A funded Ph.D. Research Assistant position is available in the research laboratory of Dr. Kevin A. Kuehn at the University of Southern Mississippi. This position is part of a 3 year funded NSF project that seeks to understand the relative importance of algal photosynthetic priming vs. photolysis in facilitating microbial-mediated (bacterial and fungal) organic matter decomposition in freshwater wetland ecosystems. The successful applicant is expected to have excellent communication skills, and will be creative, motivated and capable of working both independently and in a collaborative group setting. Applicants having experience in aquatic or microbial ecology would be considered a plus. A Master’s degree in biology, ecology, or closely related field is preferred; however, exceptional students with a B.S. degree will also be considered. Responsibilities of the Ph.D. student will include completing graduate coursework, research pursuant to the grant objectives, publishing their research findings, working with project collaborators, and participating in outreach related activities. The stipend for this graduate research assistantship is $20k/year and includes a full tuition waiver and health care benefits. The anticipated start date is negotiable.
The University of Southern Mississippi, a Carnegie Research I institution with approximately 17,000 students, is located in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, with additional campuses located nearby on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. This position will be based in Hattiesburg. Hattiesburg is the medical, commercial, and cultural center of south Mississippi and is ranked among the top small metropolitan areas in the United States. The Department of Biological Sciences currently has 32 faculty with research strengths in ecology, evolution, molecular biology and microbiology. Further information about the department may be found at www.usm.edu/biological-sciences. Interested applicants should send a cover letter, short statement of research interests and future goals, CV, contact information for three references, and copies of transcripts and GRE scores (unofficial is fine) to Dr. Kevin A. Kuehn ([email protected]). Review of applicants will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Questions concerning this position should be directed to Dr. Kevin A. Kuehn. The University of Southern Mississippi is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer/Americans with disabilities act institution. The University of Southern Mississippi encourages minorities, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities to apply.
