Ph.D. Research Assistantship Ecological Restoration and Lake Management Department of Wildlife & Fisheries Mississippi State University
The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries at Mississippi State University has a doctoral research assistantship available to study Lake Restoration in Agricultural Landscapes. This assistantship provides an annual stipend of $20,000 plus tuition remission. The position is currently available and will remain open until a suitable candidate is employed. This assistantship specifically involves monitoring and evaluating the effects of the implementation of various aquatic plant management practices in lakes of the Mississippi Alluvial Valley. These lakes were historically periodically flooded by the Mississippi River or one of the smaller rivers of the Mississippi Alluvial Valley. The construction of flood control structures and agricultural improvements have significantly altered the ecology and hydrology of these systems, encouraging the invasion of noxious aquatic plant species. We are attempting to document the efficacy of using biological and chemical controls on these invasive plants and the effect of these control efforts on the broader aquatic ecology and limnology of these lakes. It is anticipated that the student will develop a dissertation that will incorporate both field studies and experimental manipulations in mesocosms. Qualifications include a M.S. in the biological sciences, ecology, natural resources, wildlife, fisheries, or related fields. Candidates should have skills in aquatic ecology, limnology, or fisheries ecology (broadly defined) in addition to interest or experience working with ecological restoration in an agricultural framework. Successful candidate should be highly motivated with strong academic and experiential credentials. The Ph.D. student will work with a collaborating team of faculty scientists including Drs. Eric Dibble (fisheries ecologist) and Todd Tietjen (limnologist-ecologist). Inquiry emails or phone calls are welcomed and should be directed to Dr. Tietjen (co-project leader) at [EMAIL PROTECTED] or (662)325-2996. Please submit a curriculum vitae and a cover letter that describes your interest in the position, your career goals, GPA, GRE scores, and details your work or educational experience that is most relevant to this position to Dr. Tietjen, Department of Wildlife & Fisheries, Box 9690, Mississippi State, MS 39762. Applications review will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. The project is scheduled to begin (contingent on availability of funds) as early as the summer of 2007 Mississippi State University is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer
