M.Sc. Graduate Research Assistantship - Fisheries Biology Aquaculture/Fisheries Center - University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Pine Bluff, Arkansas

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff’s Aquaculture/Fisheries Center encompasses personnel and facilities of the Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries and the University of Arkansas Extension Service. The Center contains 12 Ph.D.-level faculty and researchers, and approximately 15 M.Sc. graduate students. The primary mission of the Center includes research and extension services for the state of Arkansas, the Arkansas Delta region in particular. Research areas include aquaculture production of catfish and baitfish, aquaculture marketing and economics, and recreational fisheries management. See www.uaex.edu/aqfi for more information about the program.
Responsibilities: Continue long-term research that assesses Arkansas River largemouth bass fisheries. Research will involve estimation of largemouth bass exploitation rates through tag-rewards study and conduct 12-month creel survey in one pool of the Arkansas River. Additional goals will be to survey competitive bass tournaments and assess various fishery length limits using computer simulation models. Exact thesis topic is flexible, but must be compatible with existing research needs. Specific duties of this position will include conducting fish sampling using boat-mounted electrofishing, oversight of a tag-rewards study, performance of bus-route creel surveys, supervision of field and laboratory workers, and general oversight of the day-to-day activities of the project. Individual will frequently interact with Arkansas Game and Fish Commission personnel. Weekend work will be required. Great potential to become involved in side projects.

Qualifications: B.Sc. degree in fisheries, aquatic sciences, or related biological field. Minimum GPA of 3.0 and minimum GRE score of 1000 (verbal + quantitative). Minimum TOEFL score of 500 for international students. Other desired qualifications include a strong interest in fisheries and fish ecology, good quantitative skills, and the ability to perform rigorous field work responsibly and reliably. Good writing, public speaking, and computer skills are expected. Must have a valid driver’s license.
Salary: $17,800 first year and $18,800 second year, which includes money for university tuition. Student is responsible only for fees each semester and during summer – these fees usually total about $300 per semester.
Closing Date: May 15, but position is open until filled. [UAPB is an Equal Opportunity Employer]
Starting Date: Summer 2009 (somewhat negotiable)

To apply, contact:
Dr. Michael A. Eggleton
Aquaculture and Fisheries Center
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
Box 4912
Pine Bluff, AR 71601
Phone: (870) 575-8100
Fax: (870) 575-4637
Email: meggleton-at-uaex.edu