An M.S. graduate research assistantship is available at Oklahoma State University in the lab of Dr. Bruce Noden (Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology) with collaboration/co-advising with Dr. Scott Loss (Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management). This position will focus on the urban ecology of ticks, tick-borne diseases, and bird and mammalian hosts. The student will complete coursework on the OSU campus in Stillwater, with fieldwork in parks and greenspaces in the nearby Oklahoma City metro area.
Urbanization substantially alters the distributions of species, interactions among species, and virtually all physical components of natural systems. As a result, urbanization and urban areas are strongly linked to numerous infectious diseases, and the increased risk of encountering vector-borne diseases in urban and suburban areas is a major public health concern. For most vector-borne diseases, very little is known about the ecological factors in urban areas that influence populations of vectors and hosts, vector-host interactions, and the risk of disease transmission in humans. In particular, tick-borne diseases are increasing dramatically in U.S. urban areas, yet few studies have investigated tick populations, tick-host interactions, and tick-borne pathogen prevalence in relation to patterns of urbanization. In the Oklahoma City metropolitan area, the graduate research assistant will: (1) investigate how temperature, humidity, vegetation, and other characteristics of the urban landscape impact tick species diversity and prevalence of tick-borne diseases, and (2) conduct a preliminary assessment of the role of deer and resident bird species as carriers of ticks and tick-borne pathogens. This project will increase ecological understanding of vector-borne disease transmission and have major implications for public health. The position will begin in January 2017 with support available for 2.5 years ($16,584/yr plus health insurance and tuition waiver). Oklahoma is one of the most ecologically diverse states, with ecosystem types ranging from forested mountains in the southeast to mesas and canyons in the west. As a result, the state contains a broad diversity of plants and animals, and recreational opportunities abound, with national forests, national wildlife refuges, and countless lakes all within 2-3 hours of Stillwater and Oklahoma City. Required qualifications - Applicants must possess: a B.S. degree in Biology, Entomology, Wildlife Biology, or a related field; a strong work ethic and sense of self-motivation; the ability to work independently and with a small team in a management capacity; and a strong interest in basic and applied ecology. Applicants must also possess a valid US driver’s license. Preferred qualifications: Applicants with extensive experience coordinating field projects/crews, completing mentored independent research, handling wild birds, conducting vegetation and deer pellet count/browse surveys, and/or using GIS and statistical analysis software will be especially competitive. TO APPLY: send (by September 2nd) applications consisting of a SINGLE ZIP FILE that includes: (1) a cover letter outlining how they meet the above required and preferred qualifications, (2) CV, (3) unofficial academic transcripts, (4) GRE Scores, and (5) contact information for three references to Dr. Bruce Noden ([email protected]). For more information about Dr. Bruce Noden’s research, see: http://entoplp.okstate.edu/profiles/noden.html For more information about Dr. Scott Loss’s research, see: http://nrem.okstate.edu/faculty/loss
