Summary: The Ecology and Ecosystems Studies Laboratory at West Liberty University is seeking a highly motivated masters student to begin conducting stream ecology research in the spring semester of 2019 (January 7, 2019). The graduate student will conduct biological surveys of multiple streams in the region and work with a non-profit organization monitoring water quality. The student will also participate in designing additional studies to investigate anthropogenic impacts on the streams' ecological integrity (e.g. carbon/nutrient cycling, impacts of land use on biodiversity, impacts of invasive species, etc.) .
Tuition Waiver: The successful applicant will receive a tuition waver and free onsite housing as part of the assistantship position. A monthly stipend is available for one year and additional internal and external granting opportunities are available. West Liberty University is a liberal arts university that specializes in student focused learning and high quality student mentoring. West Liberty is located in the northern panhandle of West Virginia near the City of Wheeling, WV. Major metropolitan areas are in close proximity: Pittsburgh, PA ~1 hr and Cleveland, OH ~2.5 hrs. West Liberty University is in the Allegheny Plateau region of the Appalachian Mountains and is part of the Upper Ohio River Valley. West Liberty University offers graduate students collaborative mentorship opportunities, excellent outdoor recreation opportunities nearby, and professional training in a variety of research skills. Desired Qualifications: A B.S. in biology, ecology, or similar fields. Applicants should have a background and/or interest in many of the following: aquatic ecology, stream ecology, insect and macroinvertebrate ecology, carbon cycling, nutrient dynamics in aquatic ecosystems, GIS, ecological modeling, statistics, interdisciplinary collaboration and community engagement, laboratory and field work. Applicants should be highly motivated and prepared to conduct independent research. To apply: Please email the following to Dr. Wood at james.w...@westliberty.edu: 1. a cover letter describing your interest in the project and prior experiences that have prepared you for graduate work in Dr. Wood’s lab; 2. your transcript(s) (an unofficial copy is fine); 3. GRE scores if available; 4. a sample of your scientific writing (for example a manuscript or lab report); 5. contact information for 3 professional/academic references. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
