Doctoral graduate student positions in sexual selection in collared lizards at Oklahoma State University starting May 2014

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Position Description: Two graduate students seeking the doctoral degree are sought for participation in an NSF-funded project in behavioral ecology of collared lizards.  The project investigates the significance of early-expressed sexual dichromatism and behavior in hatchlings that may carry delayed benefits to males later in life via sexual selection. We call this precocial sexual selection. A team of investigators at Oklahoma State University led by Dr. Stanley Fox (with Drs. Matt Lovern, Jen Grindstaff, and Ron Van Den Bussche) will supervise the students and develop associated doctoral dissertation research. Positions include field work in behavioral ecology (including GIS), and laboratory analyses of hormones (RIA), immunological response, and DNA parentage analyses to compute true genetic reproductive fitness. Each position includes a Research Assistantship for the summer and fall months and a Teaching Assistantship for the spring semester.  Stipend for RA is $2118/mo + tuition (fees not included), and for TA is $1792/mo + tuition (fees not included). Both RA and TA include health insurance.

Both positions will begin in May, 2014 (start date flexible).

Application Procedure: Send electronically a copy of your CV or resume, college transcripts (does not have to be official), GRE scores, a statement of interest, and contact information for 3 references to Stanley Fox at stanl...@okstate.edu. Deadline is December 1, 2013.  After initial screening, selected applicants will be invited to apply formally to graduate school in the Department of Zoology; deadline is 1 February 2014.  See http://zoology.okstate.edu/graduate-program/admission-procedure

Qualifications: Students should have some experience with behavioral ecology and field work, and interest in reptiles; prior research experience with reptiles or amphibians is preferred but not required. Students may enter the Ph.D. degree program directly from the B.S. or after the M.S. degree. Field work in the summer in Oklahoma is brutal and weather is usually hot and dry. Students must be able to work independently but also supervise a team of research assistants. Applicants will be evaluated based on a combination of GPA, GRE scores, experience, and interest.