Fellowships and Assistanships 

Position Title = Master's of Science student/intern
Agency or Organization = The Teaching Institute at Berwick Academy
Website = www.berwickacademy.org/about/teaching_institute.cfm
Closing Date = June, 08

Position Description = The Teaching Institute promises an invigorating, comprehensive introduction to the art of reflective teaching. The Institute is a yearlong collaborative venture between Berwick Academy and the University of New England, resulting in a Master of Science degree in Education with a concentration in Teaching Methodology. Additionally, interns will be eligible for elementary certification in the State of Maine, offering reciprocity in forty-two other states. Full-time classroom teaching placements in Berwick's Lower School (grades K-4) and Middle School (grades 5-8) enhance and inform the required coursework.
The Teaching Institute is committed to offering an affordable, enriching program to each of its participants. There is housing available on the Berwick Academy campus for all interested participants.

Graduate Assistantship in Ecosystem Carbon Dynamics At The University of Alabama

A M.S. or Ph.D. Graduate Assistantship is available in the Department of Biological Sciences to work on a large interdisciplinary project in Everglades National Park beginning summer or fall 2008.  The student’s research interests should focus on plant ecophysiology, ecosystem physiology, or plant ecology.  The general project will focus on two different hydroperiod marsh ecosystems.  The student will have the opportunity to interact with scientists from the Everglades Coastal LTER. 
Knowledge of photosynthetic equipment and data logger use is a plus.  This is a fully funded assistantship that includes: stipend, health insurance, and tuition waiver.  Interested students should send a copy of their CV, statement of research interest, and unofficial copy of transcripts to Dr.
Gregory Starr or contact Dr. Starr for more details (gstarr@bama.ua.edu or 352-846-0889).  Closing date is January 31, 2007.

Graduate Assistantship in Ecosystem Carbon Dynamics of a Long Leaf Pine Forest Managed with Fire

At The University of Alabama

A M.S. or Ph.D. Graduate Assistantship is available in the Department of Biological Sciences to work on a large interdisciplinary project at Jones Ecological Research Center beginning summer or fall 2008.  The student’s research interests should focus on plant ecophysiology, ecosystem physiology, fire ecology, forest productivity, or plant ecology.  The project will focus on developing a comprehensive understanding of ecosystem carbon dynamic for two types of long leaf pine systems that are managed with fire.  The student will have the opportunity to interact with scientists from the University of Alabama, Jones Ecological Research Center, USFS, University of Florida, and University of New Hampshire.  A general knowledge of photosynthetic equipment and data logger use is a plus.  This is a fully funded assistantship that includes: stipend, health insurance, living quarters at the Jones Center, and a small research budget.  Interested students should send a copy of their CV, statement of research interest, and unofficial copy of transcripts to Dr. Gregory Starr or contact Dr. Starr for more details (gstarr@bama.ua.edu or 352-846- 0889).  Closing date is January 31, 2007.

M.S. Graduate Research Assistantship in savanna restoration ecology available starting January-June 2008.

Overview: We are seeking a highly motivated M.S. graduate student to work with a large-scale oak savanna restoration experiment in central Iowa. 
The student will have three areas of research: 1) analyze existing data sets related to successional dynamics following woody encroachment removal from savannas, 2) initiate a prescribed fire/seeding experiment within the savanna restoration experimental sites, and 3) assess relationships between fire, soil nutrient and moisture patterns, and vegetation response to restoration.  The student will work closely with Drs. Heidi Asbjornsen (Iowa State University) and Lars Brudvig (Washington University in St.
Louis), as well as with researchers from the U.S.D.A. Forest Service Northern Research Station and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.  The student will also have substantial intellectual freedom to develop and pursue her/his research interests within the overall context of the project.

Dates: This position has two years of funding available for a Graduate Research Assistantship at a competitive rate (including in-state tuition status and a partial tuition waver), with possibilities to fund exceptional candidates for additional year(s) of study.  The start date for the position is flexible, but should be sometime between January and June 2008. 
 
Qualifications:  The M.S. candidate should have a background in plant ecology, forestry, or a related discipline, field/research experience, and the capability to work in challenging field conditions.  Prior employment experience with land management agencies (e.g., U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S.D.A. Forest Service, The Nature Conservancy, etc.) and skills in plant species identification and  ecological data analysis are preferred.

Degree options: Degrees can be pursued through either the Iowa State University Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management
(http://www.nrem.iastate.edu/students/prospecgrad.htm) or the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Interdepartmental Graduate Program (http://www.grad- college.iastate.edu/EEB/).  In both programs, opportunities exist for basic and applied ecological coursework.

To apply: Applications should include a CV with cover letter, undergraduate transcript details, GRE scores, and names and contact information (including email addresses) for three references. 

Closing date: Review of applicants will begin immediately; however, the position will remain open until filled.

Please send application materials electronically to:

Dr. Heidi Asbjornsen                          
Associate Professor of Ecosystem Ecology & Restoration
Department of Natural Resource Ecology & Management                     
Iowa State University
email: hasbjorn@iastate.edu

I am looking for highly motivated MS and PhD graduate students interested in invasion biology or restoration ecology to start August 2008 in the Department of Biology at the University of Central Florida. My research focus is on the landscape patterns and community mechanisms that influence the addition of species into ecosystems. My interest in landscape preservation is served by utilizing a variety of methods to answer pressing questions relating to the addition and loss of species in ecosystems. Future and ongoing Von Holle lab projects available for collaboration are:
• The effect of landscape connectivity on habitat invasibility by
nonnative plants
• The effect of global climate change on nonnative species
distributions
• The influence of historical landuse on nonnative plant
distribution using historical aerial photographs and hyperspectral imagery
• Habitat restoration: forests, heathlands, and scrub.
• Impacts of nonnative species on Florida ecosystems
• Facilitations between nonnative species
For further information on my research visit:
http://biology.ucf.edu/~vonholle/
The Department has a strong and collegial group with diverse research interests that range from applied conservation biology to theoretical ecology and evolutionary biology. The University is situated within easy driving distance of diverse coastal, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystems, offering excellent opportunities for both field research and recreation. Students accepted in the program are eligible for graduate fellowships, graduate teaching assistantships, or graduate research assistantships. Stipends are currently $19,000 and $15,000 per year for PhD and MS students, respectively. Applicants should have an undergraduate degree in the Biological Sciences as well as prior research experience.
Interested applicants should send an email with a letter of interest and attached CV to Betsy Von Holle: vonholle@mail.ucf.edu. University application materials are due January 15, 2008. 

Location:  Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa in collaboration with Grassland, Soil and Water Research Laboratory (USDA-ARS), Temple, Texas.

Position description - the student will join an NSF-funded project testing how species diversity and plant-plant interactions might differ between native and exotic grassland plant communities.  The student will conduct independent research on this and other related topics.  Starting date is summer or fall 2008.

Application procedure - send a brief (one page) cover letter describing your fit and interest in the position, a CV with GRE scores and GPA and a list of at least two references to Brian Wilsey (bwilsey@iastate.edu), Department of Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology, 253 Bessey Hall, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011.  Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue through May 1, 2008 (i.e. until position is filled).

Iowa State University is an equal opportunity employer.

I am currently recruiting students interested in pursuing a Masters or PhD in plant ecology. My research focuses on 1) the influence of climate change on plant population and community dynamics, 2) patterns of species diversity in space and time, and 3) plant-animal interactions, especially in arid and semiarid ecosystems (see http://www.cnr.usu.edu/faculty/adler/). Students will have the freedom to develop their own research projects related to these areas, relying on field work and/or analysis and modeling of existing data. PhD applicants should plan on pursuing independent funding to complement the full stipend and research costs that I will support.

Utah State is a wonderful place for graduate work thanks to its proximity to desert, steppe, and montane habitats, the large graduate program, a low cost of living, and quick access to world class outdoor recreation. Students working with me can earn degrees through the Dept. of Wildland Resources
(http://www.cnr.usu.edu/) or the Ecology Center (http://www.usu.edu/ecology/). Minimum requirements for entry into USU’s Graduate Program are a cumulative 3.0 GPA, and 1100 combined GRE scores.
Most successful applicants greatly exceed these minimums. All interested candidates must apply to both USU’s School of Graduate Studies (http://www.usu.edu/gradsch), and the S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney Ph.D.
Fellowships Program (http://www.cnr.usu.edu/quinney_brochure_2008-2009.pdf).

To apply, please e-mail me a CV, a one-page statement of research interests, and contact information for three references:

Peter Adler
Dept. Wildland Resources
5230 Old Main Hill
Utah State University
Logan, Ut 84322
peter.adler [at] usu.edu

Graduate Research Opportunities in Ecosystem Ecology on Mount St. Helens

Graduate opportunities are available on a multi-investigator project that examines recovery of ecosystem processes during primary succession.
The fieldwork for the project will be at Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument and successful applicants will join an active research team with ongoing projects at the site.  The successful applicants must be capable of field work for extended periods.  Students can apply to either the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences
(http://www.sees.wsu.edu) or the School of Biological Sciences
(http://sbs.wsu.edu/) at Washington State University.  Washington State University is a land grant, comprehensive research institution with an enrollment of over 23,000 students with state-of-the-art facilities in ecology.  The University is one of the largest residential universities in the West and is in close proximity to both the Northern Rocky Mountains and the Cascade Range.  Pullman and nearby Moscow provide a friendly, small-town living environment.  Close collaborations also exist with ecologists at the University of Idaho, which is a land grant research university of 12,500 students located eight miles away.  For further information please contact Dr. Rick Gill (rgill@wsu.edu) in the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences or Dr. R. Dave Evans
(rdevans@wsu.edu) in the School of Biological Sciences. 

***************************

R. Dave Evans
School of Biological Sciences
PO Box 644236
Washington State University
Pullman, WA   99164-4236

Office: 509-335-7466
Lab:    509-335-6154
FAX:    509-335-3184
http://sbs.wsu.edu/faculty/?faculty/48

Laboratory for Biotechnology and Bioanalysis (LBB2) Stable Isotope Core isotopes@wsu.edu http://www.isotopes.wsu.edu

The White Lab at Utah State University has an opening for a graduate student with interests in Macroecology, Community Ecology, or Ecological Theory/Modeling.  Active areas of research in the White lab include broad scale patterns of biodiversity, dynamics of ecological communities, 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 free to develop their own research projects depending upon their interests. Graduate students in the White lab are funded through a combination of research assistantships, teaching assistantships, and fellowships.  Students interested in pursuing a PhD are preferred, though exceptional students interested in a M.S. will be considered. Utah State University has an excellent graduate program in ecology with over 50 faculty and 80+ graduate students across campus affiliated with the USU Ecology Center (http://www.usu.edu/ecology/). 

More information about the lab is available at:
www.biology.usu.edu/labsites/whitelab/home.html

Interested students should contact Ethan White at epwhite@biology.usu.edu.

DEADLINE: For full consideration, applications should be submitted by January 1st, 2008.

Posted October 4, 2007

Masters Program Landscape Ecology and Nature Conservation
        
Greifswald University (Germany) has started the international Masters Program Landscape Ecology and Nature Conservation. The 2-year program is taught in English and addresses postgraduates (MSc or comparable degrees) and well-trained graduates (BSc) with working experience from all parts of the world. Based on multidisciplinarity and individual mentoring students are trained in the analysis and solution of both current and future global environmental challenges. Since Greifswald University has a strong international reputation in mire ecology and wetland restoration the multidisciplinary curriculum emphasizes these aspects e.g. in the following modules: mire ecology, palaeoecology, global change, aquatic ecology, restoration ecology and vegetation ecology.
For more information please confirm to:
http://www.botanik.uni-greifswald.de/msclenc

--
Dr. Tiemo Timmermann
Programme Coordinator M.Sc. Landscape Ecology and Nature Conservation Chair of Geobotany and Landscape Ecology Institute of Botany and Landscape Ecology University Greifswald Grimmer Str. 88
D-17487 Greifswald
Tel: + 49 3834 864112
Fax: + 49 3834 864114

Posted October 4, 2007

MS Assistantship in Invasion Ecology

A graduate student position is available to study the ecology of invasive species in the Department of Zoology at Oklahoma State University.  The student will participate in laboratory and field studies that are designed to assess the impacts of zebra mussel on reservoirs in Kansas and Oklahoma. 

The student will be supported through a combination of teaching and research assistantships (~$16,000/yr plus tuition waiver).  To learn more about the Zoology Department and our graduate program visit http://zoology.okstate.edu/.

To apply, please email a letter of interest (including GRE scores and GPA) and a resume to Dr. Andy Dzialowski at andy.dzialowski@okstate.edu.  The position is available beginning either in January or Summer 2008. 

Posted October 4, 2007

GRADUATE STUDY IN SILVICULTURE/APPLIED FOREST ECOLOGY

DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCE ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT, OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY

The Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, Oklahoma State University is seeking qualified individuals to work on a research project in Silviculture or Applied Forest Ecology. Research will focus on the biological mechanisms that drive the growth and productivity of forest
stands.   The position will be filled at the Ph.D. (preferred) or M.S.
level.

RESEARCH AREA: Understanding the mechanisms related to the growth and productivity of forest stands is important to efficiently manage forests for traditional commodities, i.e., wood and fiber, but also for nontraditional commodities and ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration, water quality and yield, biofuel feedstocks, wildlife habitat, and aesthetic quality.  The successful candidate will undertake studies at the tree or stand level.  Flexibility exists in developing specific projects, but potential research directions may entail the effects of silvicultural treatments on stand biology, canopy architecture, effects of fire on natural regeneration, establishment and physiology of plants species important for wildlife habitat, and invasive species. 
Given the rainfall gradient in Oklahoma, from >50” in the southeastern corner to <20” in the panhandle, Oklahoma comprises a wide range of forest and plant communities that include commercial loblolly pine forests, shortleaf pine savannas, oak-hickory forests, cross-timbers (post oak-
blackjack oak dominated forests), and prairie-shrub communities.   The
student(s) will do coursework at the Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK.

STIPEND: A graduate research assistantship is available of $17,500 for Ph.D. or $15,500 for M.S. annually for a half-time appointment. Benefits include tuition waiver and student health insurance (for student only, family coverage available for an additional fee).

TENTATIVE STARTING DATE: July 1, 2008

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS: B.S. and/or M.S. in forestry, plant biology, or related degree.  If applicable, a minimum grade point average of 3.00 (A =
4.00) and acceptable GRE scores are required.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Interested individuals should contact:

Dr. Rodney Will
008C Agriculture Hall
Stillwater, OK 74078
405-744-5444
rodney.will@okstate.edu

Posted October 4, 2007

Graduate Assistantships (PhD and MS) in Stream Ecology

Texas State University – San Marcos,
Department of Biology

PhD and MS positions in Stream Ecology for highly motivated students are available beginning in January 2008 to work on (1) land-water interactions across tributary watersheds in the Lower Brazos River in Texas; (2) effects of ecosystem engineers on lotic ecological processes; (3) systematic biology and ecology of black fly larvae.  Applicants who are independent, self-motivated on research should have demonstrated academic excellence and field experience. BS or MS in biology, ecology, zoology, wildlife biology, or related fields are required.

Texas State University – San Marcos is offering a comprehensive doctoral program in Aquatic Resources and multiple MS programs, such as Aquatic Resources and Population and Conservation Biology.  Information on the PhD and MS program and the application process is available on the Biology Department web site:  (http://www.bio.txstate.edu/graduate.html ).

San Marcos (about 45,000 residents) is situated in the beautiful Central Texas Hill Country, 48 miles north of San Antonio and 25 miles south of Austin, the State Capital of Texas. Metropolitan attractions plus outdoor recreational opportunities make the community an attractive place to live and work.

Minimum academic qualifications for MS position include GRE > 1000 (verbal
+ quantitative) and an undergraduate GPA > 3.0, for PhD position GRE >
1150 and GPA > 3.25 in graduate course work. A valid driver's license is required.

Salary: ~$14,000/yr for MS and ~$18,000/yr for PhD. Resident tuition rates
apply for all assistantships. PhD and MS Instructional and Research Assistantships with associated benefits are available.

Application evaluation period is open until the positions are filled.

Required Documentation: Cover letter for describing research
interests/experiences, CV, statement of goals, transcripts and GRE scores.
Three reference letters are needed for final application.

For Further Information,Contact:
Dr. Yixin Zhang
Department of Biology
Texas State University – San Marcos
San Marcos, Texas 78666
Tel:  (512) 245-3552 
e-mail:  yz11@txstate.edu
http://www.bio.txstate.edu/~zhang/ 

Posted October 4, 2007

Ph.D. Assistantship in Restoration Ecology - UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA

I am seeking a highly motivated Ph.D. student to work on a longleaf pine flatwoods restoration project in Florida.  The project involves examining interactions between overstory and understory plant species across a gradient of overstory density.  The assistantship carries a competitive stipend, tuition waiver, and health insurance for a period of 3 to 4 years.  Students are expected to join either in the spring or summer 2008.  Minimum qualifications include a M.S. degree in forestry, ecology or a related field, good oral and verbal communications skills, 3.0 GPA and 1000 GRE (V+Q) score.  Please contact Dr. Shibu Jose, Associate Professor of Forest Ecology, School of Forest Resources and Conservation, University of Florida at (352)-846-0872 (Office) or email sjose@ufl.edu.  For more information visit the Forest Ecology and Ecosystem Restoration (FEER) Lab at the University of Florida at http://www.sfrc.ufl.edu/faculty/jose/Lab/index.html

Shibu Jose, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Forest Ecology Co-Director, Cooperative for Conserved Forest Ecosystems=20 Editor, Journal of Forestry School of Forest Resources and Conservation=20
351 Newins-Ziegler Hall
PO Box 110410
University of Florida=20
Gainesville, FL 32611-0410

Phone: (352) 846 0872
Fax: (352) 846 1277
sjose@ufl.edu=20
http://www.sfrc.ufl.edu/faculty/jose/index.html
FEER Lab: http://www.sfrc.ufl.edu/faculty/jose/Lab/index.html

Posted October 4, 2007

Position Announcement: PhD Student for Riparian Biogeochemical Cycling Study in Central Idaho.

Announcement: I am seeking a highly motivated PhD student to participate in an interdisciplinary study on the role of salmon carcasses in soil and plant biogeochemical cycles including linkages to the aquatic and terrestrial food webs. Ocean-reared salmon have been extirpated from a vast region in central Idaho for almost 100 years due to hydro power development and irrigation. We will be reintroducing carcasses to assess their influence on ecosystem productivity. The PhD student will establish and conduct soil nutrient input and vegetation manipulation experiments, soil and plant analysis, including stable isotope analysis and gross soil nutrient fluxes. The student will primarily be responsible for the soil and vegetative component of this project, but will also be expected to collaborate with stream ecologists, fish biologists and wildlife biologists on the project. The stipend is $25,000 per year including tuition waiver.  The successful candidate will be a PhD student in the College of Natural Resources at the University of Idaho.  The project includes faculty, biologists, technicians and post doctoral scientists from University of Alaska, Washington State University, Idaho State University and Idaho Fish and Game.

Field Working/Living Conditions:  The field sites are riparian forests along several first and second order streams in the Boise, Payette and Weiser watersheds in central Idaho. This is a beautiful landscape to work in with few mosquitoes and little summer rainfall. The candidate will be camping in remote field sites and will be expected to spend a significant part of the spring/summer months in the field.

Technical Qualifications: The PhD candidate should be familiar with biogeochemistry, forest ecology and ecosystem processes associated with plant productivity and nutrient cycling. Experience working with stable isotopes is advantageous as is familiarity with nitrogen gross mineralization techniques. Good experimental and laboratory skills with evidence of ability to publish research results in refereed journals are highly desired. Applicants are required to have a master’s degree in forest ecology, ecosystem ecology, biogeochemistry or other appropriate field.

Personal Qualifications: The candidate should be self-motivated, focused, able to work independently and work as part of a multidisciplinary team.
You should be capable of driving to remote sites on gravel roads, hiking several kilometers and are comfortable camping in primitive areas.

How to Apply: To apply for this position, please email the following to Kathleen Kavanagh; katyk@uidaho.edu: (1) your CV (including GRE scores and percentiles); (2) a 1-2 page description of your research interests and ideas; please also describe your technical and personal qualifications for this position; (3) contact information for three references. Inquiries are welcome.

Application Deadline: Applications will be considered until the position is filled.

Starting Date: A starting date of January 2008 or earlier is ideal.
However, students who can join this project in the spring or summer of
2008 are also encouraged to apply.

See http://rmna.org/ for information about the Rocky Mountain Research Fellowship for graduate student work in Rocky Mountain National Park.  Park housing, a stipend, and research expenses are included.  For more information contact nancy@rmna.org or call 970-586-0108. 

Posted September 24, 2007

Graduate Research Assistant, M.S./Ph.D.
 
University of Maine Sustainable Agriculture Program, Department of Plant, Soil and Environmental Sciences, Orono, Maine.
 
Salary: $14,357 annually, with potential supplement from extramural funding.
Benefits: 0.5 annual health care; tuition waiver (9 credits per semester)
Date available: January, June or September 2008.
 
Current research projects are focused on understanding and manipulating the population dynamics of annual weeds in organic dairy and vegetable cropping systems, particularly strategies congruent with growers’ interest in improving soil quality.  Opportunities include studies related to physical weed control for small-scale (< 2 ha) growers; effects of fall management practices on weed seed predation and seedbank dynamics; behavior of invertebrate weed seed predators, with a particular interest in Harpalus rufipes, a ground beetle; and soil quality effects on weed seed persistence.  
 
Qualifications: Undergraduate degree in agronomy, agroecology, ecology, biology, or related fields, and strong interest in ecologically-based weed management for low-external-input cropping systems.
 
Contact:  Eric Gallandt, Associate Professor of Weed Ecology and Management, University of Maine, Department of Plant, Soil and Environmental Sciences, 5722 Deering Hall, Orono, ME, 04473-5722.  gallandt@maine.edu
 
For an overview of our research program: www.umaine.edu/weedecology
See also: http://www.umaine.edu/pse/psegradstudy.htm

Posted September 24, 2007

PhD fellowship in Community/Population Ecology

I am looking for highly motivated graduate students in community/population ecology starting September 2008 in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Rice University in Houston, Texas. I will consider applicants who wish to pursue fundamental research on any aspect of population/community/evolutionary ecology.

My research examines the ecological factors that generate and determine the structure, dynamics and functioning of natural communities. Current projects focus on the effect of cannibalism and size-structured interactions on the dynamics and functioning of natural communities, the consequences of infectious diseases for community dynamics and biodiversity, and the evolutionary dynamics resulting from the interaction of cannibalism and diseases/ parasitoids, using a combination of field and laboratory experiments in combination with theoretical work.  While most of my work has been carried out in 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. For further information in my research visit http://www.owlnet.rice.edu/~volker.rudolf/index.htm

Guaranteed funding for 4 years with a very competitive stipend is available through a combination of fellowships and research assistant ships.
Applicants are also encouraged to apply for available scholarships and fellowships.

Please see our departmental website <http://eeb.rice.edu/> for more information about the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Rice University, our research and graduate programs, and the recent addition of several outstanding new faculty complementing our strengths in a variety of research areas ranging from the ecology and evolution of interspecific interactions, conservation, invasive species, and forest community dynamics to genomics, speciation, and the evolution of intra-specific cooperation and sociality. 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.

Volker Rudolf
Assistant Professor
Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Rice University Houston, TX, 77005
Email: <volker.rudolf@rice.edu>
http://www.owlnet.rice.edu/~volker.rudolf/

Posted September 24, 2007

Graduate Research Assistantship Opportunity MSc with research focus in fire ecology and ecophysiology

Resprouting by Great Basin Native and Exotic Plant Species:=20 Prediction of Long-term Vegetation Change

A two-year position is open for a stipend-funded M.Sc. student to conduct research at the University of Nevada Reno, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science. The successful applicant will develop a thesis topic within the framework of a project focused on post-fire resprouting by woody plants in the Great Basin region. Highly motivated and independently-minded applicants with knowledge of general terrestrial ecology and/or ecophysiology, ability think critically, and experience in field experiments will be given priority.

More project detail can be found at:
http://www.ag.unr.edu/sparrow/fire_ecology_msc.htm

The opportunity is available from January 2008.  Applicants must meet UNR admission requirements. To be considered, please send a resume, statement of research interests, transcripts and GRE scores (unofficial copies O.K.), and names and contact details for at least two referees
to:

Dr Ashley Sparrow
Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science University of Nevada Reno 1000 Valley Road Reno  NV  89512 USA
Email: asparrow@cabnr.unr.edu
Phone: 775-784-1107

Posted September 24, 2007

MSc or PhD Research Opportunity in Paleoecology in Coastal British Columbia

I am looking for students interested in pursuing research at the MSc or PhD level to start in the summer or fall of 2008 in the Department of Geography at the University of Victoria (UVic) http://www.geog.uvic.ca/.

I am currently setting up a new research lab at UVic - the Earth Systems Ecology Lab. Earth systems ecology aims to understand the interactions among organisms, ecosystems and earth processes by integrating knowledge and approaches from the life and earth sciences. The integration of earth science with ecology is critically important to address the many challenges associated with global environmental change, and more information is urgently needed on the nature, rate and magnitude of ecosystem response to environmental change. The main approach of my lab is to examine ecological dynamics and interactions between the biosphere, geosphere and climate using techniques such as pollen analysis that provide a long-term perspective on vegetation dynamics. My research focuses on the development and dynamics of vegetation communities since the last glaciation, the climatic and non-climatic factors that drive these vegetation dynamics, and the response of plant communities to past climatic change. The main geographical focus of the lab is the Pacific coast of Canada, a region characterized today by temperate rain forest and dominated by large, long-lived conifers.

Prior experience in this area of research is an asset, but is not necessary. Applicants should be highly-motivated, with a strong background in ecology, geology or physical geography. Funding for these graduate positions is flexible with regard to the research topic. Guaranteed funding is available through a combination of fellowships, research assistantships and teaching assistantships.

The University of Victoria is consistently ranked as one of the top comprehensive universities in Canada. Victoria is a lovely city of 350,000 characterized by warm, dry summers and cool, rainy winters. It is an exciting time to join the Department of Geography as we are moving into a new building. Lab space is custom-designed and well-equipped for research in any aspect of paleoecology. Other research groups in the Department include the UVic Tree-Ring Lab, Whale Research Lab and Spectroradiometry Lab.

Students interested in any aspect of paleoecology are encouraged to contact me via email (tlacours@uvic.ca) to discuss their background and interests.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Terri Lacourse, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Department of Geography
University of Victoria
Victoria, BC  V8W 3P5
CANADA

Email: tlacours@uvic.ca

Posted September 24, 2007

PhD Position in Tropical Stream Ecology
Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA

A PhD position is available at the University of Georgia's new Odum School
of Ecology.  We are seeking a highly qualified individual to join our
NSF-funded TADS (Tropical Amphibian Declines) research project:

*Ecosystem-level consequences of extinction: quantifying the ecological
effects of catastrophic amphibian declines in neotropical streams.*
*
*
The successful applicant will be part of an interdisciplinary research team
composed of scientists and graduate students from the University of Georgia
(Catherine. Pringle), Drexel University (Susan Kilham), and Southern
Illinois University (Matthew Whiles, Karen Lips).  Field research will be
conducted in central Panama and laboratory work primarily at the University
of Georgia's Odum School of Ecology, with several trips to Drexel
University.  The successful applicant will be involved in field experiments
and surveys to examine the ecosystem-level effects of tadpole extirpation in
streams.  He/she will have intellectual freedom to develop independent
research projects that compliment, but are distinct from goals of the main
project.  For more information about the TADS project see Pringle's web
page: http://cpringle.myweb.uga.edu
*
*
*Position starting date is negotiable ( as early as spring/summer 2008 or as
late as Fall 2008).  P*lease send a cover letter stating your research
accomplishments and interests, a curriculum vitae, and three letters of
recommendation by mail or email to: Catherine Pringle, Institute of Ecology,
University of Georgia, Athens, GA (cpringle@uga.edu)

John Stephen Kominoski
Odum School of Ecology
University of Georgia
Athens, Georgia 30602
http://jkominoski.googlepages.com

Posted September 24, 2007

M.S. ASSISTANTSHIP (Forestry or Geography): A graduate research assistant position (M.S. level) is available beginning January, 2008 with Dr. Andrew Finley in the Departments of Forestry and Geography at Michigan State University. The goal of the project supporting this assistantship is to develop multi-source forest inventory methods for producing nationwide data products that provide spatially explicit and statistically valid estimates of key forest attributes measured by the USDA Forest Service's Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program and similar inventories.  The successful candidate will assist in meeting some or all of the project objectives, which include: refining nearest neighbor algorithms for use in multi-source mapping; developing point and areal variance estimators; developing automated routines for optimal nearest neighbor model parameter estimation, and; documenting image and FIA data processing techniques for large-scale mapping.

Applicants should have a B.S. in forestry, geography, statistics, ecology, or a related field. The successful candidate must have a strong commitment to graduate studies, demonstrate an interest in learning new computer-based tools and statistical methods, and desire to pursue a career in a quantitative field. Applicants must be self-motivated. Experience in database SQL, GIS, computer programming, and image processing is desirable.

Graduate stipend is competitive with equivalent programs. Health benefits and tuition are also included. Please email a letter of interest, CV/resume, transcripts, GRE scores, and contact information for three references to Dr.
Andrew Finley, finleya@msu.edu 

Application review will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Posted September 24, 2007

MS or PhD assistantships in watershed management

The Department of Forestry at Southern Illinois University Carbondale has research assistantships available for M.S. or Ph.D. students interested in pursuing research in watershed management, water quality, and hydrology. 
The student will be part of an interdisciplinary team of researchers and students investigating water quality and community capacity for planning and conservation in eight urbanizing agricultural subwatersheds of the Lower Kaskaskia River Watershed in southern Illinois.  Key research questions include:  1.) How do land use and conservation practices affect water quality?  2.) What is the capacity of urban and rural communities in the subwatersheds to engage in watershed planning and adopt comprehensive conservation strategies?  The project is funded by the USDA CSREES Water Quality program.  Anticipated start date for assistantships is January 2008.  For more information, please contact Dr. Karl Williard at (618) 453-
7478 williard@siu.edu and Dr. Jon Schoonover at (618) 453-7468 jschoon@siu.edu http://www.siu.edu/~forestry/).

Posted September 24, 2007

PhD/MSc graduate student positions in evolutionary ecology

I am looking for two highly motivated students for September 2008 (possibly earlier) at the PhD or MSc level who can add to the Vamosi research group at the University of Calgary with their enthusiasm, expertise, and willingness to approach complex systems. In my lab, we focus on the the study of factors affecting community structure in aquatic organisms, long-term evolutionary consequences of enemy-victim interactions, and breeding systems in flowering plants.

One position is for an experimental/observational field project, further exploring the factors (notably predators) affecting the coexistence of predaceous diving beetles. Field work would take place either in Alberta or coastal British Columbia. This work would take place within the broader framework of phylogenetic community structure, and could possibly involve the application of molecular techniques to better resolve our understanding of the relationships among congeneric species.

The second position is for a laboratory evolution project. The student would work with granivorous insects and their enemies in the lab, documenting evolutionary responses in the prey populations to the presence of enemies under varying resource settings.

For more on ongoing research and prior publications in these areas, please visit my homepage:
<http://homepages.ucalgary.ca/~smvamosi/>.

Guaranteed funding of at least $19,000 CAD/year for 4 years (PhD) or 2 years (MSc) is available through a combination of teaching and research assistantships. Applicants are encouraged to apply for available scholarships and fellowships. Canadian citizens should definitely explore the possibility of applying for NSERC graduate awards.

The Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Calgary has a strong and growing group of ecologists and evolutionary biologists; see <http://www.bio.ucalgary.ca/>. Calgary is a city of one million people located a short drive from the beautiful Canadian Rockies and offering excellent opportunities for both field research and recreation. Contrary to popular press, most of us don't wear cowboy hats and boots on a daily basis.

If interested in either position please contact me by email and attach a copy of your CV & a brief statement of your research interests/goals.

Best,
Steve

--
Dr. Steven M. Vamosi
Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary http://homepages.ucalgary.ca/~smvamosi/

Posted September 24, 2007

Two PhD positions in plant invasion biology at the University of
Bern, Switzerland

We are seeking two PhD students highly motivated to work on determinants of
plant invasiveness. The work will involve experimental assessment of
establishment success of horticultural species, and comparative
multi-species experiments to assess the life-history traits and extrinsic
factors associated with establishment success. Ideally, the candidates for
these two positions should have a background in experimental ecology and
basic knowledge of statistical methods (including generalized linear models).

The positions will be with Dr Mark van Kleunen and Prof. Dr Markus Fischer
in the Plant Ecology group at the Institute of Plant Sciences of the
University of Bern (http://www.botany.unibe.ch/planteco/index.php), Switzerland.

We offer a stimulating research environment in a beautiful city close to the
Alps. In addition to projects on invasive plants, our group is involved in
projects on evolutionary and molecular plant ecology, plant population
biology and community ecology. The positions are funded by the Swiss Science
Foundation (NSF-NRF for a period of three years starting on January 1, 2008.
Salaries rise from CHF 34 200 in the first year to CHF 40 200 in the third year.

Requirements for the positions include a Master's degree (or equivalent) in
biology, a driver's license, fluency in German and English and good
collaboration skills.

Applicants should e-mail a letter of application, a curriculum vitae and
contact details of two references to Mark van Kleunen at
vkleunen@ips.unibe.ch. In the letter of application, the applicant should
motivate why she or he wants to do a PhD and why she or he wants to work on
plant invasions. The applicant should also present details on her or his
experimental and statistical skills. The application deadline is October 1,
2007.

For more information on these positions, the project and research in our lab
contact Mark van Kleunen at vkleunen@ips.unibe.ch.

Mark van Kleunen

Institute of Plant Sciences
University of Bern
Altenbergrain 21
3013 Bern
Switzerland

Phone Tel. +41 31 631 49 23
Fax +41 31 631 49 42
e-mail vkleunen@ips.unibe.ch

Posted September 24, 2007

PhD, MS Assistantship - LiDAR, forest ecosystems

I am looking for a graduate student to supplement and continue our work with
LiDAR data and color infrared imagery in north Alabama hardwood forest
ecosystems. Desired background includes a degree in forestry or natural
resources and experience in working with LiDAR and other remotely sensed
data. Available for the student will be a laptop, desktop, specialized
software, travel funds, undergraduate student assistants, technician
assistance, and any additional equipment and supplies needed for the work.
Funded by the National Science Foundation. There are approximately a dozen
other graduate students working on different aspects of the project at this
time. The area has plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities within a
short driving distance.
Women, minorities, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

For additional information: Luben.Dimov@aamu.edu, 256-372-4545

(IMPORTANT NOTE: available only to American citizens or permanent resident)

Posted September 24, 2007

MS Assistantship - herb response to thinning and burning in  forest ecosystem restoration

An assistantship is available to study the response of forest herbaceous
vegetation in a forest ecosystem restoration project in response to various
levels of overstory removal and burning frequencies. Strong background in
plant taxonomy and botany is crucial. Available for the student will be a
laptop, handheld field computer, all necessary field equipment and supplies,
travel funds, undergraduate student assistants, and a technician. The study
area is in north Alabama.
The project is funded by the National Science Foundation. There are
approximately a dozen other graduate students working on different aspects
of the study.
The area has plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities within a short
driving distance.
Desired starting date: Spring (preferred) or Summer Semester of 2008.
Starting before the summer of 2008 will allow the applicant to learn the
plant species from the current graduate student.
Women, minorities, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

For additional information:
Luben Dimov
Center for Forestry, Ecology, and Wildlife
PO Box 1927
Alabama A&M University
Normal AL 35762
Luben.Dimov@aamu.edu
256-372-4545

(IMPORTANT NOTE: available only to American citizens or permanent resident)

Posted September 24, 2007

Research Assistantship (MS/PhD)

Funding is available for an energetic and self-motivated student interested
in multi-disciplinary research focused on plant-herbivore interactions.  The
selected student will explore the effects of interactions between plants and
microbes in the soil and their consequences on preference and performance by
root and foliar herbivorous arthropods.

Requirements: Science background with emphasis in agriculture, entomology or
a related discipline. Strong analytical thinking, oral and written
communication skills and basic knowledge of molecular biology and
microbiology preferred. 

Candidates are required to formally apply to, and must meet the requirements
to be accepted by, the North Carolina State University Graduate School
(http://www2.acs.ncsu.edu/grad/prospect.htm) before consideration. Academic
requirements are determined by the Department of Entomology
(http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/entomology/).

For consideration send short statement of interest, CV, copy of transcripts
and contact information for 2 references to: Dr. Yasmin Cardoza, Department
of Entomology,  North Carolina State University, Campus Box 7613, Raleigh,
NC 27695 TEL: (919) 513-1285 FAX: (919) 515-7746, yasmin_cardoza@ncsu.edu

YEARLY SALARY: $15,500 for MS or $17,000 for PhD plus tuition and health
insurance.

POSITION AVAILABLE: Spring/Summer, 2008

Yasmin J. Cardoza
Assistant Professor
Department of Entomology
North Carolina State University
Campus Box 7613
2315 Gardner Hall
Raleigh, NC 27695
Phone (919) 513-1285
Fax     (919) 515-7746
E-mail: yasmin_cardoza@ncsu.edu
URL: http://entomology.ncsu.edu/cardoza

Posted September 24, 2007

M.S. Graduate Research Assistantship in savanna restoration ecology
available January 2008.

Overview: We are seeking a highly motivated M.Sc. graduate student to work
with a large-scale oak savanna restoration experiment in central Iowa. 
The student will participate in three areas of research: 1) analysis of
existing data sets related to successional dynamics following woody
encroachment removal from savannas, 2) initiation of a prescribed
fire/seeding experiment within the savanna restoration experimental sites,
and 3) assessing relationships between fire, soil nutrient and moisture
patterns, and vegetation response to restoration.  The student will work
closely with Drs. Heidi Asbjornsen (Iowa State University) and Lars
Brudvig (Washington University in St. Louis), as well as with researchers
from the U.S.D.A. Forest Service Northern Research Station and the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers staff.  The student will also have substantial
intellectual freedom to develop and pursue her/his research interests
within the overall context of the project.

Timeline: This position has two years of funding available for a Graduate
Research Assistantship at a competitive rate (including in-state tuition
status and a partial tuition waver), with possibilities to fund
exceptional candidates for additional year(s) of study.  A start date of
January 2008 is preferred, although there is some flexibility. 
 
Qualifications:  The M.S. candidate should have a background in plant
ecology, forestry, or a related discipline, field/research experience, and
the capability to work in challenging field conditions.  Prior employment
experience with land management agencies (e.g., U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers, U.S.D.A. Forest Service, The Nature Conservancy, etc.) and 
skills in plant species identification and  ecological data analysis are
preferred.

Degree options: Degrees can be pursued through Iowa State University's
Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management
(http://www.nrem.iastate.edu/students/prospecgrad.htm) or Ecology and
Evolutionary Biology Interdepartmental Graduate Program (http://www.grad-
college.iastate.edu/EEB/).  In both programs, opportunities exist for
basic and applied ecological coursework.

To apply: Interested applicants should send a CV with cover letter,
undergraduate transcript details, GRE scores, and names and contact
information (including email addresses) for three references by email to: 
Dr. Heidi Asbjornsen (hasbjorn@iastate.edu).

Closing date: Review of applicants will begin immediately; however, the
position will remain open until filled.

Heidi Asbjornsen                          
Associate Professor of Ecosystem Ecology & Restoration
Department of Natural Resource Ecology & Management                     
Iowa State University
email: hasbjorn@iastate.edu 

Posted September 24, 2007

M.S. Graduate Assistantship Carbon Sequestration
 
The School of Forest Resources, University of Arkansas at Monticello and the Louisiana State University AgCenter seeks candidates for a half time M.S. assistantship.  The assistantship can begin in either the spring or summer of 2008 and carries a stipend of $17,400.  This is a cooperative study between the two institutions and the student will be housed at UAM School of Forest Resources (SFR).

The successful candidate will work on a long-term project investigating carbon sequestration and nitrogen dynamics in response to litter removal and nutrient amendments in loblolly pine stands managed for both timber and pine straw production.  The study will be used to determine the impact of pine straw harvesting with and without nutrient amendment on 1) soil and aboveground carbon accumulation in and 2) soil and forest sustainability of managed loblolly pine stands.  The graduate student’s project will add to previous work on soil compaction, soil moisture regimes, and microbial biomass that has occurred at the research sites. 

Dr. Hal O. Liechty
Professor, School of Forest Resources UAM PO Box 3468 Monticello, AR 71656
Phone: (870) 460-1452
Email: liechty@uamont.edu

Assistantship Website:
http://www.afrc.uamont.edu/liechtyh/agroforest_asst_.htm

Deadline: Application Deadline
11/1/07-Spring Term
 5/1/07-Summer Term

Posted September 5th, 2007

PhD/MS graduate research assistantship
 
A Ph.D. and/or M.S. level graduate research assistantship in the Human Dimensions of Ecosystem Management is available beginning as early as fall
2007 in the Department of Forestry at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. The Department of Forestry offers graduate students an interdisciplinary learning experience in natural and social sciences, including fields such as land use planning, watershed management, forest recreation and community-based conservation.

Project Title: Evaluating Watershed Health Risks through Integrated Water Quality Analyses, Community Capacity Assessments, and Outreach Appraisals

Project Description:  This project is an interdisciplinary investigation of water quality and community capacity for planning and conservation with the overall goal of evaluating and communicating watershed and community health risks in eight subwatershed communities.

For further details contact Dr. Mae Davenport, (618) 453-7476, mdaven@siu.edu.

Students are urged to apply as soon as possible. Minority students are encouraged to apply.

For information about Southern Illinois University Carbondale, visit http://www.siuc.edu/ For information about the Department of Forestry, visit http://www.coas.siu.edu/

PhD/MSc graduate student positions available in community ecology
 
I am looking for two highly motivated students at the PhD or MSc level who can strengthen the Cottenie research group at the University of Guelph with their enthusiasm, expertise, willingness to approach complex problems, and fun field work. In my lab, we focus on the the study of metacommunity dynamics, or  how interaction between local and environmental processes structure ecological communities.

One position is for a quantitative/modelling project. The main focus of this project is to answer novel questions with new statistical tools using existing data sets. The starting point of this project is to extend some of my work (Cottenie 2005, Ecology Letters 8:1175-1182), but the end point is only limited by your imagination and time.

The second position is for a experimental/observational project. The student would work on the subarctic rock bluff pools in Churchill, Manitoba. They provide the perfect hierarchical metacommunity consisting of pools within several groups of rock bluffs, positioned along the coast. In additition, due to their size, quantity, and low species richness they are easy to manipulate experimentally.

The Department of Integrative Biology has one of the fastest growing ecology departments of Canada. We hired 8 new ecology/evolutionary ecologists in the last 3 three years, and within the University of Guelph there is a group of 50 ecologists and approximately 100 graduate students. We recently moved into a new building with a very different design and interaction philosophy compared to any other department. Two or three faculty members share lab space with each other, in order to foster social and scientific interactions between different groups. Together with the McCann and Klironomos research groups,  we form the Community Ecology Lab. This exposes our students to a very wide range of research approaches, philosophies, systems and ideas that will help them to develop into a more complete scientist.

For more information, see
- http://www.uoguelph.ca/ib/faculty/faculty_cottenie.shtml
- http://www.uoguelph.ca/ib/
- http://www.uoguelph.ca/%7Eecology/
- or send me an email: cottenie@uoguelph.ca

Karl Cottenie
Department of Integrative Biology
University of Guelph
N1G 2W1
cottenie@uoguelph.ca
519 824 4120, ext. 52554

Two PhD positions in plant invasion biology at the University of
Bern, Switzerland

We are seeking two PhD students highly motivated to work on determinants of
plant invasiveness. The work will involve experimental assessment of
establishment success of horticultural species, and comparative
multi-species experiments to assess the life-history traits and extrinsic
factors associated with establishment success. Ideally, the candidates for
these two positions should have a background in experimental ecology and
basic knowledge of statistical methods (including generalized linear models).

The positions will be with Dr Mark van Kleunen and Prof. Dr Markus Fischer
in the Plant Ecology group at the Institute of Plant Sciences of the
University of Bern (http://www.botany.unibe.ch/planteco/index.php), Switzerland.

We offer a stimulating research environment in a beautiful city close to the
Alps. In addition to projects on invasive plants, our group is involved in
projects on evolutionary and molecular plant ecology, plant population
biology and community ecology. The positions are funded by the Swiss Science
Foundation (NSF-NRF for a period of three years starting on January 1, 2008.
Salaries rise from CHF 34 200 in the first year to CHF 40 200 in the third year.

Requirements for the positions include a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in
biology, a driver’s license, fluency in German and English and good
collaboration skills.

Applicants should e-mail a letter of application, a curriculum vitae and
contact details of two references to Mark van Kleunen at
vkleunen@ips.unibe.ch. In the letter of application, the applicant should
motivate why she or he wants to do a PhD and why she or he wants to work on
plant invasions. The applicant should also present details on her or his
experimental and statistical skills. The application deadline is October 1,
2007.

For more information on these positions, the project and research in our lab
contact Mark van Kleunen at vkleunen@ips.unibe.ch.

Mark van Kleunen
Institute of Plant Sciences
University of Bern
Altenbergrain 21
3013 Bern
Switzerland

Phone Tel. +41 31 631 49 23
Fax +41 31 631 49 42
e-mail vkleunen@ips.unibe.ch

Posted July 30, 2007
 
PhD. Graduate assistantship in Interdisciplinary Ecology through the School of Natural Resources and the Environment at the University of Florida, West Florida Research and Education Center (WFREC).  This assistantship is for a doctorial degree candidate to conduct research on coastal vegetation dynamics and restoration. Research on Santa Rosa Island, Florida has been on going since 1995, where three large overwash events as the result of hurricanes have recently impacted the island. The candidate will be expected to develop a research project within broadly established project guidelines, and to work part time as part of a team involved in wildlife and barrier island ecology and restoration.  The candidate will work with faculty both on and off the main campus.  WFREC is located 15 miles northeast of Pensacola, Florida. Coursework would be taken in Gainesville with research and teaching at WFREC.  Housing during time at WFREC is provided. 
 
Required: MS in ecology, range science, natural resource conservation, environmental studies, botany or a related field; strong quantitative skills and demonstrated writing ability; competitive GPA and GRE scores.
Applicants should be willing to work independently in the field and in inclement weather; Interested applicants should send a cover letter, CV, copies of GRE scores and academic transcripts and name, phone number and email address of 3 references.
 
Salary: $ 12,460 annually plus full tuition waiver, health insurance Closing date: Review of applications will begin in August.  Candidate must be identified before Sept. 1.  Start date in Jan. 2008.
 
Submit: For more information, contact Dr. Debbie Miller, University of Florida @ Milton 5988 Hwy. 90, Bldg. 4900, Milton FL 32483, 850-983-5216 ext. 104; dlmi@ufl.edu

Posted July 30, 2007
 
PhD assistantship positions in Ecohydrology
 
Texas A&M University: Two graduate research assistantship opportunities
(Ph.D.) are available beginning spring 2008 in the Department of Ecosystem
Science and Management to study how changes in natural vegetation affect
water resources.
 
[The first Ph.D. student will study: "Woody Plant Encroachment into Karst
Terrain: Implications for Regional Cycles of Carbon, Water, and Energy." The
overall goal of this project, funded by the DOE National Institute for
Climatic Change Research (NICCR), is to develop an understanding of how
carbon, water and energy exchange in semi-arid savannas on karst terrain
respond to rainfall and vegetation change. We seek applicants with a strong
interest and background in field-based research in plant ecophysiology. The
student will work with a team of ecologists and geophysicists. The project
utilizes sap flux, leaf gas exchange, and eddy covariance techniques to
quantify ecosystem-level fluxes at six research sites, varying from open
grassland to mature juniper woodland.]
 
[The second Ph.D. student will be part of the renowned Leon River
Restoration Project. This interdisciplinary project is funded by the Texas
Department of Agriculture with the goal of improving land stewardship on
private ranches. We seek applicants with a strong interest and background in
hydrologic modeling. The student will work with a team of plant ecologists,
economists, and wildlife scientists. The project employs paired watershed
techniques to quantify changes in runoff in response to restoration of
native grasslands. The student will use mathematical and statistical
analyses from more than five years of rainfall and runoff data from eleven
watersheds.]
 
Degree program options include: Rangeland Ecology and Management, Water
Management and Hydrological Science Interdisciplinary Program, Molecular and
Environmental Plant Sciences Interdisciplinary Program, or Forest Sciences.
Qualified applicants must possess a MS degree in ecology, hydrology,
environmental science, or related discipline and a genuine interest in the
fields of plant ecohydrology and ecosystem restoration.  Students will
receive a monthly stipend (combination of GRA and GTA), plus health
benefits, tuition, and fees.
 
Establish contact electronically and submit a description of career goals,
curriculum vitae, and three reference contacts to: Dr. Georgianne W. Moore
at gwmoore@tamu.edu. For more information about the Moore Ecohydrology Lab,
go to http://rangeland.tamu.edu/people/gmoore/. Suitable applicants are
invited to apply to Texas A&M University within the appropriate degree
program (see below) by the October 1, 2007 graduate admissions deadline for
US Citizens (August 1, 2007 deadline for International Students).
 
Dr. Georgianne W. Moore   Asst. Professor of Ecohydrology
Dept. of Ecosystem Science and Management
2138 TAMU/ 325 ANIN Building
Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-2138
979/845-3765        gwmoore@tamu.edu
http://rangeland.tamu.edu/people/gmoore/

Posted July 30, 2007
 
GRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANT/PhD STUDENT
 
COMMUNITY ECOLOGY
 
DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA
 
Applications are invited for a graduate research assistant/PhD student position to study interactions among community composition, climate change, pollution, and disease risk, with an emphasis on herptofaunal conservation.  The position is predominantly funded through start-up funds provided by the University of South Florida, and partially funded by NSF and USDA grants awarded to Dr. Jason Rohr (University of South Florida, formerly of Penn State University) and Dr. Peter Hudson (Penn State University).  The student will be based in the Biology Department
(http://www.cas.usf.edu/biology/) at the University of South Florida (Tampa, FL) and will be advised by Dr. Jason Rohr (http://www.ento.psu.edu/Personnel/Faculty/rohr.htm,
http://www.cidd.psu.edu/people/bio_rohr.html).  The candidate will have opportunities to work with the Co-PI (Peter Hudson;
http://www.cidd.psu.edu/people/bio_hudson.html) and collaborators on the grants, other faculty in the department, as well as postdocs, a technician, and other graduate students in the laboratory.  The candidate must apply to the graduate school
(http://www.grad.usf.edu/newsite/main.asp) and graduate biology program
(http://www.cas.usf.edu/biology/) of the University of South Florida, must be admitted, and must be able to start graduate school by Spring or Fall 2008.  There will be a minimum of two years of research assistant funding with the possibility of two to three additional years of research or teaching assistant funds.  The position description is intentionally vague because the student will be expected to develop his/her own PhD project and to eventually become an autonomous researcher.  We are ultimately looking for the most promising candidate whose interests best match those of our research team.
 
Preferred qualifications:
Masters degree in ecology or related discipline; OR, substantial
undergraduate research experience.  The candidate must be a strong writer,
highly motivated and organized, and have a passion for ecology,
conservation, and research.
 
Applicants should send a brief cover letter, CV/resume, statement of
relevant research experience and interests (2 pages), and list of
references (preferably as a single pdf) to Dr. Jason Rohr
(jasonrohr@gmail.com) with the subject line of the email reading “Graduate
RA Application (insert last name)”.  For example: Graduate RA Application
Smith.
 
Closing date: August 31, 2007 or until the position is filled.

Posted July 30, 2007
 
GRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANT
 
SEQUENTIAL PREDATOR EFFECTS ACROSS LIFE STAGES
 
DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY
VIRGINIA COMMUNWEALTH UNIVERSITY
 
Applications are invited for a Graduate Research Assistant/PhD student
position in the lab of Dr. James Vonesh in the Department of Biology at
Virginia Commonwealth University. Research in the Vonesh lab focuses on
aquatic organisms with complex life cycles and seeks to understand how
processes within life stages scale-up across stages to influence
population and community ecology and linkages between aquatic and
terrestrial systems.
 
We are looking to recruit a PhD student to participate on an NSF supported
project that examines how the consumptive and non-consumptive effects of
egg, larval and post-metamorphic predators shape survival and timing of
key life history switch points (i.e., hatching and metamorphosis) in the
red-eyed tree frog. This is a collaborative project with Dr. Karen
Warkentin of Boston University, with field work being conducted at the
Gamboa field station of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute,
Panama. Pending final approval of funding, this position provides 5 years
of graduate support (3 years NSF support/ 2 years through VCU PhD Program
in Integrative Life Sciences).
 
Ideally, the candidate will have a Masters degree in ecology or related
discipline or substantial undergraduate research experience. An aptitude
for math and statistics, strong field skills and some degree of Spanish
fluency are desirable.
 
Applicants should send a brief cover letter, CV/resume, statement of
relevant research experience and interests (1-2 pages), and list of
references (preferably as a single pdf) to Dr. James Vonesh
(jrvonesh@vcu.edu ).
 
Dr. Vonesh will be attending the ESA meeting in San Jose, CA from 6-9
August and would be happy to meet with interested applicants.
 
Related links:
 
Vonesh Lab: http://www.has.vcu.edu/bio/pages/jrvonesh/index.html 
 
VCU Biology: http://www.has.vcu.edu/bio/ 
 
VCU PhD in Integrative Life Sciences: http://www.vcu.edu/lifesci/phd/ 
 
Warkentin Lab: http://people.bu.edu/kwarken/ 

Posted July 30, 2007
 
GRADUATE STUDENT ASSISTANTSHIP
Arthropod food-web ecology at the landscape scale
 
Available starting 2007-2008 academic year.
 
A graduate student research assistantship is available for a Ph.D. student
to participate in a project examining lake-to-land ecological linkages in
northern Iceland.  The position is based at the University of Wisconsin –
Madison, but extensive summer field work in Iceland will be required.
Research topics will center broadly on arthropod food web interactions.
 
Send (PDF) CV/resume, relevant reprints, and names and contact information
for 3 references to Claudio Gratton, Dept. Entomology and Dept. of Zoology,
University of Wisconsin, at cgratton@wisc.edu. For additional information,
contact Claudio Gratton (cgratton@wisc.edu).  Review of applications will
begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Graduate Assistantship in Ecosystem Carbon Dynamics
At The University of Alabama

A M.S. or Ph.D. Graduate Assistantship is available in the Department of
Biological Sciences to work on a large interdisciplinary project in
Everglades National Park beginning January 2008.  The student will focus
on ecosystem carbon, water and energy exchange within two different
hydroperiod marsh ecosystems.  The student will have the opportunity to
interact with scientists from the Everglades Coastal LTER.  Knowledge of
photosynthetic equipment and data logger use is a plus.  This is a fully
funded assistantship.  Interested students should contact Dr. Gregory
Starr for more details (gstarr@bama.ua.edu or 352-846-0889).  The deadline
for this assistantship is August 31,2007.

A M.S. research assistantship is available with the School of Life Sciences
at the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) in Las Vegas, Nevada.  The
project, funded by the interagency Joint Fire Science Program, will focus on
identifying successful native species suitable for revegetating desert burns
in the Mojave Desert.  The West is burning up, and currently little
information is available to resource managers on techniques for revegetating
burns and on native species that can establish on burns infested by exotic
annual grasses.  The project will involve a mix of controlled experiments
and field studies.  This project is a good fit for candidates interested in
fire ecology, plant ecology, and restoration ecology, and their application
to making progress on an urgent resource management problem. 

The project was recently featured in a news release on the UNLV website:
http://publicaffairs.unlv.edu/newsArchive-PublicAffairs.html 

UNLV is an urban university, but is surrounded by millions of hectares of
public land.  Public lands accessible in less than a 45-minute drive from
Las Vegas include the 600,000-ha Lake Mead National Recreation Area
(National Park Service), 80,000-ha Red Rock Canyon National Conservation
Area (Bureau of Land Management), 600,000-ha Desert National Wildlife Refuge
(Fish and Wildlife Service), and the 130,000-ha Spring Mountains National
Recreation Area (Forest Service).  Plant communities span desert creosote
scrub to high-elevation bristlecone pine forests.  Outdoor recreation
opportunities abound year round.

The start date for the position ideally is spring semester in January 2008.
 Preferred qualifications include an undergraduate degree in ecology,
natural resources, botany, or a related field, and a cumulative GPA of 3.25
or higher.  The student should be able to perform fieldwork in hot, desert
weather, and to work with B.S.- and M.S.-level research assistants currently
employed by our lab group on National Park Service and Bureau of Land
Management projects.  In particular, candidates should be self-motivated and
have a keen interest in working and living in southern Nevada.

Information on the graduate program in the College of Sciences/School of
Life Sciences (Department of Biological Sciences in the 2005-2007 graduate
catalog) is available from the School of Life Sciences website
(http://sols.unlv.edu/) and from the UNLV Graduate Catalog website
(http://www.unlv.edu/pubs/catalogs/graduate/).  The interdisciplinary
research and land management team overseeing this project includes
vegetation managers with the National Park Service and the Bureau of Land
Management, Dr. Stan Smith (Interim Associate Vice President for Research
and Professor of Life Sciences), and myself. Examples of our past research
and publications are available from: http://faculty.unlv.edu/abellas2/ and
http://sols.unlv.edu/faculty/smith.html

Interested candidates should email me (scott.abella@unlv.edu) the following:
(a) 1-page statement of interest outlining your background, any research or
publication experience, and research interests and career goals; (b) CV or
resume including undergraduate degree and GPA; and (c) in your email, a
statement of why working and living in southern Nevada for a two-year M.S.
program is attractive to you.  In the subject line of your email, please
place: Assistantship – JFS (your name).  Materials will be considered until
the position is filled.  All materials can be addressed to the following
address but submitted electronically to:

Dr. Scott R. Abella
Public Lands Institute and School of Life Sciences
University of Nevada Las Vegas
4505 S. Maryland Parkway
Las Vegas, NV 89154-2040
scott.abella@unlv.edu            

New Zealand PhD Fellowship Available - Effects of weed biocontrol of Saint John's Wort on native Hypercium species

We are seeking a PhD student to revisit New Zealand's successful
biological control program against Hypericum perforatum (Saint John's
Wort), once one of New Zealand's top pasture weeds. This has been a
particularly successful biocontrol program in New Zealand, with early
accounts of hordes of defoliating Chrysolina hyperici beetles marching
across Saint John's Wort patches. The successful candidate will assess
the impacts this control has had on the native congener, H. gramineum.

It is expected that potential damage to native H. gramineum plants
would prevent the introduction of Chrysolina species (C. hyperici and
C. quadrigemina) into New Zealand under current biosecurity policies.
Would this have been a good thing for H. gramineum? We wish to assess
the direct and indirect ecological effects of Hypericum perforatum and
its biological control on H. gramineum populations. A combination of
field observations, field experiments, and lab experiments will assess
the importance of direct competition, apparent competition mediated by
Chrysolina, and direct herbivory by Chrysolina on the population
dynamics of H. gramineum, both at present and past densities of H.
perforatum and Chrysolina species. This case study will be used to
assess how current biological control risk analysis could be refined to
better assess the direct and indirect effects of successful and
unsuccessful biological control on native plants closely related to
weeds.

This study system offers a solid foundation for the study of direct and
apparent competition between invasive plants and related native plants.
We hope it will be able to improve the safety of future biological
control programmes against invasive plants, as well as add to our
understanding of impacts of invasive plants and insects on native
plants.

The PhD fellowship is available in the Bio-Protection and Ecology
Division of Lincoln University, New Zealand
(www.lincoln.ac.nz/section133.html). The successful applicant will work
under the supervision of Dr. Jon Sullivan (Lincoln University,
www.lincoln.ac.nz/story957.html) and Dr. Simon Fowler (Landcare
Research, www.landcareresearch.co.nz). The student should have a
background in and/or interest in plant/insect herbivore/parasitoid
interactions and in applying foodweb theory to invasion ecology. Past
experience with biological control would be useful but is not
essential. The research will involve the design, implementation and
interpretation of field and mesocosm experiments in New Zealand.

Duration: 3 years
Stipend: NZ$25,000 per annum (tax-free) plus tuition fees*

It is open to applicants from New Zealand and from overseas countries.

For further details, contact Jon Sullivan (sullivaj@lincoln.ac.nz).

Applications close on Friday 31 August 2007.

* fees will be covered at the domestic student rate. This rate now
applies to both domestic students and international students from most
countries.

____________________________________________________
Jon Sullivan, Ph.D.
            Lecturer
            Bio-Protection and Ecology Division
            P.O. Box 84
            Lincoln University / Te Whare Wanaka O Aoraki
            Lincoln 7647
            New Zealand

            office: Room 436a, Burns Wing, Lincoln University campus
                        Cnr Springs & Ellesmere Junction Roads
            email: sullivaj@lincoln.ac.nz
            tel: (03) 325 3838 ext. 8147
            fax: (03) 325 3844
                        for international calls and faxes, replace (03) with (643)
            web: http://www.lincoln.ac.nz/story957.html

Posted on July 3, 2007
 
M.S. Project
Virginia Tech Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences
 
This study will explore the top-down and bottom-up influences on shorebird
productivity, survival, habitat use, and foraging dynamics in relation to
beach management practices at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune (MCBCL) in
coastal North Carolina.  We will focus our studies on Wilson’s plover,
least terns, and red knots (abundance and distribution only).  Our
objectives are threefold:  1) To understand the biotic and abiotic
variables that drive shorebird foraging and nesting distributions,
abundance, reproductive output, and survival on MCBCL, 2) To relate trends
in shorebird foraging and nesting distributions, abundance, survival, and
reproductive output to variation in land use and management practices, and
3) To understand those elements of meso-predator ecology on barrier
islands needed to enhance shorebird and turtle conservation and most
efficiently control predators as needed (e.g. seasonal distribution and
abundance of predators).  This project is one component of a larger
ecosystem-based collaborative research project, the Defense Coastal
Estuarine Program.  There will be simultaneous studies on-going in barrier
island, terrestrial, aquatic, and marsh systems.   This will be a
collaborative effort between Virginia Tech, MCBCL, Virginia Institute of
Marine Sciences, and University of North Carolina’s Institute of Marine
Sciences.  Incumbent will be part of two active labs at Virginia Tech
focused on avian and mammalian population and behavioral ecology.  Other
lab members are studying piping plovers, red knots, caracaras, fossa, and
lemurs.  The graduate program at Virginia Tech currently has graduate
students working on a wide range of resource conservation issues.
 
Duties:  Complete study design in consultation with co-major professors
(Sarah Karpanty and Jim Fraser) and MCBCL biologists; collect behavioral
and ecological data to test hypotheses and fit models; supervise
technicians; operate trucks and boat; coordinate with MCBCL, the U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service and other researchers; analyze data, write reports
and publish research results in refereed journals with advisors. 
Fieldwork involves long hot days, early mornings and nights.  Incumbent
will live at a field site for a portion of each year.  This will be an
excellent project for someone wishing to make a research contribution to
basic science and, simultaneously, to the solution of critical threatened
species conservation problems.  Position is subject to receipt of funding,
expected in July 2007.  Start date is August 10, 2007. 
 
Qualifications:  B.S. in Wildlife Science, Ecology, Conservation Biology
or closely allied field, with excellent grades, test scores and
references.  Ability to get along with cooperators and to work in a
military setting.  Previous field experience required, preferably with
birds.  Experience with bird capture and handling preferred.  Evidence of
writing skill and a commitment to scientific publication.  Coursework or
experience with population and/or behavioral ecology desired.  Willingness
to work long hours in the hot sun. 
 
To apply:  email C.V., 1 page letter of application, degree title and GPA
for all degrees, GRE scores and names and contact information for 3
references including field supervisor and academic references.  Finalists
will be asked to participate in a phone interview and to send
transcripts.  Send information to Sarah Karpanty, karpanty@vt.edu and Jim
Fraser (Fraser@vt.edu) simultaneously.  Candidate selection will begin
July 2nd, 2007 and continue until position is filled.

Posted on July 3, 2007
 
Ph.D. Assistantship in Coastal Ecology/Seagrass Restoration at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab
 
A Ph.D. assistantship is available at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab/University of South Alabama to carry out work on coastal ecology and seagrass restoration.  The student will be in charge of maintaining, developing and implementing a long-term data set on the ecology of three coastal shallow lagoons in the North Central Gulf of Mexico.  The student is also expected to complement that observational data set with well-targeted field and lab experiments that will improve our understanding of the functioning of shallow lagoons and other coastal systems.
Finally, the student will supervise a project aimed at evaluating the environmental benefits brought about with seagrass restoration in shallow systems of the North Central Gulf of Mexico.
 
To apply for the position, please send a resume, a letter stating why you are interested in the position and what you intend to achieve with your work at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, and the names and contact information  of three references to Dr. Just Cebrian (jcebrian@disl.org).  The assistantship is available immediately.
 
--
Just Cebrian
Senior Marine Scientist and
Associate Professor of Marine Sciences
Dauphin Island Sea Lab, AL
Phone 251 861 7568  Fax 251 861 7540  E-mail: jcebrian@disl.org Lab web page http://ecosystemslab.disl.org Institutional web page: http://www.disl.org

Posted on July 3, 2007
 
Graduate Research Assistantship in Restoration Ecology
 
We invite applications for a graduate research assistantship (GRA; Ph. D. level preferred) from students interested in arid lands restoration and specifically grass-shrub interactions at the critical seedling establishment phase of the shrub life cycle.  Desired starting date is January 2008.  The student will be based in the School of Natural Resources, University of Arizona, Tucson, but will actively collaborate with USDA/ARS CO-PIs in Las Cruces, NM on a 4- year project aimed at improving our understanding of patterns of 
woody plant encroachment into ecosystems in the Southwestern USA.  
Field sites include the Sevilletta and Jornada LTER sites in New Mexico and the Santa Rita Experimental Range in southeastern Arizona. 
The overall goal of the project is to provide analytical and conceptual tools to guide the management aimed at shrub proliferation and grassland restoration.  The graduate research assistant will focus on shrub dispersal and shrub seedling establishment questions within a broader framework that seeks to use geospatial mapping of soils, land-use history, climate, and shrub invasion patterns to distinguish four basic classes of land on a regional basis: 1) shrub dominated areas that are poor candidates for grassland restoration,
2) shrub-dominated areas where restoration to savanna is feasible, 3) grasslands that are at risk of invasion but are not yet invaded, and
4) grasslands/savannas that are at low risk of shrub domination.  For additional details, go to http://ag.arizona.edu/research/archer/.
 
 
The assistantship includes an annual salary of $14,502 (MS) or
$15,815 (PhD) (with 3% annual increases); waiver of out-of-state 
tuition; 90% remission of in-state tuition; and health insurance.  
Applications will be accepted until until suitable candidate is found, and should include 1) a statement of interests and goals, 2) a CV with copies of transcripts and GRE scores, and 3) names and contact information for 3-5 references.
 
For general admission requirements see http://ag.arizona.edu/srnr/ academicprograms/renewable/graduatestudies.html .  Applications and information requests should be directed (preferably via email) to Steve Archer (sarcher@Ag.arizona.edu), 325 Bio Sciences East, School of Natural Resources, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ  85721-0043; 520 626-8791).

Posted on July 3, 2007
 
Title: MS Graduate Assistantship- Wildlife Disease and Landscape Genetics
 
Agency: Iowa State University, Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management
 
Location: Ames, IA
 
Description: The goal of the project is to integrate genetic tools with landscape ecology to characterize the risk of chronic wasting disease spread from Wisconsin to Iowa via the dispersal of infected, free-ranging white-tailed deer.
 
The student will be primarily responsible for genetic analyses and will be involved in using GIS applications to identify and characterize landscape features hypothesized to influence deer population structuring.
Opportunities to participate in sample collection conducted by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources are possible. The student will be expected to present the results of his/her research at regional and national meetings and to prepare manuscripts of these findings for publication in the peer-reviewed literature.
 
Qualifications: Prior experience with genetic techniques is desirable, but strong candidates eager to learn new skills will be considered. Prior to formal application to Iowa State University, interested applicants are strongly encouraged to contact Dr. Julie Blanchong, preferably by email, with a letter of interest, including cumulative GPA, GRE scores, description of any previous research experience, and contact information for three references. If lieu of email, hard copies can be submitted to Dr. Julie Blanchong, Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, 339 Science II, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50014. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a suitable applicant is found. 
 
Salary: The candidate selected will be provided with a graduate research and/or teaching assistantship that includes at least a 50% tuition waiver, an initial stipend of $18,000 per year, and health care benefits.
 
Contact: Julie Blanchong
julieb@iastate.edu (preferred)
(515) 294-9699

Posted on July 3, 2007
 
Title: PhD Graduate Assistantship- Wildlife Genetics
 
Agency: Iowa State University, Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management
 
Location: Ames, IA
 
Description: This study is a part of a larger project aimed at understanding the relationship between river otter densities and the status of smallmouth bass populations in Ozark streams in Missouri. The primary objective of this assistantship is to estimate river otter abundance through non-invasive genotyping. Additional possible research topics include, but are not limited to, characterizing otter population and spatial genetic structure, identifying landscape features that influence otter spatial ecology, and comparing the impacts of harvest on otter population genetic diversity.
 
The student will be primarily responsible for the genetic component of the project. Opportunities for participation in field work associated with sample collection are possible. The student will be expected to present the results of his/her research at regional and national meetings and to prepare manuscripts of these findings for publication in the peer-reviewed literature.
 
Qualifications:  A M.S. in ecology, wildlife, genetics, or related field is desirable, but not necessary. Preference will be given to applicants with prior research experience using genetic techniques. Prior to formal application to Iowa State University, interested applicants are strongly encouraged to contact Dr. Julie Blanchong, preferably by email, with a letter of interest, including cumulative GPA, GRE scores, description of any previous research experience, and contact information for three references. In lieu of email, hard copies can be submitted to Dr. Julie Blanchong, Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, 339 Science II, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50014. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a suitable applicant is found.
 
Salary: The candidate selected will be provided with a graduate research and/or teaching assistantship that includes a tuition waiver, an initial stipend of $18,000 per year, and health care benefits.
 
Contact: Julie Blanchong
julieb@iastate.edu (preferred)
(515) 294-9699

Posted June 22, 2007
 
MS position - urban forest modelling - Univ. of Florida
 
A fully funded Master’s position is available to model urban forest loss and debris from hurricane damage in the southern US.  This research is funded by the USDA forest service, and is needed to prepare communities and agencies for future storm events.  Our goal is to develop a rapid assessment model for urban forest damage and restoration estimates based on the severity of different windstorm events. Urban forest cover, downed biomass, and wind speed will be the main indices in the model.  Methods will capitalize on existing urban forest structure data sets from the region and state of the art remote sensing technologies. The successful applicant will join the graduate program in the School of Forest Resources and Conservation at the University of Florida.  Desirable qualifications in the applicant include a degree in Forestry, Environmental Science, Statistics or Mathematics.  A strong interest in urban forests and forest biometrics is highly desired.  Consideration of applications begins immediately and will continue until the position is filled.  Please send a cover letter that states your research interests and provides the names and contact information for three references, your curriculum vitae, and any other relevant materials by email to Christie Staudhammer
(staudham@ufl.edu) or Francisco Escobido (fescobed@ufl.edu), School of Forest Resources and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, Fl 32611-0410.
 
Dr. Christina Staudhammer Tel: 352-846-3503
e-mail: staudham@ufl.edu
http://www.sfrc.ufl.edu/faculty/staudhammer/index.html

Posted June 22, 2007
 
Field internship and MS research assistantship
 
FIELD INTERNSHIP with potential to become M.S. RESEARCH ASSISTANTSHIP - I am seeking a highly motivated individual to assist with an investigation into the behavioral ecology of the critically endangered Niau Kingfisher.
Assistance is required on the island of Niau, French Polynesia, from October through early December.  Work includes habitat assessment, radio tracking, nest searching, population monitoring, and behavior observations.
Proficiency speaking and writing in French, and a demonstrated ability to work alone and under extremely difficult field and cultural conditions are required.  Additional experience banding birds and working with radio telemetry is also preferred.  Travel, housing, lodging, and limited per diem are provided.  The successful applicant may also have the option to design additional research for a M.S. research assistantship at the University of Missouri-Columbia.  Please send a letter of interest, CV, and contact information for 2 references (name, phone, and email) to Dylan Kesler (DylanKesler@picra.net).

Posted June 22, 2007
 
M.S. Graduate Research Assistantship in Silviculture Available January 2008
 
I am seeking a M.S. student to begin studies in Spring Semester 2008.  This project will involve summarizing and modeling the past and future growth and yield of a long-term, disturbance-based silvicultural study (i.e., ecological forestry) located in central Maine.  Although much of the data has been already acquired, there will be opportunities for 1-2  months of data collection in Summer 2008 at the field site in Maine.  This project allows for the unique opportunity to develop silvicultural knowledge in two systems the hardwood forests of Indiana and the mixed-conifer forests of Maine, and build collaborative relationships both at Purdue University and the University of Maine. Coursework in silviculture is required; expertise in modeling design and theory, biometrics and statistics are desirable.  Candidates with familiarity with the U.S. Forest Service growth and yield model, Forest Vegetation Simulator, will be given preference.  Candidates should have a GPA of at least 3.0, and score higher than the 50th percentile on both the Verbal and Quantitative components and higher than 4.0 on the Analytical Writing component of the GRE.
 
This position has guaranteed support for 2 years, with extension as needed to complete an ambitious program.  Graduate stipends currently are $16,676 per year and include tuition waivers.  Competitive stipends at higher amounts may be available.  I prefer that interested candidates contact me by email (msaunder@purdue.edu), although you may contact me by phone (207-974-9267).
 
Purdue University is an Equal Access/Equal Opportunity /Affirmative Action Employer. Women and individuals in under represented groups are encouraged to apply.
 
Dr. Mike R. Saunders
Assistant Professor of Hardwood Silviculture Dept. of Forestry & Natural Resources Purdue University