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"