East Texas A&M University MS Assistantship in Crayfish Ecology and Genetics

Dr Bjorn Schmidt is recruiting an MS student to conduct genetic research on a data-deficient, endemic crayfish species of potential conservation importance in Texas.

• First Project: MS Assistantship in Crayfish Ecology

The first project will sample aquatic locations in the middle Colorado River using standardized surveys for the Pecan Bayou Crayfish (Faxonius castaneus). Sampling will also include collecting data on physical habitat characteristics and environmental water chemistry data.

The applicant would develop a thesis related to ecological associations of occurrence and abundance for this data-deficient species. The applicant would also assist with broader sampling of other crayfish in the Faxonius virilis complex in Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas for genetic analysis for related project goals.

• Second Project: MS Assistantship in Crayfish Genetics

This project will sample aquatic locations in the middle Colorado River using standardized surveys for the Pecan Bayou Crayfish (Faxonius castaneus) and collect tissue for genetic analysis. The applicant would also sample other crayfish in the Faxonius virilis complex in Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas for genetic analyses.

The applicant would develop a thesis related to species delimitation for F. castaneus and phylogenetics of the F. virilis complex in this region, using ddRADseq genomic datasets. The applicant would also be expected to assist in the collection of related environmental and physical habitat data for the project.

Minimum qualifications:

• The applicant should have a BS degree in Biology, Wildlife, Fisheries, or a related field and an interest in working in applied conservation

• Applications must be competitive for admission to the graduate program in Biology at East Texas A&M University

• Applicants should be able to work outdoors in stream conditions in inclement weather, while physically operating standard field equipment for aquatic sampling

• Applicants should be able to work effectively and efficiently in teams

Preferred qualifications:

• Previous experience with aquatic sampling or working with crayfish

• Previous experience with genetic sample processing (e.g., DNA extractions, quality control checks on genetic samples)

• Previous experience with phylogenetic analyses or other statistical analyses on data from population genetics

The applicant would join the lab of Dr. Bjorn Schmidt at East Texas A&M University and would be funded for 24 months (2027-2028) annually under the following compensation package:

Stipend: $16,200
Full tuition remission: $8,580
Health insurance: $3,942
Total: $28,722

Applications should be sent to bjorn.schmidt@etamu with a subject line of: MS application - crayfish genetics or -crayfish ecology, and should include a single pdf of 1) cover letter, 2) cv, 3) unofficial transcripts, and 4) contact information for three references. 

Read More Below:

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   MS Assistantship in Crayfish Genetics

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   MS Assistantship in Crayfish Ecology