Botanical Diversity Doctoral Student Position at Arkansas State University The Marsico Lab is seeking a Ph.D. student interested in researching patterns of vascular plant biodiversity in the Mississippi Alluvial Plain, the most understudied region in the State of Arkansas. Experience with identifying vascular plant species and techniques for specimen collection and curation is required. In addition to an interest in basic science, a desire for applied research in conservation and habitat restoration is also a plus.
A master’s degree in botany, biology, ecology, or related field is preferred; candidates with commensurate experience will also be considered. We are seeking a driven self-starter with a desire to conduct important research on basic and applied aspects of plant biodiversity in a highly modified landscape. Working with the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission to identify areas for preservation or restoration will also be part of this position. The Mississippi Alluvial Plain is divided into 10 EPA Level IV ecoregions, and virtually nothing is known about the differences in these ecoregions floristically. The student will be expected to develop a dissertation project with a goal to identify unique elements of the flora and biogeographic mechanisms for maintaining diversity. Georeferencing existing data records is an important part of the projects to make efficient use of historical and previously untapped existing research effort. This position includes the opportunity for the student to serve as a Collections Assistant in the Arkansas State University Herbarium with tuition covered through grant / program funding. Applicants who are first generation college students and/or underrepresented minority students are encouraged to apply. The successful applicant should begin in August 2017. This is a funded position. Funding for the Ph.D. student is provided by the National Science Foundation through their Collections in Support of Biological Research and Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics programs. Therefore, suitable candidates must be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, nationals, or refugees. Scholarship recipients must also demonstrate financial need through a FASFA form. Arkansas State University is an emerging research-intensive institution with a successful Environmental Science Ph.D. program. We are located in Jonesboro, Arkansas, on Crowley’s Ridge, overlooking the Mississippi Alluvial Plain. Jonesboro is a safe and welcoming community of about 70,000 residents with a relatively low cost of living. Cultural events are plentiful on campus and around town and proximal to the opportunities afforded by the Memphis metropolitan area. Outdoor recreational opportunities abound in nearby wetlands and on the ridge, and A-State is located about an hour from the Ozarks. If interested contact Dr. Travis Marsico at [email protected]. You can learn more about the lab at www.travismarsico.com. You can learn more about the scholarship program at http://www.astate.edu/a/biodiversityscholar/. If you plan to apply, please send an email to [email protected] that includes 1) a cover letter describing your interests, career goals, and relevant research experiences and skills; 2) your Curriculum Vitae [including names and contact information for three references]; 3) a copy of your GRE scores; and 4) a copy of your academic transcripts. Review of requested pre-application materials listed above will begin immediately and continue until a suitable candidate is found. Travis D. Marsico, Ph.D. Associate Professor and Associate Chair Department of Biological Sciences Curator, Arkansas State University Herbarium (STAR) Arkansas State University PO Box 599 State University, AR 72467 870-680-8191 www.travismarsico.com
