I am always searching for outstanding students and funding to support those students. Funded opportunities will be listed below when available. Otherwise, please do not hesitate to contact me regarding future opportunities.
PhD Position in Microbial Source Tracking
A PhD position is available at Texas A&M University in Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC) (https://www.tamucc.edu/) in the Laboratory for Microbial and Environmental Genomics (https://turnerlab.tamucc.edu). TAMU-CC is the premier marine research institution on the Gulf of Mexico. The university is located on Ward Island and its known locally as The Island University. The candidate will pursue a PhD in the interdisciplinary Marine Biology Program (http://marinebiology.tamucc.edu), which offers a rigorous, vibrant, and culturally diverse experience.
The successful applicant will carry out microbial source tracking research in Baffin Bay and the Laguna Madre, a productive hypersaline estuary regarded as the jewel of the Texas coast. The research will quantify fecal bacterial pollution associated with human, cattle, waterfowl, and feral pigs. The data will inform watershed management decisions that support coastal resilience and place-based conservation. The project is a collaborative EPA-funded project between Dr. Jeffrey Turner (TAMU-CC) and Dr. Michael Wetz (Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies at TAMU-CC).
The minimum requirement is a BS degree (MS preferred) with in microbiology or a closely related discipline. Priority will be given to candidates with experience in microbial source tracking, scientific writing, and computational biology. The ideal candidate will have completed an MS degree and published their research in peer-reviewed journals. The position is available beginning Spring 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. The successful applicant will receive a Research Assistantship that includes tuition and stipend. Please email Dr. Jeffrey Turner (jeffrey.turner@tamucc.edu) and to be considered for the position. Include a statement of interest, CV, unofficial transcripts, and samples of scientific writing or copies of peer-reviewed publications. Screening of applications will begin immediately, and the position will be filled as soon as a qualified applicant is identified.