GRADUATE STUDENTS:
New Position, posted September 17, 2025
PhD Assistantship, Plant Ecology and Evolution, University of Wyoming
Closes October 31, 2025
The Laughlin Research Lab is seeking applicants for a PhD position in the Program in Ecology and Evolution at the University of Wyoming to join an NSF-funded project to quantify traits of tree species across the western US to determine how tree populations and forest communities will respond to drought and fire.
Do you find yourself staring awestruck at the grandeur of western forests? Do you want to develop expertise in western tree species and advance our understanding of tree adaptations to drought and fire? Then this PhD position is for you.
The aims of this project are to quantify adaptive traits of tree species in the West and determine the effects of traits on demographic rates and fitness in response to drought and fire. To achieve these aims, we will measure and compile a comprehensive data set of traits on >100 tree species that capture key dimensions of functional strategies that evolved in response to water limitation and fire regimes, with a focus on bark thickness allometry, resprouting potential, xylem vulnerability to embolism, and rooting depth.
The PhD student will have opportunities to travel extensively across the western states. This position will be based in Laramie, WY and will collect traits in the Interior West from New Mexico and Arizona to Idaho and Montana. They will collaborate with another team based in the Shriver lab at the University of Reno, NV that will collect traits in the west coast states.
The PhD student will conduct field campaigns to collect traits of leaves, wood, and bark, conduct greenhouse experiments to measure physiological traits on seedlings, and measure traits in the laboratory. The PhD student will synthesize an open-access trait dataset and use the traits in a dynamic population model to test their adaptive value and project forest responses to drought and fire.
To Apply: Email the following to Daniel Laughlin (daniel.laughlin@uwyo.edu):
(1) Statement of research interests that addresses the minimum and desired qualifications (see below),
(2) Unofficial transcripts,
(3) Curriculum Vitae, and
(4) Contact information for three professional/academic references.
The start date is preferably June 2026 (or August 2026). Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, and short-listed candidates can expect to hear back by November or December 2025.
Minimum Qualifications
-Bachelor’s degree in ecology, forestry, or related fields
-Ability to hike long distances while carrying 30+ lbs
-Ability to travel extensively to field sites for several multi-week trips throughout the year
-Valid US driver’s license
Desired Qualifications
-Familiarity with tree species and forests of the western US
-Previous research experience in the field, greenhouse, and lab
-Interest in adaptive traits related to drought and fire
-Desire to learn how to build and project dynamic population models of trees
-Experience with database management and open-source code development
-Interest in landscape photography and science communication
Helpful links:
Laughlin Research Lab (https://www.plant-traits.net)
Program in Ecology and Evolution
https://www.uwyo.edu/uwgrad/interdisciplinary-programs/pie/index.html
Department of Botany (https://www.uwyo.edu/botany/index.html)
Graduate Program at UW (https://www.uwyo.edu/uwgrad/prospective/applying/index.html)
The Program in Ecology and Evolution is an interdisciplinary doctoral program focusing on the scientific study of the relations between organisms and their environments that provides students with advanced, integrated training in the science of ecology.
The University of Wyoming is located in Laramie (https://www.visitlaramie.org/) in a high prairie nestled between the beautiful Snowy Range and Laramie Range. We are blessed with ample outdoor recreational opportunities including hiking, biking, skiing, climbing, boating, and much more. Laramie is a classic western town with a supportive local community.
Laboratory Technician, Botany, University of Wyoming
The Laughlin Research Lab at the University of Wyoming is seeking a full-time Laboratory Technician to join an NSF-funded project to quantify traits of tree species across the western US to determine how tree populations and forest communities will respond to drought and fire. This position will allow the technician to visit nearly every forest type in the West and to contribute to projects that will advance our understanding of how adaptive traits will determine the future of western forests.
This position will be based in Laramie, WY (no remote option is available) and would spearhead a team collecting traits in the Interior West from New Mexico to Idaho. They will collaborate with another team based in the Shriver lab at the University of Reno, NV that will collect traits in the west coast states. The technician will help lead field campaigns to collect tree trait data, manage greenhouse experiments, conduct lab work, and will have opportunities to contribute to data analysis and manuscript writing.
The position is funded for 2 years, starting January 5, 2026.
The annual salary will be $50,000.
The position closes on October 13, 2025.
Direct Link to Application:
https://eeik.fa.us2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/252835/?utm_medium=jobshare&utm_source=External+Job+Share
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS:
The Laughlin Research Lab will be seeking applicants for a 2026 summer Field Technician based in Laramie at the University of Wyoming. The technician will work on a variety of field projects focused on determining indigenous plant species climatic tolerances to inform the management and restoration of native plant communities in the Rocky Mountain ecoregion. Preferred qualifications of the successful applicant include the following: an undergraduate student in Botany, Biology, or related natural resource degree; and a passion for plants and Rocky Mountain ecosystems. Hourly rate: Minimum $15/hr. Start date is approximately May 12, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. TO APPLY: We encourage interested students to apply by contacting Daniel Laughlin (daniel.laughlin@uwyo.edu). Please email the following: (1) cover letter, (2) unofficial transcripts, (3) Curriculum Vitae, and (4) contact information for three professional/academic references.