MS Assistantship
Mineralogy - Electron Microscopy
Department of Materials

A fully funded MS assistantship is available within the Department of Materials Science & Engineering at Boise State University (BSU) in conjunction with the Boise State Center for Materials Characterization, a leading center in the region for electron microscopy, and the University of Peshawar.  The project, funded by the US Agency for International Development, aims to create a database of the mineral resources of the region, characterize mineral samples from the four zones of Pakistan's Northwest Frontier Province, and facilitate their exploitation by industry.  Initial characterization (XRD, SEM, etc.) will be carried out by collaborators in Peshawar, but samples will be sent to Boise for further analysis, including by transmission electron microscopy (TEM).

As the project will run for only two years, previous experience with TEM is essential, as are enthusiasm, motivation, and a willingness to learn from others.  The ability to travel to Pakistan would also be helpful but is not essential.

The successful candidate will have an undergraduate degree with at least a 3.5 GPA (or equivalent) in materials science or a related field.

This studentship will cover all tuition fees plus a stipend of approximately $24,000 per year.

Please note that before being considered for this post, applicants must be accepted into the MS degree program in Materials Science & Engineering at BSU commencing in 2009.  More information on the application process can be found at http://coen.boisestate.edu/MSE/AppRequireMSE.asp.

BSU is the largest university in Idaho, with an enrollment of more than 19,500 students.  The University is located in Idaho’s capital city and largest metropolitan area, which serves as the government, business, high-tech, economic, health-care, and cultural center of the state.  The city is convenient to outdoor recreation including world-class whitewater rivers, skiing, mountain biking, fishing, and camping.

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering, founded in 2004, is one of the youngest and most dynamic Materials departments in the world and enjoys strong support from high-tech industries located in the Intermountain West.  Its student-centered undergraduate program is the only ABET-accredited Materials Science & Engineering degree in the state of Idaho, and its graduate programs offer research opportunities in a variety of materials science fields, many of which include other engineering, science or medical disciplines.  For further information on the university or department, see http://coen.boisestate.edu/MSE/.

Before applying, potential candidates are encouraged to make informal enquiries to Dr. Rick Ubic, tel. +1 208 426 2309, e-mail RickUbic@BoiseState.edu.

Qualified applicants should send a resume, letter of interest, and contact information for at least two academic references to:

Dr. Rick Ubic
College of Engineering
Boise State University
1910 University Drive
Boise, ID 83725

Applications will be accepted until a qualified applicant pool has been identified.

Boise State University is strongly committed to achieving excellence through cultural diversity.  The University actively encourages applications and nominations of women, persons of color, and members of other underrepresented groups.

BSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Institution.  "Veterans' preference" may be applicable.

posted 23 December 2008