The Interdisciplinary Research and Training Initiative on Coastal Ecosystems and Human Health (I-RICH), University of Connecticut, invites applications for a Graduate Research Assistant in one of the following focus areas: marine pathogens and diseases, emerging pollutants, or harmful algal blooms. This Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA) is intended for individuals seeking the PhD degree to be granted by the University of Connecticut through one of the academic Departments involved in the I-RICH initiative. Graduate education will include broad training in marine sciences and specific training in one of the aforementioned focus areas. The Assistantship will be a maximum of three years in duration and includes a yearly stipend (ca. $23,700), a full tuition waiver (worth ca. $20,722) and subsidized medical insurance consistent with University guidelines.

The Assistantship will be awarded on a competitive basis, and applicants will be evaluated on their academic qualifications, proposed research project, and overall match with regard to expertise and resources of proposed I-RICH investigators and priorities. Only individuals who can demonstrate an ability to contribute to the cultural diversity of the program and University, as defined by the University's Diversity Action Plan (http://www.diversity.uconn.edu/aboutdiversity.html), who satisfy the admission requirements of the Graduate School, and who are eligible for the Multicultural Scholar Program (http://www.grad.uconn.edu/msp.html) will be considered.

A 5-page proposal that details the proposed research and its relation to specific I-RICH priorities, and those of the Oceans and Human Health Initiative (OHHI) in general, is required. The proposed research must involve at least one I-RICH principal investigator in collaboration with a second I-RICH faculty mentor from a different department, center or unit (including partner institutions). Interested individuals should contact an I-RICH principal investigator prior to applying. Additional information about the I-RICH principal investigators and a summary of the grant's initiatives are available for review at http://I-RICH.uconn.edu/.

Applicants should contact J. Evan Ward, Ph.D., University of Connecticut, Department of Marine Sciences, for information about the application process (evan.ward@uconn.edu). Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

The University of Connecticut is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Program Provider and encourages applications from underrepresented groups including minorities, women, and people with disabilities.