Subject: PhD Position Available in Entomology at MSU

The Jim Smith and Peter White research group at Michigan State University (https://msu.edu/user/jimsmith andwww.pjtwhite.org) seeks a motivated PhD student interested in pursuing research investigating insect evolutionary genetics, focused on tephritids, or the impact of urbanization and landscape change on insect populations, primarily within Lepidoptera. There is considerable latitude in research focus, which may include aspects of (A) landscape ecology, (B) natural history and phylogeography, (C) Lepidoptera or tephritid phylogenetics, (D) citizen science initiatives, particularly in the K-14 education sphere, and/or (E) invasive species ecology.

This PhD position is fully funded through a graduate teaching assistantship in the school year, and with available bridge-funding in the summer.

The position could start as early as the Fall 2018 semester.

Qualifications:
– Applicants should have a solid background in entomology and/or ecology and/or genetics
– Applicants must have strong writing skills and possess proficiency in English (both written and spoken) and a valid driving license.
– Applicants should have a strong quantitative reasoning skills.
– Experience or strong interest in teaching and science education is desirable.
– Experience working with undergraduates is desirable.
– A MS is desirable, though not necessarily required.

Application Process:
– Interested applicants should follow the instructions found on the MSU Entomology website here:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/ent/students/graduate_studies/application_process

– In addition, interested applicants should send the following materials to the lab PIs, Peter White (pwhite@msu.edu) and Jim Smith (jimsmith@msu.edu)

(i) an updated CV, (ii) a writing sample, and (iii) a personal statement describing the applicant’s area of research interest.

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