrost thaw, and (2) coupled radiocarbon measurements to detect loss of old carbon. Related projects apply these research tools to understand how land management can reduce permafrost carbon loss and store organic matter in soil. We are recruiting motivated PhD or MS students to join the Schuur lab in the Center for Ecosystem Science and Society at Northern Arizona University. Please contact Ted Schuur (ted.schuur @nau.edu) and provide CV and cover letter. Posted: 11/18/24.

Northern Arizona University: Interested in innovative carbon cycle solutions in urban environments? Graduate student positions available to join an effort to use radiocarbon isotope measurements of urban plants to understand local-scale fossil fuel emissions in Arizona urban spaces with a goal of quantifying efforts to decrease use. The position includes collecting field plant samples in urban environments across AZ, radiocarbon lab analysis, and helping to develop community science sampling efforts. We are recruiting motivated PhD or MS students to join the Schuur lab in the Center for Ecosystem Science and Society at Northern Arizona University. Please contact Ted Schuur (ted.schuur @nau.edu) and provide CV and cover letter. Posted: 11/18/24.

Northern Arizona University: Our research group studies the impacts of climate warming and changing wildfire disturbance regimes on the carbon balance of northern boreal forests and tundra ecosystems in Alaska and Canada. We are recruiting motivated PhD and MS students to join the Mack/Walker lab in the Center for Ecosystem Science and Society (Ecoss) at Northern Arizona University. Students will have the opportunity to work on two exciting, grant-funded projects: - Wildfire and Permafrost Dynamics–investigating how increasing wildfire severity affects permafrost carbon loss and carbon source-sink dynamics - Wildfire Management Strategies: developing innovative approaches, such as applying biochar in fuel treatments, to mitigate carbon loss and enhance ecosystem resilience in a warming climate. We study the community and ecosystem impacts of a warming climate on plants, soils, and people, focusing on how changing disturbance regimes affect vegetation succession, nutrient dynamics, carbon storage, and climate feedbacks. We apply ecological theory to design effective wildfire management strategies that support human adaptation to a warming climate. Our work combines ecosystem and landscape ecology with diverse field and laboratory methods, including radiocarbon dating, stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis, dendrochronology, and advanced statistical modeling. Through long-term collaborations, we also access methods in molecular biology and remote sensing. Our research group leads the NSF-funded Bonanza Creek Long-term Ecological Research program (Michelle Mack is the PI, and Xanthe Walker leads wildfire research) and participates in the NASA Arctic-Boreal Vulnerability Experiment. Degree Programs: Students may pursue an M.Sc. or Ph.D. in Biological Sciences, or a Ph.D. in Ecoinformatics through the School of Informatics, Computing, and Cybersystems. To Apply: If interested, please contact Xanthe Walker (xanthe.walker@nau.edu) or Michelle Mack (michelle.mack@nau.edu). Posted: 11/18/24.

Northern Michigan University: The O’Keefe Lab is recruiting a MS student to investigate the ecophysiology of savanna plants (start date Fall 2025). The student will work with a team to study how plant physiological traits promote ecosystem resilience to co-occurring extreme perturbations (extreme fire, grazing and drought) in a South African savanna. This position includes a full tuition waiver, as well as academic year and summer support for two years. Applicants with strong interests in plant ecology, grasslands and savannas, climate change biology, or related fields are encouraged to apply. This position requires a bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, or related fields. Desired qualifications include: ability to balance working independently and collaboratively, comfort in remote locations and field work, strong writing skills, experience with or a strong desire to learn plant ecophysiology measurements, experience with or interest in learning ecological data analysis. The O’Keefe Lab aims to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the sciences and encourages applications from students who are members of historically excluded or marginalized groups. To apply, please send a letter of interest, CV, unofficial transcript, and contact information for 2 references to Dr. Kim O’Keefe (kiokeefe@nmu.edu). Review of applications will begin immediately and all applications received by December 15, 2024 will receive full consideration. Posted: 10/23/24.

Ohio State University: I am recruiting a graduate student (PhD or MS) to work on a funded project to develop eDNA surveillance methods for rare and endangered pollinators. The student would join the Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology program at The Ohio State University and work with Karen Goodell, a native bee ecologist, Julie Reynolds, a molecular geneticist and evolutionary biologist, and Rodney Richardson (West Environmental Statistical Consultants), a molecular ecologist. More information about the graduate program. Funding could begin as early as May 2025 and enrollment in the graduate program in August 2025. Please reach out to Karen Goodell (goodell.18@osu.edu) for information. Applications received by Nov 15 will receive full consideration. Posted: 10/25/24.

Ohio State University: The Rober Lab in the School of Environment and Natural Resources has an opening for a PhD Graduate Research Assistantship focused on aquatic molecular/microbial ecology. The successful candidate will work on an NSF-funded project using molecular techniques to bridge the gap between microbial community composition and functioning within natural environments. Many ecosystem processes are mediated by microorganisms and understanding how microbial functions scale up to the ecosystem level is an important goal in ecology. The successful applicant should have a background in molecular sampling, sample preparation, and bioinformatic techniques. A graduate stipend at OSU includes academic year and summer support, tuition, and health benefits. If you are interested in this position, please send your CV and a short statement summarizing your qualifications and research interests to Dr. Allison Rober at rober.6@osu.edu. Application requirements can be found at https://senr.osu.edu/. Applications are due November 30, 2024. Start date is flexible January (Spring), May (summer), or August (Fall) 2025. Posted: 10/25/24.

Ohio State University: PhD position in Coral Restoration Technology in Grottoli Lab in the School of Earth Sciences. Research focuses on two areas: 1) evaluating UZELA (Underwater Zooplankton Light Array) technology for enhancing coral feeding, growth and survivorship and 2) calibrating coral 3D mapping technnology . Projects are described at https://u.osu.edu/grottoli.1/field-videos/. Details about the graduate program and the application portal. Applications are due 30 November 2024. For additional information, contact Dr. Grottoli at grottoli.1@osu.edu. Posted: 10/25/24.

Ohio State University: The Wyatt Lab in the School of Environment and Natural Resources has an opening for a PhD Graduate Research Assistantship focused on wetland/microbial ecology. Ideally, the successful applicant will have a background in aquatic ecology and a willingness to work in both field and laboratory settings. The multidisciplinary nature of this project provides research opportunities for students with a broad range of interests (microbial ecology, algal ecology, plant-microbial interactions, food webs, and biogeochemistry). The field portion of the research will be conducted at the Wilma H. Schiermeier Olentangy River Wetland Research Park located on the Ohio State campus. A graduate stipend at OSU includes academic year and summer support, tuition, and health benefits. If you are interested in this position please send your CV and a short statement summarizing your qualifications and research interests to Dr. Kevin Wyatt at wyatt.268@osu.edu. Application requirements can be found at https://senr.osu.edu/. Applications are due November 30, 2024. Start date is flexible May (summer) or August (Fall) 2025. Posted: 9/19/24.

Pennsylvania State University: The Mitchell lab in the Department of Entomology is recruiting a doctoral student to study the chemical ecology of forest insects. The project will extend ongoing laboratory research on beetles associated with dead and degrading wood, including longhorned beetles, click beetles, and scarabs. The student will learn analytical methods to characterize the pheromones of wood-boring beetles and develop field bioassays to document the communities of beetles that respond to pheromones, with a goal of establishing indicators for forest health in eastern North America. Students wishing to develop skills in genomics and molecular techniques will also have opportunities to lead projects investigating the evolution of the pheromone receptors in the study species. The course of study is funded for four years and includes full coverage of tuition, as well as an academic year stipend with summer salary. Coursework will be completed through the university’s PhD program in Entomology. Applicants must have completed at least a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent by the start date of the position and should have a strong interest in entomology. Preference will be given to students with prior research experience and/or a background in entomology and chemical ecology. The Department of Entomology and the Graduate School at Penn State specify further requirements for GPA and standardized testing. Interested students should contact Dr. Mitchell regarding their intention to apply (please include a CV) and submit an application to the Graduate School at Penn State by December 1st, 2024. Students who apply to our department and are highly ranked may be invited to our Graduate Student Recruitment Event, which will occur in early 2025. Application requirements and further details. Posted: 11/18/24.

Sonoma State University: Two funded (tuition and stipend) M.S. positions have become available in the Bentley Lab starting in Spring 2025 (applications due Oct 31, 2024). Students will work on grant-funded projects related to remote sensing (terrestrial laser scanning) 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, TreeQSM, etc) to discuss the position before applying. It is possible that these positions can be deferred to Fall 2025 (applications due Jan 15, 2025). Posted: 10/25/24.

South Dakota State University: The Department of Natural Resource Management at South Dakota State University is seeking a PhD research assistant to join a multidisciplinary team on a USDA-NRCS Conservation Innovation Grant (CIG) project with research focused on rangeland management and Bison grazing in the Nebraska Sandhills. The selected student is expected to contribute to the broader project by addressing questions related to changes in plant community composition, soil organic matter, and soil carbon fluxes, but also develop related research of their own. Applicants must have an MSc in a related field, an interest in rangeland ecology and management, a background in plant community ecology or ecosystem ecology, strong field and quantitative skills and ability to add to them, an interest in working collaboratively within a large and diverse research group, excellent communication skills, and a willingness to publish impactful research. To apply, send as a single PDF file your CV; unofficial transcripts; a one-to-two-page letter describing your experience as it relates to this position, research interests, and career goals; a writing sample; and contact information for three professional references to Josh Leffler (Joshua.leffler@sdstate.edu) by 1 December for full consideration. Do not apply to the university prior to receiving an offer of an assistantship. Posted: 10/23/24, revised: 11/18/24.

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences: There is a fully funded PhD position open in my group at the SLU in Uppsala, Sweden. We look for candidates with interest in developing mechanistic models coupling plants, biogeochemical cycles, ecosystems, and environmental conditions, as well as strong quantitative and programming skills. This doctoral project will focus on advantages and disadvantages of different management practices relying more on ecosystem services provided by cultivated and wild biodiversity and less on external inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides, compared with most current ones, towards agricultural systems that can provide primary production, are climate change adaptation, and have reduced environmental impacts. Advantages and disadvantages will be assessed by developing and applying mechanistic models of plant-environment and plant-plant interactions to different agricultural systems. For more information and to apply, please see the full announcement. The deadline for applications is October 30th. Contact: Giulia Vico giulia.vico@slu.se. Posted: 10/23/24.

Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology: A fully funded PhD position in Adaptation and Ecosystem resilience is open at EAWAG, an internationally networked aquatic research institute within the ETH Domain (Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology). The position is part of the project ‘A trait-based eco-phenotypic framework for understanding resilience and tipping phenomena in ecosystems’ led by Dr. Catalina Chaparro. The project aims to develop a comprehensive framework of resilience in ecosystems integrating ecological, phenotypic traits, and environmental stress dynamics. In this project, the PhD candidate will develop and analyze eco-evolutionary models and datasets to study how adaptation contributes to maintaining resilience in ecosystems. This is mainly a theoretical and computational research project. We are looking for an enthusiastic and self-motivated person to learn new skills or explore new topics. Candidates for this position should hold a MSc in the biological sciences or different fields in the natural sciences (e.g., computational, mathematical, earth sciences) with a strong interest in ecology. Experience in programming and mathematical modeling would be an asset. Good communication skills are essential. The deadline for applications is 15 November 2024 or until the position is filled. Your application should include a cover letter explaining your research background and motivation to apply for this position, a CV, copies of your academic qualifications, and contact information for two references. Details about the position and how to apply. Posted: 10/25/24.

University of Alabama, University of North Texas, and Penn State: DISTANCE: Determining InStream Transport of eDNA Across NEON sites at the Continental ScalE, A unique graduate training opportunity researching eDNA. We are recruiting a cohort of three PhD students interested in exploring the processes that control the transport of environmental DNA (eDNA) in streams across the US. We seek highly motivated students with an interest in freshwater ecology, a strong work ethic, enthusiasm for field research, and a commitment to collaboration and teamwork. One student will be housed at each university. Regular field experiments will take place at streams near each institution, and collaborative field campaigns will occur in the summers at National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) sites across the US. Students with interests ranging from population and community ecology, biodiversity conservation, hydrology, biogeochemistry, and environmental genomics are encouraged to apply. We are particularly interested in recruiting and training students that represent and support diversity and equity in science. Interested students should complete this form, and may contact Drs. Arial Shogren (U. Alabama, ashogren@ua.edu), Zacchaeus Compson (U. North Texas, Zacchaeus.Compson@unt.edu), and Daniel Allen (Penn State, daniel.c.allen@psu.edu) with any questions. Posted: 9/19/24.

University of California Riverside: The Spasojevic and Ostevik labs are jointly recruiting one graduate student to pursue a Ph.D. in the evolutionary ecology of alpine plants. We are seeking a candidate with a strong background in ecological theory who is looking to explore the interface between evolutionary genomics, functional ecology, community ecology, and global change. Research will be conducted at the Niwot Ridge Long Term Ecological Research site near Boulder CO, with the expectation that the student will spend the 3-month field season (June-August) at Niwot and the 9-month academic year at UCR. Academic year funding is primarily provided through TAships and summer support is provided through supplemental grant funding. Information on TA funding and salary. If you are interested, please email both Prof. Marko Spasojevic (markos@ucr.edu) and Prof. Kate Ostevik (kostevik@ucr.edu) with a short note describing why you are interested in joining our labs, your interest/experience in linking evolutionary and ecological approaches, and your CV so we can schedule a meeting to chat. Prospective students from traditionally excluded groups are encouraged to apply. We will review applications starting October 10th with the intent of interviewing prospective students in mid/late October. Posted: 9/18/24.

University of Colorado Colorado Springs: The Mooney laboratory at the is recruiting a MSc student interested in plant-insect interactions. The fully funded project will explore the impacts of warming temperatures on the integrated responses of soil microbes, host plants, and the ant-aphid mutualism. This project is in collaboration with Dr. Kate Becklin at Syracuse University and Dr. Christie Bahlai at Kent State University. Fieldwork will take place at the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory and the MSc will be completed through the Biology Department at UCCS. The award covers tuition at UCCS, housing and fees at RMBL, and provides a research assistantship for summers 2025 and 2026. Additional financial support is possible through the academic year if the MSc student takes part as a teaching assistant for introductory biology laboratories at UCCS. Interested students should send an email to Dr. Mooney (emooney@uccs.edu) describing their research interests, include a CV, and attach a copy of their unofficial undergraduate transcripts. Graduate school application deadline is December 15, 2024. Posted: 10/25/24.

University of Connecticut: Join a diverse and vibrant lab in the ecology and evolutionary biology department at UConn and the multi-institution EvoME -Evolving Meta-Ecosystem Biology Integration Institute. EvoME seeks to integrate disciplines from genes to ecosystem to understand if Arctic Alaskan stream-riparian systems will be resilient to the fastest rates of climate change in the world. A research assistantship and research funding is available for students working on relevant projects, with flexibility in taxa, system, subdiscipline, and questions. Students will join a cohort of students working across universities. More generally, our lab addresses questions at the interface of ecology and evolution with a focus on understanding the creation and maintenance of biodiversity and resilience of natural systems to disturbances such as climate change. Current projects include whole-pond manipulations of amphibian communities, understanding the effects of climate change on Arctic fish, eco-evolutionary dynamics in aquatic microcosms, the genomics of adaptation, and improving predicted extinction risks from climate change. We are looking for independent thinkers who will complement our research team. See our website for more information: Come join a highly collaborative lab group situated in a top EEB program. The UConn EEB Department offers a highly integrative environment at a leading public research university that is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic community. Candidates should have an excellent GPA (>3.5) and demonstrated research experience (e.g., publication, research experience, either academic or paid). Preference is given to students with proven research records, published scientific articles, external funding, Master's degree, or substantial research experience (e.g., as a research technician). Applications from groups historically underrepresented in STEM fields are encouraged to apply. A number of University scholarships in addition to grant research assistantships are available for top candidates. A strong potential exists for funding on external grants for students with relevant experience. To apply, first send Mark Urban (mark.urban@uconn.edu) a cover letter detailing your research interests and experience as well as a resume or curriculum vita, including current GPA scores. Contact me at any time, but application review will begin November 15th. After reviewing applicants, I will select a shortlist of candidates to apply more formally to our graduate program. Posted: 10/25/24.

University of Georgia: The Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources invites applications from highly motivated and enthusiastic students for a Ph.D. Assistantship starting in Summer/Fall 2025. The student’s project will focus on the multiple interactions between southern pine beetle, prescribed fire regimes, and stand attributes in southeastern pine forests. Research results will assist in refining management techniques for an economically important bark beetle species under disturbance regimes, and a better understanding of the role of stand characteristics on pest-fire dynamics. The student will be advised by Dr. Kamal Gandhi (University of Georgia) with close collaborations with Drs. Holly Munro (National Council for Air and Stream Improvement Inc.), Brian Sullivan (USDA Forest Service, Southern Research Station), and John Nowak (USDA Forest Service, Forest Health Protection). The ideal candidate would possess both field and laboratory experience related to ecology, have a strong background in statistics, an interest in further developing spatial skills, and an independent spirit to develop, conduct, present, and publish research. A M.S. degree in a related field, especially in biology, ecology, or entomology is a prerequisite for this position. 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. Further training in forest ecology and entomology, and statistical modelling will be provided. A competitive Ph.D. assistantship along with full tuition waiver is available. Interested students should submit a statement of interest, current CV along with contact information for three references, GRE scores, and unofficial transcripts to Dr. Kamal Gandhi (kjgandhi@uga.edu; 706-247-4025). Posted: 10/28/24.

University of Georgia: The Ballantyne Lab in the Odum School of Ecology invites inquiries about, and applications to join, the graduate program. Current emphasis is on microbial metabolism and the flux of organic matter, whole stream metabolism, eco-evo feedbacks, and interactions between land cover, meteorology, plant physiology/traits, and C flux between terrestrial ecosystems and the atmosphere. Students with empirical, experimental, or theoretical interests, or some combination of the three, are all encouraged to apply. For more information, please contact Ford Ballantyne (fb4@uga.edu) and consult the graduate program website. Posted: 10/25/24.

University of Georgia: PhD in Tree Transpiration. The Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources & Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (SREL) are seeking a Ph.D. student to conduct research focused on tree transpiration and forest water use beginning fall of 2025. The project will: (1) explore relationships between forest structure and transpiration; (2) assess the accuracy of sap flow techniques for measuring tree transpiration and develop methodological improvements; and (3) explore other questions related to tree transpiration and forest water use. The ideal candidate would already possess some field experience (preferably with dataloggers and sensors in remote locations), knowledge of tree physiological processes and their measurement, proven problem-solving skills, excellent written and verbal communication skills, a basic statistical background, an ability to work both independently and as a productive member of a research team, and motivation to develop, conduct, and publish their research. Candidates should possess a M.S. degree in ecology, forestry, plant biology, biogeochemistry, or a related discipline, with minimum undergraduate and graduate GPA’s of 3.0 and 3.5, respectively. The successful candidate will receive a graduate research assistantship consisting of an annual stipend of approximately $29k and tuition waiver. The initial fall and spring semesters will be spent on the UGA campus in Athens, GA completing coursework, and the remainder of the time will be spent in residence at SREL conducting research on the Department of Energy’s Savannah River Site near Aiken, SC. If interested in this opportunity, send an email with “PhD in Tree Transpiration” in the subject line and attach a single pdf containing: (1) a 1-2 page statement of your research interests and a summary of your professional career goals that explains why you think working in the Aubrey Lab will help you realize these goals; (2) a current CV; (3) unofficial transcripts showing all previous coursework, degrees, and GPA’s; and (4) contact information of three references to Dr. Doug Aubrey (daubrey@srel.uga.edu). If selected to compete for this assistantship, you will be encouraged to submit an application to the UGA Graduate School prior to December 1, 2024. Please familiarize yourself with Warnell’s admission requirements and deadlines. Posted: 9/27/24.

University of Georgia: The Vahsen lab within the Odum School of Ecology (Athens, GA) is seeking a PhD student for fall 2025 interested eco-evolutionary dynamics and/or quantitative ecology. Our lab investigates the role of rapid evolution in shaping and feeding back on ecosystem processes, using coastal marsh sedges as a model system. Our research ranges from field-based experiments to quantitative forecasting methods. Funding is flexible and could be used for a student preferred project. Preferred qualifications for the position include: BS or MS degree in ecology or statistics, research experience with plants, and/or coding experience in R. PhD students at the Odum School are funded ~$35K/yr (including tuition coverage and benefits). More information about the graduate program at the Odum School. Interested applicants should email Dr. Megan Vahsen (megan.vahsen@usu.edu) (1) a cover letter explaining why they are interested in the position and their qualifications, (2) a copy of their resume/CV, (3) contact information for two academic or professional references. Review of potential students will begin October 15, 2024. Posted: 9/19/24.

University of Göttingen: The Department of Conservation Biology seeks highly qualified and motivated candidates for a fully funded PhD position on grazing—fire—biodiversity interactions on the Eurasian steppes (pay grade TV-L 13, 65%, three years, preferred starting date 01 November 2024 but later start possible). The successful candidate will contribute substantially to the project “Towards a better understanding of pyrodiversity—biodiversity relationships” (PyroDiv), funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG). This project is implemented in collaboration with the Association for the Conservation of Biodiversity of Kazakhstan (ACBK), the University of Münster and Frankfurt Zoological Society. The goals of the project are i) to quantify change in fire and grazing patterns on the Eurasian steppe, a neglected global fire hotspot, ii) to explore, how grazing-fire interactions (‘pyric herbivory’) drive diversity in fire patterns (‘pyrodiversity’), iii) to test, how pyric herbivory and pyrodiversity shape biodiversity. For details see https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/259808. Application deadline is 15 September 2024. Posted: 8/12/24.

University of Massachusetts Amherst: The Forest Dynamics Lab is accepting applications for a PhD student in quantitative forest ecology to begin August 2025 (fall semester). The student will contribute to ongoing research in the advancement of models of forest dynamics to predict changes in forest ecosystems over space and time. Model outcomes will be used to help inform adaptive management approaches to promote ecosystem resilience and carbon storage with a focus on eastern temperate forests. The position provides a unique opportunity to advance understanding of forest demography under global change with direct impact on forest management and conservation. The PhD student will be advised by Dr. Malcolm Itter within the Department of Environmental Conservation. Candidates should have a background in forestry, ecology, or statistics/computer science. The successful candidate will be expected to complete graduate-level training in statistics or computer science as part of their degree program. The position provides a competitive stipend, tuition waiver, and full benefits through a combination of teaching and research assistantships. Interested candidates should send their application including resume, cover letter describing their research interests, and contact information for two professional references to: Dr. Malcolm Itter (mitter [at] umass.edu). Posted: 10/1/24.

University of Mons: The University of Mons (Belgium) is recruiting a PhD candidate for the European-funded Interreg FWVL Trans-Pest project. Climate change is a major obstacle to Europe's ambition to reduce the use of synthetic pesticides. Climate change affects to varying degrees the interactions between crop plants and other organisms such as agricultural pests and their natural enemies (predators, parasitoids) that provide biological control services. They also affect the efficacy of green and natural products used for pest control purposes, such as essential oils, semiochemicals and lipopeptides. The target area is a production basin mainly based on field crops (cereals, oilseeds, sugar beet and potatoes), market gardening (leeks, onions, strawberries and other crops) and orchards (apple and pear trees). The pests targeted are defoliators affecting plant growth and crop yield (e.g., Colorado potato beetles), biting-sucking arthropods causing tissue damage and transmitting viruses (e.g., aphids, psyllids, whiteflies, thrips, mites) or those attacking fruit or roots (e.g., wireworms, leafminers). As part of the Trans-Pest project, the PhD student will be tasked with developing innovative research on the subject of biological control and climate change, integrating several biological models, a multi-trophic vision of the problems raised, and approaches ranging from the ecophysiology of organisms in the laboratory to landscape ecology in agricultural environments. The first part of the project will evaluate the response and behavior of existing solutions to global change (e.g. host-parasitoid system). The second part of the project will focus on improving bioinsecticide solutions or their use to meet the challenges posed by different climate change scenarios. During the project, the candidate will be required to: - Carry out innovative research into adapting systems to global change. - Participate in a cross-border European research project, in collaboration with several scientific institutions and companies. - Acquire skills in integrated crop protection and the development of bioinsecticide solutions Profile (f/m/x): Training in ecology, evolutionary biology, environment, agronomy, ecophysiology and/or entomology; Prior knowledge or experience in agricultural entomology is an asset; Hold a recognized university degree at Master's level or equivalent; Good command of English required; Scientific data analysis skills; Writing skills; Organizational skills; B driver's license is an asset; Notions of French and/or Dutch would be appreciated for the cross-border project, but is not mandatory. How to apply? Send your applications to kevin.tougeron@umons.ac.be before 15 September 2024 Please enclose: - A resume - A short covering letter to be written directly in the body of the email - A summary of your end-of-study / internship work (Masters, engineering, etc.) - Reference of a contact person who mentored you. Posted: 8/12/24.

University of Montana: I’m seeking candidates for two fully funded PhD position to conduct research in tropical rainforests. 1) Danum Valley, Malaysian Borneo. This position is open to any students and offers significant flexibility for the candidate to shape their research questions, focusing broadly on ecological interactions involving birds, insects, plants, annelids, or fungi. Possible research projects could explore the impact of birds on insect populations (through predation) or plants (via seed dispersal), the role of insects and fungi in plant ecology (e.g., through seed predation), or how annelids contribute to plant growth via soil nutrient cycling. 2) Any ForestGeo tropical forest site. Our lab has developed a partnership with ForestGEO and is working to advance understanding of plant-animal interactions and ecological function in tropical forests. This position is open to students with field experience from a ForestGeo tropical site to develop or expand research, in collaboration with other PIs, on important ecological interactions in any of a suite of vertebrate, invertebrate, plant, or fungal taxa. Research in my lab typically blends field experiments, observational studies (in some cases with access to long-term datasets collected at the field site), and quantitative modeling. The positions include a mix of research and teaching assistantships, as well as funding for research-related travel and expenses. Interested candidates should apply to the UM Ecology & Evolution graduate program by 1 December 2024. If you have any questions about the position or would like to discuss your suitability before applying, please feel free to reach out via the contact information below. The position is open to all applicants; women and candidates from groups underrepresented in science are particularly encouraged to apply. A master’s degree in ecology or a related field is desirable though not required. Jedediah Brodie (jedediah.brodie@umontana.edu). Posted: 11/18/24.

University of Nevada Las Vegas: 2 PhD positions: 1) PhD in Climate Adaptation Science to address pressing climate-driven issues facing the Southwest, such as wildfire, managing freshwater, managing for aridification, extreme weather and climate, wildlife, and climate and environmental justice. The PhD student would pursue independent research focused on addressing such issues, likely to involve some combination of ecophysiology, field sampling of disturbed forests, dendroecology, and ecological modelling. The student would have the opportunity to develop their own research and also participate in synthesis efforts across the Southwest as part of the Southwest Climate Adaptation Center (SWCASC). 2) PhD in Memory effects in forest carbon cycle to quantify memory and legacy effects in tree growth. The PhD student would quantify the magnitude and duration of climate legacies on tree growth and carbon fluxes across National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) sites in the western US. A major focus of the position is linking dynamics in tree rings to those in NEON flux tower records. The student would have the opportunity to participate in field sampling of tree rings, processing and measurement of tree cores, and potential visits with collaborators at NAU, UCLA, and NASA-JPL. Bayesian modelling of carbon cycle processes is a major component of the project, but the student would have the opportunity to develop their own research. Applications due Dec. 15th through UNLV Graduate College. Candidates should email Drew.Peltier@unlv.edu describing their interests in the position and relevant experience, including a CV. I can answer questions about the position and provide details on how to apply. Or see drewpeltier.com/opportunities. Posted: 10/25/24.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: I (Allen Hurlbert) am seeking a new PhD student to begin in the Fall of 2025. Specifically, I am looking for a student interested in asking questions about large-scale patterns of foliage arthropod abundance, composition, and phenology using data from the citizen science project that I run, Caterpillars Count!. How are climate change, urbanization, and invasive species influencing foliage arthropods across North America? How are these relationships influencing population trends and phenological mismatch with forest birds? Student projects might also involve integrating data from large-scale datasets like iNaturalist and eBird. There are many creative directions to go in. The ideal candidate has previous research experience, demonstrated writing ability, some programming experience (e.g., R, Matlab, or Python), and a willingness to also conduct field work. Students will ideally be supported on some combination of teaching and research assistantships contingent on lab funding. Applicants with strong research and academic records may be considered for a University fellowship, and of course you should already be considering an application for a NSF Graduate Research Fellowship. Read more about research in the Hurlbert Lab, and if interested, please send an email to caterpillarscount@gmail.com with a cv or resume and a description of your general research interests and ideas for potential projects. I am looking to see that you have an understanding of some of the important, unanswered questions in ecology and that you can conceive of novel approaches for getting at those questions in the context of large-scale patterns in foliage arthropod data. Posted: 9/19/24.

University of North Dakota: The UNDerwater Lab at the is seeking a PhD graduate student to explore recreational fishery dynamics in North Dakota, a highly dynamic aquatic landscape and complex social-ecological system. Much of North Dakota resides within the Prairie Pothole Region, which is typified by drought and deluge cycles, causing annual changes in the size (e.g., Devils Lake) and the number of lakes available for anglers (1953 - 32 total lakes; 2023 - over 400 lakes). This dynamic hydroscape is expected to influence all components of a fishery, including habitats, fish populations, and anglers. However, the magnitude and direction (e.g., positive, negative) of changes in fishing opportunity, as well as the influence of natural resource management (e.g., stocking, activation of new waterbodies) is unknown. Therefore, in the context of this dynamic landscape, this project seeks to 1) identify attributes associated with angler site selection, 2) assess walleye stocking and population dynamics, 3) evaluate angler responses to landscape-level management decisions (e.g., opening or closing lakes), and 4) describe historical changes among angler behavior and preferences (between drought and deluge periods). The successful candidate will be expected to use a combination of geography, ecological, and human dimension techniques such as remote sensing, otolith microchemistry, mixed mode angler surveys, and a variety of biological field data collection methods. The successful candidate will be fully supported on a Graduate Research Assistantship but if desired, may have opportunities to contribute to the teaching mission of the Department of Biology. This project will require working closely with the North Dakota Game and Fish Department. Other opportunities exist to tailor experiences to career goals. The ideal candidate will have an interest in taking a social-ecological system approach by studying all aspects of a fishery, including how recreational fisheries might respond to changes in climate. The desired start date is May or August 2025. To begin the application process, please submit 1) a letter of interest, 2) CV , 3) a writing sample, 4) unofficial transcripts, and 5) a list of three references and their contact information. Email the file in one PDF document to Dr. Mark Kaemingk (mark.kaemingk@und.edu) using the subject line "PhD position in Angler Site Selection and Walleye Recruitment". Apply by October 15 to receive full consideration. Posted: 9/19/24.

University of North Texas: Seeking a MS or PhD trainee to begin fall 2025. The Lichtenberg Lab combines community and behavioral ecology to study plant-animal interactions, pollinator foraging and insect biodiversity. We are particularly interested in how land use change and land management practices affect these phenomena. This student will join a project investigating impacts of livestock grazing on pollinators and plants, and plant-pollinator interactions in grasslands. They will also participate in determining conservation status of Texas native bees. The trainee will be funded through a combination of RAship and TAing, including summer salary and a tuition scholarship. The lab is committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment to trainees from diverse backgrounds. Application: Please contact Dr. Elinor Lichtenberg (elichten@unt.edu) before applying. Send your CV, information on relevant experiences, the kinds of questions you are interested in, and unofficial transcripts. Dr. Lichtenberg participates in UNT's Biology and Environmental Science graduate programs. Posted: 9/19/24.

University of Texas at El Paso: Ph.D. research assistantships are available (beginning as soon as Spring 2025) in Arctic coastal ecology, morphology and biogeochemistry. These positions are part of interdisciplinary teams funded by the National Science Foundation to study linkages between terrestrial and aquatic processes within sites of the Beaufort Lagoon Ecosystems LTER. Students will study drivers of metabolism and carbon cycling within Arctic lagoons and rivers. Background knowledge in aquatic biogeochemistry, geographic information systems and ecosystem metabolism would be beneficial, with a degree in biology, environmental science, or a closely related field, preferred. Students will participate in all aspects of the project, from field work in the Arctic to publication of findings. Applicants are expected to have a strong academic background, show evidence of independent work in both the field and lab, experience in using R and demonstrate a capacity to contribute to a collaborative research environment. For more information, please email a statement of interest/background and a copy of your CV to Dr. Vanessa Lougheed (vlougheed@utep.edu). Posted: 9/19/24.

University of Texas at El Paso: The Darrouzet-Nardi Laboratory is recruiting a Ph.D. student in UTEP's Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Ph.D. Program to work on the soon-to-launch CrustNet project. CrustNet is an international distributed experimental network focused on biocrust ecology, examining biocrust biodiversity, function, and resilience in the face of global change. The role for this Ph.D. student will be to run CrustNet sampling nodes in the Chihuahuan Desert and to analyze biocrust samples from dozens of sites around the world with the help of a laboratory technician. It is the perfect project for a desert or biocrust lover and represents a tremendous opportunity to network with the global community of biocrust researchers and to develop high-impact publications based on network data. The connections begin with the esteemed scientists on the project including lead PI Dr. Matthew Bowker, Dr. Sasha Reed, Dr. Anita Antoninka, and Dr. Javier Ceja-Navarro. From there, the chances to connect and establish a career extend to regular participation in the Biocrust conference series, held in various international locations, and beyond to the dozens of research laboratories around the world that have expressed interest in the network. Some of our lab's specific areas of focus will be to examine soil characteristics, elemental composition, soil enzymatic function, and contribution of biocrusts to ecosystem productivity in both observational and experimental components of the project. The analytical work will be done at the University of Texas at El Paso where this position is based. There will be cool experiments like a sledgehammer smash and recovery of biocrusts done in exactly the same way in 100+ global locations. There will be a chance to travel to sites around the Western U.S. and globally. To me, this is the most special and high-profile Ph.D. opportunity that I have had the pleasure of being able to create for a promising Ph.D. student, and I'm looking for someone great! So please if you are interested, send an inquiry email to ajdarrouzetnardi@utep.edu. Posted: 8/4/24.

University of Vermont: Funded PhD Opportunities: The Gund Institute for Environment at the University of Vermont (UVM) seeks exceptional PhD applicants to conduct interdisciplinary research on global environmental challenges beginning in fall 2025. Applications are due January 5, 2025. The Gund Institute is a research center dedicated to understanding and tackling the world’s most critical environmental challenges, where over 250 faculty, global affiliates, postdocs, and graduate students collaborate widely to understand interactions among ecological, social, and economic systems. Driven by the belief that research should inspire action, we explore environmental issues at the interface of five pressing research themes—climate solutions, health and well-being, sustainable agriculture, resilient communities, and equity and justice—in partnership with government, industry, and broader society. We are committed to ensuring an inclusive environment where diverse voices and perspectives are active and welcome. We encourage applicants who bring diverse perspectives to our community. Students will receive up to four years of funding, including an annual stipend of $35k, plus tuition. All students are eligible for health insurance and additional funds for conference travel and research costs. For more details and application instructions, explore uvm.edu/gund/gund-phd-research-fellowships. QUESTIONS? Contact Julianna White at julianna.m.white@uvm.edu. Posted: 9/23/24.

University of Vermont: The Morales-Williams Lab in the Rubenstein School has an unexpected opening for a PhD student to work on an NSF Macrosystems-funded project investigating the influence of warming winters on year-round phytoplankton phenology and ecosystem function. We are currently seeking a a PhD student to work on an NSF-funded project investigating the influence of changing winter dynamics on year-round phytoplankton phenology and ecosystem function. This is part of a larger collaborative project with partners from University of Missouri, Cornell, SUNY New Paltz, and University of Colorado-Boulder. The project will integrate experimental approaches in aquatic mesocosms at the Rubenstein Ecosystem Science Laboratory with a larger scale study of more than 30 lakes across the U.S. Ideal candidates will be enthusiastic about collaborative team science and the influences of climate change on phytoplankton community ecology. Previous M.S. research in a related field is preferred but not required. Applications will be considered for start dates in either fall 2024 or spring 2025. To apply for this position, please send your C.V. and brief statement of interest to Mindy Morales Williams (ana.morales@uvm.edu) as soon as possible but no later than Monday June 17 to be considered for a fall start; or by August 1 to apply for spring (January 2025 start). More information on the Rubenstein School graduate program in Natural Resources and the formal application process can be found here: https://www.uvm.edu/rsenr/graduate_programs. Posted: 6/13/24.

University of Victoria: I am looking for a highly motivated PhD student to join my lab in beautiful British Columbia, Canada and the Kiritimati (Christmas Island) coral team to undertake fundamental research investigating coral reef resilience to climate change and local anthropogenic stressors. For more information, please see the position posting and for more information on my lab and the research we do, please visit my lab website. Review of applications will begin on October 1st. Students could start the PhD program at the University of Victoria’s Biology Department in January, May, or September 2025. Posted: 9/18/24.

University of Wisconsin-Madison: The Ives Lab in the Department of Integrative Biology is recruiting a PhD student interested in working on a long-term ecological project at Lake Mývatn, Iceland. The research focuses on interactions between the population dynamics of midges in Mývatn and the aquatic ecosystem. The project encompasses population ecology, community ecology and ecosystem ecology, and the PhD student will have freedom to design their own research program to fit in with the overall objectives of understanding the ecology of Mývatn. The fieldwork is conducted June-August by a team of researchers at Mývatn, including faculty, postdocs, graduate students, and undergraduates. The graduate student will not only be responsible for their own PhD research, but will also participate with the rest of the research team and mentor undergraduate students. To be competitive, prospective students should have substantial experience conducting field research. Although not required, quantitative skills in, for example, statistical analyses are a plus. A Master's degree is not required. If you are interested, please prepare a cover letter and CV as a single pdf. Your cover letter should briefly outline your background and why you are interested in this position. In your CV, please include relevant information about your education and work experiences. Also provide names and contact information for at least two references whom we can contact to ask specific questions about your qualifications for the position. Our lab and the University of Wisconsin are committed to supporting scientists from historically underrepresented backgrounds. Please send this information by 15 October, 2024, to Tony Ives (professor) - arives@wisc.edu Posted: 8/30/24.

Virginia Tech/University of Arkansas: Two graduate student assistantships are available: one at Virginia Tech in Entomology and one at the University of Arkansas in Biology. The project is to understand how widespread salinization of soils and freshwater threatens biota, ecosystem processes and riparian-stream linkages. Disconnected studies of intimately connected ecosystems can lead to a fundamental misunderstanding of salinization in the environment. This project will quantify how NaCl inputs to riparian zones and streams interact to alter decomposition and production in both terrestrial riparia and aquatic stream ecosystems using experimentally paired riparian-stream mesocosms, a field decomposition study across a sodium gradient, and crowd-sourced k-12 teacher data through the collaboration of terrestrial and aquatic researchers. Project objectives: Measure and quantify field terrestrial-stream relationships using a decomposition study that concurrently measures soil and stream chemistry across a large salinization gradient. Experimentally determine how soil salinization impacts terrestrial-aquatic C exchange across a gradient of salinization in novel paired terrestrial riparian-stream mesocosms. Quantify the field-mesocosm relationship to determine the congruence of experimental mesocosm- and field measured decomposition rates across a salinity gradient. PIs Include: Natalie Clay (UA), Michelle Evans-White (UA), Sally Entrekin (VT), and Tara Muenz(Citizen Science Co-Ordinator, Stroud Water Center). Graduate Assistantship Details: Salary: $32k USD per yr for 3 yrs. Additional years of funding, if needed, will be supported by student fellowships, teaching assistantships, and/or other lab-funded projects. Primarily advised by either Dr. Entrekin (VT) or Dr. Evans-White (UA), but collaborate and mentored by all PIs. Please contact us Sally and Michelle with a statement of interest and CV. We will review applications in mid-November with the goal of filling the position in January 2025. Posted: 10/25/24.

Virginia Tech: Dr. Sally Entrekin (Entomology) is seeking applications for a paid graduate student position as part of a collaborative project on the environmental safety of the aerial mating disruption treatments against spongy [gypsy] moth, an invasive forest pest in the eastern US. The selected MSc or PhD student will be co-advised by Sally Entrekin and Dr. Ksenia Onufrieva ( Department of Entomology and Center for Advanced Innovation in Agriculture (CAIA)); the student's degree program will be through the Entrekin Lab in Virginia Tech's Entomology Department. The student funded on this project will need to be available to start their degree program in August 2024 or January 2025. This project is funded through the US Forest Service as part of the National Slow the Spread of the spongy moth research program (STS) and it addresses FS-PIAP national program priorities (1) Advancement in proper use of pesticides and (2) Environmental toxicity. The goal of this project is to ensure environmental safety of the aerial mating disruption treatments against spongy moth, which continues to be one of the most devastating forest pests in the eastern US. Mating disruption is known to be the most benign method of pest control, as it does not affect non-target organisms, and even the target organism is not killed. It is very effective against low- to moderate-density populations of spongy moth. Approximately 300,000 acres are treated annually with SPLAT GM-Organic formulation of spongy moth sex pheromone for mating disruption. Although large bodies of water are being excluded, small bodies of open water beneath the hardwood foliage are often included in the treatments. We will assess the short- and long-term impacts of aerial pheromone treatments on aquatic ecosystems with an experimental treatment that supports a before-after-control-impact design in 6 streams. Insect communities and stream functions will be assessed before, right after and a year following pheromone applications. Since the SPLAT matrix is used in a number of formulations, the results of this project will provide insights for similar studies to ensure safety of control products applied against other pests. The selected student will have considerable flexibility in leveraging the study design so ask other questions related to the primary project goals. Student support and collaboration team: The student will receive at least three academic years (fall and spring semesters) and three summers of salary support as a Graduate Research Assistant on our USFS-funded collaborative project. The starting graduate student stipend for both MSc and PhD students in Entomology is currently ~$32k USD per year and does not cover student fees. Additional years of funding, if needed, will be supported by student fellowships, teaching assistantships, and/or other lab-funded projects. The project team also includes the National Slow the Spread (STS) Program that houses data and GIS support that can be leveraged to support student interests. Contact Sally Entrekin at sallye@vt.edu for more information. Review of applications will begin July 15, 2024. Posted: 5/15/24.

Washington State University: I am seeking a student interested in pursuing a PhD in the School of Biological Sciences. Students will have the flexibility to propose projects of their own interest that are relevant to the lab goals or work on existing projects. See the Zambrano lab website for current projects. Required Qualifications: - M.S. in plant ecology - Aptitude for modeling and quantitative ecology - Experience in R or similar statistical software program - Experience working in forest systems (temperate or tropical) - Strong verbal and written communication skills - Ability to work independently and as a leader and member of a research team - Ability to work under adverse field conditions. Stipend/Salary: The student will be supported by teaching assistantships. Insurance and tuition/fees also will be covered. To be considered for this position, please email no later than October 31, 2024 a cover letter that explains your interest and qualifications, resume/cv - listing presentations and publications and references, and transcripts (unofficial is acceptable) to Dr. Jenny Zambrano, jenny.zambrano@wsu.edu. Posted: 9/18/24.

West Virginia University: I (Steve Kannenberg) am recruiting a PhD student to join my lab next summer or fall to work on a NSF-funded project centered around how the legacies of past forest management have impacted contemporary carbon storage and climate resilience across Appalachia. This work is deeply interdisciplinary and involves collaborations across forest ecologists, soil scientists, forest economists, and human geographers. While one of the primary responsibilities will be to conduct surveys and sample tree cores across a network of forest plots, there will be a lot of room for the development of independent research questions. More information is available at https://www.stevekannenberg.com/opportunities, and please contact me if you are interested! Posted: 10/25/24.

West Virginia University: A graduate assistant position at the M.S. level is available within the Division of Forestry and Natural Resources. The graduate student will investigate the effects of bioenergy crop production on marginal land and other environmental factors on soil carbon, greenhouse gas production, and plant productivity on reclaimed mine and agricultural soil. The project will employ established plots planted to willow and switchgrass and amended with biochar in West Virginia. The goal of the project is to understand and quantify the role that producing bioenergy crops and associated soil microbes play in soil organic matter production and overall sustainability of the production. This project is supported by the Mid-Atlantic Sustainable Biomass Consortium, a USDA-NIFA funded project and will be co-advised by Drs. Charley Kelly and Jamie Schuler. The successful applicant will be awarded a tuition waiver, an annual stipend ($21,605) and health insurance benefits for the duration of the two-year project, to begin August 2024. DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS: A B.S. in soil science, ecology, or natural resource-related field, demonstrated field research experience through undergraduate education or employment, strong data management and analytical skills for laboratory and statistical analyses, strong written and oral communication skills, and a GPA of at least 3.2 during the last two years of school. TO APPLY: In a single pdf document, please send: 1) a current CV; 2) a 1-page statement of your research interests; 3) a short statement of your career goals; 4) unofficial transcripts of all previous education; and 5) current GRE scores to Dr. Charley Kelly (ckelly1@mail.wvu.edu). If GRE scores are pending, please state when you plan to take the test. Posted: 6/28/24.

Assistantships and Fellowships | Fellowship Program Links

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