Graduate Assistantship in Marine Mammal Physiology (M.S. in Biology or Marine Biology)

 

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Lab Website:
https://michaeltift.weebly.com/

 

Description 
The UNCW Comparative Physiology Laboratory, headed by Dr. Michael Tift, is seeking a highly motivated, responsible, and independent individual that is interested in pursuing a research project focused on the comparative physiology in marine mammals. The student will be integrated in collaborative and interdisciplinary research projects investigating the role of red blood cell lifespan in endogenous carbon monoxide (CO) production in marine mammals. The student will be part of a large laboratory, working with several other graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, visiting scientists, and undergraduate students. Competitive applicants will be those with prior experience conducting physiological research, and/or working in a laboratory setting. Field work with stranded marine mammals is a possibility. However, this project will primarily be laboratory focused, which is why a strong passion for physiology and laboratory work is strongly desired. The student will earn a M.S. in either Biology or Marine Biology at University of North Carolina, Wilmington (Wilmington, NC, USA). Student support will be provided via a combination of teaching assistantships, summer research assistantships, and tuition waivers. The student will also be required to pursue independent grants and fellowships.

University of North Carolina, Wilmington provides an engaged and dynamic academic experience, with over 2,200 graduate students and over 18,000 students in total enrollment. UNCW is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer that promotes achievement and success for all persons. The campus is located on the southeast coast of North Carolina, less than 10 miles from the Atlantic Ocean. UNCW has a separate Center for Marine Science which is approximately 7 miles from main campus and sits directly on the Intracoastal Waterway of the Atlantic Ocean.

Qualifications
Applicants must have a strong academic background and at least a B.S. degree focused in physiology, biochemistry, cell biology, or closely related field. Applicants should have proven laboratory experience, with references to speak about this experience. A background in stable isotope analysis is strongly desired and will make applicants more competitive. Students are expected to conduct their thesis research project and complete required course work within two years. Excellent verbal and written English communication skills are essential. Interested applicants should review material regarding the UNCW Graduate Program (https://uncw.edu/academics/graduate-school/) and the UNCW Comparative Physiology Lab under the supervision of Dr. Michael Tift (https://michaeltift.weebly.com/).

If you’re interested in applying, first send a single document (Word or PDF) to Dr. Michael Tift (tiftm@uncw.edu) that contains the following:

1)    1-2 page cover letter that highlights your research interests, research background, future career directions, and hypothesis driven questions related to red blood cell lifespan and endogenous carbon monoxide (CO) in marine mammals. 
2)   Current CV (which includes GRE scores, GPA, research skills/experience, scientific publications/presentations).
3)   Unofficial transcripts.
4)   Contact information for three (3) references that can speak to your ability to conduct rigorous scientific research.

Next, apply to the Regular Term Instruction Application for Fall 2024: (https://uncw.edu/admissions/graduate/apply/regular-term). 

Applications will begin to be accepted from 2/15/2024 through 5/15/2024. The application window will close once a candidate has accepted the position.

Contact

Dr. Michael Tift

tiftm@uncw.edu (preferred contact method)