MS @ CMU in mussel genetics

S Graduate Research Assistantship @ Central Michigan University: Assessment of gene flow and genetic diversity among Great Lakes coastal and nearshore unionid communities and their tributary watersheds

RESPONSIBILITIES: The successful applicant will conduct a two-year conservation genetics research project on unionid mussels in coastal zones of the Great Lakes. This project will combine field and laboratory (genetic) techniques to determine the genetic distinctiveness of severely imperiled native mussel populations in the coastal zones of the lower Great Lakes. The remnant populations found along the coastal margins of Lake St. Clair and Lake Erie are all that remain of the abundant and diverse communities prior to the dreissenid mussel invasion of the 1980's. The successful applicant will work with Dr. Dave Zanatta (http://www.cst.cmich.../users/zanat1d/) to answer questions about the conservation genetics of these mussel communities, ultimately leading to a comprehensive thesis. Research assistantships will be available throughout the summers and teaching and/or research assistantships will be available through the school year.

QUALIFICATIONS: The successful applicant should be highly motivated and have a B.S. (or completion by May 2010) in biology, zoology, genetics or closely related field. An ideal candidate will have some experience and interest in conservation biology/genetics, working with aquatic invertebrates and/or unionid mussels, and comfort in and around water (e.g., boats, outboard motors, snorkeling, swimming).

Minimum academic qualifications include 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 system), GRE scores must be sent to CMU graduate school for approval. Additional graduate program information can be found here: http://www.bio.cmich..._app_admiss.htm (deadline for Teaching Assistantship applications is Feb 15 2010).

If interested, please send me (email preferred) a cover letter explaining your interest and qualifications, resume (CV), copies of transcripts (unofficial ok), and the names and contact information of three references.

DO NOT apply to the graduate school before hearing from Dr. Zanatta.

SALARY: approx $15,000 + tuition waiver

START DATE: approx June 1, 2010

APPLICATIONS DUE: January 31, 2010

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Dave Zanatta, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Biology Department
Central Michigan University
186 Brooks Hall
Mount Pleasant, MI 48859

email: zanat1d@cmich.edu
office: 989-774-7829
lab: 989-774-7634
fax: 989-774-3462
Homepage: http://www.cst.cmich.../users/zanat1d/