Publisher
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University of Kentucky

PhD Assistantship in Scale Insect Ecology in Urban Trees at University of Kentucky University of Kentucky in United States

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Ecology

Funding

PhD assistantship fully covers tuition and provides a competitive stipend of $29,340 per year plus health insurance. Appointment is 40 hours/week.

Deadline

Sep 18, 2026

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Country

United States

University

University of Kentucky

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Keywords

Ecology
Environmental Science
Agriculture
Biology
Entomology
Biological Control
Pest Management
Urban Ecology

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About this position

PhD Assistantship in Scale Insect Ecology in Urban Trees at the University of Kentucky (Department of Entomology, Wilson Lab) in Lexington, Kentucky, USA.

The lab is recruiting a PhD student to start in Spring 2027 (after January 1, 2027). The project sits at the intersection of entomology, urban ecology, biological control, and integrated pest management, with a focus on sustainable insect pest management and natural enemy conservation in urban trees, shrubs, and turfgrass.

Research themes include how flowering lawn weeds influence biological control of scale insects in urban trees, and whether lawn-applied insecticides translocate into scale honeydew in nearby trees and affect natural enemy communities. Students are encouraged to develop their own research directions within these themes.

Funding: The assistantship fully covers tuition and provides a competitive stipend of $29,340/year plus health insurance. The appointment is 40 hours/week.

Eligibility: A master's degree is preferred in entomology, ecology, environmental science, biology, or a related field, though exceptional B.S.-only candidates may be considered. Applicants should have at least two years of relevant experience, plus prior field-based data collection, scientific writing, and statistical analysis skills.

Application: Send initial materials to [email protected] with the specified subject line and include a cover letter, CV, three references, and unofficial transcripts. Initial materials are due 2026-09-18. The formal graduate school application is by invitation only after interviewing with Dr. Wilson, with a deadline of 2026-12-01.

Useful links shared in the post include the Wilson Lab website, the UK Entomology graduate program, and the new Agricultural Research Building.

Funding details

PhD assistantship fully covers tuition and provides a competitive stipend of $29,340 per year plus health insurance. Appointment is 40 hours/week.

What's required

Master's degree preferred in entomology, ecology, environmental science, biology, or a related field; exceptional B.S.-only candidates may be considered. At least two years of relevant experience is required, along with prior field-based data collection, scientific writing, and statistical analysis skills.

How to apply

Email [email protected] with the subject line "Scale insect grad student application: First name, Last name" and include a cover letter, CV, three references, and unofficial transcripts. Initial materials are due September 18, 2026; formal graduate school application follows by invitation after interviewing.

More information can be found here

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