Description
California State University, Monterey Bay / Moss Landing Marine Lab
Position: Funded position for M.S. Student - Bacterial Bioremediation of Pesticides or Marine Comparative Genomics
Application Deadline: February 1, 2025
Are you passionate about environmental science, microbiology, molecular methods, evolutionary biology, vertebrate comparative genomics, or bioinformatics? The Jue Lab research team at California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB) is seeking an enthusiastic, highly-motivated individual to fill a funded Master's Graduate Student Research Assistant position who would contribute either to projects focused on the bioremediation of pesticides using bacteria and ongoing work on the implementation and development of pesticide-remediating bioreactors for local agricultural lands or projects related to vertebrate comparative genomics with a particular interest in marine fishes. Depending on the applicant's interests, the successful candidate would apply to and join the Environmental Science Masters of Science program at CSUMB or the Marine Science Masters of Science program at Moss Landing Marine Laboratory (MLML) under the supervision of Dr. Nathaniel Jue. The student would begin graduate studies and work on research projects in the Fall of 2025.
About Us: The Jue lab is committed to addressing environmental challenges and key questions in ecology and evolution through innovative research using a combination of field, lab and computational approaches that implement genomic and bioinformatic tool sets. Our current projects aim to develop sustainable solutions for the remediation of pesticide-contaminated soil and water using low-cost, high-impact natural processes and to develop new projects in comparative genomics, with a particular interest in the evolution of reproductive styles in fishes. We're looking for a dedicated Master's student to join us on these exciting projects.
Position Description: As a Master's Student Graduate Research Assistant, you will have responsibilities in the following areas:
Facilitating and providing administrative support to NIH NHGRI Undergraduate Training program in Genomics that is part of collaboration between CSUMB and University of California Santa Cruz’s Genomics Institute.
Research and Experimentation: Collaborate with our team to design and conduct field and lab experiments related to pesticide bioremediation using bacteria or comparative genomics.
Data Collection and Analysis: Gather and analyze data, contributing to the development of research projects.
Literature Review: Stay up-to-date with the latest research related to our projects, your thesis topic, and related fields.
Lab Assistance: Assist in maintaining the lab, preparing reagents, mentoring undergraduate researchers, and ensuring a safe research environment.
Communication: Collaborate with fellow researchers, present findings within the lab, and potentially at conferences.
Publication: Contribute to research papers and publications in peer-reviewed journals.
Full-time graduate assistant duties on summer training program and lab research projects and half-time research assistant duties during the school year.
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., biology, marine science, environmental science, microbiology).
A strong interest in environmental microbiology and bioremediation or genomics and bioinformatics.
Excellent analytical and research skills.
Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
Enthusiasm, dedication, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with genetic/genomic, metabolomic, and/or water quality data
Molecular biology and microbiology lab experience
Programming skills in R, Python, or UNIX/LINUX command line
Experience and interest in field experimentation
Valid driver’s license
Ability to lift 50 lbs easily
Experience in mentoring undergraduates from diverse backgrounds
What We Offer:
An exciting research opportunity at the intersection of environmental science and applied microbiology.
Hands-on experience with cutting-edge molecular laboratorytechniques and bioinformatic methods.
Opportunities for co-authorship on research papers and present work at local, regional and national meetings/conferences.
A supportive and collaborative research environment.
Two years of annual stipend (~$24,000), tuition waiver (~$7,800), and access to discounted University housing program
How to Apply: Interested candidates should complete application materials for either desired program CSUMB M.S. in Environmental Science or MLML M.S. in Marine Science (see their websites for detailed information) AND submit the following materials to Dr. Nate Jue - njue[at]csumb.edu:
Cover Letter: Explain your interest in the position and your relevant academic and research experiences.
Resume/CV: Highlight your educational and research background.
Transcripts: Include transcripts from your undergraduate studies.
Contact information for two academic or professional references.
Application Deadline: February 1, 2024
We are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in our research environment. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds.
If you are eager to make a real impact on environmental sustainability through the bioremediation of pesticides or comparative genomics and eager to advance your career in one of these fields, I welcome your application.
Dr. Nate Jue
Associate Professor
Department of Biology and Chemistry
California State University, Monterey Bay
Seaside, CA 93955
Requirements
Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., biology, marine science, environmental science, microbiology).
A strong interest in environmental microbiology and bioremediation or genomics and bioinformatics.
Excellent analytical and research skills.
Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
Enthusiasm, dedication, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
