Apply now for PhD positions in Population Genetics in Vienna by January 17, 2016

reminder: Apply now for PhD positions in Population Genetics in Vienna by
January 17, 2016

Over the past years, Vienna has developed into one of the leading
centres of population genetics. The Vienna Graduate School of
Population Genetics has been founded to provide a training opportunity
for PhD students to build on this excellent on site expertise.

We invite applications from highly motivated and outstanding students
with a background in one of the following disciplines: bioinformatics,
statistics, evolutionary genetics, functional genetics, theoretical
and experimental population genetics. Students from related
disciplines, such as physics or mathematics are also welcome to apply.

Topics include:

·      Population trees and polymorphism-aware phylogenetic models

·      Inferring evolutionary trajectories from time series data

·      Wolbachia infection dynamics in evolving Drosophila populations

·      Functional characterization of beneficial alleles in Drosophila

·      Modified evolve and re-sequence design

·      Convergent and adaptive evolution during ecotype formation

·      Population history and adaptation in natural Arabidopsis populations

Only complete applications (application form, CV, motivation letter,
university certificates, indication of the two preferred topics in a
single pdf) received by January 17, 2016 will be considered. Two
letters of recommendation need to be sent directly by the referees.

Monthly salary of a successful candidate will be according to the
regulations of the Austrian Science Fund FWF. All information about
the about available topics, the training program and the application
procedure can be found at www.popgen-vienna.at

-- 
Dr. Julia Hosp
Vienna Graduate School of Population Genetics
Coordinator
www.popgen-vienna.at
*https://twitter.com/PopGenViennaPhD* 

c/o Institut für Populationsgenetik
Vetmeduni Vienna
Veterinärplatz 1
A-1210 Vienna
http://www.vetmeduni.ac.at/en/population-genetics/

Tel:  +43 1 25077 4338
Fax: +43 1 25077 4390

julia.hosp@gmail.com

PH.D. ASSISTANTSHIP IN AMPHIBIAN POPULATION GENOMICS

PH.D. ASSISTANTSHIP IN AMPHIBIAN POPULATION GENOMICS. A self-motivated
and creative doctoral student is sought to join the Funk Lab
(http://wp.natsci.colostate.edu/funklab/) to conduct research on
the population/conservation genomics and evolutionary ecology of
Columbia spotted frogs (Rana luteiventris) and Oregon spotted frogs
(R. pretiosa). Research will start in late spring/early summer 2016
and the student will enroll at Colorado State University (CSU) in the
2016 fall semester. The student will be supported by both teaching and
research assistantships.

A key project objective is to understand population structure and
local adaptation to inform conservation and management of Great Basin
Columbia spotted frogs and Oregon spotted frogs. The student will
have freedom to develop a thesis topic, so long as the dissertation
overlaps sufficiently with this objective. Applications are welcome from
prospective students with a record of academic excellence; a strong
interest in amphibian genomics, evolution, ecology, and conservation;
and molecular lab experience. Ideal candidates will have a strong
background in population genetics, amphibian field experience, at least
one first-authored publication, and advanced coursework in statistics,
bioinformatics, and genetic data analysis. The successful applicant will
need to meet the entrance requirements for doctoral candidates in CSU's
Graduate Degree Program in Ecology (http://ecology.colostate.edu/).

To apply, email your CV (including names, phone numbers, and email
addresses of three references) and a one-page statement of research
interests to Dr. W. Chris Funk at Chris.Funk@colostate.edu. Please specify
"Spotted frog genomics PhD position" in the subject line of your email. A
Ph.D. candidate will be selected by March 2016.

"Chris.Funk@colostate.edu" 

Reconstructing the evolutionary history of ecological dynamics and extinction risk in Procellariiform seabirds

Three competitive PhD studentship opportunities are available
in evolutionary and ecological genetics at Durham University,
UK. These 3.5-year fellowships provide a full tuition fee waiver at
Durham University, a competitive living stipend, and a considerable
research allowance. For more information about these projects see here

or contact Dr. Andreanna Welch at a.j.welch@durham.ac.uk.

1) Reconstructing the evolutionary history of ecological dynamics and
extinction risk in Procellariiform seabirds

During their evolutionary history, birds have colonized the open oceans
beyond the continental shelves only rarely. The Procellariiformes
(albatrosses, shearwaters, storm- petrels, etc.) are by far the largest
group of oceanic birds, but their molecular phylogeny is poorly known. As
part of an international collaboration, the student will use capture
enrichment and next generation sequencing methods to collect a rich
genomic dataset and resolve the phylogeny of all extant and recently
extinct Procellariiformes, at and below the species level. This will
advance our understanding of the evolutionary history of oceanic birds,
allow exploration of the role of ecology in diversification, and inform
conservation management of this globally-threatened group.

Eligibility: All nationalities Deadline for consideration: January
4th, 2016

2) The effects of maternal stress response and microbiome on seal pup
condition and survival Co-supervised with Sean Twiss

Maternal effects are now recognised as important contributors to
phenotypic variation. One potential mechanism that has been largely
overlooked is via the transfer of beneficial bacteria during birth and
through lactation. Studies in humans have shown that these bacteria
provide many health benefits to the young, but that communities
transferred can be influenced by the mother¢s condition and stress
level. Adult grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) exhibit consistent
individual differences in behaviour with some mothers showing high
levels of responsiveness to stressors while others show little. The
student will apply recently developed metagenomic techniques to
investigate this potential short-term fitness consequence of maternal
coping style. Seals are among the few animal species for which coping
styles have been identified and linked with fitness consequences in wild
populations. However, the mechanisms through which behavioural responses
to stress modulate offspring condition and survival remain essentially
unknown. Given that wildlife are increasingly impacted by anthropogenic
influences, and that behaviour is often the first form of response to
environmental changes, this project will provide important insights
towards understanding how stress may influence individual fitness as
well as future population trajectories.

Eligibility: Primarily UK nationals Deadline for consideration: January
15th, 2016

3) Tracking the impact of Holocene environmental change in Patagonia
on pinniped distribution, abundance and dispersion using ancient DNA
Co-supervised with Rus Hoelzel

When environments change, as during the current process of anthropogenic
climate change, regional populations may respond by migrating to
track suitable habitat, they may expand, decline or go extinct, or
they may adapt. In this study the student will employ next generation
sequencing methods, ancient DNA, and coalescent analyses to determine
past demographic profiles of two sympatric pinniped species with
contrasting life histories along the coast of Patagonia, a region
of major transitions during the Holocene. Thus students will have
the opportunity to test hypotheses about the importance of various
environmental parameters. Understanding these dynamics will become
increasingly critical for effective management and nature reserve design
to promote conservation in the future as environments change.  This will
also improve our understanding of the process of biodiversity evolution,
which is determined by both effective population size and connectivity.

Eligibility: Primarily UK nationals Deadline for consideration: January
22nd, 2016

Durham University is consistently rated as one of the top 100 universities
in the world. Located in northeast England, the university is situated
in a scenic town and lies within a 20-minute train ride of the thriving
city of Newcastle. The department offers a supportive research-driven
environment with projects ranging from the cellular to the ecosystem
level. For more information see here .

To apply please send an email to a.j.welch@durham.ac.uk with 1) a two-page
covering letter detailing your reasons for applying and why you have
selected this project, 2) your current CV with contact information for
at least two references, 3) Full transcripts of previous qualifications
obtained to date. Only the best applicants will be asked to submit
an application.

"WELCH A.J." 

PhD opportunity N.Ariz.U.: Evolutionary ecology /Epigenetics/Global Change Impacts/Conifers

NArizU.Epigenetics.Conifers.GlobalChange

PhD opportunity N.Ariz.U.: Evolutionary ecology /Epigenetics/Global
Change Impacts/Conifers

We anticipate filling two Ph.D. positions to work on a NSF Macrosystems
Biology project at Northern Arizona University, “Collaborative
research: Blending ecology and evolution using emerging technologies to
determine species distributions with a non-native pathogen in a rapidly
changing climate�, to start in either June or August 2016. This
project is a multi-university collaboration examining the interacting
evolutionary and ecological responses of southwestern white pine (SWWP;
Pinus strobiformis) to climate change and an invasive pathogen from
local to regional scales.

A PhD positon in evolutionary ecology with emphasis on epigenetics will
be based in the Department of Biological Sciences under the supervision
of Dr. Amy Whipple with collaborators in the School of Forestry. This
graduate student would develop a project examining aspects of
epigenetic inheritance and modification in determining the traits of
SWWP related to phenology, drought, climate, or disease.

Three years of research assistantship funding (stipend + tuition and
health insurance) are available for each position; with additional
funding through teaching assistantships or possibly fellowships.  Start
date is June 1, 2016 or August 22, 2016. For more information contact
Amy Whipple, amy.whipple@nau.edu (928) 714-0409. Strong candidates may
qualify for the NAU Presidential Fellowship Program
(http://nau.edu/GradCol/Financing/Presidential-Fellowship-Program/) as
well.

To apply, submit graduate application to the NAU Biology Department and
a résumé and cover letter to either Amy Whipple. Review of
applications will begin immediately.

Amy Vaughn Whipple 

a funded PhD student position in comparative genomics of waterfowl

In the framework of the International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS) 
for Organismal Biology at University of Konstanz, Germany, I am happy to 
advertise a funded PhD student position in comparative genomics of 
waterfowl. Together with other positions (topics in ecology, evolution, 
collective behaviour...) in this year's cohort I wish to invite you to 
read my detailed project discription online under

http://www.orn.mpg.de/3632382/Kraus2016

In brief, we will together analyse 50+ freshly created genomes of ducks, 
geese, and swans (and of course whatever else we find in the data bases 
for comparison) for either (or a combination of):

- Hybridisation/Speciation Genomics
- Evolutionary Genomics of the Immune System

Doesn't this sound great?
--> http://www.orn.mpg.de/3632382/Kraus2016

Contact robert.kraus@uni-konstanz.de for questions and I will either 
respond directly or redirect to the relevant person.

"robert.kraus@uni-konstanz.de" 

master's-level graduate students to participate in on-going studies of ant systematics, evolution, and biodiversity.

Towson University - Ant Agriculture and Paleomyrmecology

Seeking master's-level graduate students to participate in on-going
studies of ant systematics, evolution, and biodiversity.  The LaPolla
Lab at Towson University is recruiting graduates students to conduct
independent thesis projects on one of the two topics the lab is
currently focused on: studies on Acropyga ants & their mealybug
symbionts and paleomyrmecology.  Students would be expected to conduct
both lab and field work in a variety of settings.  Interested students
should contact Dr. John LaPolla at jlapolla@towson.edu well before the
deadline for a possible on-campus interview.  Deadline for submission
of application materials (Fall 2016 admission) is March 15, 2016.

For further information about the Towson University Biology Graduate
Program see:
http://wwwnew.towson.edu/biologicalsciences/graduate_program.html

John S. LaPolla, Ph.D. · Associate Professor
Biological Sciences · Fisher College of Science & Mathematics
Towson University · 8000 York Road · Towson, Maryland, 21252
t. 410-704-3121 · f. 410-704-2405

"Lapolla, John S." 

The Good lab at the University of Montana in Missoula is looking to recruit Ph.D. students interested in evolutionary genomics.

The Good lab at the University of Montana in Missoula is looking to
recruit Ph.D. students interested in evolutionary genomics.

Current research projects in the lab are focused on the genetic basis of
reproductive isolation, molecular evolution, hybridization in natural
populations, and adaptation to novel environments. These topics are
addressed using diverse approaches including population genomics,
transcriptomics, and quantitative genetics. Based on current project
openings, students interested in speciation are particularly encouraged to
apply. All lab projects involve the generation and analysis of large-scale
genomic datasets, and so a strong interest in genomics is a prerequisite.

The University of Montana is home to a strong collection of faculty
researching ecology and evolution. The Division of Biological Sciences
hosts an excellent graduate program in Organismal Biology and Ecology
(OBE) with an emphasis on interdisciplinary training in evolution,
genetics, ecology, physiology, and behavior. Missoula is a great college
town in the heart of the Northern Rocky Mountains.

For more information on the Good lab please visit the lab website:

http://good-lab.dbs.umt.edu/

Interested students are encouraged to contact Dr. Good
(jeffrey.good@umontana.edu). Please include a brief description of your
research interests and a CV in your email. Note that the target date for
applications for Fall 2016 admission to the OBE program is December 1st.

-- 
Jeffrey M. Good, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor
Division of Biological Sciences
The University of Montana
32 Campus Drive, HS104
Missoula MT 59812
Phone: 406-243-5771
Fax: 406-243-4184
Website: http://good-lab.dbs.umt.edu/

jeffrey.m.good@gmail.com

Graduate positions in Evolutionary Genetics and Genomics

Graduate positions in Evolutionary Genetics and Genomics

University of Nebraska

The School of Biological Sciences at the University of Nebraska has a
newly expanded evolutionary genetics group, and we are seeking highly
motivated students to join our graduate program in Fall 2016. Our group
is especially strong in the areas of functional evolutionary genetics
and genomics.

Faculty doing research in evolutionary genetics and genomics at UNL
include:

Colin Meiklejohn (http://biosci.unl.edu/colin-meiklejohn)

Kristi Montooth (http://montoothlab.unl.edu/)

Etsuko Moriyama (http://bioinfolab.unl.edu/emlab/index.html)

Jeffrey Mower (http://mowerlab.unl.edu/)

Jay F. Storz (http://storzlab.unl.edu/)

Anthony J. Zera (http://biosci-labs.unl.edu/zera/index.html)

We offer generous graduate student support, an extremely collegial and
interactive environment for doing science, excellent biotech and
computational facilities, and access to the Cedar Point Biological
Station. Lincoln, Nebraska is a great midwestern college town with a
high quality of life, a thriving arts scene, and over 130 miles of bike
trails (http://lincoln.ne.gov/city/parks/parksfacilities/trails/).

For more information about the department, see: http://biosci.unl.edu/

For a full listing of all faculty in the School of Biological Sciences,
see:

http://biosci.unl.edu/directory-group

Interested students are encouraged to contact faculty directly with a
letter of interest and CV. Deadline for applications is 15 December.
For more information, see: http://biosci.unl.edu/graduate

Jay Storz 

MS opportunity, evolutionary responses to climate change

MS opportunity, evolutionary responses to climate change

We seek a Masters student to conduct research on evolutionary responses 
to climate change. The  student will be coadvised by Peter Adler and 
Zach Gompert at Utah State University. Together we will  investigate 
changes in the genetic diversity of two perennial grass species in a 
longterm precipitation  manipulation experiment in an eastern Idaho 
sagebrush steppe. We will compare the experimental  responses with 
patterns across an elevation and precipitation gradient. Field sampling 
will begin in May,  2016. Stipend support will consist of both research 
and teaching assistantships. To apply, please email a  1) cover letter, 
2) CV, 3) description of research experience, and 4) contact information 
for three  references to Peter Adler (peter.adler@usu.edu) by Dec. 1.

zachariah.gompert@aggiemail.usu.edu

The Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine is seeking to appoint a PhD candidate, section "Coastal Ecology"

The Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine
Research (AWI) is a member of the Helmholtz Association (HGF) and funded
by federal and state government. AWI focuses on polar and marine research
in a variety of disciplines such as biology, oceanography, geology and
geophysics thus allowing multidisciplinary approaches to scientific goals.
The division of "Biosciences", section "Coastal Ecology" at
the Wadden Sea Station Sylt (Mathias Wegner / Christian Buschbaum) in
cooperation with the department of Marine Ecology & Evolution at the
NIOZ,Texel (David Thieltges) is seeking to appoint a

PhD candidate, section "Coastal Ecology"

Background and Tasks:
Infectious disease strongly regulates populations. However, some forms
of disease arise internally by mutation causing cancer. Usually, cancer
cells are evolutionary dead ends that die with the individual carrying
them. Recently, several contagious cancers have been discovered in
marine bivalves. Here, cancer cells made the transition to parasitism by
proliferating within and between populations, which may strongly affect
bivalve population dynamics. The planned PhD project will investigate
the ecological and evolutionary roles of contagious cancer (disseminated
neoplasia) in bivalves along a latitudinal gradient from temperate
to arctic regions. The comparative approach will combine systematic
observational data on the occurence of neoplasia with experimental work
investigating ecological effects in the field and in the lab.  Practical
work will include sampling and field experiments in the Netherlands,
Germany, Denmark and Norway (including extended stays on Spitsbergen)
and molecular and cytological techniques will be used to identify the
evolutionary origins and consequences of neoplasia.

Requirements:
You should hold a Diploma/MSc degree in biology with fundamental
understanding of ecological and evolutionary principles. We are looking
for a highly motivated, independent student that can conduct unsupervised
work in remote field settings. Prior knowledge of experimental design,
statistical analysis of large data sets, bioinformatics and some molecular
and wet lab skills are a definite plus.

The position is limited to 3 years. The salary will be paid in accordance
with the German Tarifvertrag des =F6ffentlichen Dienstes (TV=F6D Bund),
salary level 13 (66%). The place of employment will be List on Sylt.
The Wadden Sea Station offers excellent experimental facilities and direct
access to field sites in the national park "Schleswig-Holsteinisches
Wattenmeer", which was recently awarded the status of a world heritage
site. AWI housing (shared flat) is available at reasonable rates.
We offer you a multi-disciplinary, international, and fascinating
professional environment with flexible working hours, state-of-the-art
research equipment, and a first-grade infrastructure. Disabled applicants
will be given preference when equal qualifications are present. The
AWI fosters the compatibility of work and family through various
means. Because of our engagement in the area of work-life compatibility
we have been awarded the certificate "Career and Family".

Applications including cover letter, letter of motivation, list of
publications, degree certificates, CV and two names of referees should
be submitted by November 30th, 2015 referencing code 117/D/Bio by e-mail
(all documents merged into one PDF file) to: personal@awi.de.

For more information or questions regarding the project please contact
Mathias Wegner (Mathias.Wegner(at)awi.de).

Mathias.Wegner@awi.de

A 3-year PhD scholarship in population genetics

A 3-year PhD scholarship in population genetics/statistical genetics is
available in the research group of Assistant Professor Ida Moltke at the
Section for Computational and RNA Biology, Department of Biology,
University of Copenhagen. The successful candidate is expected to work on
really interesting projects related to human population isolates, like the
Greenlandic population, and is expected to start February 1, 2016 or
shortly thereafter.

For details see: http://employment.ku.dk/phd/?show=779989

If you have any questions feel free to e-mail: ida@binf.ku.dk

ida@binf.ku.dk

two PhD projects at the University of Edinburgh

two PhD projects at the University of
Edinburgh.
Advisory team: Dr. Laura Ross (Edinburgh), Dr. Konrad Lohse
(Edinburgh), Dr. Andy Gardner (st Andrews) and Dr. Lyn Cook (University
of Queensland)

Project 1: Intralocus sexual conflict and genome evolution in
haplodiploid organisms

Sexual conflicts result from a clash of interests between the sexes
[1]. In many cases, this battle is fought at the level of the gene:
males and females may differ with respect to which version of a gene
maximizes their Darwinian fitness. Whilst the effects of such
intralocus sexual conflicts have been studied intensively in many
organisms, the vast majority of studies have focused on species with
classical, diploid sexual reproduction. However, as many as 15% of
animal species exhibit an alternative, haplodiploid mode of
inheritance. In such species, mothers monopolize the production of male
offspring, either by asexual production of sons or by producing sons
that eliminate their father's genome after the zygote stage [2]. This
asymmetrical mode of inheritance is likely to affect the outcome of
intralocus sexual conflict. Specifically, as alleles that favour male
fitness cannot be passed on directly from fathers to sons, sexual
conflicts may be resolved in favour of females [2].

 The aim of this project is to study the fate of alleles under
intralocus sexual conflict in a range of haplodiploid taxa. Studying
such exceptions to the general rules of reproduction provides
illumination of the fundamental principles of evolutionary genetics
(see [3] for a recent comparable example).

 This project will combine laboratory experiments, gene expression
studies and genome analyses. We will focus particularly on springtails
and fungus gnats, as males in these species carry and express their
father's genomes, but do not pass them on to their offspring. In
addition, these species still retain recognizable sex chromosomes,
which enables informative sex chromosome / autosome comparisons (e.g.
[3] for a similar approach). These experimental approaches will be
combined with comparative phylogenetic analyses and the development of
novel evolutionary theory, according to the interests of the student.
The project is cosupervised by Dr. Gardner (University of St. Andrews)
a leading mathematical biologist whose works spans a wide range of
topics in theoretical biology and genetics. The proposed project
strongly rest upon this collaboration as, on the one hand,
formalization of the relevant theoretical hypotheses is currently
lacking and, on the other hand, empirical work is required for
estimation of key model parameters. The candidate will be based
primarily in Edinburgh, as required by the empirical work, but will
spend 1-2 days per month in St. Andrews for the duration of the
project, as well as two 1-2 month intensive visits to the Gardner lab
in years 2 and 3.

[1] Bonduriansky, Russell, and Stephen F. Chenoweth. "Intralocus sexual
conflict." Trends in Ecology & Evolution 24.5 (2009): 280-288.

[2] De la Filia, Andres G., Stevie A. Bain, and Laura Ross.
"Haplodiploidy and the reproductive ecology of Arthropods." Current
Opinion in Insect Science (2015).

[3] Jaquiry, Julie, et al. "Masculinization of the X chromosome in
the pea aphid." Plos Genet 9 (2013): e1003690.

Project 2: Sexual conflict and the loss of paternal genes in a group of
Australian insects

In thousands of insects reproduction involves "Genomic exclusion",
where males discard the chromosomes they inherited from their father
(Paternal Genome Elimination, PGE). This unusual type of reproduction
gives rise to sons that inherit genes from both their parents, but in
which genes inherited from their father are suppressed and eliminated.
As a result, males do never pass on any genes from their father
(Gardner & Ross, 2014; Ross et al.)  Until now, the lack of suitable
insect study systems has made it difficult to understand PGE: It is
absent in established model systems such as Drosophila and tends to be
evolutionarily conserved, making comparative studies difficult. However
we recently identified a group of Australian scale insects that vary in
the way they reproduce, with some species eliminating their father's
genes while others do not. This group therefore provides a rare chance
for acquiring new insights into the way this peculiar type of
reproduction evolved as well as the way it is accomplished.

The main questions addressed in the project are why and how males in
some species eliminate the genes they inherit from their fathers, while
others do not. Understanding this will give general insights into why
reproduction is so variable across the tree of life.

The proposed project will study the reproduction of a group of insects
that is found exclusively in Australia and feeds on eucalyptus trees.
The project on one hand will involve sampling and determining the
reproductive strategy of a large number of species as well as determine
ecological factors that might explain some of this variation. On the
other hand it will focus in more detail on a single genus of
Cystococcus (Semple et al. 2015, see figure 1), in which three species
vary in the presence of PGE. We will compare these three species using
a combination of genetic, genomic and cytogenetic approaches to
understand how and why they vary in their reproductive genetics.
Although primarily based at the University of Edinburgh, the project
will involve fieldtrips and labwork at the University of Queensland in
Australia, in collaboration with Dr. Lyn Cook.

-       Gardner, A. & Ross, L. (2014) Mating ecology explains patterns
of genome elimination Ecology Letters 17, 1602-1612.

-      Ross, L., Pen, I. & Shuker, D. M. (2010). Genomic conflict in
scale insects: the causes and consequences of bizarre genetic systems.
Biological Reviews 85, 807-828.
  * Semple, T., Gullan, P., Hodgson, C., Hardy, N., & Cook, L. (2015).
    Systematic review of the Australian. Invertebrate Systematics 29,
    287-312.

For informal enquiries contact Dr Laura Ross at laura.ross@ed.ac.uk.
Funding options are available for both UK and non-UK students but
deadlines vary so please get in touch asap.

Laura Ross 

Graduate Student Positions in Invasion Ecology at the University of Toronto - applications open

Graduate Student Positions in Invasion Ecology at the University of
Toronto - applications open

I am looking for Ph.D. and M.Sc. students for investigations into the
ecology of plants and their natural enemies (herbivores and pathogens)
in Ontario and elsewhere. Recent work by my lab has centred on the effects
of these enemies on non-native species. We have used field experiments and
surveys to test whether alien plants experience reduced rates of insect
and pathogen damage, as predicted by the Enemy Release Hypothesis, and
whether exchange of enemies with native species depends upon phylogeny,
latitude, population isolation, and other factors. Information on our
research can be found at my home page (www.utm.utoronto.ca/~w3pkota).

We are a thriving department at a leading research institution,
with excellent resources and many opportunities for interaction
and collaboration. All graduate students are guaranteed a stable
minimum income, currently $25,250 from a variety of sources, as
well as support for research and conference travel. Information on
application procedures and our tri-campus graduate program can be found
at http://www.eeb.utoronto.ca/grad.htm. We accept applications beginning
in November, and begin to review them in January. Interested students
should contact me via e-mail: peter.kotanen@utoronto.ca.

Some recent publications

Santangelo J.S. and P.M. Kotanen (in press) Non-systemic fungal endophytes
increase host survival but reduce tolerance to herbivory in subarctic
Festuca rubra. Ecosphere: accepted 28 Sept 2015.

Lee, Y. and P.M. Kotanen (2015) Differences in herbivore damage and
performance among Arctium minus (burdock) genotypes sampled from a
geographic gradient: a common garden experiment. Biological Invasions
17: 397-408.

Kambo, D. and P.M. Kotanen (2014) Latitudinal trends in herbivory
and performance of an invasive species, common burdock (Arctium
minus). Biological Invasions 16: 101-112.

Dunn, A.M., M.E. Torchin, M.J. Hatcher, P.M. Kotanen, D.M. Blumenthal,
J.E. Byers, C.A.C. Coon, V.M. Frankel, R.D. Holt, R.A. Hufbauer,
A.R. Kanarek, K.A. Schierenbeck, L.M. Wolfe, and S. E. Perkins (2012)
Indirect effects of parasites on invasions. Functional Ecology 26:
1262-1274.

Hill S.B. and P.M. Kotanen (2011) Phylogenetic structure predicts
capitular damage to Asteraceae better than origin or phylogenetic distance
to natives. Oecologia 166: 843-851.
 
Peter M. Kotanen
Dept. of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
University of Toronto Mississauga
3359 Mississauga Road North
Mississauga, ON, L5L 1C6 CANADA
tel: 905-828-5365; fax: 905-828-3792
e-mail: peter.kotanen@utoronto.ca  
http://www.utm.utoronto.ca/~w3pkota/

"peter.kotanen@utoronto.ca" 

PhD Position in Symbiotic Speciation, at the Medical University of Vienna, Austria

PhD Position in Symbiotic Speciation,  at the Medical University of Vienna, Austria

A PhD position funded by the Austrian Science Fund (FWF) is available to
study the impact of the endosymbiotic bacteria Wolbachia on physiology,
sexual behavior and de novo speciation of the model system Drosophila.

This intracellular bacterium is well known as the prime reproductive
parasite of insects by causing cytoplasmic incompatibilities,
feminization, parthenogenesis or male killing, but depending on their
evolutionary stage, it also can provide adaptive fitness benefits to
insect hosts, such as nutritional provisioning or pathogen protection. We
recently found that in some Drosophila species Wolbachia specifically
colonize defined host brain regions that orchestrate sexual behavior of
male and female flies. Furthermore we found that even slight perturbations
of this intimate host-symbiont homeostasis can foster de novo speciation
of Drosophila in the wild plus under experimental conditions in our
laboratory.

In this newly started FWF research project we aim to decipher the temporal
and functional dynamics of this Wolbachia-Drosophila symbiosis in two
different Drosophila systems, which are currently under speciation in
the Neotropics.

The successful candidate will be embedded in the highly multidisciplinary
and collaborative environments at the Department of Cell and Developmental
Biology of the Medical University of Vienna.

Applicants should hold a master's degree in biology, genetics,
microbiology, or a related discipline. We are looking for enthusiastic
scientists with proficient communication skills, who are good team
players. Previous experiences with DNA & RNA techniques, sequence
analyses, fly work, FISH assays, immunocytochemistry and/or microscopy
techniques are advantageous.

Please send applications (including CV, a letter of intent and contact
information of at least two referees) to the address below. Informal
enquiries are welcome.

Contact:Wolfgang Miller, 
Lab Genome dynamics, Center of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of
Vienna, Austria
E-Mail: wolfgang.miller@meduniwien.ac.at
Phone: 0043 1 40160 37750

Website: Department for Cell and Developmental Biology
| Department for Cell and Developmental Biology
| View on www.meduniwien.ac.at | Preview by Yahoo |

Wolfgang J. Miller, PhD
Lab Genome Dynamics,
Dept Cell & Developmental BiologyCenter of Anatomy and Cell Biology,
Medical University of Vienna,
Schwarzspanierstr. 17, HP 36
A-1090 Vienna AUSTRIA.

email: wolfgang.miller@meduniwien.ac.at
http://www.meduniwien.ac.at/celldev/miller/
Tel. 0043 1 40160 37750Fax 0043 1 40160 937790

Wolfgang Miller 

one PDRA and two PhD positions currently available in Alex Dumbrell's group

Dear All

Please find below exciting details of one PDRA and two PhD positions
currently available in Alex Dumbrell's group, Essex, UK. The positions
are part of a Large NERC Grant that is examining the Impacts of
global warming in sentinel freshwater systems: from genes to
ecosystems, led by Guy Woodward.

The 4yr PDRA position will examine the molecular microbial ecology of
natural and experimental freshwater systems responding to climatic
changes using a range of next generation sequencing approaches  -
deadline 31st October

http://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/ALZ323/post-doctoral-research-officer-molecular-microbial-ecology/

http://jobs.essex.ac.uk/fe/ tpl_essex01.asp?s=4A515F4E5A565B1A&jobid=85537, 6936522321&key=161295353& c=47724765348658& pagestamp=seyusvpwsqepiphnfm

The 1st 4yr PhD (joint with Imperial College London and Bangor
University) will be Using Thermal Niche Theory to Predict Community
Dynamics in Freshwater Ecosystems, deadline 31st October

https://www.essex.ac.uk/bs/pg/studentships/
http://www.findaphd.com/search/ProjectDetails.aspx?PJID=66515&LID=2363

The 2nd 4yr PhD (joint with University of Exeter and Queen Mary
University London) will be examining The Role of Thermal Adaptation
in Constraining Long-term Biogeochemical Responses to Global
Warming, deadline 31st October.

https://www.essex.ac.uk/bs/pg/studentships/
http://www.findaphd.com/search/ProjectDetails.aspx?PJID=66523&LID=2363

We are looking to build a strong team as part of an international,
interdisciplinary project to deliver leading research in freshwater
ecosystems and so please do distribute the opportunities to anyone who
may be interested in applying for these positions.

For further information please contact Dr Alex Dumbrell
(adumbrell@essex.ac.uk) in the first instance.

Many thanks and best wishes
Alex
Simon Creer

Senior Lecturer

Molecular Ecology and Fisheries Genetics Laboratory

School of Biological Sciences

Environment Centre Wales

Bangor University

Gwynedd

LL57 2UW

Tel: +44(0)1248 382302

Fax: +44(0)1248 382569

web: http://mefgl.bangor.ac.uk/si.php

Skype: spideycreer
Twitter: @spideycreer

Rhif Elusen Gofrestredig 1141565 - Registered Charity No. 1141565

Simon Creer 

recruiting graduate students for fall 2016

The Porter lab at Washington State University, Vancouver, is
recruiting graduate students for fall 2016. Our lab explores the
evolutionary and ecological dynamics of plants and their microbial
symbionts to test fundamental theory about cooperative interactions.
We focus on environmentally acquired symbioses between plants and
microbial mutualists such as nitrogen-fixing rhizobium bacteria. Our
research projects range from the field, to the lab to the greenhouse
and integrate approaches from quantitative genetics, ecological
genetics and genomics.

Graduate students will have the opportunity to participate in the PI's
collaborative multi-year NSF-funded project with the Friesen lab at
Michigan State University to investigate evolutionary and ecological
shifts in plant-symbiont mutualism during plant invasions from Europe
into North America. Students are also welcome to develop a research
program aligned with their own interests and expertise on related
topics in plant or microbial evolutionary ecology. The lab currently
supports diverse projects ranging from examining how
plant-soil-microbial feedbacks impact succession post-eruption on
Mount Saint Helens, to testing the importance of microbes to plant
adaptation to heavy metals, to quantifying natural selection on
cheating strategies in mutualism. Visit our research page to read more
about the lab: http://research.vancouver.wsu.edu/porter-lab.

Graduate students will be supported through a combination of TAship
and research assistantship in the Porter lab (5-6 years for PhD, 2 for
MS) with the opportunity for summer funding. The PI will work with
students to develop competitive applications for independent graduate
funding. WSUV is a vibrant, rapidly growing institution located within
the greater Portland/Vancouver metropolitan area, near the Columbia
River, Cascade Mountains and coastal ocean, and as such offers an
exceptional quality of life.

Interested students should send a copy of their CV, description of
research interests, and GPA to stephanie.porter@wsu.edu.

"stephanie.porter@wsu.edu" 

Modeling ecology/evolution of a plant pathogen

PhD position: Modeling ecology/evolution of a plant pathogen, ETH Zurich

***The project***

will explore population dynamics of Zymoseptoria tritici, an important 
fungal pathogen of wheat, using eco-evolutionary modeling and field/lab 
experimentation.

Plant diseases often cause serious yield losses in agriculture. Current 
chemical and genetic technologies used to manage plant diseases are 
highly vulnerable to pathogen evolution and are not sustainable. 
Pathogen evolution is facilitated by the genetic uniformity underlying 
modern agroecosystems. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop new, 
efficient and sustainable ways to control plant diseases.

This PhD project intends to make an important contribution towards 
achieving this goal.  The first phase aims at comprehensive 
characterization of both epidemic and evolutionary factors of the 
pathogen by combining eco-evolutionary modeling, field/lab experiments 
and genome sequence analyses. In the second phase the models will be 
used to predict the rate of pathogen adaptation to disease control and 
propose optimal spatio-temporal patterns for applications of fungicides 
and resistant host varieties that can disrupt pathogen adaptation.

***Working conditions***

Plant Pathology group at the Institute of Integrative Biology, ETH 
Zurich offers a creative, collaborative research environment and 
excellent infrastructure (www.path.ethz.ch). Salary is approximately 
48000 Swiss francs per year. Zurich is a vibrant, international and 
green city.

The PhD project is funded for three years by the Ambizione grant from 
the Swiss National Foundation with a possibility of extension for the 
fourth year.

Unique training in mathematical modeling, bioinformatics and field/lab 
experiments increases chances to find a job in academia, industry or 
governmental agencies.

***Requirements***

---Master's/diploma in a quantitative discipline (e.g. physics, 
mathematics or computer science), biology or agricultural/environmental 
sciences.

---Strong interest in mathematical/computational modeling in population 
biology

---Desire to link the models with real-world field experiments and spend 
about 40% of time doing experimental work

---Excellent communication skills in English

---Programming skills, experience in mathematical modeling or 
bioinformatics are important, but optional plus points

***Application***

For more details, please contact Dr. Alexey Mikaberidze by email. Please 
apply as early as possible, at latest February 1st, 2016. Project start: 
April 1st, 2016. To apply, please send Dr. Alexey Mikaberidze as a 
single pdf file

---a motivation letter that describes how your scientific interests and 
qualifications fit this project (1 page)
---a CV
---a copy of the MSc certificate
---arrange 2-3 letters of recommendation to be sent by referees directly 
to Dr. Alexey Mikaberidze via email

Alexey Mikaberidze 

3 Ph.D. positions available

We have two major projects starting at the University of Nevada, Reno
with 3 Ph.D. positions available.  Please pass this announcement on to
potential candidates.  Thank you!

PhD Graduate Research Assistantship in Neotoma evolutionary genetics
and ecological adaptation.

A Ph.D. Graduate Research Assistantship is available to study ecological
adaptation and hybridization between two species of woodrats (genus
Neotoma) in California. The goal of the project is to identify how
diet-based ecological adaptations may influence aspects of pre- and
post-zygotic isolation. The student will play a large role in the design
and implementation of field and laboratory-based studies that include
analysis of gene expression and microbiome changes in pure and hybrid
genotypic classes as they are exposed to chemically-distinct, field-based
diets. The student will also participate in a high school outreach program
focused on teaching genetics, ecology and evolution. Candidates should
be creative and highly motivated with strong writing and communication
skills. Candidates must have a B.S. (and preferably an M.S.) in biology
or a closely related discipline. Candidates must have field experience
(preferably with small mammals), ability to work under rigorous field
conditions and lead field crews under their supervision, some genetics
laboratory experience and interest in science education.

Ph.D. Graduate Research Assistantships (2). Pygmy rabbit ecology,
demography, and landscape connectivity.

Two Ph.D. research assistantships are available at the University of
Nevada-Reno on a project focused on building a quantitative understanding
of the ecology, demography and population connectivity of the pygmy rabbit
(Brachylagus idahoensis) in Nevada. The pygmy rabbit is a sagebrush
specialist that is broadly (but non-continuously) distributed across
the Great Basin. Like other habitat specialists, the pygmy rabbit is
expected to be particularly vulnerable to climate change. Further,
because of the predicted loss and degradation of sagebrush ecosystems
over the coming decades, it is critically important to identify key areas
that may serve as refugia or movement corridors for pygmy rabbit and other
sagebrush obligates while large, relatively intact sagebrush tracts remain
available for study. The goal of this project is to quantify population
dynamics and dispersal/colonization capabilities of the pygmy rabbit
in Nevada to develop a more complete view of the habitat and landscape
characteristics that sustain local and regionally connected populations.
Although both students will be expected to collaborate extensively, we
expect that one Ph.D. student will focus primarily on landscape genetics
(advised by Dr. Marjorie Matocq), while the other student will focus on
demography and population modeling (advised by Dr. Kevin Shoemaker). Field
research for both students will include trapping and marking pygmy rabbits
and collecting tissue samples at numerous sites in Nevada. Laboratory work
for the landscape genetics student will include generating genetic/genomic
datasets to quantify reproductive success and relatedness within
populations and genetic connectivity among populations. "Laboratory" work
for the population ecology student will include estimating vital rates
such as fecundity and survival from capture-mark-recapture data, using a
geographic information system to identify suitable habitat patches and
modeling functional connectivity, and constructing spatially explicit,
individual-based population models. Applicants should be hard-working,
self-motivated field biologists prepared to work under rigorous field
conditions and able to lead field crews under their supervision. Both
candidates should have field experience with small mammals, basic
literacy in data management and statistical analysis, and strong writing
and communication skills. The genetics student should have genetics
laboratory experience, and the population ecology student should have
proficiency in the use of geographic information systems and competence
with computer programming is highly desirable. Driver=A2s licenses are
necessary for both positions. Applicants must have a B.S. (and preferably
an M.S.) in biology or a closely related field.

To apply for one of the above positions, please submit the following
as a single PDF email attachment: a letter stating your qualifications
and career goals, CV, transcripts, GRE scores, and contact information
for three references (not letters).  Review of applications will begin
November 20, 2015 and will continue until the positions are filled.
Send application to Dr. Marjorie Matocq, Department of Natural
Resources and Environmental Science, University of Nevada, Reno,
Reno, Nevada 89557 (775-784-4621; mmatocq@cabnr.unr.edu). See the
following websites for further information about the Program in Ecology,
Evolution, and Conservation Biology (http://www.unr.edu/eecb) and our lab
(http://naes.unr.edu/matocq/).

Marjorie Matocq, Ph.D.
Professor
Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science
Program in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology
University of Nevada Reno
Reno, Nevada 89557
775-784-4621
http://naes.unr.edu/matocq/

"Matocq, Marjorie" 

Ecology and Sociobiology of a Wolf-Ungulate Predator-Prey Game

Ecology and Sociobiology of a Wolf-Ungulate Predator-Prey Game

Start Date: September 2015 (flexibility exists for exceptional candidates)
We have a fully funded PhD position for a student interested studying
the spatial ecology and sociobiology of predator-prey dynamics with
links to population and disease ecology in a wolf-ungulate community.

System: Riding Mountain National Park (RMNP) in Manitoba is among the
best-studied large mammal communities in Canada. Peer-reviewed research
has been produced from the RMNP system for the last 80 years: from Green
(1933) and Banfield (1949) to Paquet (1990s) and our recent work. RMNP
is a rich system within which to simultaneously ask fundamental and
applied ecological and evolutionary questions.  Over the coming years
and primarily using GPS collars, this project will see all wolf packs
and >80% of the elk monitored in one of RMNP��s elk subpopulations,
creating a near-perfect spatial and temporal picture of predatory-prey
interactions between wolves and their primary prey. Furthermore, the
successful applicant will have access to our considerable collection
of historical individual- and population-level data on space use and
population densities of elk, moose, white-tailed deer and wolves (see our
papers for examples). As a result, this project will provide excellent
opportunities for both academic and professional advancement. Because
it is a PhD-level project, the successful applicant will be expected
to develop her or his own ideas and research plan in collaboration with
the research team.

In the Wildlife Evolutionary Ecology Lab we feel strongly that novel
biological ideas are derived from interacting directly with our study
species and system, and the successful applicant will be expected
to spend considerable amounts of time in the field, supported by an
excellent team of biologists at RMNP. The successful applicant will be
required to actively investigate kill- and den-sites and to fly telemetry,
while simultaneously working with existing data. At the PhD level, this
will require an exceptional applicant who can both be in the field and
continue to actively analyze and write throughout their program.

Qualifications: In addition to a MSc that complements this research,
applicants should have five main qualities: (1) a passion for ecological
and evolutionary theory; (2) an aptitude for and commitment to research
in the field �V in all seasons; (3) well-developed quantitative skills
in GIS, statistical programing in R, and experience or an interest in
modeling; (4) a track-record of publishing their research in reputable
peer-reviewed journals; (5) and foremost, evidence of collegiality.

Team: This research is part of a larger collaborative program studying
predatory-prey dynamics in wolf-ungulate systems in southern Manitoba. As
a result the successful applicant will be a part of a research team that
includes Parks Canada biologists, Manitoba Fish and Wildlife ecologists,
a MSc student in RMNP (start date May 2016), and another PhD student
studying wolf-ungulate dynamics in eastern MB. This collaborative
opportunity will permit the right applicant to participate in projects
and publications in addition to their own core research.

Wildlife Evolutionary Ecology Lab (http://ericvanderwal.weebly.com/):
We are a question-driven research group; one of a number of productive
and dynamic research groups in ecology, evolution, and animal behavior
at MUN. We bridge fundamental and applied questions in evolutionary,
behavioral, population, and wildlife ecology, particularly with social
ungulates. RMNP has been one of our keystone and must productive
research systems and this new program aims to further advance our work
on density-dependent resource and space use, social and group dynamics of
ungulates now with a finer-scale understanding of the predatory-prey game.

To apply please send a letter of interest, CV, and transcripts
(unofficial) to eric.vanderwal@mun.ca. Although the position is
fully funded, students will be encouraged to compete for internal and
external funding; higher GPAs and a history of publications improves
competitiveness. The competition will remain open until the position
is filled.

~Eric

Eric Vander Wal | Assistant Professor
Department of Biology, 
Memorial University of Newfoundland

Eric Vander Wal 

MSc. Position in Ecological Genomics at University of New Brunswick Saint John

*MSc. Position in Ecological Genomics at University of New Brunswick Saint
John: Striped Bass Adaptation (Fall 2015 or Winter 2016)*

A position is available for a Master�s of Science student to participate in
an integrated Striped Bass genomics research program. The student will use
ecologically divergent populations and full-genome re-sequencing to
determine the genetic basis of adaptation. The student will be part of a
lab of a new Canada Research Chair in Aquatic Molecular Ecology and
Ecological Genomics at the University of New Brunswick in Saint John.

Funding is available for a stipend or top-up bonus for students with
funding. The student will use state-of-the-art laboratory equipment,
including robotics, to streamline repetitive tasks and will have priority
access to a high-powered computer with 1.5 TB of RAM for bioinformatics.
The lab is located at the Canadian Rivers Institute (
www.canadianriversinstitute.ca).

Suitable candidates will have a solid quantitative background with
experience in genetics and genomics lab work and/or bioinformatics.
Candidates must have a positive attitude and willingness to work with a
team. Experience in programing with R, Python or Perl computer languages is
a plus.

The position will begin in the fall term of 2015 or winter of 2016. Submit
a Cover Letter, CV, contact information for three references and unofficial
transcripts that include course names to Dr. Scott Pavey (
scottapavey@gmail.com). Application packages will be accepted until the
position is filled.

Scott Pavey 

25 Of The Most Adorable Parenting Moments In The Animal Kingdom

Ecology and Sociobiology of a Wolf-Ungulate Predator-Prey Game

Ecology and Sociobiology of a Wolf-Ungulate Predator-Prey Game

Start Date: September 2015 (flexibility exists for exceptional candidates)
We have a fully funded PhD position for a student interested studying
the spatial ecology and sociobiology of predator-prey dynamics with
links to population and disease ecology in a wolf-ungulate community.

System: Riding Mountain National Park (RMNP) in Manitoba is among the
best-studied large mammal communities in Canada. Peer-reviewed research
has been produced from the RMNP system for the last 80 years: from Green
(1933) and Banfield (1949) to Paquet (1990s) and our recent work. RMNP
is a rich system within which to simultaneously ask fundamental and
applied ecological and evolutionary questions.  Over the coming years
and primarily using GPS collars, this project will see all wolf packs
and >80% of the elk monitored in one of RMNP��s elk subpopulations,
creating a near-perfect spatial and temporal picture of predatory-prey
interactions between wolves and their primary prey. Furthermore, the
successful applicant will have access to our considerable collection
of historical individual- and population-level data on space use and
population densities of elk, moose, white-tailed deer and wolves (see our
papers for examples). As a result, this project will provide excellent
opportunities for both academic and professional advancement. Because
it is a PhD-level project, the successful applicant will be expected
to develop her or his own ideas and research plan in collaboration with
the research team.

In the Wildlife Evolutionary Ecology Lab we feel strongly that novel
biological ideas are derived from interacting directly with our study
species and system, and the successful applicant will be expected
to spend considerable amounts of time in the field, supported by an
excellent team of biologists at RMNP. The successful applicant will be
required to actively investigate kill- and den-sites and to fly telemetry,
while simultaneously working with existing data. At the PhD level, this
will require an exceptional applicant who can both be in the field and
continue to actively analyze and write throughout their program.

Qualifications: In addition to a MSc that complements this research,
applicants should have five main qualities: (1) a passion for ecological
and evolutionary theory; (2) an aptitude for and commitment to research
in the field �V in all seasons; (3) well-developed quantitative skills
in GIS, statistical programing in R, and experience or an interest in
modeling; (4) a track-record of publishing their research in reputable
peer-reviewed journals; (5) and foremost, evidence of collegiality.

Team: This research is part of a larger collaborative program studying
predatory-prey dynamics in wolf-ungulate systems in southern Manitoba. As
a result the successful applicant will be a part of a research team that
includes Parks Canada biologists, Manitoba Fish and Wildlife ecologists,
a MSc student in RMNP (start date May 2016), and another PhD student
studying wolf-ungulate dynamics in eastern MB. This collaborative
opportunity will permit the right applicant to participate in projects
and publications in addition to their own core research.

Wildlife Evolutionary Ecology Lab (http://ericvanderwal.weebly.com/):
We are a question-driven research group; one of a number of productive
and dynamic research groups in ecology, evolution, and animal behavior
at MUN. We bridge fundamental and applied questions in evolutionary,
behavioral, population, and wildlife ecology, particularly with social
ungulates. RMNP has been one of our keystone and must productive
research systems and this new program aims to further advance our work
on density-dependent resource and space use, social and group dynamics of
ungulates now with a finer-scale understanding of the predatory-prey game.

To apply please send a letter of interest, CV, and transcripts
(unofficial) to eric.vanderwal@mun.ca. Although the position is
fully funded, students will be encouraged to compete for internal and
external funding; higher GPAs and a history of publications improves
competitiveness. The competition will remain open until the position
is filled.

~Eric

Eric Vander Wal | Assistant Professor
Department of Biology, 
Memorial University of Newfoundland

Eric Vander Wal 

The Masters in Science in Integrative Genomics program at Black Hills State University

The Masters in Science in Integrative Genomics program at Black Hills State
University (Spearfish, South Dakota) currently has openings for the Fall
2015 semester. This program exposes students to modern techniques and
instrumentation in the laboratory and field and prepares students for
success in both academic and other biotechnology-related pursuits.

Graduate Research Assistantships (RAs) are awarded to students and provide
a competitive stipend plus funding for research. All RAs receive a reduced
tuition rate (1/3 of in-state rate) and assist with instruction of
undergraduate-level science labs.

Black Hills State University, located in the heart of the northern Black
Hills in Spearfish, SD, offers 75 academic programs at the associate,
bachelor, and master degree levels. BHSU, which has over 4,000 students,
has earned a reputation for transforming lives through innovative,
high-quality academic programs and a dynamic learning community. Our
location provides a natural laboratory for Integrative Genomics. We are
also close to the Deep Underground Science and Engineering Laboratory
(DUSEL) at Homestake Mine, allowing for collaboration with other major
universities (to study, for example, the meta-genomics of the unique
microbial communities found in extreme environments).

Learn more about the community here:
www.visitspearfish.com
www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTsFzC9vESI
www.youtube.com/watch?v=BrRRHz2TRDs

Information about M.S. Integrative Genomics program requirements and
application process can be found here:
www.bhsu.edu/Academics/GraduatePrograms/IntegrativeGenomics/tabid/2164/Default.aspx

For further information email:  Raeann.Mettler@bhsu.edu

Raeann Mettler

School of Natural Sciences
Black Hills State University
1200 University Street Unit 9008
Spearfish, SD 57799-9008

Raeann Mettler 

Ph.D. Scholarships in Tropical Ecology, Evolution, and Biodiversity. Yale-NUS College, Singapore

Ph.D. Scholarships in Tropical Ecology, Evolution, and
Biodiversity. Yale-NUS College, Singapore

Deadlines for application: May 15 (entrance in January 2016) or November
15 (entrance in August 2016). If interested in January entrance, deadline
can be extended.

Yale-NUS College, the first liberal arts college in Singapore, has
Ph.D. scholarships available for students interested in pursuing a
doctoral degree in the Life Sciences.  Doctoral degrees are awarded
through the Department of Biological Sciences, National University of
Singapore. Faculty listed below are interested in recruiting students
for academic year 2015/2016 or 2016/2017

-       Phyloinformatics and spider evolution (William H. Piel; william.piel@yale-
        nus.edu.sg)

-       Conservation ecology and amphibian biodiversity (Jennifer
        Sheridan; jasheridan@yale-nus.edu.sg)

-       Evolution of development of butterfly wing patterns (Ant�nia
        Monteiro; antonia.monteiro@nus.edu.sg)

-       Evolution of stalk-eyed flies (Philip Johns; philip.johns@yale-
        nus.edu.sg)

-       Evolution, photonics, and material science of organismal
        structural colors (Vinod Saranathan,
        vinodkumar.saranathan@aya.yale.edu)

-       Functional ecology and restoration of tropical forests (Michiel
        van Breugel, michiel.vanbreugel@yale-nus.edu.sg)

If interested in pursuing PhD research in these general areas please
contact respective faculty (https://www.yale-nus.edu.sg/about/faculty/)
and visit the web page of the Department of Biological Sciences, National
University of Singapore to learn more about the graduate program:

http://www.dbs.nus.edu.sg/education/graduates_prospective/index.html

antonia.monteiro@yale.edu

Behavioural ecology of Seychelles warblers Acrocephalus sechellensis

Behavioural ecology of Seychelles warblers Acrocephalus sechellensis

Scientific background: The Cousin Island population of Seychelles warblers
has been the centre of a long-term longitudinal study for over twenty years
and is currently being used to answer questions relating to ageing,
immunity and the evolution of social behaviour. The island of Cousin (27
ha) is a special reserve that hosts around 320 warblers, which are almost
all colour banded.

Project details: We are seeking a motivated and adventurous MSc student to
undertake a fieldwork-based project on Cousin Island for a period of three
months. As part of ongoing data collection, the student will collect
biological samples and behavioural data. Behavioural experiments designed
to investigate the effect of predation on incubation behaviour are
currently being planned; these can form the basis of the MSc project.

The successful candidate will be an enthusiastic fieldworker who can learn
to work independently and is content on a remote island with very basic
living conditions. Some kind of field experience with birds is essential,
and experience with handling birds is preferable.

This project is a collaboration between researchers at the University of
Groningen and the University of East Anglia, UK.

Supervisors: Frank Groenewoud & Jan Komdeur
Fieldwork dates: between July �V September [2.5 to 3 months; exact dates
TBA]

Application deadline: May 31st 2015

Interested candidates can send an email to f.groenewoud@rug.nl or
K.Bebbington@uea.ac.uk

Frank Groenewoud 

New Tigrigna

Post by Gebregergis Zemikael.