One position towards Masters of Science degree available: Subject: Limnology and Invasive Species Location: University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez, Department of Crops and Agroenvironmental Sciences
The last decade has seen the arrival and rapid propagation of Asian clam (Corbicula fluminea) in reservoirs of Puerto Rico. Studies with other filter feeding zooplankton suggest that high density populations of these invasive mussels may lead to an increase in the abundance of toxic cyanobacteria strains to levels that can compromise the safety of the potable water. An assistantship towards a Masters of Science degree is available in the Department of Crops and Agroenvironmental Sciences to study phytoplankton community structure in reservoirs in Puerto Rico. The candidate will work with a multidisciplinary team to establish the effect of Asian clam populations on phytoplankton community structure and cyanotoxin production in reservoirs of Puerto Rico. This work will include field sampling, mesocosm studies, and taxonomic identification of phytoplankton. Student will be funded primarily on research assistantships including summer support. Funding is guaranteed for 2 years. Field work is required and field conditions are hot, sunny, and physically demanding. Minimum requirements include: Bachelor's degree in ecology, limnology, biology, chemistry, or related field, 3.2 GPA, good physical condition, driver's license, and preferably bilingual in Spanish and English (classes will be taught in Spanish). Students should be punctual, self motivated, and be able to work independently. US citizenship is not required, but non citizens should have or be able to obtain a student visa. Position starts in January 2010 depending on availability of quality applicants. Interested students should send CV, letter explaining their qualifications (in English), contact details for three references, and unofficial transcripts to Dr. David Sotomayor-RamÃrez ([email protected]) and Dr. Stefanie Whitmire ([email protected]), Depto. Cultivos y Ciencias Agroambientales, University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez. Electronic submission preferred. Deadline: October 15, 2009. Fax: 787-265-3851 and phone 787-832-4040 x 2092. More information on UPRM can be found at www.uprm.edu and for graduate studies at UPRM at http://grad.uprm.edu/. It is acceptable to translate this ad into other languages as long as you translate the entire ad.
