Research Assistant / Sea Grant Research Assistantships

The University of Texas System • Brownsville, TX

443d • $18,000 - $18,000

About The Position

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is seeking two graduate students for Research Assistant positions in the School of Earth, Environmental, and Marine Sciences. These roles will focus on optimizing aquaculture conditions for black corals and will involve both laboratory and fieldwork. The successful candidates will work under the supervision of Dr. Erin Easton and Dr. David Hicks, contributing to a collaborative marine science program in a culturally diverse region near the Gulf of Mexico.

Requirements

• Currently admitted to the Graduate School
• Be in good academic standing
• Registered full-time for the respective semester (nine semester credit hours during fall and spring, six during summer)
• Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, marine sciences, or a related field
• Proficient in snorkeling/diving; SCUBA certified
• Current AAUS Scientific Diver with 60 ft or greater depth rating preferred
• Demonstrated aptitude for research and ability to work independently
• Prior field experience in or on the water and laboratory experience with genetic markers, marine or ecology research, and statistical analyses preferred
• Physically capable of carrying 75 pounds of field equipment

Nice To Haves

• Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.2 preferred
• Minimum new GRE scores of verbal 150 and quantitative 153 preferred

Responsibilities

• Assist with general laboratory tasks
• Drive to and from campus locations and field sites as needed
• Organize and participate in field trips to collect samples and environmental data
• Scuba dive to the US Texas Clipper to collect samples
• Use microscopy for research purposes
• Maintain corals in holding and experimental tanks
• Conduct statistical analyses of collected data

Benefits

• Stipend of up to $18,000
• $8,300 annual tuition scholarship for a period of two years
• Funds available for research supplies and conference travel in year 2

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree