Ph.D. Graduate Research Assistantship - Environmental DNA-Aquatics, Division of Forestry and Natural Resources, Wildlife and Fisheries Resources Program, West Virginia University
STARTING DATE: January 2016 CLOSING DATE: Position is open until filled. DESCRIPTION: The School of Natural Resources at West Virginia University is searching for a PhD student as part of the NSF-funded Appalachian Freshwater Initiative. The student will develop and test strategies to improve and streamline environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling and laboratory techniques for assessing fish, amphibian, and invertebrate assemblages in headwater Appalachian streams and wetlands. This student will contribute to a multi-disciplinary and multi-institutional study designed to improve management of aquatic environments in West Virginia. The student will be working towards a Ph.D. in Forest Resources Science with an emphasis in Wildlife and Fisheries Resources at West Virginia University (http://wildlife.wvu.edu/). QUALIFICATIONS: B.S. and M.S. in genetics, fisheries, wildlife, or related field. Minimum GPA of 3.25 and combined quantitative/verbal GRE scores of 300 (~1,100 old scoring system). A strong interest in genetics or aquatic ecology is required. Field experience related to aquatic organisms and lab experience in genetic techniques highly desired. Computer and/or bioinformatics skills preferred. STIPEND: $19,848/year plus health insurance and tuition waiver. CONTACT: Student will be co-advised by Dr. James T. Anderson, Dr. J. Todd Petty, and Dr. Amy Welsh. Interested individuals should send a letter of interest, CV, a 500-word statement of purpose (why do you want to work on this project, your research interests, and long-term career goals), unofficial copy of transcripts and GRE scores, and contact information for 3 references to the three following faculty: Dr. James Anderson, jim.ander...@mail.wvu.edu<mailto:jim.ander...@mail.wvu.edu> Dr. Todd Petty, todd.pe...@mail.wvu.edu<mailto:todd.pe...@mail.wvu.edu> Dr. Amy Welsh, amy.we...@mail.wvu.edu<mailto:amy.we...@mail.wvu.edu> James T. Anderson, Ph.D. Davis-Michael Professor Forestry and Natural Resources Program Coordinator, Wildlife and Fisheries Resources West Virginia University (304) 293-3825 Office (304) 276-8956 Cell http://wildlife.wvu.edu/
