An MS Assistantship in Freshwater Ecology is available in the Biology Department at the University of Wisconsin La Crosse with Dr. Ross Vander Vorste. The research will focus on benthic macroinvertebrate diversity in side-channel habitats of the Mississippi River system. Tuition and summer research stipends are offered as well as opportunities for teaching assistantships during the academic year.
Start date: Spring 2021 or Summer 2021 depending on candidate’s preference.
Description: The successful applicant will participate in a collaborative research project that will assess the physical and biological characteristics of side-channel habitats throughout the Upper Mississippi River and Illinois River. One major goal of the project is to correlate physical river classification to ecological responses of macroinvertebrates. The student will become an important team member on this project by leading the collection and processing of invertebrates from six different reaches along the river system. Students with interest and experience in field research, benthic macroinvertebrates, and the ecology of large river ecosystems are encouraged to apply.
Collaborators include scientists participating in the Upper Mississippi River Restoration Program from the US Geological Survey, US Army Corps of Engineers, Missouri Department of Conservation, and numerous LTRM field stations.
To apply, contact Dr. Ross Vander Vorste (rvandervorste@uwlax.edu) via an email that includes a cover letter, CV, unofficial transcripts, and contact information for 3 references. GRE scores will not be required as part of the application process for this position. Review of candidates will begin on November 6, 2020. Prospective students will be required to apply through the UWL Biology Graduate Program with applications due January 15, 2021. More information on the application process into the Biology Graduate Program can be found here: https://www.uwlax.edu/grad/biology/application-process/biology-other-concentrations/.
