The Krause and Kiel Reese Laboratories at the University of South Alabama and Dauphin Island Sea Lab are seeking a full-time PhD (Graduate Research Assistant) to examine bacterial roles in sediment biogeochemical cycling. The student will participate in two field campaigns in the Gulf of Mexico; additional field opportunities are possible. On-the-job training for specific niche responsibilities will be provided (e.g. particle analysis, isotope tracer methods) and prior experience in molecular approaches (RNA/DNA extraction, purification, library preparation, etc.), informatics, and biogeochemical analysis are a plus. Students will be enrolled in the Marine Science Ph.D. program at the Stokes School of Marine and Environmental Sciences at the University of South Alabama, and work both at the University and the Dauphin Island Sea Lab. Stipend ($25000 annually), health insurance, and tuition are included. The preferred start is May-June 2024.

Qualifications and expectations:

  1. B.S., M.S., or equivalent in Marine Science, Oceanography, Biology, Chemistry, Geology, or related disciplines.
  2. Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
  3. Strong organizational and time management skills.
  4. Working knowledge of Excel or a computer language (e.g. Python, R).
  5. Develop a series of studies within the project for their dissertation.
  6. Synthesize results of their study and present to the community (meetings, peer-review manuscripts).
  7. Participate in professional development activities and outreach.

Interested individuals are encouraged to contact Dr. Jeffrey Krause (jkrause@disl.edu) with the subject line ?PhD Position Bacteria? to ask any questions and/or apply for the position. Applications should include:

A. Current curriculum vitae (include contact information, current/former academic institutions, degrees awarded, awards/honors, publications/presentations, other pertinent information); if degree is in progress, an anticipated date of finishing. B. Names and contact information (email, phone) of three professional references. C. 500-word (maximum) statement of purpose.

Official transcripts are not required at this time. Review of applications will begin immediately, and priority given to those received before 3 November 2023.