PhD Graduate Assistantship in freshwater mussel ecology, geochemistry and sclerochronolgy

Louisiana State University (LSU) is offering a PhD Graduate Assistantship in freshwater mussel ecology, geochemistry, and sclerochronology, starting as early as August 1, 2025. The role involves conducting health assessments of mussel assemblages, estimating mussel age and growth, and analyzing heavy metals in shells. Candidates must hold a Master's in a related field and be willing to work outdoors in challenging conditions. The position is based in Baton Rouge, LA.
Salary: $30,667 per year Application

Deadline: Application reviews begin May 19th, 2025 (position open until filled)

Starting Date: after 8/1/2025 (as early as 01 August 2025)

Hours per Week: 20

Education Required: Masters (in related field, priority given to MS holders)

Job Description:

Position description: The School of Renewable Natural Resources at Louisiana State University Agricultural Center are seeking applicants for one PhD assistantship starting as early as 01 August 2025.

Duties and responsibilities: The successful candidate will be supervised by Dr. Garrett Hopper. Students will conduct freshwater mussel assemblage health assessments, mussel age and growth estimates, and quantify heavy metals in mussel shells to test how current and historical environmental conditions impact the growth of mussel species in Louisiana’s coastal rivers. The student will work with a team of geochemists and aquatic ecologists to develop a framework for using freshwater mussel shells as archives of environmental change, emphasizing elements included on the Environmental Protection Agency’s priority pollutants list.

The research will involve extensive investigation of the literature, coordination, and collaboration with state and academic experts, and working outside in sometimes difficult conditions.

The positions will be available until a qualified applicant is selected. Application reviews will begin May 19th, 2025.

The LSU Agricultural Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer The LSU Agricultural Center is a statewide campus of the LSU System and provides equal opportunities in programs and employment.

HCM Contact Information: Questions or concerns can be directed to the LSU AgCenter Human Resources Management Office at 225-578-2258 or emailed to HRMHelp@agcenter.lsu.edu.

Minimum Qualification Requirements for PhD assistantship:
• MS in natural resources management, aquatic biology, biogeochemistry, fisheries or wildlife management, or related biological field; experience with data management and programming in R; ability to work well independently or within teams. Applicants holding an MS degree in the fields listed above will be given priority for the PhD position.
• Importantly, applicants must be willing to work collaboratively with scientists from a variety of backgrounds.
• Strong ability to swim in outdoor settings.
• Ability to skin dive using mask, snorkel, and weight belt. SCUBA diving certification is desirable but not required.
• Ability to work long hours in sometimes unpleasant outdoor conditions that may include rain, high winds, rough water, heat, cold, low visibility, biting insects, snakes, and alligators.
• Applicants must have 3.0 overall undergraduate GPA or a 3.5 in the last 60 semester hours of undergraduate courses.
• Completion of GRE with satisfactory scores is preferred.
• Applicants must have a valid U.S. driver’s license or be able to obtain the same within 60 days of start.
• Overnight travel is required.
• An offer is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.

Please email the following: 1) cover letter describing interest in project and credentials; 2) a CV or resume with no less than two academic and/or professional references; and 3) an unofficial undergraduate transcript with courses from all institutions of higher education attended to Dr. Garrett Hopper (ghopper@agcenter.lsu.edu). Formal application to LSU should not be completed without approval from the principle investigator.

For more information about the graduate programs: https://www.lsu.edu/rnr/graduate/index.php

For more information contact:

Dr. Garrett Hopper 160P Hatcher Hall Louisiana State University Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803 Email: ghopper@agcenter.lsu.edu https://garretthopper.wixsite.com/streamecology