Graduate Position in Population Genetics and Microbiomes – Towson University (Baltimore, MD)
A combined graduate teaching/research assistantship for a masters student is available beginning Fall 2022 working with Dr. Steve Kimble at Towson University. The student will characterize the population genetic parameters and microbiome of the Maryland Endangered Northern Map Turtle on the Susquehanna River. Summer field research will be based at Towson University’s field station at Port Deposit, Maryland on the Susquehanna River. The students will also have the opportunity to interact with government agencies, NGOs, and businesses as they work to conserve turtles. The student will oversee data collection for this project while developing her/his/their own thesis project.
Students should be familiar with ecological research through coursework and field-based research experience. Candidates must be self-motivated, must be interested in using bioinformatic methods with large DNA sequence data, must be interested in DNA lab work, must be able to accomplish physically demanding fieldwork under long and sometimes difficult conditions (heat, humidity, sun, mosquitoes, poison ivy, et cetera), and must be able to navigate small boats on a large river. The successful candidate will be rewarded with working with turtles and spending time on the beautiful Susquehanna River! The student may spend some of Summer 2022 in the field on the Susquehanna River at the Towson University field station (housing provided) and then start the MS program on campus in Towson Fall 2022. The student would be expected to teach at least one or two semesters per year as a graduate student. The student would also have the opportunity to author at least one paper to be submitted for peer review in the scientific literature. More information on the MS program in Biology can be found at http://www.towson.edu/fcsm/departments/biology/gradbiology/.
Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree in biology or related discipline with a GPA of 3.0 or better, have a strong interest in bioinformatics, be self-directed, and experience with scientific writing. Candidates will preferably also have experience with field work, small boats, and herps.
Interested students should send a C.V. and 1-page statement of research interests, goals and related experiences to Dr. Steve Kimble ([email protected]) no later than 1 December 2021. https://www.towson.edu/fcsm/departments/biology/facultystaff/skimble.html
