Fully Funded PhD Assistantship in Fisheries Science; Atlantic Salmon Ecology & Restoration at Cornell University, United States
If you’re looking for a fully funded Ph.D. in fisheries science, aquatic ecology, wildlife biology, or conservation, Cornell University is offering an outstanding doctoral research opportunity through the New York Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit (NY CRU).
The successful applicant will investigate juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) ecology across Lake Ontario tributaries, helping identify habitat limitations that affect population recovery and supporting science-based restoration efforts for one of North America’s most iconic fish species.
The assistantship includes a starting annual stipend of $49,925 and provides advanced training in UAV-based habitat mapping, acoustic telemetry, ecological modeling, fisheries management, and stakeholder engagement. Applications are due by August 22, 2026, although application materials should be submitted to the project supervisor by August 15, 2026 for full consideration.
Position Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| University | Cornell University |
| Research Unit | New York Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit (USGS) |
| Position | Ph.D. Graduate Research Assistant |
| Research Area | Atlantic Salmon Ecology, Fisheries Science, Restoration Ecology |
| Location | Ithaca, New York, USA |
| Application Deadline | August 22, 2026 |
| Recommended Submission Date | August 15, 2026 |
| Expected Start Date | After January 25, 2027 |
| Salary | Starting at $49,925 per year |
| Weekly Hours | Full-Time (40+ Hours) |
| Education Required | Master’s Degree |
| Experience Required | At Least 4 Years |
About the Research Project
Atlantic salmon restoration remains one of the highest priorities for fisheries conservation in the Lake Ontario watershed. This Ph.D. project seeks to understand how habitat conditions influence the survival and recovery of juvenile Atlantic salmon across four important tributaries:
- Irondequoit Creek
- Salmon Creek
- Sandy Creek
- South Sandy Creek
The research will generate practical recommendations for the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to improve restoration strategies and support long-term population recovery.
By combining advanced field ecology with modern spatial technologies, the project bridges scientific discovery and applied conservation. This doctoral assistantship combines field ecology, emerging technologies, quantitative science, and applied conservation in one of the most important Atlantic salmon restoration initiatives in the northeastern United States.
Key highlights include:
- Fully funded Ph.D. opportunity
- Competitive $49,925 annual stipend
- Research addressing real-world conservation challenges
- Training in UAV remote sensing and thermal imaging
- Experience with acoustic telemetry and fisheries monitoring
- Collaboration with the New York Department of Environmental Conservation
- Leadership in scientific publications and outreach
- Excellent preparation for careers in fisheries science, restoration ecology, and natural resource management
For graduate students passionate about aquatic ecosystems and evidence-based conservation, this position offers an exceptional pathway into advanced fisheries research.
Research Objectives
The doctoral researcher will investigate key ecological questions related to Atlantic salmon recovery, including:
- Habitat factors limiting juvenile survival
- Population dynamics across multiple tributaries
- Smolt migration timing and survival
- High-resolution habitat mapping
- Restoration planning for Lake Ontario watersheds
- Fisheries management decision support
The findings will directly inform conservation efforts and habitat restoration programs.
Research Methods
This interdisciplinary project combines field research, remote sensing, and quantitative ecology.
Field Sampling
The student will lead extensive fieldwork using:
- Backpack electrofishing surveys
- Juvenile Atlantic salmon sampling
- Multi-season monitoring across tributaries
- Habitat assessments
Field sampling will occur over three consecutive field seasons, providing valuable long-term ecological data.
UAV-Based Habitat Mapping
A major component of the project involves using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for habitat assessment.
Research activities include:
- Drone operation
- High-resolution habitat mapping
- Thermal infrared surveys
- Image processing
- Landscape analysis
These techniques will help identify environmental conditions influencing salmon habitat quality.
Acoustic Telemetry
The student will analyze acoustic telemetry data to evaluate:
- Smolt outmigration timing
- Migration success
- Survival rates
- Movement patterns
These analyses will improve understanding of Atlantic salmon ecology throughout the restoration process.
Quantitative Modeling
The project also incorporates advanced statistical approaches, including:
- Hierarchical population modeling
- Ecological data analysis
- Habitat suitability modeling
- Fisheries population assessment
Applicants with strong quantitative skills will have the opportunity to apply cutting-edge analytical techniques to real-world conservation challenges.
Outreach and Stakeholder Engagement
Unlike many graduate projects, this assistantship includes meaningful engagement with conservation partners and the public.
Responsibilities include:
- Coordinating stakeholder workshops
- Collaborating with the New York Department of Environmental Conservation
- Participating in angler forums
- Developing educational and extension materials
- Communicating research findings to diverse audiences
These experiences help students build leadership and science communication skills.
Leadership Opportunities
The selected Ph.D. student will take an active leadership role throughout the project.
Responsibilities include:
- Supervising seasonal field technicians
- Leading scientific manuscripts
- Presenting research at regional conferences
- Managing field logistics
- Coordinating collaborative activities
This level of responsibility provides excellent preparation for careers in academia, government, and applied fisheries science.
Funding and Benefits
The assistantship provides a competitive financial package that allows students to focus on research and professional development.
Benefits include:
- Starting annual stipend of $49,925
- Full-time graduate research appointment
- Advanced training in fisheries science
- Experience with UAV technology and remote sensing
- Collaboration with state resource managers
- Opportunities for conference presentations
- Scientific publishing experience
- Leadership and outreach training
This position is ideal for students seeking careers in fisheries management, aquatic conservation, or ecological research.
Required Qualifications
Applicants must have:
- A Master of Science in:
- Fisheries Science
- Ecology
- Wildlife Biology
- Or a closely related discipline
Candidates should also demonstrate:
- At least four years of relevant experience
- Leadership in aquatic field sampling
- Strong quantitative skills
- Proficiency in R or similar statistical software
- Valid driver’s license
- Ability to work in remote outdoor environments during all seasons
Experience leading electrofishing surveys is highly desirable.
Preferred Skills
Applicants with experience in the following areas will be especially competitive:
- Electrofishing
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Remote sensing
- UAV (drone) operation
- Habitat mapping
- Fisheries ecology
- Acoustic telemetry
- Scientific writing
- Public outreach
- Extension programming
These qualifications will strengthen an application but are not mandatory.
Required Application Materials
Interested applicants should email the following materials to Dr. Christopher Sullivan:
- Cover letter describing:
- Research interests
- Relevant experience
- Motivation for the position
- Current Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Unofficial academic transcripts
- Contact information for three professional references
- To apply, submit the following to Dr. Christopher Sullivan (cjs446@cornell.edu) no later than August 15th
- More information: https://sullivanfishlab.weebly.com/join-us.html
Although the application deadline is August 22, 2026, applicants are encouraged to submit materials by August 15, 2026, as requested in the position announcement.
Contact Information
For questions or to submit application materials, contact:
Dr. Christopher Sullivan
New York Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit
Cornell University
Email: cjs446@cornell.edu
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Recommended Submission Date | August 15, 2026 |
| Official Application Deadline | August 22, 2026 |
| Expected Start Date | After January 25, 2027 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is this a fully funded Ph.D. assistantship?
Yes. The position provides a starting annual stipend of $49,925 as a full-time Graduate Research Assistantship. The announcement is administered through the New York Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit at Cornell University.
What is the main focus of the research?
The project investigates the ecology of juvenile Atlantic salmon in Lake Ontario tributaries to identify habitat constraints affecting population recovery and to develop science-based restoration strategies.
Which technologies will be used during the project?
The research integrates several advanced methods, including:
- UAV (drone) habitat mapping
- Thermal infrared imaging
- Acoustic telemetry
- Hierarchical population modeling
- Statistical analysis using R
- GIS and remote sensing (preferred experience)
Is prior fisheries field experience required?
Yes. Applicants should have significant experience leading aquatic field sampling, with electrofishing experience preferred. Strong quantitative skills and experience working in outdoor field environments are also important.
Do I need experience with drones or GIS?
Experience with GIS, remote sensing, or UAV operation is considered an advantage but is not required. Candidates with strong ecological research backgrounds and quantitative skills are encouraged to apply.
What documents are required for the application?
Applicants should submit a cover letter, current CV, unofficial transcripts, and contact information for three professional references to Dr. Christopher Sullivan by email.
Why are there two different dates mentioned?
The position lists an official application deadline of August 22, 2026, but the announcement requests that application materials be submitted to the supervisor by August 15, 2026. Applying by the earlier date is recommended for full consideration.
What career opportunities does this Ph.D. prepare students for?
Graduates will gain valuable experience for careers in fisheries science, aquatic ecology, wildlife conservation, ecological restoration, government resource management, academic research, and environmental consulting.
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