Current openings

None - please check back soon!

In general, the lab welcomes applications from prospective graduate students interested in the intersection of aquatic ecosystem science, chemical stressors, and food-web mediated contaminant behavior. Graduate students are formally admitted through the M.S. and Ph.D. programs in the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment and UConn’s Graduate School and should contact Dr. Jess Brandt before applying. As prospective students, you should first review the research page on this site to determine whether the research themes and motivating questions resonate with your interests. If you’re excited about the work that we do, you are encouraged to send an introductory email with (1) a detailed (1-2 pg) statement outlining how your research interests fit with those of the lab and your motivation for pursuing a graduate degree,* (2) your CV, and (3) the names and contact info for 2-3 professional references who can speak about your preparation for research-intensive graduate training. If there are no funded positions available (they will be listed at the top of this page), but you are interested in pursuing external funding opportunities to support your graduate work, please be in touch with Dr. Brandt.

There are a number of thoughtful resources to guide your graduate school application and decision making processes. Travel to the Resources page for a collection of advice about finding the right program and making the most of it once you’re there.

*Dr. Jacqueline Gill’s “So, you want to go to grad school? Nail the inquiry email” provides excellent guidance here.

We welcome undergraduates looking to gain early research experience by helping out in the field and lab. Research credit and work study options are a great way to get involved. Please email Dr. Jess Brandt with a brief introduction to your interests and what you hope to gain from your experience in the lab. Occasionally, we will hire undergraduates on paid assistantships (summer and/or academic year). Opportunities will be posted here and on the UConn Student Jobs Board.

Undergraduates seeking more in-depth research experiences might consider pursuing an independent study or honors thesis with the lab. UConn’s Office of Undergraduate Research also provides a number of competitive funding mechanisms to support academic year and summer research experiences. Please reach out by email for more information.