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Top | Fellowship Program Links

Assistantship and Fellowships:

Boston University: The labs of Pamela Templer and Jennifer Bhatnagar are seeking highly motivated Ph.D students to work on a National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded study titled “Do Shifts in Plant Carbon Allocation Facilitate Plant Nutrient Uptake & Primary Productivity in the Face of Oligotrophication in Northern Hardwood Forests?” This project is part of our ongoing Hubbard Brook Nitrogen Oligotrophication (HBNO) project. One Ph.D position is available in each lab, and placement would depend on the specific interests and qualifications of the successful applicants. Applicants should have interest and/or experience in one or more of the following areas: • Forest ecology, biogeochemistry, or plant/microbial ecology, including field and/or laboratory studies • Preparation and bioinformatics of high-throughput -omics datasets • Generation and analysis of plant or soil biogeochemistry data • Programming in R or other software for data manipulation and analysis. Projects will be developed in collaboration with the PIs and will be centered on plant tissue and soil analyses and root/microbial 15N tracer experiments, including 15N stable isotope probing, across an elevation gradient at the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) site in New Hampshire, USA. Minimum qualifications include: • A Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in Biology, Ecology, Bioinformatics, Geology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Mycology, or a related scientific discipline • Relevant research experience • Strong science writing and communication skills • Ability to work independently and as a productive member of a team. The students will be expected to carry out a portion of the specific work outlined in the NSF project and will also have the opportunity to develop related studies within their specific areas of interest as they relate to forest biogeochemistry and microbial ecology in the context of changing N availability. Research includes potential collaborations with project partners at City University of New York, Cornell University, Virginia Tech, Syracuse University, and the U.S. Forest Service. Stipend support is included in the position. Start date will be between May-September 1, 2027. Interested prospective Ph.D students should email the following to Pam Templer (ptempler@bu.edu) AND Jennifer Bhatnagar (jmbhat@bu.edu) using the email subject “Prospective HBNO PhD Student”: • A brief cover letter outlining your research interests, background relevant to the project, and how you meet the minimum qualifications. • A current CV with a list of 3 potential references and their contact info. Posted: 8/26/26.

Louisiana State University New Orleans: The Coastal Benthic Ecology Lab at LSU New Orleans in collaboration with University of Hawaii and College of Charleston is seeking a graduate student to study the resilience of rocky intertidal communities. The project will examine Hawaiian rocky intertidal community resilience to unprecedented Kona Low flooding. The student will do surveys of benthic organisms during negative low tides and compare species coverage and densities pre- and post-flooding with historical datasets to determine community resistance and recovery. The graduate student (MS or PhD) would attend LSU New Orleans yet survey rocky intertidal zones in the state of Hawai‘i over a 9-month period. The student will be supported by an NSF RAPID for one year. An additional year(s) of support will need to be procured through teaching assistantships or outside funding. Applications are due October 1st, 2026, for spring admission in 2027. The student must be willing to relocate to New Orleans by the start of spring semester. Interested students can email tecox@lsuneworleans.edu and find more information about the department and application process. Posted: 8/28/26.

Michigan State University: The Evans Lab at MSU's Kellogg Biological Station is recruiting PhD or Msc students in microbial ecology and global change biology for Fall 2027. We study how microbial communities respond to environmental change and how they, in turn, influence ecosystem function, with particular interests in climate and land-use change, plant–microbe interactions, microbial community assembly, and carbon and nutrient cycling. Graduate projects will build on research at the KBS Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) site and/or Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (GLBRC), while developing their own questions within these systems. Recent work has investigated microbial contributions to plant drought tolerance, bacterial–fungal interactions and nitrogen availability, and effects of agricultural management on soil health, microbial communities, and soil carbon cycling. KBS's long-term experiments and datasets provide opportunities to develop new questions at the intersection of microbial ecology, global change, and agroecosystem sustainability. KBS provides an unusually rich setting for this work. It hosts long-term research programs including the KBS LTER and Long-Term Agroecosystem Research (LTAR) sites, which investigate agricultural landscapes from complementary ecological and agricultural perspectives, as well as research associated with GLBRC. These programs provide access to long-term experiments, environmental datasets, archived samples, and a broad community of collaborators in ecosystem ecology, biogeochemistry, community ecology, evolution, and sustainable agriculture. Students are admitted through MSU’s Department of Integrative Biology and receive guaranteed graduate support through a combination of research and teaching assistantships. Research assistantship support is available through lab grants, and prospective students are encouraged to contact me early if they are interested in developing an NSF Graduate Research Fellowship or other fellowship proposal. The Evans Lab is located at Kellogg Biological Station, 1 hour 15 minutes from East Lansing, near Kalamazoo Michigan. The station is a community of over 100 staff, researchers, students, faculty, and postdocs. Our lab strives to build a collaborative, positive atmosphere that supports healthy work habits, intellectual curiosity, inclusion, scientific integrity and rigor, and professional development aligned with the students’ goals. Previous students have continued in academic and non-academic fields. Student applicants should be self-motivated and often have previous research experience. See the Evans Lab website. Interested prospective students should contact Sarah (evanssa6@msu.edu) describing their background and interest, and attaching a resume or CV. Posted: 8/26/26.

Monash University: The Community Ecology and Evolution lab at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, is recruiting a PhD candidate to study how organismal physiology underpins community stability, using marine phytoplankton as a model system. This is an exciting opportunity as the project is part of an international doctoral network (ReDiLEEP) and the candidate will collaborate with other PhD students and research groups in Europe to understand how species in an ecosystem respond to changes and the importance of variation in their responses for ecosystem stability. Note that the candidate will need to apply for and secure a Monash PhD scholarship to undertake this project. Please read the full ad for how to apply (or visit our website). If you have questions, please contact Giulia giulia.ghedini at monash.edu. Application deadline 30 October 2026. Posted: 8/26/26.

North Carolina State University: A PhD track position is available within the department of Marine, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences at NC State University (Raleigh, NC, USA) starting January 2027 within the Paerl Lab. The position is associated with a larger NOAA ECOHAB project investigating factors influencing brown tide (Aureoumbra lagunensis) formation and persistence in coastal waters, in collaboration with the Wetz (Texas A&M University; Lead institution) and Osburn (NC State, co-lead) labs. Three years of research assistantship support are available for this position. The Paerl lab is located on the NC State main campus in Raleigh, NC (USA), which is within the growing Research Triangle of North Carolina. At the time of enrollment, highly qualified applicants will have an undergraduate or master's degree in biology, ecology, oceanography, microbiology, (bio)chemistry, or a related field. Highly competitive candidates will possess: knowledge of marine ecosystems and harmful algal blooms (HABs), analytical chemistry experience with solid phase extraction (SPE) techniques, wet-lab skills including algal cultivation and micropipette skills, research career ambition, data organization/analyses skills, excellent written and spoken communication skills, and the ability to work within a team framework. Specific expectations of the position include leading laboratory experiments with algal cultures, processing seawater samples for vitamin measurements, timely data analysis, coordination with Wetz and Osburn labs in regard to field sampling and data sharing, undergraduate mentoring, and contributing to collective Paerl Lab efforts such as lab activities, collaborative sampling, and outreach efforts. The PhD candidate is expected to pursue a Marine Science degree through the Department of Marine, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences (MEAS), which offers interdisciplinary training and conducts research in ecology, hydrology, oceanography, geology, and atmospheric science. Numerous opportunities will be available to collaborate and develop one’s skillset regarding in-silico, in-situ, and in-vivo tools via the PhD program. Broadly, the Paerl lab encourages a healthy work/life balance for all its members and maintains a welcoming environment for people of all backgrounds. To Apply: Please send the following items as a single PDF to Dr. Ryan Paerl (rpaerl@ncsu.edu) by Oct. 1, 2026: 1. Contact information for two professional references 2. CV plus undergraduate/graduate transcript 3. Writing sample (e.g. published journal article, technical report, etc.) 4. Response to the following prompt (no more than 2 pgs., single spaced): Briefly highlight a problem and testable hypothesis related to HABs as well as how it could be experimentally tested. Best candidates will be encouraged to apply for spring admission to MEAS. Spring admission deadlines for international applicants has passed. Posted: 8/21/26.

Purdue University: We are seeking a motivated PhD student to examine how the herbaceous layer responds to silviculture and prescribed fire as part of the Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment, a long-term ecological study that examines how management affects multiple forest components. The PhD students will determine how plant diversity and composition, including both native and non-native species, have responded to management treatments. Position is funded for four years beginning in January 2027 and includes a graduate stipend, tuition waiver, and access to employer assisted health insurance. Applicants should have a GPA of 3.2 or higher. GRE scores are not required but may be submitted. Desired qualifications: an MS degree in forestry, botany, ecology, plant science, biology or a related field; experience conducting field research; interest in forest ecology, fire management, and invasion biology. To apply: Prospective applicants should send, via e-mail attachment, a brief letter of interest, CV (including GPA and contact information for three references), and unofficial transcripts to both Mike Saunders (msaunder@purdue.edu) and Mike Jenkins (jenkinma@purdue.edu). We will begin reviewing materials on July 27, 2026, and will continue until an applicant is selected. Posted: 7/17/26.

Rutgers University: The Sauer Lab in the Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Natural Resources at Rutgers University - New Brunswick is recruiting a PhD student to start Fall 2027. We are looking for applicants who are interested in projects exploring the disease ecology of cavity nesting wild birds especially as they relate to climate change and urban ecology. Previous experience handling and banding birds is preferred though not required. Interested applicants can contact me by filling out this Google form. I will be reviewing applications and contacting potential candidates with follow-up questions in mid-October (i.e., do not expect to hear back from me until then). Formal Rutgers E&E Program applications for Fall 2027 are due by December 1st 2026. Posted: 8/28/26.

Rutgers University: The Global Change Macroecology lab in the Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Natural Resources at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ is recruiting a 2-yr postdoc to start in October-November 2026 (January 2027 latest) and a PhD student to start Fall 2027. Postdoc - The postdoc will work with big data (e.g. GBIF, eBird, Movebank), remote sensing products, GIS tools and quantitative/spatial approaches including machine learning to explore how and why wildlife species are affected by climate change at continental scales. There is flexibility in project ideas, but several possible themes include range shift projections, regional variation in environmental drivers of distributions within species, estimating trends and drivers of environmental niche loss, or exploring animal movement following disturbance. Work with birds is preferred for certain projects but other terrestrial taxa can certainly be considered. Applicant must be a strong writer and quantitatively skilled with experience in spatial modelling, using GIS tools and using statistical software (ideally R). The applicant must have a PhD in one of several fields including but not limited to ecology, biology, environmental science, geography, or computer science. Preference will be given to applicants who can work in-person. Please send a cover letter and CV to jeremy.m.cohen@rutgers.edu by September 1st, 2026 to ensure full consideration. PhD student - I am looking for applicants who are interested in running a field-based and quantitative project that will explore avian community changes following disturbance, as moderated by traits and habitat structure, both across central NJ and the eastern US. This will involve both bioacoustics/AI and point-count surveys (yes, you get to go birding for your PhD!). Core requirements are strong writing and quantitative skills and visual/audio bird identification skills in the eastern US, with GIS skills being a plus. There is also significant potential for involvement in a public outreach program leading bird walks that integrate research communication. Interested applicants can contact me by filling out this form by September 25th, 2026. I will be reviewing applications and contacting potential candidates with follow-up questions in early October (i.e., do not expect to hear back from me until then). Formal Rutgers E&E Program applications for Fall 2027 are due by December 1st, 2026. Posted: 8/7/26. Stockholm University: I (Mag. Dr. Birgit Wild) am currently recruiting a PhD student to work on methane oxidation in the Arctic Ocean. The detailed plan will depend on the interests and background of the student, and methods could include experiments, biomarkers, isotopes, modelling … possibly field work. See the job description for details and to apply. Last application date 31.Jul.2026. Posted: 7/10/26. Texas A&M - Corpus Christi: The Greiner Lab is recruiting 1 Masters student and 1 PhD student (both fully funded) to start in Fall 2027 to investigate questions related to informing management practices for marine ecosystems in the Gulf (e.g. oyster reefs, coral reefs, salt marshes). Our lab focuses on developing quantitative (mathematical, machine learning) models in combination with observational field work to improve our understanding of the dynamics of marine and coastal ecosystems to inform large scale management design and policy. We value applications from prospective lab members who are excited to work at the interface of applied marine/coastal ecology, social ecological systems and mathematical modelling. Students with prior experience in mathematical modelling, machine learning, economics or social science survey methodology is strongly preferred To inquire about positions, please email Ariel Greiner (greinerariel@gmail.com). This email should include: (1) your broad research interests (highlighting your research experience, future research interests, expertise), (2) an idea for a project that you would be excited to work on in the Greiner lab and (3) an updated CV containing a summary of your academic and research experiences. Posted; 8/26/26.

University of Brasilia: We are recruiting two PhD students to join the PlantForAdapt project, an international research collaboration between Brazil and France addressing key research priorities on native-species planted forests to support resilient Amazonian landscapes in the face of global change. Both PhD candidates will be enrolled at the University of Brasília and will conduct research across three study sites in the Brazilian Amazon and French Guiana. Full project description and application instructions are available here: - Tree performance and resilience in Amazonian native species plantations under climate change - Natural regeneration in native species plantations in Amazonia. Application deadline: 28 July 2026. Posted: 7/10/26.

University of California, Davis: I am recruiting a Ph.D. student to join the Karp Lab in the Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology at the University of California, Davis. Core research areas in our lab group include: (1) applying ecological theory towards understanding and managing biodiversity in working landscapes, especially in the face of climate change and other stressors; (2) quantifying the effects of alternative agricultural practices on crop pests, predators, and their interactions, and (3) identifying tradeoffs among biodiversity and ecosystem services to inform development of multi-functional landscapes. While much of our work focuses on birds in agroecosystems, we also work with other taxa and in other systems. Applicants must have graduated with a bachelor’s degree in ecology or related field by June 2027. The ideal applicant would be self-motivated, driven, and a good community member, with prior experience conducting field work, analyzing data, and leading their own research project. If interested in applying, please fill out this Google Form in lieu of an email inquiry. I will review submissions on a rolling basis until early November, reaching out to a subset of candidates to conduct follow-up interviews over Zoom. Following this, successful applicants will be encouraged to apply to the Graduate Group of Ecology (GGE) by the December 1 deadline. Posted: 8/26/26.

University of Canterbury: Four fully funded PhD opportunities in freshwater ecology! Working in New Zealand’s iconic braided rivers! We’re excited to be advertising four interconnected UC Connect PhD Scholarships, a collaborative research programme between the University of Canterbury and the Department of Conservation (DOC). The four projects offer opportunities to tackle fundamental ecological questions while producing research with direct relevance to freshwater conservation and management in Aotearoa New Zealand. Projects will explore: 1. Invasive aquatic plants – understanding the drivers and impacts of plant invasions in high-country spring ecosystems and opportunities for restoration. 2. Threatened freshwater fish – investigating how upland longjaw galaxias persist in dynamic braided river environments. 3. Spring ecosystems – understanding how stable spring habitats contribute to the biodiversity, functioning and resilience of braided rivers. 4. Braided river birds – investigating how flow regimes, aquatic food resources, predators and habitat interact to shape threatened bird populations and inform conservation management and monitoring. Successful candidates will join the Freshwater Ecology Research Group (FERG) at the University of Canterbury and work alongside a cohort of PhD students, UC researchers and DOC scientists. The research contributes to DOC’s Nga Awa River Restoration Programme and Critical Ecosystem Pressures research, with a strong focus on the Upper Rakitata catchment and will be co-supervised by Professor Angus McIntosh and Dr Helen Warburton. Each project has is three years fully funded: NZ$32,650 per year tax-free stipend + full university fees + research expenses. Applications close 6 September 2026 and applicants can apply for more than one of the four projects. More information and application details: https://tinyurl.com/5ahsd4ft (follow links to the three other projects from here). Posted: 8/26/26.

University of Connecticut: We are seeking a motivated PhD student interested in freshwater ecosystem ecology and biogeochemistry to join the Helton and Lawrence lab groups at the University of Connecticut beginning in January or June 2027. The student would be part of a broader interdisciplinary team investigating how beaver-created ecosystems in the Northeastern United States affect freshwater carbon cycling. The successful candidate would join the team as a Graduate Assistant (~$38k/year) and conduct field work to quantify greenhouse gas dynamics, ecosystem metabolism, and carbon stocks in ponds, wetlands, and streams. The student would also have the opportunity to develop approaches to model beaver-created ecosystem carbon dynamics at the watershed-scale. Required qualifications include an undergraduate degree in a related field and at least one year of post-baccalaureate research experience; fieldwork experience; interest and experience in biogeochemistry; and, excellent oral and written communication skills. Two or more years of post-baccalaureate research experience or an MS degree in a related field is strongly preferred. We are committed to creating an inclusive and equitable working environment and encourage students from all backgrounds to apply. Interested? Please email Ashley Helton (Ashley.Helton@uconn.edu) by September 1, 2026 with the subject line “PhD Application Beaver Project”: 1) a statement of your research interests, and 2) a CV that includes relevant professional experience and contact information for three references. Posted: 7/10/26.

University of Hamburg: Drought Vulnerability of Mycorrhiza in the Forest Floor (PhD). The 'Functional Forest Ecology' lab is recruiting a PhD student (fully funded for 4 years) to start in October 2026 or soon thereafter and join the DFG research unit 'Forest Floor: Functioning, Dynamics, and Vulnerability in a Changing World'. The student will collaborate closely with the Molecular Ecology lab at Imperial College London and Kew Gardens (UK). They will investigate the vulnerability of mycorrhizal functions in beech forests in SW Germany. To this end, the student will study the mycorrhizal community structure, soil exploration, and root-tip-specific enzyme activities, and collaborate in drought mesocosm and root exudation experiments. They will publish scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals and present the results at national and international conferences. A very good university degree in a relevant field and strong skills in mycorrhizal ecology, root ecology and/or plant physiology are required. Experience in bioinformatics, biogeochemical analyses, and/or drought experiments is beneficial. The ideal candidate is team-oriented, interested in interdisciplinary research, proactive, and willing to conduct fieldwork in Baden-Württemberg forests and undertake stays at Imperial College London and Kew Gardens, UK. Excellent written and oral German and/or English language skills are required. For further information, please visit the reference number 201 or contact Prof. Ina Meier (ina.meier@uni-hamburg.de). USE ONLY THE ONLINE APPLICATION FORM to submit your application (incl. cover letter, CV, copies of degree certificate(s), and a summary of the M.Sc. thesis) by August 15, 2026. Posted: 8/7/26.

University of Helsinki: Doctoral Researcher (PhD student) in Butterfly Ecology and Climate Change across Europe. This is an integrative, cross-scale PhD addressing a central question in global change ecology: when butterflies change under climate warming, do those changes help populations persist, or do they reveal growing vulnerability? The researcher will connect changes in individual traits, including body size and wing pigmentation, with population persistence, community turnover and regional vulnerability across Europe. The project combines natural history collections, long-term butterfly-monitoring data, image analysis, climate data, field ecology and quantitative modelling. The position is fully funded from January 2027 until 31 August 2030. Applications close on 30 September 2026. Full details and application instructions: https://jobs.helsinki.fi/job-invite/5129/. Posted: 8/21/26.

University of New Hampshire: The Wollheim lab, in the Department of Natural Resources and Environment, seeks a PhD level graduate student to conduct research on the coupled biogeochemical responses to land use and climate variability in suburban Boston watersheds. We are particularly interested in understanding how storm events, season, and land use interact with beaver created ecosystems to affect the flow of materials to downstream ecosystems and greenhouse gas emissions at watershed scales. The research emphasizes field measurements and/or in situ experiments, as well as modeling to synthesize results and to scale from individual ecosystems to entire river networks. This project is funded through the National Science Foundation’s Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) Program for the Plum Island Ecosystem project. The Plum Island Estuary receives drainage waters from suburban Boston via the Ipswich and Parker River watersheds. The student would be funded as a Research Assistant through the LTER project to maintain the long-term measurements in the watersheds in addition to pursuing their individual research, although the first semester will be supported by a Teaching Assistantship. Collaborating institutions on this interdisciplinary study include the Marine Biological Laboratory, University of South Carolina, Villanova University, Boston University, University of Georgia, Northeastern University, and Virginia Institute of Marine Science. Qualifications: The candidate must have an M.S. in ecosystem ecology, hydrology, biogeochemistry, or closely related field, along with demonstrated understanding of ecosystem processes. Strong quantitative skills are required so an additional background in data science or environmental modeling are also helpful. A B.S. with strong relevant experience will also be considered. All interested and qualified candidates are encouraged to apply, including those who are first generation college or underrepresented in STEM fields. Start Date: Position available starting Spring Semester 2027 (January, 2027). For more information regarding the position, please contact Dr. Wilfred Wollheim (wil.wollheim@unh.edu). To Apply: Send a cover letter explaining why you are interested in and a good fit for the position, statement of research interests (max 2 pages), resume or curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references (electronic versions of all materials are required) to wil.wollheim@unh.edu, Subject: UNH_PHD. Please attach all application materials as word documents or PDFs in the email, with the candidate name included in the file name. Review of applications will begin October 1, 2026. Posted: 8/26/26.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: The Quantitative Biogeography Lab in the Department of Biology is recruiting PhD/Master students to start in Fall 2027. The research in our lab is data and model intensive; our research commonly involves extensive data analysis and modeling, leveraging big data from biodiversity and environmental databases, employing various modeling techniques, and conducting large-scale computations to explore biogeography and biodiversity patterns at a global or continental scale. Prospective students sharing similar research interests, including biogeography, biodiversity informatics, and ecological niche modeling, are highly encouraged to apply. Graduate students will be supported through a combination of research and teaching assistantships. Interested students are encouraged to send me the following information via this Google form. - A 1-2 page cover letter (please explain your research interests, why you are interested in joining, and your experience working with programming/statistics/data science); - Your most recent CV, including contact information for three references; - PDFs of writing samples (e.g., peer-reviewed article, thesis, essay, preprint; up to 3). Posted: 8/28/26.

University of North Carolina Wilmington: two open graduate student positions in the Schweikert Lab at the Department of Biology and Marine Biology at UNCW. Applicants with experience in neurophysiological or behavioral approaches are preferred, though not required. 1.MSc in Marine Biology: Behavioral Ecology of Dynamic Color Change in Reef Fishes (starting Spring or Summer 2027). 2. PhD in Integrative, Comparative, and Marine Biology: Neuroethology of Adaptive Camouflage in Flatfishes (starting Fall 2027). Prior to applying to the UNCW graduate program, interested students should email Dr. Lorian Schweikert (schweikertl@uncw.edu) with the following: - Statement of career goals and research interests (1 page max) - Resume or CV - Unofficial transcripts - Contact information for three references. Interviews for both positions will begin in early fall, though interest emails will be accepted until the positions are filled. The UNCW application deadline for the MSc position is October 15th, 2026 and for the PhD position is February 15th, 2027. Program Synopsis: Dynamic color change allows animals such as certain marine fishes to rapidly change the color and pattern of their skin, yet knowledge is lacking about how these animals gather and process the visual information needed to make color change decisions. Recent discoveries suggest that many color-changing animals can detect light with their skin, a process known as dermal photoreception, which may work alongside the eyes to regulate color change. Our lab investigates how dermal photoreception contributes to color change in fishes and whether the skin acts as a sensory system for monitoring the environment or the animal’s own coloration. By uncovering the principles underlying distributed light sensing and adaptive camouflage, the project may inform future technologies related to bioinspired sensing and material science. See also UNCW Center for Marine Science. Posted: 7/10/26.

University of North Texas: A PhD position is available in the Lichtenberg Lab starting fall 2027. This position is part of an NSF-funded project that is developing a new framework and tools for understanding and valuing ecosystem services, with a focus on crop pollination. In collaboration with a computer scientist (Xiaohui Yuan at the University of North Texas) and another ecologist (Rufus Isaacs at Michigan State University), this student will provide ecological knowledge for development of computer vision (AI) models and conduct fieldwork to ground-truth those models. These models, and ecological theory, will contribute to development of the valuation framework by two environmental economists (Erik Lichtenberg at the University of Maryland, Kathy Baylis at the University of California, Santa Barbara). Research activities include fieldwork in Texas, literature synthesis, development of model training datasets, and contributing ecological knowledge to computer vision and economic model development. The student is also expected to conduct dissertation research related to this project or that leverages tools the Lichtenberg lab has built for working with species occurrence records. Preferred qualifications include fieldwork experience, ability to work in hot conditions, and patience. Funding includes semester and summer salary, a tuition scholarship, and health insurance. The Lichtenberg lab combines community and behavioral ecology to study plant-animal interactions, pollinator foraging and insect biodiversity. We are particularly interested in how land use change and land management practices affect these phenomena. Please contact Dr. Elinor Lichtenberg (elichten@unt.edu) before applying. Send your CV, information on relevant experiences, the degree and kinds of questions you are interested in, career goals, and unofficial transcripts. Posted: 8/26/26.

University of North Texas: A funded PhD/MS position is available in the Lichtenberg Lab starting summer or fall 2027. This position is part of a USDA-funded project investigating how ranch management impacts pollinator, plant, and soil microbe biodiversity both directly and through habitat modification. The selected student will focus on the pollinator component. Research activities will include fieldwork at local North Texas ranches, insect identification, and analyzing a multi-year dataset from the ranches. Funding includes semester and summer salary, a tuition scholarship, and health insurance for PhD students or a Health Assistance Scholarship for MS students. The Lichtenberg Lab combines community and behavioral ecology to study plant-animal interactions, pollinator foraging and insect biodiversity. We are particularly interested in how land use change and land management practices affect these phenomena. The lab is committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment to trainees from diverse backgrounds. Application: Please contact Dr. Elinor Lichtenberg (elichten@unt.edu) before applying. Send your CV, information on relevant experiences, the degree and kinds of questions you are interested in, and unofficial transcripts. Posted: 7/24/26.

University of South Dakota: The Matoo Lab has an opening available for a Ph.D. student to begin Spring 2027 in the Department of Biology. The goal of this project is to investigate molecular, cellular and organismal responses of two freshwater mussel species to changes in water temperature and sedimentation regimes to better inform mussel conservation and management. Experimental metrics involve measurement of whole-organism metabolic rates, mitochondrial bioenergetics, and biochemical assays (for determination of metabolic enzyme activities and redox homeostasis). MS in molecular ecology, ecophysiology, cellular physiology or organismal biology is required. Previous experience working with freshwater musses and/or marine bivalves is preferred. Strong communication (written and oral), quantitative, teamwork skills are essential, as is a desire to learn. Applicants must have a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Completion of GRE is not required. This is a part of a larger NSF funded project, in collaboration with Louisiana State University and Auburn University. The assistantship includes tuition and a stipend for a duration of 4 years, with additional GA/TAship opportunities from the department. If interested, please email Dr. Omera Matoo (Omera.Matoo@usd.edu) with: 1) a 1-2-page letter of interest that describes your educational and research background, as well as your research interests and career goals, 2) an updated CV, and 3) contact information of at least 3 professional references. Please write "Mussel Physiology Position" in the subject line of your email. Application review will begin Oct 1st, 2026. Posted: 9/4/26.

University of Southern Mississippi: Understanding Nekton-Seagrass Habitat Relationships and Drivers of Change to Support Coastal Management. We seek a motivated student to fill a funded Ph.D. assistantship at The University of Southern Mississippi’s Gulf Coast Research Laboratory in Ocean Springs, MS. The selected student will be co-advised by Dr. Zachary Darnell and Dr. Kelly Darnell. This assistantship will begin in Spring 2027. The assistantship will be centered on a recently funded project to identify and monitor long-term trends and variability in seagrass-dominated ecosystems in the Gulf Islands National Seashore and identify drivers of change in biodiversity and productivity of these systems to inform coastal resource management. The project will involve field sampling for seagrass and seagrass-associated nekton across the Gulf Islands National Seashore in Florida and Mississippi, as well as laboratory sample processing and analyses of existing long-term datasets. Experience working in seagrass beds and familiarity with coastal nekton communities is preferred but not required. This is a collaborative project with researchers at multiple academic institutions and stakeholders from multiple agencies including the National Park Service. The student selected for this position will pursue a Ph.D. degree in the Division of Coastal Sciences within the School of Ocean Science and Engineering (SOSE). The assistantship includes tuition and a stipend of $28,500 per year for a duration of 5 years. The student selected for the assistantship will be a fully integrated member of the project team and will contribute to study design, collection and analysis of data, and manuscript preparation. Applicants with an M.S. degree are preferred. Interested students should contact Dr. Zachary Darnell (zachary.darnell@usm.edu). Please include a cover letter describing your interests and career goals, a copy of your CV, unofficial undergraduate and graduate transcripts, and contact information for three professional references. For full consideration, submit all required information by August 31, 2026. Posted: 7/24/26.

University of Texas at El Paso: We are considering applications for a Fall 2027 PhD student to begin at UTEP through the EEB Program. The student will work on the remote sensing of forest vegetation structure (roots), soil ecology, and ecosystem function with a collaborative team (SERC, UCONN, IU, Kenyon College) at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) (on objectives for NSF Award #2621909). Minimum requirements: At least a 3.2 GPA, previous independent research experience including in the field, must obtain a US driver’s license. This project has a heavy field component requiring work at SERC (Edgewater, Maryland) for 1-2 semesters for long-hours outdoors and in possible challenging weather. The student will be based in El Paso, TX for the remainder of the UTEP PhD program when not doing field research at SERC. Benefits for UTEP PhD students: Graduate assistantship, student health insurance, tuition remission. Interested applicants can contact Dr. La Rue (ealarue@utep.edu) with your CV (including any publications), a 1 page summary of your research/career goals, and contact info for 2 references. Posted: 8/7/26.

University of Wisconsin-Madison: The Guédot Entomology Laboratory is looking for a highly qualified and motivated individual who wishes to pursue a PhD in Entomology. The project will focus on biocontrol strategies to manage Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica) infestation as well as assessing factors contributing to Japanese beetle infestation in Wisconsin vineyards. The Ph.D student will investigate the efficacy of two biological control agents and optimize their use in commercial settings. Specifically, the student will assess the virulence of naturally-occurring entomopathogenic nematodes and refine work with the microsporidian Ovavesicula popilliae to manage Japanese beetle. In addition the student will determine which abiotic factors can best predict the seasonal abundance of Japanese beetle in vineyard and explain the variability in abundance across vineyards. Qualifications: M.S. degree in entomology, biology, or other related fields. The candidate is expected to work independently and within a team and have excellent verbal and written communication skills. Experience with PCR, insect and nematode rearing, and landscape is . Strong work ethic, excellent writing skills, and the ability to work outdoors for extended periods of time are a must. The assistantship includes an RA stipend and tuition waiver for two years with the possibility to cover the remaining of the program through a research or teaching assistantship depending on funding availability. Application materials: 1) a current CV including GPA (GRE scores are not required), 2) unofficial transcripts, 3) a cover letter stating your research interests, previous experience, qualifications as they match the qualifications outlined in the announcement, and career goals, and 4) contact information for two references to Christelle Guédot at guedot@wisc.edu. Please do not submit an online application at UW-Madison until you have had a formal interview with Dr. Guédot. To be fully considered for the position, submit your application by October 15, 2026. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Start Date: January 1, 2027. Posted: 8/28/26.

University of Wyoming: The Weiss-Lehman lab is recruiting multiple graduate students (PhD and master’s positions available) to join our group in spring or fall 2027. Research in our lab uses a combination of laboratory microcosms computational models to explore the role of rapid evolution in ecological responses to global change. Current projects focus on testing the eco-evolutionary mechanisms responsible for range limit formation, predicting the evolutionary impact of climate driven range shifts, and applying advanced statistical techniques to better quantify the strength of species interactions. We are a highly collaborative group, and lab members are encouraged to work together on group projects while also developing independent research programs based on their own interests. Our lab is committed to creating a research culture in which all lab members feel valued and supported. The positions will be fully funded, including tuition, stipends, and health insurance. Applicants need a bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, evolution, or a related field. Previous experience with quantitative techniques and/or scientific computing languages (e.g., R or Python) is a plus. To apply, please email Topher Weiss-Lehman (cwiessle@uwyo.edu) with your CV, transcripts (unofficial are fine), a statement of interest, and contact information for 2-3 professional references. I will also be at the ESA meeting in Salt Lake City, so feel free to reach out to arrange a time to meet and discuss the positions during the meeting. Posted: 7/17/26.

Assistantships and Fellowships | Fellowship Program Links

Fellowship Program Links:

• Department of Homeland Security Scholarship and Fellowship Program
• Ford Foundation and Howard Hughes Medical Institute
• Hertz Foundation - supports PhD students in the physical, biological, and engineering sciences
• International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis Young Scientists Program
• Link Foundation Ocean Engineering and Instrumentation Ph.D. Fellowship Program
• NASA Earth System Science Fellowship Program
• NASA Graduate Student Researchers Program
• NASA Harriett G. Jenkins Pre-doctoral Fellowship Program
• National Academies Christine Mirzayan Internship Program
• National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship Program
• National Estuarine Research Reserve System Fellowships
• National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis Visiting Graduate Student Fellowships
• NOAA Graduate Sciences Program
• National Science Foundation Doctoral Dissertation Improvement Grants
• National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program
• The Nature Conservancy - NatureNet Science Fellowship Program
• NSF/New England Wild Flower Society Fellowship Program in Conservation Biology
• National Wildlife Federation Campus Ecology Fellowship Program
• Organization for Tropical Studies
• Rainforest Alliance Kleinhans Fellowship
• Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarships
• Smithsonian Environmental Research Center
• Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Opportunities
• Udall Foundation Environmental Public Policy & Conflict Resolution Ph.D. Fellowship
• US Department of Energy Global Change Education Program
• US EPA STAR Fellowships
• US Forest Service Presidential Management Fellows
• WWF Kathryn Fuller Doctoral Fellowships