Positions Available

Postdocs  |  PhD   |  MS

Postdoctoral Positions

None at this time.

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PhD Assistantships

PhD Graduate Assistantship:  Quantitative Ecology

About the position: The research group of Dr. Sydne Record seeks applicants for one Ph.D. position in Ecology and Environmental Sciences at the University of Maine in Orono in the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Conservation Biology starting in September 2024. Our research group focuses on population and community ecology from a biogeographical perspective. We apply computational methods to data from various environmental observatory networks to explore ecological dynamics across space and time. We are a highly collaborative group that values team science.

Partial funding for this assistantship comes from the Northeastern States Research Cooperative to map forest connectivity for wildlife using theory and remote sensing. This project will utilize in-situ data from the United States Forest Inventory and Analysis and the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) and imagery from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, NEON, and the United States Department of Agriculture, among others. While the specific directions for dissertation research are open to the student’s interests, we anticipate topics related to size-abundance scaling, community assembly, and life history theory that can be applied to understand patterns of biodiversity and important corridors for wildlife habitat connectivity. This is project is primarily devoted to computational work, but there will be opportunity for some field work to ensure that models are grounded in reality. We anticipate a final dissertation comprised of four chapters suitable for submission to peer-reviewed journals, as well as the opportunity to contribute as a co-author on other manuscripts completed as part of the collaborative research.

Required Qualifications: We seek applicants with a B.S. in biology, ecology, environmental data science, or other relevant discipline with a G.P.A. >3.0. The ideal applicant will have quantitative skills (e.g., R, Python, geographic information systems) and interest in learning new skills, previous research experience and a strong background in ecology and environmental science, creativity, and an excellent track record in seeing projects through from start to finish. Successful applicants will be expected to work both independently and collaboratively, mentor undergraduates in the group, develop independent research questions related to overall project goals, and publish research results. Good oral and written communication skills and flexibility given the unexpected nature of research are highly valued. We are committed to anti-racism and value diverse identities, experiences, and skills.

Desired Qualifications:  Preference will be given to applicants with experience or demonstrated interest in field ecology and quantitative methods, ideally with a M.S. in environmental data science or ecology. Preferred applicants will show evidence of publishing from their prior research or M.S. thesis. Preference will be given to applicants who have a strong record of communication as evidenced by conference presentations and prior team science collaborations. Prior experience or exposure through coursework with the following quantitative skills: GIS, spatial analysis, processing of remotely sensed data, machine learning, and maximum likelihood and/or Bayesian estimation methods. Experience using R and/or Python for data management, analysis, and presentation of results.  

Location: The University of Maine Orono campus is a community of ~12,000 undergraduate and graduate students. UMaine is in beautiful central Maine with an excellent quality of life (little traffic, reasonable cost of living, safe neighborhoods). Outdoor recreational activities abound with Mount Katahdin (Baxter State Park) and Acadia National Park within one hour drive and fifteen miles of running, biking, and cross-country skiing trails on campus.

Timeline: Review of applications will begin as they are received. For full consideration please apply by 3/15/24. The successful candidate must be available to start on 9/3/2024.

Contact: Email sydne.record@maine.edu with the subject line “Quantitative Ecology PhD Assistantship” if you have questions.

We especially encourage applicants from historically excluded groups to apply. The University of Maine Orono is an EEO/AA employer, and does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, including transgender status and gender expression, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, genetic information or veteran’s status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities.

Apply: http://tinyurl.com/recordlab2024PhD

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PhD or M.S. Graduate Assistantship: Atlantic salmon passage in the Piscataquis River

Responsibilities: Incumbent will study migratory behavior and passage success of sea run adult Atlantic salmon in the Piscataquis River, a tributary of the Penobscot River, Maine. The project will use active telemetry (radio and acoustic) and physiological assessment to characterize migratory, reproductive and survival costs imposed by dams. This is a quantitatively intense study. Experience in field ecology, database management, and telemetry are desirable – but only a willingness to learn is a necessity. Good communication skills are essential as the incumbent will work with many partners (State of Maine, federal, tribal and NGOs). One to two semesters of TA support are anticipated. You would become part of a dynamic, supportive, and positive team; individuals from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications: MS (for PhD) or BS (for MS program) in biology or equivalent, quantitative skills, interest in fisheries science and excellent work ethics. GPA of 3.2+ and GREs >50th percentile desired. (if available).

Salary: $30,000/$27,000 per year (PhD/MS), $2,820 health, and estimated $7,241 tuition. Funding is renewed annually (anticipated 4.5/2.5 years).

Closing date: Review will start February 20, and continue until filled; anticipated starting date on or before of May 15.

Contact: Send cover letter, CV, transcript copies (unofficial), three references (names only) and GRE scores/percentiles to Joe Zydlewski (email josephz@maine.edu) with heading “ATS UMaine”

Link: https://www1.usgs.gov/coopunits/unit/Maine

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MS Assistantships

PhD or M.S. Graduate Assistantship: Atlantic salmon passage in the Piscataquis River

Responsibilities: Incumbent will study migratory behavior and passage success of sea run adult Atlantic salmon in the Piscataquis River, a tributary of the Penobscot River, Maine. The project will use active telemetry (radio and acoustic) and physiological assessment to characterize migratory, reproductive and survival costs imposed by dams. This is a quantitatively intense study. Experience in field ecology, database management, and telemetry are desirable – but only a willingness to learn is a necessity. Good communication skills are essential as the incumbent will work with many partners (State of Maine, federal, tribal and NGOs). One to two semesters of TA support are anticipated. You would become part of a dynamic, supportive, and positive team; individuals from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications: MS (for PhD) or BS (for MS program) in biology or equivalent, quantitative skills, interest in fisheries science and excellent work ethics. GPA of 3.2+ and GREs >50th percentile desired. (if available).

Salary: $30,000/$27,000 per year (PhD/MS), $2,820 health, and estimated $7,241 tuition. Funding is renewed annually (anticipated 4.5/2.5 years).

Closing date: Review will start February 20, and continue until filled; anticipated starting date on or before of May 15.

Contact: Send cover letter, CV, transcript copies (unofficial), three references (names only) and GRE scores/percentiles to Joe Zydlewski (email josephz@maine.edu) with heading “ATS UMaine”

Link: https://www1.usgs.gov/coopunits/unit/Maine

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updated 2/26/2024