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From: ECOLOG-L <[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>> on behalf of Zachary Freedman <[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>>
Reply-To: Zachary Freedman <[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>>
Date: Wednesday, January 11, 2017 at 3:50 PM
To: ECOLOG-L <[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>>
Subject: [ECOLOG-L] PhD Assistantship in Environmental Microbiology – West Virginia University
Resent-From: Jim Schneider <[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>>
Resent-Date: Wednesday, January 11, 2017 at 4:51 PM

Summary: The Freedman Lab of Environmental Microbiology at West Virginia University is now accepting
applications for a PhD-level Graduate Assistant position. Our research generally focuses on how
biological, chemical, and physical factors affect the composition of soil microbial communities and their
ecosystem function. A wide range of research topics are possible, including but not limited to: Impacts
of anthropogenic climate change on the microbiomes of Appalachian forests and watersheds; effects of
mining and mine reclamation on soil microbial communities; effects of herbivory on plant-microbe
interactions, among many other possible topics. Further information on the Freedman lab can be found
at: http://freedman.davis.wvu.edu

Qualified applicants will be highly motivated, enthusiastic, and will have a strong background in ecology,
microbiology, soil science, or a closely related field. Experience with high-throughput DNA sequencing,
metagenomics, biogeochemical measurements (for example, CO2 and trace gas production, enzyme
activities, soil characteristics) and programming in R is ideal.

Tuition Waiver and Stipend: The assistantship includes full tuition coverage, benefits, and a yearly
stipend of $22,132. Opportunities for Teaching Assistantships will also be available. The expected start
date is August 23, 2017.
To Apply: Prospective students should send the following information with the
subject line “PhD Position” to [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>: 1) a one page cover letter describing
your research experience, interests, and goals, 2) a current CV, 3) current GRE scores, 4) unofficial
transcripts of all previous undergraduate and graduate education, and 5) contact information for three
academic references. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is
filled, applications received by February 15 will receive full consideration. The selected applicant will
submit a formal application to the WVU Graduate School (https://graduateadmissions.wvu.edu) for
admission to the Applied and Environmental Microbiology Graduate Program
(http://microbiology.wvu.edu).

University and Community:  WVU is located in Morgantown, WV (pop. 31,073), which is routinely
recognized as one of the best small college towns in the country (www.wvu.edu). The Division’s faculty
and graduate student population conduct research in a wide range of natural resource disciplines, and
have ready access to West Virginia’s forests and working lands for natural laboratories and recreational
activities. WVU is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and the recipient of an NSF
ADVANCE award for gender equity. The University values diversity among its faculty, staff and students,
and invites applications from all qualified individuals, including minorities, females, individuals with
disabilities, and veterans.