Graduate studentship: Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA

PhD opportunity in the Environmental Biogeochemistry Lab (https://janicebrahney.weebly.com/) in the Watershed Sciences Department at Utah State University

Project: Understanding the role of dust in catchment biogeochemistry

The Environmental Biogeochemistry Lab at Utah State University is seeking a Ph.D. candidate on a fully-funded NSF Critical Zone Network project (tuition, stipend, fees, and insurance for 4 years). The student will explore the role of atmospheric dust in watershed biogeochemical cycles and aquatic ecosystems. The project is primarily focused on understanding the fate and mobility of dusts within watersheds. Additionally, the candidate will conduct a thorough review of the relevant research while developing their contribution to the field within a thesis supported by the above project. The student will have the opportunity to collaborate with post-docs and other graduate students working on closely related projects. Wide latitude in approach and methods will be extended to the successful candidate.

Qualifications

The student(s) must have completed an MSc by the start date and have a strong interest and background in one or some of the following subjects: biogeochemistry, geochemistry, hydrology, water quality, limnology, and/or ecosystem ecology. Minimum academic requirements include a 3.2 GPA and 70^th percentile on analytical and verbal GRE scores (or a combined score of  > 306). Students with experience in analytical laboratory work, an interest in biogeochemistry, strong communication skills, and experience with R, Matlab, or Python are preferred. 

How to Apply

Please send 1) a letter describing your background, interest in the research area specifically addressing how you anticipate contributing to the project goals, and your educational and career goals, 2) your unofficial transcript, and 3) a CV that includes your GRE scores and the names and contact information for three references to Janice.brahney@usu.edu. The start date is flexible though we are aiming for a January 2021 start date, a Summer or Fall start in 2021 are also acceptable. We will begin reviewing interviews in October 2020 and the position will remain open until filled.

About Logan and Utah State University

Utah State University is located in the city of Logan, Utah, a town with approximately 50,000 residents. Situated in a valley between the Wellsville and Bear River mountain ranges, Logan offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities including local ski resorts, biking, and hiking trails. Logan is just a short drive to Salt Lake City, as well as many National Parks, Monuments, and Conservation Areas. The low cost of living makes this area an attractive place to live, play, and work.

Graduate studentship: University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, USA

Graduate Research Assistantship: Carbon Accounting in Salt Marshes

We are seeking an individual with experience in soil science, environmental science, geology, or estuarine biology to work on a study focused on carbon accounting in eastern salt marshes. The candidate will research the relationships among geomorphic parameters and blue carbon stocks and distribution in New England salt marshes. This research is part of a regional investigation of blue carbon accounting. Interested students should have a foundation in soils, environmental science, coastal ecology, or geomorphology. Applicants should be experienced in working in the field under adverse conditions. Experience with GIS is required.  Please send statement of interest to: Dr. Mark Stolt, mstolt@uri.edu  The University of Rhode Island’s Department of Natural Resources Science conducts research in wetland and watershed science, soil ecology, hydropedology, landscape ecology, GIS, and wildlife conservation and management.

Graduate studentships: Clemson University and Louisiana State University, SC & LA, USA

Position Title: Two NSF-funded PhD graduate student positions are available in the labs of Drs. Brandon Peoples at Clemson University and Stephen Midway at Louisiana State University beginning in January 2021.

Responsibilities: The students will work closely with a diverse, interdisciplinary team from multiple institutions to investigate continental patterns of riverine fish invasions. We seek a diverse group of students who are enthusiastic about interdisciplinary research at the nexus of big data, community ecology, and fish conservation. Duties will range from developing and working with a large fish database, to analyzing ecological patterns of invasions, among many other things.

Required Qualifications:
– A master’s degree in ecology, biology, fisheries/aquatic science or equivalent
– Demonstrated excellence in written, verbal, and quantitative skills
– GPA and GRE scores sufficient for admission into the Clemson or LSU Graduate School

Ideal candidates will have some combination of experience in:
– Community ecology
– Invasion ecology
– Statistical analysis using R
– Working with large datasets
– Hierarchical modeling

To Apply: Please email application packets to both Brandon Peoples (peoples@clemson.edu) and Steve Midway (smidway@lsu.edu) with the subject “Graduate Application” Applications should be a single, merged PDF including 1) a cover letter describing your interest in the project and career goals, 2) your CV, including at least 3 references, 3) unofficial transcripts, and 4) GRE scores.

Closing Date: Application reviews will begin 05 October 2020, and will continue until the positions are filled.

For more information or questions:
Dr. Brandon Peoples, Clemson University, peoples@clemson.edu, peoplesfish.weebly.com
Dr. Steve Midway, Louisiana State University, smidway@lsu.edu, www.stevemidway.com

Graduate studentships: Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID, USA

PhD and DA positions open to start Summer 2021: spatial and temporal patterns of dissolved organic carbon in urban streams

I have two graduate positions available on an NSF-funded collaborative project on urban aquatic DOC. Students will be part of a team working in 5 urban areas across the US to understand human and biophysical drivers of DOC dynamics over space and time. The PhD and DA students will be part of a team collecting data in Salt Lake City, UT. Research will include field sampling, high-frequency sensors, lab experiments and analysis. Students will learn a variety of spatial and time-series analysis tools and have the opportunity to lead analysis and writing and collaborate as part of a larger team on comparative papers.

Funding: Funding for the PhD student is a mix of research and teaching assistantships, with summer funding. Funding for the DA student is as a fellowship with additional summer funding. The DA program is a unique program for students who are interested in a teaching-focused career. It is a highly flexible program that includes pedagogical training, teaching internships, as well as disciplinary research and a dissertation. I’d be excited to collaborate with a student in this program to develop curricular or outreach materials related to this research.

Preferences and Requirements: The DA applicants should have a master’s degree. PhD applications with a master’s degree will be given preference. I will also consider applications for MS students for this project. See http://www2.isu.edu/bios/grad/ for more information about our degree programs and requirements.**Note that while the Biology Dept does require the GRE, I do not consider these scores in choosing prospective students. If your scores are not above the minimum application requirements, don’t let that stop you from applying!

If interested, please send a letter with your research interests, experiences, and career goals, and a CV to Dr. Rebecca Hale at halereb3@isu.edu by Oct 31st.

Graduate studentship: University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA

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

Graduate studentship: University of Melbourne and University of Washington, Australia / USA

PhD Student Opportunity in Freshwater Ecology and Management

An exciting PhD project is available for a motivated and suitably qualified candidate to undertake original research in a multi-disciplinary area. You will work with a dynamic and industry-aligned team to explore the potential to apply conservation planning principles to water resource management. Your findings will inform the water industry and contribute to the international body of knowledge. You will be supervised by Dr Avril Horne, A Prof Angus Webb (University of Melbourne and Prof Julian Olden (University of Washington).

Project description: Many freshwater ecosystems are in decline because of anthropogenic disturbances including extractions for human consumption, exotic species invasions, and river regulation for power generation or water security. Climate change has the potential to further exacerbate tradeoffs between water for human uses and water for the environment. This project will explore the potential of adopting spatial network and conservation planning techniques within the field of water resource management. The project would adapt existing methods from conservation planning to prioritize decisions around environmental water use, infrastructure locations and agricultural development.

Application process: Australian and international students are eligible to apply. Candidates must be eligible to apply for an Australian Government Research Training Program Stipend Scholarship (4-year degree or Masters) and be highly competitive for that award (approximate weighted average over final two years of study of >82% for local applicants or >88% for international applicants). Applicants will be assessed on their scholarship score and relevant skills and previous experience. Selection criteria include outstanding written communication skills, demonstrated competency in ecology, hydrology or natural resource management, and experience with mathematics or statistics. Industry experience is preferred, and female and indigenous applicants are highly encouraged to apply.

If you are interested, please send a cover letter, responses to selection criteria, an un-official transcript and CV to avril.horne@unimelb.edu.au by 7 October 2020 (earlier applications preferred). Please do not apply directly with the university at this stage. We will select a preferred candidate, who will then need to obtain University of Melbourne scholarship funding through standard the competitive scholarship selection processes. That application will be due by 7 October 2020.

PhD conditions: The successful applicant will receive a stipend of $30,600 AUD p.a. tax-free plus an additional $5,000 p.a. top up scholarship. The candidate will enter the PhD program in the Melbourne School of Engineering in 2021 and be enrolled on a full-time basis. Given the uncertainties of travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic, remote work is a possibility at the start of the project. Australian PhD candidatures run for 3-4 years full time, and candidates are given considerable intellectual freedom to pursue their individual interests. This is backed up by considerable professional development opportunities, including presenting at local and international conferences, specific training courses, and limited paid work in consulting-style projects or teaching. As the PhD will be co-supervised by Julian Olden, the candidate will have the opportunity to spend 12 months or more of their candidature based in the Olden Lab at The University of Washington (https://depts.washington.edu/oldenlab/).

For further information or Expressions of Interest: Dr Avril Horne (avril.horne@unimelb.edu.au).
Closing: Expressions of interest close 7 October 2020.

Postdoc and Graduate studentship (Algal biology), New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, USA

Graduate Research Assistantship

A Graduate Research Assistantship in algal biology is available under the advisement of Dr. Alina Corcoran in the Molecular Biology Program at New Mexico State University. The successful applicant will work on algal biology and ecology projects, with opportunities to (1) study field-reared cultures of the microalga Nannochloropsis and (2) work with industrial partners. The student will obtain their Ph.D. degree through the Molecular Biology Program, an interdisciplinary degree program. Information on the program can be found here: https://molb.nmsu.edu/. The position is available as early as Spring 2021.

 

The minimum qualifications for the position include:

(1) a B.S. or M.S. in biology, marine science, microbiology or related field;

(2) basic knowledge of algal or plant biology, molecular biology, and microbiology;

(3) a minimum GPA of 3.25;

(4) laboratory experience (experience with algal cultures is a plus).

 

Interested individuals should email a cover letter, CV, unofficial transcripts, and GRE scores in a single PDF file to Dr. Corcoran at alina.corcoran@outlook.com.  If there is a good fit, applicants will be required to apply to the Molecular Biology Program by October 15^th for admission in the Spring 2021 and by December 15^th for admission in the Fall 2021.

 

Postdoctoral Researcher

The New Mexico Consortium (NMC) is seeking a talented and enthusiastic Postdoctoral Researcher in algal biology. This is a full-time position with benefits (health, dental, life, disability and retirement plan), staring in the Fall of 2020. The incumbent will work under the direction of Dr. Alina Corcoran in the Molecular Biology Program at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, NM.

 

The researcher will be responsible for tracking algal trait drift/evolution in the lab and field and supporting field experiments in open raceway ponds. The minimum qualifications for the position include:

• a Ph.D. in biology or other relevant discipline
• strong working knowledge of biology, ecology, and evolution
• experience conducting laboratory and/or field experiments with algae
• laboratory experience demonstrating an attention to detail and commitment to safe work practices
• the demonstrated ability to communicate well in a professional scientific context
• the ability to work across both small and large teams
• commitment to achieving results in a complex social and organizational setting

 

To apply, please fill out an online application at and upload a single PDF that includes a cover letter, CV, and contact information for three professional references. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. At this point, this position is not open to foreign nationals who do not have prior work authorization.

Graduate studentship: Texas A&M University at Corpus Christi, TX, USA

Ph.D. Position – Population Genomics of Aquatic Invertebrates

A Ph.D. assistantship is available in the Hogan Lab at Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi (TAMUCC). The student will join an NSF Macrosystems-funded project to study population genomics of wetlands invertebrates. The project is using reduced representation genome sequencing (RADseq) to assess patterns of genetic diversity and gene flow among invertebrate populations across the central United States by wind driven processes and animal vectors (birds) as well as determining genome-by-environment correlations. The Ph.D. student will join a team of researchers that includes Dr. Jim Thorp (University of Kansas), Dr. Kevin McCluney (Bowling Green State University), and Dr. Chris Patrick (Virginia Institute of Marine Science), and others.

The student will lead field work in Texas to sample temporary wetlands ecosystems for invertebrates, as well as contribute to the maintenance of mesocosm experiments at TAMUCC. The student will develop population genomic datasets from spatial and temporal samples from five study populations, including patterns of diversity and signatures of selection, and genetic drift. Extensive opportunities for collaboration across the multi-institutional team, including within the HoBi Lab and Marine Genomics Lab at TAMUCC.

The position is ideally suited to researchers with a background in wetlands ecology, population genomics, or population and community ecology. No specific experience in wetlands ecology is required. Experience with genetic techniques and the analysis of population genetic datasets is highly sought after, including experience with DNA extraction, gel electrophoresis, PCR, RAD library preparation, RADseq analysis pipelines, analysis of population genetics data, and database management. Applicants with evidence of productivity, strong oral and written communication abilities, and enthusiasm are especially encouraged to apply. The successful applicant will be an independent, motivated person who communicates well and enjoys working in a collaborative team.

**Assistantship details**

The Ph.D. assistantship in TAMUCC’s Marine Biology (MARB) program will begin in Spring or Summer 2021 (exact start date is negotiable). Partial RA funds and tuition support are available. Competitive assistantships are also available through the MARB program that cover salary and benefits. Assistantship includes health insurance and other benefits. Teaching Assistantships are also available. Funding for conference travel is available.Applicants ideally will have an MS degree prior to starting.

**Application process**

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Interested candidates should email Dr. J. Derek Hogan (james.hogan@tamucc.edu). In your email please include: 1) a one­-page cover letter describing your interest in the position and your relevant skills you possess. The letter must address your experience in population genetics; 2) a CV including education history, publications, conference presentations and grant/scholarship funding; and 3) the names and contact information for three scientists familiar with your research work.

**Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi** TAMUCC is located in Texas’ coastal bend on the Gulf of Mexico. TAMUCC has recently been ranked as a tier 2 research university by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. The Marine Biology program is the largest Ph.D. program on campus and consists of approximately 30 research faculty and 50 graduate students engaged in research in marine, estuarine, freshwater, and terrestrial research in the fields of ecosystem, community, and population ecology, evolutionary biology, biogeography, microbial ecology, developmental genetics, restoration ecology, and biomedical research. Corpus Christi is known for an active outdoor life-style including wind surfing, sailing, sea kayaking, and salt-water fishing. The city is 2.5 hours from San Antonio, and 4 hours from cultural centers including Houston and Austin Texas.

Graduate studentship: University of Waterloo, Canada

Interested in the effects of microplastics on community metabolism and periphyton (aka biofilms) in lakes?

The Rooney Lab is recruiting a PhD student to work on a manipulative mesocosm experiment at the renowned Experimental Lakes Area (https://www.iisd.org/ela/)

Rooney Lab research addresses environmental challenges that threaten our freshwater resources using principles of ecology and evolution. We study how aquatic ecosystems respond to multiple stressors like climate change, pollution, and habitat destruction and how these alter biotic communities and valuable ecosystem services. Learn more: https://uwaterloo.ca/rooney-lab/about

Graduate School: student will be enrolled at the University of Waterloo, Biology Dept. starting January 2020. Domestic students are guaranteed a min annual stipend of $25,000/yr.
More details: https://uwaterloo.ca/biology/graduate-studies

Requirements: BSc. or MSc. in Biology, Environment Science, or related field; experience or interest in field ecology, aquatic ecology, carbon and oxygen flux measurements, algae and microbial communities; bioinformatics; demonstrated ability to work collaboratively; strong quantitative and communication skills

Instructions: Email rrooney@uwaterloo.ca, Subject: Microplastics 2021; 1) cover letter stating your research interests and how they align with the Rooney Lab’s research program and your reasons for pursuing a grad degree; 2) a short CV noting your cumulative average and your average for the last 2 years of your last degree; 3) unofficial university transcripts; and 4) contact information for 3 references. Only short-listed applicants will be contacted.

Phd student position / Research assistant – plankton ecology, Zoological Institute and Museum, University of Greifswald, Germany

Phd student position / Research assistant – plankton ecology (resource co-limitation in plankton communities)

Deadline: August 31st, 2020

Job advertisement

20/Wi28

At the Zoological Institute and Museum, working group animal ecology, of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences of the University of Greifswald, subject to budgetary regulations, a position as a part-time employee*r (65%) is available as of the next possible date, limited to a period of 3 years.

Phd student position / Research assistant Salary is based on 13 TV-L.

General information:

The availability of resources is of paramount importance for structuring of communities and food webs. There is growing evidence that organisms and communities are co-limited, i.e. growth is limited simultaneously by multiple resources or nutrients.

The PhD student will take on research tasks in the animal ecology working group within a project that investigates the underlying mechanisms of co-limitation on the community level in aquatic systems.

The project will use aquatic microcosm and mesocosm experiments to reveal co-limitation of herbivores in a community context. Measurements of element and fatty acid concentrations of the organisms will accompany the experiments to explore if food quality effects are driving limitation patterns of the herbivores.

There is the possibility to associate to the Research Training Group (RTG 2010) “Biological responses to novel and changing environments – RESPONSE” funded by the German Research foundation (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, DFG).

Work assignments:

– Assessment of growth of primary producers (phytoplankton) and primary consumers (zooplankton) under different scenarios of nutrient limitation

– Assessment of community composition of primary producers

– Hypothesis-driven planning and conduction of experiments with plankton organisms in laboratory microcosms and mesocosms in the field

– Chemical analysis of essential nutrients (e.g. minerals, fatty acids)

– Literature research and meta-analysis

– Data analysis and statistics

– Publishing of publications in English in internationally renowned journals Tasks are assigned which are also conducive to the preparation of a doctorate (PhD).

Conditions of employment:

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with above-average qualifications, enthusiasm for and experience in research and the willingness to actively participate in the working group.

The candidate has:

– A scientific university degree (M.Sc. or equivalent) in biology, ecology, environmental sciences, or a related subject

– Solid knowledge in aquatic ecology and good knowledge of trophic interactions, especially at the primary producer-consumer interface

– Knowledge in planning of multifactorial experiments

– Experience in experimental work with microcosms and/or mesocosms is advantageous

– Experience in working with aquatic organisms, especially phytoplankton and zooplankton

– Knowledge in nutrient and fatty acid analysis are advantageous

– Very good knowledge of data evaluation and statistics using the software R

– Very good proficiency of English language, both spoken and written, for the preparation of scientific publications and the presentation of research results at international conferences

– Motivation for collaborative work in a supporting working group

This call for proposals is addressed to all persons irrespective of their gender.

The University aims to increase the proportion of women where women are under-represented; therefore applications from women are particularly welcome and will be given priority if they have equivalent qualifications, unless reasons relating to the person of a competitor predominate. Severely disabled persons are given preferential consideration if they have the same qualifications.

Pursuant to § 68, Subsection 3, PersVG M-V, the Staff Council’s involvement in personnel matters of the scientific/artistic staff shall only take place upon application.

Please submit only copies as part of your application. Application documents can unfortunately not be returned. Application costs are unfortunately not covered by the state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.

Applications with the usual documents should preferably be sent by e-mail (one pdf file), quoting the job advertisement number 20/Wi28, by August 31st, 2020 to:

University of Greifswald

Zoological Institute and Museum

Animal Ecology

Dr. Erik Sperfeld

Loitzer Straße 26

17489 Greifswald

E-Mail: erik.sperfeld@uni-greifswald.de