The Integrative Ecology Lab at Temple University has multiple PhD student positions available for Fall 2025. These positions offer students an exciting chance to work at the epicenter of a recent high-impact invasion, utilizing a combination of field research, data science, and ecological modeling.
Positions: PhD Graduate Students
Department: Biology Department, Temple University
Start Date: Fall 2025
Location: Philadelphia, PA, USA
Funding: Fully funded, Competitive Salary and Benefits
Interviews: Virtual interviews are conducted on a rolling basis,
Application Deadline: October 15th (introductory email), December 15 (graduate school application)
System:
Spotted lanternflies have invaded ecosystems across the eastern United States. Originally from China, this insect pest has spread to at least 17 states and threatens to disrupt the global wine industry. The spotted lanternfly invasion is a fascinating study system for invasion ecology: lanternflies feed on a wide range of host plant species and thrive in urban landscapes, but they are major agricultural pests, particularly to grapes. They disperse through a mix of natural and human-assisted means. They have few natural enemies within their invaded range because they feed on toxic hosts. They are large and have swarmed cities by the millions, causing massive spikes in social media posts, unprecedented for any previous invasive species. Our lab is at the forefront of researching the factors driving this invasion, with a focus on wine grapes, one of the most vulnerable crops.
What You’ll Do:
- Develop and pursue independent research questions under the larger themes of invasion ecology and environmental data science.
- Conduct fieldwork in diverse settings, from vineyards across the U.S. to Neotropical rainforests, investigating both invasive and native lanternfly species.
- Utilize AI models and big data to deliver actionable insights for stakeholders, directly informing management strategies.
- Engage with a collaborative team, develop interactive web applications, publish in top journals, and present your findings at international conferences.
Qualifications and Expectations:
We are looking for students who:
- Hold a bachelor’s and/or master’s degree in biology, environmental science, or a related field.
- Have prior ecological research experience and familiarity with GIS, statistics, and R.
- Are passionate about quantitative methods and data-driven research.
- Are well-organized, motivated, and capable of working independently and as part of a team.
- Are excited to contribute to interdisciplinary research on an invasive species of high concern.
Why Temple University?
- Be part of a vibrant, diverse research community at a top-tier R1 university.
- Work in a LEED-Gold certified building at the Center for Biodiversity on Temple’s main campus in historic Philadelphia.
- Enjoy living in one of the most historically rich cities in the United States, with easy access to New York City, Washington D.C., and numerous natural attractions.
Application Process:
Interviews are being conducted on a rolling basis until the positions are filled. Interested candidates should initially email Dr. Matt Helmus (mrhelmus@temple.edu) by October 15th and well in advance of the application deadline (December 15). Your initial contact should include your CV, an unofficial transcript, and a brief statement of interest outlining your relevant experience and research interests.
Learn More and Apply:
Visit the iEcoLab website to find detailed information about our research, the spotted lanternfly project, and Temple Biology’s graduate program. Explore our spotted lanternfly research dashboard to see our work in action. Join us and contribute to research that matters!
