MS Position, Biology Department, Institute for Great Lakes Research, Central Michigan University: "Population Trajectory Improvement for At Risk Freshwater Mussels in the Great Lakes Watershed"
Responsibilities: The successful applicant will conduct a two-year, grant supported research project on host fish determination and propagation of unionids in the Great Lakes Region. This project is funded by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Endangered Species Program). The MS student will combine field and laboratory (host fish testing and rearing) techniques to assist in propagating state and federally listed freshwater mussels. The successful applicant will work with Dr. Daelyn Woolnough (http://www.cst.cmich.edu/users/wooln1d/) and Dr. Dave Zanatta (http://www.cst.cmich.edu/users/zanat1d/) to answer questions about the conservation of mussel species and communities, ultimately leading to a comprehensive thesis. Stipend support in the form of Research Assistantships will be available in the summers and Teaching and/or Research Assistantships (for top quality candidates) will be available through the school year. Graduate students in Biology receive full tuition waivers. Qualifications: The successful applicant should be highly motivated and have a B.S. (or completion by May 2012) in biology, zoology, ecology, aquaculture, fisheries or closely related field. Prior field experience (e.g., boats, snorkeling, SCUBA), interests in conservation biology, aquaculture, and working with fish, aquatic invertebrates and/or unionid mussels, are assets. Minimum academic qualifications include 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 system) and GRE scores must be sent to CMU graduate school for approval. Detail and application materials for the graduate program in Biology can be found here: http://www.cst.cmich.edu/biology/academic_programs/graduate/ (deadline for the required Teaching Assistantship application is Feb 15, 2012). Salary: approx $17,000 + tuition waiver Closing Date: Feb 15, 2012 (to CMU Graduate School and Biology Department). The candidate will be expected to begin by June 1, 2012. Letters of interest and information described below should be emailed to Drs. Woolnough and Zanatta by December 15, 2011. Please do not apply to the CMU Graduate School/ Biology Department without first contacting Drs. Woolnough and Zanatta. Send the following by email with the subject 'PROPAGATION MS' to Dr. Woolnough and Dr. Zanatta ([email protected] and [email protected]) with all of the following information: 1) a cover letter explaining your interest and qualifications 2) a resume (CV) 3) copies of transcripts (unofficial ok) 4) names and contact information for three academic references. Feel free to contact Dr. Woolnough with any questions.
