Graduate Student Assistantship: Wetland Biogeochemistry

Position: Graduate Research Assistant
Aquatic and Wetlands Biogeochemistry
Beginning spring, summer or fall 2010


Location: Department of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences
Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge, Louisiana


Description: A graduate research assistantship is available for a M.S. or Ph.D. in the area of wetlands, aquatic and soil chemistry. Potential research topics include the chemical processes governing the fate and transport of nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, in marine and freshwater environments and their relationship with soil, sediments and air; understanding nutrient biogeochemical mechanisms in soils; wetland processes in relation to coastal restoration; pharmaceutically active compounds in wetlands and treatment systems.


Qualifications: B.S. in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Soil Science, Geology or related discipline. Demonstrated excellence in course work, good written and oral communication skills, and the ability to work as a team member is required.


Stipend and Fees: Minimum annual stipend is $18,000. Graduate Research Assistants tuition is fully covered and students only pay university fees that range from $1,500 to $2,000 annually.


How to apply: Complete a pre-application, which can be obtained from: http://ocean.lsu.edu/. Remaining application information can also be found on the website.


Lab Information: http://www.ocean.lsu.edu/whitelab/index.html


Contact: Dr. John White
Louisiana State University
Department of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences
Energy Coast and Environment Building Room 3239
(225) 578-8792
jrwhite@lsu.edu

Ross Sea phytoplankton physiology and iron biogeochemistry

Research assistantships with full stipends ($26-33K) and tuition waivers are available for students interested in pursuing a M.S. or Ph.D. degree in phytoplankton physiology, molecular ecology, and/or trace metal – microbe interactions. Students will join an active group working on several NSF-funded initiatives focusing on the metal physiology and biogeochemistry of marine phytoplankton and heterotrophic bacteria. We have been recently funded to investigate Fe cycling and phytoplankton molecular ecology off the coast of Antarctica. This four-year multi-institutional project (Rutgers-Newark & New Brunswick, Princeton, Woods Hole, and U Hawai’i) is focused on understanding the links between Fe and phytoplankton in the Ross Sea, Antarctica.

Lab work will be conducted at the Rutgers University campuses in Newark (Earth and Environmental Sciences) and New Brunswick (Institute of Marine and Coastal Sciences). The successful candidate is also expected to participate in a 4-week field research expedition to the Ross Sea aboard the R/V Palmer in January – February 2011.

Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis. The candidate will likely matriculate in Fall 2010, but either Spring 2010 matriculation or casual hourly employment prior to matriculation are possible.

Research Apprenticeship, Marine Sedimentary Processes

Marine Sedimentary Processes:
Elwha River Dam Removal Impacts

Research Apprenticeship at Friday Harbor Laboratories (FHL)
Spring Quarter, March 29 - June 4, 2010
Oceanography 492 (15 credits)

Dr. Andrea Ogston and Dr. Charles Nittrouer
ogston@ocean.washington.edu nittroue@ocean.washington.edu
University of Washington - School of Oceanography

Dam removal projects are becoming an increasingly popular way to restore the habitats of depleted fisheries and river ecosystems. Rivers are the major source of sediment to the ocean, and dams act to block this sediment from reaching the nearshore, potentially causing beach erosion and loss of marine habitat. But we do not understand the full range of effects our “restoration” will have. For example, what will happen when the impounded sediment is free to flow downstream into the ocean? Will the sediment behave as a benefit by nourishing local beaches or a hindrance through the burial of critical habitats?

This research apprenticeship focuses on designing and performing baseline studies prior to dam removal on the Elwha River. Students will evaluate the impacts of the existing dams on the nearshore environment, as well as the impacts of dam removal.

Apprentices will:

. participate in an oceanographic research cruise to the Elwha River mouth and collect data for their research project.

. have the opportunity to design and conduct laboratory experiments.

. take weekly field trips to a range of environments from the source region of the Elwha River (Olympic Mountains) to coastal sedimentary environments (e.g., local tidal flats and the Skagit River delta).

Students will gain an understanding of the range of sedimentary processes that occur near river mouths throughout the Pacific NW. This knowledge allows scientists to predict hazardous material transport, shoreline erosion and accretion, and changes in seabed habitats due to dam installation and removal. The apprentices will gain knowledge and skills that will prepare them for graduate programs or to become the scientists and managers in charge of decision-making in future projects.

How to Apply: http://depts.washington.edu/fhl/
fhladmin@u.washington.edu (206) 616-0753

GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIPS, AQUATIC BIOGEOCHEMISTRY

Research and teaching assistantships are available starting in Fall 2010 for graduate study in aquatic biogeochemistry at the Aquatic Ecology Laboratory of Ohio State University. Support includes full stipend and tuition for up to 5 years for Ph.D. students and 3 years for M.S. students. We seek motivated, creative students to take part in new research initiatives in carbon, organic matter and nutrient cycling, lower (microbial and planktonic) food webs, and interactions between terrestrial, lake, river and coastal ocean systems. Opportunities for interdisciplinary collaborations are available both within and across departments and other research units.

The deadline for applications and financial support is January 15, 2010. Graduate program applications and information are available from the Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology website (http://eeob.osu.edu/). For additional information and questions, contact Dr. James Bauer, Aquatic Ecology Laboratory, Ohio State University, 1314 Kinnear Road, Columbus, OH 43212 (bauer.362@osu.edu; 614-292-1613).

Graduate Student Opportunities in Coastal Hydrodynamics/ Sediment Transport

Support is available for students wishing to study Coastal Hydrodynamics or Sediment Transport at Washington State University’s Vancouver campus. Students will work to complete a Master’s Degree in Earth and Environmental Sciences with advisor Steve Henderson (http://www.vancouver.wsu.edu/fac/steve_henderson/index.html). Student research may include field experiments, data analysis, and theoretical modeling. The Vancouver area offers ready access to the adjacent city of Portland, Oregon, and surrounding mountains, forests, and coastline.

Support may include fee waivers, teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and GK-12 scholarships (http://www.vancouver.wsu.edu/programs/sci/GK12_applicant_i
nformation.html). For further information contact Dr. Stephen Henderson (steve_henderson@wsu.edu).

Graduate Student Assistantship, Marine Ecology and Fisheries

Graduate student assistantships (MS or PhD) are available to participate in research projects investigating the ecological dynamics of fish and invertebrates in estuarine and nearshore continental shelf environments. Specific projects are addressing (1) the ecological and fishery effects of large-scale hypoxia on the northwestern Gulf of Mexico shelf, and (2) the relationship between river flow, biophysical dynamics, and the functioning of estuarine nursery habitats for juvenile fishes. These projects involve field sampling, laboratory experiments, and retrospective analysis of historical datasets. Anticipated start date is summer or fall 2010.

Interested students should have a background in ecology, fisheries, marine biology, or a related discipline. Field experience and an interest in developing quantitative skills are strongly desired. Students should apply through the Department of Biological Science at Florida State University (http://www.bio.fsu.edu/). Further inquiries as well as a CV, cover letter describing your interests, and names and contact information for three references should be sent to Kevin Craig.

PhD Opportunity in Applied Marine Biology

A PhD opportunity is available at the Ocean Sciences Centre of Memorial University to study the ecology and biology (fisheries/aquaculture related) of sea cucumbers. With a decline in traditional harvests, several exploratory fisheries are being conducted to determine if certain underutilized species would be commercially sustainable. At the forefront of emerging fisheries in Atlantic Canada is the orange-footed sea cucumber (Cucumaria frondosa). With the fishery poised to enter the commercial phase in the near future, developing a sustainable management strategy becomes a priority. The proposed study aims to elucidate key biological aspects of C. frondosa which are not only significant from an ecological viewpoint but will also provide managers with the tools to develop appropriate management strategies by filling important gaps in the existing knowledge. Areas of study will include the definition of growth parameters through field and laboratory experiments, the development of tools for aging wild specimens and other aspects of the general biology and ecology of sea cucumbers.


This position includes a full stipend of $18,000 per year and the successful candidate will be expected to begin no later than May 2010. Interested students should send an outline of their research interests and a CV by email at the address below. The Memorial University website (www.mun.ca) can be consulted for questions pertaining to the programs offered, tuition fees, scholarships/fellowships and application procedures.


For more information or to apply, contact Dr. Annie Mercier, Ocean Sciences Centre, Memorial University, St. John's, NL, Canada, A1C 5S7. Email: amercier@mun.ca, Website: www.mun.ca/osc/amercier/bio.php.

Graduate Fellowships in Marine Sciences

The Department of Marine Sciences at the University of South Alabama (USA) and the Dauphin Island Sea Lab (DISL) is seeking applicants for up to six PhD or MS graduate fellowships starting fall 2010. All fellowships include a full tuition waiver and stipend support of $18 – 19,000 for Ph.D. students and $15 – 16,000 for MS students. Faculty research interests include all aspects of biological, chemical, physical, and fisheries oceanography. Research programs in marine fisheries, restoration, conservation and global change science include a strong component of marine and coastal resource management. The program is administered through the Department of Marine Sciences from the main campus in Mobile, but most students and faculty are in residence at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, located about 35 miles south of Mobile.

Applications for fall admission and fellowships support are due by March 1. Enrollment normally begins in the fall semester; however, spring admissions will also be considered. The admission committee makes initial recommendation by April 1 for fall semester enrollment. Minimum requirements for consideration for admission are a baccalaureate degree in a discipline related to marine sciences (e.g. biology, chemistry, geology, physics), a GPA of 3.0 (4.0 point system) and GRE General Test score of 1100 is required for the doctoral program (combined verbal and quantitative). To apply see http://www.southalabama.edu/marinesciences/students.html. Further information on research and departmental resources can be found at www.disl.org or www.southalabama.edu/marinesciences. In addition to fellowship support, several graduate assistantships are available through individual faculty members. All applicants are encouraged to contact faculty members during the application process (see http://www.southalabama.edu/marinesciences/faculty.html).

Research Assistantship, Coastal Oceanography and Engineering

The Skidaway Institute of Oceanography and the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) announce the availability of funds for two students to join their Joint Program in Coastal Science and Engineering ( http://www.gtsav.gatech.edu/go/cse ). This program, a collaborative effort between Skidaway and Georgia Tech’s Civil and Environmental Engineering program in Savannah, Georgia, focuses on issues and problems that lie at the intersection of science and engineering in coastal and ocean environments. It includes numerous courses jointly taught by Skidaway and GT faculty members, and field experiences on Skidaway’s R/V Savannah, a 29 m UNOLS-fleet vessel.

The available support is for graduate students (M.S. or Ph.D.) admitted to Georgia Tech’s School of Civil and Environmental Engineering (see grad.gatech.edu for application instructions). Students may choose the Environmental Fluid Mechanics and Water Resources (EFMWR) or Environmental Engineering tracks. Funding is available as early as January 2010 to work with a Skidaway investigator on the BOTTOMS-UP benthic observation project (http://www.skio.usg.edu/?p=research/phy/bottomsup/bottomsup). This is a multidisciplinary project, so students with interest in biological, chemical, and physical process-related issues, or a combination, are all encouraged to apply.

Please contact:

Dr. Paul Work, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Georgia Tech (paul.work@gatech.edu) for application and academic program information, or
Dr. William Savidge, Skidaway Institute of Oceanography (William.savidge@skio.usg.edu) for more information about the BOTTOMS-UP program and other research opportunities at Skidaway Institute of Oceanography.

PhD position in stream assessment and ecology

A Ph.D. position is available through the Canadian Rivers Institute at the University of New Brunswick (UNB Fredericton) to study the impacts of multiple stressors on fluvial environments and aquatic communities in agricultural watersheds. Agricultural activities can cause excessive sedimentation, eutrophication and agro-chemical contamination of surface waters. However, the interactive effects of these stressors and the potential for cumulative impacts is poorly understood.

Research tools and techniques that are available include a stable isotope laboratory, experimental stream mesocosms, and stream monitoring infrastructure across a series of watersheds in the potato belt near Grand Falls, New Brunswick.

The Ph.D. project is a key component of strategic collaboration between Environment Canada, Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) and the Canadian Rivers Institute. Primary funding is provided by AAFC’s Sustainable Agriculture Environmental Systems (SAGES) program. The student will be co-supervised by Dr. Joseph Culp (Joseph.Culp@ec.gc.ca) at UNB and Dr. Glenn Benoy (Glenn.Benoy@agr.gc.ca) at the Potato Research Centre.

Interested students should send a letter of interest to Drs. Culp and Benoy including a statement of research interests, curriculum vitae and contact information for three references.

Deadline for submissions is 15 December 2009; position to be filled by May 2010.

Joint Nordic MS Program in Marine Ecosystems and Climate

Applications are now being accepted for MS students interested in studying the coupling of physical oceanography and biological processes. We are seeking motivated applicants who hold a bachelor of science (BSc) degree or equivalent in marine biology, geophysics (physical oceanography, meteorology, climate dynamics), physics or mathematics. The Joint Nordic Master’s Program in Marine Ecosystems and Climate is a two-year interdisciplinary program hosted by the University of Bergen in Norway, the University of Iceland, Aarhus University in Denmark, and the University of the Faroe Islands. The goal of this program is to produce graduates who are broadly trained in physical oceanography and marine ecology, equipping them to develop innovative solutions to the challenges facing the world’s oceans and in particular the North Atlantic. Students attend courses at each institution during their first year and then select one to host them during their research in the second year.

Please visit our website at: http://folk.uib.no/st08488/webpage2/pg_programme.html to find additional information and application materials for the Joint Nordic Master’s Program in Marine Ecosystems and Climate. Deadline for applications for the 2010 fall semester is 01 June 2010. Students applying from outside the EU are encouraged to submit applications as soon as possible to allow time for visa processing should they be accepted.