[ECOLOG-L] Professor and Department Head of Forestry Department Mississippi State University
POSITION ANNOUNCMENT DESCRIPTION Professor and Head Department of Forestry Mississippi State University Position Description: The head is a full-time administrative position and reports to the Dean of the College of Forest Resources (CFR), the Director of the Forest and Wildlife Research Center (FWRC), and the Director of the Mississippi State University Extension Services (MSU-ES). The head provides visionary leadership for all aspects of the department’s current and future activities in teaching, research, extension, and service. The head is responsible for the administrative management, fostering teamwork among faculty, staff and students of the department by using appropriate communications, management methods, and organizational guidelines to develop, enable, implement and evaluate programs. The head fosters relationships and communication with other academic and center/institute heads on- and off-campus, other CFR/FWRC/MSU-ES/DAFVM administrators, and external stakeholders. The head is responsible for managing appropriated funds, extramural support as gifts, grants and/or contracts, allocating departmental resources, making timely decisions, delegating responsibility and motivating faculty and staff toward accomplishment of defined teaching, research and extension objectives, as well as other scholarly activities on- and off-campus. Departmental Profile The Department of Forestry is one of three Departments in College of Forest Resources and the Mississippi State University’s Forest and Wildlife Research Center. The 24 faculty has diverse teaching, research and outreach expertise including forest biology and watershed management; forest economics, management and policy; forest measurements and spatial technology; and wood supply systems. The Department has two accredited undergraduate degree programs with 197 students along with 37 graduate students in both on-campus and distance graduate programs. The MSU John W. Starr Memorial Forest, an 8244 acre forest, and the Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge and Tombigbee National Forest are near the University and are used for teaching, research and Extension activities. Salary and Benefits: Highly Competitive Application Procedure: All applicants must apply online at www.msujobs.edu and attach a cover letter, curriculum vitae, statement of programmatic leadership and vision, and the complete contact information for at least three reference. References will not be contacted without notification of the applicant. Applicants must complete the Personal Data Information form found at www.jobs.msstate.edu. (Search postings for PARF# 497876). For more information about this position and the Position contact Search Committee chair Keith Coble (keith.co...@msstate.edu, 662-325-6670) or visit the departmental website (http://www.cfr.msstate.edu/forestry/). Applications will be accepted until the position is filled with initial screening and interview arrangements to begin on February 1, 2019. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: MSU is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, ethnicity, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, disability status, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We always welcome nominations and applications from women, members of any minority group, and others who share our passion for building a diverse community that reflects the diversity in our student population.
[ECOLOG-L] PhD Position Available to Study Stand Dynamics, Forest Restoration, and Fire Ecology of Upland Oak and/or Pine Forests
A PhD position is available in the Forest and Fire Ecology Lab (http://forestfire.fwrc.msstate.edu/) at Mississippi State University (Starkville, MS) to study stand dynamics, fire ecology, and forest restoration of upland oak and/or pine forests. The student’s research will examine how changes in forest composition and structure as a consequence of changing fire regimes and/or herbivory impact regeneration of desired species and the potential outcomes for forest restoration at a variety of sites, including Spirit Hill Farm and Holly Springs National Forest in northern Mississippi and Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest in western Kentucky. The student will interact with faculty in the Departments of Forestry and Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture, private landowners, and state/federal agency personnel. The student will be appointed as a Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) in the Department of Forestry. In addition to developing and executing dissertation research, the student will be expected to (1) act as a teaching assistant for undergraduate courses in Dendrology and/or Ecology during several semesters, (2) assist other collaborating researchers with their projects, and (3) contribute to departmental, college, and university service. Applicants must have a Bachelor's degree in forestry, ecology, biology, or a related field; preference will be given to applicants with a M.S. degree in one of these fields and/or those with a publication record. Prior experience in fieldwork related to forest ecology, silviculture, and/or wildlife habitat management is required. Successful candidates must demonstrate an aptitude for research, strong analytical and oral and written scientific communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to work independently and as a team. Applicants must be capable of working long hours outdoors exposed to harsh weather, biting insects, and thorny vegetation. If interested, please email to Dr. Heather Alexander (heather.alexan...@msstate.edu) (1) a cover letter discussing interest in the research, qualifications, and applicable background experience; (2) a resume/CV; (3) unofficial transcripts; and (4) contact information for three professional references. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Details on the full application process to the MSU Graduate School can be found at http://www.grad.msstate.edu/prospective/. Financial support is guaranteed for at least three years, starting in August 2019, and includes a stipend, tuition waiver, and health insurance. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
[ECOLOG-L] PhD Position Available to Study Stand Dynamics, Forest Restoration, and Fire Ecology of Upland Oak and/or Pine Forests
A PhD position is available in the Forest and Fire Ecology Lab (http://forestfire.fwrc.msstate.edu/) at Mississippi State University (Starkville, MS) to study stand dynamics, fire ecology, and forest restoration of upland oak and/or pine forests. The student’s research will examine how changes in forest composition and structure as a consequence of changing fire regimes and/or herbivory impact regeneration of desired species and the potential outcomes for forest restoration at a variety of sites, including Spirit Hill Farm and Holly Springs National Forest in northern Mississippi and Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest in western Kentucky. The student will interact with faculty in the Department of Forestry and Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture, private landowners, and state/federal agency personnel. The student will be appointed as a Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) in the Department of Forestry. In addition to developing and executing dissertation research, the student will be expected to (1) act as a teaching assistant for undergraduate courses in Dendrology and/or Ecology during several semesters, (2) assist other collaborating researchers with their projects, and (3) contribute to departmental, college, and university service. Applicants must have a Bachelor's degree in forestry, ecology, biology, or a related field; preference will be given to applicants with a MS degree in one of these fields. Prior experience in fieldwork related to forest ecology, silviculture, and/or wildlife habitat management is required. Successful candidates must demonstrate an aptitude for research, strong analytical and oral and written scientific communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to work independently and as a team. Applicants must be capable of working long hours outdoors exposed to harsh weather, biting insects, and thorny vegetation. If interested, please email to Dr. Heather Alexander (heather.alexan...@msstate.edu) (1) a cover letter discussing interest in the research, qualifications, and applicable background experience; (2) a resume/CV; (3) unofficial transcripts; and (4) contact information for three professional references. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Details on the full application process to the MSU Graduate School can be found at http://www.grad.msstate.edu/prospective/. Financial support is available for three years, starting as soon as January 2019, and includes a stipend, tuition waiver, and health insurance. Funding for additional semesters may be available if needed. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
[ECOLOG-L] MS Position Available to Study Fire Ecology of Upland Oak Forests
A MS position is available with Dr. Heather Alexander and the Forest and Fire Ecology Lab (http://forestfire.fwrc.msstate.edu/) in the Department of Forestry at Mississippi State University (Starkville, MS). Research in our lab focuses on understanding forest response to changing disturbance regimes in a variety of forest ecosystems, including Mississippi, Kentucky, Texas, and Siberia. The student will conduct extensive field research investigating the influence of fire on upland oak forest regeneration and consequences of forest compositional shifts on resource availability and forest flammability at a variety of sites, including Spirit Hill Farm in northern Mississippi and Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest in western Kentucky. The student will be appointed as a Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) but will act as a teaching assistant for an undergraduate course in Dendrology and/or Ecology during two semesters. The student also will be expected to assist other researchers in the lab with their projects and contribute to departmental, college, and university service. Applicants must have a Bachelor's degree in forestry, ecology, biology, or a related field. Successful candidates must demonstrate an aptitude for research, strong analytical and communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to work independently. Prior experience in fieldwork related to forest and ecosystem ecology is highly desired. Applicants must be in excellent physical condition and capable of working long hours outdoors exposed to harsh weather, biting insects, and thorny vegetation. The student must have data analysis and scientific writing experience and a strong desire to pursue these non-field related activities. Must also possess a current and valid driver's license. If interested, please email to Dr. Heather Alexander (heather.alexan...@msstate.edu) (1) a cover letter discussing interest in the research, qualifications, and applicable background experience; (2) a resume/CV; and (3) unofficial transcripts. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Details on the full application process to the MSU Graduate School can be found at http://www.grad.msstate.edu/prospective/. Financial support is available for two years, starting in fall 2018, and includes a stipend, tuition waiver, and health insurance. Review of applications will begin on February 26, 2018.
[ECOLOG-L] Post-Doc Available to Study Climate-Wildfire-Forest Dynamics in Siberian Arctic
A post-doctoral research associate position is available with Dr. Heather Alexander and the Forest and Fire Ecology Lab (http://forestfire.fwrc.msstate.edu/) in the Department of Forestry at Mississippi State University. The successful candidate will coordinate and conduct observational and experimental field studies, analyze scientific data, and write and publish scientific papers and proposals as part of a collaborative NSF grant aimed at investigating the implications of a changing fire regime on forest recovery and climate feedbacks in the Siberian Arctic. The post-doc will interact with scientists from collaborating institutions, including Colgate University, Western State Colorado University, University of Dayton, University of Florida, Northern Arizona University, the Russian Academy of Sciences, and the Melnikov Permafrost Institute. The primary responsibilities will include: 1) coordinating and conducting summer fieldwork focused on larch forest recovery post-fire in the Russian Far East at field sites near the Northeast Science Station in Cherskiy, Russia and near the Spasskaya Pad Scientific Forest Station near Yakutsk, Russia for durations of 1-2 months, 2) leading a field crew consisting of scientists and students from the U.S. and Russia, 3) processing field samples, 4) analyzing data, 5) writing scientific manuscripts and proposals, and 6) presenting research findings at meetings and conferences. The successful candidate must have: 1) a PhD Degree in Biology, Forestry, Wildlife, Natural Resources, Ecology, or related discipline by the time of hire, 2) excellent writing and oral presentation skills, 3) excellent interpersonal and organizational skills, 4) demonstrated field work experience and field crew leadership in ecology, 5) demonstrated experience working independently and with a team, 6) a valid US passport and ability to travel abroad, and 7) strong work ethic and professionalism. Preference will be given to candidates with: 1) experience or demonstrated interest in working in forested ecosystems, 2) conducting field work in remote locations in sometimes challenging conditions (bugs, heat/cold, jet-lag), 3) conducting forest inventories, soil sampling, and seeding experiments, and 4) ability to find solutions to sometimes difficult logistical issues. This a full-time, 12-mo position, renewable for up to 24-mo with satisfactory performance, and may be extended if future funding permits. Salary is $45k plus benefits. The ideal start date is June 1, 2018 but could be later if necessary. Temporary housing is provided at field stations during the field season. Travel cost to and from field sites is provided. Applications must include a cover letter describing interest in the position, CV, unofficial transcripts showing completion of PhD (or progress towards for ABD candidates), and contact information for three professional references and should be sent electronically to Dr. Heather Alexander (heather.alexan...@msstate.edu).
[ECOLOG-L] MS position to study fire ecology of upland oak forests
MS position to study fire ecology of upland oak forests I am seeking a highly motivated MS graduate student to join the Forest and Fire Ecology research group in the Department of Forestry within the College of Forest Resources at Mississippi State University (Starkville, MS). Research in our lab focuses on understanding forest response to changing disturbance regimes in a variety of forest ecosystems, including Mississippi, Kentucky, Texas, and Siberia. The student will conduct extensive field research investigating the influence of fire on upland oak forest regeneration and consequences of forest compositional shifts on resource availability and forest flammability at a variety of sites, including Bowen Farm (MS) and Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest (KY). The student will be appointed as a Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) but will act as a teaching assistant for an undergraduate course in Dendrology and/or Ecology during two semesters. The student also will be expected to assist other researchers in the lab with their projects. Applicants must have a Bachelor's degree in forestry, ecology, biology, or a related field. Successful candidates must demonstrate an aptitude for research, strong analytical and communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to work independently. Prior experience in fieldwork related to forest and ecosystem ecology is highly desired. Applicants must be in excellent physical condition and capable of working long hours outdoors exposed to harsh weather, biting insects, and thorny vegetation. The student must have data analysis and scientific writing experience and a strong desire to pursue these non-field related activities. Must also possess a current and valid driver's license. If interested, please email to Dr. Heather Alexander (heather.alexan...@msstate.edu) (1) a cover letter discussing interest in the research, qualifications, and applicable background experience; (2) a resume/CV; and (3) unofficial transcripts. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Details on the full application process to the MSU Graduate School can be found at http://www.grad.msstate.edu/prospective/. Financial support is available for two years, starting in fall 2017, and includes a stipend, tuition waiver, and health insurance. Review of applications will begin on February 24, 2017.
[ECOLOG-L] MS positions to study forest and fire ecology of upland oaks
I am seeking two highly motivated MS graduate students to join the Forest and Fire Ecology research group in the College of Forest Resources at Mississippi State University (Starkville, MS). Students will conduct research investigating the influence of fire and herbivore disturbances on upland oak forest regeneration and consequences of forest canopy shifts on resource availability and forest flammability. Students will participate in extensive field research at a variety of sites, such as the Tombigbee National Forest (MS), Bankhead National Forest (AL), and Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest (KY). Applicants must have a Bachelor's degree in forestry, ecology, biology, or a related field. Successful candidates must demonstrate an aptitude for research, strong analytical and communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to work independently. Prior experience in fieldwork related to forest and ecosystem ecology is highly desired, as are data analysis and scientific writing experience. If interested, please contact Dr. Heather Alexander at heather.alexan...@msstate.edu and provide (1) a cover letter discussing interest in the research and applicable background experience; (2) a resume/CV; and (3) unofficial transcripts. Details on the full application process can be found at http://www.grad.msstate.edu/prospective/. Financial support is available for two years, starting in fall 2016 and includes a stipend, tuition waiver, and health insurance.
[ECOLOG-L] M.S. Position Available for Spring 2015 to Study Thornscrub Forest Revegetation for Ocelot Use
I am seeking a MS-level graduate student to conduct research on revegetation efforts and ocelot use at the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge (LANWR) in deep South Texas. The student will join a collaborative team of researchers, including scientists from the University of Texas – Brownsville (UTB) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). The student will work to (1) map and digitally document all previous revegetation efforts at LANWR, (2) groundtruth revegetated areas to photodocument their current status and measure attributes of vegetation status, including size and composition, (3) overlay GPS locations of collared ocelots on revegetation maps to determine if revegetated areas are being used as corridors and to what extent, and (4) delineate potential corridors to target for future revegetation. Findings will be used to determine the effectiveness of previous revegetation efforts for creating habitat and corridors for ocelots and as an aid to prioritize areas for the revegetation of potential high use areas as new corridors. The position will begin in spring 2015, and the student will be employed as a Teaching Assistant (TA) in the Department of Biological Sciences at UTB (http://www.utb.edu/biology/). The successful applicant will be expected to enroll full time in the UTB Biology Master’s program pursuing the thesis option. This is a unique opportunity to join a young and expanding department located in one of the fastest growing, culturally diverse regions in the nation situated minutes from Padre Island, Laguna Madre, and the Gulf of Mexico. The Department of Biological Sciences offers degrees at the B.S. and M.S. level and is expanding its graduate programs. By fall 2015, UTB will be fully merged with UT Pan Am (UTPA) in Edinburg as UT Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), with a combined undergraduate enrollment of over 30,000. Applicants must have a Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, or a related field. Successful candidates must demonstrate an aptitude for research and ability to work independently. Prior experience in fieldwork related to plant and ecosystem ecology is preferred, as are data analysis and scientific writing experience. The applicant must be able and willing to travel internationally and be field capable. A current, valid U.S. driver's license and good driving record is also required. As a TA, the student will be expected to work 19 hours/week as assistant instructor in undergraduate biology laboratory classes, assist his/her faculty teaching mentor with laboratory preparation and grading, and participate in departmental outreach events. The successful applicant will be expected to enroll full time in the UTB Biology Master’s program pursuing the thesis option. The available teaching assistantship has a $1,100 per month stipend during the academic year, is benefits eligible, and includes a waiver for in-state-tuition for out-of-state students. Please note that tuition is the student’s responsibility and is ~$2500/semester. There is a strong likelihood that this student could receive a summer internship at LANWR and have the opportunity to work closely with biologists at USFWS. Interested applicants should send to Dr. Heather Alexander (heather.alexan...@utb.edu) a copy of their CV or resume, unofficial transcripts and GRE scores, a written statement of graduate research interests, and letters of recommendations from two referees. Application materials are due by December 1, 2014.
[ECOLOG-L] Graduate Research Assistantship to Study Fire, Larch, and Carbon Cycling in Siberia
M.S. Position Available to Study Fire, Larch Forests, and C Dynamics in Siberia I am seeking a MS-level graduate student to conduct research on fire, larch forests, and carbon dynamics in far northeastern Siberia. The student will join a collaborative team of researchers, including scientists from the University of Texas – Brownsville, Woods Hole Research Center, Colgate University, Northern Arizona University, and Russian Academy of Sciences. The student will spend 4-5 weeks during summers 2015 and 2016 conducting field-based research out of the Northeast Science Station in Cherskii, Russia. Research may include measurements of larch succession within experimental burn plots and across natural burn gradients, quantification of changes in permafrost characteristics following fire, and estimation of carbon pools and fluxes in stands with varying fire histories. The student will be employed as a Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA) in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Texas-Brownsville (http://www.utb.edu/biology/). The successful applicant will be expected to enroll full time in the UTB Biology Master’s program pursuing the thesis option. This is a unique opportunity to join a young and expanding department located in one of the fastest growing, culturally diverse regions in the nation situated minutes from Padre Island, Laguna Madre, and the Gulf of Mexico. The Department of Biological Sciences offers degrees at the B.S. and M.S. level and is expanding its graduate programs. By fall 2015, UTB will be fully merged with UT Pan Am (UTPA) in Edinburg as UT Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), with a combined undergraduate enrollment of over 30,000. Applicants must have a Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, or a related field. Successful candidates must demonstrate an aptitude for research and ability to work independently. Prior experience in fieldwork related to plant and ecosystem ecology is preferred, as are data analysis and scientific writing experience. The applicant must be able and willing to travel internationally and be field capable. A current, valid U.S. driver's license and good driving record is also required. The GRA will be expected to work 19 hours/week in the laboratory of his/her faculty advisor and participate in outreach events associated with grant-related and departmental activities.The position will begin in spring 2015 and end in fall 2016. The available GRA has $1250 per month stipend ($15,000 annually) and is benefits eligible. The GRA also includes a tuition scholarship of $2,450 per semester for spring and fall 2015 and spring and fall 2016. This should covers tuition and fees for 9 credit hr per semester and includes an out-of-state tuition waiver. All travel to Siberia is covered by the research grant. Interested applicants should send to Dr. Heather Alexander (heather.alexan...@utb.edu) a copy of their CV or resume, unofficial transcripts and GRE scores, a written statement of graduate research interests, and letters of recommendations from two referees. Applications not containing all of these elements will not be considered. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
[ECOLOG-L] M.S. Position Available to Study Fire, Larch Forests, and C Dynamics in Siberia
M.S. Position Available to Study Fire, Larch Forests, and C Dynamics in Siberia I am seeking a MS-level graduate student to conduct research on fire, larch forests, and carbon dynamics in far northeastern Siberia. The student will join a collaborative team of researchers, including scientists from the University of Texas – Brownsville, Woods Hole Research Center, Colgate University, Northern Arizona University, and Russian Academy of Sciences. The student will spend 4-5 weeks during summers 2015 and 2016 conducting field-based research out of the Northeast Science Station in Cherskii, Russia. Research may include measurements of larch succesion within experimental burn plots and across natural burn gradients, quantification of changes in permafrost characteristics following fire, and estimation of carbon pools and fluxes in stands with varying fire histories. The student will be employed as a Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA) in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Texas-Brownsville (http://www.utb.edu/biology/). The successful applicant will be expected to enroll full time in the UTB Biology Master’s program pursuing the thesis option. This is a unique opportunity to join a young and expanding department located in one of the fastest growing, culturally diverse regions in the nation situated minutes from Padre Island, Laguna Madre, and the Gulf of Mexico. The Department of Biological Sciences offers degrees at the B.S. and M.S. level and is expanding its graduate programs. By fall 2015, UTB will be fully merged with UT Pan Am (UTPA) in Edinburg as UT Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), making it one of the largest minority educational institutions in the U.S. with a combined undergraduate enrollment of over 30,000. Applicants must have a Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, or a related field. Successful candidates must demonstrate an aptitude for research and ability to work independently. Prior experience in fieldwork related to plant and ecosystem ecology is preferred, as are data analysis and scientific writing experience. The applicant must be able and willing to travel internationally and be field capable. A current, valid U.S. driver's license and good driving record is also required. The GRA will be expected to work 19 hours/week in the laboratory of his/her faculty advisor and participate in outreach events associated with grant-related and departmental activities.The position will begin in spring 2015 and end in fall 2016. The available GRA has $1250 per month stipend ($15,000 annually) and is benefits eligible. The GRA also includes a tuition scholarship of $2,450 per semester for spring and fall 2015 and spring and fall 2016. This should covers tuition and fees for 9 credit hr per semester and includes an out-of-state tuition waiver. All travel to Siberia is covered by the research grant. Interested applicants should send to Dr. Heather Alexander (heather.alexan...@utb.edu) a copy of their CV or resume, unofficial transcripts and GRE scores, a written statement of graduate research interests, and letters of recommendations from two referees. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
[ECOLOG-L] Three Tenure-Track Positions at University of Texas at Brownsville
Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences – 3 Positions The department of Biological Sciences at the University of Texas at Brownsville (UTB) announces the opening of three tenure-track positions in Environmental Toxicology, Cell/Molecular Biology, and Genomics/Population Genetics. Selected candidates are anticipated to join the department in Fall 2014 at the Assistant Professor rank. This is a unique opportunity to join a young and expanding department located in one of the fastest growing, culturally diverse regions in the nation situated minutes from Padre Island, Laguna Madre, and the Gulf of Mexico. The Department of Biological Sciences offers degrees at the B.S. and M.S. level and is expanding its marine biology and graduate programs. By Fall 2015, UTB will be fully merged with UT Pan American in Edinburg as UT Rio Grande Valley, making it one of the largest minority educational institutions in the U.S. with a combined undergraduate enrollment of over 30,000. We are especially interested in candidates whose research has broad applications to coastal settings integrating undergraduate research and training. Selected candidates will be expected to teach undergraduate and graduate courses in their general field of study and additional courses as necessary to support the needs of the department. This is a security-sensitive position subject to Texas Education Code 51.215 which allows the employer to obtain criminal history record information. Qualifications: Applicants are required to have a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences or related field, postdoctoral experience, a strong publication record, and demonstrated potential to establish an extramurally-funded research program. Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. Review of applications will begin upon receipt and continue until the position is filled. Application Procedure: Download and complete a faculty application at www.utb.edu/ba/hr/employment. Submit a letter of interest specifically stating the position to which you are applying; curriculum vitae; statement of teaching philosophy; statement of research interests; copies of three relevant publications; and contact information of three professional references. Submit application materials to: Office of Human Resources The University of Texas at Brownsville 451 East Alton Gloor - Brownsville, Texas 78526 (956) 882-8205 – Fax (956) 882-7476
[ECOLOG-L] M.S. POSITION AVAILABLE TO STUDY COASTAL PRAIRIE AND TAMAULIPAN THORNSCRUB RESTORATION IN SOUTH TEXAS
M.S. POSITION AVAILABLE TO STUDY COASTAL PRAIRIE AND TAMAULIPAN THORNSCRUB RESTORATION IN SOUTH TEXAS I am seeking a MS-level graduate student to conduct research on the effects of different techniques used to restore coastal prairies and Tamaulipan thornscrub communities in south Texas. Current restoration strategies involve the use of fire, herbicide, and mechanical treatments as well as planting of native species. Research will be largely field-based and conducted in the Laguna Atascosa Wildlife Refuge in south Texas, the primary habitat for the endangered ocelot and Aplomado Falcon. Research questions may include: 1) How long does it take plant communities to respond to different restoration techniques? 2) Is there a differential response among vegetation types? 3) Under what conditions do desired species respond most favorably? 4) Under what conditions do undesired species respond (including invasives)? The position will begin in spring 2014 in the Biological Sciences Department at the University of Texas-Brownsville (http://www.utb.edu/biology/). The student will be employed as a teaching assistant and will be expected to work 19 hours/week as assistant instructor in undergraduate biology laboratory classes, assist his/her faculty teaching mentor with laboratory preparation and grading, and participate in departmental outreach events. Applicants must have a Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, or a related field. Successful candidates must demonstrate an aptitude for research and ability to work independently. Prior experience in fieldwork related to plant and ecosystem ecology is preferred. The applicant must be field capable. A current, valid U.S. driver's license and good driving record is also preferred. The successful applicant will be expected to enroll full time in the UTB Biology Master’s program pursuing the thesis option. The available teaching assistantship has $1100 per month, is benefits eligible, and includes a waiver for in-state-tuition for out-of-state students. Additional summer salary is likely available. Please note that tuition is the student’s responsibility and is ~$2500/semester. Interested applicants should send to Dr. Heather Alexander (heather.alexan...@utb.edu) a copy of their CV or resume, GPA and GRE scores, a written statement of graduate research interests, and contact information for two references. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
[ECOLOG-L] MS Student to Study Shrub Encroachment into Coastal Prairie
M.S. POSITION AVAILABLE TO STUDY SHRUB ENCROACHMENT INTO COASTAL PRAIRIE I am seeking a MS-level graduate student to conduct research on the ecological consequences of shrub encroachment into coastal prairies of south Texas. Conversion of coastal prairies and other grassland ecosystems into shrublands is a global phenomenon with important implications because of the potential for changes in plant functional type (grass vs. shrub) to alter ecosystem function, such as the ecosystem’s ability to provide habitat for wildlife, control microclimate, produce and store carbon, cycle water and nutrients, and stabilize soils and prevent erosion. Research will be largely field-based and conducted in the Laguna Atascosa Wildlife Refuge in south Texas, the primary habitat for the endangered ocelot and aplomado falcon. The position will begin in spring 2014 in the Biological Sciences Department at the University of Texas-Brownsville (http://www.utb.edu/biology/). The student will be employed as a teaching assistant and will be expected to work 15-19 hours/week as assistant instructor in undergraduate biology laboratory classes, assist his/her faculty teaching mentor with laboratory preparation and grading, and participate in departmental outreach events. Applicants must have a Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, or a related field. Successful candidates must demonstrate an aptitude for research and ability to work independently. Prior experience in fieldwork related to plant and ecosystem ecology is preferred. The applicant must be field capable. A current, valid U.S. driver's license and good driving record is preferred. The successful applicant will be expected to enroll full time in the UTB Biology Master’s program pursuing the thesis option. The available teaching assistantship has $1100 per month salary, is benefits eligible, and includes a waiver for in-state-tuition for out-of-state students. Additional summer salary is likely available. Please note that tuition is the student’s responsibility and is ~$2500/semester. Interested applicants should send to Dr. Heather Alexander (heather.alexan...@utb.edu) a copy of their CV or resume, GPA and GRE scores, a written statement of graduate research interests, and contact information for two references. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
[ECOLOG-L] Assistant Professor in Avian Ecology
Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences Position Number: FY 13-14 Reports to: Chairperson of Biological Sciences Scope: The Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Texas at Brownsville, invites applications for a tenure-track position at the Assistant Professor rank with a focus in avian ecology to begin in Spring 2012. This is a unique opportunity to join a newly reorganized department at a rapidly growing institution located on the Texas-Mexico border near South Padre Island. Duties: Selected candidates will teach undergraduate and graduate courses and develop an extramurally-funded research program in his/her area of expertise. Education: Ph.D. is required. Experience: Postdoctoral experience, and demonstrate application of contemporary technology/methodology to address complex mechanistic problems pertaining to the biology, ecology, evolution, and/or conservation of avifauna. Preference will be given to applicants with a strong potential for publication and extramural funding and whose research interests can be related to the unique environments of south Texas (marine, riverine, coastal prairies, palm forests, and proximity to tropical habitats). Salary: Commensurate with experience and qualifications. Deadline: Applications will be reviewed upon receipt and continue until the position is filled. Application Procedure: Download and complete a faculty application from: www.utb.edu/ba/hr/employment, Candidates should submit a letter interest, curriculum vitae, statements of teaching philosophy and research interests, copies of relevant publications and contact information of three professional references.
[ECOLOG-L] M.S. Position Available to Study Fire, Larch Trees, and C Dynamics in Siberia
M.S. Position Available to Study Fire, Larch Trees, and C Dynamics in Siberia I am seeking a MS-level graduate student to conduct research on fire, larch tree recruitment, and carbon dynamics in far northeastern Siberia. Research will include measurements of larch recruitment on experimental burn plots and across natural burn gradients, quantification of changes in permafrost characteristics following fire, and estimation of carbon pools in stands with varying fire histories. See the following blog posts from the last summers field season in Siberia for more details: http://www.thepolarisproject.org/from-flames-to-forests/. The position will begin in spring 2013 in the Biological Sciences Department at the University of Texas-Brownsville (http://www.utb.edu/biology/). The student will be employed as a teaching assistant and will be expected to work 8-9 hours/week as assistant instructor in undergraduate biology laboratory classes, assist his/her faculty teaching mentor with laboratory preparation and grading, and participate in departmental outreach events. Applicants must have a Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, or a related field. Successful candidates must demonstrate an aptitude for research and ability to work independently. Prior experience in fieldwork related to plant and ecosystem ecology is preferred. The applicant must be able to travel internationally and be field capable. A current, valid U.S. driver's license and good driving record is also preferred. The successful applicant will be expected to enroll full time in the UTB Biology Masters program pursuing the thesis option. The available teaching assistantship has $1100 per month, is benefits eligible, and includes a waiver for in-state-tuition for out-of-state students. Additional summer salary is likely available. Please note that tuition is the students responsibility and is ~$2500/semester. Interested applicants should send to Dr. Heather Alexander (heather.alexan...@utb.edu) a copy of their CV or resume, GPA and GRE scores, a written statement of graduate research interests, and contact information for two references. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
