PhD Position in Aquatic Ecosystem Ecology – University of North Texas
Project: A doctoral position is available for an independent and motivated student with a background in ecology, environmental science, fisheries, or related fields. The student will participate in a collaborative, multi-institution NSF-funded research project to understand the patterns and drivers of organism size-structure in macroinvertebrate and fish food webs of stream ecosystems. The project aims to determine how individual metabolic scaling and trophic structure relate to the distribution of body sizes and energy flow in stream food webs. The student will have the opportunity to work in a variety of streams across North America within the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) and gain experience in the application of stable isotopes, respirometry, and Bayesian inferential frameworks.
The position will be available starting in summer of 2026, but there is flexibility in the start date for fall 2026 for qualified applicants.
The project leader, Dr. Jim Junker, works within a diverse and collaborative research group at the University of North Texas exploring aquatic ecosystems from biogeochemistry to food web ecology across a wide variety of scales. The lab group values diversity and seeks to build an inclusive lab environment.
Compensation: Funds are available to support research activities and doctoral student salary and tuition. It is expected that support will come from a combination of research and teaching assistantships and that students will apply for appropriate fellowships and scholarships. Doctoral students on UNT assistantships are provided health insurance through the university’s health insurance plan.
Eligibility: Candidates with a Master’s degree in a relevant field are preferred; however, consideration will be given to exceptional candidates with a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Competitive candidates will have experience working in field settings; strong statistical and modelling skills, including experience in the R computing environment; and excellent interpersonal and writing skills. The position requires eligibility to operate a motor vehicle in the U.S.
The student will be enrolled in the PhD program in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of North Texas in Denton, TX.
Application process: Application review will begin on February 10, 2026 and the position will remain open until filled.
To apply, please send application materials to Dr. Jim Junker (james.junker@unt.edu) with the subject, “PhD application: aquatic ecosystem ecology”.
Packets should include a single PDF with 1) cover letter describing your interest in the project, relevant experience, and career goals, 2) your CV, 3) the names and contact details of three (3) references, and 4) unofficial transcripts.