[ECOLOG-L] Graduate assistantship: ecological pest management

[John Tooker]

MS or PhD Graduate Assistantship available in The Department of Entomology at 
The Pennsylvania 
State University (University Park, PA) to study sustainable, ecologically based 
crop production and its 
influence on invertebrate pest and natural enemy populations. In a new 
collaborative, USDA-funded, 
research project, we are testing hypotheses to help explain, and then minimize, 
pest outbreaks in 
diversified vegetable production systems. We are seeking a bright, motivated 
graduate student ideally 
to begin in January 2017. Interested candidates should send an email describing 
their past experience 
and their motivation for pursuing a graduate degree, along with a single file 
containing a resume/CV 
(including GPA and GRE scores), college transcripts (unofficial ok), and the 
names and contact 
information for 2-3 references to John Tooker (too...@psu.edu). Details on our 
lab group can be 
found here:  http://ento.psu.edu/research/labs/john-tooker

[ECOLOG-L] Ph.D. graduate assistantship

[Adam Dale]

Hi everyone,


I am currently searching for a Ph.D. graduate student to begin in Spring
2017 at the University of Florida in Gainesville. He or she will
investigate the role of alternative golf course habitats in the ecology and
management of insects in urban environments.


Please see the link below for more details and contact Adam Dale (
agd...@ufl.edu) if interested.


https://adamgdale.org/golf-course-ecology/


Thank you,

Adam Dale

-- 
Adam Dale
Assistant Professor
University of Florida
Gainesville, Fl
352-273-3976
website: adamgdale. org
Twitter: @adamGdale

[ECOLOG-L] PhD position on pocket gopher ecology & genetics

[Brad Cosentino]

PhD Assistantship: Pocket Gopher Distribution, Ecology, and Genetics. 
 
University of Illinois, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental
Sciences

Job Description:  We are seeking a PhD student to develop dissertation
research in conjunction with a project funded by the Illinois Department of
Natural Resources.  The focus of the project is on understanding the
constraints limiting the distribution of the plains pocket gopher and on
determining if the subspecies status of Geomys bursarius illinoensis is
warranted based on spatial genetic structure.  The PhD student will conduct
species distribution modeling to identify local and landscape factors
associated with gopher occurrences (and co-occurrences with American
badgers).  The student will also develop questions regarding movements and
survival of gophers, and depending on interests, investigate landscape
genetics and dispersal barriers.

The student will be advised by Dr. Bob Schooley
(http://nres.illinois.edu/directory/schooley) at the Department of Natural
Resources & Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois, and will
also collaborate with Dr. Brad Cosentino
(http://people.hws.edu/cosentino/home.html) at the Department of Biology at
Hobart and William Smith Colleges.  

Location: Champaign-Urbana, Illinois

Salary: $24,000/year + tuition waver

Qualifications: Applicants should have (1) BS degree (MS degree highly
preferred) in ecology, wildlife biology, or related field; (2) research
experience (ideally with mammals) and interests in species distribution
modeling and animal-habitat relationships; (3) demonstrated abilities in
scientific writing and oral communication; (4) strong skills is statistics
and GIS, or a strong desire to learn; and (5) ability to communicate and
interact with rural landowners.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a suitable
candidate is identified.  To apply for this position, please send (1) a
cover letter, (2) a CV, (3) unofficial transcripts, (4) GRE scores, and (5)
contact information for three references.  Send all materials in a single
PDF attachment to schoo...@illinois.edu with the subject header “PhD
Assistantship, Pocket Gophers”.

Start date: 01/15/2017
Application deadline: 09/01/2016
Contact person: Bob Schooley
Application E-mail: schoo...@illinois.edu

[ECOLOG-L] Two PhD scholarships in tree physiology, New Zealand

[Cate Macinnis-Ng]

Two fully funded PhD projects in forest drought impacts at the University of 
Auckland, New 
Zealand

The problem: Widespread drought-induced forest mortality is a global issue 
arising from 
climate change as alterations to rainfall patterns affect water-use and 
productivity of trees 
across the world. In much of Aotearoa New Zealand, climate change will result 
in longer, drier 
summers, more frequent extreme events such as droughts, rising temperatures and 
associated increased concentrations of atmospheric CO2.
More than 80% of NZ’s plant species are endemic so the conservation value of 
our native flora 
is globally significant. However, many tree species are under threat due to 
climate change and 
this risk has been poorly investigated in this country. Of particular concern 
are kauri (Agathis 
australis) forests. These iconic ecosystems confined to the north of the 
country now cover 
only 5% of their pre-human distribution. Kauri trees have an integral role in 
species-rich 
lowland forests and tree-ring analysis shows kauri are sensitive to climate 
fluctuations. 
Furthermore, climate predictions indicate the north of the North Island will be 
heavily impacted 
by summer droughts and forecasted droughts are unprecedented in the last 2 
million years in 
New Zealand so plants are not well prepared for dry periods.

The project: We will explore the threat of seasonal drought to kauri and 
associated southern 
conifers using a field-based drought experiment. There are two scholarships on 
offer. The first 
involves measurement of sap flow and other plant water relations parameters. 
This PhD 
project will concentrate on native tree species including kauri at the 
University of Auckland 
Huapai scientific reserve where the drought experiment will be established. The 
other project 
will explore drought mortality mechanisms in southern conifers using field and 
glasshouse 
studies. There will be opportunity to work with a mechanistic model of the 
soil-plant-
atmosphere pathway subject to student interest. The full scope of each project 
is negotiable 
for the right candidates, subject to fitting into the theme of drought in 
native forest.

The candidate(s): A keen interest in native plant ecosystems, a willingness to 
learn new skills, 
ability to work in remote areas and self-motivation are required attributes for 
the student. A 
high honours or masters degree in biology, environmental science, geography or 
related 
science or engineering discipline is essential. Students with degrees in 
physics and chemistry 
will also be considered. Some experience in plant ecophysiology techniques is 
preferred but 
not required as training will be provided. The student must be available to 
start as soon as 
possible. The student must meet the University of Auckland selection criteria 
https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/for/future- 
postgraduates/how-to-apply-pg/apply-for-a-
doctorate/phd-entry-requirements.html

The monies: The scholarship includes a stipend of $NZ27,000 for three years 
(tax free) and all 
tuition fees throughout the candidature of the student. The position is open to 
domestic and 
international students but there are no funds available for relocation of 
overseas applicants. 
For international students, compulsory health insurance will also be covered by 
the grant.

For further information about the project, please see the Rutherford Discovery 
Fellowship 
website
http://www.royalsociety.org.nz/2015/09/17/rutherford-discovery-fellowships-for-2015-
 
announced/#details-of-the-fellows-research-programmes and for details on the 
selection 
process, please contact Dr Cate Macinnis-Ng. 
c.macinnis...@auckland.ac.nz. Dr Macinnis-
Ng will be the principal supervisor for the student(s). Collaborators on this 
project include Prof 
George Perry (University of Auckland), Dr Mike Clearwater (University of 
Waikato) and Prof 
Derek Eamus (University of Technology Sydney, Australia). More details about 
the proposed 
project are also available from Dr Macinnis-Ng.

The university: The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s largest university. 
Situated in 
central Auckland, UoA has a fine tradition of high quality research of global 
significance. The 
School of Biological Sciences is ranked in the top 70 biological departments in 
the world and 
offers a vibrant and exciting research environment. Further information can be 
found on the 
university website: www.auckland.ac.nz.

Application documents:
Please provide the following documents in your application:
1. University transcript of previous grades
2. Curriculum vitae (max 2 pages), especially outlining previous research 
experience and any
publications (including websites, blogs)
3. Short statement (<300 word) about your ‘research interests & career goals’
4. Contact details for two referees who can comment on previous research 
experience.

***Please apply through the University of Auckland scholarships website***
https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/