Graduate Research Assistant Opportunity

, based at the UMCES Appalachian Laboratory , is excited to invite applications for a Graduate Research Assistant (MS or PhD) to contribute to a cutting-edge research project investigating landscape genomics, ecology, and the evolutionary processes of fish species across the Ozark Highlands. This role is an exceptional opportunity for a highly motivated student to develop skills in high-performance computing, bioinformatics, and the analysis of next-generation sequencing data using tools like R and Python.

Key Details

• Start Date: Spring or Fall 2025
• Location: Frostburg, Maryland, home of the Appalachian Laboratory, is a charming college town known for its low cost of living and plentiful outdoor recreation. The lab offers a distinctive, research-centric educational experience, promoting study across terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems worldwide. More information about the lab and the surrounding community can be found here .

Qualifications

Minimum: BA, BS, or MS in biology, ecology, environmental science, fisheries and wildlife science, or a related field. Proficiency in reading scientific literature.

Preferred: Experience in landscape genomics, next-generation sequencing data analysis, and proficiency in R, Python, Bash, or ArcGIS.

Position Benefits

• The annual stipend is approximately $33,671, with a tuition waiver included.
• Support is guaranteed for at least 3.0 years.

Program Information
Successful candidates will enroll through the Marine, Estuarine, and Environmental Sciences (MEES) graduate program at the University of Maryland College Park. While the student's office will be at the Appalachian Laboratory, graduate classes are offered in person and virtually by professors across MEES.

Application Deadlines:

• Spring 2025: September 30, 2024
• Fall 2025: January 17, 2025

How to Apply
To express interest, please email Dr. Zbinden at with the following:

1. Cover letter expressing interest in the position, relevant research experience, and career goals
2. Your curriculum vitae
3. Unofficial college transcripts

Selected candidates will be contacted for further discussions, and a subset will be invited to formally apply to MEES. Do not miss this unique chance to expand your expertise while significantly impacting landscape genomics research at UMCES!

Diversity and Inclusion
Dr. Zbinden is passionate about fostering diversity in science and strongly encourages students from traditionally underrepresented groups in STEM to apply. For inquiries, feel free to reach out to him directly.

Information about AL and UMCES can be found at: . UMCES is an affirmative action EOE. Individuals with disabilities, veterans, women, and minorities are encouraged to apply.

The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science is an equal-opportunity employer. The Center's policies, programs, and activities conform with pertinent Federal and State laws and regulations on nondiscrimination regarding race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, and disability. Inquiries regarding compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Educational Amendments; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; or related legal requirements should be directed to the Assistant Vice President of Human Resources, Center Administration, Cambridge, MD 21613.