[ECOLOG-L] M.S./Ph.D. Graduate Assistantships in Disease Ecology at Virginia Tech

[Hayes, Elizabeth]

M.S./Ph.D. Graduate Assistantships in Disease Ecology at Virginia Tech


Agency
Virginia Tech
Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Laboratory of Disease Ecology and 
Biogeography

Location
Blacksburg, VA

Job Category
Graduate Assistantships

Salary
Stipend, tuition, and student health benefits

Last Date to Apply
October 20, 2018


Description
Are you interested in understanding why epidemics occur in some places but not 
others? Many studies have shown that infectious diseases do not occur at 
random; outbreaks occur under specific environmental conditions facilitated by 
specific human activities and behaviors. To effectively control and anticipate 
epidemics, it is indispensable to understand the ecological factors that better 
explain the occurrence of an outbreak. Disease ecology helps to determine how 
changes in the environment are associated with emerging infectious diseases. MS 
and/or PhD student positions are available for Spring 2019/Fall 2019 to conduct 
research in the areas of biogeography and ecology of infectious diseases. The 
intended research will use ecological niche modeling and other analytical tools 
to study infectious diseases affecting humans and wildlife. Potential research 
topics include rabies, vector-borne diseases, mange, and others. In addition to 
research work, responsibilities will include acquiring teaching experience, 
raising extramural funding for international internships and research work, and 
mentoring of undergraduate students. We are seeking highly motivated students 
to be part of a research team investigating diseases using theory and methods 
from ecology and biogeography. Preference will be given to candidates with 
evident passion for these topics and quantitative and writing skills.

The positions are based within Dr. Luis Escobar at the Laboratory of Disease 
Ecology and Biogeography, in the Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, 
which is affiliated to the Global Change Center and part of the College of 
Natural Resources and the Environment, the No. 1 ranked natural resources 
program in the US (by USA Today) for three years running.

The Escobar’s group is highly collaborative and works with researchers in 
universities across the US, Asia, Europe, and Latin America, and with state, 
federal, and non-governmental agencies. International students are accepted. 
This position includes full tuition and salary support. Minorities and 
underrepresented groups in STEM are encouraged to apply.

Virginia Tech’s main campus is located in Blacksburg, Virginia, in the heart of 
the Blue Ridge Mountains. The New River Valley offers the charm of a small town 
combined with the modern conveniences of a metropolitan area. The thriving 
community boasts a plethora of unique and chain restaurants and stores, 
symphonies, theatres, historical attractions, museums, a vibrant night-life, 
sporting events, outdoor recreation activities, and a temperate climate. We 
have mountains to the west, the ocean to the east, and Washington D.C. to the 
north.

Qualifications
The Laboratory has a long history of multidisciplinary research. Students from 
diverse academic backgrounds with interest in joining the lab are encouraged to 
apply (e.g., B.S. in wildlife, ecology, computer sciences, statistics, 
mathematics, or related fields are welcomed). Applicants must have a strong 
work ethic; quantitative, oral, and written communication skills; high 
attention to detail; the ability to work independently and collaboratively 
within a culturally diverse team; and capacity to work long hours. A prior DVM 
or a MS in ecology, epidemiology, or related biological or health sciences 
would be a plus, although not required.

To apply
Send a single pdf including: 1) a cover letter of no more than two pages that 
highlights your research interests, interest in graduate school, interest in 
infectious diseases, and why we should consider your application; 2) curriculum 
vitae; 3) unofficial transcripts; 4) sample of scientific writing (e.g., a 
manuscript in preparation, an undergraduate thesis, published manuscript as 
first author); and 5) contact information for 3 references who can explain your 
research skills and interests. Application consideration will begin on October 
20, 2018 and will continue until the positions are filled. References will only 
be contacted after applicants are notified.

Contact Person
Contact Dr. Luis Escobar at escob...@vt.edu for 
additional questions and to submit your application.

Website
http://www.fishwild.vt.edu/faculty/escobar/index.html

[ECOLOG-L] M.S./Ph.D. positions in Biogeography and Ecology of Infectious Diseases at Virginia Tech

[Hayes, Elizabeth]

M.S./Ph.D. positions in Biogeography and Ecology of Infectious Diseases



Agency: Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation at Virginia Tech

Location: Blacksburg, VA

Job Category: Graduate Assistantships

Salary: Stipend, tuition, and student health benefits.

Start Date: 08/10/2018

Last Date to Apply: 01/15/2018

Website: http://www.fishwild.vt.edu/faculty/escobar/index.html



Description



Many studies have shown that infectious diseases do not occur at random; 
outbreaks occur under specific environmental conditions and are promote by 
specific human behaviors. In order to effectively control and anticipate 
epidemics, research is needed in current analytical methods used to analyze 
epidemiological data and develop new theoretical frameworks to understand the 
complex links among epidemics humans behavior and the environment. MS and/or 
PhD student positions are available for Fall 2018 to conduct research in the 
areas of biogeography, spatial ecology, and disease ecology. The intended 
research will use epidemiology ecological niche modeling and other analytical 
tools to study infectious diseases affecting humans, plants, and domesticated 
and non-domesticated animals in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. In addition 
to research work, responsibilities may include acquiring teaching experience, 
international internships, raising extramural funding, and mentoring of 
undergraduate students. We are seeking highly motivated students to be part of 
a research team investigating diseases using theory and methods from ecology 
and biogeography. Preference will be given to candidates with evident passion 
for these topics and strong quantitative and writing skills.



The positions are based within Dr. Luis Escobar’s Laboratory in the Department 
of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, which is affiliated to the Global Change 
Center and part of the College of Natural Resources and the Environment, the 
No. 1 ranked natural resources program in the US (by USA Today) for three years 
running. he Escobar’s Laboratory is a highly collaborative lab that works with 
researchers in universities across the US, Asia, Europe, and Latin America, as 
well as state, federal, and non-governmental agencies.



Full job description may be found at 
http://www.fishwild.vt.edu/positions_avail.htm.



Qualifications



The Escobar Laboratory has a long history of multidisciplinary research. 
Students from diverse backgrounds with interest in joining the lab are 
encouraged to apply. A B.S. in wildlife, ecology, computer sciences, 
statistics, mathematics, or related fields are welcomed. Applicants must have a 
strong work ethic; excellent quantitative and oral and written communication 
skills; high attention to detail; the ability to work independently and 
collaborative within a culturally diverse team; and the physical and mental 
capacity to work long hours. Preference will be given to candidates who have 
previously conducted research. A prior DVM or a M.S. in ecology, epidemiology, 
or related biological or health sciences would be a plus for the Ph.D. 
position, although not required.



To apply, please send a single pdf including: 1) a cover letter of no more than 
two pages that highlights your research interests, interest in graduate school, 
and interest in infectious diseases; 2) curriculum vitae; 3) unofficial 
transcripts; 4) sample of scientific writing (e.g., a manuscript in 
preparation, an undergraduate thesis); and 5) contact information for 3 
references. Application consideration will begin January 15, 2018 and continue 
until the positions are filled. References will only be contacted after 
applicants are notified. Contact Dr. Luis Escobar at escob...@vt.edu for 
additional questions.



Contact Person: Dr. Luis Escobar

Contact email: escob...@vt.edu





=

E. Lynn Hayes

Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation (0321)

Cheatham Hall, 101D

310 West Campus Drive

Blacksburg, VA 24061

Phone: 540-231-1975 

Fax: 540-231-7580