Jim Garvey’s Fish Ecology Lab at the Southern Illinois University, Center for Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences (CFAAS) in Carbondale, IL is seeking a M.S. student to conduct research comparing the behavior and ecology of invasive bigheaded carp (Bighead Carp and Silver Carp) relative to surrogate species to determine ways to control the ongoing carp invasion (e.g., harvest and barriers). This project is a collaboration with the US Army Corps of Engineers Chicago District and Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Qualifications: An interest in laboratory- and field-oriented research and a desire to work in research or academia. B.A. or B.S. in biology, fisheries, aquatic ecology or related fields. Coursework in fisheries and/or ecology required. Prior experience with acoustic telemetry, analysis of ecological studies, R, Arc GIS, and Microsoft office (including Access) is preferred but not required.
Duties: Develop, complete, present, and publish field, lab, statistical, and/or simulation studies related to fisheries or invasion ecology. The selected student will have access to CFAAS’s resources including a pond facility with 100 experimental ponds, 2 wet labs, and multiple large river boats including one modified for acoustic telemetry river work.
Prospective students will be expected to complete field work associated with their projects, with assistance and training from other lab personnel including 2 postdocs and 2 research technicians. The successful candidate must make multiple overnight trips for field work, work long hours under adverse weather conditions, maintain a valid driver’s license, and be able to routinely lift 50 pounds. The selected student will also be part of a large, multi-agency and university research group.
Application Deadline: October 15th or until filled. Preferred start
date: Jan 2019 (later start possible)
Salary: Research assistantship includes stipend plus tuition waiver and insurance
Application Procedure: Interested applicants must submit via email (1) a letter of interest, (2) resume or CV, (3) unofficial transcripts (official required prior to hire), (4) GRE scores, and (5) the names and contact information of three references (at least to references must be research/academia related) to:
Dr. Alison Coulter
Email: acoulter@siu.edu
SIU Carbondale is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer of individuals with disability and protected verterans that strives to enhance its ability to develop a diverse faculty and staff and to increase its potential to serve a diverse student population. All applications are welcomed and encouraged and will receive consideration.