M.S. Assistantship, Coastal Water Quality, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

Position Overview

Application Deadline: October 1, 2026

Salary: $1,200 per month

Education Required: Bachelor’s degree in microbiology, environmental science, marine biology, or closely related field

Description

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi is recruiting a Master’s student for a coastal water quality assistantship at the Harte Research Institute in Corpus Christi, Texas, at $1,200 per month beginning Spring 2027, with applications open through October 1, 2026.

The Coastal Water Health Laboratory studies sources of pollution affecting Texas estuaries and develops science to guide coastal water management. The lab works at the intersection of microbiology, environmental science, and applied management for the Coastal Bend region.

The student will be co-advised by Dr. Nicole Powers and Dr. Michael Wetz. Funding covers one year of a Research Assistantship; additional semesters will be covered by Teaching Assistantships.

Responsibilities

• Conduct field-based water quality monitoring in Redfish Bay, Texas.
• Perform lab-based microbial source tracking via droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) to identify human, canine, and gull sources of fecal pollution.
• Analyze bacterial data in the context of environmental variables.
• Summarize findings in a written Master’s thesis.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in microbiology, environmental science, marine biology, or a closely related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in PCR.
• Experience in water quality analysis.

Additional Notes

• Start date: January 19, 2027.
• 20 hours per week.
• Results will guide management recommendations for prioritizing pollutant sources to improve water quality in the Coastal Bend.

How to Apply

Email Dr. Nicole Powers at Nicole.Powers@tamucc.edu with a CV and statement of interest to be considered for the position.

Required application materials:

• CV.
• Statement of interest.