scholarship atau assistantship di bidang biologi, ekologi

Featured Positions

click on column title to sort; toggles between ascending and descending

Location	Title	Closes	Posted
Virginia Tech	Evolution of complex phenotypes in herps (PhD)	12/31/12	10/31/12
Utah State University	Global ecology, community ecology, or ecological theory/modeling	12/1/12	11/6/12
Justus-Liebig-University Giessen (Germany)	Plant Invasion Ecology (PhD)	11/16/12	11/1/12
University of Alaska Anchorage	Arctic Tundra Ecology (MS)	11/10/12	10/22/12
University of Idaho	Carbon Cycle impacts of Using Forest Harvest Residues for Bioenergy (PhD)	9/1/12	8/13/12
University of Idaho	Silviculture	9/1/12	8/13/12
University of Idaho	Sustainable Forest Bioenergy - nutrient cycling, fungal diversity, and invertebrate diversity (3 PhD positions)	8/15/12	8/2/12

All Positions

click on column title to sort; toggles between ascending and descending

Location	Title	Closes	Posted
Central Michigan University	Aquatic/Marine Molecular Ecology (2 MS positions)	3/1/13	11/7/12
University of Saskatchewan (Canada)	Ecology and Management of Moose in Agricultural Landscapes (PhD)	2/15/13	11/9/12
Northern Illinois University	Ecology, Evolution, Behavior, and Conservation	2/15/13	10/12/12
San Diego State University	Coupled Natural/Human Systems Modeling (PhD)	2/1/13	11/13/12
Wright State University	Interdisciplinary Environmental Sciences (PhD)	2/1/13	11/5/12
Mississippi State University	Population Dynamics of Wild Turkeys (PhD)	2/1/13	11/5/12
University of Maine	Adaptation to Abrupt Climate Change (PhD)	2/1/13	10/19/12
University of Houston	Evolutionary Biology and Ecology	2/1/13	10/10/12
University of Mississippi	Soil Microbial & Forest Restoration Ecology (MS)	2/1/13	8/7/12
Virginia Tech	Avian Incubation Behavior (2 PhD positions)	1/31/13	11/1/12
University of Konstanz (Germany)	Ecology and genomics of parallel speciation of cichlid fishes in Nicaragua (PhD)	1/15/13	11/16/12
University of Konstanz (Germany)	Isotopic finger-printing of changes in copepod trophic position (PhD)	1/15/13	11/16/12
Max Planck Institute for Ornithology (Germany)	Evolution of social behaviors in sparrows (PhD)	1/15/13	11/16/12
Max Planck Institute for Ornithology (Germany)	Bird physiological and behavioral ecology, Tanzania (PhD)	1/15/13	11/16/12
Florida International University	Urban ecology, avian ecology, conservation biology, tropical ecology (PhD)	1/15/13	11/14/12
University of New Hampshire	Terrestrial ecosystem ecology (PhD)	1/15/13	11/2/12
Smithsonian Environmental Research Center	Pre-doctoral Fellowships	1/15/13	10/26/12
Boise State University	Sustainable Bioenergy - soil biogeochemistry/ecology (MS)	1/15/13	10/22/12
University of Alaska Fairbanks	Boreal and Arctic Ecosystem Ecology/Biogeochemistry (2 positions)	1/15/13	10/17/12
Ohio University	Deciduous Forest Ecology	1/15/13	9/27/12
Stony Brook University	Ecology and Evolution	1/15/13	9/25/12
Texas Tech University	Eavesdropping of mating signals by frog-biting midges	1/10/13	11/14/12
Rice University	Ecology and Evolutionary Biology	1/10/13	11/8/12
Washington State University Vancouver	Biology and Environmental Science	1/10/13	10/19/12
George Mason University/Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute	Conservation Biology (PhD)	1/7/13	11/1/12
Case Western Reserve University	Plant Ecology	1/7/13	8/2/12
Purdue University	Wildlife Ecology (PhD)	1/5/13	11/13/12
Northern Arizona University	Mycorrhizal Ecology (PhD)	1/1/13	11/2/12
University of South Florida	Ecology and Evolution, Environmental and Ecological Microbiology, or Physiology and Morphology	1/1/13	10/29/12
University of California, Irvine	Ecology and Evolutionary Biology	1/1/13	10/24/12
University of California, Irvine	Tri-trophic interactions	1/1/13	10/19/12
University of Wisconsin-Madison	Triploidy and the Physiological/Chemical Ecology of Aspen (PhD)	12/31/12	11/15/12
Virginia Tech	Evolution of complex phenotypes in herps (PhD)	12/31/12	10/31/12
Northwestern University/Chicago Botanic Garden	Plant Biology and Conservation	12/31/12	10/10/12
Virginia Tech	Integrative Organismal Biology (PhD)	12/31/12	10/5/12
University of Montana	Ecosystem Biogeochemistry	12/31/12	9/20/12
Arizona State University	Physiological or Evolutionary Ecology	12/15/12	11/13/12
Portland State University	Aquatic Ecology (PhD)	12/15/12	11/9/12
University of Idaho	Conservation Policies, Land Use Change and Ecosystem Services in Central America (2 PhD positions)	12/15/12	11/1/12
University of Manchester (UK)	Modelling the evolution of sexual imprinting behaviour (PhD)	12/7/12	10/30/12
University of Florida	Fungal Ecology (PhD)	12/7/12	10/19/12
Utah State University	Savanna/Rangeland Ecology in Kenya (PhD)	12/1/12	11/12/12
University of California, Berkeley	Arthropod Biodiversity (several PhD positions)	12/1/12	11/8/12
Florida International University	Ecology, Florida Coastal Everglades LTER (3 PhD positions)	12/1/12	11/7/12
Utah State University	Global ecology, community ecology, or ecological theory/modeling	12/1/12	11/6/12
Utah State University	Black bear behavior, demography, and population dynamics (PhD)	12/1/12	10/30/12
University of Alabama	Aquatic Community Ecology (MS)	12/1/12	10/23/12
University of Colorado	Aquatic Ecology (2 MS/PhD positions)	12/1/12	10/15/12
Ohio State University	River-Riparian Food Webs and Stream Fish Conservation	12/1/12	10/11/12
University of Oklahoma	Land Use Effects on Water Quality using Remote Sensing (PhD)	12/1/12	10/11/12
Dartmouth College	Pollination Ecology (PhD)	12/1/12	10/2/12
Dartmouth College	Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (PhD)	12/1/12	10/2/12
Ohio State University	Watershed Hydrology	12/1/12	9/26/12
Indiana University	Terrestrial Ecosystem Ecology (PhD)	12/1/12	9/10/12
University of British Columbia (Canada)	Terrestrial Ecosystem Research	12/1/12	6/27/12
University of Copenhagen (Denmark)	Phylogeography, Extinctions and Global Climate Change (PhD)	11/30/12	10/18/12
University of Amsterdam (The Netherlands)	Environmental Studies (5 PhD positions)	11/23/12	11/16/12
Stockholm University (Sweden)	Plant Evolutionary Ecology (PhD)	11/20/12	10/18/12
Michigan Technological University	Biodiversity and Soil Carbon Dynamics of Bioenergy Crops (2 PhD positions)	11/20/12	10/12/12
Clemson University	Population ecology of Carolina bogmint	11/19/12	11/9/12
University of Texas Marine Science Institute	Population biology of toxic algae (PhD)		11/16/12
Justus-Liebig-University Giessen (Germany)	Plant Invasion Ecology (PhD)	11/16/12	11/1/12
Purdue University	Hardwood Trees/Plant-insect interactions	11/16/12	10/12/12
Pennsylvania State University	Forest Ecology (MS)	11/16/12	9/25/12
University of Twente (The Netherlands)	Socio-Environmental Modeling (PhD)	11/15/12	11/12/12
University of Georgia	Alligator Harvest Management (PhD)	11/15/12	10/19/12
University of Regina (Canada)	Plant Ecology	11/15/12	10/12/12
Michigan State University	Ecology and evolution of tropical and temperate trees (PhD)		11/14/12
Plymouth State University	Watershed Ecosystem Services (MS)		11/14/12
University of Nebraska-Lincoln	Grassland restoration ecology and invasive plants (PhD)		11/13/12
University of Alaska Anchorage	Arctic Tundra Ecology (MS)	11/10/12	10/22/12
University of Georgia	Ecosystem Biogeochemistry (PhD)		11/8/12
WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF(Switzerland)	Climate change effects on high-alpine flora (PhD)		11/8/12
Utah State University	Plant Population and Community Ecology (PhD)		11/6/12
North Carolina State University	Insect Ecology and Integrated Pest Management (PhD)		11/5/12
University of Puerto Rico-Río Piedras	Natural-Human Systems in the Urbanizing Tropics (PhD)		11/5/12
University of Maine	Forest soils and ecosystem biogeochemistry (2 positions)		11/5/12
Montana State University	Disease Ecology and Management of Cereal Viruses (PhD)		11/1/12
University of Wisconsin-Madison	Remote Sensing of Ecosystem Functioning in Bioenergy Landscapes (PhD)	11/1/12	10/4/12
University of Zurich (Switzerland)	Giant tortoises and seed dispersal (PhD)	11/1/12	10/2/12
East Carolina University	Ecological Physiology, Development, Behavior		10/30/12
North Carolina State University	Sustainable agriculture and soil arthropod ecology		10/30/12
University of New Hampshire	Water and Bioenergy Crops in the Americas (PhD)	10/30/12	10/4/12
University of Florida	Interactions between insects, fungi, and microbes (PhD)	10/30/12	8/29/12
Université du Québec à Rimouski	Forest Ecology Modeling (PhD)		10/29/12
University of Illinois at Springfield	Endangered Mammal Conservation and Recovery (MS)		10/29/12
Michigan State University	Systems Integration and Sustainability		10/26/12
Utah State University	Environment and Society, Watershed Sciences, and Wildland Resources (3 PhD positions)		10/26/12
University of North Dakota	Landscape Ecology of Sheyenne National Grassland		10/25/12
University of Missouri	Carbon and Climate Mitigation by Urban Forests (PhD)		10/23/12
University of North Dakota	Earth System Science and Policy		10/23/12
University of Massachusetts	Residential Outdoor Water Conservation (PhD)		10/23/12
East Carolina University	Ecology and Evolution		10/23/12
Idaho State University	Plant Physiological Ecology/Ecohydrology of Sagebrush Steppe Vegetation (MS)		10/23/12
University of Mississippi	Mycorrhizal Ecology		10/22/12
Mississippi State University	Plant ecology, evolution, and/or systematics (3 positions)		10/22/12
University of Arizona	Grassland Birds	10/22/12	9/14/12
Louisiana State University	Watershed Sciences (PhD)		10/19/12
Rice University	Community/Population Ecology (PhD)		10/19/12
University of New Mexico	Ecology and evolution of plants and plant-animal interactions (PhD)		10/18/12
University of Georgia	Integrative Conservation (PhD)		10/17/12
University of Ghent/University of Groningen(Belgium/Netherlands)	Eco-evolutionary dynamics in a spatial context (PhD)	10/17/12	9/14/12
Washington State University	Insect/Landscape Ecology, Plant-Insect Interactions		10/16/12
North Dakota State University	Insect ecology in agroecosystems		10/15/12
Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis	Ecohydrology and Biogeochemistry (2 MS/PhD positions)		10/15/12
University of Georgia	Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (7 MS, 5 PhD positions)	10/15/12	9/10/12
Universität Bern (Switzerland)	Local Adaptation in Trees (PhD)	10/15/12	9/10/12
Montana State University	Population Ecology, Chiricahua Leopard Frog (MS)	10/15/12	9/10/12
University of New Hampshire	Remote Sensing and Coupled Natural and Human Systems (PhD)		10/12/12
University of Nevada Reno	Kangaroo Mouse Habitat Associations and Population Dynamics (MS)	10/12/12	9/25/12
Michigan Technological University	Plant Evolutionary Ecology (MS)		10/11/12
University of Nevada Reno	Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology (PhD)		10/11/12
University of Hawaii Manoa	Fungal Ecology and Evolution		10/10/12
Max-Planck-Institute for Chemical Ecology (Germany)	Influence of plant genetic traits on insect biodiversity (PhD)		10/10/12
University of Queensland (Australia)	Industrial Ecology, Life Cycle Assessment and Systems Sustainability		10/10/12
University of Alabama	Carbon Dynamics Modeling (MS)		10/10/12
University of Alabama	Statistical Analysis of Urban Forest Data (MS)		10/10/12
University of Alabama	Winter Arctic Plant Physiology (MS)		10/10/12
Baylor University	Microbial Ecology (PhD)		10/10/12
Leibniz Center for Tropical Marine Ecology (Germany)	Modelling Resource Use in Reef Ecosystems (PhD)	10/10/12	9/18/12
Colorado State University	Restoration Ecology, Oil Sands, Alberta (PhD)		10/8/12
University of New Hampshire	Aquatic ecosystem responses to land use change (PhD)		10/8/12
University of Texas at Arlington	Invertebrate or Fish Macroecology (MS)		10/8/12
University of Georgia	Freshwater Connectivity (MS)		10/8/12
Griffith University (Australia)	Disease Ecology, Fruit Bats (PhD)	10/8/12	9/10/12
Clark University	Earth System Science (PhD)		10/5/12
ETH Zurich (Switzerland)	Transport of fluids in trees (PhD)		10/5/12
University of Alaska Anchorage	Physiological Ecology of trees at the Arctic treeline (MS) (position filled)		10/4/12
Auburn University	Terrestrial ecosystem/Land surface modeling and applications (2-3 PhD positions)		10/4/12
Aarhus University (Denmark)	Plant Macroecology and Phyloinformatics (2 PhD positions)		10/3/12
University of Hawaii Manoa	Fungal Ecology		10/2/12
Stony Brook University	Antarctic seabird ecology (PhD)		10/2/12
Columbia University	Climate variability and tropical forest dynamics (PhD)		10/1/12
Florida Atlantic University	Ecosystem Carbon Cycling of the Everglades (MS)	10/1/12	9/25/12
Iowa State University	Sustainable Agriculture	10/1/12	8/15/12
University of Wisconsin-Madison	Terrestrial Food Web Ecology (PhD)	10/1/12	7/17/12
University of Konstanz (Germany)	Plant Ecology (PhD)	9/30/12	8/24/12
Clemson University	Coastal marsh birds and climate change (MS)		9/27/12
University of Florida	Wildlife Ecology and Conservation		9/27/12
University of Texas-Brownsville	Coastal prairie and Tamaulipan thornscrub restoration (MS)		9/27/12
Utah State University	Shrubland ecology (MS)		9/27/12
University of Texas-Brownsville	Fire, Larch Trees, and C Dynamics in Siberia (MS)		9/25/12
Virginia Tech	Microbial Ecology (PhD)		9/25/12
University of Wyoming	Restoration Ecology (PhD)		9/25/12
University of Georgia	Butterfly/pollinator ecology and behavior (PhD)		9/25/12
Texas Tech University	Vegetation and Large Mammal Responses to Forest Restoration		9/24/12
Texas Tech University	Orchid mycorrhizal ecology (MS)		9/24/12
University of Tennessee	Sustainable crop production (PhD)		9/24/12
San Diego State University	GIScience, landscape ecology, and human socioeconomics (PhD and MS)		9/25/12
University of Manitoba (Canada)	Insect Ecology (2 positions)		9/20/12
Vancouver Island University	Shellfish Ecology		9/18/12
Colorado State University	Wildlife Ecology (PhD)		9/14/12
East Carolina University	Population and community ecology		9/14/12
University of Louisiana at Lafayette	Wetland ecosystems and plant community dynamics (PhD)		9/14/12
Montana State University	Plant-Insect Interactions (PhD)		9/14/12
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign	Invasive Species and Prescribed Fire Effects on Plant Recruitment and Carbon Cycling (PhD)		9/14/12
San Diego State University	Golden monkey habitat analysis/ecology/remote sensing (PhD)		9/10/12
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi	Estuarine & Coastal Phytoplankton Ecology (PhD)		9/10/12
Mississippi State University	Forestry - Consequences of Fuels Treatments (2 MS positions)		9/10/12
University of Kansas	Patterns of forest succession (MS)		9/7/12
University of Kansas	Ecosystem Ecology (2 PhD positions)		9/7/12
South Dakota State University	Wetland or Soil Ecosystems (MS)		9/6/12
University of Minnesota	Forest Ecology (MS)		9/6/12
University of Idaho	Wildlife Ecology (PhD)		9/6/12
University of Missouri	Genetic Assessment of Amphibian Source-Sink Dynamics (PhD)		9/6/12
Iowa State University	Agroecosystem Ecology and Management		9/6/12
University of Florida	Citrus Physiology (PhD)		9/6/12
University of Hong Kong	Larval Amphibian Ecology (PhD)	9/5/12	8/9/12
University of Rhode Island	Turtle Ecology and Conservation (PhD)	9/5/12	8/7/12
University of Idaho	Carbon Cycle impacts of Using Forest Harvest Residues for Bioenergy (PhD)	9/1/12	8/13/12
University of Idaho	Silviculture	9/1/12	8/13/12
Radboud University Nijmegen (Netherlands)	Animal Ecophysiology/Population Dynamics of Aquatic Ectotherms (2 PhD positions)	8/31/12	8/15/12
Auburn University	Riparian Soils and Vegetation (MS)		8/29/12
Texas Tech University	Natural Resources Management		8/28/12
Michigan Technological University	Plant Evolutionary Ecology		8/28/12
University of Louisiana	Environmental and Evolutionary Biology (PhD)		8/21/12
North Carolina State University	Medical Entomology, Mosquitoes (MS)		8/21/12
Auburn University	Plant Pathology/Climate Change (MS)		8/16/12
University of Virginia	Population or Landscape Ecology of Insects		8/15/12
University of Idaho	Sustainable Forest Bioenergy - nutrient cycling, fungal diversity, and invertebrate diversity (3 PhD positions)	8/15/12	8/2/12
North Carolina State University	Genetic Engineering and Society (5-6 PhD positions)		8/13/12
University of Haifa (Israel)	Mosquito Ecology/Community Ecology (PhD)		8/13/12
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences	Global change and biotic interactions in grasslands (PhD)	8/13/12	7/9/12
University of Wyoming	Climate Change Ecology		8/9/12
Oregon State University	Forest Soils		8/9/12
Texas A&M University	Quantitative Population Biology (PhD)		8/7/12
Montana State University	Agroecology (4 PhD positions)		8/7/12
University of Oklahoma	Ecosystem Modeling/Carbon Cycle/Data Synthesis (2 positions)		8/7/12
University of Maryland	Growing season length changes and productivity of forest trees (PhD)		8/2/12
Simon Fraser University (Canada)	Pollination Ecology		8/2/12
University of Maryland	Wetland-Stream Connectivity		8/2/12
Purdue University	Using isotopes to trace nutrient use efficiency (PhD)		8/1/12
Old Dominion University	Root Imaging with Ground-Penetrating Radar		8/1/12
Ben-Gurion University (Israel)	Community ecology and foraging ecology (PhD)	7/30/12	7/13/12
University of Calgary (Canada)	Pop/Commun/Evol Ecology		7/25/12
University of Guelph (Canada)	Conservation Biology (MS)		7/24/12
University of Idaho	Arctic Ecology and Remote Sensing (PhD)		7/24/12
Ryerson University (Canada)	Plant Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Biology		7/23/12
Louisiana State University	Hydrology/Hydrogeomorphology (PhD)		7/23/12
Clemson University	Alligator Ecology (PhD)		7/23/12
Michigan Technological University	Remote Sensing and Climate Sensitive Forest Growth Modeling (PhD)		7/19/12
Freie Universität Berlin (Germany)	Plant defence against herbivores (2 PhD positions)	7/19/12	7/11/12
University of Maryland	Global ecology and carbon dynamics		7/18/12
Centre Tecnològic Forestal de Catalunya (Spain)	Impacts of climate and land use changes on fire regimes and biodiversity (PhD)		7/17/12
Louisiana State University	Crayfish phyisology (MS)		7/13/12
University of Maryland	Interdisciplinary Stormwater Modeling (PhD)		7/13/12
University of Maryland	Mosquito Ecology (PhD)		7/13/12
University of Guelph (Canada)	Modeling coupled human-environment forest-grassland ecosystems (PhD)		7/11/12
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville	Applied Plant Ecology (MS)		7/6/12
Colorado State University	Trophic and hydrologic controls on willow communities (PhD)		7/6/12

Older listings: 2011-2012 | 2010-2011 | 2009-2010 | 2008-2009 | 2007-2008 | 2006-2007 | 2005-2006 | 2004-2005 | 2003-2004 | 2002-2003 | 2001-2002 | 2000-2001| 1999-2000

Top | Fellowship Program Links | Short Courses | Summer Jobs

Assistantship and Fellowships:

Aarhus University: Two postdoc and two PhD positions in the Ecoinformatics & Biodiversity Group, Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Denmark. I: One 2-year postdoc and one PhD position in the ERC StG project “Macroecological studies of long-term historical constraints on functional diversity and ecosystem functioning across continents (HISTFUNC)”. The postdoc project concerns long-term historical constraints on global and regional patterns in functional diversity of vascular plants, while the PhD project addresses the same topic specifically for the palms (a key-stone plant group in tropical ecosystems) and also looks into the interplay of palms with mammal functional diversity. II: One 2-year postdoc and one PhD position in the Danish “NSF” (FNU) project “Paleoclimatic stability and the evolutionary ecosystem ecology of Earth’s forests (STABFOR)”. The postdoc project concerns paleoclimatic stability effects on evolutionary dynamics of forest tree lineages, while the PhD project concerns phylogenetic and functional community structure in forest trees. All postdoc candidates are expected to provide cutting-edge expertise in advanced statistical analyses of large data sets (including strong skills in R), to have solid ecological background and strong collaborative skills, and to have proven abilities to publish at a high international level. STABFOR postdoc candidates should also have solid experience with phylogenetic analyses. All PhD candidates should have good abilities – for their career stage - in statistical modeling and ecology. Experience in plant ecology or botany would also be an advantage for all four positions. The main supervisor is prof. Jens-Christian Svenning. The projects also involve prof. Brian J. Enquist (University of Arizona), prof. Robert E. Ricklefs (University of Missouri), assistant prof. Brody Sandel (AU), and Head of Collections and Director of the Herbarium Finn Borchsenius (AU). All four positions should ideally start January 1st 2013. For further information, please contact: Professor Jens-Christian Svenning, svenning@biology.au.dk. The official announcements will soon come up here: Postdocs | PhD positionsFurther information for internationals. Posted: 10/3/12.

Arizona State University: Michael Angilletta seeks graduate students with a general interest in physiological or evolutionary ecology and a specific interest in thermoregulatory behavior, thermal physiology, or mechanistic niche modeling. A strong record of academic performance is required and research experience is preferred. Both research and teaching fellowships are available to support exceptional applicants. For more information about the lab, visitwww.ThermalAdaptation.com. General information about School of Life Sciences graduate programs. The deadline for formal applications to the School of Life Sciences is December 15th, 2012. Before submitting a formal application, please send a curriculum vitae, a brief statement of research interests, and a list of three academic references to Dr. Angilletta at angilletta@asu.edu. Posted: 11/13/12.

Auburn University: 2-3 PhD Graduate Assistantships in Terrestrial ecosystem/Land surface modeling and applications. We invite highly motivated graduate students to join the Ecosystem Dynamics and Global Ecology (EDGE) Laboratory at Auburn University for investigating cutting-edge research in the field of terrestrial ecosystem/land surface modeling and analysis. We use a systems approach (a combination of ecosystem modeling and ground/satellite observations) to examine biogeochemical and hydrological cycles, GHG emissions (CO2, CH4 and N2O), land-atmosphere interactions, or terrestrial-coastal coupling at multiple scales from watershed, regional, continental to global in the context of multifactor global change. Each graduate student can work on one or two of these research areas by developing and applying terrestrial ecosystem/Land surface models (If interested, please see some sample publications by our graduate students). Successful applicants will be supported by multiple projects funded by NASA, NSF, USDA and the University. We expect that these new graduate students will join us in Spring or Fall 2013. The applicants should possess a degree in ecology/biology, hydrology, meteorology, geography, earth system science, forestry, agronomy, or soil science. Skills in computer programming, statistics, GIS and remote sensing are desired, but not required. Interested applicants should send a cover letter outlining their qualifications, resume, and copies of transcripts, TOFEL, GRE scores, and contact information for three references to Dr. Hanqin Tian at Email: tianhan@auburn.edu. Posted: 10/4/12.

Auburn University: M.S. Position Available, Summer 2013 -Riparian Soils and Vegetation. We are looking for a motivated graduate student (M.S.) to work on an interdisciplinary project with the Auburn University Department of Agronomy and Soils, School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, and Biology Department. This is part of a larger EPA funded project describing riparian and stream conditions in the Appalachian Plateau. Project involves fieldwork and some lab work. Ideal candidates will have knowledge of riparian vegetation in the southeast and basic knowledge of soils. Interested applicants should send to Dr. Eve Brantley ( brantef@auburn.edu ) a copy of their CV or resume, GPA and GRE scores, a written statement of graduate research interests, and contact information for two references. Posted: 8/29/12.

Auburn University: The School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences currently has a graduate assistantship (M.S. $15,540) available in Plant Pathology/Climate Change research. Assistantships include tuition and fee waivers as well as shared funding of health insurance. The starting date for this position is negotiable, but January 1, 2013 desired. As part of a larger research project the student will examine the relationship of future climate scenarios of elevated tropospheric ozone and altered rainfall amounts with a plant pathogen in altering susceptibility to loblolly pine decline an important disease complex in the Southern United States. Minimum qualifications include a B.S. degree in Forestry, Plant Pathology, Horticulture, Plant Biology, or a related field, and an interest in plant pathology and or climate change. Additional information is available by contacting Dr. Arthur H. Chappelka (chappah@auburn.edu) or Dr. Lori Eckhardt (eckhalg@auburn.edu) in the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, Auburn University. Application process. Interested students should send a letter of interest, resume, transcripts (photocopy is acceptable), and GRE scores if available (photocopy is acceptable) to Dr. A.H. Chappelka or Dr. Lori Eckhardt, School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, 602 Duncan Drive, Auburn, AL 36849-5418. Posted: 8/16/12.

Baylor University: I (Sanghoon Kang) am actively recruiting motivated graduate students (Masters or Ph.D.) for my new laboratory in the Department of Biology. Research in my lab focuses on the diversity and dynamics of microbial communities along with environmental gradients such as biogeochemical parameters and spatial distribution. Research in my lab will involve field work (sampling and survey), lab work (genomic, transcriptomic and geochemical analyses) and computational work (multivariate statistics, geostatistics and statistical modeling). My lab is a part of an active interdisciplinary research effort, Center for Reservoir and Aquatic Systems Research (CRASR), which will provide active collaboration opportunities with other biologists, geologists, chemists and environmental scientists. Joining students will be fully supported by either teaching assistantship or research assistantship. If interested, please contact me with your research interests and CV at Sanghoon_Kang@baylor.edu. Posted: 10/10/12.

Ben-Gurion University: I am looking for a student interested in Ph.D. studies in community ecology and foraging ecology starting in October 2012. The Ph.D. student must have a Master Degree prior to starting studies. Full support (with no teaching obligations) is available for 4 years. Research topics are at the discretion of the student. My research interests are in the community ecology of desert rodents, predator-prey foraging games, and behavioral indicators in conservation biology. The focus of my current research includes how macro-evolutionary trends--by way of compromise-breaking adaptation-- shape micro-ecological interactions--by way of foraging behavior and species interactions. I am also researching the physiological basis of trade-offs of food and safety in gerbils. My students do research on a wide range of topics in evolutionary ecology, including predator facilitation among owls, foxes, and snakes; daring behavior in predators; sight lines and vigilance behavior in ibex; disease ecology and Leishmania; foraging games between gerbils and owls; behavioral indicators in Mountain Nyala in Ethiopia. My laboratory is located in the Mitrani Department of Desert Ecology of Ben-Gurion University in Sede Boker, Israel. Interested students should contact me, Burt P. Kotler, via email at kotler@bgu.ac.il. Please include CV, a short statement of research interests, unofficial transcripts, and a letter of recommendation. Applications are due by July 30th, 2012. Posted: 7/13/12.

Boise State University: Graduate research assistantship in the Ecosystem Ecology-lab at the Department of Biological Sciences. We are seeking a M.S. student to begin work on a project that investigates how land use change for cellulosic biofuel production affects soil carbon sequestration, and that tests how genetic variation in root traits affects biomass production, and soil carbon and nutrient cycling in bioenergy cropping systems. The project will allow the student to collaborate with researchers at Boise State University, Argonne National Lab, ETH-Zurich and the University of South Carolina. The position is available beginning August 2013; it includes tuition and a RA-stipend for two years. Qualified candidates should have a B.S. in ecology, soil science, forestry, botany/plant ecology, biology, geography, or a related discipline and a strong interest in ecosystem ecology, soil ecology and biogeochemistry. A basic familiarity with methods in soil biogeochemistry and some prior coursework in statistics are preferred. Interested candidates should submit (via e-mail) a statement of interest, CV, and contact information for three references to Dr. Marie-Anne de Graaff (marie-annedegraaff@boisestate.edu). Applications for graduate school are due by January 15th 2013. Posted: 10/22/12.

Case Western Reserve University: The Burns lab is accepting applications for Ph.D. students to start in the fall of 2013. We study the mechanisms governing community assembly and biological invasions using a combination of field and greenhouse experiments, observational studies, and modeling, with an emphasis on phylogenetic comparative methods and demographic approaches. Applicants with an interest in plant community and population processes are encouraged to apply. Please e-mail Jean at jbm122 @ case.edu for more information or to discuss research in the lab. Jean will be at ESA in Portland 4-10 August; please e-mail if you'd like to talk in person. CWRU is located in Cleveland, Ohio. We conduct many of our experiments at CWRU's University Farm, which includes lab space, greenhouse facilities, and common garden space. Many local field sites are available. Collaborations in the lab currently include work with Research Scientist Dr. David Burke at Holden Arboretum and work with Cleveland Metroparks' Plant Community Assessment Program. Applications to the program are due 7 January. Please see the Biology Department web site at CWRU for more information on graduate admission. For more information about the application process, please contact: Julia Brown at jab12@case.edu or visit the School of Graduate Studies. Posted: 8/2/12.

Central Michigan University: Two graduate positions are available beginning summer/fall 2013 for full-time students wishing to pursue a Master of Science degree in Biology with an emphasis in aquatic/marine molecular ecology. Accepted applicants will work with Dr. Andrew Mahon on projects involving molecular detection in aquatic systems, population genetics, biodiversity monitoring, and/or phylogeogrpahy of Antarctic benthic invertebrates and larvae. Currently funded projects incorporate modern molecular methods in combination with significant field research to address important scientific questions on local, regional, and global scales. Student funding of up to $21k/year is available in the form of research and/or teaching assistantships. In addition, tuition waivers are available (subject to annual renewal). Interested parties should contact Dr. Andrew Mahon directly (mahon2a@cmich.edu, 989-774-1177) with a statement of interest and current CV. Additional information on potential research projects can be found at the Mahon Laboratory website (see below). Information and application materials for the Master of Science in Biology at CMU are available at the Biology Department website. The successful applicant will have a BS degree in a biological field as well as experience with general molecular techniques and undergraduate research experience. To be eligible for consideration students must be admitted to the Graduate School at CMU and have completed a graduate assistantship application (.doc) to the Department of Biology. Closing Date: March 1st, 2013. Posted: 11/7/12.

Centre Tecnològic Forestal de Catalunya: We search for PhD candidates interested in developing a PhD on the applications of species distribution models (SDM) in the evaluation of the impacts of climate and land use changes on fire regimes and biodiversity. The successful candidate will work in the Biodiversity and landscape Ecology lab within the Joint research unit that the CTFC has recently created with the CREAF in Barcelona. Requirements: • Degree in biology, forestry, geography or similar. • Proven experience in GIS and remote sensing data (i.e Landsat). analyses. Programming skills preferred. • Proven experience in R statistical programming language . • Proven experience in the development of species distribution models (SDM). • Proven experience in writing scientific articles. • High proficiency in English language. Interested candidates can send a CV and a motivation letter (one page maximum written in English), via e-mail to lluis.brotons@ctfc.cat Candidates which do not meet a minimum of 5 out the 6 criteria will not be considered. The selection process will be open until a suitable candidate is found. Posted: 7/17/12.

Clark University: Applications are invited for PhD assistantships in Earth System Science within the Graduate School of Geography. Assistantships cover tuition, provide an annual stipend, and include eligibility for a competitive fellowship. Clark's Earth System Science program features expertise in snow and ice mass balance and biophysics, terrestrial ecosystems and global change, hydrology, forest ecology, biogeography, Arctic System Science, sea ice and marine productivity and biogeochemistry, remote sensing of land cover and change, disturbance and landscape ecology, and GISci. For complete details see our website (link below), or contact Brenda Nikas-Hayes, BNikasHayes@clarku.edu, 508-793-7337. Applicants are encouraged to communicate with prospective advisors. Posted: 10/5/12.

Clemson University: The DeWalt lab invites applications for a MS or PhD position in plant ecology starting in August 2013. The successful applicant will begin paid work in May 2013 on a project examining the population ecology of Carolina bogmint, Macbridea caroliniana, at the Congaree National Park in South Carolina. Combined RA/TA support will be provided in the first year, with guaranteed TA support thereafter. Interested students should send an email to Dr. Saara DeWalt (saarad@clemson.edu) by Nov. 19th with the following documents: 1) cover letter outlining research interests and experiences; the date in May 2013 the applicant would be available to start work at the Congaree; GRE scores, if available; and names and contact information for 2-3 references; 2) resume/CV; and 3) copies of transcripts (unofficial is fine). The email should have "Plant Ecology assistantship" in the subject line. Qualified applicants will be invited to apply to the Graduate School and the Department of Biological Sciences at Clemson. Posted: 11/9/12.

Clemson University: The School of Agricultural, Forest, and Environmental Sciences has an opening for an MS-seeking student starting in the spring or fall semester of 2013. The student will work on a fully-funded project assessing the vulnerability of coastal marsh birds to large-scale environmental stressors such as development, habitat fragmentation, and sea level rise. This project will involve extensive field work and related travel along the Georgia and South Carolina coast. Qualifications: The successful applicant will be motivated and have a proven ability to generate high-quality work in an unsupervised environment. S/he should have excellent writing and communication skills and an interest in working cooperatively. Previous experience with field work is required and the ability (or a proven ability to learn) to ID bird species of the Atlantic coast is desired. Minimum academic requirements are a BS degree in wildlife, biology, or related field, a 3.0 GPA, and a combined verbal + quantitative GRE score of 314 or higher. For additional information please send a CV and letter of application (which should include a description of experiences, skills, and interest in this project) to Dr. Kyle Barrett (rbarre2@clemson.edu). Review of applications will begin immediately, and competitive candidates will be invited to submit a full application. Posted: 9/27/12.

Clemson University: Graduate Research Assistantship (Ph.D.) in Wildlife Ecology. The School of Agricultural, Forest, and Environmental Sciences and the South Carolina Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit at Clemson is seeking candidates for a graduate research assistantship (Ph.D.) in Wildlife Ecology to take the lead on a research project designed to better understand the factors affecting alligator population dynamics in coastal South Carolina. The student will lead an effort to determine alligator occupancy of varying habitat types, habitat requirements (ex. water levels as determined through remote sensing data), and habitat stressors (ex. contamination). Population and occupancy modeling of existing and newly collected data sets will be used to make recommendations of harvest limits and develop a conservation plan for alligators. This largely is a quantitative, analytical research effort but there will be some opportunities for the student to conduct fieldwork. The work will focus on developing conservation recommendations to aid state managers with decision making related to harvest and developing improved survey protocols to estimate abundance and distribution of alligator populations. This work will directly support the development of an adaptive management and conservation action plan for alligator harvest and population management in the state. The project will be focus on South Carolina populations but the results of this work will have far reaching impacts on alligator management throughout the southeast. The position will be available beginning in the fall of 2012 but will be open until filled. Research stipends are approximately $16k, and a full tuition waiver is available. Applicants should possess an M.S. degree in Wildlife Ecology, Biostatistics, or related field, a good work ethic, and strong quantitative or modeling skills. Extensive experience with statistical analyses of ecological data, proficiency in ArcGIS, and population and occupancy modeling are required. To be competitive, applicants must have undergraduate and graduate GPAs > 3.4 and a general GRE score > 1200. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Applicants that are selected for an interview will be contacted directly by Dr. Kate McFadden. Interested applicants should send a cover letter outlining their qualifications for the project, copies of undergraduate and graduate transcripts and GRE scores, and contact information for at least 3 references. Application materials can be sent by e-mail and should be saved as a single pdf in the following format: Last Name_First Name_Alligator PHD.pdf. Contact information is: Dr. Kate McFaden, G20 Lehotsky Hall, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, 29634, 864-656-4141, kwm6@clemson.edu. Posted: 7/23/12.

Colorado State University: Ph.D. position in Restoration Ecology. A Graduate Research Assistantship is available to work on establishing vegetation on a constructed fen in the oil sands region of Alberta, CANADA. Northern Alberta contains the largest deposit of oil sands in the world, and it is being mined using open-pit techniques. These activities disturb large land areas of upland forest and peatland ecosystems. Our project, near Fort McMurray, is developing, implementing and evaluating techniques for establishing peat-forming vegetation (bryophytes and vascular plants) on a self-sustaining constructed fen. Oil industry partners and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada are sponsoring this collaborative project between Colorado State University and three Canadian Universities. The successful candidate would contribute to and conduct research on the vascular plant component of this program, evaluating techniques and ecological processes that facilitate or limit plant establishment and growth, with the goal of achieving a continuous vegetation cover and peat accumulation. The candidate would work closely with hydrologists, geochemists, engineers, and ecologists studying this experimental ecosystem, and there will be many opportunities for cross-disciplinary integration and international collaboration. Applicants must have a MS in ecology or an allied field, and experience working with vascular plants. Experience in plant sampling at the individual and population scale, statistics, ecophysiology, and above and below ground production are desirable. Experience in restoration programs is also important. The student would be admitted to Colorado State University through the Graduate Degree Program in Ecology, with Dr. David J. Cooper as advisor and mentor, and be housed in the Department of Forest and Rangeland Stewardship. The assistantship pays 12-month salary, tuition, travel and field expenses, housing during the summer in Fort McMurray, and participation in conferences and workshops. To apply send a letter of interest explicitly stating your qualifications and a current CV via email, to Dr. Cooper, David.Cooper@colostate.edu. Posted: 10/8/12.

Colorado State University: We have an opening for a graduate student seeking a Ph.D. in the Graduate Degree Program in Ecology starting in January 2013. The successful applicant will: 1) develop sampling and analysis procedures for ground-based estimates of ungulate population size in conservation areas; 2) develop methods for estimating the effects of boundary harvest on survival of animals within conservation areas, and 3) model cross boundary movement of ungulates using telemetry data. The position is fully funded by the National Park Service. An annul stipend, full tuition waiver, and expenses for field work will be provided. Requirements include a master's degree in ecology, wildlife biology, statistics or related field. Strong quantitative skills are required. Training in maximum likelihood and/or Bayesian methods for parameter estimation and GIS skills are desirable. There will be an opportunity to do a preliminary interview at the Annual Meeting of the Wildlife Society in Portland Oregon (October 16-18, 2012). To apply, send letter of interest, curriculum vitae, GRE scores, master's degree transcripts, and a writing sample (manuscript, report, etc) to Tom.Hobbs@colostate.edu. U.S. citizenship is not required, but only U.S. citizens will be eligible for a full tuition waiver. Posted: 9/14/12.

Colorado State University: Graduate Research Assistantship. We have an opening for a graduate student seeking a Ph.D. in the Graduate Degree Program in Ecology starting in December 2012 or May 2013. The successful applicant will study trophic and hydrologic controls on willow communities in Yellowstone National Park to reveal how the reintroduction of wolves has shaped ecosystem processes. The position is fully funded by an LTREB award from the National Science Foundation. An annual stipend, full tuition waiver, and housing during 3-4 months of annual work in the field will be provided. Requirements include a master's degree in ecology or related field, strong quantitative skills, and the ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. There will be an opportunity to do a preliminary interview at the Annual Meeting of the Ecological Society of America in Portland, Oregon (August 4-8, 2012) and at the Annual Meeting of the Wildlife Society, also in Portland (October 16-18, 2012). Contact Tom Hobbs (Tom.Hobbs@colostate.edu) and David Cooper (David.Cooper@colostate.edu) to express interest. Posted: 7/6/12.

Columbia University: The Uriarte lab is seeking doctoral students to work on the impacts of climate variability on tropical forest dynamics. Within this general area, the topic of research is flexible. Strong quantitative skills are desirable. Interested parties should contact Dr. Maria Uriarte at mu2126@columbia.edu. Posted: 10/1/12.

Dartmouth College: Rebecca Irwin’s lab invites applications to the Ph.D. Program in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EEB). My lab is particularly interested in a graduate student who wants to study the effects of environmental change on plants, pollinators, and their interactions. The student will be able to take part in a long-term bee monitoring program while also developing a dissertation project broadly related to environmental change and pollination. Field work will take place at the Rocky Mountain Biological Lab in Colorado, a field station well-known for research in pollination ecology. The EEB graduate program at Dartmouth has a core group of enthusiastic faculty, graduate students and post-docs who provide an exciting environment in which to pursue a Ph.D. Generous financial support is provided in the form of Dartmouth Fellowships, health care, and a substantial yearly discretionary fund for research and travel that are guaranteed for 5 years. Applicants with excellent records and who demonstrate financial need are also eligible for a U.S. Department of Education Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need (GAANN) Fellowship. Detailed information about the program, and access to online applications, are available at the program link above. I encourage students interested in a position in my lab to contact me directly before applying. In your email, include a brief statement of your current and/or future research interests related to pollination ecology and a CV. Email to: Rebecca.Irwin@Dartmouth.edu. Applications to the Dartmouth EEB graduate program will be considered beginning on December 1, 2012. Promising applicants will be invited and hosted for interviews in January. Posted: 10/2/12.

Dartmouth College: The Graduate Program in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology invites applications from prospective Ph.D. students. We offer a wide range of opportunities for studying a diversity of biological systems from ecological and evolutionary perspectives, and our core group of enthusiastic faculty, graduate students and post-docs provide an exciting environment in which to pursue a Ph.D (Department of Biological Sciences). Generous financial support is provided in the form of Dartmouth Fellowships, health care, and a substantial yearly discretionary fund for research and travel that are guaranteed for 5 years. Applicants with excellent records and who demonstrate financial need are also eligible for a U.S. Department of Education Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need (GAANN) Fellowship. Detailed information about the program, and access to online applications, are available at the program link above. We encourage interested students to contact faculty prior to applying. Applications will be considered beginning on December 1st. Promising applicants will be invited and hosted for interviews in January. Posted: 10/2/12.

East Carolina University: Krista McCoy in the Department of Biology invites applications from highly motivated and organized prospective Masters and PhD students interested in understanding the mechanisms through which endocrine disrupting chemicals alter normal development, physiology, and behavior and (or) the implications of those alterations on individual, population, or community level processes. Ideally, my new laboratory will consist of happy and engaged students that are interested in wildlife conservation and/or human health. Students who apply must be comfortable giving and receiving constructive feedback and be excited to train and collaborate with undergraduates, other graduate students, and post docs. Students will also be expected to attend departmental seminars, excel in classes, teach, and attend weekly laboratory meetings. If you are interested please 1) Read some of my publications which can be found at http://www.ecu.edu/biology/mccoy_krista.cfm(contact me if you do not have access to full articles) and 2) Contact me at mccoyk@ecu.edu with the following information (be brief at this stage): a)Your interests generally and specifically in joining my lab, b) What experiences have motivated you to pursue, and prepared you for, graduate school, c) Curriculum Vitae (include GPA, and GRE scores). Posted: 10/30/12.

East Carolina University: The graduate program in the Department of Biology invites applications from prospective PhD and MS students for fall 2013. ECU is the third largest campus in the UNC system and has an active and well-supported group of faculty working in the areas of ecology and evolution. Currently, we have 72 MS students and 24 doctoral students enrolled in our graduate programs. Students accepted into the Interdisciplinary Doctoral Program in Biological Sciences will receive two years of support with no teaching obligations and at least five years of support total, at a very competitive level. TA-ships are readily available in our two MS programs and Biology faculty members also supervise students in ECU's Coastal Resource Management PhD program. Graduate students will be encouraged to participate in the North Carolina Center for Biodiversity (NCCB) at East Carolina University. Goals of the NCCB include training graduate students in biodiversity research and providing them opportunities to participate in related outreach. Our students enjoy living in the affordable community of Greenville, NC, participating in seminar series and journal clubs that feature research in ecology and evolution, and having access to several natural areas, universities and research centers located in central and eastern NC. Our faculty members conduct research across the globe and excellent opportunities exist to work in terrestrial, freshwater, wetland and marine systems. Application deadlines vary with particular programs but students applying early will have a greater chance of receiving financial support. Please visithttp://www.ecu.edu/biology/ to find out more about our department, faculty and graduate programs. In addition to visiting departmental and faculty websites, please contact prospective mentors directly or our director of graduate studies, Terry West (westt@ecu.edu), for more information. We are happy to arrange visits for competitive prospective students and additional scholarship support may be available for the strongest applicants. Departmental faculty with expertise in ecology and evolution include: Marcelo Ardon: Aquatic ecosystem ecology and biogeochemistry. Chris Balakrishnan: Avian evolutionary and behavioral genomics. David Chalcraft: Population and community ecology; ecological aspects of biodiversity. Robert Christian: Coastal ecosystem ecology and network ecology. Lisa Clough: Marine benthic ecology (Arctic and Atlantic). Ashley Egan: Plant bioinformatics, evolutionary genomics and systematics. Carol Goodwillie: Plant mating system evolution, plant population ecology and genetics. Pat Harris: Fish ecology and life history, fisheries management. Jinling Huang: Evolutionary genomics and bioinformatics. Claudia Jolls: Plant evolutionary ecology and conservation. Dave Kimmel: Plankton ecology. Trip Lamb: Systematics and phylogeography. Joe Luczkovich: Food web ecology and fish bioacoustics. Krista McCoy (joining our faculty Jan. 2013): Ecological development and physiology. Mike McCoy: Quantitative population and community ecology. Jeff McKinnon: Sexual selection, speciation, mainly in fish. Sue McRae: Behavioral ecology and social evolution in birds. Anthony Overton: Larval fish ecology, fisheries biology. Enrique Reyes: Landscape ecology, ecological modeling, coastal management. Roger Rulifson: Fish ecology and fisheries. Matt Schrenk: Microbial ecology, geo-microbiology. Ed Stellwag: Vertebrate evo-devo and cis-regulatory network evolution. John Stiller: Molecular evolution and comparative genomics. Kyle Summers: Evolution of color, behavior in poison frogs; evolutionary medicine. Heather Vance-Chalcraft: Community ecology. Terry West: Human impacts on coastal ecosystems. Baohong Zhang: MicroRNA evolution, comparative genomics, and molecular genetics. Yong Zhu: Comparative evolution and molecular functions of hormones and receptors. Posted: 10/23/12.

East Carolina University: I (Michael McCoy anura@ufl.edu) invite applications from prospective MS and PhD students. Research in my lab focuses on a variety of questions in conservation, population, and community ecology as well as the development of experimental and quantitative approaches that help to better link empirical data to ecological and evolutionary theory. In my research, I typically take a mechanistic approach aimed at understanding how variation in individual traits (e.g. size, stage and phenotype) scale up to influence population and community level processes and spatial coupling across ecosystems. Within this broader context, my research can be loosely categorized into five interrelated conceptual themes; 1) the ecological consequences of phenotypic plasticity, 2) body size dependence of ecological interactions, 3) cross ecosystem links formed by the sequential process of complex life cycles, 4) understanding predator diversity effects, and 5) the development of innovative experimental and quantitative approaches. I work in a variety of systems including temperate, tropical, terrestrial, aquatic, and marine ecosystems. I will consider students with interests in a variety of topics and systems (including but not restricted to those in which I work) that address complementary questions in population and community ecology, climate change and conservation. For additional information about me, my research and the application process please visit the links above. Posted: 9/14/12.

ETH Zurich: The Chair of Building Physics of ETHZ studies the multiple physical aspects of porous materials and their interactions with fluids. At Los Alamos National Laboratory, the Earth and Environmental Sciences Division is studying the physiology of trees under changing climate, especially drought, and developing mechanistic understanding of tree mortality during drought. We are offering a: PhD position with focus on Transport of fluids in trees using advanced experimental methods for candidates with a Diploma or Masters degree in Mechanical, Civil, Agricultural or Material Engineering, Bioengineering, Material Sciences, or equivalent. Climate change may impose severely different conditions on trees which may, or not, be able to cope by modifying their regulation of liquid flow. In a tree, the xylem and the phloem form a continuous system from the roots to the leaves where the xylem (a dead tissue) transports water up and phloem (a living tissue) transports the sugary sap down. Flow in the xylem is thought to passively respond to changes in pressure gradients whereas, in the phloem, the plant can control flow actively by osmotic means. To understand how climate affects trees and forest distributions, we need to know how trees regulate liquid flow and how the xylem and phloem tissues interact. The project will consist of a multiscale experimental investigation of the geometry of the cellular structure, including sub-cellular features, and documentation of the liquid flow in the phloem and the xylem for trees grown under different environmental conditions. Advanced high resolution imaging techniques such as neutron tomography and synchroton X-ray nano/micro-tomography will be used. The ideal candidate is a communicative scientist with a strong background in experimental mass transport and/or biological and physical sciences. Experience in imaging is an asset. Mastering of the English language is required. The supervisor is Prof. Dr. Jan Carmeliet. The project includes joint affiliation with EMPA, Dübendorf and with Los Alamos National Laboratory, Dr. Sanna Sevanto. Additional information can be obtained by contacting Prof Dr Dominique Derome, dominique.derome@empa.ch. We are looking forward to receiving your application including a CV, letter of interest and names and addresses of references through the website. Posted: 10/5/12.

Florida Atlantic University: A master's graduate research position is available in the Plant Ecology Lab for the Spring 2013 semester. We are seeking students interested in graduate research investigating fire ecology and carbon cycling in the Greater Everglades watershed through US Geological Survey and US Department of Energy-funded projects. Research in the Plant Ecology Lab focuses on the influence of natural and anthropogenic disturbances on plant community structure and ecosystem carbon cycling in peatlands from the Everglades to Alaska, providing opportunity for synergistic activities with other on-going research projects. Applicants must have a Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, hydrology, or a related field (currently or prior to enrollment). Successful candidates must demonstrate an aptitude for research and the ability to work independently. Prior research experience in fire ecology, carbon cycling and/or plant ecology is preferred, as is the ability to conduct rigorous fieldwork in remote settings. A current, valid U.S. driver's license and good driving record is preferred. Consideration of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. The application deadline for the Environmental Sciences Master's Program is October 1. Interested applicants should send a copy of their CV or resume, GPA and GRE scores, a written statement of graduate research interest, and names and contact information for two references via email to Dr. Brian Benscoter (bbenscot@fau.edu). Posted: 9/25/12.

Florida International University: Three PhD graduate assistantship are available in the Department of Biological Sciences to conduct research in the Everglades, beginning Fall 2013. These positions are affiliated with the Florida Coastal Everglades Long Term Ecological Research program and will include integrative field and experimental research approaches, and public outreach. FIU is a public research university in Miami with a highly diverse, vibrant, and growing student body located near the edge of the Everglades. The Department of Biological Sciences has strengths in Everglades, Caribbean, and Tropical Ecology. The FCE LTER student organization, based at FIU, is a very active community of over 70 students from multiple departments and institutions who conduct integrative, multidisciplinary, long-term research. To be eligible for positions, students must meet FIU graduate admission requirements and successfully compete for a teaching assistantship to match existing research assistantship support. Highly-qualified candidates may be eligible for fully-funded Presidential Fellowships. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit a letter of intent and CV by December 1, 2012. The deadline for graduate applications is January 15, 2013. Wetland Ecosystems: The candidate’s research interests should include freshwater ecology, especially metabolic demand and stoichiometry. The student will be expected to develop research related to understanding how nutrient concentrations and biological oxygen demand influence carbon cycling in coastal Everglades mangrove soils that are modified by sea level rise. Interested applicants should contact John Kominoski (jkominos@fiu.edu) before applying. Coastal Ecosystem Dynamics: The candidate’s research interests should include coastal ecosystem ecology, especially plant productivity and C dynamics. The student will be expected to develop research related to understanding how plant productivity, nutrient concentrations and salinity influence carbon cycling in coastal Everglades wetlands and landscape vegetation change. Interested applicants should contact Tiffany Troxler (troxlert@fiu.edu) before applying. Algal Ecology: The candidate’s research interests should include aquatic ecology, algal ecology, and/or paleoecology, in alignment with those of the algal ecology laboratory. The student will be expected to develop research related to understanding how benthic algal communities mediate carbon cycling in coastal Everglades wetlands, and how algal distribution and function may be modified by sea level rise. Interested applicants should contact Evelyn Gaiser (gaisere@fiu.edu) before applying. Posted: 11/5/12, revised: 11/7/12.

Florida International University: I am recruiting potential students for the Urban and Landscape Ecology Lab (Dr. John Withey) interested in a Ph.D. from theDepartment of Biological Sciences beginning in Fall 2013. To be eligible for positions, students must meet FIU graduate admission requirements and successfully compete for a teaching assistantship. Highly-qualified candidates may be eligible for fully-funded Presidential Fellowships. The deadline for graduate applications is January 15, 2013. Students interested in urban ecology, avian ecology, conservation biology and/or tropical ecology can look at my website for a description of my current and previous research. I have begun field studies of urban bird communities that use hardwood hammock fragments in South Florida and will be especially interested to discuss aspects of this research with potential students. I also expect to continue regional to continental-scale modeling work focused on the response of vertebrates to land-use and climate change. Students should expect to pursue integrated field and modeling research, and participate in education and public outreach. Previous experience with ArcGIS and any programming (especially R and/or Python) is a plus but not required. FIU is a public research university in Miami with a highly diverse, vibrant, and growing student body located near the edge of the Everglades. Biological Sciences is a research-intensive academic unit with an emphasis on educating broadly-trained life scientists. Ecology is a particular strength of the Department with over a dozen faculty active in ecological research and close ties to both the Florida Coastal Everglades LTER and the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. For a successful application, potential students should contact me directly before applying: jwithey@fiu.edu. Posted: 7/6/12, revised: 11/14/12.

Freie Universität Berlin: In the framework of the project B3 „Priming of plant defence by below- and aboveground herbivores“ (PI: Prof. Dr. Susanne Wurst) 2 PhD positions for the duration of 4 years (2012-2016) are offered in the working group Functional Biodiversity. One PhD investigates the impact of root herbivores (insect larvae and nematodes) on the defence of Solanaceae model plants (Solanum dulcamara und Nicotiana attenuata) against aboveground herbivores (insects and snails). The second PhD will focus on the effects of aboveground herbivores on the defence of the plants against root herbivores. Both field and greenhouse experiments will be conducted to elucidate the natural succession of herbivores on the plants and the consequences for plant defence with special emphasis on priming mechanisms. The plant defence reactions will be analysed by HPLC and GC-MS, the data statistically analysed and the results published in international journals and presented on conferences. Requirements: Master or Diploma degree in Biology, Ecology or Agroecology. Special Requirements: Background knowledge in Ecology (especially in plant-insect-interactions, chemical ecology, and/or soil ecology), experience with analytical methods (HPLC and GC-MS) and the conduct and statistical analysis of ecological experiments are requested. Very good English skills, high motivation and engagement, ability to work independently and in a team, the readiness to learn new methods and theories, and an open and friendly personality are expected. Please send your application (letter of motivation, CV, certificates, 2 references) by 19 July 2012 to: Prof. Dr. Susanne Wurst, Freie Universität Berlin, AG Funktionelle Biodiversität, Königin-Luise-Str. 12-16, 14195 Berlin. E-Mail: s.wurst@fu-berlin.de. Posted: 7/11/12.

George Mason University/Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute: we are pleased to announce the availability of Doctoral Fellowships in Conservation Biology. Two fellowships are being offered starting the fall of 2013 for students with an M.S. in conservation biology or a related field whose research interests coincide with SCBI scientists. Prospective candidates must qualify for admission to the Ph.D. program in Environmental Science and Public Policy at George Mason. Support will be provided for four years with a stipend of $24k/year and tuition remission for a defined number of credits. Major support in the first two years will be from a teaching assistantship with reduced load from George Mason. In the final two years major support will be provided by the Smithsonian through research mentorship with a specific SCBI scientist who must support the candidate's fellowship application. More details (.docx) on the program and how to apply. Review of applications will begin January 7, 2013. Posted: 11/1/12.

Griffith University: Ph.D. Project - Models to Predict Hendra Virus Prevalence in Fruit Bat Populations. An international research team has recently been awarded funding by the National Hendra Virus Program to develop models to predict and understand the dynamics of Hendra virus infection in fruit bat populations. The team, led by Prof Hamish McCallum, Head of theGriffith School of Environment, includes Prof Peter Hudson, FRS and Dr. Raina Plowright from the Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics at Pennsylvania State University and Dr. Peter Daszak and Dr. Jon Epstein from the Ecohealth Alliance in New York. The project will be able to support at least one Ph.D. student based at Griffith University. This will be an exciting opportunity for suitable students develop research skills in the rapidly growing area of disease ecology, applied to an important wildlife and public health problem. The project will be developed following negotiation between potential students and ProfMcCallum, and will primarily involve modelling and data analysis, possibly associated with some collection of field data. There will be the opportunity for travel to Penn State during the candidature. Suitable candidates will either be biologists with strong quantitative skills, or mathematics graduates with an interest in developing applications to ecology. Interested students will need to apply for a Griffith University Ph.D. scholarship. Candidates with the equivalent of an Australian first-class honours degree (i.e. at least four years undergraduate training, including at least one semester of research project, with very good results) have a very high chance of receiving a scholarship. Australian or New Zealand residents do not pay Ph.D. tuition fees. International students will also need to apply for a Griffith tuition fee scholarship. Those with very good academic records are likely to be awarded a scholarship. Applications for the next round of Griffith scholarships close on October 8. In the first instance, interested students should contact Hamish McCallum H.McCallum@griffith.edu.au well before the closing date. Posted: 9/10/12.

Idaho State University: Plant Physiological Ecology/Ecohydrology of Sagebrush Steppe Vegetation. A M.S. position is available in the Reinhardt Lab to investigate the impacts of altered hydroclimate (precipitation seasonality) on sagebrush steppe plant physiological ecology/ecohydrology. This EPSCoR-supported field-based project will involve quantifying changes in plant carbon and/or water relations among experimentally-altered precipitation treatments across scales (leaf-organism-plot), and will take place on an existing long-term (18+ years) ecohydrological experiment on the Idaho National Laboratory. We seek applicants with a B.S. in plant ecology or plant ecophysiology, and preference will go to those with previous research experience. The successful applicant will use both standard ecophysiological instrumentation (e.g., gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence, pressure bomb apparatus, etc.), and innovative, novel techniques to quantify differences in carbon or water relations among precipitation treatments. We are particularly interested in applicants who have previous, hands on experience collecting gas exchange or sap flux measurements. Applicants should be able to work in field settings, sometimes under harsh conditions (hot, arid conditions typical of the northern Great Basin). Pocatello, Idaho offers an outstanding quality of life, with a low cost of living and endless outdoor recreation opportunities. The graduate stipend is ~$18K/year, and includes payment of tuition and fees. Funding is available for two years. Applicants should provide a cover letter detailing their interest in the position, a CV/resume, contact information for three references, and unofficial transcripts and GRE scores to Dr. Keith Reinhardt, reinkeit@isu.edu. Review of applications begins immediately. Posted: 10/23/12.

Indiana University: The Phillips lab invites applications to our Evolution, Ecology and Behavior (EEB) Ph.D. Program. We welcome inquiries from motivated students interested in how regional and global environmental changes influence carbon and nutrient cycling across spatial and temporal scales. Our lab is a collaborative, highly interactive and dynamic group, with broad interests in plant eco-physiology, ecosystem ecology, microbial ecology and soil biogeochemistry. Incoming Ph.D. students are encouraged to develop their own research projects in these areas. The EEB Program at IU is one of the top-ranked programs nationally, with a high concentration of faculty working in the area of plant-soil-microbial interactions. Ph.D. students in EEB have opportunities for interdisciplinary training in atmospheric chemistry, biophysical ecology, climate-ecosystem interactions, land use and land cover change, microbial ecology and remote sensing. IU has outstanding resources for conducting ecological research, including a state of the art biogeochemistry lab, an AmeriFlux eddy covariance tower and thousands of acres of nearby forest. Interested applicants should email Dr. Phillips as soon as possible as the deadline for domestic and international applications is Dec. 1, 2012. In your email, include “Ph.D. opportunity” in the subject line, and provide a brief statement of your current and/or future research interests (please be as specific as you can) and a curriculum vitae. Posted: 9/10/12.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis: The Ecohydrology and Biogeochemistry lab seeks two motivated MS or PhD candidates working on ecohydrologic observations (field based studies), modelling and/or water-nitrogen interactions starting in Fall 2013. The essential question is how environmental changes influence water and nutrient cycling in different ecosystems. Research experience in one or more of the following areas is preferred: Biogeochemistry, Ecology, Isotope geochemistry, Soil Science and Environmental Sciences. The knowledge and expertise in stable isotopes (2H, 18O and 15N) is desirable. Graduate study experience and published scientific results are a plus. The department has a wide variety of analytical facilities including LGR and Picarro water isotope analyzers, IRMS facility, wet chemistry lab suitable for a wide range of soil, water and plant chemical analyses. The support for the position(s) will be a combination of teaching and research assistantships. To apply, please send a copy of your application materials (statement of interest, resume, unofficial transcripts and GRE score, TOEFL score (if applicable) and contact information of three referees) to Dr. Lixin Wang (lxwang@iupui.edu). Review of applications will start immediately and continue until the positions are filled. Please feel free to contact Dr. Lixin Wang for additional information or questions. More information, including application procedure: Earth Science graduate program. Posted: 10/15/12.

Iowa State University: A graduate assistantship (M.S. or Ph.D.) is available in the area of agroecosystem ecology and management. Research focus is flexible, potentially integrating: crop production, ecosystem modeling, hydrology, and soil biogeochemistry with emphasis on coupled C/N dynamics. As part of the USDA-fundedClimate and Corn-based Systems Coordinated Agricultural Project, the student will work with a multi-institution team of scientists to develop agroecosystems that are environmentally and economically sustainable in a changing climate. Degrees can be earned through the Agronomy and Agricultural and Biosystems EngineeringDepartments as well as interdepartmental programs in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Environmental Science, and Sustainable Agriculture. Prospective applicants should contact Drs. Mike Castellano and Matt Helmers. Start date in January or May 2013. Posted: 9/6/12.

Iowa State University: We seek a highly motivated and qualified individual wishing to pursue an M.S. or Ph.D. degree in sustainable agriculture. The successful applicant will conduct research in the areas of ecosystem service modeling and agricultural stakeholder engagement. In addition to working with ISU scientists, the successful applicant will also work with members of Environmental Defense Fund’s Right Practice – Right Place Project and the Natural Capital Project. Required qualifications include a passion for agriculture, a strong background in the environmental or social sciences, some previous research experience, and an ability to work in a collaborative environment. Preferred qualifications include strong backgrounds in BOTH the environmental AND social sciences, some experience with systems science and modeling, work on water, strong quantitative skills, and demonstrated team skills. A beginning Graduate Research Assistantship includes a stipend of $19k per year, plus benefits. Start date is negotiable, but early January 2013 is preferred. To receive full consideration, submit applications by Oct. 1, 2012; however, applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Interested individuals should provide the following materials: (1) letter of interest stating professional goals, research interests, and qualifications for the position, (2) a resume, (3) transcripts and GRE scores (unofficial copies acceptable at present), and (4) the names, affiliations, email addresses, and phone numbers of three references. For further information on the project or application contact Lisa Schulte Moore(lschulte@iastate.edu) or John Tyndall (jtyndall@iastate.edu). Posted: 8/15/12.

Justus-Liebig-University Giessen: a PhD position in Plant Invasion Ecology is available within the recently established Plant Ecology, Geoecology, and Modelling Department within the Institute for Plant Ecology, . This position is available for three years, with the possibility of an extension for additional two years (more information). Tasks: This project aims at improving our understanding of the mechanisms underlying biological invasions by alien plant species, at the community level. Specifically, we are interested in evaluating (1) the role of climate change, nitrification, and salt tolerance, in regulating species invasiveness and plant community invasibility, and/or (2) the impact of invasive plant species on resident plant communities and ecosystem functioning, based on abundance, phylogenetic, and traits data for plants. These research questions will be addressed using a combination of laboratory, greenhouse and field experiments, field observations and sample collection. Additional duties include teaching (2 h/week according to state law). The candidate should show independent research thinking and good communication skills. English is the working language. Applications for this position (reference number 608/02884/08), including a cover letter, with details of your specific qualifications for the project, a copy of your curriculum vitae, as well as contact details for at least two references, should be sent by the 16th November 2012 to the Präsidenten der Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Erwin-Stein-Gebäude, Goethestrasse 58, 35390 Giessen, Germany. An electronic copy of your application and informal inquiries should be directed to Prof. Margherita Gioria, e-mail: margherita.gioria@bot2.bio.unigiessen.de (Phone: +49-(0)641-99-35326). Starting date: negotiable, but ideally by February 2013. Posted: 11/1/12.

Leibniz Center for Tropical Marine Ecology: Leibniz-ZMT GmbH in Bremen is a member of the Leibniz Association, which is supported by the German Federal and State Governments. Through its research, Leibniz-ZMT GmbH contributes to developing science-based strategies for sustainable use of tropical coastal systems. Leibniz-ZMT GmbH offers this position within the frame of the BMBF funded German- Indonesian SPICE III Program (Science for the Protection of Indonesian Coastal Ecosystems). The overarching goal of the bilateral SPICE Program is to address the scientific, social and economic issues related to the management of the Indonesian coastal ecosystems and their resources. In addition to strengthening the existing scientific data base on coastal ecosystems, the program promotes capacity and infrastructure building in the maritime sector in Indonesia and Germany and contributes to education and public awareness. The program is being carried out in cooperation among partners from several Indonesian and German universities and government research institutions. Research Assistant for a period of three years. Salary will be according to the German civil service remuneration system for a part time position (TV-L13, 50 %). The candidate will have the opportunity to do a doctorate at the University of Bremen. The candidate will develop a model on coral reef systems which contributes to the development and evaluation of management measures. The focus will be on the ecological dynamics in coral reef systems and human resource use and their effects on ecological processes and species composition under different environmental conditions. With this model it is intended to integrate data and knowledge from the other sub-projects in the SPICE project MaCoRAS. Requirements: - Master's or Diploma degree in a relevant topic - Experience in ecological modelling with a strong interest in individual/agent-based modelling. Good knowledge of a programming language (e.g. Java) is an asset - Familiarity with reef-ecological field work or human resource management - Good skills in English are essential. Please contact PD Dr. Hauke Reuter: hauke.reuter@zmt-bremen.de for details. To apply, please send a motivation letter, a complete CV with list of publications and skills, and names of two referees, with email addresses and phone numbers, in a single pdf-file to Dr. Hauke Reuter. Only short-listed candidates will be notified. The closing date is October 10th, 2012 or until a qualified candidate is identified. See the full job ad for more details. Posted: 9/18/12.

Louisiana State University: I am seeking to recruit two students to pursue a PhD degree in Renewable Natural Resources with an area of concentration in Watershed Sciences. The students will conduct soil and water sample collections in Southwest Louisiana over a period of two years, and will analyze petroleum pollution of hydrogen sulfide and BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes) in various water bodies. The goal of the research is to assess transfer and environmental fate of the toxic chemical compounds in the coastal rivers and estuaries. Minimal qualifications include a background in water quality or a similar discipline (e.g. soil chemistry, environmental toxicology, hydrology etc.). A strong work ethic, strong academic record, evidence of excellent written and quantitative skills, and the ability to work both as part of a team and independently are critical, in addition to possessing a valid U.S. driver's license. To apply: Submit the following materials via email toJun Xu (yjxu@lsu.edu): resume, unofficial transcripts & GRE scores, a letter describing relevant research experience, and names and contact information for three references. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the positions are filled. Start date is expected to be in the spring semester of 2013. Posted: 10/19/12.

Louisiana State University: We are seeking a highly motivated PhD student to analyze riverine sediment transport and geomorphological change in coastal Louisiana. The study is part of an interdisciplinary research, supported by the NSF coupled natural-human systems (CNH) program, that aims to develop models to assess the resilience and sustainability of a CNH coastal system. This position is a research assistantship with an $18k stipend, tuition waiver, and health benefits, starting in fall 2012 for four years. The student will work closely with a group of faculty and graduate students from natural and social sciences. Qualifications: A strong work ethic, strong quantitative skills, good communication skills, and the ability to work both as part of a team and independently are critical, in addition to being prepared for work under variable field conditions and possessing a valid U.S. driver's license. Applicants with an MS in hydrology or a similar discipline (e.g. soil physics, geography, environmental sciences) are preferred. Applicants with research experience in any of the following areas: surface hydrology, sediment transport, geomorphology, and GIS/landscape modeling will be highly competitive. To apply: Submit the following via email to Jun Xu (yjxu@lsu.edu): resume, unofficial transcripts & GRE scores, a letter describing relevant research experience, and names and contact information for three references. The student will be enrolled in a graduate program within the School of Renewable Natural Resources (SRNR). SRNR has a teaching, research, and extension faculty of ~30, which includes adjunct professors of the U.S. Geological Survey's Louisiana Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit. Posted: 7/23/12.

Louisiana State University: A graduate assistantship (MS) is available in the Fish Physiology lab within LSU’s School of Renewable Natural Resources and LSU AgCenter’s Aquaculture Research Station. We are seeking a highly motivated individual to lead research objectives in a very unique project. This available project is centered on crayfish physiology and the identification of conditional indices and biomarkers of acute and chronic stressors. Crayfish physiology is an important component of health due to issues pertaining to stream quality, habitat alteration and the presence of diseases. The presence of White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) recently identified within native and cultured crayfish populations among the Atchafalaya River Basin could present a threat to this region and potentially other watersheds and crayfish species in the future. The ability to integrate physiological responses to stressors and subsequent alterations to immunological performance will allow this graduate student to explore a variety of biological mechanisms. A greater understanding of the effects of WSSV on crayfish physiology will build a foundation for further work should the virus spread among U.S. watersheds and threaten endangered and threatened crayfish species. Qualifications - Candidates with BS degrees within the field of biology, zoology, biochemistry, and physiology are preferred. Prospective students are encouraged to email a cover letter, curriculum vitae, GRE scores, and three references to Christopher Green (cgreen@agcenter.lsu.edu). Salary – An annual stipend will be provided in addition to a tuition waiver. University based health coverage is available at a discounted cost to the student. Contact – Please send pre-application materials (Cover letter, transcripts, CV, and GRE scores) via email to Christopher Green at cgreen@agcenter.lsu.edu. Posted: 7/13/12.

Max-Planck-Institute for Chemical Ecology: A PhD position is available in the Biodiversity Project Group of the Max-Planck-Institute for Chemical Ecology (MPICE), Department of Molecular Ecology and the newly established German Center for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) in Leipzig. The group uses the well characterized ecological model plant Nicotiana attenuata to identify genetic traits that mediate functional links within ecological networks. We will use molecular tools (transcriptome, metabolome analysis) and bioassays to study the effects of specific genes (by using transgenic plants) on performance of single herbivore species. Mesocosm experiments in the newly established ecotron facility will be used to study the influence of plant genetic traits on herbivore population dynamics. We will also perform field experiments in the plants natural environment (Great Basin desert, Utah, USA) to verify the data we have obtained from mesocosm studies. In collaboration with the Ecological Modeling Department of the Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research in Leipzig (Volker Grimm), we will create models to simulate plant productivity and herbivore population dynamics. These results will be important to formulate general hypotheses about the underlying mechanisms shaping plant-insect interaction networks and thereby, biodiversity. We are seeking for a highly motivated candidate with strong background in insect and plant ecology and physiology. The project will initially start at the MPI in Jena, but will continue at the iDiv in Leipzig by the end of 2013. We offer exciting research questions, state-of-the art equipment and an excellent research environment. Successful candidate will receive a PhD fellowship. The position is available immediately and opens until filled. Please send your application including CV, statement of research interests, names and e-mail addresses of two referees to: Dr. Stefan Meldau, smeldau@ice.mpg.de. Posted: 10/10/12.

Max Planck Institute for Ornithology: The Schroeder lab, member of the International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS) for Organismal Biology, is offering the fully-funded three-year PhD position: Evolution of social behaviors. Natural selection is expected to lead to “good” genes taking over a population, and thereby to deplete genetic variation in natural populations. Nevertheless, even traits closely correlated to fitness often show considerable genotypic and phenotypic variation. Social behavior like dominance behavior and parental care behavior can vary widely between individuals, and incur fitness consequences. There must therefore be mechanisms operating that result in genetic variation in social behavioral traits being preserved. Different social environments may select for different social traits. A PhD position is available to examine this hypothesis and the evolutionary consequences. We will analyze 12 years of data from a pedigreed, wild island population of house sparrows. We use focused experiments on captive sparrows in Germany to test our hypotheses generated from observations on the wild population. This project takes place in cooperation with the University of Sheffield. The fieldwork on scenic and remote Lundy Island (UK) will take place 4 months each summer, requiring an independent and committed individual. Applicants should have an interest in evolutionary biology. The successful applicant will participate in the IMPRS for Organismal Biology, the PhD program of the Max Planck Institute for Ornithology in Seewiesen and Radolfzell and the University of Konstanz. All IMPRS students are supported by stipends or contracts. The program offers a dedicated teaching program, high quality research experience, and outstanding research facilities in an inspiring research and living environment. The working language is English. Each PhD student receives individual supervision and mentoring and is guided in her/his research work by a PhD advisory committee. Applicants should hold a MSc or equivalent degree in biology or a related discipline at the point of enrollment. Queries should be mailed to the IMPRS program office: IMPRS@uni-konstanz.de. Deadline for the application is January 15, 2013. Interviews are scheduled for Mid-March. The successful candidate is expected to start latest September 2013. Visit the IMPRS link above for online application. Posted: 11/16/12.

Max Planck Institute for Ornithology: The Goymann lab, member of the International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS) for Organismal Biology, is offering the three-year PhD position: Physiological and behavioral ecology of black and whitebrowed coucals. The African black coucal (Centropus grillii) and the white-browed coucal (Centropus superciliosus) breed in the open grasslands of the Usangu plains in south-western Tanzania. These two species are similar in size and share the same breeding habitat, but show extreme differences in their breeding biology. The whitebrowed coucal is socially monogamous, with both female and males sharing parental duties. In the black coucal the sex roles are reversed: each female vigorously defends a territory and is mated to up to 4 males. Each male incubates his own clutch of eggs and raises the young all-by-himself. We are interested in various aspects of the behavioral ecology, phenology, evolution and (hormone) physiology of sex-roles in coucals. The project involves long-term and intensive field work (including catching and tagging of birds, behavioral observations, telemetry) under harsh conditions in Tanzania and laboratory work in Germany. We particularly encourage applications of suitable PhD candidates from Tanzania. The successful applicant will participate in the IMPRS for Organismal Biology, the PhD program of the Max Planck Institute for Ornithology in Seewiesen and Radolfzell and the University of Konstanz. All IMPRS students are supported by stipends or contracts. The program offers a dedicated teaching program, high quality research experience, and outstanding research facilities in an inspiring research and living environment. The working language is English. Each PhD student receives individual supervision and mentoring and is guided in her/his research work by a PhD advisory committee. Applicants should hold a MSc or equivalent degree in biology or a related discipline at the point of enrollment. Queries should be mailed to the IMPRS program office: IMPRS@uni-konstanz.de Funding of this PhD project is not secured yet and depends on successful application for a DAAD grant of the PhD candidate together with the supervisor. Deadline for the application is January 15, 2013. Interviews are scheduled for Mid-March. Visit the IMPRS link above for online application. Posted: 11/16/12.

Michigan State University: The Swenson Lab is seeking 1-2 PhD students to join the lab in the Fall of 2013. The Lab investigates the ecology and evolution of tropical and temperate trees. We specifically focus on integrating functional trait, phylogenetic and transcriptomic data with information regarding the distribution and dynamics of species. Applicants interested in one or all of these approaches are most welcome to apply. The Swenson Lab is in the Department of Plant Biology. Students would also be a part of the Ecology, Evolutionary Biology and Behavior Interdisciplinary Graduate Program. Competitive one and two year plant science fellowships are possible for excellent applicants. If you are interested, please contact Dr. Nate Swenson (swensonn@msu.edu) including a statement of your research interests/goals and a CV. Posted: 11/14/12.

Michigan State University: Graduate Assistantships/Fellowships are available for Ph.D. and M.S. students to conduct innovative and high-impact research in the Center for Systems Integration and Sustainability (CSIS). Research topics may include: ecology and management of wildlife (e.g., giant pandas in China, tigers in Nepal), systems modeling and simulation (e.g., agent-based modeling), sustainability science, coupled human and natural systems, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem services, climate change, land change science, forest and landscape ecology, natural resources and environment, systems integration (integration of ecology with demography, economics, sociology, and policy), telecoupling (socioeconomic and environmental interactions over distances through globalization, trade, species invasion, migration, and other means). Examples of publications on these topics by CSIS faculty and students include Science (2012, 2010, 2008, 2007, 2003, 2001), Nature (2005, 2003) and PNAS (2012, 2009, 2008, 2007). Successful candidates can build on these previous studies and explore new frontiers of research. They will also have opportunities to interact with leaders in these fields worldwide through various ways, such as the International Network of Research on Coupled Human and Natural Systems and the NASA-MSU Professional Enhancement Awards Program (http://csis.msu.edu/education/nasa_msu_award), which are organized by CSIS. Application materials include: (1) letter of application, (2) statement of professional goals, (3) CV or resume, (4) transcripts, (5) GRE scores, (6) TOEFL scores (for non-native English speakers only), (7) list of 3-4 references (names and contact information), and (8) 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 to ensure full consideration. Please email the application materials to Dr. Jianguo (Jack) Liu at liuji@msu.edu. Questions about these opportunities can also be emailed to Dr. Liu. Posted: 10/26/12.

Michigan Technological University: 2 PhD positions in Biodiversity and Soil Carbon Dynamics of Bioenergy Crops in the Americas. Two PhD associate positions are available with a large interdisciplinary 5-year NSF-PIRE funded research project that will examine the social, economic, and ecological implications of bioenergy development in four countries across the Americas: Argentina (eucalyptus for biodiesel), Brazil (conversion of natural forests to soy, palm, and sugarcane for ethanol and biodiesel), Mexico (jatropha for biodiesel), and the U.S. (conversion of aspen forests to cellulosic ethanol). The focus of one PhD position will be to quantify bird species richness and pollinator communities in and around biofuel crops and the reference (native) vegetation at each of the four study sites. The second PhD position will focus on quantifying soil carbon and nutrient cycling and will include ecosystem modeling with DAYCENT. As part of both PhD positions, there will be substantial opportunities to collaborate with other researchers with diverse backgrounds and expertise. This will foster more integrated analysis of the impacts of bioenergy production on coupled biodiversity, water, carbon, and nutrient cycles within each of the study systems. The PhD students will be based in Houghton, MI and will be co-advised by Drs. David Flaspohler and Chris Webster and Drs. Rod Chimner and Sigrid Resh. Houghton Michigan is in Michigan's Upper Peninsula near Lake Superior and offers a host of outdoor recreational opportunities in summer and winter. The position will also require travel for extended periods of time to each of the four study sites. Minimum qualifications include a M.S. degree (or comparable demonstrated experience) in ecology, soils, wildlife ecology, or a related field. Candidates will require a strong analytical background and an ability to manage large data sets and supervise field assistants. Additionally, the prospective candidate should have demonstrated motivation and strong work habits, the ability to work independently as well as within a research group, and demonstrated ability to produce peer-reviewed publications based on individual research. Preferred qualifications for the bird/pollinator position include experience conducting field-based bird surveys by sight and sound, collecting vegetation data, and censusing pollinator arthropods. Preferred qualifications for the soil carbon position include characterizing soils, measuring trace gasses and ecosystem modeling. Proficiency in Spanish and/or Portuguese is also helpful. Interested candidates should submit a curriculum vitae, statement of interest, transcripts (unofficial versions are acceptable), and the names and contact information for three references to David Flaspohler, djflaspo@mtu.edu or Chris Webster, cwebster@mtu.edu for the bird/pollinator position and to Rod Chimner, rchimner@mtu.edu or Sigrid Resh, scresh@mtu.edu for the soil carbon position. Review of applications will begin November 20, 2012. The anticipated start date is sometime between January and May 2013 (negotiable). Funding (tuition, fees, stipend) is available for a total of four years. Posted: 10/12/12.

Michigan Technological University: I am seeking to recruit 1-2 graduate student (s) for a M.S. degree in plant evolutionary ecology. Students will have the opportunity to work on one of several research projects in the lab and to develop independent research projects (with guidance from Dr. Hersch-Green). Projects seek to (1) understand how gene (genome) duplication influences adaptation to biotic and abiotic factors in both field and molecular contexts, (2) examine shifts in multitrophic interactions, selection, and molecular evolution of ecologically important genes in invasive plant species in native and invasive ranges, or (3) disentangle taxonomic complexities with field and molecular studies. Minimal qualifications include a background in evolutionary ecology (through coursework OR research positions) and a growing interest in the field. A strong academic record, evidence of excellent written and analytical skills, and enthusiasm for field and laboratory research will be highly favored. Interested persons should contact Dr. Erika Hersch-Green by email (eherschg@mtu.edu), and include a CV and a statement of research interests that are in alignment with the lab’s interests. Suitable candidates will then be contacted for an interview to discuss projects and reference letters will be requested. Students invited to join the lab will need to submit a formal application to the graduate school at MTU. Posted: 10/11/12.

Michigan Technological University: I am seeking to recruit 1-2 highly motivated graduate student (s) for a M.S. or Ph.D., to study ecological, genetic, and quantitative approaches to the study of plant adaptation to abiotic and biotic environments. Student(s) will have the opportunity to work on one of a few new and on-going research projects in the lab and to develop independent research projects (with guidance from Dr. Hersch-Green). Research in the lab investigates the evolutionary and ecological consequences of hybridization, genome (polyploidy) and gene duplication, and sexual reproduction in complex plant communities. We also have an emphasis on pollination biology, plant-herbivore interactions, invasive species, and climate change research. Prospective students with a background and interest in evolutionary ecology, population and/or molecular genetics are encouraged to apply. Qualifications include a strong academic record and an interest in evolutionary ecology. Evidence of excellent written and analytical skills, as well as enthusiasm for field and laboratory research will be a plus. Interested persons should contact Dr. Erika Hersch-Green by email (eherschg@mtu.edu), and include a statement of interest and CV. An informal discussion of potential projects is encouraged and reference letters will be solicited at a later date. Suitable candidates will then be encouraged to submit a formal application to the graduate school at MTU. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until position(s) is filled. Start date is flexible and can be as early as January 2013. Posted: 8/28/12.

Michigan Technological University: A PhD research assistantship in Remote Sensing and Climate Sensitive Forest Growth Modeling is available in the School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science. The position will support a NASA funded project focused on understanding the impacts of climate change and forest management on future forest conditions across the Pacific Northwest. The successful candidate will employ remote sensing technologies (Lidar, Radar, Optical) to assess current ecosystem composition and structure and subsequently use forest simulation models to provide insights into future forest conditions. Qualifications: The ideal candidate will be highly motivated, innovative, and posses a degree in Forestry, Forest Science, Environmental Science, or a related field. Experience with remote sensing and forest simulation modeling is also desired. The start date is negotiable; however, Fall 2012 is ideal. The School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science is located in a 93,000-square-foot teaching and research facility, and has state-of-the-art computing equipment, including remote sensing/GIS teaching and research laboratories. The University's close proximity to vast expanses of Northern Hardwood Forest make it an ideal location to conduct research on remote sensing and sustainable management in forested ecosystems. The assistantship includes a full tuition wavier and a competitive stipend. How to Apply: Interested persons should e-mail GRE scores, a statement of professional interests, curriculum vitae including names and contact information for three references, a writing sample, and any other relevant materials to Dr. Michael Falkowski (mjfalkow@mtu.edu). Review of applications will begin immediately. Posted: 7/19/12.

Mississippi State University: A Graduate Fellowship is available in the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture. We are searching for a highly motivated Ph.D. student to study the population dynamics of eastern wild turkeys. The project aims to: 1) simulate spatially explicit population dynamics of wild turkeys in central Mississippi, using agent-based models; 2) test hypotheses concerning effects of spatial resource heterogeneity, predation risk, and genetic relatedness between turkeys on habitat use and flock foraging of wild turkeys; and 3) assess impacts of changes in land cover and habitat management on the dynamics of wild turkey populations. We have long-term data (1989-1997) on the demography and movements of wild turkeys and carnivores (bobcats and coyotes), and will collect genetic data and GPS telemetry data on wild turkeys in central Mississippi. Responsibilities: The candidate will: 1) develop spatially explicit agent-based models for wild turkey populations; 2) lead a field crew for field data collection in central Mississippi; 3) publish results in peer-reviewed journals; and 4) assist in teaching an undergraduate course annually. Qualifications: 1) MS in wildlife, ecology, Zoology, or a related discipline before June 2013; 2) Excellent communication in English; 3) Strong quantitative skills; and 4) GPA ? 3.5. Computer programing skills are desirable, but not required initially. Start: 1 July, 2013. Salary starts at $25k per annum plus health insurance and complete waiver of tuition fees. Application and deadline: Interested students should apply online and submit: 1) official college transcripts; 2) resume; 3) three letters of recommendation; 4) letter of application, including a discussion of qualifications, experience, and professional goals; and 5) GRE scores (mandatory). The application will be closed on 1 February, 2013 or when filled. Inquiry: Send inquiry, letter of application, list of 3-4 references (name and contact information), and photocopies of academic transcripts and GRE scores electronically to: Dr. Guiming Wang at gwang@cfr.msstate.edu, Associate Professor, Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA. Posted: 11/5/12.

Mississippi State University: The Ervin, Wallace, and Welch Labs are looking for graduate students (M.S. and Ph.D.) interested in studying plant ecology, evolution, and/or systematics. This group has a record of attracting federal funding from the NSF, USGS, and EPA. This group uses a wide array of approaches ranging from field collection and experimentation, to molecular approaches including next-generation DNA sequencing and bioinformatics. The Welch lab is currently studying adaptive evolution at the level of gene expression in sunflowers. Specifically, we are trying to understand the role that transcribed microsatellites may play in generating adaptive variation. Our approach combines population genetics, quantitative genetics, and functional genomics. We have also recently initiated collaborative work that is allowing us to study gene expression variation at microsatellite encoding loci at the interspecific level. Current research projects in Ervin's lab include development of landscape-scale species distribution models as means of evaluating current hypotheses about plant species invasions and projects related to general conservation ecology of plants in southeastern US ecosystems. Current research projects in Wallace's lab include systematics of Acmispon (Fabaceae) and evolutionary ecology of legume-rhizobium relationships. Additionally, GRA funding is available to support students interested in herbarium curation and use of the collection for studies of Southeastern flora. Funding for students may also be provided through teaching assistantships within the department. We are looking for students to start at any time in 2013. Information on Graduate Students in the Department of Biological Sciences. Please contact Gary Ervin (gervinATbiologyDOTmsstateDOTedu), Lisa Wallace (lisawallaceATbiologyDOTmsstateDOTedu), or Mark Welch (welchATbiologyDOTmsstateDOTedu) for more information. Also, a CV that includes information regarding prior education and research experience would be appreciated, along with a statement of students’ specific research interests. Posted: 10/22/12.

Mississippi State University: I am recruiting two graduate students (both M.S.) to work with me in the Department of Forestry at beginning spring 2013. The students will have some flexibility in specific topics, but the general research areas are the ecological and fire behavior consequences of mechanical fuels treatments, specifically mechanical mastication. The US Joint Fire Science Program-funded project will be based in northern California wildlands treated by mastication over the past decade. Our collaborators on this project are Eric Knapp (USAD Forest Service Pacific Southwest Research Station) and Stacy Drury and Erin Banwell (both at Sonoma Technology, Inc.). This work follows our initial research in the region. We will focus our efforts on evaluating the vegetation and fuel recovery of treated sites across a wide span of time-since-treatment and over a variety of fire-prone sites. Strong applicants will have competitive GPA, GRE scores, and field research experience. A familiarity with the northern California flora (or capabilities to learn), an understanding of fire ecology and management, and lack of fear of statistics are all desirable. Both positions have competitive funding, tuition waivers, computing, and supplemental travel funding (including travel to and lodging in California; conferences). In your email to me, please include your research interests, a resume/CV with relevant experience and scores, and contact information for references who can speak to your potential as a productive scholar. Dr. J. Morgan Varner III (mvarner@cfr.msstate.edu). Posted: 9/10/12.

Montana State University: A PhD assistantship is available in Bozeman to study ecosystem services and plant-insect interaction networks. The grant supporting this research is part of an interdisciplinary study focused on ecological and economic assessment of the use of targeted sheep grazing to reduce tillage in local organic agrosystems, and the doctoral student will be a member of a vibrant team of researchers. As part of this project, the successful candidate will measure and evaluate insect diversity as well as their mutualistic and antagonistic interactions with plants. In particular, the student will investigate the impacts of agro-management systems on key herbivorous pests, natural enemies, pollinators, and crop damage. Well-qualified candidates will hold a MS degree in ecology, entomology, or related field. An excellent work ethic, ability to work independently as well as a member of a team, and proficiency in English language (written and oral) are required. Please submit (1) a letter of interest describing your career goals and research interests, (2) CV, (3) transcripts, (4) GRE scores, and (5) contact information for three references to Dr. Laura Burkle (laura.burkle@montana.edu). Posted: 9/14/12.

Montana State University: MS Assistantship – Population Ecology of the Chiricahua Leopard Frog. The successful candidate will develop a research project to understand how Chiricahua leopard frogs (Lithobates chiricahuensis), listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, use desert landscapes. Specific research questions are somewhat flexible and will be determined jointly by the advisor (Litt) and selected candidate. The student will pursue a M.S. degree in the Department of Ecology. Required: B.S. in wildlife science, ecology, zoology, or closely related field. A strong work ethic, good verbal and written communication skills, ability to work independently and as a productive member of a research team, ability to work under adverse field conditions are essential. Research will occur in on the Ladder Ranch in New Mexico, and thus will require spending summers away from Bozeman. Students must have a minimum 1100 combined GRE score (V+Q) on the previous scale and 300 on the current scale, as well as a minimum 3.0 GPA (including a 3.0 average in all biology courses; 3.0 average in all courses taken during the junior and senior years; and 2.5 average in all chemistry, physics and mathematics courses). Preferred: Background or interest in community and population ecology and herpetology. Experience trapping, handling, and identifying amphibians, radio telemetry, PIT tagging, hiking, and some experience with plant identification. Experience working and communicating with other biologists and the public. Stipend/Salary: The student will be supported by a research assistantship ($1400/month, plus insurance) and nonresident tuition will be waived. At this time, funding is pending, but will be confirmed prior to the start of the spring 2013 semester. Start Date: January 2013. We will begin reviewing applications on 15 October 2012 and will continue until a suitable candidate is selected. To Apply: Send a cover letter stating qualifications related to potential research questions and career goals, resume/cv including citations for publications, unofficial copies of transcripts and GRE scores, and contact information for 3 references to: Dr. Andrea Litt, Email: andrea.litt@montana.edu (electronic applications preferred), Department of Ecology, Montana State University, P.O. Box 173460, Bozeman, MT 59717-3460. Voice: 406-994-2332, Fax: 406-994-3190. Posted: 9/10/12.

Montana State University: Post-Doctoral and Graduate Positions Available. Project 1 summary: The Northern Great Plains is a leading producer of organic small grain, pulse, and oilseed crops; but management options are limited by highly variable precipitation and easily eroded soils. This area also has strong potential for low-input organic sheep production, but access to sources of grazing and feed represents a challenge for ranchers. This project evaluates replacing tillage with targeted sheep grazing to terminate legume cover crops, manage crop residues, and reduce weed, insect, and pathogen pressures. We are recruiting candidates for a PhD position that will focus on understanding the biological and environmental factors conditioning the spread and impact of common diseases as well as approaches to mitigate them. Project 2 summary: In the western Great Plains Wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV), Wheat mosaic virus (WMoV), and Triticum mosaic virus (TriMV) are serious diseases of winter wheat transmitted by the same mite vector, the wheat curl mite. Management of these mite-transmitted diseases relies upon understanding abiotic and biotic factors that drive survival and spread of the vector and pathogen as there are no chemical controls options and multiple non-crop species can serve as reservoirs for vector/virus. Although managing green bridge hosts and planting dates are important tools to mitigate disease risk, the effect of environmental and biological variables on mite and virus population dynamics is inadequately understood; negatively impacting the potential for successful incorporation of these management tools. We are recruiting candidates for one PhD and one Post-Doctoral position to quantify risk of disease incidence and severity factors across the biological and environmental variability seen in the Great Plains. Results will improve our understanding on the factors conditioning the spread and impact of vector-transmitted cereal viruses as well as approaches to mitigate them. Location: Montana State University, Bozeman. Successful candidates will be members of a vibrant, interdisciplinary team of researchers on plant pathology and agro-ecology. Candidates must hold an appropriate degree in ecology, agroecology, or plant pathology. Excellent work ethic, team player, and proficiency in English language (written and oral) are required. Submit 1) Name of the position to which you are applying, 2) Letter of application describing career goals and research interests, 3) Resume, transcripts, and 4) Names, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses of three references. GRE and TOEFL scores (if required) are mandatory. Electronic applications are accepted. Applications should be sent to: Dr. Fabian Menalled. menalled@montana.edu. (406) 994-4783. Posted: 8/7/12, revised: 11/1/12.

Montana State University: Four PhD Opportunities in Agroecology: Targeted grazing to reduce tillage in organic dryland systems: Environmental, ecological, and economic assessment of reintegrating animal and crop production. Project summary: The Northern Great Plains is a leading producer of organic small grain, pulse, and oilseed crops; but management options are limited by highly variable precipitation and easily eroded soils. This area also has strong potential for low-input organic sheep production, but access to sources of grazing and feed represents a challenge for ranchers. This project evaluates the potential of replacing tillage with targeted sheep grazing to terminate legume cover crops, manage crop residues, and reduce weed, insect, and pathogen pressures. We are recruiting candidates for the following positions: 1. Cropping systems – weed ecology. The candidate will compare crop yield, crop quality, and crop-weed interactions between sheep-grazed and tillage based organic systems. Emphasis may include nitrogen budget, mechanisms determining crop-weed competitive interactions, role of weed diversity on ecosystems services, and approaches to manage perennial weeds. 2. Top-down impacts of targeted sheep grazing on trophic interactions. This study will assess ecosystem services provided by the enhanced diversity that we expect in the grazed organic systems by means of plant-insect interaction networks. As part of this project, the successful candidate will assess insect diversity and impact of management systems on key pests, natural enemies, pollinators, and crop damage. 3. Plant pathogen dynamics in sheep-grazed, tillage-based, and conventional small grain systems. This study will evaluate ecological constraints associated with the integrated management of diseases, including mite-transmitted cereal viruses, in dryland ecosystems. Emphasis will be placed in understanding the biological and environmental factors conditioning the spread and impact of common diseases as well as approaches to mitigate them. 4. Impact of management system on lamb performance, health and quality. The successful candidate will evaluate the impact of management system on lamb production, parasite loads, carcass quality, and indices of shelf life. Treatments will include animals grazed on native summer range, weaned and over wintered grazing a mix of crop residues and harvested feed. Successful candidates will be members of a vibrant, interdisciplinary team of researchers on agro ecology. Candidates must hold a MS degree in ecology, agroecology, entomology, weed science, plant science, animal science, or related field, depending on the position. Excellent work ethic, team player, and proficiency in English language (written and oral) are required. Submit 1) Name of the position to which you are applying, 2) Letter of application describing career goals and research interests, 3) Resume, transcripts, and 4) Names, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses of three references. GRE and TOEFL scores (if required) are mandatory. Electronic applications are accepted. Applications should be sent to: Dr. Fabian Menalled. menalled@montana.edu. (406) 994-4783. Posted: 8/7/12.

North Carolina State University: A PhD assistantship is available in the Ecology and IPM lab of Steve Frank. Research in the lab focuses on understanding the ecology and management of arthropods in urban areas as well as greenhouse and nursery production systems. Qualified candidate can start fall 2013. Candidates attending the Entomological Society of America meeting in November should contact Steve in advance (sdfrank@ncsu.edu) to arrange a meeting there. Please direct any additional questions or inquiries directly to Steve. Posted: 11/5/12.

North Carolina State University: MS/PhD Student Research Opportunity-January 2013. The Cardoza lab is looking for an outstanding, enthusiastic, self-motivated graduate student with interest in the sustainable agriculture and soil arthropod ecology. Research in our lab employs a multidisciplinary approach to elucidating the mechanisms driving insect interactions with their environment, particularly in agricultural systems. The selected student will be part of a sustainable agriculture multidisciplinary team evaluating organic agriculture practices on mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions, nutrient cycling and ecosystem services. The main focus will be on arthropod community composition and their role in these processes. As such, candidates with demonstrated enthusiasm for, and experience with, field research are highly encouraged to apply for this position. Experience with sustainable agriculture practices is a plus. Our collaborators include a diverse group of researchers interested in ecological and organic agriculture production techniques and their effects on various aspects of environmental quality, ecological services, soil quality and arthropod and microbial activity. Requirements: We welcome inquiries from enthusiastic and dedicated individuals with background in entomology, ecology, biology, agronomy, soil science or related discipline. Minimum GPA 3.0, and 300 (MS) or 310 (PhD) pts GRE required. Candidates must have earned a degree in entomology or a related discipline for MS candidates (BS required), PhD candidates (MS required). Candidates are required to formally apply to, and must meet the requirements to be accepted by, the NCSU Graduate School before consideration. Academic requirements are determined by the Department of Entomology. For additional information regarding this opportunity contact: Dr. Yasmin Cardoza, Department of Entomology, North Carolina State University, Campus Box 7613, Raleigh, NC 27695. Phone: (919) 513-1285, E-mail: yasmin_cardoza@ncsu.edu. Yearly Salary: $17.5k (MS) or $19k (PhD) plus tuition and health insurance. Posted: 9/25/12, revised: 10/30/12.

North Carolina State University: I am seeking a Master's student for a research assistantship in medical entomology in the Department of Entomology (information for prospective students). The specific project will examine the landscape ecology of container mosquitoes, and will be heavily field based in Florida. In addition to course-work required in Entomology at North Carolina State University, the student will gain expertise in the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), spatial statistical analysis, and the application of population genetic information to landscape ecology. Opportunities for continuing on to a PhD are also possible. For further information about this opportunity, you may contact Dr. Reiskind directly: mhreiski@ncsu.edu. For more general information about this and other graduate opportunities in Entomology at NCSU, please contact Wes Watson (wes_watson@ncsu.edu). Posted: 8/21/12.

North Carolina State University: We are recruiting 5-6 PhD students to participate in an NSF funded, IGERT in Genetic Engineering and Society: The Case of Transgenic Pests at North Carolina State University. This will be our IGERT’s second year. In 2012, our cohort is examining genetic modification of mosquitoes and the scientific, cultural and ethical ramifications this topic presents. Our student cohort entering in Fall 2013 will focus on societal and technical issues related to alleviating negative impacts of invasive species on the biodiversity of island ecosystems. What are the social, ethical, and ecological consequences of current techniques and what would be those associated with approaches involving genetic engineering? We are looking for excellent students who are interested in pursuing an interdisciplinary approach to their graduate training. Students may have majored in humanities, mathematics, or a social/natural science, and should be seeking broad and rigorous graduate training across these areas. We welcome students who have a Master’s degree specializing in one of these areas and want strong interdisciplinary training at the doctoral level. Students who participate in the program will receive a PhD in a home doctoral program and a graduate minor in Genetic Engineering and Society. The minor will include four courses, one of which will be taught in Latin America. In addition to full fellowships, funds are available for international internships. Please visit our website, linked above, for more details on the program, including a list of participating faculty. In addition to contacting potential faculty mentors, prospective students are encouraged to email questions to: GES_GPM@ncsu.edu. Posted: 8/13/12.

North Dakota State University: I am seeking to recruit highly motivated students to pursue graduate degrees in Entomology (either MS or PhD) studying insect ecology in agroecosystems. Specific research directions are somewhat flexible, but I am looking for help with: 1) How bacterial endosymbionts and the surrounding environment structure aphid food webs. 2) The ecology and management of spider mites and other herbivores on soybeans. 3) The effect of soil health and salinity on above ground herbivores. Qualifications include enthusiasm, a strong academic record, and a desire to work at the interface of ecology and entomology. Students awarded one of these competitive graduate assistantships will receive an annual stipend, a tuition waiver, and research support. Review of applications begins immediately and continues until filled. To apply, please email Jason Harmon at Jason.Harmon@ndsu.edu with the following: 1) A cover letter which discusses your background, qualifications, research interests, degree you wish to pursue, and available start date 2) A CV 3) Academic transcripts (unofficial are fine) 4) Contact information for at least 3 references. NDSU is a land-grant institution in Fargo, ND with over 14,000 students and a strong focus on scientific research. See the Harmon lab for more information and the full advertisement. Posted: 10/15/12.

Northern Arizona University: The Johnson Lab of Soil Ecology has an opening for a Ph.D. student to study arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi in a series of field studies designed to examine the importance of geographic location, host plant genetics and soil fertility on the structure of AM fungal communities. This position will provide graduate training and experiences through participation in a USDA funded collaborative research project involving research laboratories in the United States and Europe. Molecular genetics will be used to identify Glomeromycota inhabiting the roots of prairie grasses in large-scale field studies. These findings will be combined with studies of soil carbon and nitrogen dynamics to gain insights about the role of mycorrhizal symbioses and plant diversity in belowground carbon sequestration. Research collaborators: Gail Wilson, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater Oklahoma USA R. Michael Miller, Argonne National Laboratory, Illinois USA Philippe Vandenkoornhuyse, University of Rennes, France. More information about Graduate Programs and the Argonne experimental site. Qualifications: - Interest in mycorrhizal ecology - Master’s degree (or bachelors degree with extensive molecular experience) - Experience extracting and amplifying fungal DNA - Experience using bioinformatics software - English fluency and strong writing skills. Application Deadline: Send CV to Nancy Johnson (Nancy.Johnson@nau.edu, 928-523-6473) by January 1, 2013. Posted: 11/2/12.

Northern Illinois University: The Ecology, Evolution, Behavior, and Conservation faculty in the Department of Biological Sciences are seeking applicants to the department's M.S. and Ph.D. graduate programs for the 2013-2014 academic year. Research interests among the faculty are diverse and include community ecology, restoration ecology, conservation genetics, vertebrate and invertebrate evolution, plantphylogenetics, behavioral ecology, microbial ecology, and bioinformatics. The EEBC faculty includes: -Nicholas A. Barber, community ecology, http://www.bios.niu.edu/barber/lab/Barber_Lab/Home.html -Neil W. Blackstone, invertebrate evolutionary biology, http://www.bios.niu.edu/blackstone/blackstone.shtml -Melvin R. Duvall, plant molecular phylogenetics, http://www.bios.niu.edu/duvall/duvall.shtml -Holly P. Jones, restoration ecology and conservation biology, http://www.bios.niu.edu/jones/jones.shtml -Bethia H. King, insect behavioral ecology, http://www.bios.niu.edu/bking/bking.shtml -Richard B. King, population genetics and conservation biology, http://www.bios.niu.edu/rking/rking.shtml -Virginia L. Naples, comparative morphology and vertebrate paleontology, http://www.bios.niu.edu/naples/naples.shtml -Karen E. Samonds, paleontology and paleobiogeography, http://www.sadabe.org/Samonds/Index.html -Wesley D. Swingley, microbial ecology, http://www.bios.niu.edu/swingley/swingley.shtml -Yanbin Yin, bioinformatics and evolutionary genomics, https://sites.google.com/site/yinbioinfolab/home Details of the graduate program and application process. The deadline for application materials is February 15, 2013. However, prospective students should contact potential faculty advisors well in advance of applying to discuss research interests and relevant qualifications. Posted: 10/12/12.

Northwestern University/Chicago Botanic Garden: The Graduate Program in Plant Biology and Conservation is a joint program between Northwestern University (NU) and the Chicago Botanic Garden (CBG). Both MS and PhD degrees are offered. The program offers a unique opportunity to study ecology, evolution, and environmental issues at the interface of basic and applied plant science. Students apply to the program through Northwestern University and take their courses at both NU and CBG, with faculty from both institutions. The state-of-the-art Plant Conservation and Science Center at CBG is a tremendous resource for students, and the Chicago region provides a stimulating environment for research in conservation and sustainability. Faculty research areas include: Climate change Conservation genetics Crop evolution and diversity Invasion biology Paleobotany, paleoecology, and paleoclimate Phylogenomics Plant-animal interactions Plant demography and reproductive ecology Plant and fungal systematics and evolution Restoration ecology Soil ecology and fungal diversity To learn more, visit the links above or contact program director Nyree Zerega (nzerega@chicagobotanic.org. Application deadlines: PhD: December 31, 2012 MS: February 15, 2013. Posted: 10/10/12.

Ohio State University: Graduate (MS or PhD) student opportunities in the Stream and River Ecology Laboratory, School of Environment and Natural Resources. I am seeking 2 graduate students (MS or PhD-level) to conduct field- and lab-based research on (1) River-Riparian Food Webs and (2) Stream Fish Conservation and Propagation. The research of the first position will focus on the influences of dam removal on riverine food-webs and aquatic-terrestrial fluxes of energy, carbon, and organisms. The research of the second position will focus on laboratory propagation of Tippecanoe and spotted darters as well as a field-based study investigating juvenile darter feeding ecology. Applicants should have demonstrated coursework in aquatic ecology and other related disciplines, strong communication skills, field and/lab experience relevant to the position, and a record of academic excellence (>3.6/4.0 GPA and >70th percentile in combined Verbal and Quantitative GREs strongly preferred). Interested applicants should send to Dr. Mazeika Sullivan (sullivan.191@osu.edu) a brief statement of graduate research interests, a CV including GPA and GRE scores (with percentiles), and contact information for three references by 1 December 2012. Posted: 10/11/12.

Ohio State University: Graduate (MS or PhD) student opportunity in Watershed Hydrology, School of Environment and Natural Resources. I am seeking a MS or PhD-level graduate student to conduct field-based research on hydrologic flow permanence in headwater streams. Ephemeral and intermittent streams exhibit streamflow regimes that fluctuate between drying and wetting, the degree to which is a distinguishing ecosystem characteristic that is associated with a range of important ecological and societal values. Despite the fact that these streams are a global phenomenon, occurring across a variety of hydroclimatic regimes (e.g., arid to tropical), quantifying the spatiotemporal variability of flow permanence and understanding the implications on physical, chemical, and biological stream processes remains an ongoing challenge. This research will focus on quantifying spatiotemporal variability of hydrologic flow permanence in small streams in Ohio and the Central Appalachian Mountain Region. Potential research topics include, but are not limited to * stream drying patterns within the context of local and landscape-scale morphology, * flow permanence changes under different current and historic land conversion (specifically surface mining, agriculture, and urbanization), and * ecological implications to changes in flow permanence. The position will begin August 2013 (Fall Semester) and can be either a masters or doctoral appointment depending on interest and experience of the student. Support will be a combination of teaching and research assistantships (approximately $20K per year plus tuition, fees and health benefits). Fellowship support may be possible for outstanding applicants. The position will be based at the Ohio State University Agricultural and Research Development Center (OARDC) in Wooster, Ohio. Wooster (community of 25,000) is located approximately 90 miles northeast of Columbus and approximately 50 miles south of Cleveland. Full time coursework will take place at the University's main campus in Columbus, Ohio for the first year. Research will be based at the OARDC. Applicants should have * demonstrated coursework in hydrology, geomorphology, and ecology (or related field) * a record of academic excellence (>3.5/4.0 GPA and >70th percentile in combined Verbal and Quantitative GREs strongly preferred) * strong communication (both oral and written) skills * demonstrated experience in field studies preferred Interested applicants should send to Dr. Kristin Jaeger (jaeger.48@osu.edu) a written statement of graduate research interests, a copy of their CV, GPA and GRE scores, unofficial transcript or list of coursework, and contact information for three references by 1 December 2012. Submission of the formal application by 7 January 2013 is required to ensure full consideration for available fellowships. (see admissions). Posted: 9/26/12.

Ohio University: The Graduate Program in Environmental and Plant Biology is recruiting doctoral and master’s level students for the 2013-14 AY. The graduate focus group in Deciduous Forest Ecology provides training over a broad range of scales including: ecophysiology, population biology, community ecology, landscape ecology, ecosystems, and global change biology; along with more specialized areas such as: reclamation and restoration ecology, soil biology, conservation, invasive species ecology, etc. Faculty members currently accepting graduate students include: Jared L. DeForest (Ecosystem ecology, soil biology, climate change) Glenn R. Matlack(Population biology, forest history, spatial ecology) Brian C. McCarthy (Community ecology, forest herb dynamics, invasive species) David M. Rosenthal (Physiological ecology, global change, invasion biology) Morgan L. Vis (Aquatic biology, stream restoration ecology, acid mine drainage) OU is a mid-sized comprehensive university located in rural southeastern Ohio. The quaint city of Athens provides a wonderful living environment with many opportunities for recreation and personal growth. The region is dominated by forest cover and presents numerous opportunities for all forms of forest ecology research. The deadline for application materials to the graduate program is 15-JAN-2012. However, prospective students typically have their materials in well before this date. Interested students are requested to contact a faculty member of interest prior to application to seek their support. Application is done online. For additional assistance, please contact the Graduate Chair, Morgan Vis, at vis-chia@ohio.edu. Posted: 9/27/12.

Old Dominion University: A graduate research assistantship is available starting fall semester 2012. The project involves cutting edge application of ground-penetrating radar to quantify root biomass and spatial distribution. The research will be conducted at the Blackwater Ecologic Preserve in Virginia and at two sites in Florida (Kennedy Space Center and the Disney Wilderness Preserve). A doctoral student is preferred but a master’s student will be considered. Applicants should have strong data management and computer skills as well as a solid background in plant ecology. Successful applicants would develop their master’s thesis or doctoral dissertation around the research. The financial aid package is $22k per year plus full tuition waiver for a doctoral student. If interested, submit a resume with cover letter (include GPA and GRE scores) to Dr. Frank P. Day, Professor and Eminent Scholar, Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529 (fday@odu.edu). Posted: 4/23/12, revised: 5/25/12, 6/25/12, 8/1/12.

Oregon State University: The Forest Soils Lab in the Department of Forest Engineering, Resources & Management is seeking a MS or PhD level graduate student to begin either fall 2012 or spring 2013. The student will have some flexibility in specific topics, but the general research areas will fall into one of these areas: 1. Effects of forest management (e.g. organic matter retention, competing vegetation control) on soil carbon content, nutrient availability, and stand productivity. 2. Examine aboveground nutrient demand in individual Douglas-fir trees across large spatial scales (e.g. watersheds) using remote sensing tools. 3. Examine the role that soil and site characteristics have in explaining the susceptibility of Douglas-fir trees to diseases such as Swiss needle cast. 4. Examine forest fertilization in relation to site and stand response and/or susceptibility to disease. The student will be responsible for completing course work, collecting data and samples from the field, analyzing samples in the laboratory, data analyses, preparing progress reports, presenting results at national conferences, preparing and presenting a thesis, and preparing and submitting a manuscript(s) for publication. The student will also be expected to be involved in other projects within the research group thereby providing them with a broad range of experience and opportunities to collaborate. Potential Starting Dates: September 2012 (preferred) - January 2013 Strong applicants will show an interest in forest soils and have experience with analytical chemistry techniques, competitive GPA and GRE scores, research experience, and good written and oral communication skills. Research assistantships include a full tuition waiver, a competitive annual stipend including summer support, health insurance, and thesis research funding for at least two years. Application: Please email me 1)copies of transcripts OR your relevant scores, 2) CV or resume, 3) contact information for 3 references and 4) a well-written statement of your research interests and career goals and how this assistantship fits those interests/goals. Dr. Jeff Hatten jhatten@cfr.msstate.edu (until September 17, 2012) or jeff.hatten@oregonstate.edu (after September 17, 2012). Posted: 8/9/12.

Pennsylvania State University: I am seeking a MS student to begin June 2013. This project is examining the effects of different management actions, including thinning and burning, on carbon dynamics in fire-prone conifer forests. This is a simulation-based project using growth-and-yield and biogeochemical modeling and does not include field research. The student will have the opportunity to work with an extensive data set to develop their research questions. Qualifications include a BS in ecology, environmental science, forestry, statistics or another quantitative discipline. The ideal candidate will be self-motivated and excited about improving our understanding of climate change mitigation and adaptation options in forest systems. Preferred qualifications include programming experience in R and/or C+. Students have the opportunity to choose between the graduate programs in forestry and ecology. If interested, please email a CV, unofficial transcripts, 1-page statement of research interests, and contact information for three references to Matthew Hurteau (matthew.hurteau@psu.edu) by November 16, 2012. Posted: 9/25/12.

Plymouth State University: The Center for the Environment (CFE) and the Masters of Science Program in Environmental Science & Policy seek applicants for a unique and exciting graduate research assistant (GRA) position in watershed ecosystem services. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work with a statewide interdisciplinary team (including researchers from Dartmouth College and the University of New Hampshire) on a major NSF research project to better understand the environment and the complex interactions of the climate-ecological-human system as well as provide critical information for state decision makers. Ecosystems in New Hampshire and the surrounding northern forest region provide a wide range of services that are critical to the region's inhabitants and the high quality of life they enjoy. Ensuring that these benefits can be sustained into the future requires improved understanding of basic ecosystem processes and their interactions with changes in climate and land management. Students with environmental science & policy, economics, and social science research backgrounds and interests are encouraged to apply. Priority will be given to applications completed and received by Jan. 15, 2013. The project leaders have a strong commitment to enhancing research opportunities for under-served groups and we encourage individuals belonging to any perceived minority group to apply. The GRA includes an annual stipend and tuition coverage plus travel support for fieldwork and conferences. CFE facilitates interdisciplinary environmental research, education, and public engagement in the northern New England region. CFE engages in research and education in support of graduate student research and in meeting the needs of regional partners, such as the White Mountain National Forest, Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, Squam Lakes Association, NH Department of Environmental Services, and other environmental organizations. The PSU campus and the surrounding Lakes and White Mountains regions provide excellent facilities and an outstanding natural research laboratory. Please contact Dr. Shannon Rogers for more information about the position and the application process: shrogers@plymouth.edu. Posted: 11/14/12.

Portland State University: PhD Position in Aquatic Ecology. The Strecker Aquatic Ecology Lab invites applications for a PhD student to begin Fall 2013, studying the effects of hydrologic alterations and climate change on freshwater ecosystem connectivity and ecology on the Columbia Plateau. This is a truly unique system with many opportunities to develop novel research questions. Qualifications: The ideal candidate will have a MS in ecology, biology, environmental science, or a related field. The candidate should possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, as well as knowledge of freshwater ecosystems and quantitative statistical methods. Potential students should review the application guidelines and deadlines for the PhD program, which is housed in the School of the Environment. Applicants should send: 1) a CV; 2) brief letter of interest describing your experience, qualifications, and research interests; 3) GRE scores and transcripts (unofficial); and 4) contact information for three references to Dr. Angela Strecker [strecker AT pdx.edu]. The candidate will be joining an exciting lab and department (Environmental Science & Mgmt) with numerous opportunities to enhance their career by working with ecologists and other scientists. Applications will be accepted until December 15th. Support is available from a combination of research and teaching assistantships. In addition, applicants are encouraged to apply for the Cascades to Coast GK12 fellowship, as well as the Ecosystem Services for Urbanizing Regions Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship (IGERT). Tuition costs will be waived. Posted: 11/9/12.

Purdue University: A Ph.D. assistantship in wildlife ecology is anticipated for Summer-Fall 2013 in the Swihart lab. The successful candidate will engage in both field research and synthesis of existing data to test hypotheses about effects of agriculture on wild vertebrates. Field research may explore the role of species attributes, landscape composition/configuration, and/or land management on behavioral, population, or community-level responses to agriculture. Data synthesis will include meta-analysis of recently compiled results from a large, systematic literature review. Numerous opportunities exist for collaborative work in areas related to these two primary objectives. The successful candidate will have demonstrated interest and proficiency in vertebrate ecology and statistics. Familiarity with landscape ecology, agricultural crop production systems, and with R, ArcView and ArcGIS is helpful. Candidates should have a GPA of at least 3.2 and a cumulative V+Q GRE score of at least 1200 (308 revised). Purdue's Department of Forestry and Natural Resources is a broad environmental unit with nationally ranked programs in Ecology/Evolutionary Biology and Forest Science. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to participate in the department's interdisciplinary Quantitative Ecology group and university-wide interdisciplinary initiatives such as the Center for the Environment, Center for Ecological Sustainability, and Purdue Climate Change Research Center. Please email a CV and short (1-page) letter of interest, including cumulative GPA, GRE scores, and contact telephone numbers and email addresses for three references to rswihart@purdue.edu. Graduate stipends currently are $20,915 per year and include tuition waivers. All inquiries must be received by 5 January 2013 to be considered for admission. Rob Swihart, Professor and Head, Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2061, rswihart@purdue.edu, 765-494-3590. Posted: 11/13/12.

Purdue University: The Hardwood Tree Improvement and Regeneration Center (HTIRC), in the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, is seeking outstanding candidates interested in working toward M.S. or Ph.D. degrees. Areas of research include the chemically-mediated host colonization and mating behavior of wood-boring insects affecting hardwood trees. Funding for the van Eck Scholarships is provided by the Fred M. van Eck Foundation for Purdue University whose purpose is to support research in the genetic improvement of high-value North American hardwood tree species. Ideal students should be highly motivated and enthusiastic about working in the areas of chemical and behavioral ecology. Candidates should have well-developed quantitative skills, knowledge and experience in the biological sciences, a GPA of at least 3.2 and a top-tier GRE score. Assistantships will be awarded at $18k (M.S.) and $20k (Ph.D.) per year. In addition, an annual budget ($10k) will be available for research support and a laptop computer will be provided for the duration of the scholarship. For admission for fall semester 2013, applications must be received by November 16, 2012 (M.S. and Ph.D). Interested individuals should contact me directly via email (mginzel@purdue.edu) to discuss their background, qualifications, and research interests. Please also provide a short (one page) letter of interest and a CV that includes cumulative GPA, GRE scores and contact information for at least three references. More information on this scholarship opportunity at htirc.org. If selected for a van Eck Scholarship, we will notify you to make formal application to Purdue. Posted: 10/12/12.

Purdue University: A PhD assistantship is available in the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture. The assistantship provides tuition, monthly stipend, and health benefits. The project is a collaboration between HLA and the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Science. The successful student will utilize stable isotopes to determine sources of nitrogen loss from container growing systems, including nitrification, volatilization, and immobilization. The successful candidate should have a good background in chemistry and preferably plant biology or similar disciplines. the student will manage his/her research project, conduct field, greenhouse, and laboratory studies, collect and statistically analyze data, effectively communicate orally and in writing, and publish results in grant and industry reports, and peer-reviewed journals. The ability to work with others in a team-oriented environment is essential. Applicants should have a BS degree from an accredited institution. Preference will be given to applicants with a degree in plant science with a strong chemistry background or interest in environmental chemistry. Qualified applicants should file application on line. See also: graduate programs. Interested candidates should contact Dr. Mike Mickelbart (mickelbart@purdue.edu). Posted: 8/1/12.

Radboud University Nijmegen: We are looking for 2 excellent PhD candidates for 4-year research projects on 'Animal Ecophysiology' and 'Population Dynamics of Aquatic Ectotherms'. Our Department of Animal Ecology and Ecophysiology is part of the Institute for Water and Wetland Research of the Radboud University Nijmegen (in the Netherlands) and part of the Centre for Animal and Plant Population Dynamics. Details about the research projects and the positions can be found on our website http://www.ru.nl/animalecology/ . We offer great research facilities and scientific atmosphere, and a maximum gross monthly salary of € 2,612. Please merge your motivation letter, CV and the names and addresses of two references into one PDF document (with the corresponding Vacancy number), and send it, until 31 August 2012, to pz@science.ru.nl. For more information on the vacancies you can contact: Dr. Wilco Verberk, +31 24 365 2131, W.verberk@science.ru.nl; Dr. Eelke Jongejans, +31 24 365 2114, E.Jongejans@science.ru.nl. Posted: 8/15/12.

Rice University: The Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Rice (Houston, TX) invites applications for admission into our graduate program (MS and PhD). The department is home to a vibrant community of faculty, postdoctoral, graduate, and undergraduate scholars in ecology and evolution. Our program has particular strengths in population and community ecology, conservation biology, evolutionary ecology, and evolutionary genetics and genomics. The following faculty members are potentially accepting graduate students into their lab for Fall 2013: Amy Dunham – I am currently searching for students interested in the effects of altered functional diversity and habitat structure on species interactions and ecosystem processes. Michael Kohn – Our lab employs molecular and bioinformatics tools to study the evolutionary dynamics of genes and genomes in populations and species. Some of our research projects have implications for conservation biology or medicine. Tom Miller – Demography, population dynamics, plant-animal interactions, symbiosis, invasion biology, theory-data interface. Luay Nakhleh – Population genomics in bacteria; phylogenomics in eukaryotes; the role of neutral and adaptive forces in network evolution. Nik Putnam – Comparative genomics, genome rearrangement and structural variation, phylogenetics, population genomics, bioinformatics. Volker Rudolf – Community ecology, ecological networks, climate change, intraspecific variation, predator-prey interactions, cannibalism, host-pathogen dynamics. Evan Siemann – Population and community ecology, forests, grasslands, plant ecology, insect ecology, plant/herbivore interactions, biodiversity, conservation. We offer highly competitive financial support and light teaching requirements for graduate students. We are located in Houston, Texas, an exciting, diverse, and affordable city with world-class opportunities for dining, arts, and entertainment and access to diverse terrestrial and aquatic environments. Rice is located beside one of the country’s largest medical research centers, providing additional opportunities in bioinformatics and genomics. Completed applications should be received by January 10 to ensure full consideration. There is no application fee for US citizens and permanent residents. Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to contact potential faculty advisors before applying. Complete information about the graduate program, including application instructions. Posted: 11/8/12.

Rice University: I am looking for highly motivated PhD students in community/population ecology starting September 2013 in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Rice in Houston, Texas. I will consider applicants who wish to pursue fundamental research on any aspect of population/community/evolutionary ecology. Research in the Rudolf Lab examines the ecological factors that generate and determine the structure, dynamics and functioning of natural communities. Current projects include 1) influence of individual variation (including size-structure and genetic variation) within populations on the diversity, dynamics, and functioning of natural communities, 2) linking climate change to the dynamics and structure of natural communities, 3) the role of infectious diseases for community dynamics and biodiversity, and 3) the evolutionary dynamics resulting from the interaction of cannibalism and diseases/parasitoids. Our group uses a variety of field and laboratory experiments in combination with modeling work. While most of my work focuses on aquatic (freshwater) systems using organisms that range from stream salamanders to dragonfly larvae to zooplankton, I am amenable to students developing projects in other study systems. Please see our departmental website for more information, including our research and graduate programs, and the recent addition of several outstanding new faculty complementing our strengths in community ecology and evolutionary biology. Research projects range from the ecology and evolution of interspecific interactions, conservation biology, invasive species, and climate change to genomics and speciation. Formal application materials for graduate school can be submitted using the above website. Interested students should send me an email and attach a copy of their CV and include an informal statement of their potential research interests. Volker Rudolf (volker.rudolf@rice.edu). Posted: 10/19/12.

Ryerson University: Graduate Assistantship available in Plant Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Biology. My lab is broadly interested in the evolution and conservation of plants, often focusing on plant hybridization and mating patterns. My research program broadly aims to understand the evolutionary consequences of global climate change, species invasions, and species rarity. More specifically, I study (1) the mechanisms regulating genetic diversity, phenotypic evolution, and population demography in rare and invasive plants and (2) how evolutionary processes (hybridization, adaptation) and properties (mating systems, genetic diversity) affect the ecological function of plant populations (e.g., reproduction, extinction). As such, my research touches on a variety of sub-disciplines, including conservation biology, agricultural ecology, and population dynamics using a combination of field, greenhouse, and eco-informatic approaches. Students are expected to develop their own independent projects but will also have opportunities to collaborate on funded investigations of hybridization, plant evolution, and ecological conservation in North American agricultural and natural plant ecosystems. Ryerson's Chemistry and Biology department program boasts an exceptionally active and growing faculty. Areas of emphasis include environmental and molecular biology. Year-round financial support is available for graduate students. Applications: I am accepting applications from prospective MSc or PhD students to start a graduate program in September. If you are interested, please email me (lesley.g.campbell@ryerson.ca) a statement of your research interests with your CV and the names and email addresses of at least 2 references. Posted: 7/23/12.

San Diego State University: A doctoral graduate student is sought to join the Department of Geography in support of an interdisciplinary, multi-institutional project "CNH: Feedbacks between human community dynamics and socio-ecological vulnerability in a biodiversity hotspot". This PhD student will integrate GIScience, ecology, and socioeconomics to understand what factors may "lead to vulnerability of community forest socio-ecosystems to the catastrophic effects of rapid environmental change" (quote from the proposal). The student is expected to take a systems approach to understanding vulnerability and resilience in coupled natural and human (CNH) systems in many rural-to-urban transitioning societies. Specifically, the student will travel to the field site (the Chitwan Valley, Nepal) and work with scientists from other disciplines; s/he will develop and evaluate an agent-based model that integrates multi-scale and multidisciplinary data and serves as a platform for hypothesis testing, scenario envisioning, and policy recommendation. Applicants should have strong interests in computer modeling and GIScience (GIS and/or remote sensing). A background in landscape, ecosystem, and/or wildlife ecology as well as in social survey design and analysis is a plus. Strong quantitative and programming experiences (e.g., statistics; C++, Java, or python), excellent interpersonal skills and writing abilities, and a willingness to work in a range of international and interdisciplinary contexts are desirable. The ideal starting date will be the 2013 fall semester (specifics negotiable). The application materials must be received by February 1st, 2013. Applicants should follow the instructions at SDSU Geography doctoral programs. In addition interested individuals are encouraged to send the following materials to Dr. Li An (lan@mail.sdsu.edu): (1) statement of professional goals, (2) resume (including contact information of at least three references), (3) transcripts, and (4) GRE scores (TOEFL scores for applicants whose native language is not English). Scanned copies or photocopies of transcripts and GRE/TOEFL scores are acceptable initially. When contacting me, please put "Response to PhD Assistantship in NSF Chitwan Project" as your email subject to facilitate timely consideration of your inquiry or application. Posted: 11/13/12.

San Diego State University: A doctoral graduate student is sought to join an interdisciplinary, multi-institutional project "CNH: Sustainability of Payments for Ecosystem Services in Coupled Natural and Human Systems", which is newly funded by NSF (PI: Dr. Li An; http://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward.do?AwardNumber=1212183&WT.z_pims_id=13681). This PhD student assistantship position aims to integrate GIScience, landscape ecology, and human socioeconomics for studying the dynamic interactions between Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES) and the associated Coupled Natural and Human (CNH) system at Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve (FNNR), China for the endangered Guizhou golden monkey. The student is expected to take a systems approach to examine human-environment-policy interactions over time and space. Specifically, the student will travel to the field site, and will develop, evaluate, and use different statistical or simulation models to understand systems dynamics of the coupled natural and human system at FNNR and its reciprocal relationships with PES programs. The student should function well within a collaborative, interdisciplinary research team, with a willingness to consider and evaluate a range of methodological approaches. Applicants should have strong interests in GIScience (geographic information systems and/or remote sensing), landscape ecology, computer modeling, and forest/wildlife ecology. Strong quantitative skills (e.g., computer modeling, statistics,) and programming experiences (e.g., C++, Java, or python), excellent interpersonal skills and writing capacity, and willingness to work in a range of international and interdisciplinary contexts (e.g., work on variable terrain in rural areas, or with people of varying background or culture) are desirable. Interest in social survey is desirable. Salary and benefits are competitive. The ideal starting date will be the 2013 fall semester (specifics negotiable). We also seek an M.S. student in any one or combination of the following areas under the same NSF project: (1) golden monkey habitat analysis and modeling (using camera trapping data); (2) remote sensing of land cover and habitat change; (3) How PES affects the reciprocal relationships among human demography, livelihood, and the environment; and (4) participatory mapping of local people's resource extraction activities and the associated underlying mechanisms. Applicants should visit PhD position or MS position and follow the instructions there. In addition to following the Department's application procedure, interested individuals for either the PhD or M.S. position shall email the following materials to Dr. An: (1) statement of professional goals, (2) resume (including contact information of at least three references), (3) transcripts, and (4) GRE scores (TOEFL scores for applicants whose native language is not English). Scanned copies or photocopies of transcripts and GRE/TOEFL scores are acceptable initially. Contact information: Dr. L. An, Department of Geography, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182-4493. Email: lan@mail.sdsu.edu. When contacting me, please put "Response to PhD Assistantship in GIScience and Systems Modeling" or "Response to MS Assistantship in NSF project" as your email subject to facilitate timely consideration of your inquiry or application (more information). Posted: 9/25/12.

San Diego State University: A doctoral graduate student is sought to join an interdisciplinary, multi-institutional project "CNH: Sustainability of Payments for Ecosystem Services in Coupled Natural and Human Systems", which is newly funded by NSF's Coupled Natural and Human Systems Program (PI: Dr. Li An). For this PhD student assistantship position we are seeking a highly qualified student who will to integrate remote sensing, landscape ecology or conservation ecology, and wildlife habitat analysis/modeling using data from Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve, China. Specifically, the student will be expected to travel to the field site. The student will map/model land use and land cover (canopy fractional cover and land cover classification in particular), golden monkey habitat occupancy (using camera trapping techniques), and their change over space and time. Applicants should have strong interest or background in GIScience (remote sensing and GIS in particular) and forest/wildlife ecology. Strong quantitative skills (e.g., computer modeling, statistics), excellent interpersonal skills and writing capacity, and willingness to work in a range of different international and interdisciplinary contexts (e.g., work on variable terrain in rural areas, or with people of varying background or culture) are desirable. Salary and benefits are competitive. The ideal starting date will be the 2013 fall semester. Applicants should visit the SDSU-UCSB joint doctoral program and follow the instructions there. In addition to following the Department's application procedure, interested individuals shall email the following materials to Dr. An, Dr. Lewison, and Dr. Stow: (1) statement of professional goals, (2) resume (including contact information of at least three references), (3) transcripts, and (4) GRE scores (TOEFL scores for applicants whose native language is not English). Scanned copies or photocopies of transcripts and GRE/TOEFL scores are acceptable initially. Contact information: Dr. L. An (lan@mail.sdsu.edu), Dr. Rebecca Lewison (rlewison@mail.sdsu.edu), Dr. Douglas (Doug) A. Stow (stow@mail.sdsu.edu). When contacting us, please put "Response to PhD Assistantship in Ecology/Habitat Analysis" as your email subject to facilitate timely consideration of your inquiry or application. Posted: 9/10/12.

Simon Fraser University: I (Dr. Elizabeth Elle) am looking for motivated PhD students (MSc students can be considered) to collaborate on pollination projects. Although much of the structure of the project will be up to you, areas where I have funding include explorations of how conservation of native bee biodiversity affects crop yield, the importance of pollinator identity and diversity for selection on floral traits in wildflowers, and possibly urban pollinator biodiversity/green city planning. Start dates are flexible, and SFU accepts students three times a year (Sept, Jan, May). To apply, send an email (eelle@sfu.ca) telling me about yourself, your interests and experience, and include a current CV. I’ll be at the ESA meeting in Portland if you’d like to meet. Posted: 8/2/12.

Smithsonian Environmental Research Center: SERC offers the following fellowships to support research in residence at its facility in Edgewater, MD. This program is administrated through the Smithsonian Institution Office of Fellowships. Post-doctoral Fellowships are offered to scholars who have held the degree or equivalent for less than seven years. Senior Fellowships are offered to scholars who held the degree or equivalent for seven years or more. Applicants must submit a detailed proposal including a justification for conducting research in-residence at the Institution. The term is 3 to 12 months. Both fellowships offer a stipend of $45k per year plus allowances. Pre-doctoral Fellowships are offered to doctoral candidates who have completed preliminary course work and examinations. The applicant must submit a detailed proposal including a justification for conducting research in-residence at the Institution. Candidates must have the approval of their universities to conduct doctoral research at the Smithsonian Institution. The term is 3 to 12 months. The stipend is $30k per year plus allowances. Graduate Student Fellowships are offered to students formally enrolled in a graduate program of study, who have completed at least one semester, and not yet have been advanced to candidacy if in a PhD program. Applicants must submit a proposal for research in a discipline which is pursued at the Smithsonian Institution. The term is 10 weeks with a stipend of $6,500. Application Deadline: January 15. To ensure that proposed fellowship projects are appropriate for SERC, applicants are encouraged to coordinate with proposed SERC sponsors early on in preparing fellowship proposals. Posted: 10/26/12.

South Dakota State University: I am seeking a highly motivated and qualified individual wishing to pursue an M.S. degree in Biological Sciences at the Department of Natural Resource Management. A research assistantship ($13k/yr) is available for two years with a January 1, 2013 start date; graduate assistants receive a 2/3 reduction of tuition costs. The successful applicant will conduct research in the area of wetland or soil ecosystems, and research topics may include prairie pothole wetland hydrology, invasion of non-native Phragmites australis, effects of agricultural management on soil carbon fluxes, or GIS analysis of wetland ecosystem services. SDSU is a public institution located in Brookings, SD, with vibrant graduate programs in Biological Sciences, the Geographic Information Science Center of Excellence, and Wildlife & Fisheries. Applicants should have strong data management and computer skills as well as a background in ecology or environmental science. Interested students should send via email a resume with cover letter (include GPA and GRE scores) and transcripts (photocopy is acceptable) to Dr. Carol A. Johnston, Carol.Johnston@sdstate.edu. Suitable candidates will then be encouraged to submit a formal application to the graduate school. Posted: 9/6/12.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville: Applied Plant Ecology: Assessment of Procedures for Temporary Stabilization of Soils During Transportation Construction. Dr. Peter Minchin is inviting applications from qualified students for a Research Assistantship in the Department of Biological Sciences, starting August 16, 2012. The successful applicant would be expected to enroll in the SIUE Graduate School and commence a Master of Science degree under Dr. Minchin’s direction in fall, 2012. Applicants should have completed a Bachelor’s degree in biology, environmental science or a related field and be interested in undertaking a two-year Master’s project in the general area of applied plant ecology. My lab focuses on applied community ecology, particularly the conservation and restoration of plant communities. The applicant would work on an existing project funded by the Illinois Center for Transportation, the aim of which is to assess plant species and site preparation methods for the temporary stabilization of soils during transportation construction in Illinois. Field experiments will be performed at four sites in Illinois and will involve several days of travel each month to set up plantings and collect data. The successful applicant must be prepared to undertake both physical work in the field as well as data preparation and analysis in the lab. A driver's license is essential and skills in data management and statistical analysis are highly desirable. The RA includes a monthly stipend and a full tuition waiver for 24 months. Funds are also available to cover travel during field trips. SIUE is situated on a beautiful 2,600 acre campus and is only 20 minutes from downtown St. Louis. Applicants should submit a letter of interest, Curriculum Vitae, transcripts and three professional references to: Dr. Peter Minchin (pminchi@siue.edu), Department of Biological Sciences, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, PO Box 1651, Edwardsville, IL 62026. GRE scores may also be submitted but are not required. Position number: GS13-2032. Posted: 7/6/12.

Stockholm University: PHD POSITION in evolutionary ecology at the Department of Botany. The project will investigate the environmental factors driving variation in phenotypic selection on timing of reproduction in iteroparous plants via interactions with antagonistic and mutualistic animals. An important part of the project is to assess the effects of interactions on lifetime fitness using demographic information, and to calculate estimates of selection based on lifetime fitness. The project will also use long-term data sets to estimate individual-specific reaction norms between timing of reproduction and climate as well as selection on these reaction norms. The project will initially focus on a model system consisting of a perennial plant (Lathyrus vernus), its’ antagonists (large mammalian herbivores and pre-dispersal seed predators) and mutualists (bumble-bee pollinators). The methods will consist of experiments in the field, common garden and greenhouse as well as correlational field studies. The analytical framework will consist of phenotypic selection analyses to link traits with fitness components and demographic analyses, such as integral projection models (IPMs), to link fitness components with lifetime fitness. Qualifications: MSc or similar degree in ecology or related disciplines (at least 4 years education including a minimum of 10 weeks ecology courses). We seek a candidate with good knowledge of ecological and evolutionary theory, analytical capacity and good skills in English. Previous experience of field and or experimental work is desirable. How to apply: Application should include (1) a letter stating why the applicant should be considered a strong candidate for the position, (2) a CV, (3) one copy of the master thesis (and other documents supporting your competence and suitability for the position), (4) names, with e-mail address and telephone numbers, of two reference persons, and (5) possible other documents that the applicant wants to be considered. You are welcome with your application, labeled with the reference number SU 461-32-2012, and it should be received no later than November 20, 2012, to: Department of Botany; Registrar Leila Ahonen; Stockholm University; SE-106 91 STOCKHOLM; SWEDEN, or by e-mail to: leila.ahonen@botan.su.se. Posted: 10/18/12.

Stony Brook University: Antarctic seabird ecology. The Lynch Lab is currently accepting Ph.D. students with one (or more) of the following skill sets: •Strong quantitative skills, mathematical modeling or applied statistics experience; Experience with R strongly preferred •GIS and/or remote sensing imagery experience; Experience with ArcGIS required, experience with ENVI/IDL and/or eCognition a plus •Extensive field experience studying marine mammals or seabirds; Experience with vessel-based research and polar climates a plus A Master’s degree preferred but not required. For projects involving quantitative or geographic analysis, those with backgrounds in physics, computer science, mathematics, or statistics encouraged to apply. Students will have the opportunity to structure their thesis research around a well-established long-term Antarctic research program called the Antarctic Site Inventory that uses vessel-based seabird monitoring to understand the impacts of climate change and other anthropogenic disturbance on Antarctic ecosystems. Financial support may be available through a combination of research grants, graduate fellowships, and teaching opportunities. Application and acceptance occurs through the Ecology & Evolution Department but applicants interested in the Lynch Lab are encouraged to send their CV and a cover letter describing research interests to Dr. Heather Lynch at heather.lynch@stonybrook.edu in advance of the departmental deadline. Posted: 10/2/12.

Stony Brook University: The Graduate Program in Ecology and Evolution at Stony Brook University (Long Island, New York) is recruiting doctoral and master's level graduate students for Fall 2013. The following faculty members are seeking graduate students: H. Resit Akcakaya http://life.bio.sunysb.edu/ee/akcakayalab/ Stephen B. Baines http://life.bio.sunysb.edu/ee/baineslab/ Michael A. Bell http://life.bio.sunysb.edu/ee/belllab/ Liliana M. Dávalos http://life.bio.sunysb.edu/ee/davaloslab/ John Fleagle http://anat.stonybrook.edu/people/facultypage/fleagle Lev Ginzburg http://life.bio.sunysb.edu/ee/ginzburglab/ Catherine Graham http://life.bio.sunysb.edu/ee/grahamlab/ Jessica Gurevitch http://life.bio.sunysb.edu/gurevitchlab/ Brenna M. Henn http://www.stanford.edu/~sylpha/Brenna_Henn/ Heather Lynch http://lynchlab.wordpress.com/opportunities/ Dianna K. Padilla http://life.bio.sunysb.edu/ee/padillalab/ Joshua Rest http://life.bio.sunysb.edu/ee/restlab/ John True http://life.bio.sunysb.edu/ee/truelab/ The deadline for receipt of all application materials for the PhD program is January 15, 2013. However, prospective students are strongly encouraged to contact a faculty member well before the deadline, with a detailed description of specific research questions that interest them, their educational and research background, and any special skills, training or experience they may have. In addition, early submission of the formal application is encouraged to ensure full consideration for available fellowships. The deadline for receipt of all application materials for the master's program is April 15, 2013. For additional assistance, please contact our Graduate Program Coordinator, Lee Stanley, alethia.stanley@stonybrook.edu. Posted: 9/25/12.

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences: A new PhD-position for four years is available in community ecology on "Impact of global change on biotic interactions in grasslands" in the Department of Ecology at SLU in Uppsala, Sweden. The deadline for applications is 13 August 2012. More details or contact Riccardo Bommarco. Posted: 7/9/12.

Texas A&M University: Currently recruiting a PhD student in quantitative population biology. A student is expected to start either in spring or fall 2013. The research should be on the use of modern statistics or mathematical models in conservation biology, ecology, marine biology, or fisheries sciences although a specific research topic (e.g. organisms, questions, and objectives) is flexible. Please note that field sampling or wet-lab support will NOT be provided. If you are interested, please contact Masami Fujiwara, Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences. Posted: 8/7/12.

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi: I am seeking a motivated student to fill a graduate assistantship at the Ph.D. level. Student will have the option of applying to the Marine Biology Ph.D. program or the Coastal, Marine System Science Ph.D. program. The position is available beginning in January 2013, June 2013, or August 2013 (preference will be given to applicants willing to arrive in January 2013). Current lab research focuses on understanding the ecological mechanisms controlling estuarine/coastal phytoplankton blooms, planktonic food web interactions, and effects of climatic and anthropogenic change on coastal ecosystems. Ample resources are available for field sampling, experimental (mesocosm & laboratory) approaches, and or synthesis/modeling of existing data. The student will be housed at the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies. Interested students should preferably hold a M.S. degree in ecology, marine science/oceanography, microbiology or a related field and possess strong quantitative skills. Potential applicants with only a B.S. degree should have at least 2 years of research experience in an area related to plankton or estuarine ecology and evidence of strong writing and presentation skills. The graduate assistantship will have an excellent stipend relative to the cost-of-living. To be considered for the position, please email me, Dr. Mike Wetz at michael.wetz@tamucc.edu. Along with a letter of interest, please send your C.V., unofficial transcripts and GRE scores. Screening of applications will begin immediately and the position will be filled as soon as a qualified applicant is identified. Posted: 9/10/12.

Texas Tech University: The Bernal lab is looking to recruit 1-2 graduate students for either masters or doctoral work beginning in fall 2013. The applicant(s) will be part of a team investigating interspecific eavesdropping of mating signals by frog-biting midges at multiple levels of analysis. Applicants should be independent, highly motivated, and some research and/or field experience with insects would be a plus. Funding will be provided either as teaching assistantships or fellowships, depending on student background and availability. Research in the Bernal lab generally addresses questions about behavioral ecology about signal function and evolution by performing experiments within a naturalistic context. Specific research topics have included a wide array of ecological and evolutionary questions. If interested, please send by email (ximena.bernal@ttu.edu) a statement of research interests, CV, and an unofficial transcript plus your GRE scores. Applications received before Jan 10th will be considered. Posted: 11/14/12.

Texas Tech University: The Department of Natural Resources Management is seeking several highly motivated, talented and hard-working graduate students (M.S. and Ph.D.). This study will be conducted in north-central New Mexico in collaboration with the New Mexico Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit. Students will develop the focus of their research within the larger project goals of determining the influence of large-scale forest restoration treatments on vegetation and large mammal resource selection, space use and foraging ecology. Selected students will enter the graduate program in the Department of Natural Resources Management for the January 2013 semester. Candidates must have a B.S. degree (M.S. students) or M.S. degree (Ph.D. students), in Wildlife Ecology, Plant Ecology, or a related field, a GPA exceeding 3.0, and competitive GRE scores. Prior experience conducting field research on vegetation monitoring, large mammals, working in remote locations and experience with radio telemetry is preferred. GIS experience is also preferred. Field work will require hiking 3-6 miles/day over rough terrain and occasional camping in the backcountry. Students will be expected to present research results at professional conferences, publish research results in peer-reviewed scientific outlets, and assist with preparation of agency reports and grant proposals. To apply, please email a single PDF file that includes a letter of interest describing your experience as it relates to this project, a CV; transcripts, GRE scores (unofficial copies are fine), and the name and contact information of 3 references to Dr. Robert Cox (robert.cox@ttu.edu). Posted: 9/24/12.

Texas Tech University: An M.S. Graduate Research Assistant is needed to investigate field and molecular mycorrhizal ecology of a federally listed Midwestern orchid species. The position will begin in January 2013. Requirements: 1. B.S. degree in an ecology-based discipline in Plant or Biological Sciences, or a closely related field. 2. Field work experience in studying plants (auto- or synecology). Experience with rare plant species, especially orchids, is highly desirable. 3. Laboratory experience with molecular biology techniques. Familiarity with analyses of data is highly desirable. 4. Keen attention to detail, ability to follow directions, ability to efficiently conduct field sampling away from Lubbock (if needed) and molecular biology work in the laboratory, strong organizational and coordination skills, and ability to communicate (verbal and written) effectively in English. 5. A strong work ethic, ability to work independently and as a productive member of a research team, ability to work non-regular hours, as needed. 6. Ability to complete all admission requirements. Competitive salary. Assistantships include partial tuition payment, payroll fringe, and health benefits. Application: Please submit to jyotsna.sharma@ttu.edu: A statement of interest describing past experience and future goals. The applicant should specifically address how their experience, skills, and goals match the position description and requirements listed above; Curriculum vitae, including names, complete address, phone, and e-mail for at least three references; GRE scores; and TOEFL scores (if applicable). Posted: 9/24/12.

Texas Tech University: I am seeking motivated graduate student(s) for a M.S. or Ph.D. in Natural Resources Management. Project topics may include fire effects on insects, plant flammability and combustibility, animal responses and adaptations to fire, and evaluations of fire management programs. Qualifications include a competitive academic record and a strong interest in fire ecology. Previous fire management or research experience is preferred, but not required. Tuition, stipends, and research funding are available. Interested persons should contact Dr. Robin Verble-Pearson by e-mail (robin.verble@ttu.edu) and include a CV. Discussion of potential projects is encouraged. Posted: 8/28/12.

Universität Bern: We are offering a PhD position to work on local adaptation to climate in trees, as part of the EU project FunDiv http://www.fundiveurope.eu/. This project looks at the functional importance of biodiversity in European forests. As part of this project a network of sites has been set up in six countries: Finland, Poland, Germany, Romania, Spain and Italy. The subproject led by the University of Bern looks at local adaptation to climate in a different dominant tree species in each of these countries. The aim is to assess the degree of local adaptation in these trees, to the magnitude of climate change that they will experience over the next 50 years. The project will also investigate interactions between forest biodiversity and the expression of local adaptation. To accomplish this, seedlings from 5 different climatic provenances per country have already been planted in the forest plots at each site. The announced PhD project will be responsible for measuring the performance of the tree seedlings in the field at each of the sites and offers the opportunity for some additional experiments. As well as possible collaborations within the Institute of Plant Sciences in Bern there will be opportunities for collaborations with other groups in the FunDiv project. We are looking for an ambitious and creative student with a keen interest in ecology and evolution. The applicant must have a university degree in a relevant field of biology and a good command of English. The applicant should be prepared to work in the field and to travel quite extensively to all of the European study sites. The position is for 3 years and the student will be supervised by Markus Fischer at the Plant Sciences Institute at the University of Bern. The institute offers a stimulating international research environment and excellent facilities. In addition to projects on plant biodiversity, our group is involved in projects on evolutionary and molecular plant ecology, functional forest biodiversity in China, plant population biology, Alpine ecology and invasion biology. www.botany.unibe.ch/planteco. Bern is a beautiful city with a high quality of life. Preferred starting date is January 1, 2013 (negotiable). Salary will be approximately 40k CHF/year. Contact Eric Allan (eric.allan@ips.unibe.ch) for more info. Please send your application (preferably one PDF by email) to eric.allan@ips.unibe.ch Include a CV, names and addresses of at least 2 references, a short description of your research interests and your experience of ecological field work and statistical analysis. Applications will be reviewed from 15th October 2012 until the position is filled. Posted: 9/10/12.

Université du Québec à Rimouski: We are seeking a postdoctoral fellow and a PHD student to work on a team project on modeling forest growth and dynamics at the temperate-boreal forest transition. The successful candidates will work in collaboration with a large team of forest ecologists and modelers. PHD POSITION. The challenge of sustainable forest management is to satisfy simultaneously economical, social and environmental concerns. This project aims to maximize these three objectives by developing silvicultural practices that will promote diversity of forest stands. There is now a consensus, for several systems, that biodiversity has a positive effect on the provision of ecosystem services. Despite the documented advantages of a new silvicultural strategy that is explicitly based on the promotion of biodiversity, several barriers are preventing the application of this concept in current forestry practices. The general objective of this project is thus to evaluate operationally the effect of tree diversity on forest productivity and on the sustainable annual allowable cut. The project consists of developing regional growth and yield models that will account for competition and facilitation. The models will be developed from temporary and permanent sampling plots and an experimental design of high diversity plantations. The growth models will be used to evaluate the impact of different silvicultural practices promoting tree diversity on the sustainable annual allowable cut of representative management areas of temperate, mixed and boreal forests. An MSc degree in forestry, biology, environmental sciences or statistics is ideal, but other fields may be considered. Applicants should have a demonstrated interest in ecological modelling, working with large databases, a good statistical basis and some programming skills or at least a strong interest in learning it. A fellowship of $ 20k per year for 3 years is offered. Applications, including a letter describing research interests, a CV, copies of transcripts and the contact information for two references, or any questions about the project should be directed to dominique_gravel@uqar.ca. Knowledge of French is not required but the student must be open to learn and work in this environment. Research activities will be conducted at the biology department at the Université du Québec à Rimouski. The candidates will be invited to join the activities of a dynamic laboratories and an active team of collaborators from the Quebec Center for Biodiversity Science and the Center for Forest Science. The student will also benefit from the resources and training offered by a training program in forest complexity modeling. Posted: 10/29/12.

University of Alabama: The Howeth Lab in the Department of Biological Sciences invites applications for a M.S. Graduate Assistantship in community ecology beginning Spring or Fall 2013. A highly motivated student is sought to study metacommunity dynamics of zooplankton among forest ponds in different stages of succession. The research will include observational studies of pond communities in the Talladega National Forest and pond mesocosm experiments at the University of Alabama Tanglewood Biological Station. Interested students should send an e-mail to Dr. Jennifer Howeth (jghoweth@as.ua.edu) with "MS Graduate Assistantship" in the title, and include their CV, statement of research interests, writing sample, GRE scores (if known), unofficial copies of undergraduate transcripts, and contact information for two references by December 1, 2012. Qualified applicants will be invited to apply to the Graduate School and the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Alabama. The Department of Biological Sciences offers Graduate Teaching Assistantships and competitive fellowships to support admitted students. See also: Center for Freshwater Studies. Posted: 10/23/12.

University of Alabama: A M.S. Graduate Assistantship in the Department of Biological Sciences is available immediately for a highly motivated student to work on a large interdisciplinary project at the Joseph Jones Ecological Research Center. This project focuses on developing an understanding of fire's impact on ecosystem carbon dynamics along a natural moisture gradient in longleaf pine systems. The student will have the opportunity to interact with scientists from the University of Alabama, Joseph W. Jones Ecological Research Center, USDA Forest Service, University of Edinburgh, and NEON Inc. A general knowledge of photosynthetic equipment and soil respiration is advantageous; a strong background in statistical analyses methods, such as time series analysis, wavelet analysis, and/or data assimilation is necessary. This is a fully funded teaching assistantship that includes: stipend, health insurance, and tuition waiver. Interested students should send a copy of their CV, statement of research interest, writing sample, and unofficial copy of transcripts to Drs. Gregory Starr (gstarr@ua.edu) and Christina Staudhammer (cstaudhammer@ua.edu), or contact Dr. Starr for more details (gstarr@ua.edu or 205-348-0556). Posted: 10/10/12.

University of Alabama: A M.S Graduate Assistantship in the Department of Biological Sciences is available immediately for a highly motivated student to work on a synthesis of urban forestry projects. These projects seek to understand the growth dynamics of subtropical and tropical urban forests. The student will have the opportunity to interact with scientists from the University of Alabama and University of Florida. A general knowledge of forestry and/or urban ecosystems is required, as well as a solid background in statistical analysis, such as generalized linear mixed modeling and multivariate methods. This is a fully funded teaching assistantship that includes: stipend, health insurance, and tuition waiver. Interested students should send a copy of their CV, statement of research interest, writing sample, and unofficial copy of transcripts to Dr. Christina Staudhammer, or contact Dr. Staudhammer for more details (cstaudhammer@ua.edu or 205-348-1538). Posted: 10/10/12.

University of Alabama: A M.S Graduate Assistantship in the Department of Biological Sciences is available immediately for a highly motivated student to work on a synthesis of winter arctic plant physiology studies. These studies cover a range of hypotheses regarding winter carbon and water exchange in vascular plant species. The student will have the opportunity to interact with scientists from the University of Alabama, Florida International University, and NEON Inc. A general knowledge of plant physiology and/or plant physiological ecology is required, as well as a solid background in statistical analysis of experimental data. This is a fully funded teaching assistantship that includes: stipend, health insurance, and tuition waiver. Interested students should send a copy of their CV, statement of research interest, writing sample, and unofficial copy of transcripts to Drs. Gregory Starr (gstarr@ua.edu) and Christina Staudhammer (cstaudhammer@ua.edu), or contact Dr. Starr for more details (gstarr@ua.edu or 205-348-0556). Posted: 10/10/12.

University of Alaska Anchorage: M.S. Assistantship in Arctic Tundra Ecology. A research assistantship is available on a project funded by the National Science Foundation to study the differential phenology of grasses and shrubs and their implications for ecosystem function (cycling of water, carbon and nitrogen). The project is a collaboration between the University of Alaska and Penn State University. The study site is near Kangerlussuaq in western Greenland, which is accessed via flights with the Air National Guard. The successful candidate will use stable isotope methods to trace the flow of carbon from the atmosphere, into plants and soils and back to the atmosphere. The student is expected to spend the majority of the snow-free season working at the field site with other members of the project. The fieldwork is based out of a tent camp, but visits are made to town approximately once per week. The project will cover the student’s tuition, health insurance and will provide a competitive stipend. The position will begin in April 2013, with enrollment to follow in the Fall Semester. Applicants should be physically fit, hold a valid driver’s license, have extensive camping experience and be willing to endure periods of poor weather. The student will be based in Anchorage during the off-season (mid-September- late May). Laboratory and desk/office space is available in the Ecosystems Laboratory on the UAA campus and affordable housing can be found within a bike ride of campus. Anchorage is a surprisingly diverse city with outstanding outdoor recreation opportunities, including more than 130 km of groomed Nordic ski trails within the city limits. Inquiries are welcome. To apply for the position, please send a resume and two-page cover letter to Dr. Paddy Sullivan (pfsullivan@uaa.alaska.edu). Apply by 11/10/12. Applicants should ensure that they can meet the admission requirements for the M.S. program in the Department of Biological Sciences prior to the March 15, 2013 deadline. Posted: 10/4/12, revised: 10/22/12.

[position filled] University of Alaska Anchorage: M.S. Assistantship in the Physiological Ecology of trees at the Arctic treeline. A research assistantship is available on a project funded by the National Science Foundation to study the water relations, growth and reproduction of white spruce along a gradient from west to east in the Brooks Range. Study sites have been established on the Agashashok and Kugururok Rivers in Noatak National Preserve, the Dietrich River in the central Brooks Range and on the Wind River in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Access to three of the four sites is via bushplane, while the Dietrich site can be reached by road. The successful candidate will spend the majority of the snow-free season working at and traveling among the research sites. The fieldwork is based out of tent camps and the crew size will vary between two and three people. The project will cover the student’s tuition, health insurance and will provide a competitive stipend. The position will begin in April 2013, with enrollment to follow in the Fall Semester. Applicants should be physically fit, hold a valid driver’s license, have extensive camping experience and be willing to endure periods of poor weather. The student will be based in Anchorage during the off-season (mid-September- late May). Laboratory and desk/office space is available in the Ecosystems Laboratory on the UAA campus and affordable housing can be found within a bike ride of campus. Anchorage is a surprisingly diverse city with outstanding outdoor recreation opportunities, including more than 130 km of groomed Nordic ski trails within the city limits. Inquiries are welcome. To apply for the position, please send a resume and two-page cover letter to Dr. Paddy Sullivan (pfsullivan@uaa.alaska.edu). Applicants should ensure that they can meet the admission requirements for the M.S. program in the Department of Biological Sciences prior to the March 15, 2013 deadline. Posted: 10/4/12.

University of Alaska Fairbanks: Two graduate student assistantships are available in the laboratory of Dr. Tamara Harms. Contact Dr. Harms (tamara.harms@alaska.edu) regarding interest in the following projects. Please include a brief description of research interests and experience and academic preparation. The application deadline for the graduate program in the Department of Biology & Wildlife is Jan 15. Applicants for either position should have strong academic backgrounds in natural science, prior research experience, and demonstrated interests in ecosystem ecology or biogeochemistry. 1) Climate-mediated coupling of hydrology and biogeochemistry in arctic hillslopes We are seeking an M.S. student to develop a thesis related to biogeochemistry of arctic hillslopes. The student will join a team that is investigating how climate-induced changes in water and nutrient cycles on land are propagated to stream networks in permafrost-influenced catchments. This is an inter-disciplinary project that includes hydrologists and biogeochemists, and the candidate will have the opportunity to engage with students and faculty across these disciplines. Candidates should have interests or experience in terrestrial or aquatic biogeochemistry, stream ecology, or wetland ecosystems. Field work for the project is based at the Toolik Field Station, and the student should be willing to spend the majority of the summer at the station. 2) Nutrient dynamics in the region of discontinuous permafrost I am seeking an M.S. student to develop a thesis project investigating the mechanisms underlying elevated hydrologic or gaseous nitrogen export from ecosystems subject to permafrost loss or disturbance. Candidates should have interests or experience in nutrient cycling, catchment biogeochemistry, stream ecology, or soil science. Research will focus on interior Alaska, and the student will join a broader collaborative research community anchored by the Bonanza Creek Long-Term Ecological Research program. Posted: 10/17/12.

University of Amsterdam: A post-doc and several PhD positions in the Insititute for Environmental Studies. See: http://www.ivm.vu.nl/en/people/vacancies/ Postdoc ‘A global analysis of land change decision making’, PhD position ‘Social valuation of ecosystem service dynamics’, PhD position ‘Multi-scale assessment of ecosystem service dynamics’, PhD position ‘Global land change: linking pattern to process’, PhD position ‘Simulating extreme low flows and consequences from droughts’, PhD position ‘Trends in European flooding disasters and coping mechanisms’. Respond before November 23, 2012. Posted: 11/16/12.

University of Arizona: A research assistantship is available to support a Ph.D. (preferred) or M.S. student interested in investigating effects of efforts to restore semi-desert grasslands in southern Arizona on density and nesting success of songbirds. Since 2006, biologists from the Bureau of Land Management and its partners have been applying fire and mechanical methods to reduce the influence of mesquite invasion into semi-desert grasslands on the Las Cienegas National Conservation Area. We have surveyed birds in this area since 2005. Requirements: For Ph.D: M.S. degree in Wildlife, Zoology, Ecology or related field. For M.S: B.S. degree in Wildlife, Zoology, Ecology or related field. Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.25. Beneficial Experience: Strong field identification skills, some experience (or strong interest) in quantitative approaches to population ecology. Strong work ethic, good verbal and written communication skills, and ability to work independently. Support: stipend, which includes a waiver of out-of-state tuition (but not fees) for at least 2.5 years. Start Date: January 2013. Deadline for materials: 22 October 2012. To Apply: Submit via email (steidl@ag.arizona.edu) a letter of interest, resume, transcripts, and GRE scores (unofficial are fine), and names, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses of three references to: Bob Steidl, School of Natural Resources and the Environment, University of Arizona, 325 Biological Sciences East, Tucson, AZ 85721. More info: email or 520-626-3164. Posted: 9/14/12.

University of British Columbia: Call for Masters, PhD students and post-doctoral fellows: The NSERC-CREATE funded initiative TerreWEB (Terrestrial Research on Ecosystem & World-wide Education & Broadcast), at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada, has funding opportunities for Masters, PhD and post-doctoral fellows available. National and international Students and post-docs from diverse academic backgrounds with interest in research and communication of global change / climate change issues are encouraged to apply. Deadlines are bi-annual (May 1, and December 1st). For further information visit http://www.terreweb.ubc.ca/. Posted: 12/13/11, revised: 6/27/12.

University of California, Berkeley: Several PhD positions are available as part of a newly funded project that seeks to merge two disparate areas of research to understand patterns of biodiversity, (1) a broad ecological approach which provides insights into how species assemble and interact in a community; (2) a lineage based approach which focuses on how species adapt, diversity, or decline over time. We will integrate these two approaches by using a system of age-structured biological communities on the youngest island of Hawaii and comparing these to communities on the next older island of Maui. Within Hawaii Island, lineages of organisms are actively diversifying, while the community and food web contexts in which they are embedded are changing with the development of their habitats. The system is relatively simple ecologically, but importantly it represents an environmental chronosequence, allowing for a "space-for-time" substitution. The project (part ofNSF's "Dimensions in Biodiversity") will look at priority, sequence, and associated interaction strengths among members of a community as it develops, and hence how biodiversity is generated, assembled, and lost. Students interested in any one of the following are encouraged to apply: (1) macroecological metrics of diversity and abundance of species and how these might change over time; (2) dynamics of predator-prey or other interactions between species; (3) evolutionary adaptation and speciation. Data to be analyzed will include molecular, morphological, ecological, and/or behavioral characters, and will involve macroecological, macroevolutionary, and population genetic and phylogenetic analyses. A single student will focus on one aspect of the project, though interest in the integration between ecological and evolutionary approaches is encouraged. Project PIs at UC Berkeley are: Rosemary Gillespie (gillespie@berkeley.edu), John Harte (jharte@berkeley.edu), Neo Martinez (neo@PEaCElab.net), and Patrick O'Grady (ogrady@drosophilaevolution.com) in the Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management (ESPM); and Rasmus Nielsen (rasmus_nielsen@berkeley.edu) in the Department of Integrative Biology (IB). Other PIs are Dan Gruner (U. Maryland, dsgruner@umd.edu), Don Price (U. Hawaii Hilo, donaldp@hawaii.edu), Dan Rabosky (U, Michigan, drabosky@umich.edu) and Kerry Shaw (Cornell, KLS4@cornell.edu). Students interested in these positions are encouraged to email one of the PIs for more information. Applications to UC Berkeley must be received by Dec 1, 2012. For details see: applications to ESPM; andapplications to IB. For grad programs at the other institutions, please contact the appropriate PI. Posted: 11/8/12.

University of California, Irvine: The Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EEB) welcomes applications from highly-motivated students to join our PhD program in the Fall of 2013. The department consists of a large and dynamic faculty spanning a diverse array of research areas including informal research groups in Ecology and Evolutionary Ecology, Evolutionary Genetics, and Comparative Physiology. The Ecology and Evolutionary Ecology group is a diverse set of faculty working on plants, animals, and microbes in the areas of evolutionary ecology, conservation biology, biogeography, functional ecology, population and community ecology, biogeochemistry and ecosystem ecology. There is a focus on integrating modeling, theory, and experimentation as well as developing collaborations among the Evolutionary Genetics and Comparative Physiology groups. Cross campus connections with the Department of Earth System Science are especially strong. Exceptional facilities and resources for carrying out research or integrating research with decision makers are available through the UC Natural Reserve System, the New Steele-Burn and Anza Borrego Desert Research Center, and the Center for Environmental Biology. The Evolutionary Genetics group features a diverse faculty working in both model and non-model systems. Specific areas of research include experimental evolution, genomics (experimental and computational), molecular evolution, population genetics, and quantitative genetics. There are strong connections with other programs on campus, particularly the UCI Center for Complex Biological Systems and theSchool of Information and Computer Science. For full consideration, complete applications (see admissions information) should be received by January 1, 2013. We strongly encourage prospective applicants to contact faculty members as soon as possible to discuss their research interests. Financial support for graduate students comes from a variety of sources, including teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and fellowships. Outstanding applicants will be considered for the Francisco J. Ayala Fellowship. Posted: 10/24/12.

University of California, Irvine: The Mooney Lab in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology welcomes applications for Ph.D. and M.S. students to begin in the 2013-14 academic year. Research in the Mooney Lab addresses both basic and applied questions relating to the community and evolutionary ecology of tritrophic interactions. Past studies have focused on natural plant-insect systems and the effects of vertebrate insectivores. Research opportunities include: a diverse faculty with strengths in ecology, evolutionary ecology, global change biology, evolutionary genetics and comparative physiology; greenhouse, growth chamber, common garden, mass spectrometry and stable isotope facilities; and access to the diverse ecosystems included in the UC Natural Reserve System. Graduate students are expected to develop independent research projects conceptually related to Mooney Lab research themes. Funding opportunities include guaranteed TA-ships, opportunities for year-long intramural fellowships, and assistance with applications for external multi-year graduate fellowship. Applications are due January 1 but prospective students should first direct inquiries to Dr. Kailen Mooney (mooneyk@uci.edu). Please include a statement of research qualifications, motivations for joining the Mooney Lab, and an example of a proposed thesis topic. Posted: 10/19/12.

University of Calgary: Two of my graduate students will be finishing soon, and so I’m looking to take on at least one and possibly two new graduate students, to start in Sept. 2013 or possibly earlier. I’m broadly interested in fundamental questions in population, community, and evolutionary ecology. I place high value on tightly linking theory and data. My students and I work in whatever model system is most appropriate for addressing whatever question we’re asking. We work in systems ranging from protist microcosms, to bean beetles, to alpine plants and pollinators. Guaranteed funding is available for two years (M.Sc.) or four years (Ph.D.), through a combinations of TAships, RAships, and other sources. For more information see the graduate program in the Dept. of Biological Sciences. The Dept. has over 160 graduate students, about 40% of whom are in ecology and evolution. Calgary is a city of over one million people, close to the Canadian Rockies, with all the opportunities for field work and recreation that implies. If you are interested, please first check out my lab website, and read this letter, which I ask all prospective students to read. It talks about my approach to science and mentoring, and includes some questions I ask of all prospective students. Then send me an email (jefox@ucalgary.ca) introducing yourself, and talking as specifically as you can about your interests and goals and how they fit with my lab. Please attach your CV, transcripts (unofficial is fine), and contact details for three references. I’ll be at the ESA meeting in Portland if you want to chat there. It helps to email me beforehand to set up a meeting; I may not have scads of free time once I arrive at the meeting. -Jeremy Fox (jefox@ucalgary.ca). Posted: 7/25/12.

University of Colorado: The Johnson Lab in the Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology is currently accepting applications for new graduate student positions to begin in Summer or Fall 2013. Currently we seek to fill positions related to two projects: 1. Global change and aquatic ecosystems: In collaboration with the Niwot Ridge Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) program, this project is focused on lakes and reservoirs along the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Broadly, we are working to understand the short and long-term effects of climate change, nitrogen deposition and invasive species on biological interactions within these systems. The selected student would be expected to develop an MA or PhD-level project that helps to advance the project’s overall goals. 2. Understanding the community ecology of disease: this project aims to understand how interactions among species within an aquatic community collectively influence pathogen transmission and disease risk. This can include interactions among hosts (dilution effect), among parasites (coinfection), and between non-hosts and parasites (predation). The selected student would be expected to conduct field work in California (during summers). This project is best suited for students looking to pursue a PhD-level project. To apply, please send the following items in a letter of introduction to Dr. Pieter Johnson (pieter.johnson@colorado.edu): Curriculum vitae; GPA and test scores; your general research interests; previous experience and how you will contribute to work already being pursued in the lab; whether you intend to apply for a MA or PhD program; post-graduate career plans; why you are specifically interested in work being done in the lab; whether you have applied for any external fellowships (e.g., NSF or EPA). Closes: 12/1/12. Posted: 10/15/12.

University of Copenhagen: PhD Scholarship Phylogeography, Extinctions and Global Climate Change. Applications are invited for a PhD scholarship at the Center for Macroecology, Evolution and Climate, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Denmark. The PhD candidate will be enrolled for a 3 year period starting between January 1 and March 1, 2013. This PhD project is part of a new Sapere Aude grant entitled "Species Extinctions Under Climate Change: Re-evaluating Extinction Risk" (EXTINCTIONs). EXTINCTIONs aims at assessing past and current population dynamics and extinction processes and how can this knowledge about the past help to better predict the future impacts of global change in biological diversity. The deadline for applications is November 30, 2012. More details. Posted: 10/18/12.

University of Florida: The Smith Lab in the Department of Plant Pathology is recruiting motivated Ph.D. students for Fall 2013. We seek students who are broadly interested in fungal ecology, evolutionary biology, and symbiosis to study the biology of the Pecan Truffle (Tuber lyonii). Tuber lyonii is a common, edible truffle that forms symbiotic ectomycorrhizal associations with Carya illinoinensis (Pecan) and other angiosperms throughout the Southeastern USA. This commercially valuable species can fetch prices of $10-20 an ounce but up until now the biology of this species has been mostly unknown. For example: What is the population structure of Tuber lyonii? How does it disperse into pecan orchards? What soil and management factors may affect Tuber lyonii fruiting and govern competition with other ectomycorrhizal fungi? These are some of the many questions that the Pecan Truffle project is trying to answer. If you are passionate about fungi and/or ecology and would like to dig deep into truffle biology, please apply for this position. We want someone with: - A passion for biology and a BS (or MS) degree in biology or related subject - A background that includes ecology, evolution, and/or fungal biology - Strong written and spoken English language skills - Appropriate GPA and GRE scores - Laboratory experience in molecular biology techniques - Strong organizational skills and the ability to complete projects - A driver’s license and the ability to drive a car. To find out more, send your curriculum vitae and a short statement of your interest in the position to Matthew Smith at trufflesmith@ufl.edu or call 352-273-2837. Application Deadline: 7 December 2012. Posted: 10/19/12.

University of Florida: Graduate student opportunity in wildlife ecology and conservation. We are seeking a highly motivated M.S. or Ph.D. student for the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation (WEC) at the University of Florida, starting fall 2013. This student will work as part of a team of researchers from UF (Dr. Rob Fletcher, Dr. Holly Ober), Emory University (Dr. Berry Brosi), and the Joseph W. Jones Ecological Research Center (Dr. Lora Smith). The team will quantify species responses from several taxa (bees, reptiles, birds, and bats) to three major pathways for extracting biomass from pine forest as part of a recently funded grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. These responses will provide specific insight on effective indicators for sustainable biofuels production, will be integrated into a multi-scale model aimed to interpret large-scale effects and potential tradeoffs that may occur across regions, and will be used to develop best management practices for biofuels production with forest biomass. Preferred applicants will be highly motivated, have field experience with sampling bird and/or reptile abundance, have strong quantitative skills, and competitive GPA/GRE scores. The ability to begin field work in Spring 2013 (prior to matriculation at UF) is desirable, but not required. Students with strong initiative and desire to carve out their own research questions within this theme are highly encouraged to apply. If you are interested in pursuing a graduate degree on this project, please send Dr. Fletcher a CV, GRE scores and GPA, and a brief statement of your research interests, career goals, and why you would like to pursue a graduate degree prior to November 17 (email to: robert.fletcher@ufl.edu). Please see the WEC Graduate Program website for more details on application procedures. Also consult the School of Natural Resources and the Environment at UF for other opportunities regarding graduate admission. Posted: 9/27/12.

University of Florida: The lab of Craig Brodersen at the University of Florida Citrus Research and Education Center in Lake Alfred, FL is seeking applicants for a fully funded PhD fellowship to study citrus physiology related to disease and drought resistance starting Fall 2012 or Spring 2013. The goal my research program is to better understand host-pathogen interactions, how xylem or phloem dwelling pathogens migrate through plant transport systems and become systemic, and ultimately to work with citrus breeding programs to develop new varieties. This position offers an unique opportunity to integrate newly developed in vivo visualization techniques (high resolution X-ray computed tomography and nuclear magnetic resonance imaging) with traditional ecophysiology tools to address both basic and applied questions. Please send a single PDF file to brodersen at ufl.edu that includes a concise letter outlining your research and career interests, your CV or resume, and contact information for two people who can comment on your potential to succeed in graduate school. Posted: 9/6/12.

University of Florida: A PhD position in modern symbiology available: Are you interested in interactions between insects, fungi, and microbes? Join our new Forest Entomology and Symbiology team at the University of Florida to study the Ambrosia Symbiosis: beetles that farm fungal gardens to kill and digest trees. More information. - combine molecular and organismal approaches - study globally destructive invasive organisms - use high-throughput metagenomics - develop online resources for the public - and get paid for it! Call 352-273-0299 with questions, or simply send your CV and a no-nonsense summary of your accomplishments to Jiri Hulcr, hulcr@ufl.edu. Deadline: October 30, 2012. Start anytime, ideally January 2013. Posted: 8/29/12.

University of Georgia: I am recruiting a PhD student to join my lab group in the Odum School of Ecology to contribute to a new research project on longleaf pine savannas of the southeastern US. The project will focus on biogeochemical cycles, particularly on N fixation (via herbaceous legumes, soil crusts and free-living bacteria) in the context of fire regimes and forest disturbance. This work builds directly on a series of studies in tropical forests (e.g., Barron et al. 2009; Wurzburger et al. 2012) that demonstrate the interactive role of P and Mo in regulating the process of N fixation within soils and across landscapes. The new student will receive a competitive 4-5 year research assistantship and benefit from interactions with collaborators from the Joseph Jones Center and Princeton University, as well as the dynamic community of ecologists in the Odum School and across campus at UGA. Strong candidates will have 1) an M.S. in ecology, soil science or forestry or have previous research experience in terrestrial biogeochemistry, and 2) have competitive GPA and GRE scores. Prospective students can contact me directly (Nina Wurzburgerninawurz@uga.edu) and send a CV and brief statement of research interests. Posted: 11/8/12.

University of Georgia: The Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources is seeking candidates for a PhD-level graduate assistantship to provide modeling-based research related to American alligator harvest management. The student, working with cooperators in three southeastern state wildlife management agencies, will lead an investigation into techniques to base harvest management on principles of biological regulation and resource sustainability. The work is almost exclusively quantitative and laboratory-based, including analysis of historic population and harvest data in hierarchical state-space models, construction and simulation of dynamic population models, and optimization of models. However, the student will also participate in structured decision-making workshops and consultations to identify policy objectives and constraints of the participating state agencies. The student will be encouraged to develop one or more research objectives that complement this work, and he/she will have opportunities to present results of this work at professional conferences. As a condition of this support, teaching assistantship duties may be assigned to the student once per year, as well as other related duties. The outcome of this work will help states evaluate their alligator harvest management policies and consider strategies that may better serve the needs of the resource and the public. The position is available beginning in the spring of 2013 (note: application deadline 15 Nov 2012) and will remain open until filled. The stipend is ~$18k per year, which includes a full tuition waiver and benefits. A contribution ($2k/yr) toward required fees is also provided. Applicants should have an M.S. in Wildlife Ecology, Statistics, Operations Research/Decision Sciences, or related fields. The most competitive applicants will have a strong background in one or more quantitative areas, including statistics, population modeling, or decision analysis. As the student will play prominent roles in stakeholder workshops, comfort and good communication skills in group settings are essential. For admission requirements, including relevant deadlines and minimum GPA and GRE scores, see prospective applicants. Prior to applying, qualified applicants should send a single email to Dr. Clinton Moorecontaining: 1) a cover letter that summarizes their interests, experiences, and qualifications for the project, 2) a CV, 3) a copy of all university transcripts, 4) a copy of recent (within 5 years) GRE scores, and 5) contact information for at least 3 references. Posted: 10/19/12.

University of Georgia: we are accepting applications for Fall 2013 for our Integrative Conservation (ICON) doctoral program. Funded assistantships are available to outstanding students. Currently the ICON Ph.D. program is open to students applying to one of four "home departments" including the Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources, the Odum School of Ecology, the Department of Anthropology, and the Department of Geography. With the current rate of global change and human population growth, conservation and management of our natural resources needs to adapt to a complex set of challenges. Recognizing that responding effectively to these challenges requires both disciplinary expertise and well-developed tools to work across disciplines, the University of Georgia's ICON Ph.D. program is designed to meet that need by ensuring that students gain disciplinary depth while also learning to collaborate across fields of practice by engaging faculty from the natural and social sciences to train students in an integrative and holistic way. At the same time, this program strives to move beyond the paradigm of interdisciplinarity by reaching outside of academia to bring together academics and practitioners. Through internships, collaborative research, and a practitioner-in-residence program, students will interact with professionals engaged in management and conservation as partners and colleagues. These experiences, along with training modules led by communications experts, will ensure that students learn to communicate effectively and strategically with those from other backgrounds and disciplines as well as with lay audiences. For more information, please contact Talley Vodicka (talleyv@uga.edu, 706-425-2927) at the Center for Integrative Conservation Research. Prospective students apply to the program through a home department. As departmental application deadlines vary, please see individual departmental websites for details. Posted: 10/17/12.

University of Georgia: We are seeking a highly motivated graduate student to work on a project modeling freshwater connectivity and barriers to movement of aquatic organisms. The successful candidate will employ GIS based models to estimate connectivity and prioritize barriers according to their level of impact on connectivity, and potential consideration for removal. Qualified candidates will be given flexibility to develop their own interests on this project; however s/he will focus on testing existing approaches to modeling connectivity in 3 watersheds using a combination of existing data and field observations. The field work will consist of a rapid survey protocol for measuring connectivity-related metric. Qualifications: The successful applicant will be motivated, have well developed writing and communication skills, strong work ethic, and ability to work cooperatively in team setting. Experience doing field work in rough conditions is preferred. Proficiency using ArcGIS for spatial analysis, some programming experience, strong quantitative skills, and most of all, creative energy, are required! A BA/BS in a relevant discipline is required; some relevant experience outside academic programs is desirable. Historic average GRE scores and undergraduate GPA’s for MS students who enroll at the Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources are 1164 and 3.34, respectively. For further information please send a CV and a letter of interest (which should include a description of past research experience and skills) to Dr. Nate Nibbelink (nate2@uga.edu). Please also include list of relevant courses, undergraduate GPA, GRE scores, and transcripts (as available, unofficial OK). Review of applicants will begin immediately and competitive candidates will be invited to submit a full application. Our search will continue until a suitable candidate is found. Salary: Competitive stipend, tuition remission, health insurance contribution. Preference will be given to candidates able to begin in January 2013. However if no suitable candidate is found, we will consider applicants for Summer/Fall 2013, for which January 1 is the last date to apply to be considered for competitive UGA fellowships. Contact: Nate Nibbelink (nate2@uga.edu). Posted: 10/8/12.

University of Georgia: The Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (SREL) is recruiting a cohort of 7 M.S. and 5 Ph.D. level graduate students to work on various topics in the fields of radioecology, toxicology, conservation biology, and restoration ecology. Specific topic areas and faculty mentors include: Radionuclide and heavy metal contamination in long-lived reptiles (Dr. Tracey Tuberville - 2 M.S.); Scavenging ecology and contaminant uptake (Dr. Jim Beasley -1 M.S/Ph.D. and Dr. Gene Rhodes - 1 M.S.); Spatial ecology of vertebrates in relation to radionuclide exposure (Dr. Jim Beasley - 1 Ph.D.); Genomic biomarkers and genotoxicology in wildlife exposed to chronic low dose irradiation and/or metals (Dr. Stacey Lance - 1 Ph.D.); Amphibian ecotoxicology and evolutionary toxicology (Dr. Stacey Lance - 1 M.S.); Metagenomics of bacterial communities exposed to chronic radionuclide contamination (Dr. J Vaun McArthur - 1 Ph.D.); Biogeochemical quantification of tritium in living organismal tissues (Dr. John Seaman - 1 Ph.D.); Biogeochemistry, bioavailability and bioaccumulation of heavy metals in constructed wetlands (Dr. Gary Mills - 1 M.S.); Restoration ecology of invertebrate communities in erosion impacted watersheds (Dr. J Vaun Mcarthur - 1 M.S.); Soil restoration and erosion mitigation (Dr. John Seaman - 1 M.S.); and Mitigation of invasive species impacts on threatened and endangered species in the Pacific (Dr. Gene Rhodes - 1 Ph.D.). It is anticipated that students would start their programs of study in the spring or summer of 2013. SREL is located on the Savannah River Site in Aiken, South Carolina, approximately 2.5 hours from the main UGA campus. Students will be directly supervised by SREL faculty and will be appointed through various departments on the main UGA campus depending upon their ability to meet the admission requirements of individual academic units and the departmental affiliation of the SREL faculty member with whom they work. Prospective departments include: The Odum School of Ecology (Rhodes, Lance, McArthur); the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources (Tuberville, Beasley, Mills, Rhodes); and the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences (Seaman). Graduate Assistantship support for M.S. students ($21k) and Ph.D. students ($23k) will be provided to successful applicants on an annual basis. Students on an annual stipend receive tuition waivers, however student fees of approximately $1k per semester, which include the matriculation fee and activity, athletic, health, student facilities, technology and transportation fees will be assessed. Students should have a B.S. or M.S. degree in a field closely related to their prospective research topic. We are seeking students with a strong work ethic, excellent verbal and written communication skills, excellent quantitative skills, the ability to work independently and as a productive member of a research team, and the ability to perform work in challenging field conditions or in laboratory environments as required. Student must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and competitive GRE scores. Please contact the individual SREL faculty member with whom you are interested in working at the email address given below by October 15 for full consideration. With your email, please provide a statement of interest, a current C.V., copies of your most recent GRE scores, and a copy of your transcripts. If selected to compete for these assistantships, you will be encouraged to apply to the appropriate UGA department. Tracey Tuberville (tuberville@srel.edu); Jim Beasley (beasley@srel.edu); Gary Mills (mills@srel.edu); J Vaun Mcarthur (mcarthur@srel.edu); Stacey Lance (lance@srel.edu); John Seaman (seaman@srel.edu); Gene Rhodes (rhodes@srel.edu). Posted: 9/25/12.

University of Georgia: A PhD position is available starting in Summer/Fall 2013 at the Odum School of Ecology to study butterfly/pollinator ecology and behavior. The project will include investigating the effects of butterfly gardens on the diversity, foraging behavior and recruitment of butterflies and other pollinators and studying their interactions with enemies and disease. Research will be developed under the supervision of Sonia Altizer and Andy Davis. We are especially interested in applicants who have prior experience with insect ecology and insect-plant interactions; applicants must also be self-motivated and able to work independently. Those with a Masters degree are especially encouraged to apply. The project will involve overseeing experimental gardens and monitoring insect populations and behavior in the field. Opportunities also exist for larger-scale surveys, analysis of citizen science databases and focused laboratory experiments. Because field work will take place at the Wormsloe Historic site near Savannah, GA (4hrs from campus), a vehicle is essential and the applicant will responsible for coordinating transportation. To apply, please submit (1) a letter of interest describing your career goals and research interests, (2) CV, including past experience and prior publications, (3) transcripts, (4) GRE scores, and (5) contact information for three references to Dr. Andy Davis, akdavis@uga.edu. Inquiries received by Dec. 1 will receive full consideration. Candidates must also submit a formal application to the Ecology PhD program in the Odum School of Ecology or to the Integrative Conservation program. Posted: 9/25/12.

University of Ghent/University of Groningen: Vacancy for a joint Phd position on eco-evolutionary dynamics in a spatial context. According to classical island biogeography by MacArthur and Wilson (1967), immigration, speciation and extinction determine species diversity. However, diversity is not only an outcome of ecological and evolutionary processes but will also feedback on them. Thus eco-evolutionary dynamics are expected to determine macroecological and macroevolutionary patterns such as foodweb structure and phylogenetic relatedness. Within a joint doctoral program between the University of Ghent, Belgium and the University of Groningen, The Netherlands, we have an open PhD vacancy with a focus on these eco-evolutionary dynamics. Your work will combine theoretical (analytical and simulation models) and experimental (mesocosms) approaches. You will be supervised by Prof. dr. R.S. Etienne (Groningen) and Prof. dr. D. Bonte (Ghent). Description: • You will prepare a doctoral thesis in the field of eco-evolutionary dynamics • You will conduct this research at the Terrestrial Ecology Unity (Univ. Ghent) and the Community and Conservation Ecology Group (Univ. Groningen) Profile: • You are an enthusiastic and highly motivated student with a strong interest in spatial and evolutionary ecology • You are keen to combine experimental and theoretical approaches, to be a member of two dynamic labs • You are mobile and willing to travel between the involved research units • You have a Master degree in Biology or an equivalent degree in life sciences with a sufficient background in ecology, evolutionary biology and modelling • You have excellent study grades. Our offer: • We offer a PhD scholarship for two years, that will be extended for two more years after a positive evaluation • Starting date is 1 January 2013. Interested? • Send your CV, summary of study grades, and a motivation letter and the names of two referees by email before October 17th 2012 to Dries.bonte@ugent.be and R.S.Etienne@rug.nl. • For more information, contact Prof. dr. D. Bonte (+32 9 264 5213) or Prof. dr. R.S. Etienne (+31 50 363 2230) by phone or use the email addresses above. Posted: 9/14/12.

University of Guelph: Graduate Student Position in Conservation Biology, starting in Fall 2012/Winter 2013. Gard Otis (School of Environmental Sciences) and Christina Caruso (Department on Integrative Biology) are seeking a M.Sc. student to assess the suitability of habitats for reintroduction of the Karner Blue butterfly (Lycaeides melissa samuelis) into Ontario. The Karner Blue butterfly once occurred in oak-savannah habitat in southern Ontario, where its larvae fed on wild lupine (Lupinus perennis). In 1990, it was designated by COSEWIC as extirpated from Canada. Although the Karner Blue has been successfully reintroduced into several sites in the United States, a 2003 evaluation indicated that none of the Ontario sites met the ecological requirements for a successful reintroduction. However, habitat restoration efforts have continued at these sites over the past decade. The Karner Blue Ontario working group is seeking a new evaluation that would determine whether these sites are now suitable for reintroduction of the butterfly. The M.Sc. student would evaluate whether potential reintroduction sites in Ontario meet minimum requirements for (1) larval host plant numbers and density, (2) adult nectar plant numbers and density, (3) presence of larvae-tending ants, and (4) light environment heterogeneity. Funding for the project will come from an NSERC industrial postgraduate scholarship, as well as from organizations in the Karner Blue Ontario working group. A B.Sc. in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related field, with a minimum academic average of 80% in the last two years of study, is required. Experience with biological research, field work, and plant identification are highly desirable. This would be an excellent position for a student interested in a career in environmental consulting or habitat management. This position is only available to citizens and permanent residents of Canada. More information: graduate program in Environmental Sciences. Interested candidates should send a transcript (informal is fine), CV (including references), and a brief statement of interest to carusoc@uoguelph.ca or gotis@uoguelph.ca. Posted: 7/24/12.

University of Guelph: We are seeking 1 or 2 postdoctoral fellows (2 year terms) and 1 or 2 PhD students (3 year terms) to join in a recently funded project on modeling naturally occurring forest-grassland mosaic landscapes and their interactions with human interventions. Work will be based in the Global Ecological Change laboratory, School of Environmental Sciences, led by Professor Madhur Anand. The trainees will have the opportunity (and indeed may be required) to travel to Brazil and/or India to conduct fieldwork and meet with collaborators, but the work will mainly involve mathematical and/or computational modeling in Guelph. As such, applicants should have a strong quantitative skill set and ability to program in C, C++, Matlab, R or similar languages. Applicants should also have a publication record in ecological modeling, excellent communication skills, leadership potential and the ability to work well in groups. Trainees may be co-supervised with collaborators (e.g., Professor Chris Bauch, Mathematics and Statistics, Guelph). Please send a letter of interest indicating why your background is fitting, representative publications, a CV, and the names and contact information of three references to manand@uoguelph.ca. Start date is flexible (can be as early as Fall 2012) but preferably will be in Spring 2013. Posted: 7/11/12.

University of Haifa: I am seeking a graduate student (PhD, possibly MSc) to work in my lab concerning on how diversity of controphic species and predators influence mosquito populations. Prior background in population modeling and/or experimental ecology, mosquito biology, and aquatic ecology is desirable. The work will be funded by a four year Israel Science Foundation grant whose title and abstract can be found below. Dr. Matthew Spencer, University of Liverpool, serves as a consultant in this study, particularly for potential modeling studies. Interested candidates should send to Leon Blaustein (leon@research.haifa.ac.il) a curriculum vitae, (unofficial transcripts), a short statement of your research interests including how your qualifications fit with this particular research project, and contact information for at least three referees. Starting date between 1 October 2012 and 1 January 2013. Abstract: Species Diversity, Community Simplification and Mosquito Dynamics: Considerable theoretical and empirical evidence is accruing that species diversity causally and generally negatively affects such processes as disease infection prevalence and invasion success by unwanted species. Given the continued predicted decline in biodiversity, the concomitant losses of such ecosystem services should become increasingly important. Despite considerable recent exploration of this potential relationship with disease, prevalence and invasion success, mechanisms to explain these relations, and under what conditions they will occur, remain unclear. Surprisingly, biodiversity as a causal factor in preventing or dampening mosquito outbreaks has received little attention; not a single experimental manipulation across a diversity gradient has been conducted with mosquitoes. A comprehensive and novel study of this question is proposed here. We shall first examine how different natural and anthropogenic disturbances, which can have extensive impacts on community structure, affect mosquito dynamics in temporary pools. These include the frequency and timing of flash floods in wadi pools, desiccation followed by re-inundation, residual effects of a top predator (Salamandra infraimmaculata larvae) that enters temporary pools and then exits, and pesticides (both a broad-spectrum chemical pesticide and a bio-pesticide, specifically Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis). We shall measure how these disturbances affect community structure, mosquito oviposition habitat selection and larval performance. Using path analysis, we shall explore how changes in the community structure caused by the disturbances are responsible for changes in mosquito production. We intend to experimentally assess for the first time, how diversity gradients of species – both species sharing the same trophic level of mosquitoes and diversity of predators interacting with other factors such as bottom-up effects, affect mosquito production. We shall explore theoretically how diversity affects mosquito populations and test this empirically using tents which cage an initial mosquito population and manipulated diversity of competitors and predators. This proposed work will contribute conceptually to understanding the role of community and metacommunity structure in affecting invasibility success. The work will make particularly novel contributions to understanding the role of oviposition habitat selection in the overall question of biodiversity-invasibility in general and particularly with mosquitoes. The findings also will have strong applications in designing and managing habitats for the dual purpose of species diversity conservation and mosquito control. Posted: 8/13/12.

University of Hawaii Manoa: The Amend lab, in the Botany department, is recruiting enthusiastic and experienced graduate students for fall 2013. We study the ecology and evolution of fungi, with particular emphasis on those forming diverse communities associated with other organisms on land and in the ocean. To determine both the causes and consequences of these complex assemblages, we use a combination of next-generation sequencing, physiology, greenhouse experimentation and natural history observation within the natural laboratory of our beautiful Islands. Hawaii's isolation, diverse habitats and spectacular evolutionary radiations create an unparalleled setting in which conduct meaningful theoretical and applied research. Visit Dr. Amend's webpage for more information about our lab and the application process. Posted: 10/10/12.

University of Hawaii Manoa: Graduate Student Opportunities in Fungal Ecology. The Hynson lab in the Department of Botany is currently recruiting highly motivated, enthusiastic, and well qualified graduate students. We study fungal ecology with an emphasis on plant-fungal interactions such as the mycorrhizal symbiosis. The goal of our research is to deepen current understandings of the importance of plant-fungal interactions in natural environments. We accomplish this through field and laboratory experiments that utilize cutting-edge techniques in molecular ecology and ecophysiology. We are seeking graduate student applicants at the MS and PhD levels with strong backgrounds in ecology and/or fungal biology. For more information and how to apply visit the Hynson Lab website or contact Nicole Hynson at nhynson@hawaii.edu. Posted: 10/2/12.

University of Hong Kong: Ph.D. research assistantship in larval amphibian ecology. This project will examine how diversity in larval amphibian communities regulates ecosystem responses and determine at what levels of complexity increasing densities and water temperature destabilize these communities. The project consists of experiments that: (1) Evaluate ecosystem responses to manipulation of diversity in larval amphibian communities; (2) Quantify organism-level contributions and define functional roles; (3) Characterize the role that larval amphibian densities play in mediating ecosystem responses; and (4) Examine ecosystem-level responses when larval amphibian assemblages are exposed to increases in water temperature. Selected student must be able to start by January 2013. Applicants should be hard-working, self-motivated field biologists with a strong interest in larval ecology and ecosystem functioning. Field experience with amphibians is required and experience setting up and maintaining mesocosm experiments is preferred. Applicants must have successfully completed a research master’s degree in ecology or related field, have at least a 3.0 undergraduate GPA, and must have taken the GRE. International students for whom English is not their first language will need to have taken the TOEFL. Strong writing, oral communication, and statistical skills are important. Research assistantship provides a stipend of approximately $20k/yr, health insurance, and a tuition waiver. Prof. David Dudgeon of the University of Hong Kong will assume primary supervision; student would be co-supervised by Dr. Nancy Karraker. Prof. Dudgeon and Dr. Karraker maintain an active lab that focuses on stream ecology and conservation and currently includes five graduate students studying reptiles and amphibians. The medium of instruction at the University of Hong Kong is English. If a master’s degree has been completed, a PhD is obtained in three years with a relatively minor coursework load. To apply submit the following by email: a letter stating your qualifications and research interests, CV, copies of college transcripts and GRE scores, and contact information for three references (not letters) by no later than 5 September 2012 (early application is encouraged!) to Dr. Nancy E. Karraker, Department of Natural Resources Science, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881 (401-874-2916; nkarraker@mail.uri.edu). Note: I will be attending the 2012 World Congress of Herpetology in Vancouver in August. If you will attend the conference and would like to meet to discuss the position, please email me as soon as possible at nkarraker@mail.uri.edu. Posted: 8/9/12.

University of Houston: The Department of Biology and Biochemistry welcomes applications for its graduate program in Evolutionary Biology and Ecology for Fall 2013. The following faculty in the area of Evolutionary Biology and Ecology have opportunities available for their labs: Blaine Cole (bcole@uh.edu) - Evolution and social behavior Dan Graur (dgraur@uh.edu) - Evolutionary bioinformatics Dan Wells (dwells@uh.edu) - Evolution of development and behavior Diane Wiernasz (dwiernasz@uh.edu) - Sexual selection Elizabeth Ostrowski (eaostrowski@uh.edu) - Population genomics and social evolution George Fox (fox@uh.edu) - Experimental evolution and origin of life Gregg Roman (gwroman@uh.edu) - Evolution of behavior Nat Holland (jnhollandiii@gmail.com) - Ecology and evolution of species interactions Rebecca Zufall (rzufall@uh.edu) - Evolutionary genetics Ricardo Azevedo (razevedo@uh.edu) - Evolutionary genetics Steve Pennings (spennings@uh.edu) - Community ecology Tim Cooper (tcooper@central.uh.edu) - Experimental evolution Tony Frankino (wafranki@central.uh.edu) - Evolution of complex traits Yuriy Fofanov (yfofanov@bioinfo.uh.edu) -Evolutionary bioinformatics. See Information for Prospective Students. Application Deadline: February 1. Posted: 10/10/12.

University of Idaho: Ph.D. Assistantships to Study Conservation Policies, Land Use Change and Ecosystem Services in Central America. We seek sincere, motivated, creative individuals to apply for two exciting Ph.D. assistantships newly funded by NASA to conduct an interdisciplinary analysis of the impact of land tenure and conservation policies on forest cover change and ecosystem services in the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor. Both students will join a dynamic team of researchers from the University of Idaho and the Center for Tropical Research and Education in Agriculture (CATIE) in Costa Rica. The Ph.D. assistantships include tuition, fees and health insurance; both students will complete their degree programs in the University of Idaho's College of Natural Resources. In addition, this project is part of the NASA Land Use/Land Cover Change program, offering myriad opportunities for interdisciplinary networking and professional growth. One assistantship will focus upon ecological analysis and remote sensing in tropical landscapes. Within the interdisciplinary team context, the selected student will specifically contribute to (1) remote sensing of land cover change, (2) construction of geospatial data sets, and (3) field-based measurements of aboveground carbon and biodiversity. While we welcome and encourage all motivated individuals to apply, desired skills for this position include interdisciplinary problem solving skills, experience with geospatial, statistical, and ecological analyses, and Spanish language skills. To inquire about this position, send your CV and a 1-page letter describing your qualifications and career objectives by December 15, 2012 to Dr. Lee Vierling at leev@uidaho.edu. The second assistantship will focus upon the impacts of land tenure and conservation policies on land cover change. Within the interdisciplinary team context, the selected student will contribute to (1) construction of socioeconomic datasets, (2) field-based household surveys in and around conservation areas, and (3) statistical analysis of drivers of land use change. While we welcome and encourage all motivated individuals to apply, desired skills for this position include interdisciplinary problem solving skills, experience with geospatial, statistical, and economic analyses, and Spanish language skills. To inquire about this position, send your CV and a 1-page letter describing your qualifications and career objectives by December 15, 2012 to Dr. Kelly Wendland at kwendland@uidaho.edu. After initial inquiries, full applications should be completed at http://www.uidaho.edu/graduateadmissions. Positions will start as early as May 2013 but no later than August 15, 2013. Applications will be reviewed as received, with a preference towards those completed by February 1, 2013. For additional information or questions about this posting please contact: Dr. Kelly Wendland (kwendland@uidaho.edu, 208-885-7044). Posted: 11/1/12.

University of Idaho: PhD Research Assistantship in Wildlife Ecology. This research assistantship is part of an NSF-funded project to examine functional habitat relationships and tradeoffs among habitat components. The PhD student will be responsible for evaluating thermal and security aspects of habitat relationships for a habitat specialist (pygmy rabbits) and a habitat generalist (cottontail rabbits). Research will include animal capture, telemetry, measurement of habitat components in the field, construction of thermal physical models, participation in trials with captive animals, modeling habitat selection, use of GIS to synthesize habitat data, and mentoring undergraduate students. This research is a collaborative effort that includes faculty and students from 3 universities, and biologists from state and federal management agencies. We are looking for a student who is strongly interested and enthusiastic about in working in a collaborative and interdisciplinary team. Requirements: Applicants must have an M.S. or equivalent degree in biology, ecology, wildlife, or a related field. A record of field-based research and communication of research results (publications and presentations) also is required. Start date: January 2013. Application: Please email a cover letter, curriculum vitae, copies of transcripts and GRE scores (unofficial copies of both are OK), and names/contact information for 3 references to Dr. Janet Rachlow, Department of Fish and Wildlife Sciences, P.O. Box 441136, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83844-1136. jrachlow@uidaho.edu. Posted: 9/6/12.

University of Idaho: PhD Assistantship--Carbon Cycle impacts of Using Forest Harvest Residues for Bioenergy. The University of Idaho is one of the few universities in the US that use energy generated from logging residues to heat its campus (Science 2009, 323:1432-3). The presence of the UI Experimental Forest on nearby Moscow Mountain provides an opportunity to study the long-term effects of collecting the residual material that is usually left to decay or burned after forest harvest. We offer a Ph.D. assistantship that would address the practical, but scientifically compelling question of how greenhouse-gas emissions are affected by either a) burning residues on-site or b) collecting residues for fuel compared to unharvested controls. The student will be responsible for the measurement of forest carbon pools as well as the fluxes of carbon (CO2, CH4) and nitrous oxide from the soil after the various treatments. We would also encourage the parameterization of models that describe these fluxes and changes in forest productivity under the varied treatments. We encourage creativity and student initiative in designing the remainder of the dissertation. The PhD student will be part of the PhD program in the UI College of Natural Resources and will be primarily advised by Dr. John Marshall, with additional supervision by collaborators Dr. Alan Talhelm and Dr. Mark Coleman. Another related and concurrent forest bioenergy research project overseen by Dr. Coleman, which investigates impacts on tree growth, soil quality, wood decomposition, and diversity of fungi and invertebrates, provides clear opportunities for collaboration among a large group of investigators and a cohort of several new graduate students. Funding has been granted for a 3.5 year research assistantship, covering tuition and a stipend. To enquire about this position or to apply send an email to John Marshall (jdm@ uidaho.edu) or Alan Talhelm (atalhelm@uidaho.edu). Applicants should send 1) a letter of interest and qualifications, 2) a resume that includes three references, 3) GRE scores, and 4) transcripts. We will begin to review applications on September 1st. Posted: 8/13/12.

University of Idaho: Graduate Assistantship in Silviculture. We seek a highly motivated graduate student for spring semester 2013 to work on a regional stand density management project focused on removal of small diameter trees to improve growth, vigor and resilience of residual stands. Project objectives include identifying growth-density relationships and determining the growth phase for maximum response to density treatment. Projects are located on private and public conifer forest lands between the Cascades and the Western Rockies. Successful candidates will collaborate and communicate among numerous land management organizations included in the Intermountain Forest Tree Nutrition Cooperative. Desired background includes strong quantitative and writing skills, field forestry experience, and knowledge of: intermediate stand silviculture, forest soil properties, and ecosystem science. For questions about this position or to apply send an email to Mark Coleman (mcoleman@uidaho.edu). Applications should include a letter of interest, CV, transcripts, GRE scores and the names of three references. Applications will be reviewed starting 1 September 2012. Posted: 8/13/12.

University of Idaho: PhD Assistantships on Sustainable Forest Bioenergy. We seek three graduate assistantships for winter 2013 to collaboratively study forest ecosystems responses to biomass removal for biofuel production. Project objectives include developing ecological indicators of removal impacts including tree growth, soil quality, wood decomposition, and diversity of fungi and invertebrates. Projects are located in northern Idaho conifer ecosystems, which are managed for products, recreation, water and wildlife. Successful candidates will collaborate and communicate across disciplines, have good quantitative and writing skills, and have interest in, and knowledge of forest bioenergy production systems. Applications will be reviewed starting 15 August 2012. 1) PhD Assistantship in forest, soil and nutrient cycling. The research focus for this assistantship will be on how the collection of woody residues for bioenergy production will affect tree growth and canopy responses, carbon and nutrient cycles in residues and soils, the flux of greenhouse gases and the availability of plant growth resources. Desired background includes forest management, soils, biogeochemical cycling, microbial ecology, and ecosystem science. The PhD student may select from programs in the University of Idaho's College of Natural Resources or Environmental Science. Questions about this position or to apply send an email to Mark Coleman (mcoleman@uidaho.edu). Applications should include a letter of interest, CV, transcripts, GRE scores and the names of three references. 2) PhD Assistantship in fungal diversity. The research focus for this assistantship will be on quantifying the effects of biomass harvesting on wood-inhabiting fungal communities using both fruiting bodies and DNA-based survey methods and determining whether changes in the fungal community result in increased or decreased wood-decomposition rates. Desired background includes introductory and advanced mycology courses, biochemistry, statistics, and ecosystem sciences. The PhD student may select from programs in the University of Idaho's College of Natural Resources or Environmental Science. To enquire about this position or to apply send an email to Daniel Lindner (dlindner@fs.fed.us) and David Tank (dtank@uidaho.edu). Applications should include a letter of interest, CV, transcripts, GRE scores and the names of three references. 3) PhD Assistantship in invertebrate diversity. The research focus for this assistantship will be on examining how the collection of woody residues for bioenergy production will impact invertebrate community parameters of non-pestiferous species. The research will focus on ground and soil-inhabiting groups including mites, springtails, ground beetles, ants and gastropods. Desired background includes invertebrate population and/or community ecology. The student may select from the Entomology program in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences or the Environmental Sciences program. To enquire about this position or to apply, send an email to Stephen Cook, (stephenc@uidaho.edu). Applications should include a letter of interest, CV, transcripts, GRE scores, and the names of three references. Posted: 8/2/12.

University of Idaho: Ph.D. Assistantship: Arctic Ecology and Remote Sensing. We seek sincere, motivated, creative individuals to apply for an exciting Ph.D. opportunity to work in the Alaskan Arctic, and possibly other ecosystems. This project will research links among Arctic tundra shrub development, climate and trophic chain dynamics, and thresholds in carbon cycling. The accepted candidate will learn cutting edge remote sensing tools in ecological remote sensing, including laser altimetry (lidar) and spectral image analysis. The project will take place as part of a dynamic, interdisciplinary team at the University of Idaho (Lee Vierling and Jan Eitel) and Columbia University (Natalie Boelman and Kevin Griffin). Financial support is available via a newly funded NASA project as part of the NASA Terrestrial Ecology and North American Carbon Programs, providing myriad opportunities for interdisciplinary networking and professional growth. Start date is either January or May 2013, with the student headquartered at the U. of Idaho. For more information, please send your CV, electronic transcripts, and brief statement of interest to Dr. Lee Vierling at leev@uidaho.edu. Posted: 7/24/12.

University of Illinois at Springfield: I am recruiting a MS-level graduate student (M.S. in Environmental Science) to participate in an on-going research project on Franklin's ground squirrel (Poliocitellus franklinii), a state-threatened species in Illinois. The graduate research assistantship should be available for two years with a January 7, 2013 start date. The assistantship will provide tuition and service fee waiver, a stipend for the spring and fall semesters, summer salary, and research support. The selected student will be able to pursue a thesis topic related to habitat management or habitat connectivity for Franklin's ground squirrel. The student must have a strong work ethic, leadership skills, keen attention to detail, ability to follow directions, and ability to supervise a field crew of undergraduate research assistants during the field seasons. Applicants should have a background in ecology or environmental science. Experience or coursework in GIS and/or GPS is highly desirable. Experience with wildlife trapping, handling, and PIT-tagging would be plus. Interested students should email the following to Dr. Tih-Fen Ting at tting1@uis.edu as soon as possible. 1. Cover letter addressing background, qualifications, and research interest. 2. Resume, including contact information for three references. 3. Transcripts (unofficial or scanned copy acceptable). Suitable candidates will also be encouraged to submit a formal application to the graduate research assistantship program. Please do not hesitate to email me if you have questions. Posted: 10/29/12.

University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign: A Graduate Assistantship (Ph.D.) is available to study the effects of invasive species and prescribed fire on plant recruitment and carbon cycling in the lab of Dr. Jennifer Fraterrigo. Work will be conducted in southern Illinois, within the Central Hardwoods Region, and will focus on Microstegium vimineum, a C4 annual grass that is currently invading deciduous forests throughout the eastern U.S. Research in the Fraterrigo lab addresses the consequences of spatial heterogeneity due to physical and biological processes for ecosystem processes, with the goals of advancing theory regarding the resilience of ecosystems subjected to environmental changes; and providing information that will enhance the management of ecosystems within a landscape context. Qualifications: Applicants should have at least a 3.5 GPA and competitive GRE scores. Additionally, individuals should be highly motivated and have excellent writing and analytical skills. Candidates must be able to work independently. Preference will be given to applicants with demonstrated experience with GIS, ecosystem measurements, and statistical modeling. Interested candidates should e-mail Dr. Jennifer Fraterrigo (jmf@illinois.edu) a single PDF file containing the following information: - Cover letter outlining research interests and professional goals - Resume - Copies of transcripts (unofficial copies acceptable) - GRE scores and percentiles (if not available, indicate when exam will be taken) - Names and contact information for three references. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt, and promising candidates will be invited to submit formal applications to a UIUC graduate program (PEEC or NRES). For further information, contact: Dr. Jennifer M. Fraterrigo (jmf@illinois.edu), Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, Turner Hall, MC-047, 1102 South Goodwin Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801. Phone: (217) 333-9428, Fax: (217) 244-3219. Posted: 9/14/12.

University of Kansas: The Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and the Kansas Biological Survey has a position available for a student seeking a Master's degree starting in fall 2013. The successful applicant will analyze and further develop a long-term data set describing patterns of forest succession at the KU Field Station, which represents the eastern deciduous forest/tallgrass prairie ecotone. The student will be jointly mentored by community ecologist Dr. Bryan Foster and ecosystem ecologist Dr. Sharon Billings. Field work will include re-sampling forest plots established in the 1980s to investigate spatial and temporal patterns in tree demography and forest succession. The particular focus of the project will depend on student interest and project trajectory, but likely will test ideas pertaining to forest community establishment, succession and persistence, links between community composition and ecosystem function, and ecological theory. Experience with any or all of these topics is desirable. The successful applicant must be eager to contribute to our labs' capabilities and intellectual environment, and can benefit from the broad expertise of the EEB's faculty members. Information on the EEB graduate program and the application procedure: http://www2.ku.edu/~eeb/graduate/. Interested candidates should send a c.v., brief statement of purpose demonstrating scientific interests and writing acuity, and a brief description of their educational background that includes a list of science and mathematics classes to Dr. Sharon Billings at sharonb@ku.edu or to Dr. Bryan Foster at bfoster@ku.edu. Posted: 9/7/12.

University of Kansas: The Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology has positions available for two Ph.D. students starting in fall 2013. Successful applicants will examine the effects of warming and altered precipitation regimes on soil carbon and nitrogen dynamics (see Sharon Billings's website for on-going projects). Lab work will offer opportunities to gain experience with gas chromatography, isotope ratio mass spectrometry, multiple means of quantifying soil organic matter composition, microbial community structure and function, and greenhouse gas generation and fluxes. Experience with any or all of these topics is desirable; scientific research experience is required. Applicants must be eager to contribute to the lab's capabilities and intellectual environment, and can benefit from the broad expertise of theEEB's faculty members. Information on the EEB graduate program and the application procedure: http://www2.ku.edu/~eeb/graduate/. Interested candidates should send a c.v., brief statement of purpose demonstrating scientific interests and writing acuity, and a brief description of their educational background that includes a list of science and mathematics classes to Dr. Sharon Billings at sharonb@ku.edu. Posted: 9/7/12.

University of Konstanz: The Meyer lab at the University of Konstanz, Germany, member of the International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS) for Organismal Biology, is offering two fully-funded three-year PhD positions: Ecology and genomics of parallel speciation of cichlid fishes in Nicaraguan crater lakes. The successful applicants will participate in the International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS) for Organismal Biology, the PhD program of the Max Planck Institute for Ornithology in Seewiesen and Radolfzell and the University of Konstanz. All IMPRS students are supported by stipends or contracts. The program offers a dedicated teaching program, high quality research experience, and outstanding research facilities in an inspiring research and living environment. The working language is English. Each PhD student receives individual supervision and mentoring and is guided in her/his research work by a PhD advisory committee. Qualification Applicants should hold a MSc or equivalent degree in biology or a related discipline at the point of enrollment. Queries should be mailed to the IMPRS program office: IMPRS@uni-konstanz.de Deadline for the application is January 15, 2013. Interviews are scheduled for Mid-March. The successful candidates are expected to start latest September 2013. For the online application process visit the link above. Posted: 11/16/12.

University of Konstanz: The Yohannes lab, member of the International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS) for Organismal Biology, is offering the fully-funded three-year PhD position: Isotopic finger-printing of contemporary and historic changes in copepod trophic position following a shift in lake trophy. The successful applicant will participate in the International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS) for Organismal Biology, the PhD program of the Max Planck Institute for Ornithology in Seewiesen and Radolfzell and the University of Konstanz. All IMPRS students are supported by stipends or contracts. The program offers a dedicated teaching program, high quality research experience, and outstanding research facilities in an inspiring research and living environment. The working language is English. Each PhD student receives individual supervision and mentoring and is guided in her/his research work by a PhD advisory committee. Qualification Applicants should hold a MSc or equivalent degree in biology or a related discipline at the point of enrollment. Queries should be mailed to the IMPRS program office: IMPRS@uni-konstanz.de Deadline for the application is January 15, 2013. Interviews are scheduled for Mid-March. The successful candidate is expected to start latest September 2013. For the online application process visit the link above. Posted: 11/16/12.

University of Konstanz: PhD Position in Plant Ecology, 'Testing the relative roles of competition and plant-soil feedbacks in explaining commonness and rarity of native and alien plant species.' This project will test the relative importance of competition and plant-soil feedbacks in explaining commonness and rarity of plant species native and alien to Germany, using novel experiments in greenhouse, common garden and field settings. This project is fully funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) for three years. The position is available to start in November 2012, and will be supervised by Wayne Dawson and Mark van Kleunen. The successful candidate should have a good ecological background, with at least a good Bachelor’s degree in ecology or related discipline. The candidate should also ideally have some experience of working with plants, and knowledge and experience of statistical analysis. Please send applications, including a letter of motivation, a CV and names and addresses of two referees, to Wayne Dawson (wayne.dawson@uni-konstanz.de). The deadline for applications is 30th September 2012. Posted: 8/24/12.

University of Louisiana: Doctoral Fellowships and other assistantships available for entering Ph.D. students in Environmental and Evolutionary Biology. We will be awarding University of Louisiana Fellowships and Board of Regents Fellowships to Ph.D. students entering Spring and Fall 2013. UL Fellows are funded for 3-4 years and have limited teaching responsibilities, while BoR Fellows are funded for 4 years at and have no formal teaching duties. Stipends are up to $28k per year (with tuition waiver). Eligibility requirements include US citizenship (or permanent residency) or degree from a US institution. We will also have teaching and research assistantships available for incoming Ph.D. students. Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to directly contact prospective advisors. Their contact information and research interests can be found at the Department of Biology web site, which also has a link to our graduate programs. The Department has approximately 75 graduate students and 25 graduate faculty members conducting research on a wide variety of topics. Posted: 8/21/12.

University of Louisiana at Lafayette: Spring 2013. I (Scott M. Duke-Sylvester, Department of Biology) have support for a highly motivated PhD student who is interested in interdisciplinary research on wetland ecosystems and plant community dynamics. My research involves the mathematical and computational modeling of landscape scale processes. I have NSF funding to support a modeling effort to explore the contribution of plants and plant community structure to the formation and persistence of deltaic ecosystem. This research is part of a larger NSF funded project comprised of an interdisciplinary team of ecologists, hydrologist, and engineers to understand the processes that have allowed Wax Lake Delta to emerge as the only growing delta in the Louisiana coastal wetlands ecosystem. Wax Lake Delta is located along Louisiana's Guld Coast at the southern end of the Atchafalaya wetlands. Support for this position includes a stipend of $18k/year plus tuition waiver for four years. Support for additional years is available from the biology department in the form of teaching assistantships and state funded fellowships. Successful applicants should have a completed their undergraduate degree, have a background in the biological sciences, experience with at least one programming language such as C, R, Java or Python and an interest in developing computational models for plant communities. Interested candidates may contact me at smd3729@louisiana.edu. Posted: 9/14/12.

University of Maine: Two Graduate Research Assistantships will be available in 2012 in the area of forest soils and ecosystem biogeochemistry in the laboratory of Ivan Fernandez. We are seeking highly motivated students interested in developing their research within the context of a larger multi-disciplinary team. Students seeking a Ph.D. or highly qualified M.S. students may apply. Applicants with research experience in forest soils, ecology, environmental science or biogeochemistry are preferred. The assistantship includes a competitive stipend, tuition, and health insurance. There are several degree program major options available to the students, depending on their background and professional interests, such as Forest Resources or Ecology and Environmental Sciences. Both positions will include rigorous field research as well as detailed laboratory studies. One position will focus on the use of biochar as a soil amendment to develop an advanced biofuel pathway for New England. The research will be conducted as part of a multidisciplinary research project, and approaches for the use of biochar will include both mesocosm and field experiments. The second position will focus on the biogeochemistry of soil response to long-term whole-watershed acidification, nitrogen enrichment, and recovery. Specific emphasis will be on sulfate and base cation response mechanisms in soils. This project also is part of a larger, long-term, multi-disciplinary, and collaborative research team. Other opportunities are also possible in the overall program in 2013. Interested applicants are encouraged to send a letter of interest (prior accomplishments, research experience and interests, future career goals), a CV, transcripts, and GRE scores. Details about the graduate admissions process: http://www.umaine.edu/graduate/. Please contact: Dr. Ivan J. Fernandez, University of Maine, School of Forest Resources and Climate Change Institute, 5722 Deering Hall – Room 1, Orono, ME 04469-5722. 207-581-2932. E-mail: ivanjf@maine.edu. Posted: 11/5/12.

University of Maine: IGERT: Adaptation to Abrupt Climate Change (A2C2). Seeking outstanding applicants for a doctoral graduate training program in adaptation to abrupt climate change funded by the NSF IGERT program. This is a joint program between the Climate Change Institute and the School of Policy & International Affairs at UMaine. The A2C2 IGERT is designed to train doctoral students in earth sciences, ecology, anthropology, archaeology, international affairs, and economics to meet critical societal needs in human adaptation to ACC. Please see the program website for descriptions of program goals and research themes. Students in this program will receive an annual stipend of $30k per year in each of the first 2 years, plus tuition, fees, and health insurance coverage. Students must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents to receive IGERT support. Application instructions are provided on the program website. For full consideration, submit all documents no later than February 1 for the following academic year. Any questions about this program should be sent to the IGERT A2C2 Project Director, Dr. Jasmine Saros, jasmine.saros@umit.maine.edu. Posted: 10/19/12.

University of Manchester: 4-year PhD studentship - part of a multi-disciplinary project bringing together the fields of ecology, evolution, computer science and control theory. Title: The evolution of sexual imprinting behaviour. Anticipated start date: September of 2013. Closing date for applications: December 7th, 2012. Description: Why do individuals choose the mates they choose? In many species, including humans, mate choice depends in part on sexual imprinting. Sexual imprinting is a process by which individuals learn preferences for mates with certain phenotypes by observing other members of their populations. Different populations, and different sexes within populations, exhibit different sexual imprinting strategies. Sexual imprinting is an important component of animal behaviour, and it helps to shape how phenotypes evolve and if and when speciation occurs. However, how sexual imprinting itself evolves, and why strategies differ between populations and sexes, remains poorly understood. The goal of this project is to develop a synthetic theory for the evolution of sexual imprinting. With guidance from Drs. Tucker Gilman andEva Navarro-López at the University of Manchester, the student who undertakes this project will develop analytical models and agent-based computational simulations to understand when sexual imprinting should evolve and what imprinting strategies we should expect to see in nature. Research will consider how evolved imprinting strategies can affect trait evolution in environments in which selective pressures are heterogeneous in space and time. In the third year of the studentship, the student will spend six months in the lab of Prof. Erik Svensson at Lund University, where he or she will gain experience with experimental approaches to the study of sexual imprinting, as well as professional experience working with international collaborators. Training will include classical methods in biology (e.g., population genetics, adaptive dynamics) and hybrid systems modelling - a nascent area of research that merges computer science, control engineering and dynamical systems analysis. The student will gain empirical experience and professional experience with international collaborators in the lab of Erik Svensson. Candidates should: - be interested in using mathematical models to understand evolutionary processes; - have a background in biology, or a willingness to acquire such a background; - have a sound mathematical background; - have good verbal and written communication skills, good interpersonal skills, and a collaborative attitude. The ideal candidate will also: - have experience with dynamical systems analysis; - have experience with mathematical models, and with mathematical and computational tools required to carry out the project; - have experience in programming; Applicants with multi-disciplinary backgrounds are especially welcome. The studentship provides tuition fees and a stipend (£13,590 per year, tax free) to cover living expenses for 4 years for eligible UK students. Students from the EU but outside the UK are eligible for tuition and fees, but a stipend cannot be guaranteed to non-UK students. A small amount of travel funding is attached to the studentship. Students from outside the EU will be considered, but must have their own funding source. Contact for further information: Dr. Tucker Gilman (tucker.gilman@manchester.ac.uk ), Dr. Eva Navarro-López (eva.navarro@cs.man.ac.uk ), Prof. Erik Svensson (Erik.Svensson@biol.lu.se ) Potential applicants should send an email message to Tucker Gilman (tucker.gilman@manchester.ac.uk ), including - A cover letter - A curriculum vitae - A brief description of the applicant’s background - A brief description of current work or interests - Some representative work (if available). Posted: 10/30/12.

University of Manitoba: I am currently seeking two motivated graduate students to study the interaction between herbivores and natural enemies in agricultural landscapes. I am recruiting candidates for the following positions: 1 - Soybean aphid control by natural enemies in Manitoba: The candidate will study for the first time the natural enemies of soybean aphids in Manitoba, establish their sources in the agricultural landscape and their potential for dispersion across different habitats (M.Sc. level). 2 - Landscape scale role of multiple predator assemblages and bottom-up controls: The candidate will compare the relative strength of top-down and bottom-up control in agricultural landscapes that vary in structural and functional components (Ph. D. level). Candidates must hold a B.Sc. or M. Sc. degree in entomology, ecology, agroecology, biology or related field. Applicants should have a keen interest in insect ecology, trophic interactions, and landscape ecology. Excellent work ethic and proficiency in English language (written and oral) are required. Knowledge of GIS techniques and familiarity with quantitative techniques in ecology are assets. While these two positions are fully funded (2 years for M.Sc., 3 years for Ph. D.), the successful applicants will be encouraged to apply for additional funding from the University Fellowship program and provincial and federal funding agencies when applicable. Anticipated start date is January 2013 or as soon as possible after that date. For more information contact Ale Costamagna. For full consideration please send your applications before October 1st, the positions will remain open until suitable candidates are found. Please include in your application: 1) Name of the position to which you are applying, 2) Letter of application describing career goals and research interests, 3) Resume, transcripts (unofficial at this stage), and 4) Names, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses of three references. Applications should be sent to: Alejandro C. Costamagna Ale_Costamagna@umanitoba.ca phone: 1-204-474-9007 fax: 1-204-474-7628. Posted: 9/20/12.

University of Maryland: Graduate Research Position in Margaret Palmer's lab. I have an opening for a M.S. or Ph.D. student in my research group in the area of wetland-stream connectivity. Position is available now but could also be filled in January. Student must have GIS skills and course work in ecosystem science or ecology. If interested, please send resume, transcripts, and GRE scores to Margaret A. Palmer (mpalmer@umd.edu), Director, National Socio-Environmental Synthesis Center. Posted: 8/2/12.

University of Maryland: Fellowship in global ecology and carbon dynamics. This position includes development of a spatially-resolved carbon flux data product for global agricultural lands. Research will include reviewing and developing carbon parameters, work with large numerical databases, development of carbon budgets, and spatial downscaling with remote sensing data. Preferred technical skills include database management with “R”, ArcGIS, and meta-analysis. The successful applicant will work with a team that has many of the aforementioned skills, so technical expertise with all skills is not essential. Ability to communicate clearly, both oral and written, are critical. Applicant should have an interest in regional and global carbon dynamics associated with land-use change. The position is located at the Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center (ESSIC) at College Park, MD. The project is led by the Joint Global Change Research Institute (JGCRI) at College Park, Maryland. JGCRI is a joint institute that combines expertise from the Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and the University of Maryland. The researcher will also interface with colleagues at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. Project results will be used in the NASA Carbon Flux Pilot Study and in the Department of Energy’s Integrated Assessment Program. Project duration is 1 year with the potential for longer-term extension. This position is open to post-doctoral and post-masters researchers. Please send resume to Dr. Tris West, (Email: Tristram.west@pnnl.gov; Phone: 301-314-6705). Posted: 7/18/12.

University of Maryland: Requesting applications for a PhD student to participate in an interdisciplinary project entitled "Sustainable Community Oriented Stormwater Management (S-COSM): A Sensible Strategy for the Chesapeake Bay" sponsored by the EPA-STAR program. Outstanding M.S. candidates may also be considered. Research will focus on identifying water pollution in spatially variable urban environments and the development of a diagnostic decision support system to better prescribe effective management. Work will involve using process-based biodynamic hydrologic models to evaluate responses of urban areas to environmental stressors, but also integrate social, economic, and human health data collected by other project participants into the decision support system. The successful applicant will need a desire to consider their specific research within the broader framework of social and environmental sustainability, and clearly demonstrate interdisciplinary skills. The student will be based in the Department of Environmental Science and Technology, but work closely with Co-PIs in Departments of Bioengineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Plant Sciences and Landscape Architecture, and the School of Public Health. Applicants will also work closely with community partners given a strong community-based participatory research component to this project. Applicants must have a M.S. in hydrology, engineering, computer modeling or relevant field. Requirements also include: a) demonstrated experience using SWAT and SUSTAIN tools of the EPA BASINS framework; b) demonstrated superior written (e.g., publications) and oral (e.g., presentations) communication skills; and c) demonstrated ability to be a committed team player. A start date of Spring, 2013 is the target. To apply, please send the following to the email address below: (1) Curriculum Vitae, (2) statement of research interests (1 pg), and (3) names and contact information of two references familiar with your research abilities. These application materials should be sent and addressed to Dr. Paul Leisnham (Leisnham@umd.edu) in the Dept. of Environmental Science and Technology, University of Maryland. Paul Leisnham is attending the upcoming ESA meeting in Portland and may be able to meet with potential applicants about the project. Posted: 7/13/12.

University of Maryland: Requesting applications for a PhD student to participate in an interdisciplinary project entitled "Urban disamenities and pests: Coupled dynamics of urban mosquito ecology and human systems across socio-economically diverse communities" funded through a NSF Dynamics of Coupled Natural and Human Systems (CNH) grant. Outstanding M.S. candidates may also be considered. Research will investigate ecological factors regulating communities of disease-vector and pest mosquitoes in Baltimore, MD using surveys, experimental manipulations, and modeling. Ecological data and findings will be integrated with data collected on upstream social factors and human health. The student will be based in the Ecology and Health Lab at the University of Maryland under the supervision of Dr. Paul Leisnham, but work closely with four other PIs with expertise in ecology, social sciences, and public health from UMD and other institutions. Research will also involve close collaboration with partners within urban communities, postdocs, and other graduate students. Applicants must have a M.S. in biology, ecology, or relevant field. Requirements also include: a) familiarity with aquatic insect communities, urban ecosystems, and/or integrated pest management; b) knowledge of experimental methods in ecology; c) strong background in experimental design and statistical techniques, and experience with SAS or R; d) demonstrated superior written (e.g., publications) and oral (e.g., presentations) communication skills; and e) demonstrated ability to be a committed team player. A start date of Spring, 2013 is the target. To apply, please send the following to the email address below: (1) Curriculum Vitae, (2) statement of research interests (1 pg), and (3) names and contact information of two references familiar with your research abilities. These application materials should be sent and addressed to Dr. Paul Leisnham (leisnham@umd.edu) in the Dept. of Environmental Science and Technology, University of Maryland. Paul Leisnham will be attending the upcoming ESA meeting in Portland and may be able to talk to interested applicants about the project. Posted: 7/13/12.

University of Maryland: The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science seeks a motivated PhD student to study the influence of changes in growing season length on the productivity of forest trees in the eastern United States. The student will join a team of ecologists and remote-sensing scientists to integrate multi-scale remotely sensed imagery of forest phenology and structure with tree-ring width and isotopic measurements. An important component of the student’s work will involve interfacing with resource managers to ensure that project outcomes benefit the management of protected ecosystems in the eastern US. The project is based at the Appalachian Laboratory in Frostburg, Maryland, with Drs. Andrew Elmore and David Nelson. The student will have access to the lab’s excellent research, computing, and teaching facilities, including a state-of-the-art stable isotope lab. Student support has been secured through a grant from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The student will matriculate through the Marine, Estuarine, and Environmental Sciences Program (MEES) at the University of Maryland, College Park. To apply, please e-mail a single PDF document that includes: (1) a statement of interest, (2) a CV (including GPA and GRE scores), and (3) contact information for three references to aelmore@umces.edu. The full ad is available at http://www.umces.edu/al/employment, and it will be posted until the position is filled. Posted: 7/6/12, revised: 8/2/12.

University of Massachusetts: PhD Research Assistantship: Residential Outdoor Water Conservation. Preferred start date: January 2013 (later date negotiable). A position is available for a Ph.D. student to assist with research that will examine the influence of policy and outreach efforts on local residents' adoption of water conservation and stormwater strategies in the residential landscapes of the Ipswich and Parker River watershed north of Boston. The Ipswich is considered one of the most threatened rivers in the US, due to polluted stormwater runoff and overdraft of water by local communities. Other comparison communities may be included in the study. Through this research, we seek to trace watershed conservation measures from policy incentives to impact so as to develop a clearer picture of the relationship between local policy and outreach efforts, actual decisions to engage and install residential landscape water conservation practices, and measureable improvements in water conservation and ecosystem health. The objective is to develop improved understandings of institutional and behavioral impacts on water conservation. The successful candidate should have a master’s degree in landscape architecture, hydrology, ecology, environmental science, regional planning or a related discipline. Master’s students in their last year of study (or with considerable experience in the field) who plan to continue on for a Ph.D. will be considered. Direct knowledge and experience in water supply or utility functioning, water efficiency, low-impact development strategies, policy, and economics is highly desirable. S/he will also be familiar with a range of qualitative and quantitative research methods including conducting and analyzing interviews and surveys, database management, and GIS. Good communication and presentation skills are essential. A valid driver’s license is also needed. The candidate can seek to obtain a degree through either the Department of Landscape Architecture and Regional Planning or the Department of Environmental Conservation. Funding available includes 2-year’s stipend and graduate school tuition/fees, with additional funding possible. To apply or request further information, email a cover letter and CV (or resume) to Robert Ryan (rlryan@larp.umass.edu), Anita Milman ( amilman@eco.umass.edu), and Allison Roy (aroy@eco.umass.edu). Application to and acceptance via the Graduate School is required. Posted: 10/23/12.

University of Minnesota: The Department of Forest Resources is seeking a master's-level graduate student to participate in a research project examining the effects of variable retention harvests on ground-layer plant communities in red pine forests within northern Minnesota. The student will join a team of collaborators from the University of Minnesota and U.S. Forest Service to assess the influence of different levels of overstory retention and understory shrub competition on ground-layer flora within a large-scale, long-term silviculture experiment. The position is available for Spring/Summer 2013 and includes two years of funding (stipend, tuition waiver, and health insurance). The ideal candidate will have a B.S. in forest ecology, forestry, natural resources conservation, environmental science, biology or a closely related field, as well as a strong work ethic, demonstrated quantitative capabilities, a record of leadership, and a proven ability to work independently. The application deadline for this position is December 15, 2012. Interested candidates should contact: Dr. Anthony D'Amato (damato@umn.edu, 612-625-3733). Posted: 9/6/12.

University of Mississippi: The Hoeksema lab is seeking a graduate student to participate in an NSF-funded project investigating variation in resource-exchange interactions between pines and their ectomycorrhizal fungi, and the consequences of this variation for community dynamics. More information on the project and other ongoing research in the Hoeksema lab. The target start date for the position is August, 2013, although an earlier or later start date may be negotiable. The position will provide a minimum of three semesters of stipend support through a research assistantship (RA), with further guaranteed support through teaching assistantships. Tuition and health insurance benefits are also provided. The Department of Biology has a thriving graduate program, with significant faculty strengths in ecology, evolution, and behavior. For more information, please contact Dr. Jason Hoeksema (hoeksema@olemiss.edu, 662.915.1275). Posted: 10/22/12.

University of Mississippi: M.S. Fellowship in Soil Microbial & Forest Restoration Ecology A fellowship is available for a student to pursue a Master of Science degree studying soil microbial ecology in the context of forest restoration and management through the Department of Biology. The participating student would join a cohort of three other graduate students with different organismal foci, all of whom will participate in a comprehensive graduate training program in forest restoration ecology. Participating students will have several unique and exciting opportunities, including a summer internship with a successful forest restoration project in British Columbia, Canada; participation in collaborative research on forest restoration and fire ecology in northern Mississippi; coursework in forest restoration ecology, research methods, and professional development; and supported travel to meetings. The M.S. fellow would join the research laboratory of Dr. Colin Jackson, but might also find opportunities for collaborative research with Drs. Steve Brewer, Jason Hoeksema, and Brice Noonan. The fellow will receive stipend support of $17k for 2 years, health insurance, and a waiver of graduate tuition through a United States Department of Agriculture graduate training fellowship, and additional support in the form of a teaching assistantship will be available if necessary. Fellowships are only available to U.S. citizens and nationals. The University of Mississippi is located in Oxford, a small college town in the forested uplands of northern Mississippi known for its outstanding educational and cultural opportunities. Starting date is negotiable, between January and August 2013. For more information contact Dr. Colin Jackson (cjackson@olemiss.edu) and for instructions on how to apply please seewww.olemiss.edu/depts/biology/usda. Applications should be submitted as soon as possible, and will be accepted until February 1, 2013 or until the position is filled. Posted: 8/7/12.

University of Missouri: Ph.D. Graduate Research Assistant: Investigating Carbon and Climate Mitigation by Urban Forests. The Interdisciplinary Hydrology Laboratory of the University of Missouri, in collaboration with Lincoln University, is seeking a Ph.D. graduate research assistant (GRA) to conduct independent research investigating urban forest carbon (C) sequestration and climate mitigation in a dynamic multi-land-use urbanizing watershed of the central U.S. The study takes place in the Hinkson Creek Watershed (HCW) encompassing the city of Columbia and the University of Missouri. The Interdisciplinary Hydrology Laboratory is located in the School of Natural Resources of the University of Missouri. The University of Missouri is among the top ten of the nation's universities with demonstrated excellence in teaching and research. This is a four year position beginning when filled. The successful applicant will study total C storage and flux above and below ground in at least six forested sites along an urbanization gradient and localized microclimate and energy flux variability influenced by the presence, absence, and density of urban tree canopies. Applicants must possess a master’s degree and have completed at least one degree in physical hydrology, biogeochemistry, ecology, environmental sciences, water quality, or a similar natural resources related field. Experience in C biogeochemical cycling and measurement in C pools and fluxes is a plus. Strong verbal, written, and computational skills are mandatory. Successful applicants will be required to work collaboratively and independently, conduct field work under variable weather conditions, and aid in installation and maintenance of instruments and monitoring sites. Applicants must possess a valid US driver's license and be able to lift and carry equipment and tools. If interested in applying, please forward by email the following documents: transcript, curriculum vitae, recent GRE scores, recent TOEFL scores (international students only), cover letter (including academic, research and professional goals and interests), and the names and contact information of three references to: Dr. Jason Hubbart, Department of Forestry, University of Missouri, 203-Q ABNR Bldg, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; Tel No. (573) 884-7732; Fax: (573) 882-1979; Email: HubbartJ@Missouri.edu. Posted: 10/23/12.

University of Missouri: PhD Position: Genetic Assessment of Amphibian Source-Sink Dynamics. The focus of this research project is on assessing the population and landscape genetics of ringed and spotted salamanders as they relate to source-sink dynamics at Fort Leonard Wood, MO. To date, we have developed and optimized site-specific microsatellites for each species. Research responsibilities will include training and oversight of undergraduates in the lab, DNA extraction, PCR, analysis of microsatellite data, and spatial of analysis of results using GIS. Fort Leonard Wood is a 25,000 hectare military training facility with >400 constructed wetlands that are inhabited by >12 amphibian species. This research is part of an ongoing project funded by SERDP, which involves intensive yearly ecological sampling of a 7,000 hectare area containing ~193 ponds for species abundance of egg, larval, and metamorph stages of both salamanders. Qualifications: Applicants should have 3.5 GPA and competitive GRE scores, with emphasis being placed on the quantitative reasoning section. Students should have strong writing and analytical skills, and experience with one or all of the following: GIS, statistical modeling, and population genetics. The selected student must be able to start no later than August 2013. This position provides a stipend of $24k/year plus tuition waiver and health insurance. Students will be guaranteed funding for 5 years on a TA, with the opportunity for RA support. Please send a CV, copy of transcripts, GRE scores, and publications to Ray Semlitsch at SemlitschR@missouri.edu. Posted: 9/6/12.

University of Montana: MS/PhD Opportunity in Ecosystem Biogeochemistry, Department of Ecosystem & Conservation Sciences. A graduate assistantship (M.S. or Ph.D) is now available to support a prospective student interested in studying the long-term effects of forest restoration treatments on ecosystem structure and function. Applicants should have a strong record of academic excellence, prior field and/or laboratory experience, and a demonstrated interest in microbial ecology, soils or ecosystems/biogeochemistry research. Student support will include a combination of teaching/research assistantships, a stipend (~$16k/year for MS students; $20k/year for PhD candidates) and a tuition waiver. Formal appointments will begin in the fall of 2013, but preference will be given to candidates who can begin field research in the spring of 2013. To apply: For more information or to apply, please email the following materials (as a single PDF or Word document) to Dr. Cory Cleveland at cory.cleveland@umontana.edu : 1) a current resume or CV, including GPA and test scores (if available); 2) a letter of interest, including research interests, professional goals and prior experience; and 3) contact information, including Email addresses, of three potential references. Applications received by December 31, 2012 will be given preference. Posted: 9/20/12.

University of Nebraska-Lincoln: We are seeking a highly motivated PhD student to work on restoration ecology and invasive plant species in Great Plains grasslands using applied and theoretical approaches. The successful applicant will begin January 2013 and have the opportunity to work independently at established field research sites and with individuals in The Nature Conservancy, USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service, the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, and the School of Natural Resources at UNL. For more information or to submit an application, please reply to this message. If applying, send me a cover letter, CV, and 3 references: Stephen L. Young, PhD, Weed Ecologist, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, West Central Research & Extension Center, 402 West State Farm Road, North Platte, NE 69101. steve.young@unl.edu, 308-696-6712. Posted: 11/13/12.

University of Nevada Reno: The Program in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology (EECB) at the has new research opportunities and both teaching and research fellowships available for well-qualified students interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in fall 2013. We have research opportunities through our interdisciplinary graduate program, which links scientists across multiple departments (Biology, Natural Resources and Environmental Science, Geography, and others), the Desert Research Institute, and various state and federal agencies. Participating departments support about 100 graduate students in EECB and closely associated programs. Accepted Ph.D. students are eligible to receive stipends in the range of $16,800 to $28k per year, plus health benefits and tuition remission. In addition, EECB students are eligible for internal research and travel grants. Students may work in many areas of ecology and evolution, as well as applied areas such as conservation of endangered species, urbanization effects on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, and responses of plants and animals to climate change. EECB faculty and graduate students conduct research from South America to the Arctic in a variety of ecosystems. The EECB graduate program is one of the first nationwide to include Conservation Science in our degree. Facilities include the Whittell Forest and Wildlife Area Field Station, Conservation Genetics Center, and the Nevada Genomics Center. UNR is situated on the east side of the Sierra Nevada with easy access to both Lake Tahoe and the Great Basin, areas ideal for both research and recreation. Interested students should contact relevant EECB faculty members to discuss mutual research interests. application and admission information. For any questions, please contact co-directors Dr. Mary Peacock (mpeacock@unr.edu), Dr. Peter Weisberg (pweisberg@cabnr.unr.edu), or EECB program secretary Pauline Jasper (paulinej@unr.edu). Posted: 10/11/12.

University of Nevada Reno: M.S. Position in the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science. We seek a highly motivated M.S. student for a two year project beginning January 2013 on the habitat associations and local population dynamics of the pale kangaroo mouse (Microdipodops pallidus) in central Nevada in the context of planned alternative energy development. The candidate will plan, oversee, and participate in field data collection between March and July of each project year. The candidate will work closely with faculty and research staff to establish occupancy rates and build local and regional habitat models for this rare and listed species. The student will be lead on the publications that emerge from their research and will be expected to present results at scientific conferences and to interested agency personnel. Candidates should have experience with small mammal trapping and field identification and would ideally have basic GIS or population modeling skills as well as excellent writing and communication skills. Candidates must have a B.S. degree in a pertinentfield with GPA >3.0 and GRE scores no more than five years old, with a combined score of 1000 or greater for tests taken prior to August 1, 2011 or combined score of 300 or greater for tests taken on or after August 1, 2011. Stipend, health insurance, tuition, and all project operating costs will beprovided. Applications should include a single PDF document including: letter of research interests and career goals, a curriculum vitae, unofficial transcripts, and contact information for 3 references. Applications should be sent as an attachment to Dr. Marjorie Matocq, mmatocq@cabnr.unr.edu. This project is a collaboration between Drs. Marjorie Matocq, Jim Sedinger and Peter Weisberg. Review of applications will begin October 12 and will continue until the position is filled. Posted: 9/25/12.

University of New Hampshire: The Hobbie lab invites applications to the UNH Natural Resources and Earth Systems Science (NRESS) Ph.D. Program. We welcome inquiries from motivated students interested in how the interactions of organisms with their environment influence carbon and nutrient cycling. Our lab is an interactive group with interests in ecosystem modeling, remote sensing, the application of stable isotopes in ecology, and belowground processes, particularly mycorrhizal fungi. We are currently looking for students on two projects, one to work on a new global change experiment in northern Minnesota, another to work on biogeochemical consequences of shrub expansion in the Arctic. Incoming Ph.D. students are encouraged to develop their own research projects in these areas. Interested applicants should email Dr. Hobbie (erik.hobbie@unh.edu). The deadline for domestic and international applications is Jan. 15. In your email, include "Ph.D. opportunity" in the subject line, and a brief statement of your current or future research interests (please be as specific as you can), and a curriculum vitae. Posted: 11/2/12.

University of New Hampshire: The Earth Systems Research Center has an opening for a PhD student position in Remote Sensing and Coupled Natural and Human Systems starting in January 2013 or August 2013. This position carries a competitive stipend plus tuition and medical insurance. The PhD student will be responsible for the detection and monitoring of land-cover/land-use change (LCLUC) using satellite data (e.g., Landsat) and the linking of LCLUC data with physical (e.g., ecological, climate, hydrological) and socioeconomic data for the assessment of coupled natural and human systems. Applicants should be enthusiastic, creative, and highly motivated. Experience in remote sensing, particularly image classification and LCLUC detection, is highly desirable. Please submit a cover letter, CV, copies of transcripts, copies of TOEFL/GRE scores if applicable, and the names and contact information of three references to Prof. Jingfeng Xiao via email (j.xiao@unh.edu) with the subject line “Application for PhD Position on Remote Sensing”. Posted: 10/12/12.

University of New Hampshire: We seek a highly motivated Ph.D. student interested in studying aquatic ecosystem processes at the landscape scale. The research will focus on responses of water quantity and quality in a coastal watershed that is suburbanizing but also has increasing beaver populations and beaver ponds. Of particular interest is the role of spatial heterogeneity and hydrologic connectivity among different land uses and aquatic ecosystem types in influencing the biogeochemistry of a suburbanizing watershed. Research activities can include 1) experimental removal of impoundments, including taking advantage of planned anthropogenic dam removals and beaver dam removals, 2) synoptic, watershed-wide, field sampling, 3) geomorphic surveys, 4) ecosystem process measurements across flow conditions, and 5) application of computer models to scale findings to entire river networks in order to understand aggregate impacts of multiple impoundments. The position is funded through the Plum Island Ecosystem Long Term Ecological Research site, supported by the National Science Foundation. The study sites are located on the north shore of Massachusetts (Ipswich R. and Parker R. watersheds), part of the Boston metropolitan area. Candidates must have an M.S. degree or comparable experience in ecosystem ecology, biogeochemistry, hydrology, or related field. An interest in conducting field work in suburban and wetland ecosystems is essential. Also, ability or strong interest in developing and refining existing ecosystem models to scale processes from local to watershed scales, as well as ability to work with existing LIDAR data, is desirable. Position is available for start in Fall 2013. The student will be part of a dynamic group of research scientists, graduate students, and post doctoral fellows in the Water Systems Analysis Group working on various hydrology and aquatic ecosystem studies, as well as part of the larger PIE LTER and broader LTER network, offering considerable networking potential. Please send a curriculum vitae, statement of research interests, and contact information for 3 references to Dr. Wilfred Wollheim (wil.wollheim@unh.edu). Applicants will ultimately need to apply to the interdisciplinary Natural Resources and Earth System Science Ph.D. program. Posted: 10/8/12.

University of New Hampshire: A PhD associate position is available with a large interdisciplinary NSF-PIRE funded research project that will examine the social, economic, and ecological implications of bioenergy development in four countries across the Americas: Argentina (eucalyptus for biodiesel), Brazil (conversion of natural forests to soy, palm, and sugarcane for ethanol and biodiesel), Mexico (jatropha for biodiesel), and the U.S. (conversion of hardwood forests to cellulosic ethanol). The focus of this PhD position will be to quantify plant water use (sap flow techniques), water use efficiency, and rainfall interception of biofuel crops and the reference (native) vegetation at each of the four study sites. As part of this PhD position, there will be substantial opportunities to collaborate with other researchers with diverse backgrounds and expertise to conduct more integrated analysis of the impacts of bioenergy production on coupled water, carbon, and nutrient cycles within each of the study systems, and to assess effects of land use conversion on site water balance and water quality. The PhD student will be based at the UNH in Durham, NH, and will be co-advised by Dr. Heidi Asbjornsen (UNH) and Dr. Tom Pypker (Michigan Technological University). The position will also require travel for extended periods of time to each of the four study sites. Minimum qualifications include a M.S. degree (or comparable demonstrated experience) in ecology, plant ecophysiology, ecohydrology, or a related field. Candidates will require a strong analytical background and an ability to manage large data sets and supervise field assistants. Additionally, the prospective candidate should have demonstrated motivation and strong work habits, the ability to work independently as well as within a research group, and demonstrated ability to produce publications based on individual research. Preferred qualifications include experience with sap flow techniques, hydrometeorological analyses, and/or other field approaches for measuring plant, soil, or water dynamics. Proficiency in Spanish and/or Portuguese is also desirable. Interested candidates should submit a curriculum vitae, statement of interest, transcripts (unofficial versions are acceptable), and the names of three references to Heidi Asbjornsen, heidi.asbjornsen@unh.edu or Tom Pypker, tgpypker@mtu.edu. Review of applications will begin October 30, 2012 and will continue until the position is filled. The anticipated start date is sometime between January and May 2013 (negotiable). Funding is available for a total of four years (one year Teaching Assistantship and three years Research Assistantship). Posted: 10/4/12.

University of New Mexico: Ph.D. Students Wanted! Ecology and evolution of plants and plant-animal interactions. My lab is broadly interested in the ecology and evolution of plants and their communities, often focusing on plant-animal interactions such as herbivory, seed predation, and seed dispersal. We use a combination of field, greenhouse, phylogenetic, experimental evolution, and molecular genetic approaches. Students are expected to develop their own independent projects, but will also have opportunities to collaborate on NSF-funded investigations of hybridization in wild sunflowers and the role of genetic diversity in invasions. The lab is also starting new projects in desert and alpine ecosystems at the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge and the Rocky Mountain Biological Lab. Students will be a part of a dynamic group of plant biology, ecology, and evolution researchers at UNM. For more info please contact me (and send along a CV): Ken Whitney (whitneyk@unm.edu). Posted: 10/18/12.

University of North Dakota: Seeking graduate students (MS or PhD) in Earth System Science and Policy in projects focused on the Sheyenne National Grassland. Research could specialize in or combine mapping, monitoring, modeling and assessment of existing management regimes. The primary areas of research involve development of better vegetation maps of the grassland, historical and contemporary landscape ecology, and assessment of impacts of existing management regimes. For more details, contact Michael J. Hill. Posted: 10/25/12.

University of North Dakota: Positions are open for graduate students seeking a Master of Science or Ph.D. Degrees in Earth System Science and Policy with research interests in environmental change and impacts related to climate change and water resources using remote sensing and GIS techniques combined with field work. The primary area of research involves studying changes in North American glaciers and how these changes relate to climate fluctuations, as well as the impacts on downstream water use. This study involves the use of remote sensing and GIS techniques in which ENVI remote sensing and ESRI GIS software will be utilized in analyzing ASTER and Landsat images, Aerial Photography, and Digital Elevation Models. Knowledge of either software and/or the above data types is desirable, but not necessary. Field work is likely to occur during the late summer months and some experience in wilderness travel is desired but also not necessary. Field work will consist of using high accuracy GPS, laser range finder, ice penetrating radar, stream flow meter, and meteorological equipment. These topics can be tailored to fit a M.S. or Ph.D. degree. Tuition waivers are available and funding in the form of Research Assistantships may be available in the future. Students from a wide range of fields are encouraged to apply, such as Geography, Geology, Environmental Science, Climatology, Hydrology as well as many others in environmental majors. Earth System Science and Policy is an interdisciplinary department which focuses on environmental sustainability. Three degrees are offered through the department: Master of Environmental Management (M.E.M.), M.S., and Ph.D. If the above research topics is of interest, please see the UND Graduate School website for application instructions, or contact Dr. Jeff VanLooy of the Department of Earth System Science and Policy (701-777-4755, jvanlooy@aero.und.edu). Recommended deadline for application is June 1st however, early applications will receive top priority for admission. Posted: 10/23/12.

University of Oklahoma: PhD student opportunity in Land Use Effects on Water Quality using Remote Sensing. The Landscape Land Use Change Institute (LLUCI)seeks a PhD student to investigate “Land management impacts on water quality in New Zealand Rivers.” A research assistantship will be provided with competitive salary, research/travel funds, tuition, and health insurance. Qualifications: MA/MS in Geography, Natural Resources, Environmental Sciences, or other Remote sensing-related science. Skills in: Remote sensing analysis (ENVI/IDL), Geographic Information Systems, and Statistics are desired. The ideal candidate will also have knowledge of fluvial geomorphology, watershed science, agricultural systems, or landscape ecology. The selected student will be responsible for: (1) MODIS and Landsat imagery collection, processing and analysis; (2) collection and analysis of water quality data and weather data from existing databases; and (3) synthesis of the above data with socioeconomic and land use data provided by consultants and agencies in New Zealand. The student will spend at least one month in New Zealand conducting fieldwork and meeting with stakeholders. Contact: Please send a CV, statement of research interests, contact information for three references, refereed publications, and unofficial transcripts to jjulian@ou.edu by December 1. For additional information about this position, contact Dr. Jason Julian (jjulian@ou.edu) or Dr. Kirsten de Beurs (kdebeurs@ou.edu). The Department of Geography and Environmental Sustainability’s graduate program full application deadline is January 15. Posted: 10/11/12.

University of Oklahoma: The Ecolab of Dr. Yiqi Luo seeks candidates for three post-doctoral fellows and two graduate students to conduct research in the following areas: Theoretical analysis of land carbon cycle: We are looking for candidates with strong theoretical and mathematical training to analyze land carbon cycle. The land carbon cycle can be mathematically expressed as a nonautonomous linear system using an ordinary differential matrix equation (see Luo and Weng, 2011, Trends in Ecology & Evolution. 26:96-104.) The successful candidates will interact with mathematicians and ecologists to analyze the nonautonomous linear system to understand its fundamental properties and potential applications in carbon cycle research. Data assimilation with ecosystem models: We are looking for candidates to develop and apply data assimilation techniques to improve coupled carbon-nitrogen cycle models at ecosystem, regional, and global scales. Data sources are from global change experiments, FLUXNET, satellites, and various networks of observations. Data assimilation is used to estimate parameters, evaluate alternative model structures, analyze uncertainty and its sources of model predictions, and quantify information content of various data sets. Data analysis and synthesis: We are looking for candidates to carry out data analysis at FLUXNET and data synthesis at global change experiments. Data synthesis is to integrate diverse results from numerous experiments in a wide range of ecosystems and to reveal general mechanisms of ecosystem responses to global change. Data analysis is to take advantage of a worldwide network of flux measurement to uncover fundamental mechanisms driving ecosystem dynamics. Ecosystem modeling: We are currently collaborating with several research groups to combine data from laboratory and field studies with ecosystem models in grasslands, Tundra, and forests. We are looking for candidates to develop and modify the Terrestrial Ecosystem (TECO) model to simulate ecosystem responses to global change in those ecosystems. Candidates who are interested in integrating microbial genomics data into ecosystem models are particularly encouraged to apply for the position. Requirements for the post-doctoral positions include: (1) a PhD in ecology, statistics, mathematics, or related areas, (2) demonstrated experience with advanced statistical analysis and/or modeling techniques, (3) strong quantitative skills together with basic ecology training, and 4) high motivation and ability to interact and collaborate with other scientists. Requirements for the graduate assistantships are consistent with those for graduate admission at the University of Oklahoma plus enthusiasm for and commitment on ecological research. To apply for a specific position, please contact: Dr. Yiqi Luo, Department of Microbiology and Plant Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, email: yluo@ou.edu. Posted: 8/7/12.

University of Puerto Rico-Río Piedras: The NSF-funded IGERT program, Natural-Human Systems in the Urbanizing Tropics, aims to train Ph.D. students to develop interdisciplinary and collaborative research for environmental problems in urbanizing, tropical landscapes. Puerto Rico has had a dynamic environmental history, suffering nearly complete deforestation, then enjoying forest recovery, and then experiencing urban sprawl as the economy modernized. This last shift produced environmental problems, overlaid by changes in climate and vulnerability to catastrophic storms, making Puerto Rico an ideal place to conduct integrative research. IGERT research can focus on many topics involving environmental themes in the urbanized tropics such as climate, water, food security, renewable energy, waste management, biodiversity, and urban system services. Fellows work together with natural and social science faculty as well as government agencies, NGOs, and community groups to develop dissertation questions that directed to environmental problems in Puerto Rico and beyond. Benefits: $30k/year for two years; $2k for travel and education materials; office, computer and software usage; reserved space in all special courses and workshops. See the link above for details and to apply. Posted: 11/5/12.

University of Queensland: I have started a new academic position at UQ, Brisbane, Australia. I am currently building a new Research Group in Sustainable Production and Consumption. I am actively looking for graduate students who are passionate to pursue a Masters of Research or PhD in Industrial Ecology, Life Cycle Assessment, Cleaner Production, Eco-efficiency and Sustainability Analysis with particular application to renewable energy (e.g. solar, biofuels), food, transportation, mining, and tourism industries. Email your expression of interests, CV, and other relevant materials to Anthony Halog (a.halog@uq.edu.au). There are available scholarships at UQ as well as scholarships offered by Australian Government to students coming from developed and developing countries. There is also a possibility to support from internal funding and potential top-up allowance from CSIRO. If you are about to finish or have finished your PhD, feel free to express your interest because there are also available postdoctoral fellowships. Posted: 10/10/12.

University of Regina: I have an opening for a student with an ecological background to pursue a graduate degree in arctic-alpine, grassland, or forest systems. Potential research projects include growth-form effects on N cycling at contrasting altitudes, biological invasions, and vegetation restoration. This position starts in mid-2013 with full salary and generous research support. Applicants need a driver's license and an ability to work independently, especially in the field. The position is based in Regina, Canada with fieldwork in Canada and Sweden. Application deadline is November 15 2012. Please email a letter, résumé, contact information for three references, and unofficial transcripts to Scott Wilson (scott.wilson.uregina@gmail.com). Posted: 10/12/12.

University of Rhode Island: Ph.D. research assistantship available in Turtle Ecology and Conservation on a USDA-funded project that will examine how forest fragmentation and creation of early-successional habitats affect turtle demography and movements. Field research includes trapping, marking, and conducting radio-telemetry on turtles at numerous wetlands in Rhode Island. “Laboratory” work will include using a geographic information system to identify suitable wetlands and model turtle movements relative to proximity and size of forest fragments, as well as quantifying the demographic consequences of forest loss near wetlands for turtle populations. Selected student must be able to start by January 2013. Applicants should be hard-working, self-motivated field biologists with a strong interest in wetlands and turtle conservation. Field experience with turtles and radio-telemetry, and proficiency in the use of geographic information systems are required. Experience in handling snapping turtles will be looked upon favorably. Driver’s license is necessary. Applicants must have successfully completed a research master’s degree in ecology or related field, have at least a 3.0 undergraduate GPA, and must have taken the GRE. International students for whom English is not their first language will need to have taken the TOEFL. Strong writing, oral communication, and statistical skills are required. Research assistantship provides a stipend of approximately $25k/yr (3 years of RA support guaranteed; potential for two additional years of TA support), health insurance, and a tuition waiver. To apply submit the following by email: a letter stating your qualifications and research interests, CV, copies of college transcripts and GRE scores, and contact information for three references (not letters) by no later than 5 September 2012 (early application is encouraged!) to Dr. Nancy E. Karraker, Department of Natural Resources Science, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881 (401-874-2916; nkarraker@mail.uri.edu). Posted: 8/7/12.

University of Saskatchewan: An exciting opportunity is available for a Ph.D. student in the Wildlife Ecology and Community Engagement Lab of Dr. Ryan Brook. Our research group has initiated a study investigating the ecology and management of moose in the agriculture-dominated landscape of Saskatchewan with a focus on understanding the role of habitat and the risks of moose-vehicle collisions. We are GPS-collaring moose in collaboration with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment, and these data will form the primary basis of the project, in addition to existing collision data and other habitat information. This is anticipated to be a four year project. The philosophy of our research group is to train students in research design by giving each student considerable latitude to develop some aspects of their project in ways that best fit their skills and career aspirations. In addition to an education with a focus on strong science and critical thinking, students will gain valuable practical experience in Geographic Information Systems and spatial analysis. Fieldwork will include participation in monitoring collared animals, retrieving mortalities, and validating GIS layers. The student will also be trained in communication and knowledge translation and will contribute to stakeholder consultation and sharing project objectives and outcomes, as well as participating in our school-based education program and media relations. Applicants with relevant field experience, GIS skills, knowledge of working with large datasets, proven skills in statistical analysis, and strong communication capacity will be given preference. The successful applicant will ideally begin September 2013 (though there may be some flexibility). During the first year, the student will be expected to seek scholarships, complete coursework, and develop and defend a research proposal. Stipend is $18k/year (plus tuition release; ~$3,900 for CDN students and ~$5,500 for international students) and this can be supplemented with additional scholarships and awards. Applicants must have an M.Sc. (or equivalent) in biology, ecology, geography, environmental science, veterinary medicine, or a related field and must meet the admission requirements for the College of Agriculture & Bioresources. Interested candidates should email a letter of interest, CV, and indication of academic performance (unofficial transcripts acceptable at this stage) to Dr. Ryan Brook (ryan.brook@usask.ca) based in the College of Agriculture and Bioresources. Application review will begin February 15, 2013 and will continue until the position is filled. Posted: 11/9/12.

University of South Florida: The Department of Integrative Biology is accepting applications for students to enter their integrative graduate education program in Ecology and Evolution, Environmental and Ecological Microbiology, or Physiology and Morphology. Our department is committed to train the next generation of graduate students to prepare them for professional success in the fields of biological sciences that mirror our faculty’s expertise, which emphasizes organismal interactions and adaptations to the environment at all scales, from microorganisms to complex plants and animals. Our program of graduate study is designed to foster the development of technical and analytical skills used in existing and emerging fields of discovery. Increasingly, students are given opportunities to include an international experience in their research projects and also be involved in outreach activities. The research and training ongoing in the Department contributes to advancements in both basic science and applications to real world problems. Application files must be complete and received by the Biology Graduate Office before January 1, 2013 to be considered for Fall 2013 Teaching Positions or the University Graduate Fellowship. Students can pursue a M.S. or Ph.D degree in Biology. Each of the degrees requires a student to identify an area of concentration. The program offers: • M.S. in Biology, Concentration in Ecology and Evolution (EEV) • M.S. in Biology, Concentration in Environmental and Ecological Microbiology (EVM) • M.S. in Biology, Concentration in Physiology and Morphology (PMY) • Ph.D. in Biology, Concentration in Ecology and Evolution (EEV) • Ph.D. in Biology, Concentration in Environmental and Ecological Microbiology (EVM) • Ph.D. in Biology, Concentration in Physiology and Morphology (PMY). Faculty research interests include: biomechanics and functional morphology; ecology (marine and freshwater, conservation, restoration, population, community and ecosystem); ecological genetics and epigenetics; ecophysiology; ecotoxicology; environmental microbiology; evolution; gene transfer; genomics; microbial physiology; research synthesis; and response to climate change. Faculty who are currently accepting students into their laboratories: * Bell, Susan- Marine Ecology * Crisman, Thomas- Freshwater Ecology * Deban, Stephen- Physiology, Biomechanics, and Evolution * Fox, Gordon- Plant Ecology, Conservation Biology, and Population Biology * Harwood, Valerie- Microbial Water Quality * Lajeunesse, Marc- Ecology, Evolutionary Biology and Research Synthesis * Lewis, David- Ecosystem & Landscape Ecology, Biogeochemistry * Martin, Lynn- Ecological Physiology and Immunology * McCoy, Earl- Conservation Ecology * Motta, Philip- Functional Morphology * Mushinsky, Henry- Conservation Ecology * Pierce, Sidney- Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry * Richards, Christina- Plant Ecological Genomics and Epigenetics * Rohr, Jason- Ecology * Scott, Kathleen- Microbial Physiology and Biogeochemistry * Stiling, Peter- Ecology. Posted: 10/29/12.

University of Tennessee: A Ph.D. graduate research assistantship (pdf) is anticipated to be available spring semester of 2013 in the area of sustainable horticultural crop production, with an emphasis on non-chemical alternatives to methyl bromide fumigation in Tennessee vegetable production systems. The successful applicant will conduct research to optimize carbon-source rates and C:N ratios of soil amendments used in anaerobic soil disinfestation and evaluate responses of key plant pathogens and weeds as well as impacts on soil fertility, plant nutrition, and crop performance. The selected applicant will be expected to conduct field, greenhouse, growth chamber and lab research activities leading to publication of research results in scientific journals. The successful applicant will also be responsible for implementing on-farm demonstration trials with cooperating producers. The position will be based in Dr. David Butler’s Lab in the Department of Plant Sciences, with close collaboration with Dr. Bonnie Ownley’s Lab in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN. Screening of applicants will begin in September 2012 and continue until the position is filled. The earliest projected start date would be January 2013. To apply, send a 1-page letter of intent outlining interest in the position and career goals, along with a current resume or CV and copies of college transcripts and GRE scores to Dr. Butler (dbutler@utk.edu). Posted: 9/24/12.

University of Texas at Arlington: I invite applications for a PhD position in macroecology in the Passy lab. The successful applicant is expected to have expertise in invertebrate or fish ecology and a strong statistical background. She/he will further develop the hierarchical theory of macroecology (SI Passy, 2012, Ecology Letters 15: 923-934) by exploring how local to regional environmental factors constrain the body size, abundance, and distribution of macroinvertebrates and fish across functional guilds. The project will be at the interface of macroecology and conservation. To apply, please e-mail your CV, a statement of research interests, GRE scores, TOEFL scores for international students, and the names and contact information of three references to Dr. Sophia Passy (sophia.passy@uta.edu). Review of applications will begin immediately. Posted: 10/8/12.

University of Texas-Brownsville: I am seeking a MS-level graduate student to conduct research on the effects of different techniques used to restore coastal prairies and Tamaulipan Thornscrub communities in south Texas. Current restoration strategies involve the use of fire, herbicide, and mechanical treatments as well as planting of native species. Research will be largely field-based and conducted in the Laguna Atascosa Wildlife Refuge in south Texas, the primary habitat for the endangered ocelot and Aplomado Falcon. Research questions may include: 1) How long does it take plant communities to respond to different restoration techniques? 2) Is there a differential response among vegetation types? 3) Under what conditions do desired species respond most favorably? 4) Under what conditions do undesired species respond (including invasives)? The position will begin in spring 2013 in the Biological Sciences Department. The student will be employed as a teaching assistant and will be expected to work 8-9 hours/week as assistant instructor in undergraduate biology laboratory classes, assist his/her faculty teaching mentor with laboratory preparation and grading, and participate in departmental outreach events. Applicants must have a Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, or a related field. Successful candidates must demonstrate an aptitude for research and ability to work independently. Prior experience in fieldwork related to plant and ecosystem ecology is preferred. The applicant must be field capable. 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 UTB Biology Master’s program pursuing the thesis option. The available teaching assistantship has $1100 per month, is benefits eligible, and includes a waiver for in-state-tuition for out-of-state students. Additional summer salary is likely available. Please note that tuition is the student’s responsibility and is ~$2500/semester. Interested applicants should send to Dr. Heather Alexander (heather.alexander@utb.edu) a copy of their CV or resume, GPA and GRE scores, a written statement of graduate research interests, and contact information for two references. Review of applications will begin immediately. Posted: 9/27/12.

University of Texas-Brownsville: M.S. Position Available to Study Fire, Larch Trees, and C Dynamics in Siberia. I am seeking a MS-level graduate student to conduct research on fire, larch tree recruitment, and carbon dynamics in far northeastern Siberia. Research will include measurements of larch recruitment on experimental burn plots and across natural burn gradients, quantification of changes in permafrost characteristics following fire, and estimation of carbon pools in stands with varying fire histories. See the blog posts from the last summer’s field season in Siberia for more details. The position will begin in spring 2013 in the Biological Sciences Department. The student will be employed as a teaching assistant and will be expected to work 8-9 hours/week as assistant instructor in undergraduate biology laboratory classes, assist his/her faculty teaching mentor with laboratory preparation and grading, and participate in departmental outreach events. Applicants must have a Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, or a related field. Successful candidates must demonstrate an aptitude for research and ability to work independently. Prior experience in fieldwork related to plant and ecosystem ecology is preferred. The applicant must be able to travel internationally and be field capable. 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 UTB Biology Master’s program pursuing the thesis option. The available teaching assistantship has $1100 per month, is benefits eligible, and includes a waiver for in-state-tuition for out-of-state students. Additional summer salary is likely available. Please note that tuition is the student’s responsibility and is ~$2500/semester. Interested applicants should send to Dr. Heather Alexander (heather.alexander@utb.edu) a copy of their CV or resume, GPA and GRE scores, a written statement of graduate research interests, and contact information for two references. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Posted: 9/25/12.

University of Texas Marine Science Institute: I am seeking a Ph.D. student to work on a project examining the regional and local population structure of toxic Gambierdiscus dinoflagellates, the causative agents of ciguatera fish poisoning. This study is part of a larger, multi-investigator project that seeks to understand the diversity, physiology, and ecology of Gambierdiscus in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico. The ideal candidate would have a background in marine science or molecular biology, and a strong interest in algal biology and genetics. The position is available to begin in June or September 2013 and is located at the University of Texas Marine Science Institute, on the Gulf of Mexico coast. The assistantship includes an annual stipend, tuition support, and health care. Subsidized housing is also available for students. More information about applying: Graduate Degree Programs. Interested students should contact Dr. Deana Erdner (derdner@utexas.edu) before applying, and include a recent CV, including GRE/TOEFL scores. Posted: 11/16/12.

University of Twente: This four-year PhD position is offered in the department of Geo Information Processing, Faculty ITC at the University of Twente, the Netherlands, and is funded by the EU FP7 COMPLEX project. This research position is part of an EU FP7-funded project “Knowledge Based Climate Mitigation Systems for a Low Carbon Economy” (COMPLEX). In this project we will be exploring a generalized ‘socio-environmental model space’, which will include empirical models, conceptual models, complex computer simulations, and data sets describing ecological and socio-economic systems. The goal is to understand how information from more aggregated qualitative models can be transmitted to more elaborated and detailed quantitative simulations, and vice versa. We expect that by comparing the output from more complex models to what can be generated by simpler models and by studying models for structural sensitivity we can see what happens to system behavior observed in some simpler models (loss of equilibrium, tipping points, emergent properties, attractors, etc.), when more details are added to models and when some of these features become no longer evident in the model performance. Our second goal is to provide interoperability between the models and study how integrated models can be built from components. This research is a collaborative effort that includes faculty and students from 15 European partners, and requires good communication skills and work in a collaborative and interdisciplinary team, including work with stakeholders. This is an exciting opportunity to become part of a scientific network spanning countries and disciplines. Best consideration will be given to applications that come by 15 November 2012. See the full job ad for details and to apply. Posted: 11/12/12.

University of Virginia: I am looking for a motivated individual wishing to pursue a MS or PhD studying population or landscape ecology of insects starting in the Fall of 2013. My students and I are currently studying forest-defoliating insects such as the gypsy moth, an invasive pest of eastern deciduous forests. Projects underway include investigation of 1) effects of climate change on outbreaks of forest insects; 2) drivers of spatial synchrony in outbreaks; 3) factors leading to geographic variation in the rate of gypsy moth invasion. Work in my lab often includes analysis of spatial datasets, field observations and experiments, and/or modeling. The successful candidate will have the option to pursue research in their own separate area of population or landscape ecology or may want to develop a project contributing to one of the investigations described above. Funding for the position would come from a research assistantship from University of Virginia’s Blandy Experimental Farm as well as a half-time teaching assistantship from the Department of Environmental Sciences. To apply, send a statement of interest, CV, and contact information for three references to Kyle Haynes (haynes@virginia.edu), Research Assistant Professor, Department of Environmental Sciences, Associate Director, Blandy Experimental Farm. Posted: 8/15/12.

University of Wisconsin-Madison: A minimum of four years of funding is available in the Dept. of Forest & Wildlife Ecology to support graduate research, at the Ph.D. level, concerning the implications of triploidy for the physiological and chemical ecology of trembling aspen, a foundation species in boreal and montane forests of North America. Triploidy appears to be common in certain parts of aspen’s vast range—such as the Intermountain West—which points to a possible link between the demography of aspen ploidy and spatiotemporal variation in climate and associated environmental factors. It also begs the question as to how that link might be mediated by differences between triploid and diploid genotypes in life history traits. The graduate research assistant will assume primary responsibility for a collaborative project involving the labs of Eric Kruger (UW Forest & Wildlife Ecology), Rick Lindroth (UW Entomology), Liza Holeski (UW Entomology) and Karen Mock (Utah State, Wildland Resources). The research will entail comparisons of triploid and diploid aspen genotypes, in common-garden and controlled-climate experiments, with respect to inherent growth capacity, physiological and phytochemical ecology, and associated responses to biotic (e.g., herbivory) and abiotic (e.g., climate change) stresses. Qualifications: Highly motivated individuals with a strong academic background in plant biology and/or ecology, as well as excellent quantitative and communication skills, are encouraged to apply. Candidates must be able to work independently and as part of a collaborative research team. Stipend/benefits: A 50% Graduate Research Assistantship is available beginning in the fall of 2013. The RA currently provides a stipend of $20,400 (12 mo.), tuition waiver (minus segregated fees), and excellent medical/dental health plans. Interested candidates are asked to e-mail Graduate Student Services Coordinator Sara Rodock (rodock@wisc.edu) a single PDF file containing the following materials: - Coversheet (.doc) - Cover letter outlining research interests, academic and professional backgrounds - Resume - Copies of transcripts (unofficial copies) - Names and contact information for three references. Applications must be received by December 31, 2012, whereupon the most promising candidates will be requested to submit formal applications to one of two graduate programs: Zoology (Ecology) or Forest and Wildlife Ecology. Please direct questions about the position to Eric Kruger (elkruger@wisc.edu). Posted: 11/15/12.

University of Wisconsin-Madison: The Townsend lab seeks a motivated Ph.D. student interested in (a) the use of remote sensing to quantify plant vigor and growth across mixed-use landscapes in Wisconsin, and (b) linking remote sensing data with plant physiology. The position is part of a multi-investigator project examining the effects of landscape structure on the provisioning of natural pest suppression by beneficial arthropods and the production of soybeans, an important biofuel crop. We will use our findings to develop tools for ecosystem modeling and forecasting large-scale impacts of landscape change on pest pressure and crop yields. We are in search of a student with a strong background in plant biology or ecology who is also interested in using remote sensing technologies to quantify physiological aspects of plant growth, especially as they relate to variations in climate and herbivore pressure. The research will involve the linkage of field measurements of crop photosynthesis and physiological status to remote sensing and ecosystem models, in addition to development of methods to map landscape pattern from remote sensing data as it relates to pest pressure on biofuels crop production. The student will matriculate in the Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology. Questions about the position should be directed to Professor Phil Townsend, ptownsend@wisc.edu. Position is available starting on or after January 1, 2013. The position is a standard 50% time research assistantship, with a stipend (currently $20k/year), tuition remission, and access to health benefits. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt and review will continue until candidates are chosen. Prospective students wishing to matriculate for the Winter/Spring Semester, 2013 should provide application materials by November 1, 2012. The application deadline for students interested in a June, 2013 start is December 15, 2012. Interested applicants are asked to e-mail the following documents listed below to our Student Services Coordinator Sara Rodock (rodock@wisc.edu) (in ONE PDF file please). Please specify in your letter when you would be available to start. Required Documents: -The Cover Sheet (doc) - A well-crafted cover letter outlining research interests, academic and professional backgrounds - Resume/CV - Copies of transcripts (unofficial copies acceptable at this point) - GRE scores if available (TOEFL if applicable) - Names and contact addresses of three references. Posted: 10/4/12.

University of Wisconsin-Madison: PhD Research Assistantship in Terrestrial Food Web Ecology. We are looking for a motivated student interested in pursuing a PhD as part of the Gratton Lab studying the interactions between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems (ecosystem linkages). This work takes place at a biologically rich and scenic area in northeast Iceland, centered on Lake Myvatn. An ideal candidate needs to have a solid background in biology or ecology, have some prior research or field experience, and be able work in Iceland for summer field work. Candidates should have interests in arthropod food web ecology, community ecology, aquatic-terrestrial linkages, linkages between below- and above-ground food webs and/or the role of arthropods in ecosystem processes. This research is part of a broad collaborative effort including Claudio Gratton (Entomology), Tony Ives (Zoology), Randy Jackson (Agronomy), Phil Townsend (Forestry and Wildlife Ecology), and Jake Vander Zanden (Center for Limnology/Zoology) at the University of Wisconsin. Students will be applying through the Zoology program. Graduate support would include a mix of research and teaching assistantships. To apply, please complete this cover sheet and send this with a cover letter outlining research interests, prior experiences and why you want to go to graduate school and join our group, CV, and names of 3 references as a single pdf file to Claudio Gratton (cgratton@wisc.edu). Deadline: 1 October 2012. If you are planning on attending the 2012 ESA Meeting in Portland, OR, we can try to schedule a meeting there. More details. Posted: 7/17/12.

University of Wyoming: Ph.D. assistantship available for the study of ecological genetic and landscape approaches to plant community restoration. Research will investigate genotype-environment interactions relevant for plant establishment at restoration sites in high elevation ecosystems. Prospective students with a background in natural resources, ecology, and/or population genetics are encouraged to apply. Qualifications should include a strong academic record and interest in ecological restoration. Evidence of excellent written and analytical skills, as well as enthusiasm for field and laboratory research will be a plus. The assistantship includes a generous annual stipend, tuition and fees, health insurance and research support for three years. To apply, send application materials, including a cover letter and copies of transcripts, GRE scores, resume and contact information for 3 references to Dr. Kristina Hufford: khufford@uwyo.edu. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Please contact K. Hufford with any questions. Posted: 9/25/12.

University of Wyoming: We are seeking a student to work on a research project exploring responses of big sagebrush ecosystems to changing conditions including climate change and competition with invasive species, here cheatgrass. The project will combine process-based and statistical simulation models of soil water and regeneration processes to investigate vegetation responses under future conditions (our paper, Schlaepfer et al. 2012 Ecography, describes a similar study approach). The successful candidate will be a member of the Lauenroth/Burke lab at the Department of Botany, will collaborate with a USGS researcher, and will interact with researchers at the North-Central Climate Science Center. The successful candidate is a highly motivated and self-reliant student with a bachelor degree in ecology or a related field with considerable programming and modeling experiences. The student could participate in the inter-departmental Program of Ecology (PiE). For further details or questions, please contact Daniel Schlaepfer (dschlaep@uwyo.edu). If you are interested in this opportunity, please include a letter of motivation and your CV. Posted: 8/9/12.

University of Zurich: We have a 3-year SNF-funded PhD position available in our group at the Institute of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Switzerland: "From understanding to predicting: Giant tortoises as drivers of the seed dispersal network of Aldabra". The Aldabra Atoll in the Western Indian Ocean is home to 100,000 giant tortoises (Aldabrachelys gigantea) – the largest surviving population of giant tortoises in the world. The project aims at dramatically improving our understanding of the role of the giant tortoises as seed dispersers. We will investigate multiple levels of ecological organisation, from individual behaviour and the outcome of pairwise interactions, to community-level interaction patterns. The project has three components: 1) developing a theoretical individual-based model of seed dispersal by giant tortoises and experimentally field-testing its predictions by radio tracking artificial ingestible seeds, 2) constructing the seed dispersal network of Aldabra (camera trapping, fecal analyses), and 3) experimentally evaluating the effect of tortoise gut passage on seed germination and seedling establishment. The preferred starting date is mid-2013, and applicants should have or expect to obtain an MSc (or equivalent) in a relevant field. Review of applications starts on 01 November 2012, but candidates will be considered until the position is filled. More information and application details (pdf). Posted: 10/2/12.

Utah State University: PhD student opening, savanna/rangeland ecology (Aug 2013). I am recruiting a student interested in pursuing a PhD in ecology. My researchemphases include livestock-wildlife-plant interactions, plant community ecology, restoration ecology, and rangeland ecology and management. The student’s PhD work will be conducted in association with the Kenya Long-term Exclosure Experiment (KLEE), a long-term, large-scale experiment designed to investigate effects of native and domestic herbivores on savanna dynamics in East Africa. The PhD student will have room to develop his/her own research project related to my research and KLEE project goals. The KLEE project is located in the wildlife-rich central highlands of Kenya at the Mpala Research Centre, a world class research facility. USU has a strong natural resources program, and its location in the beautiful Cache Valley provides easy access to world class outdoor recreation. Students can earn degrees through the Department of Wildland Resources or the Ecology Center. Interested students should have a degree in ecology, biology, soil science, natural resources, or a related field. Students must be prepared to work in remote field conditions. Past independent field research experience and evidence of excellent written communication skills are strongly recommended. Minimum requirements for entry into USU’s Graduate Program are a cumulative 3.0 GPA and 40th percentile on GRE, but the most competitive applicants will exceed these minimums. Candidates must apply to both USU’s School of Graduate Studies and the S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney Ph.D. Fellowships Program. Before beginning the formal USU application process potential students should send 1) a letter of interest and qualifications, 2) CV, 3) unofficial transcripts, 4) GRE scores, and 5) contact information for three references to Dr. Kari E. Veblen (kari.veblen@usu.edu). Review of applications will begin Dec 1 and continue until the position is filled. Posted: 11/12/12.

Utah State University: The White Lab has an opening for a graduate student with interests in global ecology, macroecology, community ecology, or ecological theory/modeling. Active areas of research in the White lab include broad scale patterns related to biodiversity, abundance and body size, ecological dynamics, and the use of sensor networks for studying ecological systems. We use computational, mathematical, and advanced statistical methods in much of our work, so students with an interest in these kinds of methods are encouraged to apply. Background in these quantitative techniques is not necessary, only an interest in learning and applying them. While students interested in one of the general areas listed above are preferred, students are encouraged to develop their own research projects related to their interests. The White Lab is part of Weecology an interdisciplinary ecology research group whose goal is to facilitate the broad training of ecologists in areas from field work to quantitative methods. Students with broad interests are jointly trained in an interdisciplinary setting. We are looking for students who want a supportive environment in which to pursue their own ideas. Graduate students are funded through a combination of research assistantships, teaching assistantships, and fellowships. Students interested in pursuing a PhD are preferred. For additional information about the position and Utah State University see the full ad. Interested students can find more information about our group by checking out the the White Lab and Weecology websites, our code repositories, our blog, and Twitter. Interested students should contact Dr. Ethan White (ethan.white@usu.edu) by December 1st, 2012 with their CV, GPA, GRE scores (if available), and a brief statement of research interests. Posted: 10/30/12, revised: 11/6/12.

Utah State University: I am seeking a PhD student to work on applied and fundamental questions in behavior, demography, population ecology, and life history evolution of black bears. The aim of this project is to help guide black bear conservation by linking bear behavior to habitat selection, individually-based demography, and population dynamics using state-of-the-art statistical and modeling tools. The selected PhD student will work on 30+ years of high quality, individual-based black bear data (i.e., behavior, movement, and demography) from the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife ‘NJDFW’. This dataset offers the possibility to address applied questions and management solutions directed at mitigating bear-wildlife conflicts. It also conveys the possibility to address basic research questions by relating individual performance and fitness to environmental and anthropogenic change in New Jersey; the state with the highest density of black bears in the country. The combination of applied and basic research is the approach I favor in my lab. It should be noted that even though the student will be working on an existing dataset, the student will also have to possibility to participate in field work each year with NJDFW (summer bear captures and winter den searches). All interested candidates must apply to both USU’s School of Graduate Studies, and the S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney Doctoral Fellowships Program. These fellowships will cover 75% of all expenses (stipend, tuition, health insurance) over 4 years. Matching funds (remaining 25%) have already been secured, which is a sine qua non condition for a successful application. Requirements: Minimum requirements for a successful application are a cumulative 70th percentile (for both verbal and quantitative) on GRE and cumulative GPA of > 3.5. Note that although 70th percentile scores are not required for the Quinney fellowships, nominees without these scores will be at a distinct disadvantage. Paper(s) in peer-reviewed journals and manuscripts at advanced stages of preparation will considerably help your application. The Phd student will receive his/her degree through the department of Wildland Resources or the Ecology Center. The student will work in my lab (Dr Lise Aubry) in collaboration with Dr Melissa Reynolds-Hogland (head of bear trust international) and the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife. To apply, please email me a CV, copy of your transcripts, one-page statement of research interests, and contact information for two references at lise.aubry@aggiemail.usu.edu by 12/1/2012. Out of the pool of applicants, I will select the top two candidates to move forward with the fellowship application process which will need to be completed by 1/25/2013. Anticipated start date: summer-fall 2013. Posted: 10/30/12.

Utah State University: The Quinney College of Natural Resources (QCNR) will award 3 Ph.D. Fellowships for new students beginning Summer/Fall 2013. Fellowships include 4 years of support at $20k per year, tuition, and research expenses. Successful applicants can work with any faculty member in the departments of Environment and Society, Watershed Sciences, and Wildland Resources. Review of Fellowship applications will be based on both the quality of the student’s application materials as well as clear evidence of strong support from a faculty advisor. The faculty advisor must (1) demonstrate a commitment to mentoring the student to successful completion and (2) document how the applicant will fit into and contribute to the professor’s research program. Thus, these Fellowships will be awarded to a student-faculty team rather than simply to the student. Interested students should contact potential faculty advisors soon. The advisor must submit completed applications by 25 January 2013 for a student to be guaranteed consideration. A complete application will include: 1) a letter of interest from the student applicant, 2) a letter of strong support from the major advisor, 3) a current Curriculum Vitae from the student applicant, and 4) a completed graduate school application. For more information contact Geno Schupp (eugene.schupp@usu.edu) or a potential faculty advisor in the QCNR. Posted: 10/26/12.

Utah State University: I am recruiting a student interested in pursuing an MS in ecology. The project, conducted in collaboration with the USDA-ARS, is aimed at increasing our understanding of shrubland ecology and developing shrubland management guidelines for northern Utah. The project includes replicated plot-level and landscape-scale treatments and is based on the ecological site framework developed by the NRCS. The candidate will be responsible for conducting his/her own independent field project that complements the overall project goals and assisting in development of shrubland management guidelines. USU has a strong natural resources program, and its location in the beautiful Cache Valley provides easy access to world class outdoor recreation. Students can earn degrees through theDepartment of Wildland Resources or the Ecology Center. Students should have a degree in ecology, biology, soil science, natural resources, or a related field. Past field experience and evidence of excellent written communication skills are required. It is vital that the candidate be able to work effectively both independently and as part of a field team. Minimum requirements for entry into USU’s Graduate Program are a cumulative 3.0 GPA and 1100 combined GRE scores. Potential students should send 1) a letter of interest and qualifications, 2) CV, 3) unofficial transcripts, 4) GRE scores, and 5) contact information for three references to Dr. Kari E. Veblen (kari.veblen@usu.edu). Anticipated start date is Jan, 2013. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Posted: 9/27/12.

Utah State University: I am seeking a PhD student interested in studying coexistence and/or climate change impacts on semi-arid plant communities. At least four years of full funding is available. During the first year, the student will lead a field study to describe patterns of soil water use in dominant plants of the sagebrush steppe. After the first year, the student will have complete freedom to develop independent research. Work in my lab often combines long-term observational data, experiments, and models. To apply, please email me (peter.adler@usu.edu) a statement of interest, a CV, and contact information for three references. I will give special consideration to applications from women and minorities. Posted: 8/2/12, revised: 11/6/12.

Vancouver Island University: I (Sarah Dudas) am recruiting 1-2 graduate students (MSc or PhD) to join the Ecological Interactions Research Program at the Centre for Shellfish Research and Deep Bay Marine Field station. My interests include ecosystem interactions, shellfish population dynamics, invertebrate larval dispersal, biological oceanography, climate change, non-indigenous species, conservation and sustainability. Over the next few years my lab will be conducting several research projects to investigate how shellfish aquaculture activities influence the ecosystem in which they occur. These activities provide 'experiments of opportunity', altering the ecosystem (e.g. the addition of filter feeders) in ways that allow us to answer interesting ecological questions, while at the same time addressing industry issues to work towards sustainable development. Specifically, I am looking for students to investigate 1) the influence of deep water shellfish aquaculture activities on oceanography, phytoplankton, zooplankton and potentially fish communities and 2) the influence of aquaculture structures (e.g. fencing and netting in the intertidal, rafts in deep water) on the distribution of higher trophic levels (e.g. crabs, sea stars, fish). I am looking for students that are enthusiastic, self-motivated and comfortable working on, in and around the water. Prospective students should be competitive for NSERC scholarships and students that end up joining the lab will be expected to pursue other scholarship opportunities throughout their degree. Students should be able to work independently under my guidance and supervision but to effectively act as their own 'project leader'. Students will also be expected to present their findings at scientific conferences and publish them in peer-reviewed journals. If you're interesting in joining the lab please send an email with an attached cover letter outlining your research interests and why you're interested in this opportunity, along with a CV and transcript copies to Sarah.Dudas@viu.ca. Posted: 9/18/12.

Virginia Tech: The Physiological Ecology Laboratory is seeking exceptionally qualified and motivated candidates for two Ph.D. graduate positions for 2013. Each student will focus on various aspects of avian incubation behavior and how these parental effects influence fitness correlates in adult birds and their offspring. Possible research projects include field studies and/or captive experiments in aviaries using waterfowl or passerines. Each assistantship will include 4 years (48 months) of full support as a graduate research assistant, a full tuition waiver, and modest research funds. Students will be expected to apply for additional funding to support aspects of their field and laboratory research. Both fellowships will begin in 2013, but start date is negotiable. Minimum qualifications include a M.S. degree (or equivalent experience) in a biological discipline and a proven publication record. Additional information about our laboratory including recent relevant publications on avian incubation and maternal effects can be found on our website, linked above. Applicants should submit their CV (including GPA and GRE scores), contact information for at least three references, and a one-page letter describing their research interests as they relate to these positions to Dr. William A. Hopkins (hopkinsw@vt.edu). Submissions will be considered as they are received, but should be received no later than January 31, 2013. Posted: 11/1/12.

Virginia Tech: The newly established McGlothlin lab is looking for enthusiastic and motivated Ph.D. students to start in fall 2013. Research in the lab focuses on a wide variety of questions in evolutionary genetics and evolutionary ecology. We are broadly interested in the evolution of complex phenotypes. Ongoing research projects in the lab involve comparative quantitative genetics of Anolis lizards and molecular evolution of toxin resistance in garter snakes. Students in the McGlothlin lab will be strongly encouraged to develop their own ideas and projects, which may either build upon or depart from the lab's current research. The McGlothlin lab is part of the growing Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior and Integrative Organismal Biology groups in the Department of Biological Sciences. Outside the department, potential for collaboration and scientific interaction exist in a number of departments across campus, including Entomology, Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation, and the Virginia Bioinformatics Institute. Interested students should contact Dr. Joel McGlothlin (joelmcg@vt.edu), providing a description of your research interests and experience and a CV or resume that includes GPA, GRE scores, and contact information for 3 references. Funding is available through both teaching and research assistantships, and a number of competitive fellowships are offered by the university. For full consideration, applications to the department should be received by December 31, 2012. See also: Graduate program and Graduate application. Posted: 10/31/12.

Virginia Tech: The Integrative Organismal Biology (IOB) group is a diverse group of scientists studying the behavior, ecology, evolution, and physiology of animals. IOB faculty are currently seeking talented and highly motivated graduate students to join the Ph.D. program in Biological Sciences beginning in Fall 2013. IOB is part of the growing Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior group in Virginia Tech’s Department of Biological Sciences. Members of IOB also interact frequently with scientists studying biology and related disciplines in other departments across campus, including Engineering Science, Entomology, Fish and Wildlife Conservation, and Statistics. Faculty Research Interests: Lisa Belden (Community ecology) Dana Hawley (Animal disease ecology) Joel McGlothlin (Evolutionary genetics, ecology, and physiology) Ignacio Moore (Mechanisms of behavior in free-living vertebrates) John Phillips (Sensory ecology and the neural basis of behavior) Kendra Sewall (Animal behavior and neurobiology) Jeff Walters (Behavioral ecology and conservation biology of birds) Applications for fall admission should be received by December 31, 2012 for full consideration. Applicants will be considered for financial aid in the form of graduate teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and fellowships. We strongly encourage prospective students to contact a faculty member as soon as possible to discuss their specific research interests. Graduate program information. Posted: 10/5/12.

Virginia Tech: Ph.D. Assistantship available in Microbial Ecology. Microbes mediate many important processes at the ecosystem and global scales, yet approximately 99% of all microbes are not culturable, meaning we know little or nothing about their distribution or role in the environment. Now, however, new molecular tools allow us to begin to answer very basic questions in microbial ecology. What microbes are present in a particular habitat? What kind of important or beneficial ecological functions might they provide? By combining new molecular methods with traditional culture based techniques we can seek to gain new insights into these important questions in a variety of habitats. Assistantship support is available for one or two incoming doctoral students focusing on microbial ecology in the Crop & Soil Environmental Sciences Department at Virginia Tech. Support is available to start in either spring or fall semesters of 2013. The Department offers ample resources for student research in environmental microbiology, including extensive laboratory and field equipment, opportunities to collaborate with a wide variety of colleagues within and beyond VT, and access to a wide variety of natural and managed ecosystems for study. Students would work under the advisement of Dr. Brian Badgley, with the opportunity to conduct independent research on variety of topics in microbial ecology. Work in the laboratory focuses on the structure and function of microbial populations and communities in environmental matrices such as surface waters, sediment, and soil. Students will use a combination of field work and laboratory techniques such as culturing, genomics, metagenomics, transcriptomics, or genetic fingerprinting. A background in microbiology, ecology, environmental science, or other related field is required. Experience in molecular biology is beneficial but not necessary. Formal application to the graduate program is required. In the meantime, applicants may submit unofficial copies of the following materials to Brian D. Badgley, Ph.D. (badgley@vt.edu): 1. A statement of interest describing past experience, research interests, and future goals. Please specifically address how your experience, skills, and goals match this particular position in my laboratory; 2. Curriculum vitae, including contact information for at least three references; 3. Academic transcripts; 4. GRE scores; and 5. TOEFL scores (if applicable). Posted: 9/25/12.

Washington State University: I am seeking to recruit two students to pursue graduate degrees in Entomology (either MS or PhD) studying insect ecology, landscape ecology, and/or plant-insect interactions. These positions are not tied to any particular project. However, ongoing research in the laboratory focuses on: 1) Interactions between above- and below-ground herbivores on arthropod community structure and function 2) Effects of landscape composition and configuration on arthropod food webs 3) Plant-virus-vector interactions 4) Effects of sustainable agriculture on insect community structure and function Qualifications include a strong academic record and a desire to combine theory with empirical work. Students with a mathematical background and/or experience with geographical information systems are particularly encouraged to apply. The positions will involve field work in Washington, Idaho, and/or Oregon states. Candidates will ideally start in either January or May 2013 (prior to the start of the summer field season). Students will receive an annual stipend, a tuition waiver, and research support. Review of applications begins immediately and continues until filled. To apply, please email David Crowder at dcrowder@wsu.edu with the following: 1) A cover letter which discusses your background, qualifications, research interests, degree you wish to pursue, and available start date 2) A CV 3) Academic transcripts and/or GPA 4) GRE scores and percentiles 5) Contact information for at least 3 references. Posted: 10/16/12.

Washington State University Vancouver: Graduate student positions are currently available for the MS and PhD programs in Biology, Environmental Science, and Mathematics at Washington State University's Vancouver campus. Most positions are funded with teaching and/or research assistantships that include tuition waivers. Faculty research focuses on conservation ecology and genetics, marine ecology and oceanography, disturbance ecology, biogeochemistry, environmental physics, environmental toxicology, animal behavior, urban and agroecology, mathematical biology, and neuroscience. More information: graduate programs: We do not accept students without a faculty advisor so please contact a faculty member in an area of research similar to your own about the potential for admission to graduate school. WSU Vancouver is located in southwest Washington across the Columbia River from Portland, Oregon and is close to the Cascades, Puget Sound, and the ocean. It offers significant opportunities for research, a variety of neighboring institutions and agencies for collaboration, and an excellent quality of life. Degree programs are offered across all WSU campuses and students in Vancouver may participate in activities in Pullman. Priority applications are due January 10, 2013. Please contact Cheryl Schultz (schultzc@vancouver.wsu.edu) for additional information. Posted: 10/19/12.

Wright State University: The Interdisciplinary Environmental Sciences Ph.D. program at Wright State in Dayton, Ohio invites applicants for Fall 2013 admission. The program provides interdisciplinary and focused topic courses, exciting research opportunities and training to prepare its students to better understand and solve complex environmental problems affecting human and ecosystem health, such as those caused by anthropogenic pollutants, increased greenhouse gas emissions, invasive species, habitat fragmentation and loss of biodiversity. Our students receive training in preparation for careers in academia, state and federal agencies, industry, and non-profit organizations. Through a rigorous core curriculum and dissertation research, our program is designed to expose students to both traditional and emerging areas of environmental sciences, and offers the ability to focus on research in a more defined area. The program includes faculty in the departments of Biological Sciences, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Chemistry, Physics, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Neuroscience, Cell Biology and Physiology, Computer Science, and Mathematics and Statistics. Current research, which is funded by agencies such as the United States Department of Agriculture, the National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy, and the Department of Defense, ranges from issues of importance to aquatic, terrestrial and atmospheric environments and from levels of organization from molecular to ecosystem levels. Research approaches range from data mining and modeling to lab- and field-based research. The program offers stipends on a competitive basis to qualified applicants ($22,660/yr. for Fall 2013) along with a waiver of tuition costs. Highly qualified applicants are also eligible to receive a Yellow Springs Instruments (YSI) Fellowship supplement for the first year in the program. First consideration of applicants for Fall 2013 admission will occur on February 1, 2013. Applicants are encouraged to contact program faculty in their areas of interest prior to completing the application to determine fit with a program faculty member. A commitment by a faculty member to a student is required for admission. To apply online and to read more about our program and its curriculum, research, faculty and student profiles, please visit our main program website (linked above). Questions regarding our program may be directed to our program office: Ms. Cathy Kempf, Administrative Specialist (937-775-3273, director.envsci@wright.edu). Posted: 11/5/12.

WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF: The research team 'Mountain Ecosystems' in Davos, Switzerland, is looking for a PhD student to explore patterns and mechanisms of local plant colonization and extinctions on alpine summits. You will design and conduct vegetation surveys and experiments on mountain summits, aided by a field assistant. Moreover, you will analyze long-term changes in high-alpine flora in relation to local climate change in different mountain regions of Europe, based on a largely existing dataset. You will publish your results in international peer-reviewed journals. The position is fully funded for the duration of the PhD (3 years) and will start in spring 2013. You have a masters degree in biology, ecology or botany, experience in experimental field work and statistical analyses (particularly in R) and are fluent in English. Field work is weather dependent and requires spatial and temporal flexibility during summer, physical fitness, ability to move securely in alpine terrain, and motivation for long field days. You are a team player, possess good oral and written communication skills, good organizational ability, and are capable of working efficiently. Previous plant identification and mountaineering experience are desirable, and the willingness to rapidly learn the alpine flora an absolute must. Please send your complete application (cover letter, CV with photo, addresses of potential references) using reference number 760 to Ms. Jasmine Zimmermann, Human Resources WSL/SLF. Dr. Sonja Wipf, Tel. +41 (0)81 4170276, wipf@slf.ch or Dr. Christian Rixen, Tel. +41 (0)81 4170214, rixen@slf.ch will be happy to answer any questions or offer further information. To apply online, see the link at the end of the full job ad. Moreover, we also offer possibilities for Master's Theses on alpine plant or vegetation ecology, for instance in the context of the above topic. Students from any country can apply, and will be co-supervised together with a responsible professor at their home university. Interested students should get in touch with us by sending a short statement of their research interests and CV to Sonja Wipf (wipf@slf.ch) or Christian Rixen (rixen@slf.ch). See also:Gipfelflora. Posted: 11/8/12.

Assistantships and Fellowships | Fellowship Program Links | Short Courses | Summer Jobs

Fellowship Program Links:

• Department of Homeland Security Scholarship and Fellowship Program
• Ford Foundation and Howard Hughes Medical Institute
• 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
• NOAA Graduate Sciences Program
• National Science Foundation Doctoral Dissertation Improvement Grants
• National Science Foundation Graduate Research 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 | Summer Jobs

Short Courses:

Tropical Insect Ecology: During June 2013, I will be offering a field course on tropical insect ecology through the Maderas Rainforest Conservancy. The Maderas Rainforest Conservancy is a non-profit organization that owns two education and field research stations -- 1) Ometepe Biological Field Station in Nicaragua, 2) LaSuerte Biological Field Station in Costa Rica. This course is a hands-on, field experience to familiarize students with the diversity of life in the rainforests of the Meso-American Biological Corridor while developing a deeper understanding of tropical forest ecology and conservation. The focus of this course will be on the differences between the cloud forest environments in Nicaragua and the lowland, coastal rainforests of northeastern Costa Rica. With a combination of lectures and fieldwork, time is spent on studying the diverse fauna in a tropical forest through various ecological sampling methods. Through on-site research projects students will build a foundation of skills and knowledge that are applicable to field research of any taxa. Although much of the emphasis in this course will be on insect ecology, this course will be appropriate for students interested in any organism, plant or animal, as the content of the course can be adapted to any taxa of interest. Student projects will focus on ecological research, quantitative natural history, and behavior of organisms that are of most interest to the students. Please note that although the emphasis for this course is on insects, don't let this be the reason you don't take this course. I will be happy to adapt the curriculum to be suitable for any taxa of interest. Additionally, although university credit is not offered through the Maderas Rainforest Conservancy, course credit can be arranged either through your home institution or through Truman State University. For additional information, including a course flier and syllabus, please contact me, LaRoy Brandt, at Lbrandt@truman.edu. Posted: 11/16/12.

PhD course - Functioning of Boreal Forest Ecosystems: June 2-8 2013. This course will provide a comprehensive coverage on topics relevant to the functioning of boreal forest ecosystems, including linkages between aboveground and belowground subsystems, nutrient cycling, role of mycorrhizae, ecosystem effects of herbivores, cultural history, and the role of major disturbances (notably fire). It will be run along similar lines to a course that we have run on this topic in June 2004, 2007, 2009, and 2011. The course will be conducted in English. The course is to be held in Arvidsjaur, approximately 300 km NW of Umeå, Sweden, which is in the heart of the northern boreal forest zone and also proximal to the Scandes mountain ranges near the Norwegian border. This course is open to all PhD students who have an interest in boreal ecosystems. We will limit the course to 25 participants, and if the number of applicants exceeds the positions available we will select applicants on the basis of merit and relevance of their research; preference will be given to those beyond their first year of PhD study. The course will consist of a mixture of lectures, student presentations, discussion groups, and field trips and field instruction. Students will be expected to be prepared in advance for participation in discussions. Course credits (relevant for European participants only): 7.5 ECTS. Students are responsible for covering their own transport to and from Umeå. All costs including food, travel and lodging for the course duration will covered by SLU. The course will be run by the Department of Forest Ecology and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Umeå, Sweden. The course will be taught by eight ecologists who each have been actively involved in research on various aspects of northern ecosystems. These instructors are: Professor Marie-Charlotte Nilsson (SLU, Umeå), Professor David Wardle (SLU, Umeå), Professor Richard Bardgett (University of Lancaster, UK), Professor Heikki Setälä (University of Helsinki, Finland), Dr. Anders Dahlberg (SLU, Uppsala), Professor Mats Nilsson (SLU Umeå), Dr. Paul Kardol (SLU, Umeå) and Dr Michael Gundale (SLU, Umeå). Expressions of interest: Please prepare a brief CV (max. one page) and a statement of 200 words or less outlining your PhD research topic and why you think the course would be beneficial to you, as a single Word or pdf file with your surname as the file name. This information, and any enquiries, should be sent to Dr. Paul Kardol by e-mail (paul.kardol@slu.se) no later than January 15 2013. Posted: 11/14/12.

Summer Graduate Workshop on Connecting Biological Data with Mathematical Models: June 17-28, 2013, at NIMBioS on the campus of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. The workshop is co-sponsored by NIMBioS, MBI and the Centre for Applied Mathematics in Bioscience and Medicine (CAMBAM). The workshop features instructors from across North America whose research expertise is mathematical modeling in biological systems using real data. Some of the techniques to be covered include Maximum likelihood and Bayesian approaches to inference, parameter estimation, model identifiability, uncertainty and sensitivity analysis, and data assimilation. Applications of connecting data to models will come from epidemiology, ecology (including global change biology), evolution, microbiology, physiology, pharmacokinetics, and systems biology. Graduate students from the mathematical, physical and life sciences are encouraged to apply. There are no fees associated with this workshop and most meals are included. If needed, the math institutes can provide some support (transportation, lodging) for Workshop attendees. Application Deadline: January 15, 2013. For more information and online application, go to http://nimbios.org/education/WS_grad2013. Posted: 11/13/12.

School on Evolution: 2nd CALL FOR STUDENTS: 1st International Winter School on Evolution March 11th - 15th, 2013 | Ciência Viva Knowledge Pavilion, Lisbon, Portugal. See http://evolutionschool.fc.ul.pt for full details. Registration is now open. Courses are open to international Master, PhD and Post-doctoral students in the exact, life, human and sociocultural evolutionary sciences. From Monday to Friday, parallel sessions are organized whereby visiting staff provide a 10-hour course (2 hours a day) on critical aspects of biological and sociocultural evolution. The courses are centered around the following modules. Module 1: Macroevoluton and the Major Evolutionary Transitions Courses are taught by: Bruce Lieberman, Folmer Bokma, Eörs Szathmáry. Module 2: Language Evolution Courses are taught by William Croft, Mónica Tamariz, Daniel Dor. Module 3: Symbiogenesis, Lateral Gene Transfer and Virolution Courses are taught by Douglas Zook, William Martin, Michael Arnold. All courses are taught at a level accessible to Master, PhD and post-doctoral students in the exact, life, human and sociocultural evolutionary sciences. Students of evolutionary biology, microbiology, paleontology, evolutionary linguistics, evolutionary anthropology, and philosophy of biology will especially benefit from these courses. Students will be provided a mandatory reading list which will form the basis of lectures and discussions. There are neither examinations nor paper assignments. Registration fee 350 euro for the whole week, regardless the number of courses you choose. You can enroll for a specific module (therefore following a 30-hour course on the subject) or you may choose three courses of your specific interest. Places are limited, we therefore advise you to enroll as quickly as possible. The School is organized by the Applied Evolutionary Epistemology Lab of the Centre for Philosophy of Science of the University of Lisbon, in collaboration with Ciência Viva and with the support of the John Templeton Foundation. Posted: 11/9/12.

Tropical Ecology Courses: The Institute for Tropical Ecology and Conservation (ITEC) offers a number of courses at the Bocas del Toro Biological Station, Boca del Drago, Isla Colon, Republic of Panama. The biological station is located on a beach facing the Caribbean Sea. Coral reef and seagrass ecosystems lie out in front of the station and lowland tropical rain forests lie directly behind. This juxtaposition of the two most biologically diverse ecosystems provides tremendous opportunities for education and research. See http://www.itec-edu.org/ for details. Posted: 11/5/12.

Summer Soil Institute: Are you interested in Soil Ecology and Biogeochemistry? If so, then the 4th Annual Summer Soil Institute is your opportunity to gain an integrated perspective with world-renowned faculty to address critical questions using current analytical techniques, experimental approaches, and instructional models. The 4th Annual Summer Soil Institute (SSI 2013) is designed for graduate and advanced undergraduate students, post-docs, professionals, faculty, and K-12 teachers. SSI 2013 will be held on July 7-20, 2013, and is located at the confluence of the Rocky Mountains and the Great Plains, at Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO. Topics covered during the Summer Soil Institute will be directed towards answering: What are the physical, chemical and biological components of soil? What do molecular techniques tell us about soil biodiversity? How does soil chemistry affect carbon and nutrient cycling? How are soil processes affected by global change? For more information and *to apply*, please visit http://soilinstitute.nrel.colostate.edu/ After reviewing the website, if you are interested in attending SSI this year, and would like more information, please Email us at: soil@nrel.colostate.edu Applications due March 9, 2013. Posted: 11/2/12.

Smithsonian-Mason Spring/Summer Courses: The newly renamed Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation, a partnership between George Mason University and the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI), is proud to announce their Spring/Summer 2013 course schedule. The School is now offering more courses than ever before, in a wide range of topics, all focused on training in different aspects of biodiversity conservation, from effective conservation leadership, to technical tools in statistics and field sampling. All courses are currently either 1 or 2-week intensive residential courses and they will now be held in a brand-new, sustainably-built Academic Center on the grounds of SCBI in Front Royal Virginia. Most courses can be taken either for graduate credit or continuing education units. See our upcoming offerings below and check out our website for more course details and pricing. Visit our website (link above) or email us at SCBItraining@si.edu for more details about each course, course costs, and credits earned. Statistics for Ecology and Conservation Biology March 4-15, 2013 Gain in-depth knowledge of analysis techniques for cutting-edge ecological research, employing R: classical regression models; mixed models; generalized linear models; generalized additive models; how to deal with the limitations of real datasets; and conservation-specific approaches. Estimating Animal Abundance and Occupancy (new course!) April 1-12, 2013 The course is designed to provide a strong theoretical and analytical background to both graduate students and professionals in distance sampling, mark-recapture, and occupancy modeling techniques, with a strong focus on the practical use of field data in the programs DISTANCE, MARK and PRESENCE. Species Monitoring & Conservation: Terrestrial Mammals April 29-May 10, 2013 This course teaches current techniques in assessment and monitoring of wild mammal populations, including bats. Participants learn principles of study design; current field assessment methods; data analysis techniques including MARK and DISTANCE software; application of monitoring data to decision-making and population management; and collection and preparation of museum voucher specimens. Species Monitoring & Conservation: Reptiles (new course!) May 13-24, 2013 This course will provide technical training in the essential aspects of reptile conservation. In addition to providing hands-on experience with current field monitoring techniques, participants will also learn to analyze mark-recapture, distance sampling and occupancy field data. The course will also include a review of reptile taxonomy and phylogeny, and the role of captive propagation in reptile conservation. Non-Invasive Genetic Techniques in Wildlife Conservation June 1-7, 2013 Learn how new developments in non-invasive genetics allow biologists and managers to answer questions in animal behavior, population biology and population management. Course participants will work through a directed research project, from study design through field data collection, sampling protocols, and DNA extraction and amplification, to analysis of microsatellite and sequence data. Adaptive Management for Conservation Success June 10-21, 2013 This course is taught in partnership with Foundations of Success (FOS). Working in teams on a real conservation project, participants practice conceptualizing projects, formulating objectives and providing evidence of conservation results. The course builds skills in designing and planning effective projects that provide clear evidence of conservation impact, and in use of Miradi adaptive management software. Posted: 11/1/12.

Mixed modelling course with R in Portugal: Highland Statistics Ltd would like to announce the following statistics course: Introduction to linear mixed effects modelling course with R. 11 - 15 February 2013. Lisbon, Portugal. More details. Posted: 11/1/12.

Ecology & Conservation in the Tropics: The University of Florida is offering several courses in Ecology & Conservation in the Tropics during 2013. The UF in Belize program offers students an opportunity to earn credit while studying throughout Belize. Students spend their days learning with UF and local faculty, professionals, and students. The majority of each day is spent in the field examining wildlife and natural resource ecology, conservation, and field methods in a diversity of ecosystems. The courses are open to UF and non-UF, undergraduate and graduate students. Specific courses (both graduate and undergraduate credit through UF) include Wildlife Ecology & Conservation in the Tropics (3 cr.; 2-10 March 2013) Field Methods in Ecology & Conservation in the Tropics (5 cr.; 6-20 May 2013) Marine Ecology & Conservation in the Tropics (3 cr.; 20-27 May 2013) Internships in Ecology and Conservation in the Tropics (Variable cr.; any time) Information & applications:http://www.wec.ufl.edu/belize/. Enrollment is open and classes are limited to 10 students. Posted: 10/26/12.

Tropical Biology: An Ecological Approach: Organization for Tropical Studies. Tropical Biology is an intensive and immersive 7,5-week field experience for graduate students. While visiting diverse field sites throughout Costa Rica, students gain invaluable experience learning tropical flora and fauna, designing field problems, collecting and analyzing data, and presenting results in both oral presentations and written reports. Further information Additionally, as part of the celebration commemorating the 50th anniversary of OTS and the Association for Tropical Biology and Conservation (ATBC), all students attending the 13-3 course will receive full fellowships to attend the ATBC annual meeting in San José. This will be an especially exciting conference with many opportunities to interact with top tropical biologists from around the world. Students on the OTS 13-3 course will gain practical experience: - Interacting with eminent tropical ecologists from around the world - Exploring diverse tropical habitats with experienced researchers - Formulating and testing hypotheses in field environments - Learning advanced field and lab techniques from experts - Participating in workshops on statistics, R, GIS, genetics, plant ecophysiology, biodiversity indices, matrix modeling, IPMs, and more Students in this program will forge lifelong contacts and friendships in the field of tropical ecology. This program will enhance your career as a scientist by providing you with the tools you need to thrive as a biologist. Posted: 10/15/12.

School on Evolution: Winter 2012 (March 11th–15th) and Summer 2013 (July 15th-19th), Ciência Viva Knowledge Pavilion, Lisbon, Portugal. We are happy to inform you that registration is now open for the 1st International Winter School on Evolution. Courses are open to international Master, PhD and Post-doctoral students in the exact, life, human and sociocultural evolutionary sciences. From Monday to Friday, parallel sessions are organized whereby visiting staff provide a 10-hour course (2 hours a day) on critical aspects of biological and sociocultural evolution. The courses are centered around the following modules. Module 1: Macroevoluton and the Major Evolutionary Transitions Courses are taught by: Bruce Lieberman, Folmer Bokma, Eörs Szathmáry. Module 2: Language Evolution Courses are taught by William Croft, Mónica Tamariz, Daniel Dor. Module 3: Symbiogenesis, Lateral Gene Transfer and Virolution Courses are taught by Douglas Zook, William Martin, Michael Arnold. All courses are taught at a level accessible to Master, PhD and post-doctoral students in the exact, life, human and sociocultural evolutionary sciences. Students of evolutionary biology, microbiology, paleontology, evolutionary linguistics, evolutionary anthropology, and philosophy of biology will especially benefit from these courses. Students will be provided a mandatory reading list which will form the basis of lectures and discussions. There are neither examinations nor paper assignments. Registration Fee 350 euro for the whole week, regardless the number of courses you choose. You can enroll for a specific module (therefore following a 30-hour course on the subject) or you may choose three courses of your specific interest. Places are limited, we therefore advise you to enroll as quickly as possible. The School is organized by the Applied Evolutionary Epistemology Lab of the Centre for Philosophy of Science of the University of Lisbon, in collaboration with Ciência Viva and with the support of the John Templeton Foundation. For more details, see http://evolutionschool.fc.ul.pt/. Posted: 10/11/12.

Ecology & Conservation Courses in the Tropics: Belize: The University of Florida is offering several courses in Ecology & Conservation in the Tropics during 2013. The UF in Belize program offers students an opportunity to earn credit while studying throughout Belize. Students spend their days learning with UF and local faculty, professionals, and students. The majority of each day is spent in the field examining wildlife and natural resource ecology, conservation, and field methods in a diversity of ecosystems. The courses are open to UF and non-UF, undergraduate and graduate students. Specific courses (both graduate and undergraduate credit through UF) include Wildlife Ecology & Conservation in the Tropics (3 cr.; 2-10 March 2013) Field Methods in Ecology & Conservation in the Tropics (5 cr.; 6-20 May 2013) Marine Ecology & Conservation in the Tropics (3 cr.; 20-27 May 2013) Internships in Ecology and Conservation in the Tropics (Variable cr.; any time) All students must attend pre and post-travel classes during spring 2013 (distance learning is possible). Information & applications: http://www.wec.ufl.edu/belize/. Enrollment is open and classes are limited to 10 students. Program Director: Bill Giuliano - docg@ufl.edu - 352-846-0575. Posted: 9/26/12.

Multivariate analysis of ecological data I would like to announce the next round of our course Multivariate analysis of ecological data using Canoco. It will be held from 22 January to 2 February 2013. This is the standard (non-advanced) version of the course, suitable both for beginners and those with an intermediate level of skills with multivariate statistical methods. Discounted pricing is available for students. All course details can be found at http://regent.jcu.cz and I will happy to provide any additional information you might need through e-mail. Petr Smilauer (petrsm@jcu.cz), Ceske Budejovice, CZ. Posted: 7/6/12.

Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation Graduate/Professional Training Courses: FALL 2012/SPRING 2013 Front Royal, VA. Individual courses offer graduate credit or continuing education units. Visit http://conservationtraining.si.edu for more details about each course, course costs, and credits earned. Applied Climate Change October 15-26, 2012; Spatial Ecology, Geospatial Analysis & Remote Sensing October 29-November 9, 2012; Effective Conservation Leadership November 4-10, 2012; Designing and Implementing a Biodiversity Action Plan for Conservation and Development December 3-7, 2012; Statistics for Ecology and Conservation Biology March 3-14, 2013; Estimating Animal Abundance and Occupancy April 1-12, 2013; Species Monitoring & Conservation: Terrestrial Mammals April 29-May 10, 2013. Posted: 6/25/12.