GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIP (PhD) studying the movement ecology of birds and symbiont transmission

The Boves Lab at Arkansas State University is seeking a graduate student (PhD in Environmental Sciences or Molecular Biosciences) to conduct research on birds and their symbionts (specifically feather mites, but this could be expanded). The specific project that this student will work on is flexible, but some potential project ideas include: studying avian non-breeding behavior (e.g., roosting and community composition) and the potential of these behaviors to contribute to patterns of symbiont dispersal/transmission, dietary choice in feather mites (from bacteria to uropygial oil), migratory connectivity of New World Warblers and the consequence on symbiont transmission and host shifting, and spatial variation in feather microbiome and mite characteristics.

Competitive candidates will possess a passion for field work, experience capturing/handling small birds, great organizational abilities and quantitative skills, excellent oral and written communications skills, and personnel management experience. Although a Master’s degree is not required, it would be strongly preferred. MUST BE US CITIZEN OR PERMANENT RESIDENT. 

This position will be part of a National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Traineeship program called “Understanding Invasion and Disease Ecology and Evolution through Computational Data Education”. This Research Traineeship aims to address the absence of interdisciplinarity across invasion biology, disease ecology, and data science by effectively bridging these disciplines and improving the pace and magnitude of scientific discovery across these fields. Trainees in this program will get to participate in annual winter data bootcamps and summer professional development institutes, as well as multiple opportunities to collaborate on scientific case studies, hear guest speakers, and present research ideas or findings.
The successful applicant will be expected to start by June 2025. The student will receive a salary of $29,405/yr over the first three years in the program, and then will receive $18,072 for additional years of enrollment in the program (with a max of 5 years). The student will also have access to substantial research and travel funds.

To Apply: Send a single pdf that includes: 1) a cover letter highlighting your interest and experience, 2) your CV, 3) college transcripts (unofficial), and 4) names and contact information for 3 references to Dr. Than Boves at tboves@astate.edu. Review of applications will occur as they are received and will end when a qualified candidate is found (ideally before 1 January 2025).