MS or PhD Research Assistantship – Gulf Sturgeon
University of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, MS
Salary: Annual stipend of $18,000 plus full tuition waiver and medical insurance
Start Date: 01/14/2019
Last Date to Apply: 9/01/18
I am seeking a PhD or MS student to participate in a collaborative project on the biology of juvenile Gulf Sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus desotoi) in the Pascagoula River basin. The student’s main focus will be on using genetic data (microsatellite loci) to perform parentage and kinship analyses in order to quantify relatedness among juveniles and estimate the effective number of breeders. The student will also have the opportunity to participate in the fieldwork associated with this project being conducted by collaborators at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory. Ultimately, the student will develop a thesis/dissertation that is builds upon the main goals of this project.
Applicants must have a BS or MS in ecology/environmental biology, zoology, wildlife biology, or other relevant areas. GPA and GRE scores must be competitive for admission to the graduate program at the University of Southern Mississippi. Prior experience with molecular genetic techniques and data analysis is preferred but not required. Likewise, field experiences with sturgeon in line with this project (operation of small motorboats and fish collection techniques) would be preferred. Training will be provided in all of these areas as needed.
Review of applications will begin immediately, and continue until the position is filled. To apply, please send the following in a single PDF
file: cover letter, resume or CV, unofficial transcripts, GRE scores, and contact information for three references to Brian Kreiser, Brian.Kreiser@usm.edu. Also address any inquiries about the position to the same address.