Graduate Students: Apply Now for the Emerging Public Policy Leadership Award
Applications are now being accepted for the 2012 Emerging Public Policy Leadership Award (EPPLA). This award, presented by the American Institute of Biological Sciences, recognizes graduate students in the biological sciences who have demonstrated initiative and leadership in science policy. EPPLA recipients receive first-hand experience at the interface of science and public policy.
EPPLA winners receive:
- A trip to Washington, DC, to participate in the Biological and Ecological Sciences Coalition (BESC) Congressional Visits Day, an annual event that brings scientists to the nation's capital to advocate for federal investments in the biological sciences, with a primary focus on the National Science Foundation. The 2012 event will last for two days and will be held on 28-29 March 2012. Domestic travel and hotel expenses will be paid for the winners.
- Policy and communications training, and information on federal science budgets and the legislative process.
- Meetings with Congressional policymakers to discuss the importance of federal investments in the biological sciences.
- A 1-year AIBS membership, including a subscription to the journal BioScience and a copy of "Communicating Science: A Primer for Working with the Media."
- A certificate and membership in the EPPLA alumni network.
Application Process and Requirements:
The 2012 award is open to U.S. citizens enrolled in a graduate degree program in the biological sciences, science education, or closely allied field. Applicants should have a demonstrated interest in and commitment to science policy and/or science education policy. Prior EPPLA winners and AIBS science policy interns/fellows are not eligible.
To apply:
Send a cover letter, statement, resume, and letter of reference to this email address no later than 5:00 PM Eastern Time on Friday, 20 January 2012. The subject line of the e-mail must include "EPPLA 2012" and the applicant's name. All documents should be included as attachments, with each file named as name_document (e.g., Sarah_Smith_Resume). A single PDF document is recommended.
- Cover letter: Describe your interest in science policy and how participation in the Congressional Visits Day will further your career goals. Confirm your ability to travel to Washington, DC, to participate in meetings.
- Statement: In 500 words or less, articulate the importance of federal investments in fundamental biological sciences research, such as that supported by the National Science Foundation. A successful statement will communicate to a non-scientist the benefits of biological research to the United States and draw upon the applicant's experiences and research. The statement may reference local issues and concerns that may be of interest to your Congressional delegation.
- Resume (1 page limit): The resume should emphasize leadership, policy, and communication experience -- this may include graduate, undergraduate, or non-academic activities, relevant education, work experience, honors and awards, and scientific society memberships. Conference presentations and scientific manuscripts will not be considered in the evaluation of the application.
- Letter of reference: A reference letter should be provided by an individual who can attest to your leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills, and who is familiar with your interest in or experience with science policy. The reference should send the letter to publicpolicy@aibs.org by no later than 5:00 PM Eastern Time on 20 January 2012.
Applicants will be notified by the end of February of the decision of the selection panel. Information about past EPPLA recipients is available here. Please direct questions to this email address.
Posted: December 22, 2011
Graduate Research Assistant Position Available
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
Graduate Research Assistantships are available for Spring 2012 at the Plasma Engineering Research Lab for graduate students enrolled on the M.S. Biology program to conduct exciting cold plasma biomedical research. The assistants are expected to conduct extensive investigation on microbial/bacterial inactivation methodologies and processes using cold plasmas as a part of his/her graduate master’s thesis/project.
Prospective candidates should email the following to Dr. Magesh Thiyagarajan or Dr. Paul Zimba: (1) a cover letter; (2) curriculum vitae; (3) copy of transcripts & GRE scores (official copies not necessary at this time); (4) examples of your prior research work, if any; and (5) the names, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses of at least two individuals who have first-hand knowledge of your research experience and professional abilities. Position available for Spring or Summer start dates.
Posted: December 11, 2011
Ph.D. Assistantship, Dinoflagellate Population Genetics
University of Texas Marine Science Institute
I am seeking a Ph.D. student to work on a project examining the regional and local population structure of toxic Gambierdiscus dinoflagellates, the causative agents of ciguatera fish poisoning. This study is part of a larger, multi-investigator project that seeks to understand the diversity, physiology, and ecology of Gambierdiscus in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico. The ideal candidate would have a background in marine science, a good understanding of molecular biology, and a strong interest in algal biology and genetics.
The position is available to begin in June 2012 and is located at the University of Texas Marine Science Institute, on the Gulf of Mexico coast. The assistantship includes an annual stipend, tuition support, and health care. Subsidized housing is also available for students. More information about applying for graduate study at the University of Texas Marine Science Institute can be found here.
Interested students should contact Dr. Deana Erdner (email) and send a recent CV, including GRE/TOEFL scores. Review of applications will commence on Feb 1, 2012.
Posted: October 17, 2011
Ph.D. and MS Student Opportunity
Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi
Funded research support available in algal biofuels and algal toxin chemistry available at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. Research includes seagrass:epiphyte relations, phytoplankton taxonomy, physiology, biofuel growout. See this website for recent funding opportunities and this website for publications.
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi is a rapidly growing research university located on the Gulf of Mexico overlooking Corpus Christi Bay. With over 10,000 students, it offers a wide array of academic programs with 18% of the students enrolled in graduate programs. Ample opportunities exist for work with the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies, Center for Coastal Studies and Conrad Blucher Institute. Our unique location provides many opportunities for marine-related research including proximity to extensive bays and estuaries along the Gulf of Mexico. Current university support for Ph.D. programs are $24,000 annually.
Please contact Paul Zimba for further details: email, 1-361-825-2768
Posted: September 12, 2011
Funded PhD position: Characterisation of algal cell wall components
National University of Ireland, Galway
Supervisor: Dr. Zoë Popper
Flyer.pdf
We are seeking an enthusiastic and highly motivated student for a 4-year, SFI-funded (Research Frontiers Programme), PhD project. The project is in collaboration with; Professor David Domozych (Skidmore College, USA) Professor Michael Hahn (Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, USA) and Professor Jocelyn Rose (Cornell University, USA) and will include 2 (4-month) research placements in collaborator laboratories. The student will be based full-time at NUI Galway and will be registered for the new School of Natural Sciences structured PhD programme. A polysaccharide-rich cell wall is a shared feature of plants and algae and is involved in their growth, cell-cell interactions, and defence responses. Additionally, many wall components have a commercial value. Therefore, better understanding of wall structure, composition and biosynthesis may facilitate their exploitation.
The project aims to characterise algal cell walls, and cell wall-directed monoclonal antibodies, using biochemical analysis and immunocytochemistry. Cell wall mutants of the putative model charophycean green alga, Penium margaritaceum, will also be generated and characterised.
Project skill set: The student will be trained in polysaccharide extraction, fractionation and biochemical characterisation, chromatography, immunocytochemistry, histology, microscopy (light, fluorescence, confocal), mutagenisation, ELISA. The student will also have opportunity to learn electron tomography at Skidmore College.
Qualifications: The project is suited to applicants who have an interest in plant biochemistry and evolution and a background in plant science/biology, botany, biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, or chemistry but other cognate disciplines may be considered. Applicants should possess a minimum of a B.Sc. Honours degree graded at 2.1, or higher. Proficiency in English language (both written and spoken), an aptitude for critical inquiry and problem solving, are essential.
To apply: Please e-mail Dr. Zoë Popper by July 15th 2011 with a detailed curriculum vitae describing any previous research experience, a cover letter detailing your research interests and goals, and the contact details (e-mail and phone number) of two academic referees.
Start date: October 1st 2011
Posted: May 24, 2011
IRES: Ecology and Evolution of Marine Photosynthetic Organisms
Station Biologique de Roscoff in France
Program description: This NSF-funded International Research Experience for Students (IRES) will provide US graduate students with opportunities to gain international research experience at the Station Biologique de Roscoff (SBR) in France, a research and training center in marine biology, oceanography, and marine genomics operated by the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique and the Université Pierre et Marie Curie. Students will work closely with SBR researchers on the molecular ecology and evolution of marine photosynthetic organisms. SBR is located in Brittany, a western region of France. Students interested in the program can apply for stays up to 6 months. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
For more information regarding the IRES project and the application process please use this link.
Posted: May 7, 2011
To be removed: November 30, 2011
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