Dr. Troy Farmer at Clemson University (http://www.clemson.edu/cafls/faculty_staff/profiles/tmfarme) has openings for two graduate students (at the master’s level) to begin during spring 2018.
Graduate students will participate in a field- and laboratory-intensive project aimed at understanding habitat-specific growth and productivity in southern flounder populations along the Gulf of Mexico. Using a combination of otolith chemistry, stable isotope, and gene expression analysis of field collected samples; this work seeks to quantify habitat-specific growth, sex ratios, and ultimately, production of new recruits to the commercial and recreational fisheries. The Program: Graduate students will join a collaborative and interdisciplinary group of researchers working in the Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation (FEC) at Clemson University where they will be enrolled in the Wildlife and Fisheries Biology M.S. program. Within the department, students will join a vibrant and active group of graduate students, faculty, and staff in the growing Clemson Fisheries program. Students on the project will also work closely with collaborators in the Auburn University School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences. Additionally, students will work with natural resource agency biologists, travel widely for professional activities, and maintain a team approach to research. The GRA positions: Graduate student applicants are being accepted for the M.S. level. Students are expected to conduct their thesis research project and complete required course work at Clemson University. Other duties include mentoring undergraduate students, report writing, and presenting at scientific meetings. Students will also have the opportunity to gain experience as Teaching Assistants in classroom and laboratory settings. Students will receive a stipend (approx. $18,000/year), waiver of both in-state and out-of-state tuition, all costs of conducting the research (including travel to field sites, supplies and equipment, etc.), and travel to scientific meetings. Qualifications: B.S. degree in biology, ecology, wildlife and fisheries science, natural resource science, or other related fields with competitive GPA and GRE scores. Successful applicants will be creative, motivated, and capable of working effectively both independently and in collaborative groups. Strong writing, quantitative, and people- management skills are essential. Previous experience in field and laboratory research settings is preferred. To Apply: Applicants should include in their application: 1) a cover letter expressing their interest in the position, qualifications, and post grad school plans and aspirations, 2) current CV, including GPA and GRE scores, if available, 3) photocopies of transcripts, and 4) contact information for three professional references to: [email protected] . Application deadline is October 14, 2017. Review of applications will begin immediately.
