MS Graduate Assistantship Department of Fisheries and Allied Aquaculture Auburn University, AL
One MS graduate assistantship in crayfish ecology / symbiosis is available in the Department of Fisheries and Allied Aquaculture (FAA) at Auburn University beginning Fall 2010. The incumbent will join a collaborative research team on an NSF-funded project investigating the role of environment in mediating shifts from commensalism to mutualism to parasitism between native crayfishes and their ectosymbionts (branchiobdellid worms). Opportunities exist for collaboration with researchers from various departments at Auburn (FAA, Biological Sciences), Clemson University (Forestry and Natural Resources), and Appalachian State University (Biology). Specific responsibilities 1) Conduct experiments to examine the role of environmental conditions on the costs / benefits of this symbiosis to host crayfish 2) Build and maintain crayfish burrowing chambers and small artificial stream systems, 3) Supervise 1-2 undergraduate technicians, 4) Analyze and summarize results for publication in the peer-review literature and presentation at national and/or international research conferences. Qualifications: B.S. degree in ecology, biology or related field with competitive GPA and GRE scores. Desirable qualifications include ability to work independently, build and maintain culture systems for aquatic invertebrates, and some experience with crayfish ecology and/or symbiotic relationships. Salary: Full stipend and tuition waiver, including summer salary, for 2.5 years. Starts Fall Semester 2010 Closing date: open until filled To apply: Send CV, cover letter, unofficial transcripts, and contact information for 2-3 references to contacts below Please direct any questions and all application materials to: Jim Stoeckel ([email protected]) and/or Brian Helms ([email protected]). @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ Brian Helms, Ph.D. Invertebrate Collections Manager AU Natural History Museum 331 Funchess Hall Auburn University, Alabama 36849-5407 Voice: (334)844-7345 Fax: (334)844-9234 Website: http://www.auburn.edu/academic/science_math/cosam/collections/invertebrates/collections/index.htm
