We are seeking motivated candidates to fill multiple graduate research assistant positions as part of an international research project: PIRE: Advancing Global Strategies and Understanding on the Origin of Ciguatera Fish Poisoning in Tropical Oceans. This project is an international collaborative effort that includes scientists from the U.S., Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, Cuba, Hong Kong, and Norway. A summary of the project is below.
PhD Opportunities: This NSF-funded project will provide Research Assistantships, including summer support, for Ph.D. students to take part in research on the chemical and biological diversity of the epiphyte communities that are the source of secondary metabolites that lead to ciguatera fish poisoning. In addition to research projects in their home laboratory, Ph.D. students will take part in international research exchange visits to collaborator laboratories, and mentoring of undergraduate interns. Opportunities are available in the following groups: Dr. Alison Robertson, University of South Alabama & Dauphin Island Sea Lab (http://www.disl.org/) The successful student will work on questions that unravel the chemical diversity of benthic algal metabolites and their fate and metabolism in coral reef food webs. Students will perform sub-lethal (algal) exposures in select marine fish to assess the toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics of natural toxins using targeted and non-targeted metabolomics and proteomics based approaches. Preference will be given to students with a strong background and interest in biochemistry, molecular biology, chemistry, and chemical ecology. Lab skills in protein and/or small molecule extraction and analysis are highly desirable, though full training will be provided. Technical diving and boating experience (or willingness to obtain these skills) would be highly regarded. An M.S. in a related field is strongly preferred. Exceptional applicants that do not have or expect an M.S. degree before Fall 2018 may be able to enroll in the M.S. program, with the opportunity to transition to the Ph.D. based on research acumen. Interested candidates can apply through the graduate program in Marine Sciences at the University of South Alabama for a Fall 2018 or Spring 2018 starting date (http://www.usouthal.edu/colleges/artsandsci/marinesciences/). Dr. Deana Erdner, University of Texas, Marine Science Institute (http://sites.utexas.edu/erdnerlab/) The successful applicant will focus on questions related to the biodiversity of macroalgal epiphyte communities and their function, using sequencing and transcriptomics to study community composition and gene expression, and how these relate to chemical diversity. Experience with DNA/RNA manipulation and sequence analysis is highly desirable. An M.S. in a related field is strongly preferred. Applicants that do not have or expect an M.S. degree before Fall 2018 may be able to enroll in the M.S. program, with the opportunity to transition to the Ph.D. based on progress. Interested candidates can apply either though the graduate program in Marine Science (https://utmsi.utexas.edu/academics/graduate) or Plant Biology (https://cns.utexas.edu/plantbio-graduate-program). Start date: June 2018 or Fall semester 2018 Application instructions: Before submitting an official application, prospective students are strongly encouraged to contact Alison Robertson ([email protected]<mailto:[email protected]?subject=PIRE%20PHD>) or Deana Erdner ([email protected]<mailto:[email protected]?subject=PIRE%20PHD>) to express their interest in this opportunity. Please use the email subject “PIRE PHD” and include (1) a short description of why you are interested in the project; (2) your CV with contact numbers for referees; and (3) academic transcripts and test scores. Drs. Robertson and Erdner are committed to mentoring young scientists and developing a diverse marine science research community. Women and members of underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. The Dauphin Island Sea Lab and the University of Texas are equal opportunity institutions. -------------------------------- Deana L Erdner University of Texas Marine Science Institute 750 Channel View Dr. Port Aransas, TX 78373 (361)749-6719 [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>
