Graduate position in ecology, Vonesh lab, VCU
The Vonesh lab in the Department of Biology at Virginia Commonwealth Univesity (www.has.vcu.edu/bio) invites applications from prospective graduate students for Fall 2010 to collaborate on our NSF-funded project at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (www.stri.org), Gamboa, Panama, "Fear, death, and life history switch points: cumulative effects of predation and phenotypic plasticity across three life stages." This project is a joint effort between the Vonesh (www.has.vcu.edu/bio/pages/jrvonesh) and Karen Warkentin labs (Boston University; people.bu.edu/kwarken), and focuses on the effects of sequential stage-specific predators on the survival and life history of tropical frogs. Students are expected to develop independent research projects that fit within the larger framework of the grant. The Vonesh and Warkentin lab team in Gamboa includes graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and undergraduate interns. In addition, STRI offers a diverse and intellectually rich, international scientific community in a tropical rainforest environment. VCU, located in Richmond, VA, is the largest public R1 university in Virginia and has an active and diverse Ecology and Evolution faculty that are engaged in research around the world. Prospective students should apply through the Biology Masters in Science program (www.has.vcu.edu/bio/graduate/ms_program.html); however, the opportunity to continue through the PhD may also be possible via the VCU Integrative Life Sciences Ph.D. program (www.vcu.edu/lifesci/phd). Competitive stipends, tuition waivers, and support for field work are available. Successful applicants to the Vonesh lab typically have had a BS in biology (or related field), GPA >3.3, GREs >1200, some prior research experience, a strong interest in developing quantitative skills, and an high level of self motivation. Some proficiency in Spanish is desirable. Interested persons should initially email a letter that summarizes their background, educational goals, and research interests, along with curriculum vitae (include GPA and GRE scores) with contact information for three references to Dr. James Vonesh (jrvoneshvcu.edu).
