Job Opportunities
Undergraduate Research Assistantship in Black Coral and Gorgonian Microbiology and Trophic Ecology
I am inviting applications for an undergraduate research assistantship in the Laboratory of Dr. David Hicks. This position is within the multi-institutional National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Center for Coastal and Marine Ecosystems (CCME). The mission of the CCME is to educate and train a new generation of scientists, particularly from underrepresented minority communities, in NOAA-relevant Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines and social sciences. The appointment will begin Summer 2021 in the School of Earth, Environmental, and Marine Sciences at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.
This position includes opportunities to conduct genetic analyses of black coral microbiomes and trophic ecology of corals from artificial and mesophotic reefs in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM). Field work components of this research will include collection of samples by SCUBA diving (if certified) or via remotely operated vehicles (ROV). The research experiences gained will depend on the projects being conducted by graduate students and post-doctoral researchers in the Hicks’ Laboratory. The project is supported through the NOAA-funded Center for Coastal and Marine Ecosystems.
Duties may include assisting with general laboratory tasks, participating in field trips to collect samples and environmental data at offshore sites, analyzing the microbiomes of a variety of coral species, preprocessing and packing of stable isotope samples and conducting statistical analyses of these data. Prior laboratory or coursework-based experience in genetic or stable isotope analyses, marine biology and ecology research, and statistical analyses is preferred. Experience on boats offshore and/or SCUBA certifications are preferred but not required. The successful applicant will be expected to be enrolled full time (Fall and Spring) at UTRGV and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
The available assistantship has a stipend of up to ~$7800 per year ($15/hr at 10hr/week) and a tuition scholarship of $1430 per semester. Interested applicants should send Dr. Keir Macartney (keir.macartney@utrgv.edu) (1) a copy of their CV , (2) unofficial transcripts with GPA, (3) a brief (one page max) written statement of personal interest (include a summary of research skills and abilities), and (4) contact information for two references. Review of applicants will begin immediately until position is filled.
As per the NOAA award terms and conditions, students supported under this program must meet the following eligibility criteria: (1) students must be U.S. citizens, (2) be full-time students, (2) have and maintain a minimum 3.0 grade point average, and (4) not be engaged in full-time employment outside the program and/or academic institution. Because this is a position funded by NOAA’s Educational Partnership Program for Minority Serving Institutions (EPP-MSI), preference will be given to students representing minorities. Funding to support students under this grant is provided by the U.S. Department of Commerce under award #NA16SEC4810009.
In addition, applicants must be rising sophomores, sophomores, or rising juniors enrolled in a bachelor’s program in biology, marine biology, or a related field at UTRGV. Successful candidates must demonstrate an aptitude for research, capability to work in the field (marine based environments), and ability to work independently. A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.2 is highly preferred. The successful applicant is expected to work most of their hours in person in the laboratory at the Port Isabel campus but may conduct some data analysis or writing remotely.
Part-time job in Brownsville Campus – Pollinator garden
Close Date: 07/09/2021
- minimal gardening experience
- hard working
- responsible
- independent
- Microsoft Office proficient
- able to carry up to 40 lbs
- able to work outside in harsh weather conditions (hot, sunny, cold)
- weeding
- trimming bushes
- occasional cleaning of water feature
- occasional maintenance of drip irrigation system
- assisting in the preparation and installation of small plant ID signs
Open to all majors and any graduation year
If interested please contact Dr. Lucia Carreon lucia.carreonmartinez@utrgv.edu