Dr. Leslie Hart is seeking a research assistant to help with a NIH-funded study investigating microplastic and phthalate exposure in wild bottlenose dolphins and their prey!
The Opportunity: Undergraduate students involved in this study will participate in fieldwork with the project lead, 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.
Benefits:
- 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 your scientific writing and presentation skills
To Apply: Send the items listed below to Dr. Hart (hartlb@cofc.edu) by February 15th, 2024.
For more information, click below, email Dr. Hart, or check out the HOPE Lab’s Instagram.
Research Assistant Job Description
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.
Students interested in this project should be prepared to assist with research starting in spring 2024. Preference will be given to students interested in assisting for the 2024-2025 academic year (including summer 2024). Because sample collection, processing, and analysis will occur throughout the year, students must be able to dedicate 10 hours per week during the academic year and 20 hours per week during the summer months, at $11/hr.
Qualifications
- US Citizen
- Full-time student at the College of Charleston
- Research assistants will be expected to commit 10 hours per week during the academic year and 20 hours per week in the summer
- Research assistants will be expected to travel (domestically) for fieldwork (funding will be provided)
Application Details
If you are interested in this position, please send questions and the following materials to Dr. Hart (hartlb@cofc.edu) by no later than February 15, 2024.
- 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
- Writing Sample – submit a copy of your best paper/presentation/reflection that you’ve done for a class
- Statement of Interest (500 words) that includes all of the following:
- Previous research experience, if applicable
- Previous laboratory 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
