M.S. Assistantship in Tropical Ecology and Evolution A Masters assistantship is available in the Department of Biology at Georgia Southern University (GSU), with an intended start date in August 2018.The student will be expected to contribute to and develop a thesis project on the evolution of coral snake mimicry. Briefly, this project (funded by Operation Wallacea) will study the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of coral snake mimicry in Honduras. The successful applicant will be based in the Cox laboratory (http://www.coxevolab.org) in the Department of Biology at Georgia Southern University.
This project will consist of traveling to and living at the Operation Wallacea field stations in Honduras during the summer (beginning summer 2019). Candidates will be expected to conduct field research, mentor and train undergraduates for their research projects, and interact with the Operation Wallacea team. Duration of the project is 8-10 weeks, and will typically be from late May/early June until August. All costs for traveling to Honduras and housing in Honduras will be covered, as well as the logistics for travel to and from field sites. The successful applicant must be accepted to the Masters of Biology program at Georgia Southern University and awarded a graduate teaching assistantship. This assistantship includes a tuition waiver and stipend for two years to be funded through teaching duties. The applicant will complete course work and graduate with a M.S. degree in Biology. The student also will assist in the field and lab activities of other members of the Cox laboratory (http://www.coxevolab.org/). More information about the graduate program can be found at the Biology department’s web page (http://cosm.georgiasouthern.edu/biology/graduate- program-2/). Georgia Southern University is a 27,000-student comprehensive research university located in one of the most biodiverse regions of the southeastern U.S. (http://www.georgiasouthern.edu/). Required qualifications include (1) a B.S. in Biology or a related field, (2) excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills, and (3) strong self-motivation and ability to work well independently and with a team. Preferred qualifications include (1) previous field experience (Latin American tropics would be a plus), (2) Spanish language experience and ability, (3) strong analytical skills and (4) demonstrated scientific writing ability, such as authorship of a scientific publication, report, or senior thesis. To apply, email the following as a single pdf file: (1) statement of research background and interests, (2) curriculum vitae or resume, (3) names and contact information for three academic or professional references, (4) GRE scores, and (5) an unofficial copy of your college transcript. Review of applications will begin on 2 March 2018 and continue until the position is filled. Inquiries can be addressed to Dr. Christian Cox (email: cl...@georgiasouthern.edu).
