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Ph.D. and M.S. Research Assistantships: Aquatic Ecology/Limnology

Auburn University, School of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences

Auburn, Alabama, USA

Description: Three graduate research assistantships (Ph.D. or M.S.) in aquatic ecology/limnology are available in Alan Wilson’s lab at Auburn University (http://www.wilsonlab.com).  Current lab research projects, including new USDA-NIFA Aquaculture and NSF Dimensions of Biodiversity grants, take advantage of our large field station that includes hundreds of aquaculture ponds and nearby recreational and drinking water reservoirs where we pursue basic and applied questions associated with understanding the ecological, evolutionary, and limnological mechanisms controlling the structure and function of freshwater plankton communities.  Harmful algal blooms are the foci for many of our projects.  My students are welcome to participate on existing projects, which include large-scale field experiments and monitoring, lab-based analytical analyses, and modeling, but are strongly encouraged to develop their own projects in addition to applying for external grants and fellowships.

I am motivated to maintain a productive, diverse lab and want to encourage students from under-represented groups to consider joining us.  Moreover, lab members have numerous opportunities to engage students from institutions with limited research opportunities, students with disabilities, and students in financial need in their research and outreach projects through current NSF projects (REU, INCLUDES, S-STEM).

Qualifications: Ideal candidates will be hard-working, honest, highly motivated, team-oriented, and excited about studying freshwater communities using lab and field-based approaches.  Prior coursework in ecology and statistics, a strong interest in mentoring undergraduates and participating in outreach, and relevant research experiences (including analytical skills, such GC-MS, GC-FID, HPLC, ELISA) are desirable.  Minimum qualifications include a B.S./B.A. (for M.S. position) or M.S. (for Ph.D. position) in Biology, Ecology, or related field; GPA of 3.2 or greater; and above average GRE scores (at least 50^th percentile for quantitative and verbal; at least 4.0 for analytical writing).

Support: Graduate research assistantships include 12-month stipend and full tuition coverage.  Highly qualified candidates will be considered for an AU Presidential Graduate Research Fellowship, which can last 3 years and include an annual stipend of $30,000 (http://graduate.auburn.edu/au-presidential-graduate-research-fellowships/). 

Start date: Flexible but early to mid 2019 would be ideal considering current projects. 

How to apply: Interested students are encouraged to email Alan Wilson ([log in to unmask]) describing why the lab is a good fit for you by 1 October 2018 for full consideration.  In addition, please include your CV, GRE scores, copies of transcripts, and contact information for three references.

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Alan Wilson

Associate Professor - Auburn University

School of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences

www.wilsonlab.com - 334.246.1120