[ECOLOG-L] Graduate student position in butterfly conservation and long-term monitoring
I am looking for a highly qualified PhD student to start in the summer of 2018 in the Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology graduate program at the University of Nevada, Reno. The graduate student would be involved in a long-term monitoring project on the butterflies of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and would develop research involving (in part) declining butterfly populations at lower elevations. The work will be funded through a combination of sources, including RA support for alternating semesters. The University of Nevada, Reno, is situated on the western edge of the Great Basin at the eastern foothills of the Sierra Nevada and features a high quality of life, especially outdoor activities and mountain scenery. See links below for more information on the university, the graduate group, and my lab. If interested, please send a CV that includes names and contact information for 3 references to foris...@gmail.com. Qualifications that are desired but not required include: ability to identify butterflies of Northern California, and experience with large datasets. UNR: www.unr.edu EECB: www.unr.edu/eecb Lab: sites.google.com/site/greatbasinbuglab/ thanks, Matt Forister
[ECOLOG-L] Postdoc in plant-insect and plant-microbe ecology
The Forister lab at the University of Nevada, Reno, seeks applicants for a postdoctoral position to join a large research group (at UNR and collaborating universities) investigating the process of host plant colonization by herbivorous insects and microbes (bacteria and fungi). We are interested in the interaction of multiple layers of biodiversity as they affect the evolution of novel interactions. The postodoctoral research associate filling this position will lead field work across Nevada and the Great Basin, studying plant and insect populations during the spring and summer months, and will supervise graduate and undergraduate students in the lab and field. The person filling this position will have the opportunity to interact with labs specializing in: phytochemsity, population genomics, and microbial ecology. The University of Nevada, Reno, is a Tier I institution offering a highly productive research environment. The Biology Department is home to 44 faculty members that maintain nationally recognized, extramurally funded research programs, mentor a large community of graduate students, and participate in undergraduate teaching. Our rapidly-growing department includes a concentration of labs focused on plant-animal ecology, and the Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology graduate group hosts a weekly colloquium that brings national and international speakers. Reno is located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains near Lake Tahoe, and has been recently rated as one of the best small cities in the US for outdoor recreation and overall quality of life. A huge number of natural habitats can be easily accessed within a short drive from campus, which makes Reno a great place to be a field biologist. Please visit: https://www.unrsearch.com/postings/21446 for more details and to apply.
[ECOLOG-L] PhD student positions in Biodiversity
Two motivated PhD student applicants are sought to work on projects related to a recently funded, highly collaborative, NSF Dimensions of Biodiversity project at the University of Nevada Reno. The research is focused on a well-studied, tropical system involving plants in the genus Piper (Piperaceae), associated herbivores, and parasitoid wasps and flies. Research will utilize transformative and innovative approaches to quantifying biodiversity that will allow us to link measures of interaction diversity at an ecologically relevant scale to genetic diversity, genetic structure, and plant chemical diversity. The research includes work in genomics, physiology, and phytochemistry laboratories, as well as field experiments and sampling in Mexico, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, Argentina, and Brazil. We are looking for students broadly interested in evolutionary biology and ecology, with specific interests in the evolution of tri-trophic interactions, population genomics, and the ecological and evolutionary consequences of phytochemical variation. We are an interdisciplinary group of ecologists, evolutionary biologists, and chemists; more information about representative research activities can be found at webpages for the various faculty participants (Dyer, Forister, Jeffrey, Parchman, Richards, Smilanich; http://www.unr.edu/eecb/people). UNR has a strong interdisciplinary PhD program in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology (http://environment.unr.edu/eecb/). Graduate students accepted into the EECB program are guaranteed financial support through Teaching Assistantships (TAs) which includes health insurance and an out-of-state tuition waiver. In addition, funds associated with this project are available for summer support, Research Assistantships (RAs), and for field work and data collection associated with specific doctoral dissertation projects. University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) is a Tier I research university located in a spectacular environment at the confluence of the Great Basin and the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The faculty and graduate students at UNR are highly interactive and include an internationally known group of evolutionary biologists and ecologists. We are equipped with cutting edge molecular and computational resources for modern genome sequence analysis, and a state of the art facility for phytochemical and metabalomic research. In addition to the tropical research, we are also located in an ideal setting for field-based science in the Great Basin and Sierra Nevada regions, allowing enviable access to spectacular montane and desert ecosystems. Reno is 45 minutes from Lake Tahoe, offers a high quality of living, an excellent climate, and is a large enough city to offer diverse activities and amenities. World class rock climbing, skiing, and mountain biking opportunities are in extremely close proximity. Those interested should contact us via email (tparch...@unr.edu, nolaclim...@gmail.com, mforis...@unr.edu; and see eecb link above for other addresses) with a description of your interests, qualifications and preliminary application materials (CV, GRE scores, names and contact information for three references).
[ECOLOG-L] Perceptions of biodiversity survey
Dear ECOLOG, This email is aimed at those of you teaching classes (undergrad or grad) right now, who might be interested in contributing to our study by passing along a survey to your students. We are investigating perceptions of biodiversity, by asking people how many species they can discern among suites of superficially similar species. We are also interested in cultural and demographic correlates of perceptions, and our survey collects such data, anonymously. Anyone can participate in the survey, which can be found here: www.insectevolutionlab.com/biodiversity We will be collecting data through May 15, 2014, so please pass the link on to your students. If you would like to offer extra credit for student participation, please respond to this email and I will give you more details. Thanks for your help with this project. Matt Forister (U Nevada Reno) Joe Wilson (Utah State U, Tooele) -- Matthew L Forister Associate Professor Dept. of Biology / MS 314 1664 N. Virginia St. University of Nevada, Reno Reno, Nevada 89557 -- Email: foris...@gmail.com Lab: https://sites.google.com/site/greatbasinbuglab/ -- Office: 257 Fleischmann Life Sciences (775) 784 - 6770 --
[ECOLOG-L] Job: ASSOCIATE professor of Genome Biology
The Department of Biology at the University of Nevada, Reno seeks to hire a GENOME BIOLOGIST at the associate professor level, tenure-track. Of particular interest are genomic applications in non-model organisms within the context of behavior, ecology and evolutionary biology. Areas of expertise could include the study of genome structure and function, population and phlyogenomics, and epigenetics, including gene-environment interactions. The successful candidate is expected to maintain a nationally recognized, extramurally funded research program, to train PhD students, and to participate in undergraduate teaching. The Biology Department has 1200 majors, 50 graduate students, 24 state-funded faculty, and averages $4 million/yr in extramural awards. Reno is located in the Sierra Nevada mountains near Lake Tahoe and was recently rated one of the best small cities in the US for outdoor recreation and overall quality of life. Go to https://www.unrsearch.com/postings/12075 to submit application materials, including an application letter, CV, research plans, teaching interests, and contact information for three references. The University of Nevada, Reno is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action in recruitment of its students and employees and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age,creed, national origin, veteran status, physical or mental disability, and sexual orientation. Women and underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.
[ECOLOG-L] Graduate Research Assistantship in Molecular Ecology of Tropical Caterpillars
Position: Graduate Research Assistantship in Molecular Ecology of Tropical Caterpillars We are seeking to recruit a highly motivated student to become part of an NSF-funded team of researchers working on tri-trophic evolution and ecology in tropical forests. The project involves molecular phylogenetics and population genetics of a complex and diverse lineage of moths in the family Geometridae. The successful applicant for this position should have a Master's degree in molecular ecology or evolution, and experience generating sequence data from non-model organisms. Experience with next-generation sequencing is a plus, but not essential. The Research Assistantship would be part of the Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology graduate program at the University of Nevada, Reno (links below). Work would be conducted in the Forister lab, working closely with the Dyer and Smilanich labs. We are hoping to fill the position this coming Fall of 2012; but we are also open to a starting date in the subsequent Spring semester (start of 2013). We can offer 2 years of RA support, followed by TA positions; additional RA support pending availability of funds. To apply, please send the following: (1) CV including names and contact info for 3 references; (2) GRE scores and GPA from Master's program; (3) cover letter stating your interest in pursuing a PhD and stating your ability to start in either Fall (2012) or Spring (2013). Send materials to: foris...@gmail.com. Relevant links: University of Nevada, Reno: http://www.unr.edu/ Graduate Program in EECB: http://environment.unr.edu/eecb/ Forister lab: https://sites.google.com/site/greatbasinbuglab/ Smilanich lab: http://www.angelasmilanich.com/ Dyer lab: http://wolfweb.unr.edu/~ldyer/ The University of Nevada, Reno is located in the western Great Basin, close to the east side of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Reno is a small and very livable city, with opportunities for dining and community events along the scenic Truckee River that runs through town. We find that quality of life here is high, particularly if you are interested in outdoor activities: with a 30-minute drive from town you can be hiking or skiing in the alpine overlooking Lake Tahoe. Position will be open until filled. Matt Forister foris...@gmail.com
[ECOLOG-L] Assistant Professor in Ecology
Dear Colleagues, the University of Nevada, Reno, is advertising for an Ecologist position (assistant professor), please see description below and feel free to contact me with questions. Matt Forister, foris...@gmail.com. The Biology Department at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) has targeted EECB (ecology, evolution, and conservation biology) as a strategic focus for growth and is seeking: An ECOLOGIST - Assistant Professor (tenure track) The position is open with regard to area of specialization. The departments areas of research excellence include conservation biology, conservation and evolutionary genetics, behavioral ecology, and evolutionary ecology. Our EECB faculty are well funded by diverse sources, including NSF and NIH. Applicants for this position should have expertise that complements and expands the research capacity of the department. The successful candidate will be provided with a competitive start-up package and will be expected to maintain nationally recognized, extramurally funded research programs. The Department has 765 majors, 45 MS and PhD students, and 24 state-funded faculty. In addition, a new interdisciplinary program in Neuroscience supports 114 majors. Reno sits on the eastern flank of the Sierra Nevada in close proximity to desert and montane field sites and to Lake Tahoe, and it was recently rated one of the best small cities in the US for overall quality of life. Applicants should apply online at www.unrsearch.com, where they should submit an application letter, a curriculum vitae, a statement of research plans, a statement of teaching interests and philosophy, and contact information for three references. Please see https://www.unrsearch.com/postings/8591 for additional details. Applications received by 21 January 2010 will receive full consideration. Start date for the position is fall semester 2011. Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action. Women and underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.
[ECOLOG-L] GRADUATE STUDENT FUNDING (Master's or PhD) available: ANTS, BUTTERFLIES and FOREST MANAGEMENT
(Note: this is a re-posting from a few weeks ago. The scope of the position has been broadened to include Master's applicants, hence the re-posting.) We are searching for a graduate student to take on a multi-faceted project studying invertebrate communities responding to different fuels-management techniques in the Tahoe basin of the Sierra Nevada. The student would be a part of the Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology graduate program at the University of Nevada, Reno, and would be advised by Matt Forister (Biology Dept.), also working closely with Pat Manley (USFS, Sierra Nevada Research Center) and Dennis Murphy (Biology Dept.). Specific questions to be addressed by the student would include the following: (1) How do insect communities (particularly ants, but also butterflies) respond to different forest-management techniques? and (2) What are the relative responses of ants and butterflies to the experimental treatments? Other questions to be pursued could be crafted by the student in collaboration with advisors. These questions will be answered with a combination of previously collected data and data to be collected by the student. Funding is available in the form of research-assistant stipends for approximately half of the student's tenure (1 yr for MS, 2 yrs for PhD); TAships are available for the remaining time, and we expect opportunities to apply for additional funding. The student would start the graduate program in the Fall of 2010. However, it is essential that field work start this coming summer. The timing and extent of that field work (for the 2010 season) is flexible, and could be a few weeks or a few months, depending on the availability of the candidate. The ideal candidate will have some or all of the following qualities: 1) Experience with multivariate, community analyses. 2) An ability and a desire to work independently both in the field and in the lab. 3) Either experience with invertebrates (particularly ants) or the ability to learn species-level identification of insect taxa. 4) Good data management skills. Please send a cover letter and CV, as well contact information (names, affiliations, and email addresses) for three professional references by email to Matt Forister (mforis...@unr.edu). In the cover letter, please comment on the qualities mentioned above for the ideal candidate. Also state availability for field work this coming summer. For more details on the study system see: Sanford et al. (2008) Effects of Urban Development on Ant Communities: Implications for Ecosystem Services and Management. Conservation Biology 23:131-141; and Heckmann et al. (2008) Ecological integrity of remnant montane forests along an urban gradient in the Sierra Nevada. Forest Ecology Management 255:2453-2466. For more details on the graduate group, see http://www.mojave.unr.edu/eecb/new/index.php. Also see my lab website: http://web.me.com/mforister/GreatBasinBugLab/Home.html. Sincerely, Matt Forister
[ECOLOG-L] Subject line: PhD GRADUATE STUDENT FUNDING available, ANTS and FOREST MANAGEMENT
We are searching for a graduate student to take on a multi-faceted project studying invertebrate communities responding to different fuels-management techniques in the Tahoe basin of the Sierra Nevada. The student would be a part of the Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology graduate program at the University of Nevada, Reno, and would be advised by Matt Forister (Biology Dept.), also working closely with Pat Manley (USFS, Sierra Nevada Research Center) and Dennis Murphy (Biology Dept.). Specific questions to be addressed by the student would include the following: (1) How do ant communities respond to different forest-management techniques? and (2) What are the relative responses of ants and butterflies to the experimental treatments? Other questions to be pursued could be crafted by the student in collaboration with advisors. These questions will be answered with a combination of previously collected data and data to be collected by the student. Funding is available in the form of research-assistant stipends for 2 years. After 2 years, TAships are available, and we expect opportunities to apply for additional funding. The student would start the graduate program in the Fall of 2010. However, it is essential that field work start this coming summer. The timing and extent of that field work (for the 2010 season) is flexible, and could be a few weeks or a few months, depending on the availability of the candidate. The ideal candidate will have the following qualities: 1) Experience with multivariate, community analyses. 2) An ability and a desire to work independently both in the field and in the lab. 3) Either experience with invertebrates (particularly ants) or the ability to learn species-level identification of insect taxa. 4) Good data management skills. Please send a cover letter and CV, as well contact information (names, affiliations, and email addresses) for three professional references by email to Matt Forister (mforis...@unr.edu). In the cover letter, please comment on the qualities mentioned above for the ideal candidate. Also state availability for field work this coming summer. For more details on the study system see: Sanford et al. (2008) Effects of Urban Development on Ant Communities: Implications for Ecosystem Services and Management. Conservation Biology 23:131-141; and Heckmann et al. (2008) Ecological integrity of remnant montane forests along an urban gradient in the Sierra Nevada. Forest Ecology Management 255:2453-2466. For more details on the graduate group, see http://www.mojave.unr.edu/eecb/new/index.php. Also see my lab website: http://web.me.com/mforister/GreatBasinBugLab/Home.html. Sincerely, Matt Forister
[ECOLOG-L] Graduate student funding available for BUTTERFLY CONSERVATION
We expect to be able to fund a graduate student for three years on an applied project working collaboratively with USGS scientists on multiple species of rare butterflies in southern Nevada. The student would be a part of the Biology Department and the Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology graduate program at the University of Nevada, Reno. The student would be coadvised by Matt Forister and Lee Dyer. The ideal candidate will have the following: (1) experience with butterflies or at least general field experience and an ability to quickly learn to identify species in the field; (2) the drive to work independently and under difficult field conditions. Depending on the experience and interests of the student, funding could be used for either a Master's or a Ph.D. In either case, this position will be a perfect starting point for a career in either academic or applied conservation biology. WHEN: The successful applicant would start graduate school in the Fall of 2010. However, field work will begin this coming spring, possibly as early as March of 2010. Participation in this early round of field work is not essential, but very desirable. To apply, please send (1) a cover letter explaining why you would like to be considered for this graduate position; (2) a CV; and (3) names, email addresses and telephone numbers for three references. In your cover letter, please state whether or not you could participate in field work this coming spring. Send to Matt Forister, mforis...@unr.edu. thanks Matt http://web.me.com/mforister/GreatBasinBugLab/Home.html
