MS Assistantship in Freshwater Ecology in the Department of Integrative Biology at the University of Texas at San Antonio
Principal Investigator: Matthew Troia (UT-San Antonio)
Agency Collaborators: Sarah Robertson, Warren Schlechte (Texas Parks and Wildlife Department)
Start date: January 2022
Description: The successful applicant will participate in a TPWD-funded study to examine the thermal exposure and sensitivity of the Devils River minnow and Rio Grande darter. The project will include field-based monitoring of populations and deployment of data loggers to record temperature regimes in San Felipe creek and Pinto creek, south Texas. The project will also include a laboratory-based study of thermal tolerance for each species. The successful applicant will develop a thesis based on one or more of these objectives. Funding is available for travel and research costs, a living stipend ($1425/month), and full tuition reimbursement.
Required Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Ecology, Natural Resources, or related field, and minimum GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale). The successful candidate must have strong written and verbal communication, ability to work independently and as part of a research team, and the ability to work in challenging field conditions (hot temperatures, unstable footing while wading in rivers). Demonstrated ability to work with private landowners and agency scientists, experience with Program R and fish husbandry, and aspirations to publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals are preferred.
Apply: Please submit an application packet as a single PDF-formatted document containing: (1) one-page letter of interest, (2) CV or resume, (3) unofficial undergraduate/graduate transcripts, and (4) contact information for three professional references. Email application packet to Matthew Troia (matthew.troia@utsa.edu) using the following naming convention: Section6_APPLICANTNAME.pdf. Applicants from groups underrepresented in STEM are encouraged to apply. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
About UTSA: UTSA is a large urban university located on the scenic north side of San Antonio, Texas. The Department of Integrative Biology offers an MS degree in Environmental Science.
EO/AA Statement: As an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer, it is the policy of The University of Texas at San Antonio to promote and ensure equal employment opportunity for all individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status. The University is committed to the Affirmative Action Program in compliance with all government requirements to ensure nondiscrimination. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. The UTSA campus is accessible to persons with disabilities.
Questions? Please send questions about the position to Matthew Troia (matthew.troia@utsa.edu).