M.S. Position Available to Study Mangrove, Seagrass, and Salt Marsh Ecosystems in South Texas We are seeking a MS-level graduate student to conduct research on the effects of disturbances on vegetation succession and carbon dynamics in mangrove, seagrass, and salt marsh ecosystems in South Texas. Research will be largely field-based and conducted near South Padre Island. The position will begin in fall 2014 in the Biological Sciences Department at the University of Texas-Brownsville (UTB) (http://www.utb.edu/biology/) and continue to spring 2016. This is a unique opportunity to join a young and expanding department located in one of the fastest growing, culturally diverse regions in the nation situated minutes from Padre Island, Laguna Madre, and the Gulf of Mexico. The Department of Biological Sciences offers degrees at the B.S. and M.S. level and is expanding its marine biology and graduate programs. By fall 2015, UTB will be fully merged with UT Pan Am (UTPA) in Edinburg as UT Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), making it one of the largest minority educational institutions in the U.S. with a combined undergraduate enrollment of over 30,000. Applicants must have a Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, or a related field. Successful candidates must demonstrate an aptitude for research and ability to work independently. Prior experience in fieldwork related to plant and ecosystem ecology is preferred. The applicant must be field capable. A current, valid U.S. driver's license and good driving record is also preferred.
The successful applicant will be expected to enroll full time in the UTB Biology Master's program pursuing the thesis option. The student will be employed as a graduate research assistant and will be expected to work 19 hours/week in the laboratory of his/her faculty teaching mentor(s) and participate in departmental outreach events.The available assistantship has $1250 per month stipend, is benefits eligible, includes a waiver for in-state-tuition for out-of-state students, and a tuition scholarship of $2500 per fall/spring semester. Interested applicants should send to Dr. Faiz Rahman ([email protected]) and Dr. Heather Alexander ([email protected]) their CV or resume, a copy of transcripts and official GRE scores, a written statement of graduate research interests, and two letter of recommendations. Review of applications will begin immediately; deadline for applications to be received by graduate school is July 1, 2014.
