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

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

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

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

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.