PhD Assistantship in Aquatic Ecotoxicology, Michigan Technological University
PhD assistantship is available in the Department of Biological Sciences at Michigan Technological University in the lab of Dr. Gordon Paterson. Housed in the Great Lakes Research Center at Michigan Tech, the Paterson lab studies aquatic ecotoxicology across Great Lakes ecosystems and food webs. We use a combination of field, lab and modeling approaches to address questions aimed at applying persistent organic pollutants as ecological tracers and their use in investigating aquatic species’ responses to environmental stressors with a primary focus on Great Lakes fisheries.
The successful applicant will investigate the use of persistent organic pollutants as metrics to better understand individual foraging success and ecology in fish species such as yellow perch and lake trout. The successful applicant will also be encouraged to independently develop and expand ideas under the lab group’s broader research scope as well as integrating new tools and techniques into the lab’s capabilities. Opportunities will be available to participate on research cruises with state, federal and international agencies during Great Lakes monitoring efforts.
The preferred start date is the spring semester 2024, with some flexibility for qualified candidates. The position will remain open until filled with interviews commencing October 2023.
Interested candidates should contact Dr. Paterson (gpaterso@mtu.edu) with the subject line, “Aquatic EcoTox PhD” and provide the following items as a single pdf: (1) a one-page cover letter describing your experience and interest in the position, (2) a resume or CV, (3) contact information for at least three professional references, and (4) most recent academic transcript (unofficial or official).
Our lab is committed to diversity and equity and welcomes applications from Indigenous persons, women, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, persons of minority sexual orientation or gender identity, visible minorities, and others who may contribute to diversification. All qualified applicants will receive consideration, however, only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. Candidates would be expected to gain acceptance into the Biological Sciences PhD program (http://www.mtu.edu/biological/graduate/bio-sci/)
- Job Type: PhD
- Organization: Michigan Technological University
- Qualifications: Applicants with an MS degree in ecology, limnology or environmental toxicology or related field(s) are strongly preferred. However, evidence of research success in the form of a thesis and/or publications with demonstrated research experience and competence may substitute for the MS degree. Experience with aquatic ecology, Great Lakes fisheries and good laboratory practices in addition to at least one of the following is desired: limnology, fish biology, pollutant ecotoxicology, stable isotopes and fish growth. The ability to work independently as well as with a diverse research group and the ability to organize individual and team tasks is necessary. The ideal candidate will have strong communication skills, be reliable, well-organized, respectful of others, and be interested in contributing to a cohesive and collaborative lab environment.
- How to apply: Interested candidates should contact Dr. Paterson (gpaterso@mtu.edu) with the subject line, “Aquatic EcoTox PhD” and provide the following items as a single pdf: (1) a one-page cover letter describing your experience and interest in the position, (2) a resume or CV, (3) contact information for at least three professional references, and (4) most recent academic transcript (unofficial or official).
- Location: Houghton, MI
Contact Information
Gordon Paterson
gpaterso@mtu.edu
nahar.16@osu.edu