Graduate Research Assistantship, Michigan State University, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife

One graduate research assistant position (M.S. level) to study pheromone-mediated reproductive behavior of Great Lakes sea lamprey is currently open in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife at Michigan State University. The student will participate in a series of field experiments designed to ascertain how migratory and mating pheromones may be most effectively applied to a trapping management strategy for sea lamprey in Great Lakes tributaries. This student will have the flexibility to develop and test basic, novel hypotheses related to the management theme and sea lamprey behavior (e.g., female mate choice). Financial support for this position will be provided through a research assistantship that includes a stipend for living expenses, full tuition coverage, and an insurance package. Interested candidates should have a background in aquatic sciences, including animal behavior and ichthyology, and should be prepared to conduct independent scientific research. The student will be encouraged to incorporate field, laboratory, and theoretical approaches in their work. Travel throughout Michigan will be necessary, and the position will require long periods in the field during the spring/early summer months (travel expenses covered by project monies). Experience with field research in streams is desirable but not absolutely necessary. The student will work closely with the USGS Hammond Bay Biological Station staff in Millersburg, MI, and other students/faculty in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife at Michigan State University involved in sea lamprey research.


The position will ideally begin no later than May 2005. More information on the graduate program at Michigan State University is available at: http://www.fw.msu.edu/academics/grad.htm.
For consideration, please send a letter/email of intent (electronic submissions strongly encouraged), including a brief statement of research interests, resume (include description of undergraduate major/coursework), names and addresses of 3 references, and GRE scores to:




Michael Wagner
Assistant Professor
Department of Fisheries and Wildlife
13 Natural Resources Building
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48824-1222
mwagner@msu.edu