STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES

1. Graduate Research Assistantship-Water Quality (Delaware State University)

2. Graduate Research Assistantship-Weakfish (Delaware State University)

3. Position Title: M.S. Assistantship: Atlantic sturgeon biotelemetry.

Agency/Location: Delaware State University, Dover, Delaware

Responsibilities:  Project is focused on documenting the current status of adult Atlantic sturgeon in the Delaware River.  Successful candidate will participate in the collection of adult Atlantic sturgeon for ultrasonic telemetry on board a commercial fishing vessel.  Sampling will involve field work during all weather conditions using a variety of boats and large nets.  

Qualifications: Minimum: B. S. in biology, fisheries, or related field; cumulative GPA of 2.8 or higher and GRE scores.  U.S. Citizenship is preferred.

Salary:  $18,500/ year and up to $2,500 per semester for tuition support.

Closing Date: Until filled although preference given to applications complete by March 15th.  

Contact: Submit a letter of interest, CV, unofficial copy of transcripts and three letters of recommendation the address below.

4. Position Title: M.S. Assistantship: American eel population ecology

Agency/Location: Delaware State University, Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Dover, Delaware

Responsibilities:  Project is focused on developing a better understanding of the behavior and population ecology of American eel.  The successful candidate will work with a team of scientists from DSU, NMFS, and USGS to conduct a joint biotelemetry and mark-recapture study on American eel. Additional sampling will be conducted in conjunction with commercial harvesters both dockside and aboard fishing vessels.  Sampling will involve field work during all weather conditions using a variety of boats and gear.  Successful candidate will also spend time working at both NOAA and USGS labs, gaining experience in quantitative analysis of mark-recapture data. 

Qualifications: Minimum: B. S. in biology, fisheries, or related field; cumulative GPA of 2.8 or higher and GRE scores.  Students with strong quantitative and writing skills are encouraged to apply.  U.S. Citizenship is required.

Salary:  $18,500/ year and up to $2,500 per semester for tuition support.

Closing Date: Until filled although preference given to applications complete by March 15th.  

Contact: To be considered, applicants must submit a letter of interest, a CV, an unofficial copy of their transcripts and three letters of recommendation to Dewayne Fox at the address below.

5. Title: Graduate Assistantships in Demersal Fish Habitat

Agency/Location: University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Princess Anne, MD

Responsibilities: The NOAA Living Marine Resources Cooperative Science Center based at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore seeks a full-time Masters or PhD student who will conduct research in collaboration with the NOAA J.J. Howard Marine Science Laboratory at Sandy Hook, NJ, to study the ecology of fishes in Hudson Canyon and adjacent outer continental shelf. Potential projects include: 1) Habitat-species relationships, 2) The roles of local geology, bioengineering species (e.g. tilefish)  and structural species (e.g. sponges and corals) in providing shelter and food resources, 3) Effects of trawling on habitat function, 4) Seasonal patterns of habitat use in relation to hydrological climate, 5) Habitat mapping.

Qualifications: Bachelors degree in biology, fisheries science, marine science or related area. Good work ethic and ability to work in a team setting.  Must meet requirements of University System of Maryland Marine, Estuarine and Environmental Science (MEES) program. (www.mees.umd.edu). Minorities, women and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. US Citizenship required.

Salary:  $18,000/yr. Health insurance, tuition and fees paid. Funding is available for up to 2.5 years for MS degree and 5 years for Ph.D.

Closing Date:  Until filled.  Preferred start date is Spring semester, 2009 (MEES program application deadline September 1, 2008).

Contact: Dr. Eric May (ebmay@umes.edu, 410-651-8342) or Dr. Paulinus Chigbu (pchigbu@umes.edu, 410-621-3034).

6. MS/PhD Assistantships

Location: University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Princess Anne, Maryland.

Responsibilities: The NOAA Living Marine Resources Cooperative Science Center based at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore seeks full-time graduate student who will conduct research

Qualifications: B.S. in fisheries biology, marine biology, or a related field.  Responsible, motivated, and willingness to work as part of a team. Must meet requirements of University System of Maryland's Marine, Estuarine and Environmental Science (MEES) program. (www.mees.umd.edu). Minorities, women and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. US Citizenship required.

Stipend: $18,000 annual stipend, health benefits, and tuition waiver.  Funding is available for up to 2.5 years for MS degree and 5 years for Ph.D.

Start date: Spring Semester, 2009. (MEES program application deadline September 1, 2008).

Contact: Submit a letter describing your interests, resume and contact info for 3 references to:

    Todd Christenson

    University of Maryland Eastern Shore

    Department of Natural

    Sciences. Carver Hall. Princess Anne, MD. 21853

    Email:     tchristenson@umes.edu

    Phone:     410-651-7846