A Masters assistantship position is available beginning in January 2024 at Georgia Southern University (GS), in the lab of plant ecologist Dr. Isaac Park. The graduate student will develop a thesis project examining the effects of changes in local climate on the timing of plant flowering and bee foraging among communities throughout Georgia, using a combination of in-situ plant observations and historically collected plant specimens. In addition, the student will be expected to assist in identifying sites for long-term monitoring of plant phenology in and around the Statesboro campus, and to lead undergraduate researchers in extracting phenological information from historically collected plant specimens.
The assistantship includes a full tuition waiver and competitive stipend for at least two years. The student is also expected to assist in the field and lab activities of the Park lab. More information about the graduate program can be found at the Biology departments web page (http://cosm.georgiasouthern.edu/biology/graduate-program-2/). GS is a 26,000-student comprehensive research university spread across three campuses and located in one of the most biodiverse regions of the southeastern U.S. (http://www.georgiasouthern.edu/). This position will be based on the Statesboro campus.
Required qualifications include (1) a B.S. degree in Biology, Botany, Ecology and Evolution, Geography, Statistics, or a related field, (2) good interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills, (3) strong self-motivation and ability to work well independently and with a team. Preferred qualifications include demonstrated previous experience with (1) developing and executing a research project, (2) field ecology research, and (3) data skills, which could include past experiences managing datasets, conducting statistical analyses, or programming. Additional admission requirements for the Biology graduate program can be found here: https://cosm.georgiasouthern.edu/biology/masters/admissions/
To apply, please email the following as a single pdf file: (1) a letter summarizing your background, research interests, and career goals, (2) a curriculum vitae, (3) names and contact information for 2-3 academic or professional references, and (4) an unofficial copy of your college transcript. Standardized testing (such as the GRE) is no longer required for admission to the GS graduate program. Review of applications will begin on 9/10/2023 and continue until the position is filled. Applications and inquiries should be emailed to Dr. Isaac Park (Isaac_park@ucsb.edu).
