The Hamdan Lab in the School of Ocean Science and Engineering at the University of Southern Mississippi seeks an exceptional student to participate in marine microbial ecology studies. This position will support independent research on benthic ecosystems. The assistantship (stipend, tuition and benefits) will enable a student to participate in discovery driven research on deep-sea historic shipwreck microbiomes. This position will involve molecular biology (DNA extraction, amplification, sequencing), bioinformatics, and environmental microbiology techniques. Interested candidates must be willing to participate in laboratory and field experiments, and be motivated, enthusiastic, responsible and able to work with a team.

Successful applicants will have a BS or MS degree in biology, ecology, environmental science, chemistry or other relevant field. Applicants with experience in molecular biology, biogeochemistry or statistical analysis are encouraged to apply. Students involved in this work will participate in the planning and execution of oceanographic research onboard USM’s research vessel Point Sur. Students are expected to develop manuscripts for peer review, participate in outreach, and present results in written and oral formats. This opportunity will involve collaboration with marine archaeologists and geologists, and provide a rich environment for learning about marine microbial ecology.

Interested individuals that are serious about graduate study should contact Dr. Leila Hamdan (leila.hamdan@usm.edu). Please provide a cover letter outlining specific interests and experience in the study of marine microbial ecology and a curriculum vita. Application for Spring 2019 admission at USM is required. Information on graduate admission requirements can be found here. The deadline for Spring 2019 admission is September 1, 2018.

About the University of Southern Mississippi

The Division of Coastal Sciences is a research and graduate education unit within the School of Ocean Science and Engineering, offering programs leading to the Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Science degrees. The Division is located at the USM Gulf Coast Research Laboratory (Ocean Springs, Mississippi), a marine laboratory featuring comprehensive basic and applied research programs in coastal and marine biological sciences. Research program support includes state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and instrumentation; a fleet of small and large research vessels, including the R/V Point Sur; the GCRL Museum collection; the Center for Fisheries Research and Development; NSF I/UCRC Science Center for Marine Fisheries, and aquaculture facilities including the Thad Cochran Marine Aquaculture Center.

Founded in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi is a comprehensive doctoral and research-driven university with a proud history and an eye on the future. As one of only 34 institutions in the nation accredited in art, dance, music and theatre, we are a haven for creativity and artistic expression. A dual-campus university, Southern Miss serves students on campuses in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, in addition to five teaching and research sites in Mississippi. We are among U.S. News & World Report’s most popular universities and recognized by The Princeton Review for our commitment to sustainability. Our Center for Undergraduate Research affords our students meaningful research opportunities, and as a proven leader in innovation, we conduct transformative research that translates into real-world solutions. In the classroom or lab, on the playing field, or in the performance hall, we strive to have a positive impact not only on our students, but also the world around us. Further information is found at www.usm.edu.

Please see our websites for more information about USM, the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, SOSE, and studies in the Hamdan lab: https://hamdanlab.com, http://gcrl.usm.edu/,  https://www.usm.edu/school-ocean-science-and-technology/about