UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI Applicants are invited for one highly motivated student (Ph.D. or M.S.) (start date January 2009) in the lab of Donald Yee. This position will specifically focus on the ecology of mosquitoes and will contribute to on-going projects in the lab. Past research topics have emphasized larval competition, invasion ecology, predation, species diversity, and life-history trade-offs. I use a combination of field sampling and field and laboratory experiments to understand what regulates populations and communities of mosquitoes in nature. Other research topics may be considered, especially at the Ph.D. level, although mosquitoes communities or populations should be the focus. Field sites will be in and around the southeastern United States and could include urban or natural environments. Prior field experience and coursework in ecology, entomology, and statistics is preferred but not essential.
Funding is available through a combination of teaching and research assistantships. I also expect students to pursue other funding sources (NSF DDIG, EPA STAR, Sigma Xi, etc.). Full tuition grants are provided. Basic and major medical health coverage is provided to fulltime graduate students in good standing academically. Support for students will be provided to participate in national and international scientific meetings. Requirements: Although the Department of Biological Sciences does not have a minimum set of scores to be eligible for entrance into the graduate program, potential applicants should expect to have a minimum GPA of 3.00 and have taken the GRE before application. For more information on admission follow this link: http://www.usm.edu/biology/graduate_faq.htm Deadline for Spring 2009 applications is early September 2008. The University of Southern Mississippi, a Carnegie Research High Activity institution with 15,000 students, is located in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, near the Gulf Coast and has abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation. Hattiesburg is the medical, commercial and cultural center of southern Mississippi and is ranked in the top five small metropolitan areas in the United States. The Department of Biological Sciences is comprised of about thirty faculty and offers baccalaureate, Master of Science, and Ph.D. degrees. Over 60 graduate students currently pursue masters and doctoral degrees. Further information about the department may be found at: http://www.usm.edu/biology/. To inquire, submit (via e-mail) a cover letter with a brief (~ one page) review of your research experience, interests and goals, CV, and contact for three academic references to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Inquiries will be accepted until the position is filled although decisions are likely to be made by the end of June 2008. Donald A. Yee, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Department of Biological Sciences University of Southern Mississippi
