[ECOLOG-L] CONSERVATION GENETICS PH.D. GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIP - NORTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY
CONSERVATION GENETICS PH.D. GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIP NORTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY Conservation Genetics Ph.D. Graduate Student Assistantship to conduct research on landscape genetics of northern leopard frogs. The project will analyze an existing dataset to evaluate gene flow among potentially isolated wetlands, as means of assessing biotic connectedness. Additional sampling and possible development of additional molecular markers will be pursued as warranted. This well-funded project is a collaboration between Craig Stockwell (NDSU) and David Mushet (USGS Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center). Field work will take place in the upper Great Plains. This project will provide excellent networking opportunities with federal scientists from USGS and EPA. Position to start as soon as Summer 2017. Open until filled Requirements: BS or MS in ecology, aquatic ecology, fisheries biology, conservation biology or related field; Experience analyzing population genetics data, quantitative skills, and ability to work independently and as part of a research team. Preferred: M.S., experience with landscape-genetic landscape-resistance models, field research experience, experience using “R” Salary: $24,000/year + full tuition waiver Contact: Craig Stockwell, Professor, Biological Sciences, 201 Stevens Hall, Box 6050, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108-6050; http://www.ndsu.edu/stockwell_lab/ e-mail: craig.stockw...@ndsu.edu Please send application materials to craig.sockw...@ndsu.edu and include the following: 1) cover letter, 2) curriculum vitae / resume, 3) all college-level transcripts and 4) names and contact information for three references. Craig Stockwell Professor Department of Biological Sciences Stevens 201, NDSU Box 6050 North Dakota State University Fargo, ND 58108-6050 Phone 701-231-8449 http://www.ndsu.edu/stockwell_lab/
[ECOLOG-L] MSc Assistantship - Bat Ecology and Conservation in National Parks of the Upper Midwest, North Dakota State University
M.Sc. Assistantship – Bat Ecology and Conservation in National Parks of the Upper Midwest, North Dakota State University The Gillam laboratory at North Dakota State University is seeking an M.Sc. student to work in collaboration with the National Park Service and the Great Lakes Inventory and Monitoring Network on a bat ecology and conservation project beginning May 15, 2017. The research involves surveying for bat populations at 10 national parks in the Upper Midwest using passive acoustic monitoring. This project is part of an effort to gather baseline information about bat populations in the upper Midwest as White-Nose Syndrome threatens to become established in the region. The position includes funding for a research assistantship and tuition coverage. While the student will be based out of NDSU, they will spend some time at the National Park Service office coordinating the project in Ashland, Wisconsin. This position is dependent upon the availability of pending funds. If you are interested in applying for the position, please send a CV and short introduction email to Professor Erin Gillam at erin.gil...@ndsu.edu. Given the short timeline involved, if you are interested, please contact Dr. Gillam as soon as possible. Erin Gillam, Ph.D. Associate Professor Department of Biological Sciences North Dakota State University Office: 327 Stevens Hall Phone: (701) 231-9401 Fax: (701) 231-7149
[ECOLOG-L] Graduate Position: Conservation Genomics of the rare Californian endemic, Torrey Pine (Pinus torreyana)
An MS or PhD graduate position in conservation genomics is available to study fine-scale population genomic structure of the rare Californian endemic, Torrey Pine with Jill Hamilton at North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota in collaboration with Sean Hoban (The Morton Arboretum, Lisle, IL) starting January 2017. Torrey pine (Pinus torreyana Parry) in one of the rarest pines in the world, restricted to two populations, a mainland grove of approximately 3400 trees just north of San Diego and an island population of approximately 2000 trees on Santa Rosa Island, one of the Channel Islands (nearly 300 km away). This project will evaluate the fine-scale genomic structure of natural populations using RAD-seq, comparing mainland and island population and assess the status of genetic variation captured within an ex situ seed collection. There is plenty of room to pursue particular questions of interest depending on the interest and experience of the candidate. This interdisciplinary research will combine genomic, spatial and environmental datasets to ground-truth an ex situ seed collection and investigate genetic connectivity at a fine-scale. This project will involve substantial collaboration with tree scientists at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle, IL (outside of Chicago) and is part of a large collaborative network to conserve Torrey pine between the US Forest Service, National Park Service, California State Parks, San Diego Zoo, and North Dakota State University. The ideal graduate student will be independent, organized and a problem solver. Ideally the student will have some experience in lab bench work, molecular ecology/population genetics, and/or bioinformatics for genomic data analyses, and be prepared to conduct some field-based research in a collaborative environment. For more information on the Hamilton Lab please visit the lab website at: http://www.jillahamilton.com and more information on the Department of Biological Sciences at NDSU at https://www.ndsu.edu/biology/. Fargo is the largest city in the northern Midwest and as the Gateway to the West is a vibrant, growing community that has access to numerous outdoor opportunities for all seasons. Short visits (one week to one month) will be hosted at the Morton Arboretum (http://www.mortonarb.org/) in Lisle, Illinios, with Dr. Sean Hoban as primary host (http://www.mortonarb.org/science-conservation/scientists-and-staff/sean-hoban). Interested students are encouraged to contact Dr. Hamilton (jill.hamil...@ndsu.edu). Please include a brief description of your research interests, a writing sample and a CV in your email. This position is fully-funded and includes an annual salary, a tuition waiver and is open to US students or international students.
[ECOLOG-L] Postdoc: Evolutionary & Ecological Genomics of non-model Allopolyploids
A highly motivated and talented postdoctoral fellow is sought to join the lab of Dr. Jill Hamilton in the Department of Biological Sciences at North Dakota State University (NDSU). The position is a 2 year fellowship, renewable upon satisfactory performance following the first year, and may be extended further as funding permits. The anticipated start date is flexible with possible start date of early 2018 or soon after hiring approval. The successful candidate will develop research in plant evolutionary genomics, focusing on the role whole genome duplications have played in plant evolution. The postdoctoral fellow will interact with the Hamilton Lab at NDSU and collaborators using a combination of whole-genome sequencing and transcriptomics data to test hypotheses regarding the evolution of duplicate genes across heterogeneous environments in a non-model allopolyploid, Geum triflorum. The postdoctoral fellow will be expected to analyze large datasets and lead preparation and publication of peer-reviewed manuscripts and present findings from the research project. In addition, there will be ample opportunity to pursue research questions besides those of the particular study. Salary is commensurate with experience. Candidates must have 1) a Ph.D. in biology, evolution, genetics, or related area from an accredited university, 2) demonstrated experience working with next-generation sequence data and large genomics data sets, 3) strong oral and written communication skills, and 4) demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team. Preference will be given to candidates with experience or demonstrated interest in 1) plant evolution and ecology, 2) quantitative genetics and statistical modeling, 3) documented ability to successfully publish, including first-author publications 4) mentoring graduate and undergraduate students, 5) grant writing, 6) promoting a culture of safety in the laboratory, and 7) laboratory management skills. Applicants must submit a cover letter, a curriculum vitae, a description of research experience (2 pages maximum), and contact information for three professional references. All application materials must be submitted online at: www.jobs.ndsu.edu Review of applications will begin January 5, 2018 and continue until the position is filled. Questions regarding the search may be sent to jill.hamil...@ndsu.edu. Additional position information can be found at: https://jobs.ndsu.edu/postings/8815
[ECOLOG-L] Conservation Genetics Ph.D. Graduate Assistantship - North Dakota State University
Conservation Genetics Ph.D. Graduate Student Assistantship to conduct research on landscape genetics of northern leopard frogs. The project will analyze an existing dataset to evaluate gene flow among isolated wetlands, as means of assessing biotic connectedness. Additional sampling and possible development of additional molecular markers will be pursued as warranted. This project is funded through an EPA grant and is a collaborative project between Craig Stockwell (NDSU) and David Mushet (USGS Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center). Field work will take place in the upper Great Plains. Position to start as early as fall semester, 2016 Requirements: BS or MS in ecology, aquatic ecology, fisheries biology, conservation biology or related field; Experience analyzing population genetics data, quantitative skills, and ability to work independently and as part of a research team. Preferred: M.S., experience with amphibians, experience with landscape-genetic landscape-resistance models, field research experience. Salary: $22,000/year + full tuition waiver Contact: Craig Stockwell, Professor, Biological Sciences, 201 Stevens Hall, Box 6050, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108-6050; http://www.ndsu.edu/stockwell_lab/ e-mail: craig.stockw...@ndsu.edu Please send application materials to craig.sockw...@ndsu.edu and include the following: 1) cover letter, 2) curriculum vitae / resume, 3) all college-level transcripts and 4) names and contact information for three references.
[ECOLOG-L] MSc opportunity - Plant Conservation
A MSc position in evolutionary and ecological conservation genetics is available to study local adaptation of the perennial native prairie plant, Prairie Smoke with Jill Hamilton at North Dakota State University in Fargo, North Dakota. Identifying the appropriate seed sources for restoration efforts can be challenging, particularly for geographically isolated populations where historical isolation or contemporary fragmentation may have contributed to differentiation in adaptive traits across a species range. In this project we are investigating the genetic basis of adaptation in Prairie Smoke (Geum triflorum) plant populations. Prairie Smoke is an herbaceous perennial that has a wide geographic distribution spanning much of contemporarily fragmented midwestern prairies, but it is also common to disjunct alvar habitats around the Great Lakes region. Alvar habitats are characterized by thin layers of soil over limestone that harbor unique assemblages of plants that are largely isolated from the core of their continuous range. The ideal MS student will be prepared to conduct field-based research in a common garden experiment that has been established in Minnesota, with an opportunity to expand locations. There is plenty of room to pursue particular interests in adaptive trait variation depending on the interest and experience of the candidate. The student will also be involved in outreach activities associated with the project engaging local state and NGO stakeholders in applied research. For more information on the Hamilton Lab please visit the lab website at: http://www.jillahamilton.com and more information on the Department of Biological Sciences at NDSU at https://www.ndsu.edu/biology/. Fargo is the largest city in the northern Midwest and as ‘Gateway to the West’ is a vibrant, growing community that has access to numerous outdoor opportunities for all seasons. Interested students are encouraged to contact Dr. Hamilton (jill.hamil...@ndsu.edu). Please include a brief description of your research interests and experience and a CV in your email. Funding options are available for both US students and international students.
[ECOLOG-L] PhD Opportunity - climate change effects on prairie pothole wetland ecosystems
A PhD position is available for a project examining past climate change effects on prairie pothole wetland ecosystems with Jon Sweetman at North Dakota State University in Fargo, North Dakota. The research will be based at the Cottonwood Lake Study Area, located on the Missouri Coteau in east-central North Dakota, and will be conducted in collaboration with Dave Mushet (U.S. Geological Survey - Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center). The Cottonwood Lakes Study Area contains the longest continuous data-collection record of a wetland ecosystem complex on the prairies. Research was initiated at the study area in 1966, and detailed investigations of the water chemistry, hydrology, and biological communities of prairie pothole wetlands at the site continue at the site today. The PhD student’s research would combine paleolimnological approaches along with an examination of this extensive historical data set. Potential research questions could focus on the impacts of long-term climate variability on ecohydrology and aquatic ecosystems. The ideal PhD student will be prepared to conduct field-based research as well as have prior training in ecohydrology, aquatic ecology and/or paleolimnology. The assistantship includes a full Ph.D. stipend and tuition waiver for NDSU. More information about research in the Sweetman lab can be found here: http://jonsweetman.com All interested candidates should submit a C.V. and letter of interest to Jon Sweetman (jon.sweet...@ndsu.edu). Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a suitable candidate is identified.
[ECOLOG-L] MS Position: Evolutionary Ecological Restoration
Local adaptation in restoration: scale and extent of local adaptation in native prairie species A MS position in evolution evolutionary restoration ecology is available to adaptation to environment of native prairie plant species with Jill Hamilton at North Dakota State University in Fargo, North Dakota and Marissa Ahlering, Lead Prairie Ecologist, The Nature Conservancy in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota. Identifying the appropriate seed sources for restoration efforts can be challenging, particularly for geographically isolated populations where historical isolation or contemporary fragmentation may have contributed to differentiation in adaptive traits across a species range and in the face of changing climate. In this project we will map and collect seeds for a variety of prairie plant species to be used in restoration efforts. Select seeds sourced from a range of environments will be used in an experimental setting to examine the impact varying water availability may have on plant fitness. The interaction between seed source and changing availability of water across the Great Plains; including an increased frequency of extremes may have dramatic consequences to restoration success. This research will aim to identify genetic differences in physiological traits for seeds sourced from a range of environments across the Great Plains to inform selection of seed sourcing for future restoration. The ideal MS student will be prepared to identify plants and lead field-based research mapping and collecting seeds across the Great Plains (ND, SD, and MN). In addition, the student will establish a greenhouse experiment to experimentally evaluate physiological trait variation in response to varying degrees of water availability in a variety of seed sources for one of the mapped species. There is plenty of room to pursue particular interests in adaptive trait variation depending on the interest and experience of the candidate. The student will also be involved in outreach activities associated with the project engaging local state and TNC stakeholders in applied research. Ability to work independently in the field, alongside basic botany identification skills and GIS expertise is required. Some experience in quantitative analysis in R, and previous experience evaluating physiological trait variation in a greenhouse is preferred. For more information on the Hamilton Lab please visit the lab website at: http://www.jillahamilton.com and Lead Prairie Ecologist with The Nature Conservancy, Marissa Ahlering at https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Marissa_Ahlering. More information on the Department of Biological Sciences at NDSU can be found at https://www.ndsu.edu/biology/. Fargo is the largest city in the northern Midwest and as ‘Gateway to the West’ is a vibrant, growing community that has access to numerous outdoor opportunities for all seasons. Interested students are encouraged to contact Dr. Hamilton (jill.hamil...@ndsu.edu) and Dr. Ahlering (mahler...@tnc.org) by December 17th. Please include a brief description of your research interests, experience, and a CV in your email. Funding options are available for both US students and international students and include a full tuition waiver. Tentative start date is May 2019.
