One graduate research assistantship (M.S or Ph.D) is available in Alan Wilson’s lab at Auburn University (AU) to study basic and applied limnology/aquatic ecology.  Current lab research projects revolve around understanding the ecological and genetic mechanisms mediating harmful freshwater algal blooms.  Students in my lab are welcome to participate on existing projects but are strongly encouraged to develop their own thesis projects using a suite of approaches available at AU including field limnocorral and whole-pond experiments, large-scale lake surveys, and laboratory-based mechanistic studies.  Travel opportunities to field sites throughout the Southeast and Midwest and to scientific conferences are made available to all of my students.
The ideal candidate will be honest, hard-working, enjoy teamwork, have coursework in ecology, have good grades (GPA > 3.2) and competitive GRE scores (quantitative and verbal above 50th percentile and writing of 4.0 or greater), and be excited about studying freshwater phytoplankton dynamics in the lab and field.  The start date is flexible and could be anytime during the 2011-2012 school year.  A competitive stipend is accompanied by a full tuition waiver and health insurance.
Interested students are encouraged to email (1) a brief letter of interest clearly describing how my lab is a good fit for you and your professional aspirations, (2) contact information for three references, (3) unofficial copies of transcripts, and (4) a brief resume including GRE scores to Alan Wilson at wilson@auburn.edu by 1 July 2011 for full consideration.  The position will remain open until filled. Dr. Alan E. Wilson Assistant Professor Fisheries and Allied Aquacultures Auburn University 203 Swingle Hall, Auburn, Alabama 36849 wilson@auburn.edu, 334.246.1120, http://www.wilsonlab.com