A PhD Graduate student position is available for Fall 2022 with Dr. Jocelyn Behm at Temple University’s
Integrative Ecology Lab (iecolab) within the Center for Biodiversity. The focus of research within the
iecolab is to integrate biodiversity science with human ecology to understand contemporary patterns
ecosystem functioning.
The PhD student will research how natural factors and human activities influence biodiversity and
ecosystem services in southeastern Pennsylvania. In particular we determine how human activities
affect which species are present in ecological communities and then determine the implications for
ecosystem services. The human activities we focus on the most are habitat development (mainly
urbanization) and the spread of non-native species. The ecosystem services we focus on are those
provided directly by plant and animal species and their interactions, such as disease regulation, seed
dispersal, pest control and aesthetic provisioning, among others. The lab currently studies biodiversity
with a broad taxonomic lens, with ongoing projects investigating ecosystem service provision by
invertebrates, birds, mammals, and plants.
The student will be supported in developing their own research project based on their interests and
selected taxonomic group within the context of the larger research theme outlined above.
PhD research activities may include:
– field biodiversity surveys ecological communities
– field and/or lab ecosystem service strength assessments
– analyses of large datasets
– genetic sequencing
– GIS
– quantitative method development
– mentoring undergraduate research assistants
Applicants must have prior research experience and a bachelor’s and/or master’s degree in biology,
environmental science, or other related field. Ideal applicants are those with prior ecological fieldwork
experience plus familiarity with GIS, statistics, and R. Because our data analyses methods are highly
quantitative, strong quantitative skills are needed. Most importantly, the successful applicant will be
well-organized, able to work both independently and in a team setting, and motivated to learn.
Full applications are due to Temple’s Graduate School on December 15 (November 15 for international
applicants). However, interested applicants should initially contact Jocelyn Behm (jebehm@temple.edu)
well in advance of the deadline. Include in this initial contact your CV, unofficial transcript, and a brief
statement of interest that describes your relevant background experiences, why you are interested in
the position, and questions you have about the research, etc. Applicants are strongly encouraged to first
peruse the lab website and publications prior to contact (http://www.iecolab.org).
The Center for Biodiversity is located in a new LEED-Gold certified building on Temple’s main campus in
historic Philadelphia. The Center provides state-of-the-art biodiversity research facilities along with
support staff with expertise in media development, GIS technology, and genetics. Temple University,
founded in 1884, is a public R1 university with a diverse student body of ca. 40,000 students. It is the
sixth largest provider of graduate school education in the U.S.A. and is within the top 4% of research
institutions in the US.
Philadelphia is the birthplace of the United States, filled with numerous attractions (e.g., Philadelphia
Museum of Art, Philadelphia Zoo, Academy of Natural Sciences), amazing food, and a quick train ride to
New York City and Washington DC. Philadelphia is nestled within an extensive national/state trail and
park system, and is very close to Valley Forge National Park, the Pocono Mountains, the unique Pine
Barren ecosystem, and the beaches of the Delaware and New Jersey shores.
Temple University is an equal opportunity, equal access, affirmative action employer committed to
achieving a diverse community.
For more information see:
https://www.iecolab.org/
http://www.biodiversitycenter.org/
https://bulletin.temple.edu/graduate/scd/cst/biology-phd/