Project Description

We are recruiting one motivated MS and one PhD student to join a funded project assessing water quality in agricultural watersheds, with a focus on nutrient loading, microbial contamination, and seasonal hydrology. The project will investigate physical and chemical characteristics of runoff from multiple river systems and track ecological health indicators over time, especially in high-impact agricultural zones.

The student will also be co-appointed as a part-time employee of the Ecotoxicology Research Facility (ERF), gaining experience in regulatory Whole Effluent Toxicity (WET) testing, field collections, microbial assays, and chemical analyses. This dual role provides real-world training in applied water quality monitoring alongside a dissertation- or thesis-driven research agenda.

Position Details

• Program: MS/PhD in Environmental Sciences at Arkansas State University
• Start Date: August 2026 (January start may be possible)
• Location: Jonesboro, Arkansas
• Funding: Full stipend and tuition provided through project support and ERF employment
• Duration: 2–4 years (depending on degree level and satisfactory performance)

Student Responsibilities

• Conduct regular riverine field sampling across eastern Arkansas
• Perform microbial and nutrient analyses, ELISAs, and other lab procedures
• Manage and analyze large datasets (field and lab)
• Participate in ERF operations, including WET testing, sample processing, and QA/QC
• Contribute to publications and scientific communication
• Work collaboratively with a small, experienced research team

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD applicants: MS in Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry, or related field preferred; exceptional BS-level candidates with strong research experience will be considered.
• MS applicants: Strong undergraduate background in Environmental Sciences or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience in fieldwork, lab work, and independent research
• Strong statistical and analytical skills (R or similar)
• Excellent organizational skills and a self-directed, systems-thinking mindset
• Commitment to environmental protection, water quality, and applied ecological science