Posted on behalf of Dr. Mary Liz Jameson, Wichita State University (maryliz.jame...@gmail.com). Please direct any questions or applications for this position to her.
MS Graduate Assistantship in Grassland and Orthoptera Ecology We are seeking a highly motivated individual with interest in Orthoptera ecology and identification. The successful candidate will assist in research across the state of Kansas comparing Orthoptera on grazed and ungrazed grasslands in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). In Kansas, the CRP program currently has over 2 million acres—much of which is re-established, native grassland. However, there is currently no dominant grazer on most of these sites despite the critical role that bison historically played in these systems. Our study will test how two CRP plantings (CP2 and CP25), which differ in the number of forbs planted, influence the restoration of 108 grassland sites across the precipitation gradient in Kansas and whether periodic grazing by cattle can enhance habitat diversity for insects, plants, and birds. The ideal person for this position is self-motivated, works well with a team of field researchers, has a basic understanding of statistics, has knowledge of grassland ecosystems, and has a strong interest in ecology and entomology. However, students with the aptitude to learn quickly will also be considered. The successful applicant will have a strong commitment to entomology and ecology and desire to learn a range of tools/techniques/methods. Proficiency in oral and written English required. Applicants should have a B.S. in entomology, ecology, or biology and must meet the requirements for admission at Wichita State University (http://webs.wichita.edu/?u=bioscience&p=/academics/mdindex/). Successful applicants will receive a 2.5-year assistantship with stipend, full tuition waiver, and health benefits. In the first semester, the successful applicant will be employed as a technician while she/he learns the research system and begins data-collection/sorting for the 2018 field season. Anticipated start date is late July to mid-August of 2018. Deadline for applications is July 23, but early applications are encouraged. Interested applicants should email CV, transcript, and a letter describing research interests and future goals to Dr. Mary Liz Jameson (maryliz.jame...@gmail.com). Wichita State University is a metropolitan research-intensive university set in a suburban area (~640,000 people) with a diverse student body, yet close to numerous high-quality grasslands including the iconic Flint Hills. Wichita offers many opportunities for cultural/artistic activities and low cost-of-living. The Department of Biological Sciences at WSU includes core facilities in environmental biology, imaging and bioinformatics, animal care facility, greenhouse, and Biological Field Stations. Previous graduate students have gone on to PhD programs or are employed with state or federal management agencies. More information about the Department, including a complete list of departmental facilities, and current Graduate Faculty and their teaching and research interests is available on our web site at: http://www.wichita.edu/biology/. Information about graduate school at WSU is available at http://webs.wichita.edu/?u=gradschool.
