MS or PhD Graduate Research Assistantship in Marine Fisheries, 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.
- Job Type: Other
- Organization: Integrated Marine Fisheries Lab | Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences | Oregon State University
- Qualifications: 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.
- How 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.
- Location: Newport, OR
Contact Information
Cheryl Barnes
Integrated Marine Fisheries Lab | Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences | Oregon State University
+15413518501
cheryl.barnes@oregonstate.edu
nahar.16@osu.edu