Dear MARMAM community, The Functional Anatomy and Behavioral Ecology of Marine Mammals (FABEMM!) lab at Texas A&M University- Corpus Christi seeks a PhD student to use innovative techniques to explore the biomechanics of genital and sperm interactions in cetaceans. The P.I., Dr. Dara Orbach, is a leader in the functional anatomy of marine mammal genitalia. More information about the FABEMM! Lab’s research interests can be found at https://daraorbach.weebly.com/. The selected student will be based in Corpus Christi, Texas, with frequent travel to collaborating institutions, particularly throughout Florida. The student will work in aquariums and laboratory settings with live and post-mortem marine mammals and will also have opportunities to mentor interns and engage in boat-based research. Applicants should: 1) be highly driven, intellectually curious, detail-oriented, willing to learn, and team-oriented, 2) have a MS or DVM degree (completed by May 2021), and 3) have evidence of research productivity (e.g., papers, presentations, grants). Students with a research background in histology, immunohistochemistry, biomechanics, sperm biology, OR functional anatomy are particularly encouraged to apply. Applicants must meet the minimum requirements for admission to the Marine Biology Program (https://sci.tamucc.edu/departments/life-sciences/marine-biology/). Interested applicants should contact Dr. Dara Orbach (dara.orbach@tamucc.edu<mailto:dara.orbach@tamucc.edu>) and include: 1) a cover letter describing your research interests, how they relate to the research project, and your relevant qualifications, 2) a cv with reference contacts listed, 3) an unofficial transcript(s), and 4) a sample of your writing (e.g. publications, thesis). All applications received before December 10th, 2020 will receive first consideration, and the position will remain open until filled. The required start date is no later than Fall 2021, with a preferred start in Summer 2021. Texas A&M University- Corpus Christi, also known as The Island University, is the only university in the USA located on its own island. As a Minority Serving Institution, cultural diversity and an inclusive atmosphere are core values. Located is South Texas on the Gulf of Mexico and less than 3 hours from the Mexican border, Corpus Christi boasts a semi-tropical climate, a thriving industrial sector, rich marine biodiversity, and a low cost of living. The Department of Life Sciences is one of the largest and most productive departments at TAMU-CC, with research specializations in marine biology and biomedical sciences. The Department of Life Sciences relocated to a brand-new state-of-the-art building last year a few feet from the ocean, where free-ranging dolphins can regularly be observed. Facilities include an automated histology laboratory, 2 additional dedicated laboratories for the FABEMM! lab, and all new equipment. The MARB program offers students experience in data collection, grant writing, and statistical analysis, in addition to annual travel funding and several prospective fellowships. Stipends are competitive. Dara Orbach, PhD Assistant Professor of Marine Biology Department of Life Sciences Texas A&M University- Corpus Christi dara.orbach@tamucc.edu<mailto:dara.orbach@tamucc.edu>