A Masters assistantship is available in the Department of Biology at Georgia Southern University (GSU), with an intended start date in August 2018. The student will be expected to play a pivotal role and develop a thesis project on the conservation genomics of North American unionid mussels. Briefly, this project (funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, and GSU) will develop high-throughput genomic resources (development of single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) loci and genomic assays) to characterize the genomic diversity of imperiled mussel species in North Carolina.
The successful applicant will become enrolled in the Master’s of Biology program at GSU and complete course work and an M.S. thesis, leading to an M.S. degree in Biology. The assistantship includes a tuition waiver and stipend for two years, to be funded through a combination of teaching and research duties. The student also will assist in the field and lab activities of other members of the Cox (http://www.coxevolab.org/) and Roberts labs (http://www.southernfisheries.org). More information about the graduate program can be found at the Biology department’s web page (http://cosm.georgiasouthern.edu/biology/graduate-program-2/). GSU is a 27,000-student comprehensive research university located in one of the most biodiverse regions of the southeastern U.S. (http://www.georgiasouthern.edu/).
Required qualifications include (1) a B.S. degree in Biology, Zoology, Fisheries, Ecology and Evolution, Genetics, or a related field, (2) excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills, and (3) strong self-motivation and ability to work well independently and with a team. Preferred qualifications include (1) previous experience with laboratory research in genetics, (2) strong analytical skills, including statistics and bioinformatics, and (3) demonstrated scientific writing ability, such as authorship of a scientific publication, report, or senior thesis.
To apply, email the following as a single pdf file: (1) statement of research background and interests, (2) curriculum vitae or resume, (3) names and contact information for three academic or professional references, (4) GRE scores, and (5) an unofficial copy of your college transcript. Review of applications will begin on 15 December 2017 and continue until the position is filled. Inquiries can be addressed to either Dr. Jamie Roberts (email: jhroberts@georgiasouthern.edu) or Dr. Christian Cox (email: clcox@georgiasouthern.edu).