The Corcoran Lab (corcoranalgaelab.com) is currently recruiting
graduate students to start in August 2024 in the NMSU Biology
Department.Funding is available to support Research Assistantships
and costs of tuition. Research in the lab focuses on the structure and
function of aquatic ecosystems, with an emphasis on microalgal biology
and ecology.  A strong focus is algal-bacterial interactions, including
both beneficial and parasitic relationships. At present, there are very
few algal-bacterial model systems. We seek to develop new model systems
in a variety of platform algae to better understand these interactions
at all levels: from molecular to population. Day-to-day work in the
lab can be conducted in the lab or field. The Corcoran Lab maintains
over twenty 300L outdoor cultivation ponds at the nearby Fabian Garcia
Science Center, offering a unique opportunity to ask cultivation-relevant
questions. Exact research topics are flexible but should build on the
group's resources and or previous work.

Earning a biology degree with a focus on algal biology,ecology, and
biotechnology provides graduates with a diverse skill set and a broad
understanding of microorganisms, ecological systems, and biotechnological
applications. This skill set is relevant to addressing current challenges
in health, the environment, and sustainability. Additionally, the
emphasis on algal ecology offers opportunities to explore sustainability
and the potential for sustainable practices, such as the development of
algae-based biofuels. A graduate degree in the Corcoran Lab will equip
you with comprehensive training in laboratory techniques, experimental
design, data collection and analysis, manuscript preparation, and
scientific communication, preparing graduates for their careers ahead.

The minimum qualifications for the position include:
(1) a B.S. or M.S. in biology, marine science, microbiology, or
    related field
(2) basic knowledge of algal or plant biology, molecular biology, and
    microbiology
(3) a minimum GPA of 3.25
(4) laboratory experience (experience with algal and bacterial cultures
    is a plus)
(5) the ability to work independently as well as with a diverse
    research group

For consideration, please email (1) a one-page cover letter describing
your research interests and career goals, (2) your CV, (3) unofficial
transcripts, and (4) contact information for three professional references
(all compiled into a single PDF) to Dr. Corcoran atacor@nmsu.edu. If
there is a good fit, applicants will be required to apply to the Graduate
School (deadline: April 15, 2024). At this point, we are only considering
applicants with work authorization in the US. For more information
on the application process in the Biology Department, please see the
department's webpage.

Alina Corcoran, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Department of Biology
New Mexico State University
Foster Hall, RM 377
Office: (575) 646-3228; Cell: (207) 465-6116
corcoranalgaelab.com

Alina Corcoran <acor@nmsu.edu>

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