MS Research Assistantships at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO)
Position description: Up to two USGS-funded MS graduate research assistantships investigating riverine microbiome and process rates in two Nebraska river systems are available starting in Fall 2023 under the supervision of Paul Ayayee (Microbial Ecology Group:) and David Manning (Aquatic Ecology lab) at UNO, and Jessica Corman (Ecosystem Stoichiometry lab) at University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The Research Assistants will work on a project focused on understanding the role of management practices in the Niobrara National Scenic River and Elkhorn River ecosystems on ecosystem stoichiometry, microbiome composition, and microbe-mediated processes. The students will work closely with other team members and assist with field surveys, sample processing and analyses, data analyses, undergraduate student mentorship, and manuscript preparation as part of their graduate assistantship.
Experience and qualifications: Applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree in biology or a related field (ecology, natural resources, environmental science). Prior field or laboratory experience in aquatic ecology, nutrient biogeochemistry, molecular and microbial work, or related field will be favorably reviewed, but candidates without this specific background are encouraged to apply. Preferred qualifications include a) training and interest in aquatic ecology and or microbial ecology, b) experience analyzing water samples, c) experience with the R statistical computing environment and an introductory-level understanding of statistics, and d) experience or interest in learning bioinformatic skillsets.
Interested applicants should send a CV, brief cover letter highlighting experience and goals, unofficial transcripts, and contact information of two individuals familiar with research and academic performance to Paul Ayayee (payayee@unomaha.edu) and David Manning (davidmanning@unomaha.edu) with the subject “Niobrara and Elkhorn RA”. Please direct questions to Paul Ayayee ( payayee@unomaha.edu) if interested in the microbial ecology aspect of the project or David Manning (davidmanning@unomaha.edu) for the ecosystem ecology aspect. Applications will be reviewed as they are received (priority deadline April 7th, 2023) and continue until the position is filled.