MS Research assistantships: Detection & monitoring of aquatic invasive species in US National Forests
Clemson University Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation
Compensation:
• MS: $25,000 per year for 2.5 years
• Position includes full tuition waiver, healthcare included, and 5% annual salary raises upon satisfactory performance
Start date: January 2024
Application deadline: Application review will begin 18 September 2023. Positions will remain open until filled.
Responsibilities: Dr. Brandon Peoples (Clemson) isseeking one MS student to work with Dr. Zanethia Barnett (US Forest Service) and a growing group of collaborators to develop monitoring plans for
aquatic invasive species on National Forest lands. The project will involve developing creative research questions, sampling fishes and crayfishes in wadeable streams using electrofishing and eDNA
protocols, developing statistical models to inform monitoring and management, and collaborating with a diverse group of agency ecologists and stakeholders.
Candidates must have:
• A bachelor’s degree in freshwater science, fisheries, ecology, biology, or equivalent
• Competitive practical experience in fish/crayfish/freshwater research
• Demonstrated excellence in written, verbal, and quantitative skills
Ideal candidates will have some combination of experience in:
• Working in streams
• Backpack electrofishing
• Fish and/or crayfish ecology, preferably lotic species
• Working with biologists from agencies, nongovernmental organizations, etc.
• Analysis using R software, GIS, etc.
• Scientific writing and communication
To apply, please send application packets to Brandon Peoples (peoples@clemson.edu) with the subject “MS application: invasive stream fishes”. Packets should include in a single PDF 1) a cover letter
describing your interest in the project and career goals, and 2) your CV, including at least 3 references. The GRE is not required for admission to Clemson or to work with our team.
For more information, please visit peoplesfish.weebly.com and https://www.fs.usda.gov/research/about/people/zanethiabarnett.