Masters Research Opportunity in Biological Indices of Water Quality at Arkansas State University
Water-Quality Chemistry (Warby Lab) Description: The Warby Lab seeks one masters level graduate student to conduct research associated with a US Environmental Protection Agency funded project. Research responsibilities will include the development of thesis research focused on chemical analysis of water quality data from shallow, perennial wetlands in the Arkansas Delta region. This is an interdisciplinary project and will involve collaboration with ASU faculty members Dr. Jennifer Bouldin (Ecotoxicology; http://www2.astate.edu/scimath/ecotox/) and Dr. Travis Marsico (Botany) and another graduate student who will research vascular plant (emergent macrophyte) assemblages in the determination of wetland quality metrics. Involvement from the student in periphyton (predominately algae on surfaces) and aquatic macroinvertebrate indices also will be likely. Finally, the student will interact with scientists at the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality and the U.S. Geological Survey. Qualifications: A bachelors degree by May 2011 is mandatory for all applicants. Applicants must have taken a general and advanced chemistry courses (including toxicology) as part of their undergraduate curriculum. Knowledge of and/or a desire to learn Environmental Chemistry/Ecotoxicology in the Arkansas Delta region is required. Experience in basic quantitative analytical chemical techniques/instrumentation (e.g., pH, DO, ion selective electrodes, wet desktop chemistry, QAQC) is essential. Preference will be given to students who have field experience collecting samples from complex environmental media (e.g., soil, water, groundwater, etc). Excellent written and oral communication skills are absolutely necessary. Given the collaborative nature of this project, interest in teamwork and the ability to seamlessly integrate research across various aspects of this multifaceted project will be looked on very favorably. The successful applicant may start beginning 1 June 2011, and can expect a stipend of $16,000 per year for two years. In-state tuition waivers ($6,000 per year) are offered on a competitive basis, and highly qualified candidates will have at least a 3.7 cumulative undergraduate GPA and a 1200 or higher on the GRE. If qualified for and interested in this position, please contact Dr. Richard Warby at rwa...@astate.edu by 15 March 2011, and please provide 1) a letter of interest, 2) a CV (resume), 3) an unofficial transcript, and 4) GRE scores. Also, do not hesitate to email to ask questions regarding the position.
