The Microbial Ecology Lab at the University of Texas at San Antonio is accepting applications for a PhD graduate research assistant to join our group in the Department of Integrative Biology. The position start date is Fall 2024, but can be filled as soon as June, 2024.
The applicant will be working primarily with Dr. Allison Veach, Dr. Saugata Datta, and other collaborators through the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS) in San Antonio, Texas USA with field sites spanning urban - rangeland - grasslands in central Texas. Project goals are to use novel, field-based methods to identify fungal and bacterial biomass across soils and relate field counts to validated laboratory estimates. Additionally, land-use impacts on dynamic soil properties, including soil microbiomes, will be evaluated. The applicant will lead field soil sampling campaigns, collaborate on outreach with community participants, and oversee undergraduate technicians on related work. Both significant field and laboratory work will be required.This graduate research position is fully funded ($24,000 annual salary) with tuition coverage. Health care is also included during the applicants appointment. Additional university scholarships may be available to supplement salary. UTSA is a public research university and a Hispanic-Serving Institution located in northwest San Antonio. The main campus, where this position will be housed, enrolls ~35,000 students, has a diverse set of faculty and students in environmental science, microbiology and microbial ecology, geosciences, and ecology.
Qualifications: Master’s degree in Biology, Environmental Science, Ecology, or related discipline with a minimum GPA of 3.0 is preferred. However, a Bachelors degree is also acceptable depending on applicant experience and interests. Interest in microbial ecology, soil science, and willingness to engage in community science activities. Strong written and verbal communication and an ability to work independently is required.
Application Process: Please email a compiled PDF that includes (1) a cover letter highlighting applicants interest and experiences, (2) CV and (3) three names of profession references to Dr. Allison Veach at allison.veach@utsa.edu. Review of applications will begin in January and remain open until the position is filled. Please contact Dr. Veach with any questions pertaining to this position.