The Marine and Freshwater Ecology lab at Louisiana Tech University, under Dr. Jennifer Hill, is seeking a M.S. candidate to examine the impacts of sub-lethal pesticide concentrations on crayfish and snail behavior and trophic cascades. The candidate will join the lab and work on both laboratory ,as well as field mesocosm experiments and be based on campus at Louisiana Tech (Ruston, LA)

The objectives of the project include:
–       To examine the impacts of sub-lethal pesticide concentrations on the
behavior and foraging activity of crayfish and snails in lab experiments
–       Examine if pesticides impact cascading interactions in freshwater
macrophyte communities using cattle tank mesocosms .
Responsibilities include:
–       Under the direction of the PI, lead and/or participate in the experiments
accomplishing above objectives
–       Develop oral and visual products for presentation to scientific audiences
at local and national meetings
–       Attend scientific meetings to engage and network with scientists and
colleagues
–       Author and develop a Master’s thesis and scientific manuscripts
–       Advise and direct undergraduate students on lab and field techniques
Qualifications include:
–       B.S. in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science or related field
–       the ability to work collaboratively with fellow graduate  and
undergraduate students
–       Good communication skills
–       previous experience with aquatic animal care preferred, but not required
The start date of the position is September 2018 (the beginning of Fall
quarter) with experiments beginning in January.  The assistantship is supported by a combination of grant funding and teaching assistantships at a rate of ~$19,000 per year. Tuition and fees are not waived by Louisiana Tech.

Interested applicants should submit a single pdf (with the applicants first and last name in document title) composed of a cover letter, CV (including GPA and relevant coursework), and the names and contact information of 3 references to jmhill@latech.edu .Please put “ecology MS student position” in the email subject header. Please submit applicant information by June 25th but other later applications may be reviewed.

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