Positions Available for 2023 (new!)

Description

The Gratton Lab is seeking 1-2 graduate students to join the lab for either a MS or PhD starting in 2023. Current funding opportunities include projects exploring the relationship between pollinator conservation and animal grazing and private land conservation practices and management.  Individuals with interests in entomology, conservation and ecology, landscape ecology and agriculture/agroecology are encouraged to apply.  We strongly encourage applicants from a diversity of backgrounds, experience, and perspectives; see our Equity and Inclusion Statement for our philosophy on diversity. 

Positions will be funded through a combination of research and teaching assistantships.  Students are also encouraged to independently seek out additional Fellowship opportunities (University Fellowships, etc.).  Contact Dr. Gratton if you are considering applying for a NSF GRFP (https://www.nsfgrfp.org/). Additional support from UW SciMedGRS program (https://scimedgrs.wisc.edu/) may be possible for eligible students.

Qualifications

Required: BS or BA in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science/Studies, Agriculture or related field.  Prior experience doing field research. 

Desired: In your personal statement, clearly describe why you are passionate about the work you do or want to do, why graduate studies are the next important step for your professional development, and what would make you a good fit for our group. See our lab page for research areas and recent work: https://gratton.entomology.wisc.edu/  Please address how your background and experiences bring other attributes that we seek in successful applicants: creativity and intense curiosity, a high degree of self motivation and ability to work independently, enthusiasm for research and science at the interface of nature and society, excellent communication skills, prior research or other experiences that form the basis for your interest in graduate school, and the ability to work as a part of a diverse team. Good time-management skills, a strong work ethic and attention to detail also are essential. The candidate must also have a valid driver’s license.

For full consideration, apply by December 1, 2022.  Please submit an official application through the Graduate School portal (https://grad.wisc.edu/apply/) to the program(s)  that best fit your interests: Entomology, Nelson Institute, Agroecology MS, Integrative Biology, you can apply simultaneously to up to 3 programs, a limited number of applications fee waivers are available through the departments for qualified students).  In the application you will need to submit a personal statement (see guidance above), CV/resume, unofficial transcripts, and three personal letters of reference. NOTE: Due to the high interest in the positions, we will not be able to correspond with all candidates and we will evaluate your applications for a follow-up interview after the submission date.

All opportunities are fully funded: accepted students receive a living stipend based on graduate program rates (which vary between programs, teaching or research assistantships, and fellowships, etc., but are $28,000 – $33,000/yr), health benefits, and graduate school tuition.

If you are unsure of how to start the process of applying to graduate school, we suggest this article “Advice on Applying to Graduate School in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology: How to Prepare and a Step-By-Step Guide”. It provides lots of helpful tips and advice about whether graduate school is right for you and how to go about developing components of successful applications.

We seek students who are broadly interested in applied ecology and whose research interests align with those described in our Mission Statement. Other desirable attributes that make for successful applications include: creativity and intense curiosity, a high degree of self motivation, enthusiasm for research and science at the interfaces of nature and people, a demonstrated ability to work independently, excellent communication skills, prior research or other experiences that form the basis for your interest in graduate school, and the ability to work as a part of a diverse team. We are always looking to increase the representation and support of candidates of all backgrounds, experience, and perspectives; please see our Equity and Inclusion Statement for our philosophy on diversity.