PhD/MSc Funded Positions in Grassland Arthropod Ecology at Kansas State University: The Welti Arthropod Ecology Lab at Kansas State University (KSU) invites applications for funded MSc or PhD student positions starting January 2026. Based in Manhattan, Kansas, these positions provide an exciting opportunity to explore grassland arthropod biodiversity, ecological functions, and species interactions—centered around field research at the nearby Konza Prairie Biological Station.
🔬 Research Focus Areas
Students can tailor their projects to align with their interests in one of the following key areas:
- Arthropod community responses to herbivory
– Investigate how mammalian herbivores affect arthropod dynamics. - Arthropod roles in nutrient cycling and decomposition
– Understand how arthropods contribute to ecosystem processes and how those roles are shifting. - Long-term changes in grasshopper communities
– Examine trait variation across species and time in response to environmental .
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🎓 Position Details
- Start Date: January 2026 (Spring semester)
- Stipend: $28,193.88/year (bi-weekly pay), includes tuition, health insurance, and university fees
- Location: Manhattan, KS + Konza Prairie Biological Station
Applicants must:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree in ecology, biology, or related field by time of hire
- Be enthusiastic about arthropod and/or grassland ecology
- Show strong communication and teamwork skills
- Hold a valid driver’s license and be comfortable working outdoors in summer conditions
- Be prepared for lab and field work, including arthropod sample processing
💡 Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in plant or arthropod fieldwork
- Taxonomic identification skills
- Familiarity with R and ecological statistics
- Proven research experience
📬 How to Apply
Send your application as a single PDF file titled "yourlastname_gradap" to 📧 elwelti@ksu.edu, with subject line:
“Arthropod Ecology graduate application
Include the following:
- Brief personal statement (1-page max) outlining:
- Academic background
- Research experience
- Reason for pursuing graduate school
- Interest in one or more proposed research topics
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Informal transcripts
- Contact info for three references
Welti Arthropod Ecology Lab
Previously part of the Smithsonian’s Great Plains Science Program, the lab is relocating to KSU in late 2025. We study spatial and temporal variation in arthropod communities and their ecological consequences. We foster an inclusive, respectful, and mentoring-focused lab culture.
A globally recognized 8,600+ acre tallgrass prairie reserve, 15 minutes from campus. Features:
- Bison and cattle herds
- Long-term ecological experiments
- Fire regime studies
More info:
Konza Prairie LTER
Konza Prairie Station
📍 Why Manhattan, Kansas?
- Vibrant college town with 55,000+ residents
- Affordable housing close to campus
- Four-season climate
- Daily flights to Chicago and Dallas
- Two downtown districts, museums, local coffee shops
- Two hours from Kansas City
🔗 Quick Links
- 💌 Contact: Dr. Ellen Welti – elwelti@ksu.edu
- 🌎 Kansas State University Biology: https://www.k-state.edu/biology/
- 🔬 Konza Prairie Info: https://kpbs.konza.k-state.edu/