PhD studentships at Bowling Green State University, USA

Two PhD-student research assistantships available

1) Research assistantship available immediately to participate in a NOAA Sea Grant project using otolith chemistry to quantify mixed stock distribution, philopatry, and fisheries exploitation of steelhead trout in Lake Erie. This project involves joint collaboration between Jeff Miner (Aquatic Ecology & Fisheries Laboratory) and John Farver (Geology) in close association with state and federal fisheries biologists and hatchery managers. Two years of research assistantship support are available to a top PhD student.

2) The primary purpose of this project is to identify characteristics necessary to classify reservoirs in terms of natural reproduction for yellow perch and reservoirs that can be stocked
successfully with yellow perch fingerlings from hatcheries (up to three years of support). This project starts this summer and involves multivariate assessment of abiotic and biotic characteristics in Ohio reservoirs, including considerable field work and quantitative
analyses.

Experimental spin-off research is expected by graduate students in both projects.

We seek highly motivated and collaborative individuals who desire to combine fieldwork with lab research involving typical aquatic biology and ecology approaches as well as more specialized analytical chemistry. Desired qualifications include a BS/MS in one of several relevant fields of study (e.g. biology, ecology, fisheries) with coursework in chemistry and statistics, field experience in aquatic or fish ecology, ability to work independently and collaboratively, and comfort applying interdisciplinary approaches to questions in aquatic ecology and fisheries biology. Competitive stipends (including health insurance) with tuition waivers are available. Applications will be accepted on a continuing basis until qualified individuals are identified, but materials are strongly encouraged by April 1, 2009.

Applicants should send a letter that summarizes their background, educational goals, and statement of research interests, along with your transcripts and curriculum vitae (with contact information for three references) to: Dr. Jeffrey Miner (jminer@bgsu.edu) or mail to
Jeffrey Miner
Department of Biological Sciences
Aquatic Ecology & Fisheries Laboratory
Bowling Green State University
Bowling Green, OH 43403

Bowling Green State University (18,000 students) is at the western end of Lake Erie (Great Lakes research), and in close proximity to remnant oak-savanna prairies and fragmented forest-agroecosytem complexes.

Bowling Green is also within easy driving distance of Columbus, Ann Arbor, Chicago, and Cleveland.

Further information about graduate studies in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology at Bowling Green State University is available at:
http://www.bgsu.edu/departments/biology/http://www.bgsu.edu/departments/biology/programs/grad/index.html