MS or PhD Graduate Assistantship - Marine Botany The Department of Coastal Sciences at the University (http://www.usm.edu) is requesting applications from highly qualified students for its MS or PhD program in coastal sciences with a focus in botany. The Department of Coastal Sciences is located at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory (http://www.usm.edu/gcrl) in Ocean Springs, MS on the Gulf of Mexico.
Project 1: Duties will involve a review of the literature on effects of man- made structures on coastal marshes; establish and conduct experimental studies on plant productivity over an annual growing season (Mar-Dec); and measure light intensity, plant density and morphometrics, and other physiological parameters. There is the potential to link this data to GIS and remote sensing for large-scale assessments of coastal impacts. Project 2: Duties will involve the nursery cultivation of saltmarsh species, Spartina alterniflora (marsh hay) and Juncus roemerianus (black needlerush) from seed. Plants will be used for local coastal restoration projects. Research projects could include germination and seedling survivorship and growth success, photo-physiology using PAM, horticultural selection for restoration-specific strains, and/or genetic analyses of population variability Applicants with a background in biology or environmental science will be well suited to this project. Successful applicants will be provided a 12- month Research Assistantship with a tuition waiver. Candidates should possess a relevant BS degree and MS if applying for the PhD program. The position is available immediately. Interested individuals should send a CV and statement of research goals to: Dr. Patrick Biber Assistant Professor, Marine Botany University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast Research Laboratory 703 East Beach Drive Ocean Springs, MS 39564 (228) 872 4260 email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
