[Taxacom] GRA availability for native bees

[Johnson, Paul]

For the truly biologically adventurous, here is a graduate research opportunity on native bees and involving extensive field work in the Black Hills of South Dakota.  Contact me for further information.

Thanks,

Paul J. Johnson, Ph.D.
Professor of Entomology

Insect Research Collection
Box 2207A, Agricultural Hall 219
South Dakota State University
Brookings, SD 57007, USA
tel: 605.688.4438; fax: 605.688.4602


Graduate Assistantship Position Announcement

Availability:  Fall 2009

Position:              Graduate Research Assistantship, MS or PhD
                             Biological Science or Plant Science, 0.49% time


Location:              Insect Research Collection

Plant Science Department

                       South Dakota State University
                        Brookings, South Dakota


Qualifications: B.S. or M.S. degree in Entomology, Zoology, Biology, or related discipline.  A strong background with insect taxonomy or ecology is highly desirable. Candidates must meet academic requirements of the Graduate School and the Plant Science Department.  The student will be expected to work independently and collaboratively in the field and lab.

Research Objectives:  The research will focus on a biodiversity survey and inventory of the native bees of the Black Hills ecoregion of western South Dakota.  This research will be based on extensive fieldwork and collection study, and will involve multiple state and federal agency cooperation. Data gathering will involve bee taxonomy, habitat selection, floral host preferences, nest site assessment, and land use/perturbation responses.  Cybertaxonomic/ecologic work will involve database development and collaboration with the USDA Bee Lab, and geospatial analysis in collaboration with the USGS-EROS Data Center.

Stipend and Tuition Fees:  Current SDSU stipend rate for an MS is $16,709, and for a PhD is $20,778 per annum.  Graduate assistants receive a two-thirds tuition remission on graduate resident rates.  Doctoral candidates will be expected to seek supplemental funding.

Application:  Send a letter of application that includes a statement of career objectives, current resumé or CV, a list of 3 personal references of a professional status (including e-mail address and telephone), and a copy of academic transcripts to:

Dr. Paul J. Johnson
Insect Research Collection
Box 2207A, South Dakota State University
Brookings, SD  57007
paul.johnson at sdstate.edu

South Dakota State University is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity and diversity of its faculty, staff and students.  Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made at 605/688-4504 (TTY 605/688-4394).