Prospective students (including UGA undergraduates) and postdoctoral scholars are welcome to contact me about research opportunities. M.S./Ph.D. opportunity-DLR2 (Fall 2025) The Geomicrobiology Lab (https://duttalab.franklinresearch.uga.edu/) at the University of Georgia is looking for a motivated M.S./Ph.D. student. The student will use analytical methods and multi-omics approaches in a biomining project. The candidates should have a good understanding of microbiology and molecular biology. Knowledge in one or more of the fields of microbiology, biogeochemistry, multi-omics study, bioinformatics, and statistics is an asset. The successful student will engage in: 1) Extensive fieldwork efforts 2) Analytical chemistry analysis 3) Routine microbiological analyses 4) Design and execution of microcosm assays 5) Molecular sequencing and bioinformatics 6) Collaborations with other lab members and federal scientists 7) Scientific communication and writing 8) Respectful treatment and support of all fellow lab members The ideal candidate should: 1) have a fundamental understanding of microbiology and molecular biology (Experience in microbial cultures, molecular sequence analyses, and ecological statistics is preferred) 2) have a willingness to conduct both lab and field-based research. 3) have strong teamwork skills for working in an interdisciplinary team 4) meet the requirements for applying to the M.S./Ph.D. in Geology program at UGA (see program details: https://grad.uga.edu/degree/phd-geology/). International students are also required to submit English proficiency test scores. The Graduate School requires a minimum TOEFL score of 80, with at least a 20 in speaking and writing, or a minimum IELTS overall score of 6.5, with no single score below 6.0. Interested candidates are encouraged to email Dr. Avishek Dutta (avishek.dutta@uga.edu) with a letter of motivation (including an intended program of study, M.S. or Ph.D.) and a copy of their recent CV. International candidates should also provide the TOEFL/IELTS scores. Please provide the email subject in the following format: DLR2-preferred program (For e.g., if you intend to apply for the Ph.D. program, the email subject will be DLR2-PhD). Preferred initial contact is requested before April 10th, 2025, to be closely followed by the Ph.D. application process. Requests after April 10th, 2025, will be accepted on an available basis. Candidates will be considered for graduate admission through the M.S./Ph.D. in Geology program (see program details: https://grad.uga.edu/degree/phd-geology/). The start date for graduate studies is in the Fall of 2025.
