Position Description:
The Department of Agriculture, Food and Resource Sciences at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore is inviting applications from highly motivated candidates for a PhD Graduate Research Assistantship. This is a 4-year position funded with stipend ($30,000/annum), tuition waiver, and insurance beginning in the Fall Semester of 2024. The successful candidate will work under the direction of Dr. Janak Dhakal in the area of Food microbiology and Food Safety, and Antimicrobial Resistance. The selected candidate will be working in a Biosafety Level 2 (BSL2) laboratory and will be responsible for:
- Developing research protocols
- Conducting field trips (for sample collection and procurement)
- Performing laboratory microbiological analysis (conventional and molecular)
- Performing data analysis using statistical software such as SAS
- Preparing scientific manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals
- Preparing posters and oral presentations for scientific conferences Assisting in other research projects and departmental activities
Qualifications:
• M. S. in Food Science, Poultry Science, Animal Science, microbiology, or a closely related field
• Enthusiasm for conducting research on field as well as in the lab
• Prior food microbiology research experience preferred
• Previous working experience in a BSL 2 facility is preferred but not mandatory
• Strong oral and written communication skills
Timeline:
• Ideal start term Fall 2024 but the search will be open until the suitable candidate is found.
• Deadline to submit documents to the PI- 01 April, 2024.
• University Application Deadline- April 15, 2024 (for both domestic and internationals)
Please contact Dr. Janak Dhakal for more details by email jdhakal@umes.edu before applying to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Graduate School. Please send your CV, an unofficial transcript, and TOEFL or IELTS scores (if available and applicable), email and contact information for 3 references, and a cover letter stating your interests, research experience, and career goals.
