PhD Student

Support is available for 3.5 year Ph.D. assistantship in wildlife ecology in the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture at Mississippi State University. Research will focus on evaluating numerical (abundance and diversity) and functional responses (conservation status and ecological services provided by) of bird and plant communities in managed forest systems, from stand initiation to canopy closure. Specific projects can vary based on research interests, but will involve field evaluation and opportunities to collect and analyze data as part of a long term (10+ years) avian and plant community dataset, including capstone analyses and publications. Candidates should possess an M.S. in ecology or related field and be able to illustrate experience and interest working with avian communities of the southeastern United States.

The PhD student will join a department with expertise in ecological phenomena ranging in scale from microcosms to broad geographic extents. Tentative start date for the PhD program is January 2019. For more information, please contact Dr. Scott Rush (scott.rush@msstate.edu). Applicants should attach CV, cover letter, and contact information for three references. Competitive stipend and tuition. Candidates will be required to formally apply to and be accepted by the Mississippi State University Graduate School (https://www.grad.msstate.edu/).