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Graduate Research Assistant (doctoral): Effects of Invasive Plants on Consumers in Aquatic Ecosystems

Posted: 
02/10/2019
Expiration Date: 
03/31/2019

Position

The Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture at Stephen F. Austin State University has a T.L.L. Temple graduate assistantship for a doctoral student to begin in fall 2019.

The position is funded for three years ($25,000/year), and will be based in the research group of Dr. Christopher Schalk (https://cmschalk.weebly.com/) that focuses on understanding organization and function of ecological communities and the effects of global and anthropogenic change on these systems. Although the State of Texas does not allow for direct tuition waivers, out-of-state students awarded assistantships only pay the Texas resident tuition rate. To further help defray tuition costs, $2,000 scholarships are also available through this program for qualified students. In addition to research, there also will be opportunities for the candidate to gain teaching experience.

Research Focus

The project will explore the effects Chinese Tallow (Triadica sebifera), the most widespread invasive tree species across the southeastern United States, has on community and food-web structure in aquatic ecosystems. More specifically, the project will entail field work and experiments to understand the impacts of Chinese Tallow on amphibian and/or macroinvertebrate consumers in lentic ecosystems.

Desired Qualifications

Individuals with research interests in community ecology, food-web ecology, invasive species ecology and conservation ecology are especially encouraged to apply. Candidates must hold a Master of Science degree by the start date in ecology, wildlife ecology, or related field; experience with field experiments, aquatic ecosystems, amphibians and/or aquatic macroinvertebrates, and strong quantitative skills. Excellent communication and time-management skills, a strong work ethic and attention to detail also are essential.

About the Area/University

SFA is located in Nacogdoches, Texas, with more than 13,000 undergraduate and graduate students enrolled. The Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture (http://atcofa.sfasu.edu/) has a diverse faculty with strengths in forestry, ecology, wildlife ecology, environmental science and spatial science. Nacogdoches is a city with more than 33,000 residents. It recently was designated as the Top Small City in Texas according to Cities Journal.

Deadline

Review of applications will start March 1 and continue until the position is filled. The candidate is expected to begin in fall 2019.

Please send only one PDF file with a cover letter outlining your research interests and experiences, GPA, GRE scores (if available), a CV, contact details of three references and an example of your writing to Dr. Christopher Schalk (schalkc@sfasu.edu).