An assistantship is available for a masters student at Tennessee Tech University starting Fall 2021. This project aims to better understand harmful algal bloom development in flowing waters and reservoirs by linking water quality to cellular level biochemistry responses and toxin production of individual cells. The student will gain experience using infrared microspectroscopy, and conducting field or laboratory-based experiments in algal ecology. This teaching assistantship will include tuition and fees and a 12-month stipend, and require teaching an introductory biology laboratory.
Qualifications: Undergraduate degree in aquatic sciences (minimum G.P.A. of 3.0); Experience with microscopy, biochemical analyses, and/or algal ecological research is preferred, but not required. Outstanding students who may not have this specific background are also encouraged to apply.
Interested applicants should send a CV, brief cover letter describing experience and goals, unofficial transcripts, copy of GRE scores, and contact information of 2 individuals familiar with research/academic performance to Dr. Justin Murdock at jnmurdock@tntech.edu. More information about the research group can be found at https://sites.tntech.edu/jnmurdock/). Start date is August 2021. TTU graduate school application information can be found at https://www.tntech.edu/graduatestudies/graduateadmissions/