Masters research assistantship: Distribution & ecology of rivulet crayfishes in the southeastern US
Project overview and responsibilities: This project will collect distributional, population, and life-history data on seven species of “rivulet” crayfishes (Hobbseus spp.) to inform their upcoming reviews under the Endangered Species Act while working collaboratively with scientists from multiple federal agencies. The position is based at Mississippi State University and supervised by Drs. Corey Dunn (USGS MS Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit) and Mike Colvin (Dept. Wildlife, Fisheries, & Aquaculture).
Qualifications: Undergraduate degree in natural resources or related field, strong written and verbal communication abilities, and interpersonal skills necessary to work within a team. The ideal candidate will have interests in freshwater conservation, crayfish ecology, and learning statistical analyses and programs for characterizing species-habitat relationships (GIS, Program R). This position is field intensive and will require coordinated sampling among multiple field teams over two field seasons throughout eastern and central Mississippi.
Salary and benefits: Assistantship (2.5 years) worth $19,500 per year + free health insurance and tuition, and support for conference participation (approx. $35,000 per year total value).
Start date: Application review will begin immediately and close when the position is filled. The position will be readvertised Aug 8, 2021 if unfilled. Start date is flexible and between Nov–Jan as a paid technician with subsequent enrollment as a Graduate Research Assistant in Jan 2022.
Contact: To apply, email with the subject line “Crayfish Application” to Dr. Corey Dunn (corey.dunn@msstate.edu) in a single, merged PDF: (1) cover letter describing experiential background, career goals, and project interest; (2) resume or cv; (3) email addresses and phone numbers for at least three references; (4) GRE/TOEFL scores if available; (5) updated official or unofficial transcripts. We encourage applicants to apply early.
Helpful links:
Dept. of Wildlife, Fisheries, & Aquaculture: https://www.cfr.msstate.edu/wildlife/
USGS MS Cooperative F&W Research Unit: https://www1.usgs.gov/coopunits/unit/Mississippi