Institution: Western Kentucky University, Department of Biological Sciences
Location: Bowling Green, Kentucky, USA
Start Date: Fall 2026 (mid-August)
Application Deadline: December 1, 2025
Contact: Dr. Noah Ashley (noah.ashley@wku.edu)
Position Description
The Ashley Lab at Western Kentucky University is recruiting two motivated M.S. students to join our research team studying sleep loss and inflammation in birds and rodents. Students will pursue independent research while serving as graduate teaching assistants in undergraduate biology courses.
Available Projects:
- Transcriptomic response to sleep loss in zebra finches
- Sex differences in the inflammatory response to sleep fragmentation in mice
Students will gain hands-on experience in behavioral testing, molecular biology, bioinformatics, and data analysis, with opportunities to present findings at regional and national conferences.
Qualifications
- B.S. or B.A. in Biology or a related discipline
- Strong academic record and research interest in physiology, neuroscience, behavior, or molecular biology
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Prior research experience is preferred but not required
Support and Benefits
- Up to four semesters of assistantship support, including:
- Stipend
- Full tuition remission
- Health insurance contributions
How to Apply
Send the following materials to noah.ashley@wku.edu by December 1, 2025:
- Statement of interest (1 page)
- Curriculum vitae (CV)/Resume
Selected applicants will be invited to apply formally to the WKU Graduate School by mid-December 2025.
