MS Graduate Research Assistantship
Department of Watershed Sciences
Utah State University
Description: We are recruiting a talented MS student to begin in Spring 2023. The prospective student will quantify river metabolism, aquatic macroinvertebrates, and benthic algae across gradients of river alteration and link ecosystem metabolism to invertebrate and fish population and assemblage dynamics. With this project, we aim to provide insight into ecosystem processes at a broad spatial extent across tributary rivers in the upper Colorado River basin, where basic knowledge of these processes is limited despite various watershed alterations. Experience identifying aquatic macroinvertebrates is desirable. This position will require field work to deploy and maintain a network of oxygen and temperature sondes, and collect data on benthic algae and macroinvertebrates. The student will be co-advised by Drs. Casey Pennock (Utah State University) and Phaedra Budy (U.S. Geological Survey, Utah State University), and will work closely with Dr. Charles Yackulic and other researchers with the U.S. Geological Survey, Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Center (GCMRC) with expertise in modeling.
Qualifications: B.S. in fisheries, aquatic ecology or a related field and a minimum 3.2 GPA (last 60 credits). A good work ethic, writing, organizational, and data management skills are required, as well as the ability to maintain positive working relationships with members of the lab, department, and stakeholder groups. A willingness to work and camp in the field under harsh environmental conditions (heat, cold, wind, rain, snow) is required. Experience collecting data in rivers and streams preferred. Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.
Location: The successful applicant will be based out of the Department of Watershed Sciences at Utah State University in Logan, UT. Logan is a relatively small college town located at the base of the Bear River Range and the Cache National Forest, offering a diversity of outdoor recreation opportunities, as well as being within a short drive of Salt Lake City and its many amenities. For additional information describing the department, faculty, and programs see http://www.cnr.usu.edu/wats/.
Support: $1750 per month stipend, plus tuition, fees, and health insurance (total award ~$31,000/year).
Closing date: Until filled. Applicants should submit materials as soon as possible to be considered.
Preferred start date: January 1, 2023.
Contact: Please email a letter of interest, CV, a writing sample, unofficial copies of undergraduate transcripts, and the names and contact information for three professional references to Dr. Casey Pennock, email: casey.pennock@usu.edu.