Overseas Jobs

REU summer fellowship, Marine Ecology

2011-03-06T15:44:00.000-08:00

A Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) summer fellowship is open at the Marine Science Institute, University of California Santa Barbara. Duration is 12 weeks, June 3-Aug 29, although these dates can be somewhat flexible to accommodate academic schedules. We invite applications from qualified, highly motivated undergraduate students from U.S. colleges/universities to participate in a 12-week lab and field based summer research experience. U.S. citizenship is required.

The student will be involved with an NSF-funded project on the use of particulate organic matter by marine suspension feeders. The main objective of the project is to determine the relative importance of phytoplankton and kelp detritus to the diet of benthic suspension feeders on reefs off the California coast. The student will learn ecological and biochemical methods to explore this topic, and will be required to write a report, in the format of a scientific paper, and give a presentation on their project at the end of the summer. Travel costs to and from UCSB will be covered, and the student will be provided with a $500/week stipend for living expenses. This is a full-time commitment and any work or educational activities outside the program must be approved.

Eligibility

You are eligible if you are an undergraduate student who has completed at least two years of study towards a bachelor's degree, and you will still be an undergraduate in the fall after the summer program. Students from underrepresented groups and institutions with limited research opportunities are especially encouraged to apply. Experience with scientific diving is desirable but not required. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. and its possessions. The University of California is an equal opportunity employer and educator.

Application

Interested applicants should send a statement of interest, resume, unofficial transcript, one letter of recommendation, and contact information for one additional reference. The statement of interest should be less than 500 words and include the following information: (i) professional goals,

(ii) interest in position, and (iii) relevant experience. Send application materials, preferably in one PDF or Word file, to Robert Miller (miller@msi.ucsb.edu). You may also send all application materials in hard copy by non-electronic mail service to: Robert Miller, Marine Science Institute, UCSB, Santa Barbara CA 93601-6150. Either method of application is fine as we understand some applicants may have limited electronic access. The letter of recommendation should be sent directly from the recommender (please include the applicants name in the subject line for emails). Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications will be accepted through April 1, 2011.

Graduate Student positions in Stable Isotope Ecology

2011-03-06T15:42:00.000-08:00

Impacts of climate and land-use on food-web structure and energy Flow in prairie lakes

I am looking for two highly motivated graduate students at the MSc or PhD level to take on two new projects related to food-web structure and energy flow in prairie lakes. Prairie lakes are extremely dynamic and diverse systems. At the same time these lakes are very susceptible to multiple stressors including climate, land use, and management practices. Future projects will include whole-lake experiments to study the interactions of increasing salinity and fish predation. As part of this study, metabolic activity will be assessed by analyzing concentrations and stable isotopes of dissolved oxygen and dissolved inorganic carbon to quantify the relative importance of climate and land-use for the increasing frequency of winterkill in prairie lakes.

Students with an interest in aquatic ecology and stable isotope technology are encouraged to apply. The successful applicants are expected to participate in field collections and laboratory analyses, including microscopy and stable isotope analysis. Financial support of $18,000 yr-1 will be provided though a combination of research and teaching assistantships. Starting date of the positions is negotiable, but will be no later than fall 2011.

The Department of Biology at the University of Regina has emerged as a center for research and teaching excellence, providing quality undergraduate teaching, graduate student training, and postdoctoral fellow mentorship. In addition to its modern facilities for advanced molecular and environmental research, the Department of Biology is home to several of the top scientists in ecological, environmental, and cellular and molecular biology.

For further information, please contact Björn Wissel at:

Dr. Björn Wissel
Adjunct Professor, Dept. of Biology; EQAL Manager, Faculty of Science
University of Regina, 265.2 Lab Building, Regina, SK S4S 0A2, Canada
phone: 306 585-4890, fax: 306 337-2410, e-mail: bjoern.wissel@uregina.ca
http://www.uregina.ca/biology/index.php?page=faculty/Wissel2
www.uregina.ca/science/eqal

M.S. in Watershed Sciences--Stream and Riparian Biodiversity

2011-01-24T21:53:00.000-08:00

Graduate Research Assistant, Watershed Studies Institute, Murray State University. One full-time position to begin May 2011. Qualifications: B.S. in biology, ecology, or related discipline. Previous experience with field experiments and stream/riparian ecosystems highly desirable. Responsibilities: To conduct research on the effects of stream restoration on stream and riparian biodiversity while completing a M.S. degree in Watershed Science. This project is fully funded, including travel to field sites in Colorado. Salary: Approx. $14,400 per year. Other benefits include housing at the Hancock Biological Station (Murray) and High Lonesome Ranch (Colorado). To Apply:

Email a letter of application, curriculum vitae and the names and email addresses of three references to Dr. Howard Whiteman (howard.whiteman@murraystate.edu). Deadline: February 15, 2011. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Murray State University is an equal education and employment opportunity, M/F/D, AA employer.

PhD study in environmental fluid dynamics

2011-01-12T00:55:00.000-08:00

The Faculty 7: Natural and Environmental Sciences invites applications for a PhD position (part time 75%) at the Institute for Environmental Sciences at the Campus Landau/Pfalz, Germany.
The appointment is for 3 years and salary will be according to 75% of the German public service salary scale TV-L 13.

Topic: The PhD study investigates fluid mixing and transport around swimming zooplankton organisms using particle image velocimetry and laser-induced fluorescence techniques. The candidate is expected to develop, conduct and to analyze laboratory experiments and to publish the results. The study is funded by the German Research Foundation. As a member of the environmental physics group, the PhD candidate will have access to state of the art instrumentation and will work within the young and interdisciplinary team of researchers at the Institute for Environmental Sciences.

Requirements: The successful candidate holds a degree (M.Sc, M.Eng, Diploma) in a relevant field (e.g., physics, environmental engineering, or biology), has a strong background in fluid mechanics, and is fluent in English language. She/he is interest in interdisciplinary research at the interface between hydromechanics and aquatic ecology/zoology, has the necessary practical skills and creativity for developing experimental designs and corresponding analyses techniques.
Please contact Prof. Dr. A. Lorke (lorke@uni-landau.de) for further information.

It is the policy of the University Koblenz-Landau to increase the percentage of female employees. If equally qualified, preference will be given to female applicants. Disabled candidates are given priority, if equally qualified. International candidates are highly encouraged to apply.
Applications should include a letter of motivation and a complete curriculum vitae. Please send your application before 13 February 2011 using the reference number Ld. 45/2010 to the following address: Andreas Lorke, Universität Koblenz-Landau, Institut für Umweltwissenschaften, Fortstraße 7, D-76829 Landau, Germany.

Graduate Student Position in Phytoplankton Ecophysiology/Molecular Biology

2011-01-12T00:53:00.002-08:00

A graduate student position in the Department of Marine Sciences at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is available within the Marchetti Lab, specializing in the ecophysiology and molecular biology of marine phytoplankton.

The candidate will conduct laboratory and field experiments investigating the development of molecular indicators to determine the physiological status of a variety of marine phytoplankton. Environmental factors to be tested include variations in nutrient and trace metal concentrations and light as well as other parameters that will be influenced by future climate change.

All highly motivated candidates with a degree in oceanography, biology or related fields are encouraged to apply. Prior experience in trace-metal clean phytoplankton culturing, using molecular techniques and performing field experiments, and/or knowledge about phytoplankton ecology and physiology would be an asset. Familiarity with computer programming languages such as R and SQL would also be beneficial.

The position will commence in the summer/fall of 2011. Further details about the research conducted in the Marchetti Lab can be found at the following website: http://marchettilab.web.unc.edu. Requests for more information should be directed to Dr. Adrian Marchetti (amarchetti@unc.edu). Candidates interested in applying for this position are encouraged to contact Dr. Marchetti by e-mail or by phone (919-843-3473). This position will remain open until filled.

University of Florida Water Institute PhD Fellowship

2011-01-12T00:53:00.001-08:00

The University of Florida Water Institute seeks applicants for up to 6 Ph.D. Fellows to join an interdisciplinary team working on complex, emerging issues related to nutrient dynamics, management and policy in watersheds. The 4-year fellowships include a $25,000 stipend, tuition waiver and health insurance.

Fellows will explore interdisciplinary research issues affecting watershed management in the face of EPA’s new nutrient criteria for Florida waters. We seek students who have: 1) an interest in integrative, cross-disciplinary research, 2) a passion for understanding interactions between human and natural systems, and 3) an eagerness to develop research in one facet of the program, i.e. nutrient best management practices, hydrologic processes, riverine nutrient processing, ecological consequences of nutrient enrichment, paleolimnology, environmental policy and governance, and systems modeling.

Fellows will be supported by an internal research grants program and will benefit from international field experiences and integrative activities that enhance interdisciplinary skills. Applicants must have a Masters degree in natural sciences, social sciences or engineering with strong demonstrated interest in water issues.

For more information and the online application visit http://waterinstitute.ufl.edu/WIGF or contact Wendy Graham, Director of the UF Water Institute at wgraham@ufl.edu, or 352-392-5893 x2113. Applications are due by 2/11/2011.

One MS or PhD graduate research/teaching assistantship in Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University and Lyman Briggs College

2010-04-23T16:33:00.001-07:00

Topic: Characterize and quantify sublethal effects of sea lamprey parasitism on lake trout using molecular/biochemical/quantitative tools

Requirements:
BS in Biology, Aquaculture, Fisheries, Zoology, Chemistry, Molecular Biology or related field. Applicant must meet admission requirements for the graduate school and the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife and Michigan State University. Applicant should be comfortable teaching laboratories for a general introductory biology class.

Start date – anytime after April 15, 2010.

Salary as per GTA contract. Tuition waiver and benefits included.

Please submit a letter of interest, resume/CV, contact information for three references, copies of transcripts and GRE scores to: Dr. Cheryl Murphy, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, 13 Natural Resources Building ; Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA 48824, 517-432-7771. camurphy@msu.edu

Wetlands Ecology Technician

2010-04-23T16:32:00.000-07:00

The Pacific Coastal Ecology Branch (PCEB) of the Western Ecology Division (WED) of the National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory (NHEERL), Office Research and Development (ORD) in Newport, OR is seeking individual(s), at least 18 years of age who have obtained a Bachelor’s of Science degree specializing in either freshwater/stream ecology, marine or estuarine biology, marine or estuarine chemistry, biological or chemical oceanography, or freshwater/estuarine biogeochemistry to provide services under a contractual agreement in support of laboratory research of environmental health effects. The individual(s) can either be currently enrolled in a degree program at a recognized educational institution or recently graduated within the last 24 months.

PCEB is conducting research to determine effects of nitrogenous nutrients on wetland communities to understand how elevated nutrient concentrations impact ecosystem services. The student contractor will assist with and/or conduct experiments using state of the art instrumentation and sampling equipment to measure changes in water column nutrients through multiple tidal cycles. The student contractor will also provide support to the Branch/Division by performing laboratory inventories, maintaining the organization of laboratory supplies and equipment, preparing standards, solutions and media, sample analysis and preparation, and similar tasks required to maintain the laboratory.

For more information, visit the following website where the full announcement, application instructions, statement of work, etc. are posted:
http://www.epa.gov/oamrtpnc/q1000114/index.htm

** Applications must be received by 04/23/10 **

Questions regarding this student contract should be directed to the contract specialist Jeff Clodfelter, at Clodfelter.Jeffery@epa.gov. Questions regarding the technical aspects of the duties and responsibilities should be directed to Dr. Ted Dewitt, at dewitt.ted@epa.gov.

Graduate Student Assistantship in Zooplankton Ecology

2010-04-23T16:30:00.002-07:00

Graduate Student Assistantship in Zooplankton Ecology

The Zooplankton Ecology Lab at LSU has an immediate opening for a graduate student to pursue an M.S. degree in a NOAA-funded research program to digitize the Southeast Area Monitoring and Assessment Program (SEAMAP) zooplankton sample collection.

The thesis research project will focus on the impact of changes in the copepod prey assemblage available to juvenile tunas. Using SEAMAP data, you will explore how differences in copepod size and taxa vary with the intensity of the Loop Current and how such fluctuations are related to fluctuations in the abundances of juvenile tunas. This research will be linked to NOAA’s Gulf of Mexico Integrated Ecosystem Assessment Program. Funding is available for three years at an annual stipend of $18,000. The position could start in mid-August 2010. Interested applicants should contact Dr. Malinda Sutor (msutor1@lsu.edu), 225-578-8055

MSc position, Coastal Ecosystem Biogeochemistry

2010-04-23T16:30:00.001-07:00

MSc projects on coastal watershed nitrogen cycling and phycotoxicity at Université de Moncton, campus de Shippagan

An MSc position will be available starting summer 2010 to conduct one of the following projects.

1)Nitrogen fixation and denitrification along coastal rivers of New Brunswick. Estuaries are thought to act as net sinks of nitrogen, thereby preventing terrestrial nitrogen from reaching coastal waters where it may otherwise lead to eutrophication. However, it remains unclear how the relative importance of nitrogen fixation (source) and denitrification (sink) change within watersheds along the hydrological gradient and among watersheds characterized by different land uses. This project will involve river sampling, estimates of nitrogen fixation and denitrification, and models of nitrogen flux to quantify the basic nitrogen cycle at the interface of terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems.

2)Paleoecological rectonstruction of water quality and algal productivity of coastal waters. In addition to increasing nitrogen inputs from terrestrial systems, coastal zones have experienced mixed signals from both anthropogenic activities (urbanization, agriculture, forestry, mining) and natural phenomena (climatic, hydrologic variability) that may have contributed in part to the recent increases in toxic blooms frequency. Sediment cores will be collected from selected New Brunswick estuaries and analyzed for historical changes in isotopic content (N source) and biological fossils (production) to quantify the relative importance of anthropogenic (manageable) and natural (unmanageable) factors in controlling coastal ecosystem health.

Qualifications: BSc in biology, environmental science or related discipline. Ability to follow courses in French.

Stipend: a $17,500/year stipend is available for the successful applicant.

Interested students should send a current resume with GPA and contact information of three references to Dr. Alain Patoine at alain.patoine@umcs.ca

MSc Freshwater and Coastal Sciences

2010-01-24T20:13:00.001-08:00

Aquatic ecosystems are resources of high economic and ecological value. However, they are threatened by habitat degradation, pollution, species introductions and climate change on a global scale. This MSc (either one-year or part-time) aims to provide students with the necessary skills to understand and tackle these issues.

The programme is taught by world experts from the School of Biological & Chemical Sciences and the Department of Geography at Queen Mary, University of London. Staff from a range of external agencies (eg CEH, Environment Agency, DEFRA, APEM) also contribute.

Field work is a key feature of many modules and is continued via a substantive individual research project, providing students with valuable independent research skills for further PhD research and hence into academia, or for prospective employment in the applied sector.

For further information, please contact: Postgraduate Admissions Administrator, School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary, University of London, London, E1 4NS.Tel: +44(0)20 7882 3012 / Fax: +44(0)20 8983 0973, email: sbcs-pgadmissions@qmul.ac.uk

MSc Aquatic Ecology by Research

2010-01-24T20:12:00.000-08:00

The majority of MSc programmes with an aquatic theme are based upon taught modules focusing on applied aspects of management. However, the rationale for offering the MSc Aquatic Ecology by Research (AER) is to provide a more comprehensive practical training by application in the laboratory or field, rather than by formal tuition in the lecture theatre. In essence then, AER melds both the UK and European models of MSc. The key element is the extended project which is designed to provide many the skills required to undertake further academic or applied research. Such projects are closely aligned to the current research topics of staff members of the Centre for the Aquatic and Terrestrial Environment at Queen Mary, University of London.

For further information, please contact: Postgraduate Admissions Administrator, School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary, University of London, London, E1 4NS.Tel: +44(0)20 7882 3012 / Fax: +44(0)20 8983 0973, email: sbcs-pgadmissions@qmul.ac.uk

PhD FELLOWSHIP ON PHYTOPLANKTON ECOLOGY , Spain

2010-01-18T21:04:00.000-08:00

We look for students interested in performing a PhD Thesis at the Marine Biology and Oceanography Department of the Institut de Ciències del Mar de Barcelona. We offer an FPI fellowship (beca predoctoral de Formación del Personal Investigador by the Spanish Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación), linked to the project "ECOALFACS: ECOlogical mechanisms controlling (harmful) phytoplankton blooms in ALFACS Bay (Ebro Delta), CTM2009-09581, PI: E. Berdalet". The Thesis will be advised by Drs. Marta Estrada and Elisa Berdalet.

The general objective of the Thesis is to investigate some biological aspects that modulate the phytoplankton dynamics in Alfacs Bay, and in particular of harmful species. Namely, the research will include: a) the estimations of in situ phytoplankton growth rates and of the grazing pressure by microzooplankton, b) the potential role of mixotrophy on the selective proliferation of certain phytoplankton assemblages and/or harmful species and c) the significance of the preferential vertical location of some (harmful) phytoplankton species linked to their migratory behaviour. Optical microscopy, flow cytometry, image analysis with FlowCam and HPLC techniques will be used.

The official call by the Spanish Government is expected to be published in January 2010, with only 15 natural days to apply. The specific requests for the application will be shown at the MICINN Webpage (http://web.micinn.es).

If interested, send CV (including the grades) and/or ask for more information to:

Dra. Marta Estrada
marta@icm.csic.es
+34 93 230 9596

Dra. Elisa Berdalet
berdalet@icm.csic.es
+34 93 230 9595

Ph.D. opportunity-Benthic Nitrogen Cycling

2010-01-18T21:02:00.000-08:00

Ph.D. opportunity in benthic nitrogen cycling for Fall 2010.

Application deadline is Feb 26, 2010. We have space available in the Biogeochemistry Lab that currently has active projects in Weeks Bay Alabama, and Toolik Lake Alaska. Our work focuses on effects of climate change on trace gas fluxes, and how eutrophication affects coastal regions. The successful applicant will work on elucidating spatial and temporal patterns in nitrogen cycling in coastal waters located within the vicinity of Dauphin Island, a barrier island in the Northern Gulf of Mexico. The initial work will focus on using membrane inlet mass spectrometry to detect rates of denitrification.

Future work may involve tracing sources and utilization of nitrogen in coastal waters. The assistantship will include (1) a tuition waiver, (2) an annual stipend and (3) health insurance.

For additional information, contact Dr. Behzad Mortazavi, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa AL 35487, email: bmortazavi@ua.edu, ph: 251- 861-2189. Application information and forms are available at
http://bsc.ua.edu/gradstudies.htm. Funding is primarily in the form of research assistantships.

PhD opportunity Phytoplankton Ecology

2010-01-18T21:00:00.000-08:00

Within the EU-funded project FORCE (Future Of Reefs in a Changing Environment), the research group Aquatic Microbiology has a vacancy for a:

PhD student in Phytoplankton Ecology
1.0 FTE (38hrs per week), 4 years
vacancy number 10-1000.

The FORCE project aims to understand the ultimate and proximate causes of change in Caribbean coral reef ecosystems. Eutrophication through runoff of terrestrial nutrients into coastal waters may cause a shift from coral dominance to macroalgae. However, the role of phytoplankton in absorbing nutrients has largely been under-appreciated. Phytoplankton often responds rapidly to changes in nutrient availability and may utilise much of the terrestrial nutrients, rendering them unavailable to corals and macroalgae. To date, nutrient thresholds indicating problematic levels of eutrophication of coral reefs have been proposed, but their relevance is questionable. Our study will investigate how the nutrient influx is allocated over phytoplankton, macroalgae and corals to obtain a better understanding of the impacts of eutrophication on coral reefs.

Fieldwork will consist of water sampling, chemical and biological analyses, underwater surveys, and aquarium experiments. The fieldwork (18-24 months) will be primarily conducted at the Carmabi Institute on Curaçao, Netherlands Antilles, and at some other Caribbean locations. Preparation for field work, laboratory and statistical analyses, and writing of manuscripts will be done at the University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands.

The successful candidate has: an MSc in marine biology, aquatic ecology, or related biological field; experience with fieldwork; experience in (scientific) teamwork; proven writing ability in English; preference will be given to applicants who have experience with the ecology of phytoplankton, or macroalgae, or coral reefs; a valid driver's license and open water SCUBA certificate.

More information can be obtained from: Dr. Petra Visser, +31 20 525 7073, P.M.Visser@uva.nl, Aquatic Microbiology, UvA.

Applications should include a detailed CV including a list of publications, a motivation letter, and the names and contact addresses of two references from which information can be obtained. Applications should be e-mailed to application-science@uva.nl before February 15, 2010. Please quote the vacancy number in the subject field. Interviews will be held on March 8, 2010.

8 Ph.D. Student Research Assistantships, Critical Zone Observatory

2010-01-02T23:52:00.000-08:00

The NSF-funded Christina Basin Critical Zone Observatory (CRB-CZO, http://www.udel.edu/czo) – a collaborative and multi-scale research effort among the University of Delaware (www.udel.edu), the Stroud Water Research Center(www.stroudcenter.org), and the Delaware Environmental Institute (www.udel.edu/denin) – has openings for 8 Ph.D. students.

The CRB-CZO focuses on the properties of carbon-mineral complexes and the impacts of weathering, erosion, and fluvial network dynamics on the formation and sequestration of these complexes in watersheds with mixed land uses.

Individual students will have a primary mentor/advisor, but the CRB-CZO research program fosters and encourages collaboration among the Ph.D. students, 3 post doctoral scientists working on the project, and senior investigators. We anticipate that student training will benefit from working with multiple investigators within the research team. CRB-CZO scientists have expertise in hydrology, soil physics, biogeochemistry, organic geochemistry, geomorphology, and ecosystem science, and modeling.

Ph.D. candidates may have diverse backgrounds which include but are not limited to MS. in earth, ecological, and environmental sciences. Potential candidates are encouraged to visit the project web site to study the research focus areas, key hypotheses and questions, and the faculty involved.

Candidates should include a cover letter with their research interests, a CV, transcripts, GRE scores, all refereed manuscripts, and contact information for three references. All material should be sent electronically to Dr. Amy Broadhurst (als@udel.edu).

We also strongly encourage candidates to contact individual CZO faculty for further information and guidance. Reviews will begin Feb. 15 and continue until all positions are filled.

Graduate Research Assistant: Coastal Sciences

2010-01-02T23:51:00.002-08:00

Applicants are being recruited in the Department of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences in the School of the Coast and Environment at Louisiana State University, to support research projects on the biogeochemistry of the Mississippi River delta. Applicants for either M.S. or Ph.D. will be considered; stipend is commensurate with experience and qualifications. This research will be conducted as part of a larger project directed by Robert Twilley to couple geomorphology of the delta to ecological and biogeochemical patterns of the ecosystem. Students will work in a multidisciplinary environment incorporating ecology, geosciences, and biogeochemistry. Highly qualified students should send resume and letters of interest (email preferred) to: Judy Johnson, Department of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences, 3253 Energy, Coast & Environmental Bldg. Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803. E-mail: jjohnson@lsu.edu. Information on graduate program is available at http://www.ocean.lsu.edu/

Beginning:
Summer or Fall 2010

Location:
Department of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences
Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge, LA

Qualifications:
B.S. in biology, chemistry, environmental science, geology or related discipline. Demonstrate excellence in coursework, completion of GRE, ability to work as a team member.

Stipend:
Minimum annual stipend is $18,000 To $24,000. Graduate assistants tuition is fully covered.

How to Apply:
Complete a pre-application, available at http://www.ocean.lsu.edu/
Complete a full application, information available at LSU graduate school website, http://appl003.lsu.edu/grad/gradschool.nsf/index

PhD scholarship, Benthic Ecology

2010-01-02T23:51:00.001-08:00

More than mud: how will disruption of soft-sediments threaten coastal biodiversity? (ref 2010090)

Based in the Coastal Ecology Group, Department of Biological Sciences and Climate Risk CORE, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.

A PhD student is sought to contribute to an Australian Research Council funded project investigating how climate change and human activity are acting upon the total supply and mix of detrital resources that fuel bottom-dwelling organisms and the productive fisheries that they support. They will use large-scale field experiments to determine how disturbance of estuarine ecosystems influences detrital pathways of nutrition. The results they generate will be used to forecast future impacts of changed detrital resources under different management scenarios. Outcomes of this research will help prevent economic and ecological losses caused by eutrophication of Australia's estuaries.

Applicants should have a strong academic record with Honours (First Class) or equivalent in a relevant discipline such as ecology, invertebrate biology or marine science. They must be able to work within a team and should have high level written and oral communication skills. Experience in designing and analysing multi-factor ecological field experiments is desirable, as is experience and interest in the taxonomy of marine and estuarine invertebrates. Domestic and international applicants will be considered.

Prospective applicants should, in the first instance, submit a cover letter detailing relevant experience, a CV and an academic transcript to the principal supervisor: Dr Melanie Bishop, email: mbishop@bio.mq.edu.au, telephone: +61 2 9850 4075.

The 2010 MQRES full-time stipend rate is $22,500 pa tax exempt for 3.5 years.

Application forms and conditions of award are available at Scholarship Forms and Conditions. The completed application and associated referee reports are to be sent to the Higher Degree Research Office. Macquarie University will advise the successful applicants of entitlements at the time of scholarship offer.

MS Graduate Student Assistantships, Limnology

2010-01-02T23:49:00.000-08:00

We are looking for two MS students interested in aquatic ecology or limnology through our Water Science Masters program. Both are paid research assistantships and would be through Murray State University's Hancock Biological Station on Kentucky Lake. Students would have the option of residing at the Biological Station, about 15 miles from the main campus.

Both students would assist with deployment of lake environmental sensors and bi-weekly monitoring cruises through an NSF-funded cyberinfrastructure grant. Specific thesis research areas would be based on each student's interests and the Station's ongoing research programs. These might include but are not limited to analysis of sensor data, zooplankton ecology and invasive species, lake algae, zebra mussels and native mussel species, the effects of water level fluctuations, and lake benthos dynamics. In the later case, the benthos of Kentucky Lake is quickly disappearing but the reasons for it remain unclear.

For more information on the Station, go to www.murraystate.edu/hbs If you are interested in these projects, please contact me.

REU in Aquatic Chemical Ecology at Georgia Tech

2010-01-02T23:48:00.000-08:00

Aquatic Chemical Ecology (ACE) at Georgia Tech is a summer undergraduate research program supported by the National Science Foundation. ACE at Georgia Tech gives you the opportunity to perform exciting research with our faculty in the Schools of Biology, Earth & Atmospheric Sciences, Chemistry & Biochemistry, Civil & Environmental Engineering, and Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering. You'll participate in research with one or more of our faculty, learn about careers in science and engineering, and see how scientists blend knowledge and skills from physics, chemistry, biology and related disciplines to investigate some of the most challenging problems in environmental sciences. Our REU program is also a great way to check out research as a career before committing to graduate school, and for building relationships that will help you with future career decisions.

Our program website is http://www.biology.gatech.edu/undergraduate-program/reu/
including program details, application process, and contact information.

The following three areas comprise the research activities covered by faculty in the Aquatic Chemical Ecology program:

Area 1. Biological and geochemical transformations of chemicals in aquatic ecosystems.

Area 2. Sensory biology and ecology of aquatic chemical communication.

Area 3. Ecological roles and consequences of chemicals in aquatic environments.

The application deadline is February 1, 2010. The full-time, 10-week program will start in late May and run through to the end of July. Participants will receive a stipend of $4500 plus accommodations with kitchen facilities in university housing, and help with travel expenses to and from Atlanta. There will also be numerous social activities.

Students can go to our website to get more information and to apply. Any U.S. citizen or permanent resident who is currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree program is eligible, unless they have already been part of an NSF-REU program in Ocean Sciences or unless they will graduate before this summer. We are particularly interested in recruiting minority students and those who come from non-PhD granting institutions.

Additional resources at Georgia Tech for participants will include:
http://www.omed.gatech.edu/redux/ - Office of Minority Education and Development
http://www.womenscenter.gatech.edu/ - Women's Resource Center
http://www.adapts.gatech.edu/ - Access Disabled Assistance Program

PhD student, environmental bio-optics

2010-01-02T23:47:00.000-08:00

Opportunity for PhD research in the field of environmental bio-optics at SYKE (Helsinki, Finland)

The Marine Research Centre of the Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE) conducts wide-ranging research on the open Baltic Sea and Finnish coastal waters. Three research programmes focus on the state of the sea environment, marine ecosystems, and ecology and biodiversity. The Academy of Finland will finance a 3-yr PhD-student appointment in our cross-disciplinary bio-optical research team. The student will mainly work on the project ‘Bioluminescence in the Baltic Sea: exploring the potential of night-time optical markers for optical-taxonomical classification of harmful dinoflagellate blooms’. We will attempt to chart the occurrence of dinoflagellate blooms in the Baltic Sea, based on their specific optical properties including their night-time bioluminescence. The project further includes genetic screening of cultured dinoflagellates for the presence of bioluminescence genes, the development of a prototype bioluminescence recorder for use in automated measurement systems, and upscaling findings to the scale of satellite observations of phytoplankton biomass.

The PhD-student will be trained and supported by our research teams with experience in dinoflagellate ecology and genetics, optical modelling, and remote sensing, both in the field and in the laboratory. The candidate is expected to contribute to field work onboard our research vessels Aranda and Muikku.

The PhD student will be advised by Drs. Stefan Simis, Seppo Kaitala, and Anke Kremp working in the Marine Research Laboratory, located on the Kumpula campus in Helsinki, Finland.

Qualifications: M.Sc. degree in biology/ecology/biophysics and a keen interest in environmental monitoring, methods development, and laboratory bases studies. Oral and written English at academic level. We particularly welcome applications from individuals who can demonstrate experience in: molecular lab studies, working with cell cultures, phytoplankton taxonomy, physical (optical) modelling, electronic engineering, remote sensing.

Duration: The funding is for 3 years, starting as soon as possible.

Salary: Salary will be in the range € 2,450 - € 2,700 according to standard salary practises in SYKE.

Additional information about SYKE can be found at www.environment.fi/syke. Information about Baltic Sea research and monitoring activities at www.balticseaportal.fi. Additional information about the position or the project may be requested by e-mail (stefan.simis@environment.fi, seppo.kaitala@environment.fi).

Applications, consisting of a CV and accompanying motivation letter in English, should be addressed to Stefan Simis, SYKE Marine Research Centre, PO Box 140, 00251 Helsinki, Finland. Applications should be received latest 11 January 2010 to be considered for interviews in January.

Graduate Student Assistantship: Wetland Biogeochemistry

2009-11-19T17:25:00.001-08:00

Position: Graduate Research Assistant
Aquatic and Wetlands Biogeochemistry
Beginning spring, summer or fall 2010

Location: Department of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences
Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Description: A graduate research assistantship is available for a M.S. or Ph.D. in the area of wetlands, aquatic and soil chemistry. Potential research topics include the chemical processes governing the fate and transport of nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, in marine and freshwater environments and their relationship with soil, sediments and air; understanding nutrient biogeochemical mechanisms in soils; wetland processes in relation to coastal restoration; pharmaceutically active compounds in wetlands and treatment systems.

Qualifications: B.S. in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Soil Science, Geology or related discipline. Demonstrated excellence in course work, good written and oral communication skills, and the ability to work as a team member is required.

Stipend and Fees: Minimum annual stipend is $18,000. Graduate Research Assistants tuition is fully covered and students only pay university fees that range from $1,500 to $2,000 annually.

How to apply: Complete a pre-application, which can be obtained from: http://ocean.lsu.edu/. Remaining application information can also be found on the website.

Lab Information: http://www.ocean.lsu.edu/whitelab/index.html

Contact: Dr. John White
Louisiana State University
Department of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences
Energy Coast and Environment Building Room 3239
(225) 578-8792
jrwhite@lsu.edu

Ross Sea phytoplankton physiology and iron biogeochemistry

2009-11-19T17:24:00.001-08:00

Research assistantships with full stipends ($26-33K) and tuition waivers are available for students interested in pursuing a M.S. or Ph.D. degree in phytoplankton physiology, molecular ecology, and/or trace metal – microbe interactions. Students will join an active group working on several NSF-funded initiatives focusing on the metal physiology and biogeochemistry of marine phytoplankton and heterotrophic bacteria. We have been recently funded to investigate Fe cycling and phytoplankton molecular ecology off the coast of Antarctica. This four-year multi-institutional project (Rutgers-Newark & New Brunswick, Princeton, Woods Hole, and U Hawai’i) is focused on understanding the links between Fe and phytoplankton in the Ross Sea, Antarctica.

Lab work will be conducted at the Rutgers University campuses in Newark (Earth and Environmental Sciences) and New Brunswick (Institute of Marine and Coastal Sciences). The successful candidate is also expected to participate in a 4-week field research expedition to the Ross Sea aboard the R/V Palmer in January – February 2011.

Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis. The candidate will likely matriculate in Fall 2010, but either Spring 2010 matriculation or casual hourly employment prior to matriculation are possible.

Research Apprenticeship, Marine Sedimentary Processes

2009-11-19T17:23:00.001-08:00

Marine Sedimentary Processes:
Elwha River Dam Removal Impacts

Research Apprenticeship at Friday Harbor Laboratories (FHL)
Spring Quarter, March 29 - June 4, 2010
Oceanography 492 (15 credits)

Dr. Andrea Ogston and Dr. Charles Nittrouer
ogston@ocean.washington.edu nittroue@ocean.washington.edu
University of Washington - School of Oceanography

Dam removal projects are becoming an increasingly popular way to restore the habitats of depleted fisheries and river ecosystems. Rivers are the major source of sediment to the ocean, and dams act to block this sediment from reaching the nearshore, potentially causing beach erosion and loss of marine habitat. But we do not understand the full range of effects our “restoration” will have. For example, what will happen when the impounded sediment is free to flow downstream into the ocean? Will the sediment behave as a benefit by nourishing local beaches or a hindrance through the burial of critical habitats?

This research apprenticeship focuses on designing and performing baseline studies prior to dam removal on the Elwha River. Students will evaluate the impacts of the existing dams on the nearshore environment, as well as the impacts of dam removal.

Apprentices will:

. participate in an oceanographic research cruise to the Elwha River mouth and collect data for their research project.

. have the opportunity to design and conduct laboratory experiments.

. take weekly field trips to a range of environments from the source region of the Elwha River (Olympic Mountains) to coastal sedimentary environments (e.g., local tidal flats and the Skagit River delta).

Students will gain an understanding of the range of sedimentary processes that occur near river mouths throughout the Pacific NW. This knowledge allows scientists to predict hazardous material transport, shoreline erosion and accretion, and changes in seabed habitats due to dam installation and removal. The apprentices will gain knowledge and skills that will prepare them for graduate programs or to become the scientists and managers in charge of decision-making in future projects.

How to Apply: http://depts.washington.edu/fhl/
fhladmin@u.washington.edu (206) 616-0753

GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIPS, AQUATIC BIOGEOCHEMISTRY

2009-11-19T17:22:00.000-08:00

Research and teaching assistantships are available starting in Fall 2010 for graduate study in aquatic biogeochemistry at the Aquatic Ecology Laboratory of Ohio State University. Support includes full stipend and tuition for up to 5 years for Ph.D. students and 3 years for M.S. students. We seek motivated, creative students to take part in new research initiatives in carbon, organic matter and nutrient cycling, lower (microbial and planktonic) food webs, and interactions between terrestrial, lake, river and coastal ocean systems. Opportunities for interdisciplinary collaborations are available both within and across departments and other research units.

The deadline for applications and financial support is January 15, 2010. Graduate program applications and information are available from the Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology website (http://eeob.osu.edu/). For additional information and questions, contact Dr. James Bauer, Aquatic Ecology Laboratory, Ohio State University, 1314 Kinnear Road, Columbus, OH 43212 (bauer.362@osu.edu; 614-292-1613).