Natural Resources Job Board

 

M.S. Graduate Assistantship, Stonefly Systematics and Conservation, Western Kentucky University 

 

The Aquatic Ecology and Systematics Lab at Western Kentucky University (WKU) is searching for 1 M.S. student to contribute to one of several on-going projects addressing the systematics and conversation of Plecoptera (stoneflies). This lab currently incorporates an integrative morphological-molecular approach. Anticipated activities would include a combination of (a) fieldwork, (b) sorting, identification, and lab preparation of material for morphological and molecular analyses, and (c) data acquisition and analysis in preparation for the Masters Thesis, scientific presentations, and publications. The starting date is the WKU Fall 2026 semester. Applicants must meet the entrance requirements for WKU. Please visit for information: https://www.wku.edu/graduate/prospective_students/admission/requirements.php. 

Students enrolled in the M.S. in Biology at WKU are expected to develop, implement, and analyze independent research projects. Prior research experience will be viewed favorably but is not required. Teaching Assistantship responsibilities include instruction of undergraduate laboratory sections, preparation of laboratory materials, grading and evaluation of student performance, and weekly meetings with the course coordinator. Prior teaching experience is not required, but effective communication skills are necessary. The successful applicant will receive two years of support as a Teaching Assistantship, which includes a full tuition support and stipend. 

Required qualifications: 

·       B.A. or B.S. in Biology, Ecology, or closely related field (e.g., Environmental Science, Wildlife and Fisheries, etc.) with a minimum GPA of 2.75/4.0 

·       A letter of intent with a statement of purpose and information regarding all current prior research experiences (see below) 

 Desired qualifications: 

·       Willingness to focus mainly on stonefly research 

·       Evidence of strong work ethic and ability to work independently 

·       Field-based coursework 

·       Research experience in freshwater systems 

·       Experience with molecular biology lab work (e.g., gel electrophoresis, PCR) 

·       Experience with ArcGIS 

 

Candidates need to submit the following materials to scott.grubbs@wku.edu with the subject line “STONEFLY MS”: (1) letter of intent describing your background, research experiences and interests, and career goals, (2) resume or CV, (3) college transcript (unofficial copy is acceptable), (4) contact information for three references. Please take the letter of intent seriously. 

 

Feel free to contact me if you have questions to learn more about my recent research projects.
 
 Scott A. Grubbs, Ph.D.
 Department of Biology 

Western Kentucky University 

1906 College Heights Blvd. #11080 

Bowling Green, KY 42101 USA 

 

E-mail: scott.grubbs@wku.edu 

 

ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Scott_Grubbs?ev=hdr_xprf 

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=UPguuVUAAAAJ&view_op=list_works&sortby=pubdate