An NIH-funded research project here in Charleston is looking for a student research assistant.
The research: Investigating microplastic and phthalate exposure in wild bottlenose dolphins to understand how humans can impact the marine environment.
The Opportunity: Student researchers will participate in fieldwork with the project lead (Dr. Leslie Hart, Public Health), assist with sample preparation (including fish dissection), assist a graduate student with laboratory analyses of fish and bottlenose dolphin samples, perform literature searches and reviews, curate databases, and assist with statistical analyses and the preparation of manuscripts, reports, and presentations.
- This is a paid ($11/hr), year-long opportunity (with the potential to last for several years); students will dedicate ~10 hours weekly during the academic year and 20 hours weekly during the summer months.
Benefits include developing new field work and lab skills, training on statistical and scientific methods, enhancing your scientific writing and presentation skills, and more.
Learn more: Click below for more details and application instructions.
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Research opportunity:
I am seeking a research assistant to help with a study that will investigate microplastic and phthalate exposure in wild bottlenose dolphins and their prey. Undergraduate students involved in this study will participate in fieldwork with the project lead (Dr. Leslie Hart, Public Health), assist with sample preparation (including fish dissection), assist a graduate student with laboratory analyses of fish and bottlenose dolphin samples, perform literature searches and reviews, curate databases, and assist with statistical analyses and the preparation of manuscripts, reports, and presentations. The project team will meet weekly to set monthly goals, assess project needs, evaluate project status, discuss challenges, schedule deliverables, and review topic-related journal articles. Training on statistical methods and scientific methods will occur throughout the academic year during these weekly meetings.
Timeline and time commitment:
Students interested in this project should be prepared to assist with research during the 2022-2023 academic year and summer 2023. Preference will be given to students interested in assisting for the 2022-2023, 2023-2024, AND 2024-2025 academic years (plus summer 2023 and 2024). Because sample collection, processing, and analysis will occur throughout the year, students will dedicate approximately 10 hours per week during the academic year and 20 hours per week during the summer months, at $11/hr.
Students engaging in this research opportunity will:
- Participate in field research
- Prepare biological samples for laboratory analyses
- Develop new ecotoxicological laboratory skills
- Perform a targeted literature search and develop a literature matrix
- Formulate testable research hypotheses and perform statistical analyses
- Enhance their scientific writing and presentation skills
Qualifications:
- US Citizen
- Full-time student at the College of Charleston
- Research assistants will be expected to commit at least 10 hours per week during the academic year and at least 20 hours per week in the summer
- Research assistants will be expected to travel (domestically) for fieldwork (funding will be provided)
If you are interested, please send questions and the following materials to Dr. Hart (hartlb@cofc.edu) by no later than August 11, 2022
- Updated CV or Resume that includes all extracurricular activities and employment plans (for academic years and summers)
- Year of Study, Major, Academic Achievements
- Unofficial Transcript
- Statement of Interest (500 words) that includes all of the following:
- Previous research experience, if applicable
- What you can offer to the project and how long would you like to work on this project?
- What you would like to get out of this experience?
- Why you are interested in participating in this (or any) research?
- Please describe your specific time management strategies
- Any other relevant information that you would like to share
