Open Positions

I am actively recruiting a post-doc in animal movement ecology to join my lab in summer/fall of 2024. For more information and to formally apply, please see visit: https://eeik.fa.us2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/234137/

Applications received by 8 February 2024 will receive full consideration.  

General Information

Thank you for your interest in joining our lab! I can advise PhD students through the interdisciplinary Program in Ecology or through the Department of Zoology and Physiology.  I can advise masters students in the Department of Zoology and Physiology or in the Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources. 

I am interested in recruiting lab members who are excited about interdisciplinary research at the interface between ecology and computer science, who also have a strong desire to conduct research and develop tools that help to address real-world environmental challenges. I particularly value students that are self-motivated, creative, and work well with others. Students and post-docs in my lab will have the flexibility and autonomy to explore their research interests within the confines of their respective projects. No matter what career paths lab members aim to pursue after their training, I seek to support students and post-docs as they hone their skills and gain relevant experiences that will advance their careers.

Prospective students with strong analytical, computational and communication skills will be the most competitive for open positions in the lab. Previous experience in GIS, remote sensing, data management, statistics, and programing in R or python is highly desirable. Beyond technical skills, previous experience conducting, and publishing research is helpful for prospective master students and a requirement for prospective PhD students. I also welcome inquiries from prospective students who have previous experience working with state or tribal governments. I prefer to recruit graduate students who have taken some time off after undergrad to gain additional life and work experiences that inform their desire to conduct graduate-level research.

If you are interested in further discussing research opportunities in our lab, please get in touch with Dr. Ellen O. Aikens (ellen.aikens [at] gmail.com). When you get in touch, please describe your research interests, professional goals and why you think you are a good fit for the lab. Also include your CV, a writing sample, and the contact information for three references who can speak to your ability to conduct research, think creatively, or persist in challenging situations.

Additional Resources

The process of applying for graduate school can be opaque and intimidating. Below are some resources for individuals interested in applying for graduate school.

An excellent guide to applying for graduate school developed by graduate students at UC Davis: https://eegradpreview.weebly.com/

Advice from former PhD student to future students, via the PhD survey: http://www.phd-survey.org/advice/ecology.htm

Lots of helpful tips on how to correspond with potential advisors here and here, and tips on the timeline for applying here

Good luck and thanks for your interest in our lab!