We are seeking a MS or PhD student to begin in Fall 2019. The student will be supervised by Dr. Paige Ferguson, assistant professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Alabama.
Research will focus on modeling transmission of infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV) in salmonids in the Columbia River Basin in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. IHNV causes severe disease, predominantly in juvenile steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and less frequently in Chinook salmon (O. tshawytscha). Mortality events following IHNV infection can be devastating for individual hatchery programs. This is of concern for managing healthy salmon populations, and salmon are notable for their cultural and economic value. This project is notable for the insights is offers into disease transmission in natural aquatic systems. There will be close collaboration and networking opportunities with colleagues at the USGS Western Fisheries Research Center, University of Washington, Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, and fish health agencies. For more background, see: Ferguson, Breta, Brito, Kurath, LaDeau. 2018. An epidemiological model of virus transmission in salmonid fishes of the Columbia River Basin. Ecological Modelling 377: 1-15. Applicants should have a background in many of the following: fish ecology and management, disease ecology, GIS, ecological modeling, statistics, computer programming, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Applicants should be highly motivated and prepared to conduct independent research. To apply, please email Dr. Ferguson (pffergu...@ua.edu<mailto:pffergu...@ua.edu>) the following: 1. a cover letter describing your interest in the project and prior experiences that have prepared you for graduate work in Dr. Ferguson’s lab 2. your transcript(s) (an unofficial copy is fine), 3. GRE scores, 4. a sample of your scientific writing (for example a manuscript or lab report), and 5. contact information for 3 references. Application are due November 15. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. The position comes with a full tuition waiver, a competitive 12 month stipend, and health insurance. Funding is available as a Graduate Teaching Assistant through the Department of Biological Sciences. Highly qualified applicants may be considered for Graduate School Fellowships, which offer a Research Assistantship during the student’s first year and a Teaching Assistant in subsequent years. Additional information is available from the following links: Dr. Ferguson’s Research: http://bsc.ua.edu/paige-ferguson/ Department of Biological Sciences: http://bsc.ua.edu/ Graduate School: http://graduate.ua.edu<http://graduate.ua.edu/> University of Alabama: http://www.ua.edu<http://www.ua.edu/> Tuscaloosa: http://www.tuscaloosa.com/visitor-services Outdoor opportunities in Alabama: http://www.outdooralabama.com<http://www.outdooralabama.com/> Dr. Paige Ferguson Assistant Professor, Department of Biological Sciences The University of Alabama<https://www.ua.edu> Bevill 2109C Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 Phone 205-348-1787<tel:205-348-1787> pffergu...@ua.edu<mailto:pffergu...@ua.edu> | https://bsc.ua.edu/paige-ferguson/ [The University of Alabama] <https://www.ua.edu>
