Master's Graduate Research Assistantship in Environmental Geochemistry

Apply to this exciting and unique research assistantship for a fully funded Geology Master’s degree to study the fate and transport of contaminants in the subsurface and potential remediation strategies at University of Georgia’s Savannah River Ecology Laboratory and the Department of Geology.

The applicant will be working primarily with Dr. Brennan Ferguson whose research focuses on the transport of radionuclides in the environment. There are two research assistantships available to work on the following two projects: 1) Test selective sorbents for iodine and strontium for use in a permeable reactive barrier to remediate contaminated groundwater and 2) study the effect of organic matter on contaminant sorption to minerals. This position includes a stipend up to $26,000 per a year with tuition coverage. Health care is also included during the applicant’s appointment.

The position has an anticipated start date for Fall 2024 (summer start date can be discussed). For the first 9 months the applicant will be on University of Georgia’s main campus in Athens, GA completing course work after which the applicant will move to Aiken, SC to do research at the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory. The Savannah River Ecology Laboratory is a research unit of the University of Georgia located on the 200,000 acre Savannah River Site (SRS), a National Environmental Research Park operated by the Department of Energy. It is like having a field site in your own backyard!

Qualifications (no GRE):

• a Bachelor’s degree in Geology, Environmental Science, Chemistry, or related field.
• Excellent in English written and verbal skills (minimum TOEFL – overall score of 80 with at least 20 in speaking and writing; minimum IELTS score – overall band width of 6.5, with no single band score below 6.0).
• Valid US driver’s license within 9 months of appointment and means of transportation.
• Comfortable working in a lab and field setting.
• Commitment to publishing peer‐reviewed scientific articles and present research at conferences.

Preference: applicants with undergraduate research experience

How to Apply:

Apply as soon as possible (the position will remain open until filled). Interested applicants should submit a single PDF file containing the following materials to brennan.ferguson@uga.edu:

• Resume/CV (should cover your educational and research background, special skills, and any other areas you wish to point out)
• Transcripts (unofficial is acceptable)
• A statement of purpose describing (1) your educational experiences and how they have led to your interest in graduate study in the geological sciences; (2) a description of any scientific research you have conducted; and (3) a description of your research interests for graduate school and your career goals.

The individuals selected for the assistantship will then need to apply for admission to the Geology Department graduate program and will require 3 letters of recommendation: https://geology.uga.edu/prospective-graduate-students