Graduate Research Assistantship
in Fish Health and Diagnostic Development
Start date
Preferred start date is Summer 2023 (earlier is possible as technician)
Location
University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN
Advisor
Dr. Nick Phelps (University of Minnesota; http://z.umn.edu/phelpslab). Please contact Dr. Phelps or members of the Phelps Lab with questions.
Project Description
This position will support an MS or PhD-level graduate student in the University of Minnesota Conservation Sciences Graduate Program. The responsibilities will focus on the development of diagnostic tools for fish diseases and building fish health capacity in the Great Lakes region. Candidates with diverse backgrounds or from underrepresented communities are highly encouraged to apply and may be eligible for additional support (for example).
Diagnostic development – Early diagnosis of fish disease outbreaks and aquatic invasive species invasions are critical for rapid response and effective management. Our goal is to develop and validate field-deployable LAMP assays to support outbreak investigations and proactive surveillance efforts. This project will focus on two high priority fish viruses (viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus and largemouth bass virus) and an invasive microbe (Didymosphenia geminata). We will use a combination of laboratory and field methods, and conduct disease exposure trials in a biocontainment facility. We will work closely with collaborators from the US Geological Survey (La Crosse, WI) and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (St. Paul, MN) to complete the project.
Capacity building – Translating science into action is a priority for the Phelps Lab. We will build capacity for fish health management and use of our newly developed diagnostic tools with end users across the Great Lakes region, such as natural resource managers, veterinary professionals and students, and aquaculture producers. Our outreach will include hosting workshops, conducting webinars, and creating written content for non-expert audiences. We will work closely with collaborators from Michigan State University (Lansing, MI) and Ohio State University (Columbus, OH), including a newly hired regional aquatic veterinarian.
Responsibilities
Perform laboratory and field work to develop and validate LAMP assays. There will be occasional travel within Minnesota and Wisconsin to conduct field work.
Collect and organize data related to the development and validation of LAMP assays.
Perform data analysis, prepare manuscripts/reports for publication, and present results to scientific, management, and public audiences.
Conduct fish health outreach to regional audiences. There will be occasional travel within the Great Lakes region to conduct outreach.
Coordinate communication and data sharing among team members.
Coordinate regular project meetings with a multi-state team of collaborators.
Assist with other projects in the Phelps Lab, including field and laboratory activities, grant and manuscript writing, and supervising students and/or technicians.
Qualifications
Candidates must have completed (by the start date) a Bachelor of Science and/or Masters of Science degree in biology, ecology, environmental science, natural resource management or related field. Successful candidates will have demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and independently, strong written and oral communication skills, attention to detail, and leadership ability. Experience with fish health, molecular diagnostics, science communication, and interest in solving real-world problems is preferred.
Salary and Benefits
Graduate research assistants enrolled in the Conservation Sciences graduate program receive a stipend of $26,458 annually, as well as tuition remission and health benefits. More information can be found here: https://shb.umn.edu/health-plans/gahp-home
To Apply
There is a two-step process for applying. First, interested candidates should send an email with the subject “Fish Health RA Position” including a one-page cover letter describing their qualifications and interests, along with their resume/CV to Dr. Nick Phelps (phelp083@umn.edu). Second, interested candidates need to apply to the University of Minnesota's Conservation Sciences Graduate program. All application materials must be submitted electronically through the University's online application system (https://www.grad.umn.edu/admissions/applicationinstructions). Conservation Sciences has a priority deadline of November 30, 2022 for full consideration, but applications will be reviewed for this position until it is filled. More information about the Conservation Sciences Graduate program and process is available here: https://conssci.umn.edu/.