Graduate position in ecology, Vonesh lab, VCU

Graduate position in ecology, Vonesh lab, VCU

The Vonesh lab in the Department of Biology at Virginia Commonwealth
Univesity (www.has.vcu.edu/bio) invites applications from prospective
graduate students for Fall 2010 to collaborate on our NSF-funded project at
the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (www.stri.org), Gamboa, Panama,
"Fear, death, and life history switch points: cumulative effects of
predation and phenotypic plasticity across three life stages." This project
is a joint effort between the Vonesh (www.has.vcu.edu/bio/pages/jrvonesh)
and Karen Warkentin labs (Boston University; people.bu.edu/kwarken), and
focuses on the effects of sequential stage-specific predators on the
survival and life history of tropical frogs. Students are expected to
develop independent research projects that fit within the larger framework
of the grant. The Vonesh and Warkentin lab team in Gamboa includes graduate
students, postdoctoral fellows, and undergraduate interns. In addition,
STRI offers a diverse and intellectually rich, international scientific
community in a tropical rainforest environment. VCU, located in Richmond,
VA, is the largest public R1 university in Virginia and has an active and
diverse Ecology and Evolution faculty that are engaged in research around
the world.

Prospective students should apply through the Biology Masters in Science
program (www.has.vcu.edu/bio/graduate/ms_program.html); however, the
opportunity to continue through the PhD may also be possible via the VCU
Integrative Life Sciences Ph.D. program (www.vcu.edu/lifesci/phd).
Competitive stipends, tuition waivers, and support for field work are
available. Successful applicants to the Vonesh lab typically have had a BS
in biology (or related field), GPA >3.3, GREs >1200, some prior research
experience, a strong interest in developing quantitative skills, and an
high level of self motivation. Some proficiency in Spanish is desirable.
Interested persons should initially email a letter that summarizes their
background, educational goals, and research interests, along with
curriculum vitae (include GPA and GRE scores) with contact information for
three references to Dr. James Vonesh (jrvoneshvcu.edu).