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

Older listings: 2006-2007 | 2005-2006 | 2004-2005 | 2003-2004 | 2002-2003 | 2001-2002 | 2000-2001 | 1999-2000

Top | Fellowship Program Links | Short Courses

Assistantship and Fellowships:

Alabama A&M University: I am looking for a graduate student (PhD or MS) 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. For additional information: Luben.Dimov@aamu.edu, 256-372-4545. (IMPORTANT NOTE: available only to US citizens or permanent residents). Posted: 9/4/07.

Alabama A&M University: An MS 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 US citizens or permanent residents). Posted: 9/4/07.

Auburn University: Graduate Research Assistantship in Wildlife Sciences funded by the US Forest Service is available through the Alabama Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit (ALCFWRU) at the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences at Auburn University. The selected student will conduct field research on the factors that influence the use of natural ponds in the Copper River Delta, Alaska by waterfowl and other birds. Ponds and other water bodies in the Copper River Delta (CRD) occur across a dynamic range of sites from glacial outwash plains to recently formed tidal marshes. This research is part of a multi-university, multi-disciplinary project examining chemical characteristics, nutrient limitation, aquatic food webs, and their linkages to terrestrial birds and herbivores. Desired Qualifications: The selected student must be highly motivated and willing to work in adverse weather conditions at remote locations on the CRD as part of a research team with multi-disciplinary interests. Ideally the selected should have a working knowledge of water birds and their habitat requirements, the ability to recognize birds by sight and sound, as well as methods for estimating habitat relationships, distribution, and abundance and field experience. Minimum qualifications include a Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, wildlife sciences, or a related discipline. A Masters degree and relevant work experience conducting water bird surveys in remote areas are preferred. How to Apply: Candidates will apply for admission into the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences graduate program. Details regarding application to the graduate school are at http://www.grad.auburn.edu/. The starting date is summer semester 2008 with potential for earlier employment opportunities. Selection will be based on letters of recommendation, work experience, and enthusiasm for the work proposed. Send letter of interest, resumé, GRE scores, transcripts, and names, phone numbers, and email addresses of three references to Dr. James B. Grand at grandjb@auburn.edu. Salary: M.Sc. $15,540, Ph.D. $18,180 for 12 months plus out-of-state tuition waiver. Deadline: Review of applications is ongoing. All application materials should be submitted by Mar. 15, 2008. Posted: 7/25/07, revised: 2/29/08.

Auburn University: MS research assistantships in basic and applied limnology Department of Fisheries and Allied Aquacultures. Two MS research assistantships are available to study the ecological mechanisms mediating harmful cyanobacterial blooms using a suite of empirical approaches, including laboratory-based mechanistic studies and limnocorral and whole-pond experiments. To learn more about our research interests, visit http://www.wilsonlab.com. Ideal candidates will be hard-working and creative, work well independently and as part of a team, and have a solid background in aquatic ecology. Starting dates are flexible, but preference will be given to students available January or May 2008. Stipends are competitive, based on qualifications, and accompanied by full tuition waivers. Interested students are encouraged to email (1) a letter of interest, (2) copies of transcripts and GRE scores, (3) names and contact information for three professional references, and (4) a resume to Alan Wilson at wilson@auburn.edu by 15 November 2007 for full consideration. Posted: 10/10/07.

Boston University: Department of Biology - Program in Ecology, Behavior and Evolution. I am seeking gradute students for the 2008-2009 academic year in the areas of biogeochemistry, forest ecology and global change biology. Funding is available to work on a project examining the impacts of variation in winter climate on forest productivity and nutrient dynamics. Applicants should be independent and highly motivated with academic research and/or field experience in plant ecology, soil ecology or nutrient cycling. I encourage prospective students to contact me to discuss potential projects and to set up interviews. Formal review of applications began in our department January 15. Therefore, interested people should directly send me their unofficial application, including CV, GRE, GPA and names of 3 references. Applications and inquiries about the graduate student position should be sent to Pamela Templer at ptempler@bu.edu. Posted: 1/30/08.

Bowling Green State University: A PhD-level position for graduate study in the Department of Biological Sciences is available for Fall 2008 to conduct research on steelhead trout distribution, philopatry and mixed stock analyses in Lake Erie. Virtually all steelhead in Lake Erie come from annual stockings by four states (MI, OH, PA, and NY). Water chemistry differences in the hatcheries in each state suggest that differences among state stockings can be determined via otolith chemistry (differences in elemental or isotope ratios). We have three years of Ohio Sea Grant funding to study the questions above, and we are looking for a PhD student to take the lead addressing these. Support includes Research Assistantships for two of three semesters each year (GTA the other semester) with tuition and fees waived. Start Date: August 15, 2008 for the graduate program, although we have funding to start you as a tech for at least part of the summer. Qualifications: Master's degree in Natural Resources, Ecology, Environmental Science, or related field is required with a good background in inorganic chemistry and analytical/quantitative skills. Minimum academic requirements for the program are an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 and a GRE score of 1100 and 4.5 (v + q and analytical writing, respectively). International students are expected to have a minimum TOEFL score of 250 (computer based) or 600 (paper based). Application materials and instructions. For further information, contact Jeff Miner (jminer@bgsu.edu). Deadline: Position is open until filled. We want to have the position filled by April 15, so applications should be completed by March 15. Posted: 2/6/08.

California State University-Fresno: Fresno River Watershed Assessment (Madera County, CA). One or two MS-level research assistantships are available starting in the summer or fall 2008 at Fresno State. Students will participate in a collaborative project with the goal of using past and current stream monitoring to identify watershed functions and processes that are most compromised by current watershed activities and most at risk with future development. Priorities for a student thesis within the project include bioassessment using macroinvertebrates or microbial indicators of septic infiltration, but other theses based on hydrology and/or water chemistry within a watershed context may be considered. Assistantship duties will include supervising stream sampling field crews and laboratory processing of macroinvertebrate samples in addition to the thesis. Successful applicants should demonstrate evidence of being able to work collaboratively, but also independently, as well as the ability to effectively supervise undergraduate technicians. Experience with data analysis including multivariate techniques is desirable. Presentations at conferences and publication is expected. Depending on the number of students on the project, one or two years of support of at least $15k is available. The assistantships will be largely supported through a research grant, but may also include a teaching assistantship and internal support. To apply, send an e-mail message (and attachments) describing research interests and career goals; names, phone numbers, and email addresses of 3 references; academic history and GRE scores to Dr. Steve Blumenshine: sblumens@csufresno.edu Phone: 559-278-8770; Address: Biology Dept. M/S SB73, CSU-Fresno, Fresno, CA 93740. Posted: 1/16/08.

Carleton University: M.Sc. and Ph.D. Assistantships in fish ecology and conservation. The Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory is seeking strong candidates with an interest in the behaviour and physiology of freshwater and marine fish. Projects are typically interdisciplinary, ranging from basic (e.g., energetics of parental care, the relationship between physiological stress and population level processes) to applied (e.g., hydropower impacts, catch-and-release science). All projects involve substantial field work and collaboration with a diverse team of stakeholders and scientists. Ideal candidates will be creative, self-motivated, and have exceptional problem solving abilities. Superior communication skills are essential. A minimum GPA of 80% (A-) is required for M.Sc. applicants and 85% (A) for Ph.D. applicants. Closing date: 02/15/2008 - Positions will begin May or Sept 2008. Contact: In the first instance, send a CV, letter of interest, and unofficial summary of grades to Steven Cooke, Department of Biology, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa, ON Canada K1S 5B6. Email: Steven_Cooke@carleton.ca Phone: (613) 867-6711. Posted: 10/2/07.

Clemson University: PhD graduate research assistantship to study bird conservation and function in diversified agroecosystems; research will contribute to a larger effort to develop a healthy farm index including landscape scale modeling of ecosystem services and bird population/land use relationships. This Clemson University research will be collaborative with similar research initiated at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in fall 2006. Available immediately or by August 2008. Qualifications: MS in wildlife ecology or related field. Applicants must have a solid background in wildlife ecology and be skilled in bird identification and observation, be able to communicate and work with a wide variety of people, and be willing to work under extreme weather and field conditions. Experience with GIS, landscape analysis, data management and analysis, agricultural systems, and bird and habitat sampling protocols preferred. Assistantship provides $18,500 per year plus reduced tuition and subsidized health insurance. Interested individuals should contact Dr. Ron J. Johnson, 245 Lehotsky Hall, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634; office phone: 864-656-6802; cell: 402-304-0025; email: ronj@clemson.edu. More information on MS and PhD degrees in wildlife and fisheries biology. Applications include a statement of purpose (interest and goals), CV, transcripts & GRE scores, and names and contact information for three references. Review of applications will begin June 2, 2008 but position will remain open until filled. Posted: 5/19/08.

Clemson University: Ph.D. Fellowship in Tropical Plant Ecology, Department of Biological Sciences We are seeking a motivated doctoral student to study tropical plant ecology on the island of Dominica in the Lesser Antilles. Research in the DeWalt and Ickes labs in the Department of Biological Sciences at Clemson University includes invasion biology, community ecology, population ecology, restoration ecology, and the study of plant-animal interactions. An annual stipend of approximately $30k is guaranteed for three years through a combination of a teaching assistantship and university fellowship. Another two years of support is guaranteed through teaching assistantships. Students would be expected to begin in June 2008. If you are interested, please e-mail Saara DeWalt (saarad@clemson.edu) immediately with (1) a brief letter detailing your relevant research experience, educational background, and research interests; (2) CV; (3) undergraduate and graduate GPA; and (4) verbal, quantitative, and analytical GRE scores. International students should send their TOEFL scores. We will respond to indicate whether you should submit an application for admission to Clemson University. The department’s application deadline is January 15th. We will give preference to students who are able to meet this deadline. Posted: 9/24/07, revised: 12/17/07.

College of William and Mary: The Biology department is recruiting new Master's students in ecology and evolutionary biology, to start in Fall 2008. We offer a two-year research-intensive Masters program wherein students are supported by teaching assistantships and full tuition waivers. This is an ideal program for undergrads who are thinking about graduate schools but may not be quite ready to apply to a high- profile Ph.D. program or are looking for broad training in ecology and related fields for work in consulting or resource management. With a low student to faculty ratio (approximately 8-10 new students each year with 23 full-time faculty), we can offer an intimate and highly personalized research and education experience rarely attainable at larger universities. Also, our graduate students often work closely with and mentor undergraduates, offering numerous informal teaching and personal development opportunities. Most of our faculty have funding from NSF, NIH, HHMI and other organizations. Many of us are actively looking to take on new MS students next year. General information about our program is available from the department website. Posted: 11/15/07.

Colorado State University: Forest Ecophysiology (PhD), Graduate Degree Program in Ecology. Seeking a highly motivated PhD student to participate in an interdisciplinary study on the role of precipitation manipulation in woodland productivity, ecosystem carbon balance, and tree mortality starting as soon as possible. The PhD student will measure and model plant respiration, estimate canopy photosynthesis for the piñon, juniper and the understory, collaborate with the entire research team, and develop an independent project within the context of the study. The field site is at Sevilleta Long Term Ecological Research site in New Mexico. This is a collaborative project with Will Pockman at the University of New Mexico and Nate McDowell at Los Alamos National Laboratory on a study of precipitation impacts on piñon-juniper woodlands. Desired attributes and experience: a Masters degree in ecology, biology, or environmental sciences; and the ability to write well, problem solve, and finish tasks. Experience in the field and lab, especially with ecophysiology equipment, and quantitative skills would also be helpful. Interested potential students should contact Mike Ryan (mgryan@fs.fed.us, 970-498-1012) to learn more about the position and CSU. Posted: 5/19/08.

Colorado State University: This 4-year PhD project will investigate the effects of urbanization on disease dynamics in felids via a NSF-funded research project (Dr. Kevin Crooks and Dr. Sue Vandewoude). Specific focus will be on GPS telemetry surveys of bobcats across a gradient of urbanization in Colorado. Qualifications: BS related to wildlife biology, ecology, or related fields. M.S. preferred but not required. GPA > 3.5, Combined Quantitative and Verbal GRE scores > 1200 (or average percentile score> 75%). Applicants should be highly motivated with a strong work ethic, well-developed oral and written communication skills, and an excellent academic background. Field experience with carnivore surveys and telemetry preferred. Advanced skills with GIS software and analyses preferred. Salary: $20k/year plus tuition for 4 years starting summer/fall 2008. Last date to apply: January 31 2008. To apply: Please send an email with a brief statement of interest and CV to: Dr. Kevin Crooks, Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, Graduate Degree Program in Ecology, 115 Wagar, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523. Phone: 970-491-7936, FAX: 970-491-5091, E-mail: kcrooks@cnr.colostate.edu. Posted: 1/7/08.

Colorado State University: Forest Ecophysiology, Graduate Degree Program in Ecology. Seeking a highly motivated PhD student to participate in an interdisciplinary study on the role of tree species in forest productivity and ecosystem carbon balance, starting January 2008. The PhD student will measure and model plant respiration, estimate canopy photosynthesis for the different species, collaborate with the entire research team, and develop an independent project within the context of the study. The field site is at La Selva Biological Station in Costa Rica, and the PhD candidate will spend 6 months to a year at La Selva, working in rainforest field conditions on scaffolding towers at heights up to 35 m. Desired: a background in forestry or field biology, experience with ecophysiology equipment, a Masters degree, fieldwork experience, experimental, laboratory, and quantitative skills, and the ability to write well, problem solve, finish tasks, and speak Spanish. To apply, send your CV (including GRE scores and percentiles), a one page description of your research interests, a description of your qualifications, and contact information for three references to Mike Ryan (mgryan@fs.fed.us). Posted: 10/25/07.

Colorado State University: I am seeking highly motivated M.S. and/or Ph.D. candidates to join my landscape ecology lab. Ongoing projects are centered on global change: (1) forest dynamics, disturbance and climate change in Rocky Mountain forests, and (2) exotic plant invasions of forest ecosystems. This position will offer the opportunity to develop skills and experience in disturbance ecology, ecological modeling, and landscape ecology. A primary focus of each project will be the field parameterization and application of a forest simulation model (SORTIE) to model future forest and disturbance dynamics under IPCC predicted climate change scenarios. Field data and model scenarios will be used to help identify likely changes in forest communities including exotic invasions, and key thresholds in the species-disturbance-climate interface. Graduate students will have the opportunity to creatively pursue their own questions within these broader themes. This position requires a love of mountains, given the physically-challenging nature of field research in the Rocky Mountains. The assistantship includes a graduate student stipend, health insurance benefits, and the cost of tuition. Please contact me for more information or with questions at: Patrick.Martin@colostate.edu. Applications for this position should be submitted through the Graduate Degree Program in Ecology. Indicate your research interests and qualifications in your personal statement, particularly G.I.S., statistical and modeling skills, and fieldwork experience. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible with a deadline of February 15th, 2008. The start date is flexible, but no later than June 1st, 2008. Posted: 10/24/07.

Colorado State University: A PhD assistantship is available to participate in a NSF funded interdisciplinary study of ecosystem and herder vulnerability to extreme weather events on the Tibetan Plateau. The PhD student will establish and conduct a snow manipulation and grazing experiment in Tibet, conduct observational sampling of vegetation and soils, including the use of natural isotopic analysis. The student will primarily be responsible for the ecological component of this project, but will also be expected to collaborate with social scientists, and to work with modelers who are developing a coupled ecosystem-household decision-making model. The graduate student can earn a degree through the Graduate Degree Program in Ecology or through the Department of Forest, Rangeland & Watershed Stewardship. The PhD candidate should be familiar with plant ecology, ecosystem ecology, and/or biogeochemistry. Experience working with natural abundance isotopes, knowledge of Mandarin Chinese or Tibetan languages, and experience working/living in remote regions of developing countries are all advantageous. The candidate should be able to work independently for months at a time in a remote field setting. If the candidate does not know Chinese or Tibetan, s/he should be willing to take a class in Mandarin Chinese. For more details about this position and information on how to apply, please view the full position announcement on the website of Dr. Julia A. Klein. A starting date of January 2008 or earlier is ideal. However, students who can join this project in the summer or fall of 2008 are also encouraged to apply. Posted: 8/9/07.

Colorado State University: The Department of Bioagricultural Sciences and Pest Management announces the availability of four PhD assistantships in the evolutionary ecology and management of invasive plants. These positions provide stipend and research support for the pursuit of a PhD degree within the Department’s graduate program or within the University’s interdisciplinary Graduate Degree Program in Ecology. The research topics for the positions are: • Resource-based variation in plant tolerance to herbivory and biological control efficacy (With advisor Andrew Norton (apnorton@lamar.colostate.edu)). • Comparative population ecology and management of black henbane (Hyoscyamus niger) (With advisor Ruth Hufbauer (hufbauer@lamar.colostate.edu)). • Precision mapping, modeling, monitoring, and integrated management of key invasive plants on riparian and upland sites in the Colorado front range (with advisors Phil Westra (pwestra@lamar.colostate.edu) and Tom Stohlgren (toms@NREL.colostate.edu)) • Adaptive management of secondary invasions following tamarisk removal (With advisor Scott Nisson (snissen@lamar.colostate.edu) and collaborators Phil Westra, Anna Sher, and Ken Lair). For more information and application instructions, please email the contact person listed for each project. Successful applicants will be expected to begin their degree program in 2008. Deadlines for application materials are August 1, 2007 for Spring 2008 admission, Dec. 1 2007 for Summer 2008 admission, January 1, 2008 for Fall 2008 admission. If you are interested, contact the relevant person as soon as possible. Posted: 7/26/07.

Colorado State University: We seek a Ph.D. student in the Graduate Degree Program in Ecology to study how a landscape has responded to perturbation created by the arrival of an apex-predator. The student will develop and analyze a time-series of observations of willow communities before and after introduction of wolves to the northern range of Yellowstone National Park. The student will also extend an ongoing, factorial experiment examining the responses of willows to simulated beaver dams and elk browsing. Preference will be given to applicants who have completed a successful, field-oriented masters project resulting in peer-reviewed publications. The ability to work successfully in a team and to interact effectively with collaborators and managers in the Park will be critical. Interested applicants should send an email with curriculum vitae to both Dr. David Cooper (davidc@warnercnr.colostate.edu) and Dr. Tom Hobbs (nthobbs@nrel.colostate.edu). Posted: 7/16/07.

Dartmouth College: The Graduate Program in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology invites applications from prospective Ph.D. students. We offer a wide range of opportunities for study in a diversity of biological systems, and our core group of enthusiastic faculty, graduate students and post-docs provide an exciting environment in which to pursue a Ph.D. Generous support is available in the form of fellowships, health care, and discretionary funds for research and travel. Detailed information about the program, and access to online applications, are available at the link above. Promising applicants will be invited for interviews in February. Posted: 12/21/07.

Dauphin Island Sea Lab: A Ph.D. assistantship is available at the DISL/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. Posted: 6/27/07.

Duke University: Graduate Student Positions in Disease Dynamics and Evolution Dept. of Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC. If you are interested in using quantitative approaches to study the ecology and evolution of infectious diseases, please feel free to contact me by e-mail. I am looking for one to two graduate students to start next fall (August 2008) and the following one (August 2009). I am specifically interested in students who think innovatively and preferably have some background in theoretical biology (ideally ecology and/or evolutionary biology). Although undergraduate degrees in math or computer science are not necessary, the candidate must already possess or feel extremely comfortable in developing quantitative skills. Main research projects in my lab currently focus on (1) understanding the role of climate variability in driving disease dynamics, (2) developing mathematical and statistical models to understand the disease dynamics of rapidly evolving pathogens such as influenza and dengue, (3) drawing quantitative comparisons between the ecological and evolutionary patterns of rapidly evolving pathogens at the population level versus at the within-host level. Although most of this research has focused on bacterial and viral pathogens that infect humans, current projects are also considering the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of pathogens in other hosts (e.g., avian and equine hosts). Individuals interested in joining my lab should generally be interested in one or more of the research topics listed above. I expect incoming graduate students to be excited about their research, to be able to synthesize and incorporate material from different fields, including ecology, evolution, virology, applied math, and epidemiology. Most importantly, graduate students of mine should see infectious diseases as providing a great model system to quantitatively study open questions in ecology and evolutionary biology. See below for further information. Further information: Beyond the important interactions that grad students and post-docs will have with ecologists and evolutionary biologists in the Department of Biology, there are also many other resources at Duke that a student/post-doc studying infectious diseases with me could tap into. Specifically, Duke is home to a recently founded Global Health Institute, a Theoretical Immunology group, a Vaccine Institute, and a Center for Nonlinear and Complex Systems. My lab has established collaborations with several of these groups, and is looking to further these ties. Furthermore, NESCent, UNC-Chapel Hill, and NC State are all within half an hour of Duke University, creating a larger academic community in the Triangle Region. Contact info: Katia Koelle, katia.koelle@duke.edu. Posted: 11/15/07.

East Carolina University: An NSF supported research assistantship is available for a PhD student to participate in a 5 year project that examines the consequences of biodiversity loss in temporary ponds located in the coastal plain of North Carolina. The position is based out of Dr. David Chalcraft's lab in the Department of Biology at East Carolina University. The PI will primarily be focusing on the biodiversity of aquatic insects and larval frogs. Although the PI will consider students who desire to work primarily with insects and amphibians, he is particularly interested in recruiting students that have prior experience working with algae and/or invertebrates other than insects. Research in the Chalcraft lab focuses on determinants of the intensity of species interactions (especially within aquatic systems), causes and consequences of spatial and temporal variation in species composition, and the stability of populations and communities. East Carolina University is the third largest member (25, 000 students) within the University of North Carolina system and is located in Greenville, NC (approx. 1.5 hours east of Raleigh). The Department of Biology has 44 faculty and over 60 graduate students that are enrolled in the Department's master's program, the Interdisciplinary Doctoral Program in Biological Sciences, and the Doctoral Program in Coastal Resource Management. Candidates can apply through either of the two doctoral programs. The primary field site is the Croatan National Forest (near Morehead City, NC) and the PI has an array of artificial ponds located at East Carolina University's West Research Campus, a 600 acre tract of land that is located 10-15 minutes away from the main campus. Applicants should send a brief cover letter, CV/resume, statement of relevant research experience and interests (1-2 pages), and list of references to Dr. David Chalcraft (chalcraftd@ecu.edu). It is possible that the successful candidate could be hired as a technician in the lab (beginning in April 2008) prior to enrolling in the doctoral program so the candidate should also express whether they have an interest in this position. Posted 11/8/07.

Eastern Illinois University: Plant Ecology / Invasion Biology. A M.S. research assistantship is available starting summer 2008 to work on the Buell-Small Succession Study (BSS), the longest continuous study of post-agricultural vegetation dynamics. The BSS is based at Eastern Illinois University and provides unique opportunities to study vegetation dynamics, succession and plant invasions. Potential candidates should have good quantitative skills and strong interests in plant ecology or invasion biology. RA responsibilities will include: data collection and management, conducting analyses with the BSS data, manuscript preparation, direction of undergraduate student researchers and general collaboration. Applicants will also be expected to develop and publish original research utilizing the BSS data with a focus on invasions. Evaluation of candidates will begin February 29 and continue until the position is filled. To apply, please send a letter of interest, cv/resume, and arrange to have three letters of recommendation sent to sjmeiners@eiu.edu. Scott J. Meiners, Department of Biological Sciences, Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, IL 61920. Email: sjmeiners@eiu.edu, Phone: 217 581-3425. Posted: 1/28/08.

ETH Zurich: The Professorship of Ecosystem Management is offering a PhD position in Plant and Mycorrhizal Ecology to address the relative importance of mycorrhizae in structuring plant distributions and niche segregation among soil types, as a mechanism for maintaining species diversity in tropical rain forests. Start Date January 2008. The project will be supervised by Prof. Jaboury Ghazoul and based at ETH Zurich, but will also include collaboration with Dr Marcel Vanderheijden in Switzerland, Dr Reuben Nilus in Malaysia and Dr David Burslem in Scotland. The research will represent a continuation of ongoing studies on tropical forest ecology at Sepilok Forest Reserve in Borneo. Tropical tree seedlings are known to partition the environment along a range of abiotic and biotic gradients, lending support to the niche segregation hypothesis as a mechanism to explain the coexistence of high species diversity in tropical forests. Little, however, is known about how mycorrhizal associations with tree species on different soil types might contribute to niche segregation. Explaining the persistence of generalist tree species that range across several soil types represents a challenge for the niche segregation hypothesis, but one that may be explained by a more complete understanding of the interactions between trees and their mycorrhizal partners. Through this project we aim to explore the degree of host and soil specificity of mycorrhizae of dipterocarp trees and determine the degree to which this shapes growth, competition and survival among seedlings of soil specialist and soil generalist dipterocarps. We are seeking a highly motivated applicant, with a desire to undertake field studies in tropical rain forests as well as laboratory-based research on mycorrhizae. The project will involve field experiments, laboratory morphotyping and molecular genetics. Applicants should have a Masters degree in ecology or related subject, and preferably some tropical field experience. Familiarity with statistics, mycorrhizae and molecular work would be advantageous. Good spoken and written English is essential, while spoken German would be advantageous though not strictly necessary. Applicants should be prepared to work in hot and humid tropical forest conditions, as well as undertake laboratory work. The PhD research will be linked to other ongoing work on the general theme of mechanisms for co-existence among tropical trees The PhD student will be a member of the Ecosystem Management group, led by Prof. Jaboury Ghazoul, at ETH Zurich. The group currently consists of four postdocs and ten PhD students, with associated administrative, teaching and technical staff. Members of the group are from several countries in Europe and beyond, and English is the working language. Information about the research group can be found at www.ecology.ethz.ch. Requests for additional information on the position offered, or other informal enquiries, should be directed to Ankara Chen, chen(at)env.ethz.ch, Tel: +41 (0)44 632 8630. Conditions of Employment Three years appointment at ETH Zurich. Starting salary: 37,647 CHF rising to 42,504 CHF in the third year. Application Please send, in English, a letter of motivation, a CV and names and addresses of two academic referees to Ms. Ankara Chen by email: chen(at)env.ethz.ch Deadline 4 November 2007. Posted: 10/9/07.

ETH Zurich: The Institute of Plant Sciences at ETH Zurich, Switzerland, Chair of Grassland Sciences, seeks 2 PhD students in stable isotope ecology. Responsibilities: Study of carbon and water cycles in terrestrial ecosystems using stable isotopes of carbon and oxygen. Tasks include measurements of isotopologues of carbon dioxide and water with a laser spectroscopy system in the lab and in the field. One position focuses on the development of flux chambers and their application for automated isotope measurements of soil respiration and leaf photosynthesis. The other position focuses on manipulative drought experiments under laboratory and field conditions. Both positions include experiment design and realization, participation in field campaigns, presentation of results nationally and internationally as well as team work. Requirements: Dynamic and motivated students with M.Sc./Diplom or equivalent in ecology, environmental sciences, atmospheric sciences or related fields. Expertise to speak, read and write in English is required. Research will be carried out within a Marie Curie Excellence Team. Appointments are for 3.5 years starting in November 2007. Salary is in accordance with EC guidelines for Marie Curie Excellence Grants and includes social benefits according to Swiss rules. Your application: Please send your complete application (incl. description of motivation, preference of focus, CV, copies of degree certificates, names and contact details of two referees) before September 1, 2007 to Dr. Alexander Knohl (alexander.knohl@ipw.agrl.ethz.ch). Posted: 8/14/07.

Florida Atlantic University: Funding is available for a MS student to study crayfish population ecology in the Everglades. The student will develop a thesis project investigating the effects of hydrologic variation on population success of two species of crayfish. The position is associated with an ongoing grant, will be funded with a combination of TA and RA money, and includes a tuition waiver. Starting date: June 2008. Requires a Bachelors degree in biology, zoology, fisheries, or a related field. A demonstrated strong work ethic and the ability to work and think independently or as part of a team are required. Experience working with fish or macro-invertebrates is helpful, but ability and willingness to perform physical tasks in remote settings with harsh environmental conditions (e.g., biting insects) is absolutely necessary. Minimum academic qualifications include GRE scores > 1000 (verbal + quantitative) and an undergraduate GPA > 3.2. A valid driver's license is required. Interested students should contact Nathan Dorn (ndorn1@fau.edu; 954-236-1315) before officially applying to the program. Please send a letter of intent, a resume (including GRE scores), and contact information for 3 professional references. Nathan Dorn, Assistant Professor, Department of Biological Sciences, 2912 College Avenue, Florida Atlantic University, Davie, FL 33314. Posted: 10/22/07.

Fordham University: The Department of Biological Sciences has a select number of research and teaching fellowships available for enthusiastic, highly qualified M.S. and Ph.D. students interested in ecology and field biology, with a broad range of research topics available. Areas of emphasis for graduate research include: ecology of vector-borne diseases, ecosystem responses to local and regional disturbances, evolution of intracellular bacterial pathogens and mutualists, plant-pollinator interactions, ecology of algae in streams and rivers, global climate change, terrestrial and aquatic microbial ecology, winter ecology of small mammals, mycorrhiza, avian ecology and behavior, and the ecology of invasive species. The program recently added three new faculty members specializing in conservation biology, with research emphases on birds, mammals, and plants. Research projects in collaborations with staff at the Wildlife Conservation Society and New York Botanical Garden are also available for incoming graduate students. Students will have use of the Louis Calder Center - Biological Field Station and the facilities of the biology department for their studies. Students also benefit from small class sizes and active mentoring by faculty. The biology department is located at Fordham's Rose Hill campus in New York City, providing ready access to the diverse array of opportunities offered by the city. The Calder Center is located in suburban Westchester County, approximately 25 miles north of Rose Hill. Stipends begin at $27,000 per year, plus full tuition remission. Applications may be submitted online or requested. Questions can be directed to us by email (jdlewis@fordham.edu or wehr@fordham.edu) or at Graduate Ecology Admissions, Louis Calder Center - Biological Field Station, Fordham University, PO Box 887, Armonk, NY USA, 10504. Posted: 11/6/07.

Fort Hays State University: Four new graduate assistantships have been funded to support outstanding students seeking an MS degree in Biology at FHSU while working at the new Kansas Wetlands Education Center. The graduate assistantships will be available for students who will begin graduate studies in the fall semester of 2008. The Kansas Wetlands Education Center, located at Cheyenne Bottoms in central Kansas, will be a branch museum of the Sternberg Museum of Natural History. Cheyenne Bottoms is the largest marsh in the interior of the United States. It is approximately 70 miles southeast of FHSU and consists of three units: 19,857 acres known as the Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area and managed by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks; 7,200 acres known as the Cheyenne Bottoms Preserve and managed by The Nature Conservancy; and 21,820 acres known as the Quivera National Wildlife Refuge and managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The role of the Kansas Wetlands Education Center will be to interpret wetlands and educate the public. The facility is under construction and is scheduled to open in the autumn of 2008. Persons interested in applying for the graduate assistantships must seek admission as graduate students in the Department of Biological Sciences (application procedures | guidelines for grad students). Students who wish to pursue graduate studies in any area of Biology that relates to wetlands are encouraged to apply. A partial list of appropriate areas of study includes ornithology, wildlife management, conservation biology, mammalogy, herpetology, aquatic biology, ecology, wetland microbial ecology, ichthyology, and entomology. Consult the list of faculty members in the Department to ascertain whether or not your area of research interest is covered. The graduate assistantships will be awarded in the spring (March or April) of 2008. They are for one year and are renewable for a second year. The stipend is $12k. For additional information, contact Jerry Choate (jchoate@fhsu.edu) or Dr. Elmer Finck (efinck@fhsu.edu), Chair of the Department of Biological Sciences at Fort Hays State University. Posted: 12/14/07.

Georgia Institute of Technology: I (Lin Jiang) am accepting applications for graduate student opportunities in my laboratory in the School of Biology. My area of research is community ecology, and my lab has investigated various questions in this broad field (more info on the lab website linked above). Students interested in community ecology and related fields are encouraged to apply. The successful candidates will have the freedom to choose their study systems (laboratory, field, or theoretical) and develop their own research projects during their graduate studies. Competitive stipends are provided in the format of research and teaching assistantships, with graduate fellowships also available for outstanding candidates. The application deadline is Dec 31, 2007. Apply online. Potential applicants may contact me (email:lin.jiang@biology.gatech.edu) for further information. Posted: 12/13/07.

Huxley College: I have a position open in my lab for a master's student, starting in July 2008. I am looking for an exceptional student who is interested in studying the interaction between boreal forests and climate. The project is a large collaborative effort and there is some latitude on the specifics of the project. Brief Project Description: The expansion of forest vegetation within and into the Arctic is one of the profound transformations that the Arctic land surface is likely to undergo in the coming decades. The spread of forest vegetation has significant ramifications as it is likely to cause both positive and negative feedbacks on climate, and to alter the availability of crucial natural resources. This NSF-funded project is merging satellite-based measurements of forest growth, with field measurements, and models of carbon dynamics to arrive at a better understanding of how boreal forests have respond to climate over the last 25 years and how they might change in the future. Required Qualifications: 1. Bachelor's degree in environmental science, ecology, biology, geography or similar including the prerequisites for admission to the graduate program 2. Experience with GIS or Remote Sensing 3. Experience or interest in statistical modeling 4. Good physical condition and ability to do vigorous field work in very remote locations 5. Must be available for international travel to Russia and Canada 6. Fun, interesting, well rounded person! Desired Qualifications: 1. Computer programming 2. Russian language skills Interested applicants should contact me directly. Click here for more information. Click here for information about the M.S. in Environmental Science at WWU. We have a strong and supportive community of environmental scientists whose research interests span terrestrial and freshwater ecology, conservation biology, toxicology, biogeochemistry, and marine science. Posted: 11/15/07.

Idaho State University: The Stream Ecology Center invites applications for 2 prospective Ph.D. students to begin in summer or fall 2008. The students will conduct research as part of two broad, interdisciplinary studies—one an investigation of ecosystem impacts of climate change in the Salmon River basin of central Idaho, and the other a large-scale field experiment to measure the consequences of salmon carcasses for the productivity and diversity of linked aquatic-terrestrial food webs in the Snake River basin. An M.S. degree in aquatic ecology or related discipline is preferred, though not required. Candidates must be highly motivated, work well with a team, and be willing to conduct research in wilderness settings. Desired qualifications also include excellent academic record, substantial field experience in aquatic ecosystems, a good quantitative background, and strong writing and computing skills. Generous graduate research assistantship stipends and full tuition waivers are provided. For more information contact Dr. Colden Baxter (baxtcold@isu.edu, 208-282-6098). Application procedure. Positions are open until filled, but interviews are planned for late February-early March, so please apply before then for full consideration. Posted: 2/6/08.

Indiana University/Kent State University: We are seeking two Ph.D. students to begin Fall 2008 on a new NSF-funded, 4-year project examining the interactions among DOM, microbial community structure, and denitrification in an agricultural stream network in central Indiana. Students involved with the project will have the opportunity to combine molecular biology and ecosystem-scale research to address basic and applied questions regarding aquatic ecology and nitrogen biogeochemistry. One position is at Indiana University and the other at Kent State University; both institutions offer competitive stipends and access to state-of-the-art research facilities. The student at Indiana will focus on the biogeochemistry of DOM and in-stream denitrification using 15N tracer releases. The student at Kent State will focus on molecular microbial ecology and community structure using terminal-restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) analysis, quantitative PCR and DNA sequencing/phylogenetics. Applicants with experience in any of these methods are particularly desired. The students will interact closely with each other and also the post-doc on the project, thus we seek applicants who can perform well as part of an inter-disciplinary team. Applicants must have, or be eligible for, a valid driver’s license for travel to the field sites. Interested students should contact Todd Royer at Indiana (troyer@indiana.edu) and/or Laura Leff at Kent State (lleff@kent.edu) for additional details. Information about our research programs, graduate degree requirements and institutions can be found at the links above. Posted: 1/16/08.

Iowa State University: Two graduate assistantships (M.S. or Ph.D.) are available in the Department of Entomology to study ecological and evolutionary aspects of interactions between agricultural pests and crop plants with the goal of enhancing pest management and sustainability of agriculture. Students may pursue degrees in entomology, or in ecology and evolution through the University’s interdepartmental program in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. Degrees also may be earned in both areas of study simultaneously. Interested individuals should send a cover letter describing research interests and career goals, the names and contact information of 3 references, and a curriculum vitae to Aaron Gassmann (aaronjg@iastate.edu). Although electronic applications are preferred, application materials may also be mailed to Department of Entomology, 110 Insectary, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011. Posted: 6/11/08.

Iowa State University: A PhD graduate student position is available to study the gene expression response to naturally fluctuating temperature in turtles with alternative sex determining mechanisms. The position is part of an NSF-funded project in the laboratory of Nicole Valenzuela, Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology. The project calls for field and laboratory developmental experiments to help elucidate the effect that naturally-fluctuating temperature has on the expression of genes involved in gonadal formation in turtles with temperature-dependent and genotypic sex determination, and how males and females are produced in nature. Prospective candidates should have strong academic records and some research experience is preferred. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a candidate is selected. Iowa State University offers a stimulating environment and excellent resources for ecological, evolutionary, developmental, and molecular biologists through its interdepartmental programs in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and Genetics. To apply, please contact Dr. Nicole Valenzuela (nvalenzu@iastate.edu), and send materials to the EEB or IG programs, linked above. Posted: 2/7/08.

Iowa State University: M.S. Graduate Research Assistantship in savanna restoration ecology available starting January-June 2008. 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) and Lars Brudvig (Washington University in St. Louis), as well as with researchers from the USDA 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. This position has two years of funding available for a GRA 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: 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, USDA Forest Service, The Nature Conservancy, etc.) and skills in plant species identification and ecological data analysis are preferred. Degrees can be pursued through either the Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management or the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Interdepartmental Graduate Program. 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. Review of applicants will begin immediately; however, the position will remain open until filled. Please send application materials electronically to: Dr. Heidi Asbjornsen (hasbjorn@iastate.edu). Posted: 10/29/07.

Iowa State University: In collaboration with Grassland, Soil and Water Research Laboratory (USDA-ARS), Temple, Texas, 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 with the support of teaching and research assistantships. Starting date is January 2009. 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 continue until position is filled. Posted: 10/29/07, revised: 6/5/08.

Iowa State University: A research assistantship is available immediately for an M.S. or Ph.D. (preferred) candidate interested in identification of and risk assessment for potentially invasive woody plants in the Upper Midwest region. Research associated with this appointment will be conducted in conjunction with personnel in the USDA - Agricultural Research Service North Central Regional Plant Introduction Station in Ames, Iowa, and the Departments of Horticulture, Natural Resource Ecology and Management, and Statistics at Iowa State University. A Bachelor’s degree or significant experience in plant biology, ecology, forestry or horticulture is required, and the ability to work collaboratively with individuals in natural resource management agencies and non-profits is preferred. A graduate research stipend will be provided along with tuition remission (50% for M.S. or 100% for Ph.D. candidates) and a University-sponsored health insurance plan. Applicants may consider enrollment in several graduate majors, including Forestry, Horticulture, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, or Environmental Science. For additional information or to discuss this opportunity, please contact Dr. Jan Thompson at jrrt@iastate.edu. Applicants must contact Dr. Thompson prior to being considered for this assistantship. To submit an application, visit the ISU website and use the on-line Graduate College application process. Students whose first language is not English must have completed the TOEFL exam at the time of application. Posted: 10/23/07.

Iowa State University: Two graduate assistantships (M.S. or Ph.D.) are available in the Department of Entomology to study ecological and evolutionary aspects of interactions between agricultural pests and genetically modified, insect-resistant crop varieties, with the goal of enhancing pest management and sustainability of agriculture. Students may pursue degrees in entomology, or in ecology and evolution through the University’s interdepartmental program in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. Degrees also may be earned in both areas of study simultaneously. Successful applicants will preferably begin enrollment during 2008 (spring, summer, or fall). Interested individuals should send a cover letter describing research interests and career goals, the names and contact information of 3 references, and a curriculum vitae to Aaron Gassmann (gassmann@ag.arizona.edu). Although electronic applications are preferred, application materials may also be mailed to Dept. Entomol., Univ. Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the positions are filled. Posted: 9/19/07.

Iowa State University: 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 USDA Forest Service Northern Research Station and the US 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. 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 MS 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., US Army Corps of Engineers, USDA 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 the Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management or the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Interdepartmental Graduate Program. 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). Review of applicants will begin immediately; however, the position will remain open until filled. Heidi Asbjornsen (hasbjorn@iastate.edu), Associate Professor of Ecosystem Ecology & Restoration. Posted: 9/10/07.

Iowa State University: PhD Graduate Assistantship - Wildlife Genetics, Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management. 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 $18k per year, and health care benefits. Contact: Julie Blanchong julieb@iastate.edu (preferred), (515) 294-9699. Posted: 7/2/07.

Iowa State University: MS Graduate Assistantship - Wildlife Disease and Landscape Genetics, Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management. 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 $18k per year, and health care benefits. Contact: Julie Blanchong julieb@iastate.edu (preferred), (515) 294-9699. Posted: 7/2/07.

Institute for Food and Agricultural Research and Technology: The Aquatic Ecosystems Area of the IRTA invites applications from suitably-qualified candidates for Faculty Studentships to register for a full time PhD research degree. Applicants should possess a good undergraduate honours degree in Geography or Biology, Environmental Sciences, Geology, Engineer or similar, finished from 2002. Thesis project will be focused on sediment transport in the lower Ebro River. The main aim is to construct the sediment budget (suspended sediment and bedload) of the lowermost part of the Ebro river, as well as, to analyse the sediment transport dynamics and processes (variability, sediment motion, changes in bedload textures, magnitude and frequency of the transport rates, etc.). The Scholarship duration is four years. Work location is in the IRTA – Aquatic Ecosystems Unit, in Sant Carles de la Ràpita (Tarragona, Spain). The endowment is 1100 € per month. The PhD supervision and coordination will be carried out by Dr. Albert Rovira, Researcher of the Aquatic Ecosystems Unit. If you are interested in this topic, please contact albert.rovira@irta.es for an informal discussion prior to making your application. Posted: 4/2/08.

Kansas State University: Ecological Genomics - Multiple Graduate Fellowships available for admission in Fall 2008 to join the Ecological Genomics Institute (EGI). Research in the EGI works to link responses of living systems to environmental change at the genetic level.  The overarching goal of this research initiative is to identify the genes that are involved in organismal responses to the environment. This Ecological Genomics Institute takes advantage of existing strengths at Kansas State University in genetics and genomics, ecology and evolutionary biology to answer cross-cutting questions that lie at the interface of genomics and ecology. This collaborative research effort crosses disciplines (genetics and ecology) and departments (Agronomy, Biology, Entomology, Plant Pathology, Computing and Information Science).  In addition, the EGI takes advantage of experimental manipulations at the Konza Prairie Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) site. Research and education opportunities exist for Graduate Students to work towards an MS or PhD degree in this large collaborative and interdisciplinary effort. More information about the Kansas State University Ecological Genomics Institute research groups can be found at www.ksu.edu/ecogen.  Twenty-eight faculty with interests spanning the diversity of disciplines within ecological genomics are involved in the Ecological Genomics Institute (see below). The deadline for applications is 15 January 2008. Application information. Questions?  Send an e-mail to Dr. Jeremy Marshall, cricket@k-state.edu. Posted: 11/14/07.

Lincoln University: We are seeking a PhD student to revisit New Zealand's successful biological control programme 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. The successful applicant will work under the supervision of Dr. Jon Sullivan (Lincoln University) and Dr. Simon Fowler (Landcare Research). 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$25k per annum (tax-free) plus tuition fees (fees will be covered at the domestic student rate). 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. Posted: 7/17/07.

Louisiana State University: Graduate Research Assistantship - Stream Ecology/Benthic Macroinvertebrates. We are seeking a highly motivated graduate student at MS or PhD level to join a project on the effectiveness of forestry best management practices on stream water quality. The successful candidate will focus on benthic macroinvertebrates as indices of water quality and work with a team of graduate students in the School of Renewable Natural Resources. Field research will be in a forest-dominated watershed located in Central Louisiana. This project demands a significant level of field and lab work and the candidate should be in good physical condition, be able to work outdoors in inclement weather and withstand annoying insects. Applicants must possess a valid US driver's license and be able to work independently and collaboratively with others. Review of applications will begin May 2008. Ideal start date: June 2008. Starting stipend is $16k/year + tuition waiver and health insurance coverage. Send application letter, C.V., college transcripts, and the names and contact information of 3 referees. and contact information for 3 references to: Dr. Jun Xu (yjxu@lsu.edu), School of Renewable Natural Resources, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803. Selection will be based on GPA (minimum 3.2), GREs (minimum combined score of 1100), research experience, and letters of reference. Those with a strong field-based research background in stream ecology, macroinvertebrate sampling, processing, and identification, as well as water quality monitoring and stream measurements will be given top consideration. Posted: 5/6/08.

Louisiana State University: Graduate Research Assistantship in Forest Hydrology/Water Quality. We are seeking a highly motivated graduate student at MS or PhD level to join a project on the effectiveness of forestry best management practices on stream hydrology and water quality. The successful candidate will work with a team of scientists in the School of Renewable Natural Resources and the Department of Agricultural & Biological Engineering, Louisiana State University. Field research will be in a forest-dominated watershed located in Central Louisiana. This project demands a significant level of field and lab work and the candidate should be in good physical condition, be able to work outdoors in inclement weather and withstand annoying insects. Applicants should have a BS or MS degree in hydrology, forestry, environmental sciences, or a related field and keenly interested in water resources and water quality. Applicants must possess a valid US driver's license and be able to work independently and collaboratively with others. Experience in water quality monitoring and stream measurements are desirable. The GRA position is available immediately. Starting stipend is $16k/year + tuition waiver and health insurance coverage. If interested, send a cover letter stating your research interests, your curriculum vitae, university transcripts, GRE scores, and the names and contact information of three referees by email to: Dr. Jun Xu, School of Renewable Natural Resources, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803. Email: yjxu@lsu.edu. Posted: 1/16/08.

Louisiana State University: Graduate research assistantships in Hydrology/Water Quality are available beginning in the Fall of 2007 in the School of Renewable Natural Resources. The first year will require large amounts of field and lab work. Topics of concentration for a thesis/dissertation are open in the area of hydrology/water quality issues related to forestry. A research project is being conducted on hydrology, stream water quality and macroinvertebrates to evaluate the effectiveness of forestry best management practices at the watershed scale. The research is being implemented in a forest-dominated watershed located in Central Louisiana. Storm and monthly water samples are collected in addition to physical stream measurements and biological indicators. This research demands a significant level of field and lab work. Currently, 3 graduate students are working within the project and the group is looking for 3 additional graduate students to continue with the research. Qualifications: B.S or M.S in hydrology, soils, forestry, environmental sciences, natural resources, or a related field is required with an interest and dedication to research. The successful candidates are expected to perform extensive fieldwork during the first year, and therefore be in good physical condition, be able to work outdoors in inclement weather and withstand annoying insects. Stipend: $16k/year + tuition waiver and health insurance. Application information for LSU Graduate School. Contact: Interested candidates should send a cover letter, resume, university transcripts, and GRE scores to: Dr. Jun Xu, School of Renewable Natural Resources, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803. Phone: 225-578-0897 or 225-578-4168, Fax: 225-578-4227, Email: yjxu@lsu.edu. Posted: 8/1/07.

Macquarie University: Modelling Climate Change Impacts on Australian Forests PhD Scholarship. Australian forests provide a range of important ecosystem services, such as wood production, carbon sequestration and protection of water catchments. Climate change is highly likely to modify how forests function, and land managers urgently need information about how these ecosystem services will be affected. To address this need, this project will (a) investigate experimentally the impacts of CO2 and water availability on Australian forest species; and (b) use this information to develop ecophysiological