Graduate Research Assistant – Black Coral Aquaculture

We are inviting applications for two graduate positions that include support as a research assistant. The appointments are to begin Spring 2025 in the School of Earth, Environmental, and Marine Sciences at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV). These positions include a research component aimed at optimizing aquaculture conditions for black corals. The successful candidates will join a collaborative team of researchers in a rapidly expanding marine science program located in one of the fastest growing, culturally diverse regions in the nation, situated minutes from South Padre Island, Laguna Madre, and the Gulf of Mexico.

Duties may include assisting with general laboratory tasks, driving to and from campus locations and field sites as needed, organizing and participating in field trips to collect samples and environmental data, scuba diving to the US Texas Clipper to collect samples, using microscopy, maintaining corals in holding and experimental tanks, and conducting statistical analyses of these data, among others. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, marine sciences, or a related field. Candidate must be proficient in snorkeling/diving; must be SCUBA certified, current AAUS Scientific Diver with 60 ft or greater depth rating preferred. Preferred candidates will provide a LOR from participating American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) institution documenting depth rating to at least 60 ft. Successful candidates must demonstrate an aptitude for research and ability to work independently. Prior field experience in or on the water and laboratory experience working with genetic markers, marine or ecology research, and statistical analyses is preferred. Selected candidates must be physically capable of carrying 75 pounds of field equipment to and from field sites or boats. The successful applicants will be expected to apply to and enroll full time (Fall and Spring) in the UTRGV Ocean, Coastal, and Earth Sciences (OCES) Master of Science (MS) program pursuing the thesis option.

The available assistantships have a stipend of up to $18,000 and ~$8,300 annual tuition scholarship for a period of two years. The project is supported through a Texas Sea Grant award. Funds are available for research supplies and conference travel in year 2. The selected students will work closely with another master’s student under the supervision of Drs. Easton and Hicks.

Application details

Interested applicants should send to Dr. Erin E. Easton (erin.easton@utrgv.edu) and Dr. David Hicks (david.hicks@utrgv.edu) (1) a copy of their CV, (2) unofficial transcripts with GPA and, if available, GRE scores, (3) a written statement (one page; two pages max) of graduate research interests, (4) contact information for two references, and (5) documentation of scuba certifications. Please use subject heading Sea Grant GRA applicant – Your Name.  If you are applying with a colleague or relative, please indicate in the email so that we can flag the other application for joint review.

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. For more information on the Easton lab, visit https://eastonbenthos.org/ and https://www.utrgv.edu/seems/people/erin-e-easton/index.htm.

Qualifications

As per the NOAA award terms and conditions, students supported under this program must meet the following eligibility criteria: (1) students must be U.S. citizens, (2) be full-time postsecondary students, (3) have and maintain a minimum 3.0 grade point average, and (4) not be engaged in full-time employment outside the program and/or academic institution.

In addition, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, marine sciences, or a related field. Successful candidates must demonstrate an aptitude for research, capability to work in the field, and ability to work independently. Prior experience with scuba diving, corals, marine or ecology research, and statistical analyses is preferred. A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.2 is preferred and minimum new GRE scores of verbal 150 and quantitative 153 is preferred. GRE requirement may be waived. The successful applicant will be expected to enroll full time (Fall and Spring) in the OCES MS program. The successful applicant is expected to work in the laboratory at the Port Isabel campus at ~20 hr/wk but may need to attend classes at the Brownsville or Edinburg campus.