Louisiana State University
1 month ago
PhD in Conservation Ecology / Forest Entomology at Louisiana State University Louisiana State University in United States
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Ecology
Funding
Competitive stipend, partial health insurance coverage, tuition waiver, and four years of guaranteed funding.
Deadline
Oct 15, 2026
Country
United States
University
Louisiana State University
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About this position
PhD opening in conservation ecology / forest entomology at Louisiana State University in the Department of Entomology. The Forest Entomology Research Group is seeking a doctoral student to start in Spring 2027.
The project focuses on global change, biological invasions, and restoration ecology in southeastern forest ecosystems, with a specific study system centered on the Chinese tallow tree (Triadica sebifera) and restoration efforts at Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge. The student will work with a collaborative team including USDA Forest Service, USDA-APHIS, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife researchers to characterize the abundance and diversity of insects, birds, and plants in early restoration stages.
Research responsibilities include describing communities of terrestrial ground arthropods and insect pollinators across recent and historic restoration plots, with opportunities to develop additional questions in insect ecology, habitat change, and trophic structure. The group also works on arthropod ecology, native and non-native Agrilus beetles, natural enemies, and woodboring beetle sensory and reproductive ecology.
Funding includes a competitive stipend, partial health insurance coverage, a tuition waiver, and four years of guaranteed funding. The position is field-intensive and requires comfort working in hot, humid, wet conditions and around snakes, mosquitoes, and other wildlife. Applicants must have a completed master's degree in entomology, ecology/evolution, or natural resources, plus a driver’s license in Louisiana or the ability to obtain one.
To apply, email Dr. Todd D. Johnson with a CV, unofficial transcripts, three references, a 1–2 page statement of research interests/experience/future goals, and one writing sample. Candidates should contact Dr. Johnson before submitting a formal LSU Graduate School application.
Funding details
Competitive stipend, partial health insurance coverage, tuition waiver, and four years of guaranteed funding.
What's required
Applicants must have completed a master's degree in entomology, ecology/evolution, or natural resources, or have the ability to obtain one before doctoral study. The project is field-intensive and requires willingness to work in hot, humid, wet subtropical conditions, around snakes, mosquitoes, and other wildlife. A Louisiana driver's license is required or must be obtainable. Strong teamwork and leadership ability are important. Preferred qualifications include well-defined career goals, experience and interest in collecting and identifying terrestrial arthropods (especially Coleoptera and Hymenoptera), proven fieldwork success, strong writing ability, and evidence of grants or awards.
How to apply
Email Dr. Todd D. Johnson with a CV, unofficial transcripts, contact information for three references, a 1–2 page statement of research interests/experience/future goals, and one additional writing sample. Applicants must also submit an application to the LSU Graduate School after contacting him.
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