SEARCH CLOSED... Thank you to the many outstanding applicants we had for this position. The search committee is currently processing applications.

Utah State University has a longstanding, productive relationship with the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) with respect to research on freshwater mussels in the Columbia River Basin.   We are currently seeking a graduate student to assist with new project:  understanding the relationship between freshwater mussels (Margaritifera falcata) and their habitats and ecological communities.  This information will be directly relevant to habitat restoration and future translocation projects in the Umatilla River system in northeastern Oregon.  We are seeking a student with interests in geomorphology, ecology, and community dynamics.

The student will have an opportunity to work with USU faculty members (Dr. Scott Miller in aquatic ecology and Dr. Joe Wheaton in fluvial geomorphology) to refine the scope of work for this project, based on an initial semester of gathering data and information about the Umatilla and John Day River systems.  We anticipate that the student will begin in January 2010.

Required Qualifications: Successful completion of a BS degree related to freshwater biology or watershed science, demonstrated ability to work independently.

Application:  Submit a letter of interest, a CV, a transcript (unofficial is suitable initially) and contact information for three references to: Dr. Karen Mock, karen.mock@usu.edu.  Questions about the position may also be directed to Dr. Mock.