The Mamoozadeh Lab at North Carolina State University (NC State) is currently accepting applications for a MSc or PhD assistantship position in Fish Ecology and Conservation Genomics. The selected student will begin in August 2025 (Fall semester) and will have the opportunity to explore the fascinating world of genomics and bioinformatics to address pressing questions in the ecology and evolutionary biology of aquatic species, particularly fish species of conservation and management interest.
Lab Overview:
The Mamoozadeh Lab focuses on understanding how genetic diversity in fish populations is distributed across space and time, how environmental factors like climate shape adaptation, and how effective certain management practices are in maintaining or improving fish population resilience. The lab collaborates closely with both state and federal fisheries management agencies, ensuring that research is applied and impactful.
Research Themes:
- Exploring the distribution of genetic diversity in fish species over space and time.
- Evaluating how climate and landscape features influence the adaptation of aquatic species.
- Assessing the effectiveness of fisheries management practices and strategies.
- Students will gain hands-on experience with both lab and fieldwork, building valuable skills in genetics/genomics, bioinformatics, and fish ecology.
About the Department:
The Mamoozadeh Lab is housed within the Department of Applied Ecology at NC State, which is well-positioned for integrative research thanks to its affiliation with the USGS Southeast Climate Adaptation Science Center and the USGS North Carolina Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit. This creates abundant opportunities for collaborative and applied research.
Qualifications:
- A BSc degree in biology, ecology, evolution, environmental science, fisheries, natural resources, genetics/genomics, bioinformatics, or a related field.
- Candidates with prior molecular lab experience or quantitative skills (in R or bioinformatics) are highly preferred.
- Applicants should possess strong communication and leadership skills, as well as the ability to work independently.
- Experience in fieldwork is considered a plus.
- A passion for fisheries conservation and management is essential.
- The Mamoozadeh Lab values diversity and inclusion and invites lab members to contribute to fostering this culture.
Support & Funding:
Students in the Mamoozadeh Lab will receive:
- A competitive stipend.
- Full tuition coverage.
- Health insurance.
- Support for professional travel.
Funding will be provided through a combination of teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and other lab-supported sources.
How to Apply:
Interested students should email the following documents in a single PDF to Dr. Nadya Mamoozadeh at [email protected] with the subject line “Fisheries Genomics Student”:
- Cover letter: Outline your research interests, accomplishments, career goals, and how joining the Mamoozadeh Lab will help you achieve these goals.
- Resume/CV.
- Unofficial transcripts.
- Writing sample: This could be a published paper, manuscript in progress, MSc or undergraduate thesis, or a research paper from a relevant course.
- Names and email addresses of three professional references.
Application Deadline: Submit your application before 25 October 2024 for full consideration. After an initial review, top candidates will be invited for a virtual interview to discuss their qualifications and fit for the position. This informal selection process will be completed before the official NC State graduate school application deadline of 15 January 2025.
Inquiries:
If you have questions or would like to learn more about the position, you are encouraged (but not required) to send informal inquiries to [email protected].