University of Kentucky
5 days ago
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
Country
United States
University
University of Kentucky

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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.
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