Graduate position advertisement below and attached The Phillips Lab in the School of Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences (BEES) at the University of Southern Mississippi (Carnegie R1) is recruiting a PhD student in Biology to develop and use environmental DNA (eDNA) tools to study the status and ecology of highly threatened 'rhino rays', including sawfish, wedgefish, and giant guitarfish. The successful candidate will join a diverse lab group and work as part of an international research team dedicated to shark and ray conservation. The successful candidate is expected to take initiative in developing and completing the scope and direction of their dissertation under the guidance of their PI and committee. Required Qualifications: BSc in Biology or a related field Highly self-motivated Capacity to work independently Strong written and oral communication skills Interest in eDNA science Detail-oriented Preferred Qualifications: MS in Biology or related field Previous experience with DNA extractions or PCR Peer-reviewed publication(s) A stipend will be provided via Teaching (initially) and/or Research Assistantships and include a full tuition waiver. Students are also encouraged to apply for additional scholarships that are available, to be discussed on a case-by-case basis. Interested candidates should email a cover letter/expression of interest and CV that includes contact information for three references to: N.Phillips@usm.edu. Review of materials will begin immediately. Candidates will also need to formally apply to the USM Graduate program by February 15 2024 for Fall 2024 admittance (preferred) or October 15 for a Spring 2025 start. Helpful links: Graduate admissions process: https://www.usm.edu/graduate-admissions/index.php#apply. Admission requirements (School of BEES): https://catalog.usm.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=33&poid=16664 Info about the Phillips Lab: https://www.usm.edu/faculty-directory/profile.php?id=1937119 Nicole Phillips, Ph.D. Associate Professor The University of Southern Mississippi School of Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences 118 College Drive #5018 Hattiesburg, MS 39406-0001 N.Phillips@usm.edu 601-266-4756 Nicole Phillips (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)