The Knutie lab in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Connecticut is recruiting highly-motivated applicants interested in pursuing a PhD in disease ecology and evolution in the Galapagos Islands.
The PhD student will be expected to develop a novel research project in animal disease and/or urban ecology in the unique Galapagos Islands. Specifically, the Knutie lab studies the effect of an invasive parasitic nest fly and urbanization on Darwin's finches. Because of the nature of the work, prospective students are required to have extensive experience in field biology with birds. The equatorial field work, which includes living in the Galapagos for 3-4 months, is often met with intense and frustrating conditions (e.g. 9+ mile hikes on uneven lava rock, intense sun exposure, 110F heat, unrelenting mosquitoes, isolation, etc.). Frankly, some days are terrible. For more information about current research and personnel in the lab, please see: http://www.knutielab.com
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply but preference will be given to applicants with at least one first-authored publication and/or extensive experience with independent international field-based research with breeding birds. Since the field work occurs during the Spring semester (~late Jan-May), students are encouraged to seek fellowship opportunities. Although academic scores are considered for admission to the program, I also value motivation and passion for science and nature. Applicants from underrepresented minority background (e.g. ethnic, racial, gender, LGBT, first generation) are encouraged to apply and internal fellowships are available to such students (https://grad.uconn.edu/financing/fellowships/internal-awards/).
The application process requires submission of the formal graduate school application pages, transcripts, GRE scores, three letters of reference, a personal essay, and, for non-native speakers of English, TOEFL or IELTS scores. Also, I request a writing sample, such as a 1- to 2-page project proposal (preferred) or 1st authored manuscript. If admitted, full financial support (TA) is provided for five years. More information for prospective EEB Graduate students: http://eeb.uconn.edu/information-for-prospective-eeb-graduate-students/
For full consideration, applications must be submitted by December 15, 2019. However, applicants are strongly encouraged to contact Dr. Sarah Knutie (sarah.knutie@uconn.edu) before applying to the program (e.g. by August or September 2019) to discuss research interests and your application. Come join a lab full of amazing people!
