An NSF supported research assistantship is available for a PhD student (or potentially a master's student) to participate in a 5 year project that examines the consequences of biodiversity loss in temporary ponds located in the coastal plain of North Carolina. The position is based out of Dr. David Chalcraft's lab in the Department of Biology at East Carolina University (http://personal.ecu.edu/chalcraftd/). The PI will primarily be focusing on the biodiversity of aquatic insects and larval frogs. The PI will certainly consider students who desire to work primarily with insects and amphibians but he is particularly interested in recruiting students that have prior experience working with algae and/or invertebrates other than insects. Research in the Chalcraft lab focuses on determinants of the intensity of species interactions, causes and consequences of spatial and temporal variation in species composition, and the stability of populations and communities. The successful candidate will be expected to develop a research project that focuses on some component of the ecology of temporary ponds and would be joining an active and fun group of graduate and undergraduate students already in the lab.
East Carolina University is the third largest member (27, 000 students) within the University of North Carolina system and is located in Greenville, NC (approx. 1.5 hours east of Raleigh). The Department of Biology has 44 faculty and over 90 graduate students that are enrolled in the Department's master's program, the Interdisciplinary Doctoral Program in Biological Sciences, and the Doctoral Program in Coastal Resource Management. Candidates can apply through either of the two doctoral programs. The primary field site is the Croatan National Forest (near Morehead City, NC) and the PI has an array of artificial ponds located at East Carolina University's West Research Campus, a 600 acre tract of land that is located 10-15 minutes away from the main campus. Applicants should send a brief cover letter, CV/resume, statement of relevant research experience and interests (1-2 pages), and list of references to Dr. David Chalcraft ([EMAIL PROTECTED]). It is possible that the successful candidate could be hired as a technician in the lab (beginning in April 2009) prior to enrolling in the doctoral program so the candidate should also express whether they have an interest in this position. Dr. David R. Chalcraft Dept. of Biology East Carolina University Greenville, NC 27858 (252)328-2797
