M.S. Position in Aquaculture Microbiology

Job Details

A Master of Science (M.S) position is available at Auburn University. The incoming student will be a Graduate Research Assistant in Dr. Tim Bruce’s Fish Health Lab within the School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences (SFAAS). Research in the Bruce lab focuses on host-pathogen interactions in cultured fish species, nutritional aspects of fish health, and fish vaccines/therapeutants.

This M.S. project will involve experimental laboratory studies (~80%) and in vivo trial work with warmwater fish species (~20%). Specifically, this M.S. thesis research will examine microbial interactions using molecular techniques. The bacterial species involved in this project are relevant to U.S. aquaculture (catfish, largemouth bass, and tilapia), and the project will involve genomic and proteomic analyses. Overall, the student will be expected to conduct an independent research project, followed by the writing and defense of a detailed thesis.

Requirements

The Bruce Fish Health Lab team is looking for a motivated candidate who has:

·  Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology/Biological Sciences

·  Detailed knowledge of microbiology and/or fish health/immunology

·  Proven ability to carry out goal-oriented work and fluent with data management systems and programming software

·  Lab competencies in microbiology (e.g., culture, identification, sequencing, microbial-based assays)

·  Molecular biology skills (e.g., SDS-PAGE/Western blot, gene expression (qPCR), proteomics) are also required.

·  Assistance with fish husbandry and conducting aquaculture trials is also required

·  Ability to work independently and in a team laboratory setting

·  A driver’s license is required with reliable transportation

Please submit your application no later than 15 May 2025. Applications must be e-mailed to tjb0089@auburn.edu as a single .pdf file/packet containing all materials to be given consideration. The .pdf packet must include:

•    Cover letter motivating the application (background, interests, goals)

•    Curriculum vitae

•    Contact information (e-mail and phone numbers) for three references

•    Unofficial transcripts

Please note that documents not sent within this format will not be reviewed.

Further information

For further information about the project and assistantship, please contact Dr. Bruce at tjb0089@auburn.edu. Information on Auburn University may be found here: http://www.auburn.edu/main/welcome/index.php

Contact Information