1. MS or PhD Graduate Research Assistantship in Marine Fisheries:

Description: MS or PhD Graduate Research Assistantship in Marine Fisheries; Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences | Oregon State University; Predators as samplers: using food habits data to inform climate- and community-driven shifts in marine species distributions

Responsibilities: The successful candidate will be responsible for conducting scientific research on groundfish and related taxa in the North Pacific Ocean. One objective of this position is to improve our understanding about ecological drivers of habitat use by a suite of prey species that are not effectively sampled by standardized surveys. The student will use long-term and spatially-expansive ecological data collected by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA) to construct spatiotemporal models that examine relationships between species distributions and their environments in the Gulf of Alaska.

Student-led research will involve synthesizing relevant scientific literature, identifying robust methods for data analyses, presenting results to varied audiences (e.g., via public meetings, scientific conferences, peer-reviewed publications), and working with agency scientists to generate management-relevant products. If seeking a PhD, the student will work with Dr. Cheryl Barnes to identify additional research questions related to climate impacts on important fish stocks.

Opportunities: The successful candidate will gain valuable experience with commonly-used statistical models, develop scientific expertise in quantitative fisheries ecology, and have the opportunity to lead all aspects of a highly collaborative research program – from design to publication. There will also be opportunities for conference travel and related fieldwork.

Start Date: September 2023, Location: Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport, Oregon.

Salary: $28,000 to $31,000 per year, plus benefits, tuition, and university fees. The initial duration of funding will depend on the degree sought. Additional funds will be secured through grants, scholarships, fellowships, and/or teaching assistantships.

The Integrated Marine Fisheries (IMF) Lab places considerable value on diversity, equity, and inclusion and is committed to fostering an environment where its members can bring personal authenticity into their work. Those with underrepresented and/or historically marginalized identities will be supported and are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications: A bachelor’s (MS) or master’s (PhD) degree in fisheries, marine science, statistics, or a related field is required. Under certain circumstances, students admitted into the master’s program may transition into a PhD. The successful candidate will be highly motivated, organized, and detail-oriented.

They will also be able to manage multiple tasks, effectively communicate with diverse groups, and meet project-specific timelines. Applicants should have a demonstrated interest in using quantitative approaches to address scientific questions that have direct utility for fisheries management. Experience with basic data analysis and visualization in R is desired.

 To Apply: Email Dr. Cheryl Barnes (cheryl.barnes@oregonstate.edu)  with 1) cover letter that describes your academic interests, relevant experience, and suitability for the position; 2) curriculum vitae; 3) unofficial transcripts; and 4) contact information for three references. Application review begins April 30, 2023. The position will remain open until filled. Contact Person: Cheryl Barnes, PhD, Contact eMail cheryl.barnes@oregonstate.edu

2) Research Assistant Position M.S. student, at Texas A&M University Natural Resources Institute:

Description: The M.S. student, in close coordination with United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), will lead a unique project focused on the role of private lands and public agencies in the conservation of at-risk species in the Southeast United States.  Examples of projects include: 1) Demonstrating the value and importance of less-than-permanent or non-binding conservation agreements to at-risk and listed species; 2) Fostering the persistence of conservation practices following conclusion of binding conservation agreements; 3) Demonstrating the use of private working lands in the design of habitat corridors for fish and wildlife;

4) Pursuing the science needed to support an evaluation of species’ status; 5) Identification and analysis of current and future conservation policies and trends; 6) Identification of opportunities to further “Bridge the Gap” between the regulatory and private lands communities; 7) Development of risk assessment studies for private and working lands management and conservation efforts.

The student will work with an interdisciplinary team of experts from Texas A&M University-Natural Resources Institute (NRI) and FWS.  The student will be supported by a cooperative agreement with FWS, and will work closely with agency personnel throughout the project.

As part of the project the graduate research assistant, and support staff, will engage in stakeholder meetings, analyze data, synthesize literature, and write up the results of the project.  The preferred start date is in August 2023, but work during the summer may be available.

Qualifications: B.S. degree in Wildlife Conservation, Ecology, Environmental Science, or related fields. Strong quantitative skills, strong interpersonal skills. The ideal candidate will also have experience in quantitative analysis, stakeholder engagement, and independent work. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. The position provides at least 1 year of funding for a 20 hour/week assistantship. The $26,000 annual salary will be supplemented with benefits.

To apply: Please send letter of interest, CV, unofficial transcripts, and GRE scores (if available) to Mike Marshall (mmarshall@ag.tamu.edu). Contact Person: Michael Edward Marshall; Contact Phone:  5124616217 Contact eMail mmarshall@ag.tamu.edu

3) PhD graduate assistantship-Large river fish behavior at NREM, Iowa State University:

Description: Conduct research evaluating Invasive Carp and big river native fish movements, behaviors, population dynamics, and management options in the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers and associated tributaries using a vast acoustic presence/absence and 2D acoustic telemetry arrays.

Tremendous opportunity to work closely and collaboratively with a wide diversity of state and federal partners. The student will be responsible for field data collection, supervising field technicians, data entry and analysis, and annual reports. Thesis topics can be developed based in part on student’s interests.

Qualifications: MS degree in fisheries or related field and fisheries fieldwork experience. Candidates with demonstrated critical thinking, written and oral communication, analytical skills, and strong academic credentials are preferred.  Applicant must be highly motivated, demonstrate a strong work ethic, and be physically capable and willing to work long hours in demanding outdoor conditions. Preferred start date is August 2023 but is flexible based on applicants availability.

To apply: Send application (cover letter, résumé, transcripts, and contact information for 3 references) electronically to Dr. Michael Weber, Dept. of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, Iowa State University, mjw@iastate.edu. Application review will begin April 17 but applications will be accepted until filled, Contact Person: Michael Weber: Contact eMail mjw@iastate.edu

One thought on “3 Three MS or PhD Graduate Research Assistantships in Fisheries or related field in the United States”
  1. We’re really grateful with Agristok for the graduate school funding opportunity update, please we need more updates about Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences.

    Thank

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