Two Graduate Positions in the Biology Department at East Carolina University (ECU): One Ph.D. and one M.S. position are available in the newly formed lab of Dr. April MH Blakeslee in the Department of Biology (http://www.ecu.edu/biology/) at East Carolina University (Greenville, NC). The Blakeslee lab focuses on topics of conservation biology in marine systems, notably species invasions. Recently, human-mediated biological invasions have become recognized as major contributors to the global (and often disjunct) distributions of many marine species. Invasion research is therefore important not only from a conservation perspective, but can serve as an important subject that can bring science closer to the public. Research in the Blakeslee lab is focused in four major areas: 1) global distribution patterns (biogeography and phylogeography) and demography of free-living and parasite species; 2) population genetics and population ecology in native and non-native populations; 3) species interactions and community ecology among native and non-native organisms; 4) and parasite ecology in native and non-native populations. For detailed information, please see the following websites: https://www.ecu.edu//biology/April- Blakeslee.cfm and https://www.rebelmouse.com/AMHBlakeslee/.
Applicants with demonstrated experience in the areas listed above (or similar areas) as well as proficient writing and speaking skills are preferred. The Department of Biology offers an MS Biology degree (http://www.ecu.edu/cs-cas/biology/mastersprograms.cfm) and two interdisciplinary PhD programs for prospective doctoral students: the Interdisciplinary Program in Biological Science (http://www.ecu.edu/idpbs/) and the Coastal Resources Management Program (http://www.ecu.edu/crm/). ECU is the third largest campus in the University of North Carolina system and is situated relatively close to the Atlantic coast and Research Triangle. The department has a strong integrative research program with numerous avenues of student support including student scholarships, travel to conferences, and genomics research. Additionally, due to the campus emphasis on coastal research, students may be able to receive additional support for research focused in this area. Interested students should send a CV, a brief (less than 500 words) description of research interests, their program of interest, and contact information of two references to Dr. April Blakeslee ([email protected]). Interviews will begin on October 15, 2015 and continue until the positions are filled. Please contact Dr. Blakeslee with any questions you may have: Department of Biology, East Carolina University Greenville, NC 27858; [email protected].
