Highly motivated students wishing to earn an MS in Biology and interested in plant population genetics are invited to apply for a Graduate Research Assistantship in Dr. Carol Baskauf’s lab at Austin Peay State University (APSU) in Clarksville, TN. The assistantship includes a tuition waiver and stipend for two years ($15,750 annually). The successful candidate will preferably begin lab/field work in the summer of 2018 before beginning graduate classes in the fall.
Generally, research in the Baskauf lab includes plant population genetics, ecology, and ecophysiology, with particular interest in rare species and comparative studies. Specifically, this NSF funded Graduate Research Assistantship involves genetic analysis of several rare and widespread congeners as part of a larger collaborative research project examining correlations between genetic diversity and phenotypic plasticity as well as potential adaptive and/or acclimatory responses to future environmental change by rare and widespread species. An undergraduate degree in a biology-related field is required. Competitive applicants will have excellent written and oral communication skills, be able to work independently with attention to detail, and be able to work collaboratively and supervise undergraduates doing related research. Prospective students should send Dr. Carol Baskauf (baska...@apsu.edu ) unofficial college transcripts and a single pdf file consisting of a brief letter of interest and background, a CV (including GPA, GRE, and, if applicable, TOEFL scores), and names and contact information for 3 academic or professional references. Review of applicants will begin immediately and continue until a suitable candidate is found. For full consideration, submit all materials prior to Feb. 1, 2018. The successful applicant will enroll in the Masters program prior to APSU’s March 15, 2018 application deadline in order to be eligible to complete coursework and a thesis leading to an M.S. degree in Biology. Information about the graduate program is at the Biology Department’s web page (http://www.apsu.edu/grad-studies/graduateprograms/biology.php). General questions can be directed to Graduate Admissions (1-800-859-4723, gradadmissi...@apsu.edu). APSU is an equal opportunity employer, and underrepresented and minority groups are encouraged to apply.