The Correa Floodplain Ecology Laboratory at the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Mississippi State University (MSU) invites applications for a Ph.D. graduate student research assistant to investigate large-scale patterns of fish diversity in Amazonian wetlands. The selected graduate student will work closely with Drs. Sandra B. Correa (MSU, Mississippi, USA. http://www.cfr.msstate.edu/people/wfa.asp) and Javier Maldonado (Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia. https://sites.google.com/site/javieramalonadoocampo/home).
This position is primarily based on the MSU campus, located in Starkville, Mississippi. Annual trips to Colombia are expected. The successful applicant will be primarily involved in research and is expected to lead an independent research project, apply for funding, analyze existing datasets, prepare manuscripts for publication, present results at national or international conferences, and complete its Ph.D. degree in three years. MS degree in related field is required. Knowledge of niche theory, spatial analysis, biogeography, phylogenetics, and strong quantitative, GIS and R programming skills are highly desirable. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English. Ability to communicate in Spanish is a plus. For non-native English speakers, the English proficiency requirement is: TOEFL score of 550 PBT or 79 iBT (Internet-Based Test) or an IELTS score of 6.5 (International English Language Testing System). Funding includes $23,500 annual stipend and $11,000 tuition remission. Review of applications begins October 20, 2018. Open until filled. Starting date January 2019. Submit application as PDF with cover letter stating your interest and qualifications, curriculum vitae with contact information for three references, graduate and undergraduate transcripts (unofficial are fine), GRE scores, TOEFL or IELTS scores to: Drs. Sandra B. Correa (sbc...@msstate.edu) and Javier Maldonado (maldona...@javeriana.edu.co).
