Summary: The Freedman Lab of Environmental Microbiology at West Virginia University is now accepting applications for a PhD-level Graduate Assistant position. Our research generally focuses on how biological, chemical, and physical factors affect the composition of microbial communities and their ecosystem function. A wide range of research topics are possible, including but not limited to: Impacts of anthropogenic climate change on Appalachian forests and watersheds; effects of mining and mine reclamation on soil microbes; effects of herbivory on plant-microbe interactions; impacts of conventional and organic agriculture on soil health, among many other possible topics. Further information on the Freedman lab can be found at: http://freedman.davis.wvu.edu
Qualified applicants will be highly motivated, enthusiastic, and will have a strong background in ecology, microbiology, soil science, or a closely related field. Experience with high-throughput DNA sequencing, metagenomics, biogeochemical measurements (for example, CO2 and trace gas production, enzyme activities, soil characteristics) and programming in R is ideal.
Tuition Waiver and Stipend: The assistantship includes full tuition coverage, benefits, and a yearly stipend of $22,132. Opportunities for Teaching Assistantships will also be available. The expected start date is August 23, 2017.
To Apply: Prospective students should send the following information with the
subject line =93PhD Position=94 to zachary.freedman@mail.wvu.edu: 1) a one page cover letter describing your research experience, interests, and goals, 2) a current CV, 3) current GRE scores, 4) unofficial transcripts of all previous undergraduate and graduate education, and 5) contact information for three academic references. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled, applications received by February 28 will receive full consideration. The selected applicant will submit a formal application to the WVU Graduate School (https://graduateadmissions.wvu.edu) for admission to the Applied and Environmental Microbiology Graduate Program (http://microbiology.wvu.edu).
University and Community: WVU is located in Morgantown, WV (pop. 31,073), which is routinely recognized as one of the best small college towns in the country (www.wvu.edu). The Division=92s faculty and graduate student population conduct research in a wide range of natural resource disciplines, and have ready access to West Virginia=92s forests and working lands for natural laboratories and recreational activities. WVU is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and the recipient of an NSF ADVANCE award for gender equity. The University values diversity among its faculty, staff and students, and invites applications from all qualified individuals, including minorities, females, individuals with disabilities, and veterans.