The Marsico Lab seeks one Ph.D. student to conduct research on the community ecology of insect herbivore mega-invasions by analyzing available and underutilized datasets. The approach will be to conduct meta-analyses of biological control introductions to determine under what conditions biocontrol releases are successful. These data will be applied to further the general understanding of the mechanisms of successful establishment by introduced insect herbivore pest species. Furthermore, such data will also be applied to better elucidate the nature of herbivorous pest insect invasions and to develop appropriate control or mitigation strategies. This project is funded in partnership with the USDA Forest Service, and study systems of interest include emerald ash borer and hemlock woolly adelgid invasions occurring in the eastern US.
A master’s degree conferred by December 2014 in biology, ecology, entomology, statistics or related field is preferred; candidates with masters-level work experience will be considered. A highly competent and experienced individual in statistics and data analysis is also necessary. The ideal candidate possesses the desire to delve into the literature, synthesize research, and analyze datasets in novel ways, requiring a strong sense of ambition, self-motivation, and initiative-driven research. Arkansas State University is an emerging research-intensive institution with a successful Environmental Science Ph.D. program. In Jonesboro, Arkansas, we are located on Crowley’s Ridge, overlooking the Mississippi Alluvial Plain. Jonesboro is a safe and welcoming community of about 70,000 residents, with a relatively low cost of living. Cultural events are plentiful on campus and around town and proximal to the opportunities afforded by the Memphis metropolitan area. Outdoor recreational opportunities abound in nearby wetlands and on the ridge, and ASTATE is located about an hour from the Ozarks. This position guarantees a salary of $17,500 per year and tuition remission for four years. The successful applicant should expect to begin on January 5, 2015. If interested contact Dr. Travis Marsico at tmars...@astate.edu or 870-680-8191. You can learn more about the lab at www.travismarsico.com. To apply, please send an email to tmars...@astate.edu that includes 1) a cover letter describing your interests, career goals, relevant research experiences, and skills; 2) your Curriculum Vitae [including names and contact information for three references]; 3) a copy of your GRE scores; and 4) a copy of your academic transcripts. Application review will begin on September 30, 2014.
