PhD Research Assistantship in Fish Ecology/Population Biology — Ohio State University
Research opportunity: The Bruckerhoff-Freshwater Community Ecology Lab (https://u.osu.edu/bruckerhofflab/) is recruiting a PhD student to conduct research on Smallmouth Bass population dynamics in Lake Erie. The successful candidate will develop research projects in close collaboration with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources-Division of Wildlife (ODNR-DOW). Smallmouth Bass are an important recreational sportfish in Lake Erie, and the ODNR-DOW has collected long-term data regarding the population structure of the fishery. The successful candidate will develop questions related to identifying drivers of population dynamics of Smallmouth Bass. The position will be fully supported as a Graduate Research Assistantship.
The successful candidate will join a dynamic, interactive group of students, technicians, postdoctoral associates, and faculty at The Ohio State University’s Aquatic Ecology Laboratory (AEL, ael.osu.edu/) within the Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology (eeob.osu.edu/).
Qualifications: B.S. (required) or M.S (preferred) degree in biology, ecology, applied mathematics, statistics, or a closely related field. Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or greater (as required by the Graduate School). Successful applicants will be creative, motivated, and capable of working effectively both independently and in collaborative groups. Previous experience developing age structured population models or statistical catch-at-age models and/or strong desire to learn quantitative skills is desired.
We seek to maintain a productive, diverse, and collaborative lab group. The AEL is committed fostering an environment where diversity of background and thought is accepted and encouraged. We encourage all interested people to apply despite preconceived notions of their own experience as it relates to this project’s objectives.
Stipend: ~$2,625/month plus full tuition wavier and employer supported benefits.
Start date: Fall 2026
How to apply: If interested, please email Dr. Lindsey Bruckerhoff (bruckerhoff.2@osu.edu) and include: 1) a letter of interest that briefly describes your educational and research background, as well as your research interests and career goals; 2) a curriculum vitae (or resume); 3) an unofficial copy of your transcript(s); 4) contact information for at least three professional references; 5) GRE scores (if available, but not required), and if applicable, TOEFL/TSE scores; and 6) a relevant writing sample. Please put “SMB Phd Position” in the subject line. We will begin reviewing candidate applications immediately and ultimately will invite a select subset of candidates to apply to the department. Applicants invited by Dr. Bruckerhoff to apply to the department must submit all materials to the OSU graduate school by November 15th, so applications materials must be received by email well before this date.
Additional information: For additional information about application procedures and requirements in EEOB, visit https://eeob.osu.edu/grad/program-admissions.