Ph.D. Graduate Assistantships in Aquatic Community Ecology at the University of Alabama
The Howeth Lab in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Alabama invites applications for Ph.D. Graduate Assistantships in aquatic community ecology beginning August 2016 or January 2017. Highly motivated students are sought to study any of the following ongoing research projects in the lab: (1) metacommunity/spatial dynamics of diverse aquatic taxa (e.g., crayfish, fish, zooplankton) among beaver-formed ponds in different stages of succession. This work will utilize observational and experimental approaches in the streams and ponds of the Talladega National Forest in Alabama, stable isotope analyses, and mesocosm experiments at the University of Alabama Tanglewood Biological Station. (2) the influence of metacommunity/spatial dynamics on the establishment, spread, and impact of non-native species, using plankton communities and non-native zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha). This research will leverage observational studies of reservoirs in Texas and mesocosm experiments at the University of Alabama Tanglewood Biological Station. The research will additionally involve statistical development, and field testing of, risk assessment models for uninvaded reservoirs in Texas. (3) the influence of metacommunity/spatial dynamics on the establishment, spread, and impact of non-native species, using plankton communities and non-native Daphnia lumholtzi. This research will leverage observational studies of reservoirs, mesocosm experiments at the University of Alabama Tanglewood Biological Station, and laboratory microcosm experiments. There is additional opportunity for integrating landscape ecology and landscape genetic analyses of D. lumholtzi using DNA microsatellites. Interested students should send an e-mail to Dr. Jennifer Howeth ([email protected]) with "Graduate Assistantship" in the title, and include their CV, statement of research interests and experience, writing sample, GRE scores, unofficial copies of undergraduate transcripts, and contact information for two references no later than November 25, 2015. Qualified applicants will be invited to apply to the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Alabama by the December 15, 2015 departmental deadline for Fall 2016 admission. Those interested in a January 2017 start date will be invited to apply by summer 2016. The Department of Biological Sciences offers Graduate Teaching Assistantships and competitive fellowships to support admitted students. Departmental Aquatic Biology Fellowships may be available to highly qualified applicants. Relevant Links: University of Alabama: www.ua.edu Department of Biological Sciences: http://bsc.ua.edu/ Howeth Laboratory: http://bama.ua.edu/~jghoweth/index.html Center for Freshwater Studies: http://as.ua.edu/cfs/ Tuscaloosa, Alabama is a vibrant university community with numerous cultural and recreational opportunities available. The Tuscaloosa Amphitheater, located on the banks of the Black Warrior River and just minutes from the UA campus, brings a variety of shows and musicians to the city. Recreational activities such as canoeing and hiking are quite popular in the nearby Black Warrior and Sipsey River natural protected areas, and the Talladega National Forest.
