The Fowler Lab at George Mason University’s newly constructed Potomac Science Center in Woodbridge, VA is recruiting a PhD student in aquatic invertebrate ecology to begin August 2018 (https://esp.gmu.edu/faculty- staff/core-faculty-bios/amy-fowler/).
The student will pursue a PhD in the Department of Environmental Science and Policy (https://esp.gmu.edu/) supported by a research assistantship for two years (details below). Our current research focuses on biodiversity, phenotypic plasticity, parasitology, and community and population level interactions of aquatic invertebrates, especially those concerning invasions. Research in our lab spans freshwater, brackish, and marine ecosystems and includes field and laboratory experiments and environmental monitoring. The assistantship will include substantial flexibility in research topic, within the general realms of aquatic invertebrate ecology, including possible collaboration with other mentors within the PEREC (Potomac Environmental Research and Education
Center) research group (http://cos.gmu.edu/perec/#.Wilyr2hSz4Y).
The Ph.D. assistantship includes a yearly stipend of $14,500, a tuition waiver (12 credit hours of in-state tuition/semester) and health insurance for two years. Required qualifications include a minimum GPA of 3.5 on all undergraduate or graduate (if entering with a M.S.) coursework and GRE scores exceeding the 50th percentile. Prior research experience in aquatic ecology as well as proficient writing and speaking skills are preferred. Priority will be given to applicants with an M.S.
degree, but exceptional applicants at the B.S. level will also be considered.
PEREC, located at the Potomac Science Center (Woodbridge, VA), is an interdisciplinary and collaborative laboratory group featuring research programs in chemistry, ecology, geology, environmental science and education. Research program support includes state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and instrumentation, a wet laboratory, and a fleet of small and large research vessels. Additional information on the graduate program in Environmental Science and Policy can be found here:
https://esp.gmu.edu/academic-programs/graduate/programs/.
Interested students should contact Dr. Amy Fowler (afowler6@gmu.edu) before applying to GMU. In your email, please include a copy of your CV (including GRE scores), a brief (<500 words) description of research interests, unofficial undergraduate and graduate transcripts, and contact information for three professional references. Review of applicants will begin immediately. For full consideration, submit all materials prior to January 5, 2018.