DOCTORAL (and/or MS) GRADUATE STUDENT position open in Mark Hester=92s Coastal Plant Ecology Lab in the Department of Biology at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. This program is seeking a graduate student to conduct research on the effects of climate warming on salt marsh belowground and community dynamics in areas where mangroves are currently expanding.  The research is a combination of large-scale controlled mesocosm experiments coupled with field experiments along the Florida Atlantic Coast from St. Augustine to the Keys.  Although a doctoral student is preferred, exceptional, well-qualified students interested in pursuing a Masters degree in Biology are also encouraged to apply.  The successful applicant must be enthusiastic and self-

motivated, have a strong interest in climate change and plant ecology, be a team player able to work well both independently and interdependently, display strong oral and written communication skills, and possess both the physical and mental attributes required to work under strenuous and often adverse conditions in the field.  Additional desirable skills include boat operation and a background in environmental effects on plant population and community dynamics, plant/soil sciences, plant physiological ecology and statistical ecology.  Competitive graduate research assistantship funding and tuition waivers are available.  Truly exceptional doctoral student applicants may also be considered for a University Doctoral Fellowship in Environmental and Evolutionary Biology.  For further information, please email Dr. Mark W. Hester, Department of Biology, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, LA  70504 mhester@louisiana.edu. Type Grad Research Assistant Applicant in the Subject line and attach resume/CV, as well as GPA and GRE percentile score information with all inquiries, preferably by November 1, 2017 to receive full consideration for spring 2018 admission.

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