[ECOLOG-L] POST-DOC: FOOD WEB MODELER
Note: **Application deadline: 15 December 2016** POST-DOC: FOOD WEB MODELER The Jefferson Project—an exciting collaborative research endeavor between Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), IBM, and The FUND for Lake George— is interested in hiring a post-doc to develop a lake food-web model to understand the impact of human activities on large lakes. Researchers in ecology, engineering, computer science, meteorology, and the arts are using Lake George (located in upstate NY) as a model system to better understand how humans are affecting lake ecosystems around the world. Collectively, we are using and creating cutting-edge, “smart” technology to study freshwater ecosystems: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0OU9hfyZqU=PLC5671247BDB6A0B8 The Jefferson Project is in its second year of monitoring the physical, chemical, and biological factors of Lake George using high-resolution data from the “Smart Sensor Web” that has been deployed at Lake George. These monitoring data are being integrated with 37 years of historic lake chemistry and phytoplankton measurements as well as data from a large number of experiments investigating the impacts of excess nutrients, invasive species, and other contaminants on freshwater food webs. We have already generated advanced weather, hydrology, and lake circulation models. Our goal is to integrate these physical models with a food-web model, allowing us to better understand how humans have altered, and will continue to alter, lake ecosystems. Rensselaer has a growing group of aquatic ecologists, first-rate facilities for aquatic research, and a beautiful field station on Lake George. The post-doc will also have the opportunity to collaborate with IBM modelers in hydrology, meteorology, and lake circulation modelers. The post-doc will also interact with computer scientists and have access to state-of-the-art supercomputers, including the IBM Blue Gene/Q. For additional information: http://www-03.ibm.com/press/us/en/pressrelease/47219.wss The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of food web modeling and concomitant publication record. Applicants should send a cover letter, CV, research statement, and a list of 3 references to Dr. Rick Relyea (rel...@rpi.edu) in PDF format. Applications will be reviewed as they arrive. The desired start time is Winter 2016. -- Dr. Rick Relyea Director of The Jefferson Project Director, Darrin Fresh Water Institute David M. Darrin ’40 Senior Endowed Chair Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
[ECOLOG-L] POST-DOC: FOOD WEB MODELER
POST-DOC: FOOD WEB MODELER The Jefferson Project—an exciting collaborative research endeavor between Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), IBM, and The FUND for Lake George— is interested in hiring a post-doc to develop a lake food-web model to understand the impact of human activities on large lakes. Researchers in ecology, engineering, computer science, meteorology, and the arts are using Lake George (located in upstate NY) as a model system to better understand how humans are affecting lake ecosystems around the world. Collectively, we are using and creating cutting-edge, “smart” technology to study freshwater ecosystems: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0OU9hfyZqU=PLC5671247BDB6A0B8 The Jefferson Project is in its second year of monitoring the physical, chemical, and biological factors of Lake George using high-resolution data from the “Smart Sensor Web” that has been deployed at Lake George. These monitoring data are being integrated with 37 years of historic lake chemistry and phytoplankton measurements as well as data from a large number of experiments investigating the impacts of excess nutrients, invasive species, and other contaminants on freshwater food webs. We have already generated advanced weather, hydrology, and lake circulation models. Our goal is to integrate these physical models with a food-web model, allowing us to better understand how humans have altered, and will continue to alter, lake ecosystems. Rensselaer has a growing group of aquatic ecologists, first-rate facilities for aquatic research, and a beautiful field station on Lake George. The post-doc will also have the opportunity to collaborate with IBM modelers in hydrology, meteorology, and lake circulation modelers. The post-doc will also interact with computer scientists and have access to state-of-the-art supercomputers, including the IBM Blue Gene/Q. For additional information: http://www-03.ibm.com/press/us/en/pressrelease/47219.wss The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of food web modeling and concomitant publication record. Applicants should send a cover letter, CV, research statement, and a list of 3 references to Dr. Rick Relyea (rel...@rpi.edu) in PDF format. Applications will be reviewed as they arrive. The desired start time is Winter 2016. -- Dr. Rick Relyea Director of The Jefferson Project Director, Darrin Fresh Water Institute David M. Darrin ’40 Senior Endowed Chair Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
[ECOLOG-L] POST-DOC: AQUATIC FOOD-WEB MODELING
POST-DOC: AQUATIC FOOD WEB MODELING The Jefferson Project—an exciting collaborative research endeavor between Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), IBM, and The FUND for Lake George— will be hiring a post-doc to develop a lake food-web model. Researchers in ecology, engineering, computer science, meteorology, and the arts are using Lake George (located in upstate NY) as a model system to better understand how humans are affecting lake ecosystems around the world. Collectively, we are using and creating cutting-edge, “smart” technology to study freshwater ecosystems: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0OU9hfyZqU=PLC5671247BDB6A0B8 The Jefferson Project is in its second year of monitoring the physical, chemical, and biological factors of Lake George using high-resolution data from the “Smart Sensor Web” that has been deployed at Lake George. These monitoring data are being integrated with 37 years of historic lake chemistry and phytoplankton measurements as well as data from experiments investigating the impacts of excess nutrients, invasive species, and other contaminants on freshwater food webs. We have already generated advanced weather, hydrology, and lake circulation models. Our goal is to integrate these physical models with a food-web model, allowing us to better understand how humans have altered, and will continue to alter, lake ecosystems. Rensselaer has a growing group of aquatic ecologists, first-rate facilities for aquatic research, and a beautiful field station on Lake George. The modeler will also have the opportunity to collaborate with computer scientists and have access to state-of-the-art supercomputers, including the IBM Blue Gene/Q. For additional information: http://www-03.ibm.com/press/us/en/pressrelease/47219.wss The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of food web modeling and concomitant publication record. Applicants should send a cover letter, CV, research statement, and a list of 3 references to Dr. Rick Relyea (rel...@rpi.edu) in PDF format. Applications will be reviewed as they arrive. The desired start time is Winter 2016. -- Dr. Rick Relyea Director of The Jefferson Project Director, Darrin Fresh Water Institute David M. Darrin ’40 Senior Endowed Chair Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
[ECOLOG-L] POST-DOC: AQUATIC FOOD-WEB MODELING
POST-DOC: AQUATIC FOOD-WEB MODELING The Jefferson Project—an unprecedented endeavor to examine freshwater ecosystems with advanced “smart-sensor technology”—will be hiring a post-doc to develop food web models that incorporate high-frequency monitoring, modeling, and experimental data. This exciting research endeavor brings together Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), IBM, and The FUND for Lake George. The project is intended to serve as a blueprint for studying lakes around the world and to better understand how humans are affecting lake ecosystems. The research is based on the RPI campus, at the field station on Lake George (located in upstate NY), and in IBM research labs around the world: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0OU9hfyZqU=PLC5671247BDB6A0B8 The Jefferson Project was built upon 36 years of lake chemistry monitoring and is currently deploying real-time sensors for high-frequency monitoring of the physical, chemical, and biological conditions of Lake George (a lake that is 32 miles long and 200’ deep). These monitoring data are being integrated with data from experiments investigating the impacts of excess nutrients, invasive species, and other contaminants on freshwater food webs. We have already produced second- and third-generation weather, hydrology, and lake circulation models; these models are being validated using high-resolution data from the “Smart Sensor Network.” Our goal is to link these physical models and integrate them with food web models, allowing us to better understand how humans have altered, and will continue to alter, lake ecosystems. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of food web modeling and an associated publication record. Programing expertise (e.g., C++, Python, R, Matlab) would also be quite valuable. Rensselaer has a growing group of aquatic ecologists, first-rate facilities for aquatic research, and a beautiful field station on Lake George. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to collaborate with experimental ecologists, limnologists, modelers, computer scientists, and engineers from both RPI and IBM. The post-doc will also have access to state-of-the-art supercomputers, including the powerful IBM Blue Gene/Q. For additional information: http://relyealab.wix.com/relyea-lab http://faculty.rpi.edu/node/35931 http://faculty.rpi.edu/node/35932 http://eichll.wix.com/lawrence-eichler http://www.rpi.edu/dept/DFWI/ http://www-03.ibm.com/press/us/en/pressrelease/47219.wss Applicants should send a cover letter, CV, research statement, and a list of 3 references to Dr. Rick Relyea (rel...@rpi.edu) in PDF format. Applications will be reviewed as they arrive. The desired start date is late summer or early fall. -- Dr. Rick Relyea Director, Darrin Fresh Water Institute Director, The Jefferson Project David M. Darrin ’40 Senior Endowed Chair Dept. of Biological Sciences, BT2115 Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Troy, NY 12180
[ECOLOG-L] POST-DOC in FOOD WEB MODELING
POST-DOC in FOOD WEB MODELING The Jefferson Project—an exciting collaborative research endeavor between Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), IBM, and The FUND for Lake George— will be hiring a post-doc to develop food web models of freshwater ecosystems. Researchers in ecology, engineering, computer science, meteorology, and the arts are using Lake George (located in upstate NY) as a model system to better understand how humans are affecting lake ecosystems around the world. Collectively, we are using and creating cutting-edge, “smart” technology to study freshwater ecosystems: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0OU9hfyZqU=PLC5671247BDB6A0B8 The Jefferson Project is in its third year of monitoring the physical, chemical, and biological factors of Lake George. These monitoring data are being integrated with data from experiments investigating the impacts of excess nutrients, invasive species, and other contaminants on freshwater food webs. We have already generated advanced weather, hydrology, and lake circulation models. To validate these models, we are using high-resolution data from the “Smart Sensor Web” being deployed at Lake George. Our goal is to link these physical models and integrate them to food web models, allowing us to better understand how humans have altered, and will continue to alter, lake ecosystems. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of food web modeling and concomitant publication record. Programing expertise (e.g., C++, Python, R, Matlab) is also highly desired. Rensselaer has a growing group of aquatic ecologists, first-rate facilities for aquatic research, and a beautiful field station on Lake George. The modeler will also have the opportunity to collaborate with computer scientists and have access to state-of-the-art supercomputers, including the IBM Blue Gene/Q. For additional information: http://relyealab.wix.com/relyea-lab http://faculty.rpi.edu/node/35931 http://faculty.rpi.edu/node/35932 http://eichll.wix.com/lawrence-eichler http://www.rpi.edu/dept/DFWI/ http://www-03.ibm.com/press/us/en/pressrelease/47219.wss Applicants should send a cover letter, CV, research statement, and a list of 3 references to Dr. Rick Relyea (rel...@rpi.edu) in PDF format. Applications will be reviewed as they arrive. The desired start date is April or May 2016. -- Dr. Rick Relyea Executive Director, Darrin Fresh Water Institute Director of The Jefferson Project David M. Darrin ’40 Senior Endowed Chair Dept. of Biological Sciences, BT2115 Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Troy, NY 12180
[ECOLOG-L] POST-DOC in FOOD WEB MODELING
POST-DOC in FOOD WEB MODELING The Jefferson Project—an exciting collaborative research endeavor between Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), IBM, and The FUND for Lake George— will be hiring a post-doc to develop food web models of freshwater ecosystems. Researchers in ecology, engineering, computer science, meteorology, and the arts are using Lake George (located in upstate NY) as a model system to better understand how humans are affecting lake ecosystems around the world. Collectively, we are using and creating cutting-edge, “smart” technology to study freshwater ecosystems: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0OU9hfyZqU=PLC5671247BDB6A0B8 The Jefferson Project is in its third year of monitoring the physical, chemical, and biological factors of Lake George. These monitoring data are being integrated with data from experiments investigating the impacts of excess nutrients, invasive species, and other contaminants on freshwater food webs. We have already generated advanced weather, hydrology, and lake circulation models. To validate these models, we are using high-resolution data from the “Smart Sensor Web” being deployed at Lake George. Our goal is to link these physical models and integrate them to food web models, allowing us to better understand how humans have altered, and will continue to alter, lake ecosystems. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of food web modeling and concomitant publication record. Programing expertise (e.g., C++, Python, R, Matlab) is also highly desired. Rensselaer has a growing group of aquatic ecologists, first-rate facilities for aquatic research, and a beautiful field station on Lake George. The modeler will also have the opportunity to collaborate with computer scientists and have access to state-of-the-art supercomputers, including the IBM Blue Gene/Q. For additional information: http://relyealab.wix.com/relyea-lab http://faculty.rpi.edu/node/35931 http://faculty.rpi.edu/node/35932 http://eichll.wix.com/lawrence-eichler http://www.rpi.edu/dept/DFWI/ http://www-03.ibm.com/press/us/en/pressrelease/47219.wss Applicants should send a cover letter, CV, research statement, and a list of 3 references to Dr. Rick Relyea (rel...@rpi.edu) in PDF format. Applications will be reviewed as they arrive. The desired start date is April or May 2016. -- Dr. Rick Relyea Executive Director, Darrin Fresh Water Institute Director of The Jefferson Project David M. Darrin ’40 Senior Endowed Chair Dept. of Biological Sciences, BT2115 Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Troy, NY 12180
[ECOLOG-L] TECHNICIANS in FRESHWATER ECOLOGY at LAKE GEORGE, NY
TECHNICIANS in FRESHWATER ECOLOGY at LAKE GEORGE, NY The Jefferson Project at Lake George (a collaboration between Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute [RPI], IBM, and the FUND for Lake George) is hiring two technicians in the area of freshwater ecology. The Jefferson Project (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0OU9hfyZqU) is an unprecedented endeavor to combine IBM Smart Sensor technology to collect year-round data on large lakes that is being combined with traditional lake monitoring, state-of-the-art modeling, and manipulative experiments to better understand human impacts on freshwater ecosystems. The primary responsibilities of the technicians will be to assist in deploying and maintaining advanced environmental sensors in and around the lake. This includes weather stations, tributary stations, vertical profilers, and current profilers. The technicians will also assist with the analyses of water samples from the lake and surrounding streams. Applicants are required to have a B.S. degree in Biology, Engineering, or related fields. Ideal candidates will also have experience in computing, programming, basic electronics, and driving boats. The technicians will be based at Rensselaer’s field station, the Darrin Fresh Water Institute, on the shores of beautiful Lake George, NY (http://www.rpi.edu/dept/DFWI/index.html). Here they will enjoy working with a tremendous diversity of researchers from Rensselaer and IBM. Applicants can apply at the Rensselaer web site, which contains the official job posting: https://rpijobs.rpi.edu/postings/3271 -- Dr. Rick Relyea Executive Director, Darrin Fresh Water Institute Director of The Jefferson Project David M. Darrin ’40 Senior Endowed Chair Dept. of Biological Sciences, BT2115 Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Troy, NY 12180
[ECOLOG-L] POST-DOC in AQUATIC ECOLOGY
POST-DOC in FRESHWATER ECOLOGY The research group of Dr. Rick Relyea at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) will be hiring a post-doc in the area of freshwater ecology. The research interests of the lab are broad, including disease ecology, ecotoxicology, community ecology, ecosystem ecology, animal behavior, phenotypic plasticity, and predator-prey communication. Systems of interest include wetlands, lakes, and streams. Experimental venues range from lab studies to mesocosms to in situ experiments. For more info, go to: http://relyealab.wix.com/relyea-lab The post-doc will have the opportunity to be a part of “The Jefferson Project,” an exciting and ambitious project to study a large lake (Lake George, NY) with “smart technology.” This is an incredible collaboration of Rensselaer, IBM, and the Fund for Lake George that is intended to serve as a global example for using (and creating) cutting-edge technology for studying freshwater ecosystems. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0OU9hfyZqUlist=PLC5671247BDB6A0B8 Rensselaer has a growing group of aquatic ecologists, superb facilities for aquatic research, and a beautiful field station on Lake George in eastern NY: http://www.rpi.edu/dept/DFWI/ Applicants should send a cover letter, CV, research statement (including potential research projects), and a list of 3 references to Dr. Rick Relyea (rel...@rpi.edu) in pdf format. Applications will be reviewed as they arrive. The desired start date is early to mid April 2015. -- Dr. Rick Relyea Executive Director, Darrin Fresh Water Institute Director of The Jefferson Project David M. Darrin ’40 Senior Endowed Chair Dept. of Biological Sciences, BT2115 Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Troy, NY 12180
[ECOLOG-L] Seeking graduate students in Aquatic Ecology, Evolution, and Ecotoxicology
The lab group of Rick Relyea has recently moved from the University of Pittsburgh to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (http://relyealab.wix.com/relyea-lab) and is seeking Ph.D. students for the coming year to conduct research in the areas of Aquatic Ecology, Evolution, and Ecotoxicology. Research projects in the Relyea Lab are diverse and include a new major endeavor, known as “The Jefferson Project.” The Jefferson Project is an exciting collaboration of Rensselaer, IBM, and the Fund for Lake George to study the ecology of a large lake with an unprecedented level of technology that brings together a wide range of faculty from across the campus including Biology, Environmental Science, Engineering, Computer Science, and the Arts: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0OU9hfyZqU http://news.rpi.edu/content/2014/10/17/jefferson-project-lake-george-reaches-new-milestones For more information, go to: http://relyealab.wix.com/relyea-lab#!graduate-/c1ldx Interested students should contact Rick Relyea at rel...@rpi.edu. Dr. Rick Relyea Executive Director, Darrin Fresh Water Institute Director of The Jefferson Project David M. Darrin ’40 Senior Endowed Chair Dept. of Biological Sciences Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Troy, NY 12180
[ECOLOG-L] Job: Assistant or Associate Professor in Freshwater Ecology at Rensselaer
Job: Assistant or Associate Professor in Freshwater Ecology at Rensselaer I want to call your attention to a really unique faculty opportunity for aquatic ecologists at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). The job ad indicates an application date of May 1, but you can ignore this. The search has been extended to recruit into the fall and to take advantage of our recent growth in aquatic researchers at Rensselaer. This is NOT the official job announcement, which can be found at: http://rpi.edu/dept/bio/documents/BIOL_FAC_AD(March2014).pdf This position is part of Rensselaer’s effort to grow their group of aquatic ecologists and, more broadly, to bring together ecologists with faculty from engineering, computer science, and the humanities and social sciences to tackle very large scale environmental problems. For example, Rensselaer has recently established a partnership with IBM and the FUND for Lake George, known as “The Jefferson Project,” which is a multi-million dollar project that is using an unprecedented array of smart technology to integrate monitoring, modeling, experimentation, simulation, forecasting, and conservation: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uARKFSw4ofc What exactly is a Career Development Chair? The job ad indicates that the position is a Career Development Chair, which is something quite unusual in the field of ecology. For example, a productive assistant professor could transition into being an endowed chair when awarded tenure or an associate professor could transition into an endowed chair after a three-year review. This is another major selling point of this position because the successful candidate has the opportunity to transition into an endowed chair position. Rensselaer also maintains a beautiful field station on Lake George, known as the Darrin Fresh Water Institute (http://www.rpi.edu/dept/DFWI/index.html). At the Institute’s Tech Park property, we are also constructing a new major mesocosm field facility this fall. I have recently made the move to Rensselaer to become an endowed professor and I can tell you that the opportunities to collaborate with biologists and faculty outside of biology are TREMENDOUS! Feel free to contact me for more info. All the best, Rick Relyea David M. Darrin ’40 Senior Endowed Chair Dept. of Biological Sciences Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Email: rel...@rpi.edu
[ECOLOG-L] Job: Assistant or Associate Professor in Freshwater Ecology at Rensselaer
Job: Assistant or Associate Professor in Freshwater Ecology at Rensselaer I want to call attention to a really unique faculty opportunity for aquatic ecologists at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. This is NOT the official job announcement, which can be found at: http://rpi.edu/dept/bio/documents/BIOL_FAC_AD(March2014).pdf This position is part of Rensselaer’s effort to grow their group of aquatic ecologists and, more broadly, to bring together ecologists with faculty from engineering, computer science, and the humanities and social sciences to tackle very large scale environmental problems. For example, Rensselaer has recently established a partnership with IBM and the FUND for Lake George, known as “The Jefferson Project,” which is a multi-million dollar project that is using an unprecedented array of smart technology to integrate monitoring, modeling, experimentation, simulation, forecasting, and conservation: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uARKFSw4ofc A major attraction of this position is that the successful candidate has the opportunity to transition into an endowed chair position (something quite rare at the level of assistant/associate professor). Rensselaer also maintains a beautiful field station on Lake George, known as the Darrin Fresh Water Institute (http://www.rpi.edu/dept/DFWI/index.html). At the Institute’s Tech Park property, we are also constructing a new major mesocosm field facility this fall. I have recently made the move to Rensselaer to become an endowed professor and I can tell you that the opportunities to collaborate with biologists and faculty outside of biology are TREMENDOUS! Feel free to contact me for more info. All the best, Rick Relyea, Ph.D. David M. Darrin ’40 Senior Endowed Chair Dept. of Biological Sciences Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Email: rel...@rpi.edu
[ECOLOG-L] MULTIPLE POST-DOCS in FRESHWATER ECOLOGY
MULTIPLE POST-DOCS in FRESHWATER ECOLOGY The research group of Dr. Rick Relyea is moving to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) and will be hiring multiple post-docs in the area of freshwater ecology. The research interests of the lab are broad, including disease ecology, ecotoxicology, community ecology, ecosystem ecology, animal behavior, phenotypic plasticity, and predator-prey communication. Systems of interest include wetlands, lakes, and streams. Experimental venues range from lab studies to mesocosms to in situ experiments. For more info, go to: http://www.rpi.edu/dept/bio/faculty/profiles/relyea.html http://www.pitt.edu/~relyea/Site/Welcome.html I will also be serving as Rensselaer’s director of “The Jefferson Project,” an exciting and ambitious project to study a large lake (Lake George, NY) with “smart technology.” This is a new collaboration of Rensselaer, IBM, and the Fund for Lake George with substantial resources. Of particular interest in this project is expertise with lake ecosystem function, experimental work in lake-based mesocosms, and food web modeling. For more info, go to: http://youtu.be/uARKFSw4ofc Rensselaer has a growing group of aquatic ecologists, superb facilities for aquatic research, and a beautiful field station on Lake George in eastern NY: http://www.rpi.edu/dept/DFWI/ Applicants should send a cover letter, CV, research statement (including potential research projects), and a list of 3 references to Dr. Rick Relyea (rarel...@gmail.com) in pdf format. The application deadline is September 1. The starting date is flexible. Interested applicants who are attending ESA are welcome to contact me and arrange a time to talk about the opportunities.
[ECOLOG-L] MULTIPLE POST-DOCS in FRESHWATER ECOLOGY
In association with a move from The University of Pittsburgh to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), my research group will be hiring multiple post-docs in the area of freshwater ecology. The research interests of the lab are broad and include disease ecology, ecotoxicology, community ecology, animal behavior, phenotypic plasticity, predator-prey communication, animal mating systems, and sexual selection. Systems of interest include wetlands, lakes, and streams. Experimental venues range from lab studies to mesocosms to in situ experiments. For more info, go to: http://www.biology.pitt.edu/person/rick-relyea http://www.rpi.edu/dept/bio/faculty/profiles/relyea.html I will also be serving as Rensselaer’s director of “The Jefferson Project,” an exciting and ambitious project to study a large lake with “smart technology.” This is a new collaboration of Rensselaer, IBM, and the Fund for Lake George. Of particular interest in this project is expertise with lake ecosystem function, experimental work in lake-based mesocosms, and food web modeling. For more info, go to: http://youtu.be/uARKFSw4ofc Rensselaer has a growing group of aquatic ecologists, superb facilities for aquatic research, and a beautiful field station on Lake George in eastern NY state: http://www.rpi.edu/dept/DFWI/ Applicants should send a cover letter, CV, research statement (including potential research projects), and a list of 3 references to Dr. Rick Relyea (rarel...@gmail.com) in pdf format. Interested applicants who are attending ASIH or ESA are welcome to contact me to arrange a time to talk about the opportunities.
[ECOLOG-L] New paper: Inducible pesticide tolerance in amphibians
Press release: http://www.news.pitt.edu/news/early-exposure-insecticides-gives-amphibians-higher-tolerance-later Open-access article: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10./eva.12083/pdf
[ECOLOG-L] Amphibians Living Close to Farm Fields Are More Resistant to Common Insecticides
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130501132058.htm
[ECOLOG-L] Instructor needed: 3-week summer course in Wildlife Mgmt
INSTRUCTOR 3-WEEK FIELD COURSE IN WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT The University of Pittsburgh's Pymatuning Laboratory of Ecology (PLE) seeks qualified applicants for an instructor for a 3-week undergraduate course in Wildlife Management (July 15 to August 2 , 2013). This position is outside of the tenure stream. This is a field-station course with a large field component to provide an introduction to wildlife management. The course has an expected enrollment of 15 undergraduates and is part of a substantial program of undergraduate education and ecological research at PLE on the beautiful shores of Pymatuning Lake in northwestern Pennsylvania. For more information about PLE, visit our web site (http://www.biology.pitt.edu/facilities/pymatuning). The successful instructor should possess a Ph.D. and an excellent knowledge of wildlife management. The compensation package includes reimbursement for travel to PLE, room and board on the lake, and a 3-week salary of $4,000 to $6,000 (depending on rank, ranging from Assistant to Full Professor). Interested candidates should send a cover letter, cv, and a list of three references (via e-mail) to Dr. Rick Relyea, Director of the Pymatuning Laboratory of Ecology (rel...@pitt.edu). The deadline for applications is 31 March or until the position is filled. The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and members of minority groups under-represented in academia are especially encouraged to apply. - Rick Relyea Professor Director, Pymatuning Laboratory of Ecology Dept. of Biological Sciences University of Pittsburgh 101 Clapp Hall Pittsburgh, PA 15260 (412) 624-4656 http://www.biology.pitt.edu/person/rick-relyea http://www.pitt.edu/~relyea/Site/Welcome.html
[ECOLOG-L] Roundup induces anti-predator morphology in amphibians
March 30, 2012 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: B. Rose Huber [412-624-4356 (office); 412-328-6008 (cell); rhu...@pitt.edu] New Study Is First to Show That Pesticides Can Induce Morphological Changes in Vertebrate Animals, Says Pitt Researcher When exposed to the popular herbicide Roundup®, tadpoles change shape in ways that are normally induced by predators PITTSBURGH The worlds most popular weed killer, Roundup®, can cause amphibians to change shape, according to research published today in Ecological Applications. Rick Relyea, University of Pittsburgh professor of biological sciences in the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences and director of Pitt's Pymatuning Laboratory of Ecology, demonstrated that sublethal and environmentally relevant concentrations of Roundup® caused two species of amphibians to alter their morphology. According to Relyea, this is the first study to show that a pesticide can induce morphological changes in a vertebrate animal. Relyea set up large outdoor water tanks that contained many of the components of natural wetlands. Some tanks contained caged predators, which emit chemicals that naturally induce changes in tadpole morphology (such as larger tails to better escape predators). After adding tadpoles to each tank, he exposed them to a range of Roundup® concentrations. After 3 weeks, the tadpoles were removed from the tanks. It was not surprising to see that the smell of predators in the water induced larger tadpole tails, says Relyea. That is a normal, adaptive response. What shocked us was that the Roundup® induced the same changes. Moreover, the combination of predators and Roundup® caused the tail changes to be twice as large. Because tadpoles alter their body shape to match their environment, having a body shape that does not fit the environment can put the animals at a distinct disadvantage. Predators cause tadpoles to change shape by altering the stress hormones of tadpoles, says Relyea. The similar shape changes when exposed to Roundup® suggest that Roundup® may interfere with the hormones of tadpoles and potentially many other animals. This discovery highlights the fact that pesticides, which are important for crop production and human health, can have unintended consequences for species that are not the pesticides target, says Relyea. Herbicides are not designed to affect animals, but we are learning that they can have a wide range of surprising effects by altering how hormones work in the bodies of animals. This is important because amphibians not only serve as a barometer of the ecosystems health, but also as an indicator of potential dangers to other species in the food chain, including humans. For two decades, Relyea has studied community ecology, evolution, disease ecology, and ecotoxicology. He has authored more than 80 scientific articles and book chapters and has presented research seminars around the world. For more information about his laboratory, visit www.pitt.edu/~relyea/. Relyea's research was funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation. ### 3/30/12/mab/lks/jdh
[ECOLOG-L] INSTRUCTOR: 3-WK FIELD COURSE IN WETLAND ECOLOGY
INSTRUCTOR 3-WK FIELD COURSE IN WETLAND ECOLOGY The University of Pittsburgh's Pymatuning Laboratory of Ecology (PLE) seeks qualified applicants for an instructor for a 3-week undergraduate course in Wetland Ecology (May 14 to June 1, 2012). This position is outside of the tenure stream. This is a field-station course with a large field component to provide an introduction to wetlands. The course has an expected enrollment of 20-30 undergraduates and is part of a substantial program of undergraduate education and ecological research at PLE on the beautiful shores of Pymatuning Lake in northwestern Pennsylvania. For more information about PLE, visit our web site (https://biology.secure.pitt.edu/facilities/pymatuning). The successful instructor should possess a Ph.D. and an excellent knowledge of wetland ecology. The compensation package includes reimbursement for travel to PLE, room and board on the lake, and a 3-week salary of $4,000 to $6,000 (depending on rank, ranging from Post-doc to Full Professor). Interested candidates should send a cover letter, cv, and a list of three references (via e-mail) to Dr. Rick Relyea, Director of the Pymatuning Laboratory of Ecology (rel...@pitt.edu). The deadline for applications is 15 January or until the position is filled. The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and members of minority groups under-represented in academia are especially encouraged to apply. - Rick Relyea Professor Director, Pymatuning Laboratory of Ecology Dept. of Biological Sciences University of Pittsburgh 101 Clapp Hall Pittsburgh, PA 15260 (412) 624-4656 http://www.biology.pitt.edu/person/rick-relyea http://www.pitt.edu/~relyea/Site/Welcome.html
[ECOLOG-L] SUMMER INSTRUCTOR 3-WEEK FIELD COURSE IN WETLAND ECOLOGY
INSTRUCTOR 3-WK FIELD COURSE IN WETLAND ECOLOGY The University of Pittsburgh's Pymatuning Laboratory of Ecology (PLE) seeks qualified applicants for an instructor for a 3-week undergraduate course in Wetland Ecology (June 20 to July 8 , 2011). This position is outside of the tenure stream. This is a field-station course with a large field component to provide an introduction to wetlands. The course has an expected enrollment of 20-30 undergraduates and is part of a substantial program of undergraduate education and ecological research on the beautiful shores of Pymatuning Lake in northwestern Pennsylvania. For more information about PLE, visit our web site (www.pitt.edu/~biology/pymatuning.htm). The successful instructor should possess a Ph.D. and an excellent knowledge of wetland ecology. The compensation package includes reimbursement for travel to PLE, room and board in a modern cabin on the lake, and a 3-week salary of $4,000 to $6,000 (depending on rank, ranging from Post-doc to Full Professor). Interested candidates should send a cover letter, cv, and a list of three references (via e-mail) to Dr. Rick Relyea, Director of the Pymatuning Laboratory of Ecology (rel...@pitt.edu). Applications will be reviewed immediately and until the position is filled. The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and members of minority groups under-represented in academia are especially encouraged to apply.
[ECOLOG-L] SUMMER INSTRUCTOR 3-WEEK FIELD COURSE IN WETLAND ECOLOGY
INSTRUCTOR 3-WK FIELD COURSE IN WETLAND ECOLOGY The University of Pittsburgh's Pymatuning Laboratory of Ecology (PLE) seeks qualified applicants for an instructor for a 3-week undergraduate course in Wetland Ecology (June 20 to July 8 , 2011). This position is outside of the tenure stream. This is a field-station course with a large field component to provide an introduction to wetlands. The course has an expected enrollment of 20-30 undergraduates and is part of a substantial program of undergraduate education and ecological research at PLE on the beautiful shores of Pymatuning Lake in northwestern Pennsylvania. For more information about PLE, visit our web site (www.pitt.edu/~biology/pymatuning.htm). The successful instructor should possess a Ph.D. and an excellent knowledge of wetland ecology. The compensation package includes reimbursement for travel to PLE, room and board in a modern cabin on the lake, and a 3-week salary of $4,000 to $6,000 (depending on rank, ranging from Post-doc to Full Professor). Interested candidates should send a cover letter, cv, and a list of three references (via e-mail) to Dr. Rick Relyea, Director of the Pymatuning Laboratory of Ecology (rel...@pitt.edu). The deadline for applications is 15 December or until the position is filled. The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and members of minority groups under-represented in academia are especially encouraged to apply.
[ECOLOG-L] Pesticide press release
August 12, 2009 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Morgan Kelly [412-624-4356 (office); 412-897-1400 (cell); meke...@pitt.edu] Pitt Research Suggests EPA Standard for Pesticide Safety Overlooks Poisons Long-term Effects Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry article reports lag effect, revealing that harmful effects can remain hidden until after EPAs four-day direct exposure test PITTSBURGHThe four-day testing period the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) commonly uses to determine safe levels of pesticide exposure for humans and animals could fail to account for the toxins long-term effects, University of Pittsburgh researchers report in the September edition of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. The team found that the highly toxic pesticide endosulfana neurotoxin banned in several nations but still used extensively in U.S. agriculturecan exhibit a lag effect with the fallout from exposure not surfacing until after direct contact has ended. Lead author Devin Jones, a recent Pitt biological sciences graduate, conducted the experiment under Rick Relyea, an associate professor of biological sciences in Pitts School of Arts and Sciences, with collaboration from Pitt post-doctoral researcher John Hammond. The paper is available on Pitts Web site at http://www.pitt.edu/news2009/Endosulfan.pdf The team exposed nine species of frog and toad tadpoles to endosulfan levels expected and found in nature for the EPAs required four-day period, then moved the tadpoles to clean water for an additional four days, Jones reported. Although endosulfan was ultimately toxic to all species, three species of tadpole showed no significant sensitivity to the chemical until after they were transferred to fresh water. Within four days of being moved, up to 97 percent of leopard frog tadpoles perished along with up to 50 percent of spring peeper and American toad tadpoles. Of most concern, explained Relyea, is that tadpoles and other amphibians are famously sensitive to pollutants and considered an environmental indicator species. The EPA does not require testing on amphibians to determine pesticide safety, but Relyea previously found that endosulfan is 1,000-times more lethal to amphibians than other pesticides. Yet, he said, if the powerful insecticide cannot kill one the worlds most susceptible species in four days, then the four-day test period may not adequately gauge the long-term effects on larger, less-sensitive species. When a pesticides toxic effect takes more than four days to appear, it raises serious concerns about making regulatory decisions based on standard four-day tests for any organism, Relyea said. For most pesticides, we assume that animals will die during the period of exposure, but we do not expect substantial death after the exposure has ended. Even if EPA regulations required testing on amphibians, our research demonstrates that the standard four-day toxicity test would have dramatically underestimated the lethal impact of endosulfan on even this notably sensitive species. Andrew Blaustein, a professor in Oregon State Universitys nationally ranked Department of Zoology, who is familiar with the Pitt study, said the results raise concerns about standards for other chemicals and the delayed dangers that might be overlooked. Some of the frog eggs the Pitt team used had been collected by Blausteins students for an earlier unrelated experiment, but he had no direct role in the current research. The results are somewhat alarming because standards for assessing the impacts of contaminants are usually based on short-term studies that may be insufficient in revealing the true impact, Blaustein said. The implications of this study go beyond a single pesticide and its effect on amphibians. Many other animals and humans may indeed be affected similarly. Tadpoles in the Pitt project spent four days in 0.5 liters of water containing endosulfan concentrations of 2, 6, 7, 35, 60, and 296 parts-per-billion (ppb), levels consistent with those found in nature. The team cites estimates from Australiawhere endosulfan is widely usedthat the pesticide can reach 700 ppb when sprayed as close as 10 meters from the ponds amphibians typically call home and 4 ppb when sprayed within 200 meters. The EPA estimates that surface drinking water can have chronic endosulfan levels of 0.5 to 1.5 ppb and acute concentrations of 4.5 to 23.9 ppb. Leopard frogs, spring peepers, and American toads fared well during the experiments first four days, but once they were in clean water, the death rate spiked for animals previously exposed to 35 and 60 ppb. Although the other six species did not experience the lag effect, the initial doses of endosulfan were still devastating at very low concentrations. Grey and Pacific tree frogs, Western toads, and Cascades frogs began dying in large numbers from doses as low as 7 ppb, while the same amount killed all green frog and bullfrog tadpoles
[ECOLOG-L] Instructor - Wetland ecology field course
INSTRUCTOR NEEDED 3-WK FIELD COURSE IN WETLAND ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT The University of Pittsburgh's Pymatuning Laboratory of Ecology (PLE) seeks qualified applicants for an instructor for a 3-week undergraduate course in Wetland Ecology and Management (May 11-29, 2008). This position is outside of the tenure stream. This is a field course with a large field component to provide an understanding of the physical, chemical, and biological processes that occur within and around wetlands and how these processes relate to the management of wetland systems for wildlife. The course has an expected enrollment of 20-30 undergraduates and is part of a substantial program of undergraduate education and ecological research at PLE on the beautiful shores of Pymatuning Lake in northwestern Pennsylvania. For more information about PLE, visit our web site (www.pitt.edu/~biology/pymatuning.htm). The successful instructor should possess a Ph.D. and an excellent knowledge of wetlands. The compensation package includes reimbursement for travel to PLE, room and board in a cabin on the lake, and a 3-week salary of $4,000 to $6,000 (depending on rank, ranging from Post-doc to Full Professor). Interested candidates should send their cv and a list of three references (via e-mail) to Dr. Rick Relyea, Director of the Pymatuning Laboratory of Ecology ([EMAIL PROTECTED]). The deadline for applications is 30 November or until the position is filled. The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and members of minority groups under-represented in academia are especially encouraged to apply.
[ECOLOG-L] Insecticide Decimates Tadpole Populations Through the Food Chain
September 29, 2008 Contact: Morgan Kelly [412-624-4356 (office); 412-897-1400 (cell); [EMAIL PROTECTED] Pitt Research Shows That Low Concentrations of Common Insecticide Can Decimate Tadpole Populations Through the Food Chain Insecticide malathion initiates chain reaction that deprives tadpoles of food source, indirectly killing them at doses too small to kill them directly PITTSBURGHThe latest findings of a University of Pittsburgh-based project to determine the environmental impact of routine pesticide use suggests that malathionthe most popular insecticide in the United Statescan decimate tadpole populations by altering their food chain, according to research published in the Oct. 1 edition of Ecological Applications. Gradual amounts of malathion that were too small to directly kill developing leopard frog tadpoles instead sparked a biological chain of events that deprived them of their primary food source. As a result, nearly half the tadpoles in the experiment did not reach maturity and would have died in nature. The research was funded by a National Science Foundation grant. The results build on a nine-year effort by study author Rick Relyea, an associate professor of biological sciences in Pitts School of Arts and Sciences, to investigate whether there is a link between pesticides and the global decline in amphibians, which are considered an environmental indicator species because of their sensitivity to pollutants. Their deaths may foreshadow the poisoning of other, less environmentally sensitive speciesincluding humans. Relyea published papers in 2005 in Ecological Applications suggesting that the popular weed-killer Roundup® is extremely lethal to amphibians in concentrations found in the environment. For his current research, Relyea and the studys coauthor, Pitt alumnus Nicole Diecks (CGS 05), created simulated ponds from 300-gallon outdoor tanks containing wood frog and leopard frog tadpoles. They exposed the ponds to no malathion, moderate concentrations in a single dose, or low concentrations in weekly doses that mirror the levels tadpoles experience in nature. Malathion is commonly used worldwide to thwart crop pests and control mosquitoes that carry malaria and West Nile virus. It has been detected in the wetlands where frogs and other amphibians live. The doses of malathion in the simulated ponds were too low to directly kill the amphibians, but instead wiped out tiny animals known as zooplankton that eat algae that float in the water. With few zooplankton remaining, the algae, known as phytoplankton, grew rapidly and prevented sunlight from reaching the bottom-dwelling algae, or periphyton, which tadpoles eat. This chain of events occurred over a period of several weeks. The wood frog tadpoles, which mature quickly, were largely unaffected. Leopard frog tadpoles, on the other hand, require more time to develop into frogs and experienced slower growth as a result of the reduced amount of periphyton. Ultimately, 43 percent of the leopard frog tadpoles did not mature as a result of the repeated application of malathion at very low concentrations. Relyea reported that the multiple low doses were a greater detriment than the single dose, which had a concentration 25-times higher than the multiple applications combined. The single doses also wiped out the zooplankton, but they eventually recovered and the pond reverted back to its original state. The repeated doses prevented the zooplankton from recovering. The chain of events caused by malathion deprived a large fraction of the leopard frog tadpoles of the nutrients they needed to metamorphose into adult frogs, Relyea said. Repeated applications sustained that disruption of the tadpoles food supply. So, even concentrations that cannot directly kill tadpoles can indirectly kill them in large numbers. The research results should apply to several other insecticides that are highly lethal to zooplankton, including carbaryl, diazinon, endosulfan, esfenvalerate, and pyridaben, Relyea said. All of these chemicals are toxic to humans as well and are commonly used in the United States, although some are banned in other countries. The effect of insecticides and other pesticides on amphibians are not widely known because current regulations from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency do not require amphibian testing. The EPA also relies on single-species tests to assess a pesticides risk and does not account for potential indirect repercussions. The indirect impacts on the amphibians observed in this study could not be observed in traditional, single-species tests, Relyea said. These results demonstrate that we need to take a much broader view of the consequences pesticides might have in our world. Leopard and wood frogs naturally range across North America, including Pennsylvania and the Northeastern United States. Once plentiful, leopard frogs have declined in recent years. The journal Ecological
[ECOLOG-L] REU - Pesticide effects on aquatic communities
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE FOR UNDERGRADUATES: THE EFFECTS OF PESTICIDES ON AMPHIBIANS AND AQUATIC COMMUNITIES The laboratory of Dr. Rick Relyea at the University of Pittsburgh has an NSF-funded research opportunity for an undergraduate student interested in the effects of pesticides on aquatic communities. The successful candidate will conduct independent research with the ultimate goal of publishing the work. Previous undergraduate students have published their work in the world's leading ecological journals including Ecology, Ecology Letters, Ecological Applications, and Oecologia. Students will be trained in all aspects of conducting ecological research as part of a diverse research team that examines the ecology and evolution of aquatic organisms. The experience will include collecting animals from ponds, swamps, and marshes and conducting both laboratory experiments and outdoor field experiments. The research experience occurs from early May through early August (12 weeks) at the University's research station in northwest Pennsylvania (http://www.pitt.edu/~biology/pymatuning.htm). The student will attend weekly evening seminars and socialize with other undergraduate students, graduate students, and faculty from around the country. During this time, the student will be paid $9/hour and enjoy free housing on the beautiful shores of Pymatuning Lake in northwestern PA. There also are funds available for research supplies and travel to nearby field sites (having a vehicle is required). Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and enrolled as undergraduate students (graduating seniors are not eligible). Minority applicants are especially encouraged. Interested students should send a resume, two letters of reference, and a brief cover letter detailing their interests in this research opportunity to Dr. Rick Relyea at [EMAIL PROTECTED] All applications should be submitted by 1 April 2008. For more information about the Relyea Lab, check out: http://www.pitt.edu/~relyea/ ** Dr. Rick Relyea Associate Professor Director, Pymatuning Laboratory of Ecology 101 Clapp Hall Dept. of Biological Sciences University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh, PA 15260 412-624-4656
INSTRUCTOR: 3-WK FIELD COURSE IN WETLAND ECOLOGY
INSTRUCTOR NEEDED 3-WK FIELD COURSE IN WETLAND ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT The University of Pittsburgh=92s Pymatuning Laboratory of Ecology (PLE) =20= seeks qualified applicants for an instructor for a 3-week =20 undergraduate course in Wetland Ecology and Management beginning 12 =20 May 2008 (this position is outside of the tenure stream). This is a =20 field course with a large field component to provide an understanding =20= of the physical, chemical, and biological processes that occur within =20= and around wetlands and how these processes relate to the management =20 of wetland systems for wildlife The course has an expected =20 enrollment of 10-20 undergraduates and is part of a substantial =20 program of undergraduate education and ecological research at PLE on =20 the beautiful shores of Pymatuning Lake in northwestern =20 Pennsylvania. For more information about PLE, visit our web site =20 (www.pitt.edu/~biology/pymatuning.htm). The successful instructor should possess a Ph.D. and an excellent =20 knowledge of wetlands. The compensation package includes =20 reimbursement for travel to PLE, room and board in a cabin on the =20 lake, and a 3-week salary of $4,000 to $6,000 (depending on rank, =20 ranging from Post-doc to Full Professor). Interested candidates =20 should send their cv and a list of three references (via e-mail) to =20 Dr. Rick Relyea, Director of the Pymatuning Laboratory of Ecology =20 ([EMAIL PROTECTED]). The deadline for applications is 28 February or =20 until the position is filled. The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action, Equal =20 Opportunity Employer. Women and members of minority groups under-=20 represented in academia are especially encouraged to apply.=20 =20=
[no subject]
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE FOR UNDERGRADUATES: THE EFFECTS OF PESTICIDES ON AMPHIBIANS AND AQUATIC COMMUNITIES The Ecology and Evolution Program in the Department of Biological =20 Sciences at The University of Pittsburgh has an NSF-funded research =20 opportunity for an undergraduate student interested in the effects of =20= pesticides on aquatic communities. The successful candidate will conduct independent research with the =20 ultimate goal of publishing the work. Previous students have =20 published their work in the world=92s leading ecological journals =20 including Ecology, Ecology Letters, and Oecologia. Students will be =20 trained in all aspects of conducting ecological research as part of a =20= diverse research team that examines the ecology and evolution of =20 aquatic organisms. The experience will include collecting animals =20 from ponds, swamps, and marshes and conducting both laboratory =20 experiments and outdoor field experiments. The research experience occurs from early May through early August =20 (12 weeks) at the University=92s research station in northwest =20 Pennsylvania (http://www.pitt.edu/~biohome/Dept/Frame/=20 pymatuninglabs.htm). The student will attend weekly evening seminars =20= and socialize with other undergraduate students, graduate students, =20 and faculty from around the country. During this time, the student =20 will be paid $10/hour and enjoy free housing on the beautiful shores =20 of Pymatuning Lake in northwestern PA. There also are funds =20 available for research supplies and travel to nearby field sites =20 (having a vehicle is required). Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and enrolled =20 as undergraduate students (graduating seniors are not eligible). =20 Minority applicants are especially encouraged. Interested students should send a resume, a list of references, and a =20= brief cover letter detailing their interests in this research =20 opportunity to Dr. Rick Relyea at [EMAIL PROTECTED] For more =20 information about the Relyea Lab, check out: http://www.pitt.edu/=20 ~relyea/ =20=
Research Experience for Undergraduates
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE FOR UNDERGRADUATES: THE IMPACTS OF PESTICIDES ON AMPHIBIANS AND AQUATIC COMMUNITIES The Ecology and Evolution Program in the Department of Biological Sciences at The University of Pittsburgh has an NSF-funded research opportunity for an undergraduate student interested in the effects of pesticides on aquatic communities. The successful candidate will be trained in all aspects of conducting ecological research as part of a diverse research team that examines the ecology and evolution of aquatic organisms. The experience will include collecting animals from ponds, swamps, and marshes, conducting laboratory experiments and outdoor field experiments, and the opportunity to conduct independent research with the ultimate goal of publishing the work. Previous students have published their work in leading journals including Ecology, Ecology Letters, and Oecologia. The research experience occurs from early May through mid-August (12 weeks) at the Universitys research station (http://www.pitt.edu/~biohome/Dept/Frame/pymatuninglabs.htm). The student will attend weekly evening seminars and socialize with other undergraduate students, graduate students, and faculty from around the country. During this time, the student will be paid $320 per week and enjoy free housing on the beautiful shores of Pymatuning Lake in northwestern PA. There also are funds available for research supplies and travel to nearby field sites (having your own vehicle would be very useful). Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and enrolled as undergraduate students (graduating seniors are not eligible). Minority applicants are especially encouraged. Interested students should send a cv (i.e. resume), a list of references, and a brief cover letter detailing their interests in this research opportunity to Dr. Rick Relyea at [EMAIL PROTECTED] For more information about the Relyea Lab, check out: http://www.pitt.edu/~relyea/
