[ECOLOG-L] M.S. Opportunity in Stream Insect Recruitment
The Freshwater Ecosystem Ecology Lab (www.bradwtaylor.com) in the Department of Applied Ecology (https://appliedecology.cals.ncsu.edu/) at North Carolina State University is accepting applications for a graduate student interested in earning a Masters of Science degree in stream ecology. Funding will support a graduate student to develop innovative whole-stream experimental approaches to test whether enhancing the egg- laying habitat for adult stream insects can be used to accelerate the recovery and resilience of biological conditions, such as invertebrate community structure, diversity, and productivity in restored streams in North Carolina. Applicants with interest in developing expertise in invertebrate ecology, life histories, natural history, dispersal, recruitment, population ecology, invertebrate identification, and diversity metrics are especially encouraged to apply. B.A. or B.S. degree in a related field is required. Applicants should have the ability to work well both independently and cooperatively, and a firm interest in working in an interdisciplinary research environment that includes state agencies, private industry stream restoration contractors, and private landowners. Applicants should be motivated, creative, eager to be immersed in a program that requires developing strengths in applied and basic science skills, and possess strong communication and quantitative skills. Financial support includes: a yearly stipend, tuition support, health insurance, funds for research expenses, and funds for research assistants. The optimal start date is January 2019 but September 2018 could be an alternate start date. Review of complete applications will begin immediately, and this opportunity will remain available until a suitable candidate is found or at the latest 15 November 2018. To apply, visit https://grad.ncsu.edu/apply/ and indicate Brad Taylor as your potential advisor. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact Brad Taylor (brad.tay...@ncsu.edu) prior to applying.
[ECOLOG-L] Research Technician Position in the Rocky Mountain Stream and Wetland Ecology
The Freshwater Ecosystem Ecology Lab (www.bradwtaylor.com North Carolina State University) is accepting applications for two technician positions to assist with research projects at the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory (www.rmbl.org) during summer 2018. The position will require working independently or in small teams at elevations of 9,000 to 11,000 feet in remote settings with potential for inclement weather conditions. The positions will also require careful collection of samples and precise field measurements using specialized field and lab equipment. Applicant should be comfortable in laboratory settings and prior experience with nutrient analyses, stable isotopes, invertebrate, microscopy, or other lab analysis is preferred. The position will begin as early as late April to may be extended to the end of October but applicants that can only meet part of that duration will also be considered. The technicians will be expected to assist with at least a subset of the following projects: 1. What are rates of carbon dioxide efflux from soils of drying ponds? We will require careful use of a PP Systems EGM 5 (similar to a Li-Cor) and prior experience using field instrumentation is desired but not necessary. It will also require spending extended periods of time working at a 11,200 feet in elevation remote field site. 2. How do macroinvertebrates survive in the shallow aquifer environment of river floodplains? How do they make use of methane-derived carbon resources? We will require assistance with installation of shallow wells (can be physically demanding), carrying of heavy equipment (up to 50 lbs) for distances <1 mile, collection and preservation of aquatic insects, and collection and analysis of water and dissolved gas samples. 3. How do climate-induced shifts in the timing of peak streamflow hydrology affect nutrient cycling? We will require assistance in the field sampling water column nutrients, benthic algae, and whole-stream nutrient uptake measurements. Remote streams will be accessed by vehicle and on foot (hiking <4 miles). We will also require assistance in the laboratory processing nutrient, invertebrate, and algal samples. Experience with one or more of the sampling procedure is preferred. A strong chemistry background, course record, previous experience with wet chemistry or willingness to master meticulous analytical chemical analyses is also strongly desired. 4. How does climate-induced variation in light or temperature affect the development of stream algae? We will require assistance maintaining stream microcosm experiments. Upkeep duties will include periodically cleaning filters, tanks, and backflushing water lines to maintain water flow in experimental flow-through stream channels. Sampling duties will collecting water samples, stream invertebrates, scrubbing algae from rocks and tiles. 5. What are the causes and consequences of Didymosphenia geminata blooms. We will need assistance maintaining flow-through stream channel experiments, as well as weekly field sampling of invertebrates and algae from rivers and identifying and counting invertebrates and algae in the laboratory using a microscope. Housing and station fees at the RMBL will be included. Wages will be commensurate with experience and range from $12 to $18/hour. To apply, please visit our website at: http://jobs.ncsu.edu/postings/97207 and attach the following documents: • 1-2 page cover letter describing your suitability for the position, reasons for applying, and earliest start and latest end dates. Detail any prior experience directly related to the requirements of the position and any relevant coursework in your letter or other materials. • Curriculum Vitae or Resume • Contact information for 3 references Please email any questions to Amanda DelVecchia at amanda.delvecc...@gmail.com or Brad Taylor brad.tay...@ncsu.edu by March 25, 2018. NC State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran.
[ECOLOG-L] Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) in the Rocky Mountains Summer 2018
Undergraduate research opportunity to work as part of a team exploring the consequences of climate-induced species range shifts on ecosystem functioning (e.g., nutrient cycling) in subalpine ponds in the Colorado Rockies. The position provides a weekly stipend, housing, meals, travel to the site, and participation in a REU Training and Responsible Conduct of Research Program beginning as early as mid May and ending in mid August. This research is motivated by the fact that species distributions around the world are shifting in response to a changing climate but we known little about how these shifts in elevation, latitude, or among local habitats will affect ecosystem processes such as nutrient cycling. More than 25 years of continuous study of the distribution and abundance of aquatic animals in high-elevation ponds in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado has revealed that species common at low elevations are moving towards higher elevations, and within elevations, animals are moving into different habitat types (i.e., temporary to semi-permanent pond) as drying regimes become more extreme. The main research project focuses on a guild of case-making caddisflies (see left photo) that vary considerably in their contribution to ecosystem processes and their response to climate- induced changes in pond hydrology. We are seeking an undergraduate student interested in exploring the contribution of additional animal species to nutrient cycling. Specifically, the REU will take a lead role in measuring nitrogen and phosphorus excretion rates of animals and nitrogen and phosphorus uptake by water column and benthic plants and microbes in subalpine ponds that differ in hydroperiod and animal community composition to explore the following questions: 1) How does nutrient supply via excretion by species in the biomass-dominant caddisfly guild compare to excretion by other pond species, such as midge larvae, zooplankton, and salamanders? 2) What proportion of nutrient demand by algae and other microbes is supplied by the focal guild of detritivorous caddisflies versus other pond animals? The REU will work with a diverse group of undergraduates, graduate students, post-docs, and PIs from North Carolina State University (www.bradwtaylor.com), other universities, and will be immersed in a vibrant research and education community at the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory (see www.rmbl.edu). The position requires spending 8-10 weeks (mid-May to mid August) at this rustic and remote but premier high-elevation (3000 m) field station near Crested Butte, Colorado. The ideal applicant should demonstrate interest and experience in field ecology as well as experience or willingness to master meticulous analytical chemical analyses. Applicants should also be comfortable working in remote field settings that can have rapidly changing weather conditions, and that includes hiking 1-2 h to 3400 m elevation study sites. Preference will also be given to applicants who present a plan to work on writing and analyses as part of an independent study or senior thesis for eventual publication beyond the summer. The REU will have some flexibility to develop additional questions and hypotheses for which they will receive mentoring assistance with methods, data and chemical analyses, and writing. Send a resume, 1-page statement of current and future scientific interests and experiences, and names and contact information for 3 references included in one PDF file to Brad Taylor: brad.tay...@ncsu.edu by 10 March 2018. A commitment by 25 March 2018 is required. NC State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran.
[ECOLOG-L] Postdoctoral Position in Stream Ecology
Postdoctoral Scholar Position in Stream Ecology A postdoctoral research scholar position is available in the Department of Applied Ecology at North Carolina State University. We are seeking a postdoctoral scholar to conduct experimental and observational studies exploring how environmentally induced shifts in stream algal communities impact stream invertebrate secondary production and the flow energy and nutrients to fish and terrestrial consumers of stream insects. The primary responsibilities will include 1) conducting fieldwork in the Appalachian Mountains, Rocky Mountains, and possibly other locations, sometimes for continuous durations of 3-4 months, 2) some independence in research design and execution, 3) and field sampling, sample processing and analyses, and publishing and presenting the findings in collaboration with others. Applicants are required to have a Ph.D. in biology, entomology, ecology or a related field at the time of hire. Highly desirable qualifications include experience in one or more of the following areas: quantifying invertebrate secondary production, trophic basis of production, organic matter flow, fatty acid analysis, invertebrate sampling, invertebrate taxonomy and life histories, and knowledge of or an interest in fish or bird foraging experiments and/or energetics. The postdoctoral scholar will be working with Brad Taylor’s Lab group. For additional information regarding the research group and focal areas, please consult our website (www.bradwtaylor.com), and email brad.tay...@ncsu.edu if you have questions. In addition, to interactions among our lab group, the position provides opportunities to interact with a vibrant group of scientists at NC State (appliedecology.cals.ncsu.edu), other institutions in North Carolina’s Research Triangle, and at the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory in Colorado (www.rmbl.org). The salary is $48,000-50,000 plus benefits. The position is for two years, with renewal dependent on performance. Applicants should include a cover letter (stating their potential start date), a curriculum vitae, contact information for three references, 2-3 relevant publications, and a 1-2 page statement of research interests. Review of applications will begin on 31 January 2018 and applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The start date is flexible but no later than 15 April 2018. Apply at http://jobs.ncsu.edu enter position number “PG170060PD” in the keyword field. North Carolina State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.
[ECOLOG-L] Ecology Postdoctoral Scholar Position
We are seeking an outstanding postdoctoral scholar to work on a NSF-funded collaborative project to investigate how climate-induced changes in species distributions, and the novel communities that result, impact multiple ecosystem functions in montane and subalpine ponds in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. The overall aim of the project is to test how species range shifts along local and regional gradients in the dominant group of detritivores (caddisfly larvae) affect multiple ecosystem processes, including the transfer of detrital energy to detritivore secondary production, release of detritus-bound nutrients for algal uptake, bottom-up effects of algae on herbivores, and ecosystem metabolism. The project involves field experiments, modeling, and comparative analyses of data from whole ponds. Expertise in one or more of the following area are highly desired: tracing carbon and nitrogen through food webs / ecosystems, dissolved and particulate nutrient analyses, organic matter processing, ecosystem metabolism, modeling the effects of community composition on ecosystem processes. The postdoctoral scholar will spend the first year in the Biology Department at Allegheny College in Meadville, PA, under the supervision of Scott Wissinger (https://sites. google.com/a/allegheny.edu/scott-wissinger/), and the second and third year in the Department of Applied Ecology at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC under the supervision of Brad Taylor (https://appliedecology.cals.ncsu.edu/faculty/brad-w-taylor/). During summers time will be spent at the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory (www.rmbl.org) working with these two PIs and another PI on the project, Hamish Greig, and his students from the University of Maine (https://sbe.umaine.edu/). The position affords an excellent opportunity to interact with a diverse and vibrant group of ecologists, including senior to junior PIs, postdoctoral scholars, graduate students, research assistants, and undergraduate students from multiple institutions. In addition to the research opportunities, this position provides a unique opportunity for a postdoc to develop his or her teaching and mentoring skills. The postdoc will assist the PIs in developing a Collaborative-Institution Undergraduate Research Experiment (CURE) as described in the NSF project. The CURE integrates the hypotheses and experimental design of the main research project in Colorado with the respective freshwater ecology courses at the three institutions to investigate the consequences of climate-induced latitudinal species range shifts on multiple ecosystem functions. The postdoc will have the opportunity to publish the pedagogical and research from the CURE as well as publish research-based papers from the field research in Colorado. Please submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, a one-page statement explaining how your expertise and interest align with the project, and provide contact information for three references to ecopost...@allegheny.edu. Applicants must have completed a PhD by at least 15 June 2016. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. For consideration, application materials should be submitted by 15 April 2016. An offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Allegheny College is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a strong commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity. Women, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and members of other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. Allegheny does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, or national origin. Visit the Allegheny College Web Site at www.allegheny.edu
[ECOLOG-L] Postdoctoral Scholar Position in Stream Ecology
Postdoctoral Scholar Position in Stream Ecology Candidates are invited to apply for a postdoctoral scholar position in stream ecology at North Carolina State University (NCSU). The postdoctoral scholar will have the opportunity to work on a project studying the causes and consequences of Didymosphenia geminata blooms in rivers with Dr. Brad Taylor. The position will require conducting fieldwork in the mountains of western North Carolina and/or at the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory in western Colorado. Experience in one or more of the following areas is desired: nutrient cycling, organic matter dynamics, food webs, disease ecology, ecohydrology, biogeochemistry, algal-nutrient interactions, or modeling. The postdoctoral scholar will have opportunities to interact with a vibrant group of ecologists at NCSU (http://appliedecology.cals.ncsu.edu/), other institutions in the Research Triangle, and the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory (www.rmbl.org). The position is for one year with the possibility for up to two more years. Review of applications will begin on 1 March 2016 and applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The target start date is flexible but preferably 1 May 2016. Applicants: Apply at http://jobs.ncsu.edu. Under keywords enter “PG150323PD”. A complete CV, contact information for 3-4 references, and a two-page statement of research and career interests. Position will remain open until filled; applicant review will begin 1 March 2016. North Carolina State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.
[ECOLOG-L] PhD Graduate Student Opportunities at Dartmouth
The Graduate Program in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Dartmouth College invites applications from prospective Ph.D. students. We offer a wide range of opportunities for studying a diversity of biological systems from ecological and evolutionary perspectives, and our core group of enthusiastic faculty, graduate students and post-docs provide an exciting environment in which to pursue a Ph.D (http://www.dartmouth.edu/~biology/). Generous financial support is provided in the form of Dartmouth Fellowships, health care, and a substantial yearly discretionary fund for research and travel that are guaranteed for 5 years. Detailed information about the program, and access to online applications, are available at http://www.dartmouth.edu/~biology/graduate/eeb/. Students interested in alpine or polar ecosystems may also apply to the NSF IGERT training grant program on polar environmental change and its human dimensions. http://www.dartmouth.edu/~igert/. Applications will be considered beginning December 15th. Promising applicants will be invited and hosted for interviews February 6-8. Dartmouth is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and encourages applications from women and members of minority groups.
