*MS Assistantship in Ant Biogeography, North Carolina State University* We are seeking a creative and driven student to pursue an M.S degree as part of a broader research project studying the Macroecology and Biogeography of the ants in the eastern United States. The candidate will develop and conduct thesis research on some aspect of ant macroecology, or biogeography. Potential projects could explore the patterns of diversity and endemism of ants of the eastern U.S., drivers of current and future patterns of ant diversity or linkages between life history traits (such as dispersal mode, morphology and ability) and patterns of distribution.
*MS Assistantship in Ant-Plant Interactions, North Carolina State University* We are also seeking a creative and driven student to pursue an M.S degree as part of a broader project studying the ecological causes and consequences of the dispersal of seeds by ants. The candidate will develop and conduct thesis research on some aspect of seed dispersal mutualisms, either in the southeastern U.S. or in Australia. Potential projects could explore the effect of variation in ant community composition and ant abundance on seed dispersal, tradeoffs in the evolution of seed and elaiosome size and their consequences, or the relationship between ant midden behavior and the evolution of ant-mediated dispersal. Students will be advised by Rob Dunn (http://www4.ncsu.edu/~rrdunn/ <http://www4.ncsu.edu/%7Errdunn/>) and work within the Conservation Ecology Lab Group (http://www4.ncsu.edu/~rrdunn/CELG.html <http://www4.ncsu.edu/%7Errdunn/CELG.html> ) in the department of Zoology. Opportunities for projects that develop experimental, modeling and/or phylogeographic skills exist within the context of the broader research project. The students will be able to take advantage of strong behavioral (http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/beh_bio/ ) and statistical (http://www.ncsu.edu/biomath/) interdisciplinary programs associated with the Department of Zoology as well as an interdepartmental social insect group at North Carolina State. Interested students should apply by April 28^th with the intention of beginning graduate study in the fall of 2006. If interested in either position, please send a CV, including GPA and GRE scores, statement of research interests and experience, and names and contact information for three references electronically to Rob R. Dunn ([EMAIL PROTECTED] <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]>, http://www4.ncsu.edu/~rrdunn/ <http://www4.ncsu.edu/%7Errdunn/> ). Salary is competitive with the national average for the field. The 12-month stipend level is $17,000/year, and the position includes a tuition waiver and health care benefits. The ideal candidate should have a strong ecological background, but that background need not include experience with ants in particular. Strong quantitative and writing skills are essential.
