Phylogenetics summer of code

PHYLOINFORMATICS SUMMER OF CODE 2011

http://informatics.nescent.org/wiki/Phyloinformatics_Summer_of_Code_2011

The Phyloinformatics Summer of Code program provides a unique opportunity for undergraduate, masters, and PhD students to obtain hands-on experience writing and extending open-source software for evolutionary informatics under the mentorship of experienced developers from around the world. The program is the participation of the US National Evolutionary Synthesis Center (NESCent) as a mentoring organization in the Google Summer of Code(tm) (http://code.google.com/soc/). EEB faculty member Brian O'Meara is one of the mentors of this program.

Students in the program will receive a stipend from Google (and possibly more importantly, a T-shirt solely available to successful participants), and may work from their home, or home institution, for the duration of the 3 month program. Each student will have at least one dedicated mentor to show them the ropes and help them complete their project.

NESCent is particularly targeting students interested in both evolutionary biology and software development. Initial project ideas are listed on the website. These range from visualizing viral epidemics to 3D protein structure evolution, rich annotation for TreeBASE content, exposing phenotype observations to the Encyclopedia of Life, to enhancing R packages for phylogenetic analysis. All project ideas are flexible and many can be adjusted in scope to match the skills of the student. We also welcome novel project ideas that dovetail with student interests.

TO APPLY: Apply online at the Google Summer of Code website (http://socghop.appspot.com/), where you will also find GSoC program rules and eligibility requirements. Each organization has a slightly different application format, and ours is at http://bit.ly/PhyloSoC2011-apptemplate. The 12-day application period for students opens on Monday, March 28th, and runs through Friday, April 8th, 2011.

INQUIRIES: phylosoc {at} nescent {dot} org. We strongly encourage all interested students to get in touch with us with their ideas as early on as possible. Working closely with potential mentors to develop your project proposal greatly increases your chance for acceptance. Do not underestimate the amount of time it takes to develop a competitive proposal.

2011 NESCent Phyloinformatics Summer of Code:
http://informatics.nescent.org/wiki/Phyloinformatics_Summer_of_Code_2011

Google Summer of Code FAQ:
http://socghop.appspot.com/document/show/gsoc_program/google/gsoc2011/faqs

Summer research in Tucson, AZ

SUMMER RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES FOR UNDERGRADUATES IN TUCSON, ARIZONA

Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) is an NSF-sponsored program that provides undergraduates a summer stipend to conduct independent research projects in conjunction with NSF funded projects under the mentorship of the project’s senior investigators.

Who is eligible? Students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled in an undergraduate degree program. Members of underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply.

What is expected? Students will develop an independent research project in conjunction with an ongoing collaborative research project at the University of Arizona conducted by Dr. Steve Archer and Dr. David Breshears. Students will summarize their findings in a written report and present their research in an oral or poster presentation during the Fall Semester of 2011.

What is the starting date? Flexible, but mid-May 2011 is preferred.

How much is the stipend? Up to $6,000 or $500 per week.

How do I apply? go to http://ag.arizona.edu/research/archer/

When is the application deadline? March 15, 2011 or until suitable candidate found.

What is the research about? Decomposition, the breakdown of dead plant and animal material, is a fundamental process that cycles nutrients and carbon through ecosystems. Most of what is known about decomposition comes from studies in high rainfall areas, but this knowledge does not translate well to dryland ecosystems. Decomposition affects long- term soil fertility and carbon storage and therefore plays an important part in determining the role of drylands in the global carbon cycle. Recent studies suggest that ultra-violet radiation and mixing of eroded soils with litter are important drivers influencing dryland decomposition. Our research tests the importance of these drivers. We hypothesize that the formation of this soil-litter matrix is determined by wind and water erosion and that once it develops the role of ultra-violet radiation is mediated. REU students will interact with collaborators at New Mexico State University (Dr. Heather Throop), Loyola University (Dr. Paul Barnes) and the University of Kentucky (Dr. Rebecca McCulley).

For more information visit our website: http://www.snr.arizona.edu/project/decomposition

Faculty Position in Community Evolution, George Washington U

Faculty Position in Community Evolution
Department of Biological Sciences,
The George Washington University

The Department of Biological Sciences of the George Washington University
is accepting applications for a tenure-track faculty member at the rank
Assistant Professor with expertise in the field of Community Ecology.
We are searching broadly for candidates who study the ecological and
evolutionary factors structuring communities, including anthropogenic
factors such as invasive species, pollution, fragmentation, or climate
change. Research interests could encompass terrestrial, freshwater, or
marine communities or investigations of urban ecology using a community
approach. Teaching responsibilities would include an undergraduate course
in global ecology and a graduate course in his or her area of expertise.
The successful candidate will carry out research capable of attracting
external grants and help us build a program with a strong environmental
biology or ecological research focus. Basic Qualifications: a Ph.D. in
an appropriate discipline, postdoctoral experience, ability to teach
global ecology, and accomplishments in biological research in community
ecology demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Application Procedure: to be considered please send electronically a
complete curriculum vitae, brief descriptions of teaching and research
plans, three publications, and the names and contact information for
three references to John Lill at GWecosearch@gmail.com

Only complete applications will be considered. Review of Applications
will begin on March 13, 2011, and will continue until the position
is filled.

The George Washington University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative
Action Employer. The University Search Committee seeks to attract an
active, culturally and academically diverse faculty of the highest
caliber.

Faculty Position in Bioinformatics, Northern Arizona University

Faculty Position in Bioinformatics, Northern Arizona University

The College of Engineering, Forestry and Natural Sciences invites
applications for a tenure track position in the area of Bioinformatics
at either the assistant or associate level, to begin August 2011.
Although outstanding candidates from all areas of Bioinformatics will be
considered, we are particularly interested in committed educators with
strong practical experience in bioinformatics software development and
application. The successful candidate will be expected to play a
leadership role in the development of an undergraduate training program
in bioinformatics, requiring a solid combination of technical, program
development, communication, and leadership skills. Candidates must be
particularly committed to undergraduate education, and must be able to
teach core software development courses in a Bioinformatics program, as
well as upper-division and graduate courses in their specialty area.
Candidates must also have a strong commitment to developing a scholarly
record in either Bioinformatics or related pedagogy.

The position requires an earned doctorate in Computer Science or a
Biological Science for either the assistant or associate level.
Additionally, for the associate level candidates will be required to
have teaching, research and service experience consistent with COFS
guidelines for promotion to Associate Professor. Please see
http://home.nau.edu/provost/ for more information on COFS guidelines.

Preferred qualifications include:

For appointment at rank of Assistant Professor:
• Demonstrated skill in applied software development and application,
particularly in the bioinformatics area.
• Demonstrated skill in pedagogy and undergraduate education.
• Demonstrated skill teaching core courses in Computer Science, Biology
or Biochemistry.
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated administrative and program management skills.
• Candidates with a demonstrated commitment supportive of the
multicultural needs of Northern Arizona University and the surrounding
area are strongly desired.

For appointment at rank of Associate Professor:
• The preferred qualifications for the Assistant rank, AND;
• Strong scholarly or industry record in bioinformatics or related pedagogy.
• Direct experience in design, deployment, and development of new
academic programs, particular in the bioinformatics area.

Northern Arizona University has a student population of about 25,000 at
its main campus in Flagstaff and at about 30 sites across the state.
Committed to a diverse and civil working and learning environment, NAU
has earned a solid reputation as a university with all the features of a
large institution but with a personal touch, with a faculty and staff
dedicated to each student’s success.

While our emphasis is undergraduate education, we offer a wide range of
graduate programs and research. Our institution has carefully integrated
on-campus education with distance learning, forming seamless avenues for
students to earn degrees.

Flagstaff has a population of about 62,000, rich in cultural diversity.
Located at the base of the majestic San Francisco Peaks, Flagstaff is
140 miles north of Phoenix at intersection of Interstate 17 and
Interstate 40.

The Bioinformatics position described here is inherently
interdisciplinary in nature, spanning the departments of Electrical
Engineering and Computer Science, Chemistry, and Biological Sciences,
all of which are housed in the College of Engineering, Forestry, and
Natural Sciences. NAU has a strong history of dedication to
undergraduate education, with graduate degrees offered in selected
fields, including a doctoral program in Biology, and Masters and Masters
of Engineering programs in Chemistry and Computer Science, respectively.

To apply, send: (1) a cover letter highlighting your particular
qualifications for this position; (2) a curriculum vitae; and (3) names
and contact information for three references, to: Dr. Eck Doerry,
BioInformatics Search Committee Chair, Box 4073 MGEN, Northern Arizona
University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011-5600. Only complete application packets
sent in hardcopy to this address will be reviewed.

The search will remain open until the position is filled or closed;
however, the screening committee will begin reviewing applications on
February 28, 2011.

NAU is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is
responsive to the needs of dual-career couples. We are committed to a
diverse faculty and specifically seek individuals supportive of the
multicultural needs of Northern Arizona University and the surrounding
area. Minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities are
encouraged to apply. Please see http://www.cefns.nau.edu/ for further
information about the college, NAU or the Flagstaff area.

Assistant/Associate Prof. of Wildlife Ecology

Assistant or Associate Professor of Wildlife Ecology
Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) University of Florida Gainesville, Florida
Salary commensurate with Qualifications and Experience
Review of application materials will begin on March 11, 2011.

Position will open until a viable applicant pool is determined.

Duties and Responsibilities: This is a 12-month, full-time, tenure-accruing position that will be 70% research (Florida Agricultural Experiment Station), 20% extension (Florida Cooperative Extension Service) and 10% administration in the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, at the University of Florida. The successful candidate will develop internationally recognized research and extension programs addressing large-scale ecological questions broadly consistent with the goals of the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON; http://www.neoninc.org) program. The Ordway Swisher Biological Station is a research, teaching, and extension facility of the University of Florida (http://ordway-swisher.ufl.edu).

NSF REU program at La Selva Biological Station

Seeking exceptional students for the NSF REU program at La Selva Biological Station

Note: January 31st deadline for application to the NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates program (June 12 - August 5)!

This program offers students an exceptional opportunity to conduct an independent field research project in tropical ecology under the one-on-one mentorship of an experienced tropical biologist. During 8 weeks in residence at the La Selva Biological Station in the lowland rainforest of Costa Rica, a multicultural group of American and Costa Rican undergraduates will learn to design, implement, and report their own research projects, interact with dozens of internationally respected researchers and attend their seminars, and participate in valuable workshops on field techniques, research ethics, and statistics.

In the interest of providing unique opportunities for a diverse cohort of exceptional students, undergraduates that are from underrepresented backgrounds, non-R1 schools, and OTS consortium schools are highly encouraged to apply. Ideal applicants will have had 2 upper-level biology courses and can demonstrate a strong interest in conducting biological research in the tropics. Student expenses are covered and students will receive a stipend.

Information about the program, including the potential project ideas and mentors for the 2011 program are available at: http://www.ots.ac.cr/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=317&Itemid=468

Should you have any questions please contact the OTS Undergraduate Program Assistant (kattia.mendez@ots.ac.cr) or the OTS/NSF REU Coordinator (stynoski@gmail.com).

2011 GCRL Summer Field Program - Applications being accepted!

The Gulf Coast Research Lab 2011 Summer Field Program offers students an opportunity to earn college credit during four sessions from May through August. Classroom sessions take place on the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory's 50-acre waterfront campus. Field work is done on the Gulf of Mexico, Mississippi's barrier islands, Mississippi Sound, and adjacent coastal waters. More information is in the poster below and at their website.

Assistant Naturalists at the Highland Nature Center

Assistant Naturalists
Wage: $8.50/hour, group housing, and possible college internship credit.
Hours: Seasonal full-time (40 hours per week, no overtime available, Saturdays and some evenings required). Position dates are May 17 - August 20, but some flexibility may be possible.

Description: Two Assistant Naturalists help with daily operations of the Highlands Nature Center. Primary duties include working with the public to interpret the natural history of the southern Appalachians and related Nature Center exhibits, answering questions about local natural areas and recreational opportunities, actively developing and teaching several environmentally-based educational programs for both children and adults, and serving as co-counselor for a series of Nature Day Camps for children ages 4 to 14. Staff will also assist with the implementation of weekly special evening programs for the public. Work also involves the feeding, cleaning, general care, and interpretation of live animal exhibits (mainly reptiles and amphibians). Other general duties are also the responsibility of all Nature Center staff and include word processing; maintaining program schedules; participant registration; handling money; cleaning and maintaining exhibits, bathrooms, and animal enclosures on a daily basis; empty trash and recycling bins; care of live plants; etc. Summer staff may also be occasionally asked to assist other Station employees in the office, library, or Botanical Garden. These jobs may include heavy lifting (no more than 50 lbs.). Assistant Naturalists work a 40-hour week, but the schedule will require flexibility including weekend and some evening work.

Qualifications: Applicants should be majors (or recent graduates) in biology, zoology, botany, environmental science, science education, outdoor recreation, or other related fields. Proficiency in dealing with the public is a must. Ideal candidates should have experience working with children, familiarity with (or enthusiasm to learn) a variety of environmental education activities such as Project WILD, and experience caring for animals. A basic knowledge of the flora and fauna of the southern Appalachians is also desirable. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and have a valid driver’s license, and must be in good physical condition to lead hikes. Willingness to work a flexible schedule is a must. Non-smokers are preferred.

To apply: A State of North Carolina job application (PD107) MUST be completed (available on website). Send application, cover letter, and a list of 3 references to Patrick Brannon, Highlands Biological Station, 265 N. Sixth Street, Highlands NC 28741. Applications must be received by March 30, 2011. For more information, please call 828-526-2623 or visit www.wcu.edu/hbs.