University of Georgia · Georgia · posted yesterday
Graduate Research Assistantship (M.S. or Ph.D.) – Aquatic Animal Health and Sustainable Aquaculture Project: Development of Integrated Disease Detection, Prevention, and Vaccine Strategies for Sustainable Aquaculture Position Overview The Aquatic One Health Lab in the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources at the University of Georgia is seeking a highly motivated and self-disciplined graduate student to join our research program in aquatic animal health and sustainable aquaculture. The successful applicant will contribute to research focused on aquatic disease diagnosis, pathogen detection, disease prevention, host-pathogen interactions, and vaccine development, with an emphasis on addressing emerging and existing health challenges in aquaculture. The student will have the opportunity to develop an independent dissertation research program involving one or more of the following areas: • Development and application of molecular diagnostic tools for the detection of bacterial and viral pathogens in aquatic animals; • Isolation, characterization, and investigation of aquatic pathogens and infection dynamics; • Development and evaluation of vaccines for important bacterial and viral diseases of aquaculture species; • Investigation of fish immune responses to vaccination, infection, and immunostimulants; • Development and evaluation of disease prevention and management strategies for sustainable aquaculture; • Investigation of interactions among pathogens, host health, and environmental conditions. The specific dissertation research project will be developed collaboratively based on the student's interests and background, as well as the laboratory's ongoing and emerging research programs. The graduate student will become an active member of the Aquatic One Health Lab and will have opportunities to collaborate with faculty, graduate and undergraduate students, researchers, diagnostic laboratories, government agencies, aquaculture producers, and other industry partners. Depending on the assistantship arrangement, the student may also be expected to assist with teaching activities within the Warnell School. Additional responsibilities will include designing and conducting experiments, analyzing and interpreting data, presenting research findings at scientific conferences and professional meetings, preparing manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals, and contributing to a collaborative and supportive laboratory environment. Qualifications Required • B.S. or M.S. degree in aquaculture, fisheries, biology, microbiology, veterinary science, animal science, bioinformatics, or a related field; • Strong interest in microbiology, immunology, molecular biology, bioinformatics, aquatic animal health, or a related area; • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research environment; • Strong attention to detail and ability to follow and develop experimental protocols; • Strong written and oral communication skills; • Commitment to conducting rigorous, reproducible research and publishing findings in peer-reviewed journals. Salary and Benefits The position will be supported through a combination of graduate research and teaching assistantships, with a competitive stipend, tuition support, and graduate student benefits, subject to University of Georgia and Warnell School policies and the availability of research funding. Location The student will be based in the Aquatic One Health Lab in the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources at the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia. Research activities may also involve field work at aquaculture farms and hatcheries, diagnostic laboratories, and collaborating institutions. Advisor Dr. Jie Jessie Ma https://warnell.uga.edu/team-member/dr-jiejessie-ma/ Assistant Professor – Aquaculture and Fish Health Specialist Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources University of Georgia How to Apply Before applying to the University of Georgia Graduate School, interested applicants should send a single email containing the following materials: • Cover letter (1–2 pages) describing your research interests, relevant research experience, career goals, and why you are interested in pursuing a M.S. or Ph.D. in aquatic animal health and sustainable aquaculture; • Current curriculum vitae; • Contact information for two professional references. Please send application materials to Dr. J. Jessie Ma at jie.ma@uga.edu with the subject line: Graduate Application – Aquatic Animal Health – [Your Name] – [University] Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. The anticipated start date is Spring or Summer 2027, pending admission to the University of Georgia Graduate School and completion of all required university processes.
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