Research Laboratory Technician (Phytoplankton Ecology) @ UL Lafayette

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette invites applications for the position of Research Laboratory Technician with expertise in phytoplankton ecology. The Research Laboratory Technician will work as part of the collaborative LO-SPAT project which seeks to gain a better understanding of how stressors in the estuarine environment (e.g., low salinity) impact the ecology and physiology of oysters with the goal of producing more stress tolerant oysters for coastal restoration. The specific role of the Research Laboratory Technician will be to maintain laboratory phytoplankton cultures in the lab, assist in field and lab-based experiments and lab management, assist with data management and archiving, and assist in preparation of data for presentations and publications.

The Research Laboratory Technician will be supervised by Dr. Beth Stauffer (http://www.staufferlab.com) in the UL Lafayette Department of Biology, but will also work with the project team, including academic collaborators, private industry, and state agencies. The position will require travel and may require working and traveling on weekends. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. This will be a 12-month, benefits-eligible staff position with an initial appointment of 1 year. Continuation of the appointment beyond the initial year is possible up to 3-5 years and will be based on availability of funds and performance.

The ideal candidate would possess:

• M.Sc. (preferred) or B.Sc. in Marine Biology, Oceanography, Microbiology, or other relevant discipline
• Experience culturing or working with cultures of marine or freshwater phytoplankton or algae using aseptic technique
• Familiarity with laboratory analyses for phytoplankton biomass (e.g. via fluorescence) or composition (e.g. flow cytometry, microscopy)
• High degree of organization, strong communication skills, and ability to manage undergraduate students in the lab

Informal inquiries about the position can be sent to Dr. Beth Stauffer (beth.stauffer@louisiana.edu).  Formal application must be submitted via the online system (https://t.co/t4jxyWO95T?amp=1). The application should include: 1) a cover letter describing interest, relevant background and qualifications, 2) full curriculum vitae or resume, and 3) contact information for three professional references. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. The start date is flexible. The position is expected to be filled by September 1, 2021.

Postdoc (Salmon Reproductive Success), University of Montana, MT, USA

Postdoc position for research and modeling reproductive success,
hybridization, and spread of invasive salmonid species under climate
change

Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) including non-native fish are
spreading across North America causing massive economic and ecological
problems. Problems include species extinction and genomic extinction
via hybridization. Fortunately, large regional databases documenting the
spread of AIS and hybridization along with novel modeling approaches can
facilitate understanding and prevention of AIS spread and hybridization.

The successful applicant will conduct parentage analysis for an NSF-funded
project to quantify effects of admixture on individual fitness and
dispersal in hybrid rainbow trout x cutthroat trout (as in Muhlfeld et
al. 2009). In a 2nd (NASA-funded) project, the applicant will develop
and apply predictive models (e.g. occupancy models, Bayesian models)
that combine genetic and environmental data on AIS spread to help
forecast future stream-hotspots for invasion and hybridization (Kovach et
al. 2016; Muhlfeld et al. 2017). The models will help identify predictors
of hybridization and spread to direct managers to monitor and control
AIS. Opportunities exist for fieldwork and meetings with biologists from
Glacier National Park, USGS, USFS, NOAA, NASA, and MFWP (Montana Fish
Wildlife and Parks) in the north-central Rocky Mountains. The applicant
will co-author publications involving other invasive and endangered
species (e.g., Sepulveda et al. 2020). The applicant could help publish
novel results from a 6-year genetic rescue project testing if outbred
individuals have higher survival than inbred individuals in an alpine
population of native cutthroat trout.

The successful applicant will work with scientists and managers from
state and federal agencies (Montana FWP, USGS, NPS) to conduct the
parentage analyses using NGS data (RAD microhaplotypes) on thousands of
parent-offspring samples from multiple streams. This is a dream dataset
ready for analysis of reproductive success from many years & three
populations from distinct enviroments. The applicant will also work with
scientists and managers (USGS, NPS, NASA) to use individual-admixture
data from stream networks to model and identify predictors of dispersal
and hybridization. The applicant will work with NASA and NISC (National
Invasive Species Council) to facilitate reporting of AIS and environmental
data to address the United Nations on Sustainable Development Goal
(SDG) number Goal 15 that seeks to “halt and reverse land degradation,
and halt biodiversity loss”.

Required Skills
– Ph.D. in Ecology, biodiversity, or population genetics and with
experience modeling.
– Ability to conduct parentage analysis (exclusion) using
haplotypes from RAD-capture data
– Ability to model the presence (occurrence) or movement of
individuals or genes (gene flow) using occupancy or individual-
based simulation models, or hierarchical Bayesian models.
– Programming ability in Python, R, or similar language is
required.
– Ability to write and publish papers, use and manage large
databases, and communicate with others from diverse groups
(e.g., agencies, managers, researchers).
– Ability to undertake collaborative, complex research projects
with multiple deliverables, and to achieve project goals within
time and budget.

Preferred Qualifications
– Ideally the applicant would have experience conducting
statistical (GLM or Bayesian) modeling to predict environmental
drivers (correlates) of movement or connectivity.
– Interest in the evolution and ecology of salmonid fishes, or
fish more generally.
– Experience applying satellite remote sensing and other
geospatial data for landscape habitat analysis & modeling
directed toward aquatic ecosystems would be extremely helpful.
– Understanding eDNA qPCR or metagenomics analyses.
– Ability and interest in co-advising graduate students and
technicians in modeling and population genetic or eDNA
data analysis.
– Ability to write compelling grant proposals for work in
population genetics and hybridization, or modeling spread of
AIS or hybridization using environmental and population
genetic data).

The Montana Conservation Genomics Laboratory (Dr. Gordon Luikart and
Dr. Brian Hand) at the University of Montana and the Flathead Lake
Biological Station, are seeking to fill a postdoctoral research associate
position working on Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) for a NASA grant and
a related contract with Montana FWP. This work is collaborative with
researchers at USGS and Montana FWP.

The University of Montana is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity
employer and has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of
diversity in all areas. In that spirit, we are particularly interested
in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of qualified people who
would assist the University in demonstrating its five priorities for
action: Place student and postdoc success at the center of all we do;
drive excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, and research;
embody the principle of “mission first, people always”; partner with
place; and proudly tell the UM story. UM is an Employer of National
Service. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni are
encouraged to apply for our positions.

ADA/EOE/AA/Veteran’s Preference.
Priority Application Date: July 15th, 2021. Duration:
One year with possible/likely 1-year extension.
Please find the full job posting under “Postdoctoral
Research Associate, Flathead Lake Biological Station (FLBS) at:
http://bit.ly/2241umjobs
or
https://university-montana-hr.silkroad.com/epostings/index.cfm?fuseaction=app.jobinfo&jobid=2902&company_id=16254&version=1&source=ONLINE&jobOwner=992275&aid=1

Literature Cited:
Kovach, R., B.K. Hand, P. Hohenlohe, T. Cosart, M. Boyer, H. Neville,
C. Muhlfeld, S. Amish, K. Carim, S. Narum, W. Lowe, F.W. Allendorf,
and G. Luikart. 2016. Vive la r?sistance: genome-wide selection against
introduced alleles in invasive hybrid zones of trout. Proceedings of
the Royal Society, 283: 4663-4674.

Muhlfeld et al. 2009. Hybridization rapidly reduces fitness of a native
trout in the wild. Biol. Lett., 5: 328- 331. doi: 10.1098/rsbl.2009.0033.

Muhlfeld C.C., R.P. Kovach, R. Al-Chokhachy, S.J. Amish, J.L. Kershner,
R.F. Leary, W.H. Lowe, G. Luikart, P. Matson, D.A. Schmetterling,
B.B. Shepard, P.A.H. Westley, D. Whited, A. Whiteley, and F.W. Allendorf.
2017. Legacy introductions and climatic variation explain spatiotemporal
patterns of invasive hybridization in a native trout. Global Change
Biology, 23: 4663-4674. DOI: 10.1111/gcb.13681

Sepulveda, A., N. Nelson, C. Jerde, and G. Luikart. 2020. Are
environmental DNA methods ready for aquatic invasive species
management? Trends in Ecology and Evolution, 35:668-678.

Post-doc (Quantitative fisheries modeling), University of Florida, Gainesville FL, USA

Title: Post-doctoral research associate in quantitative fisheries modeling
Employer: University of Florida, Gainesville FL
Appointment: Full-time, 18-24 month appointment
Compensation: $50,000-$55,000 annual salary plus benefits

Description:
We seek a full time, 18-24 month post-doctoral researcher with quantitative fisheries assessment and modeling skills to work on an oyster management project. The candidate will be part of an interdisciplinary team that is working to understand the current status of oyster fisheries and populations in Florida and evaluate new management strategies. This work involves integrating ecological, fisheries, and socioeconomic information to understand how oysters and their fisheries are likely to respond to different environmental conditions and fisheries management approaches. The position also will provide opportunities to work on other research and extension projects related to modeling recreational and commercial fisheries and how they are governed.

Key responsibilities:
The primary responsibilities of the successful candidate will be to (i) lead stock assessments of at least one estuary-specific oyster fishery, (ii) contribute to forward oyster-population simulations, and (iii) work with other scientists to develop closed-loop, Management Strategy Evaluations (MSEs) for the assessed fisheries. The successful candidate will collaborate regularly with faculty and play an important role in training of PhD and MS graduate students. Specifically, the successful candidate will be supervised by Dr. Ed Camp at the University of Florida and will collaborate with other faculty at the University of Florida, Florida State University, and the University of Georgia.

Minimum qualifications:
– PhD in fisheries science, quantitative ecology, or a related field
– Demonstrated proficiency in publishing in peer-reviewed journals and development and application of modern data science and stock assessment tools
– Knowledge of fisheries population dynamics
– High technical proficiency in program R
– Demonstrated experience working as part of a team as well as independently

Preferred qualifications:
– Experience developing spatially explicit stock assessment approaches
– Proficiency in ADMB, TMB, Stock Synthesis, or other related programs/packages especially useful for stock assessment and MSE work
– Experience developing forwards simulation and MSEs for fisheries
– Demonstratable experience publishing peer-reviewed articles involving quantitative fisheries assessments and modeling.
– Interest and/or experience mentoring graduate students
– Interest, experience, and/or ability to promote STEM diversity and inclusion
– Interest and/or experience working with oysters, other shellfish, and their fisheries

To apply:
Please address any inquiries and applications to Dr. Ed Camp (edvcamp @ufl.edu). To apply, please email Dr. Ed Camp the following:
– Cover letter describing experience and expertise relevant to qualifications, as well as short- and long-term career goals
– CV/Resume
– Example of peer-reviewed publications
– Link or PDF demonstrating R programming skills (such as published code, public repositories, Git, etc.)
– List of three professional references and contact information
• Available start date

The position will remain open until filled, however, applications received by July 1, 2021 will receive priority consideration. Dr. Ed Camp’s working group is within the School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences (SFFGS) at the University of Florida. The SFFGS is committed to supporting work-life balance and creating an environment that promotes and supports a more diverse and welcoming faculty, student body, and overall workforce within the School (https://ffgs.ifas.ufl.edu/about/diversity/). We particularly welcome applicants who can contribute to such an environment through their scholarship, teaching, Cooperative Extension/outreach, mentoring, and professional service. Women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply.

Research Officer (Wetland Science), Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Slimbridge, UK

Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust

Location:	Slimbridge, Field Based
Salary:	£24,044 per annum
Hours:	Full Time
Contract Type:	Permanent
Placed On:	24th June 2021
Closes:	11th July 2021

 

Location: WWT Slimbridge, with travel to UK and international field sites

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

WWT’s Conservation Evidence department comprises a rapidly growing team of scientists, which provides the evidence that underpins the work of WWT. We use a wide range of inter-disciplinary methods, across the social and ecological sciences to deliver high-quality conservation science. We work in collaboration with multiple NGO and academic partners, and a number of PhD students, across the UK and overseas. Above all, we have impact: our research diagnoses problems and identifies solutions, and in doing so we shape policy and action for global wetland conservation. 

The Conservation Evidence Department is seeking a talented Wetland Scientist to support the design and implementation of research across multiple projects, both in the UK and internationally. The focus will be on fish ecology and the scientific assessment and monitoring of wetland restoration projects. The role will involve working closely with project partners (externally) and project managers (internally) so strong communication skills are essential. There will be frequent travel to field sites not all of which are accessible by public transport, so a driving licence is essential.   

You will have a background in fish biology, hydrology and/or freshwater ecology and have an understanding of scientific research design, implementation and reporting. Experience of fish survey methods and an understanding of UK freshwater fish assemblages desirable. Knowledge and/or experience of fish in tropical systems would be an advantage. 

The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) is a conservation charity that protects wetlands for wildlife and people. We conserve, restore and create wetlands. We are pioneers in saving wetland wildlife, both in the UK and around the world. At our 10 UK sites around a million visitors a year engage with wetland nature. We work internationally in key global wetland areas, balancing conservation with sustainable livelihoods and influencing national and international conservation policies. 

In return for your hard work and dedication you’ll enjoy a wide range of benefits including:

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays increasing to 30 days after 5 years’ service
• Contributory pension scheme (conditions apply)
• Life assurance
• Free parking
• Cycle to work scheme
• Free entry to all our centres

Closing date: 11^th July 2021

Interview date: 21^st July 2021 

For more information, and to apply for the role, please visit

http://jobs.wwt.org.uk/vacancies/1420/Jobsac/research_officer_wetland_science/ 

WWT is an equal opportunities employer and all applications will be considered solely on merit.

Registered Charity Number England & Wales, no 1030884 and Scotland, no SC039410

Postdoc (Phytoplankton ecology), Fisheries Institute in São Paulo, Brazil

We are looking for a highly motivated and qualified young investigator
interested in developing the postdoctoral project entitled “Comparing
microscopic counts and pigment analyses in phytoplankton communities from
reservoirs of different trophic states”. It aims comparing the similarity
of the biodiversity of the phytoplankton groups estimated by pigment
analyses (HPLC) and by microscopy, in order to assess the applicability of
the pigment method as an alternative to the microscopic counting. The
project will be supported by “The São Paulo Research Foundation” (FAPESP).

Prerequisites: (a) PhD in Ecology, Sanitation or equivalent area obtained
no longer than three years ago; (b) Experience in analyzing pigments of
phytoplankton by using HPLC; (c) Taxonomic knowledge of cyanobacteria and
continental microalgae; (d) Experience in cultivation of cyanobacteria and
continental microalgae; (e) Experience in data processing and statistical
analyses; (f) Experience of at least six months abroad during the
doctorate; (g) Fluent English (writing and communication).

Documents required for application:
a) A motivation letter evidencing the prerequisites required (200 words
maximum);
b) Curriculum vitae according to FAPESP instructions (
http://www.fapesp.br/en/6351; four pages maximum);
c) Two recommendation letters.

The candidates’ curriculum with proven experience on the topics described
above is a key element in the selection process. The documents must be sent
electronically (in a single PDF file) to luis.branco@unesp.br, with the
title “PD_ Freshwater_Ecosystems_Ecology”.

Application deadline: July 10th, 2021. Project start date: August 2nd, 2021.

The selected candidate will receive a post-doctoral fellowship from FAPESP
(BRL 7,373.10 monthly) and a research contingency fund, equivalent to 10%
of the annual value of the fellowship, which should be spent on items
directly related to the research activity. Opportunity open to candidates
of any nationalities. The activities will be carried out at the Fisheries
Institute in São Paulo (Brazil).

Postdoc (Great Lakes Basin Regional Climate Modeling), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA

Postdoctoral Fellowship: Great Lakes Basin Regional Climate Modeling
Cooperative Institute for Great Lakes Research
School for Environment and Sustainability
University of Michigan

Job Summary

A postdoctoral fellowship is available for a highly qualified individual to join the Cooperative Institute for Great Lakes Research (CIGLR, https://ciglr.seas.umich.edu/).  The successful candidate will work with the climate modeling team at the NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL) to improve our ability to simulate climate change and variability in the Great Lakes region. In particular, the candidate will work on the Great Lakes Earth System Model (GLESM) project to use the climate model outputs from the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory to drive the Great Lakes coupled ice-lake model (FVCOM_ice model). The postdoc will be expected to maintain a strong record of scholarly publication, and also of presentation at scientific conferences and public meetings.

The successful applicant’s appointment will be with CIGLR, which is part of the University of Michigan’s School for Environment and Sustainability located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. CIGLR’s mission is to lead research, develop applications and products, and engage with stakeholders to achieve environmental, economic, and social sustainability in the Great Lakes. CIGLR is a collaboration between the University of Michigan and NOAA that brings together experts from academia and government research labs to work on pressing problems facing the Great Lakes region. The fellow will spend the majority of their time at the NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory in Ann Arbor (with current accommodations for the coronavirus pandemic) and work in close collaboration with colleagues at the University of Michigan.

The University of Michigan is consistently ranked among the top American public research universities, and Ann Arbor is routinely ranked as one of the best places to live in the U.S. due to its affordability, natural beauty, preservation of wooded areas, vibrant arts program, and lively downtown.

This position offers a highly competitive salary plus benefits. The initial appointment is for one year, with opportunity for extension based on performance, need, and availability of funds.

Required qualifications

A Ph.D. in physical oceanography, atmospheric sciences or a similar field, with a strong background in ocean or/and ice modeling is required. Familiarity with data analysis and visualization in a scripting environment using R, Python, or similar software is also necessary. Experience with running simulations on supercomputer or cluster computing environment is preferred. Strong communication skills are needed, and a demonstrated ability to work both as a team and independently, as well as lead the development of manuscripts for refereed journal publication.

Desired qualifications

Preference will be given to candidates that have strong experience with an ocean model(s) such as FVCOM, POM, ROMS, MITgcm, or any other ocean model. Preference will also be given to candidates with a demonstrated ability to analyze data and publish results in a timely manner.

Apply

To apply, visit: https://careers.umich.edu/job_detail/199572/postdoctoral_fellowship_great_lakes_basin_regional_climate_modeling

The application deadline is July 18, 2021.

Applicants should prepare the following materials:
• Cover letter describing your qualifications related to the position and research accomplishments
• Curriculum vitae
• Contact information for three professional references
• Two representative publications

Please contact Mary Ogdahl at ogdahlm@umich.edu with inquiries regarding this position or if further information is needed.

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

Phosphorus-only fertilization rapidly initiates large nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria blooms in two oligotrophic lakes

Authors

Lewis A Molot, Scott N Higgins, Sherry L Schiff, Jason J Venkiteswaran, Michael J Paterson and Helen M Baulch

Two small, oligotrophic lakes at the IISD-Experimental Lakes Area in northwestern Ontario, Canada were fertilized weekly with only phosphorus (P) in the summer and early fall of 2019. The P fertilization rates were high enough (13.3 µg l⁻¹ added weekly) to produce dense, month-long blooms of N₂-fixing Dolichospermum species in both lakes within 9–12 weeks after fertilization began, turning them visibly green without the addition of nitrogen. P-only fertilization increased average seasonal chlorophyll a concentrations and cyanobacteria biomass well above the pre-fertilization levels of 2017 and 2018. Nitrogen (N) content in the epilimnion of thermally stratified Lake 304 and the water column of shallow Lake 303 doubled and P storage in the water column temporarily increased during the blooms. These whole-lake fertilization experiments demonstrate that large cyanobacteria blooms can develop rapidly under high P loading without anthropogenic N inputs, suggesting that aggressive N control programs are unlikely to prevent bloom formation and that P controls should remain the cornerstone for cyanobacteria management.

Phosphorus cycling in freshwater lake sediments: Influence of seasonal water level fluctuations

Authors

Xiancang Wu, Teng Ma, Yao Du, Qianqian Jiang, Shuai Shen, Wenhui Liu

Freshwater lakes experience drastic water level fluctuations because of climate change and human activities. However, the influence of such fluctuations on phosphorus cycling in sediments has rarely been investigated. We conducted a geochemical investigation on the phosphorus cycle in a shallow freshwater lake, Dongting Lake; under the influence of human activities and climate change, its water regime undergoes drastic changes. Irrespective of the permanent inundation zone (PIZ) or seasonal inundation zone (SIZ), the phosphorus cycle in sediments was found to be dominated by the reductive dissolution of iron (Fe) (oxyhydr)oxides, degradation of organic matters, and conversion between authigenic phosphorus (Ca-P) and detrital phosphorus in individual seasons. From winter to summer, with increasing water level, the content of Fe-bound phosphorus and organic phosphorus increase due to the deposition of suspended matter, thus increasing total phosphorus in PIZ. Moreover, the rising water level also reduces the dissolved oxygen content and promotes the reductive dissolution of Fe (oxyhydr)oxides. The mineralization of increased organic matter can release CO₂ and reduce pH in the vicinity, which can further result in the acidic dissolution of detrital apatite. In turn, most of the released phosphorus can be adsorbed or co-precipitated with calcium minerals, resulting in the significant increase of Ca-P. The mechanisms of phosphorus transformation in SIZ are similar to those in PIZ, but most of the increased organic matter and total P in a core from SIZ are attributable to the decomposition of plant matter. Therefore, the water level rise not only changes the conservative speciation of phosphorus in sediments to active speciation, but also triggers the release of phosphorus adsorbed to oxides and further increases the risk of phosphorus release from sediments to overlying water. Thus, our findings have major implications for freshwater shallow lakes and their P-driven productivity.

Lecturer(Biological Sciences), Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, USA

The School of Science at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY invites applications for the position of Lecturer in the Department of Biological Sciences, starting August 2021. The initial appointment of this position will be for three years, and is renewable contingent upon satisfactory performance, enrollment, and funding.

Potential candidates must possess an earned Ph.D. (or foreign degree equivalent) in science or engineering including research experience in the life sciences. The successful candidate must have strong teaching, advising, and mentoring skills. Evidence of teaching effectiveness is required and may include student evaluations and/or course syllabi.

The Lecturer is responsible for teaching undergraduate laboratory and/or lecture courses in different areas of the life sciences and based on the candidate’s research training and expertise. The duties associated with this position include organizational responsibilities for courses, grading, and student advising as appropriate.

Screening of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Applications must include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, statement of teaching interests, philosophy, effectiveness, research experience, and a Diversity Statement. Please apply at the following link: https://careers.rpi.edu/en-us/job/492620.

Questions about this position may be directed to Susan P. Gilbert, Department Head, at sgilbert@rpi.edu.

Application review will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. The appointment will begin August 2021.

We welcome candidates who will bring diverse intellectual, geographical, gender and ethnic perspectives to Rensselaer’s work and campus communities.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity, Race/Gender/Veterans/Disability Employer.

Graduate studentship: Mississippi State University, MS, USA

Pre-announcement for four-year PhD research assistantship: Southeastern US freshwater mussel conservation

Description: Over 70% of US freshwater mussels are imperiled, especially within the Southeastern US biodiversity hotspot. We seek a PhD student to help develop a risk-assessment tool to assist US Fish and Wildlife Service biologists evaluate imperilment of southeastern freshwater mussels, while providing analytical support for the formal review of the Coosa Creekshell : a mussel endemic to the Coosa River system (AL, GA). The candidate will work closely with biologists from the USFWS, US Geological Survey, state agencies, and Mississippi State University while learning in-demand skills transferable to broader applications in natural resources decision-making. The project will mainly use existing distributional data, but there may be opportunities for fieldwork if supporting project objectives.

Qualifications: Must have completed a master’s degree in natural resources, ecology, or closely related field before enrolling, and have interest in freshwater mussel conservation. Candidates should have interests in R programming, Geographic Information Systems, species distribution modeling, and verbal and written communication. The hired candidate must be willing to learn emerging species status assessment methods, and work collaboratively and independently with Drs Corey Dunn and Mike Colvin to develop dissertation chapters within the context of southeastern aquatic conservation. We also encourage interested postdoctoral scholars to email Corey Dunn in case of future funding on related research or if this position is modified and readvertised as a postdoctoral fellowship.

Salary and benefits: Four-year Graduate Research Assistantship worth $23,500 per year + free health insurance, waived tuition, support for professional development and conference travel, new computer. Student may have opportunity for a Pathways position with USFWS.

Start date: Applicant review will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. The position will be readvertised July 5, 2021 if unfilled. We encourage applicants to submit materials as early as possible. Targeted start date is fall semester (August 18, 2021), but a later start date or start in spring semester (January 18, 2022) may be negotiated.

Contact: To apply, please email with the subject line “Mussel Application” to Corey Dunn (corey.dunn@msstate.edu): (1) brief cover letter describing experiential background, career goals, and project interest; (2) resume/cv; (3) email addresses and phone numbers for three professional references; (4) updated official or unofficial transcripts. The hired candidate will eventually submit official transcripts to MSU before admission. We welcome informal inquiries.

Helpful links:
USGS MS Cooperative F&W Research Unit: https://www1.usgs.gov/coopunits/unit/Mississippi
Dept. of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture: https://www.cfr.msstate.edu/wildlife/