MS position in Conservation Biology
Stipend: up to $22,000/yr
Tuition waiver approved for students who instruct introductory biology
lab sections

The Laboratory of AQuatic Evolution (LAQE) at the University of West
Alabama is dedicated to research involving the evolution and conservation
of aquatic biodiversity. We have an opening for one Master of Science
student to assist with ongoing projects including, but not limited to:
1) Speciation in ancient lakes (Lake Baikal, Siberia); 2) Adaptation to
extreme aquatic environments; 3) Functional genomics of mitochondria.

The University of West Alabama is a small, public Master’s-granting
institution located within commuting distance of Meridian, MS and
Tuscaloosa, AL. The University offers an attractive benefits package
and competitive salaries. Affordable housing is available in Livingston,
Alabama, within walking distance of campus.

Duties and responsibilities:
– Conduct independent and collaborative research on fishes of
Lake Baikal.
– Maintain a small live fish facility.
– Travel to Siberia (Russia) in summer 2018.
– Participate in lab meetings.
– Help train new lab members.
– Instruct undergraduate biology laboratory sections (optional).

Qualifications:
– Bachelor of Science degree in biology or a related field.
– Interest in/experience with phylogenetic systematics and NGS
bioinformatics.
– Experience with general molecular biology techniques (DNA extraction,
PCR, electrophoresis).
– Proficiency with Microsoft Excel (required) and R (preferred).
– Organized and detail-oriented.

Benefits:
The stipend for this research assistant position is $14,000 per year.
This may be supplemented by up to $8,000 and a full tuition waiver if
the student agrees to teach laboratory sections of general zoology or
introductory biology.

Interested candidates should build an application containing; 1) cover
letter; 2) curriculum vitae including GPA and GRE scores; 3) contact
information for three professional references. Official transcripts will
be required prior to candidate selection.

Complete applications (pdf) should be attached to an email with the header
“Graduate student application” and sent to: msandel@uwa.edu

Michael Sandel, PhD
Assistant Professor &
Coordinator of Conservation Programs
Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences
The University of West Alabama
205-652-3475
msandel@uwa.edu

The University of West Alabama does not discriminate on the basis
of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability
or sexual orientation in employment, or the provision of services.
Applications from members of minority groups are encouraged.

“Sandel, Michael” <msandel@uwa.edu>