Natural Resources Job Board

 Position: The Montaña Aquatic Ecology Lab (https://www.carmengmontana.com/) at the Department of Biology at Stephen F. Austin State University is recruiting a Master’s student to begin in Summer 2026 (preferred) or Fall 2026. The position is funded for 2 years, and will be based in the research group of Dr. Montaña at Stephen F. Austin State University (SFASU). Student will receive a stipend of $2,000/month and Nonresident (NR) tuition is waived (resident tuition fees apply). 

 

Research Focus: This study will use a multiscale perspective to survey the freshwater fishes in streams/rivers of east Texas to identify relationships within basin-scale connectivity and stream flow and reach-scales physicochemical characteristics in the context of aiding the current distribution of imperiled fish species (shiners and suckers) within the Neches and Sabine River basins in Texas. 

This research will use a combination of fishing gears and sampling methods to accurately assess freshwater fishes with efforts focused on several native imperiled fish species. The surveys will be conducted on a yearly basis including three seasons (spring, summer, and fall) to better understand changes in fish assemblage dynamics over time. Surveys will also include multiscale habitat analysis to quantify habitats a finer (e.g., reach, mesohabitat) and broader (e.g., landscape) scales to help identify environmental variables associated with the occurrence of imperiled shiners and suckers over time. In addition, novel approaches based on PIT tagging and stable isotope analysis of carbon [δ13C], nitrogen [δ15N], and Sulfur (δ34S) will be conducted to evaluate and monitor movement patterns and habitat use by proposed imperiled species within the Neches and Sabine River basins. 

 

Desired Qualifications: Individuals with research interests in aquatic ecology, fish ecology/fisheries, river/stream ecology, food-web ecology, and/or conservation ecology are especially encouraged to apply. Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree by the start date in Biology, Ecology, Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, or related field. Demonstrated experience in fish sampling and identification; use of water quality meters, proficiency in Microsoft Office (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint), have an understanding of biodiversity metrics. Coding in R, ArGIS skills, and stable isotope processing is a plus, though all of these can be learned during graduate school. Experience with driving a boat/trailer is required. The ability to conduct rigorous fieldwork under extreme conditions (e.g., heat, humidity) will be necessary. Excellent communication, time-management skills, a strong work ethic and attention to detail also are essential. Self-motivated and able to work independently and collaboratively is expected. The candidate must also have a valid driver’s license (will need to get a Texas driver license). 

 

About the Area/University: SFASU is located in Nacogdoches, Texas. The Department of Biology has (http://www.sfasu.edu/academics/colleges/sciences-math/biology) a diverse faculty with strengths in ecology and evolutionary ecology, conservation biology, botany, and cellular and molecular biology. Nacogdoches is a city with more than 33,000 residents. 

 

Deadline: Review of applications will start March 1, 2026 and continue until the position is filled. The candidate is expected to begin in Summer 2026 (June 1 2026, preferred) or Fall 2026. Please send only one PDF file to Dr. Carmen Montaña (montanascg@sfasu.edu) with the following documents: 1) a cover letter outlining your research interests and experiences, 1) GPA scores,  3) Undergraduate transcripts (unofficial are accepted), 4) Curriculum vitae, 5)GRE scores (if available), 6) contact details of three references and 7) an example of your writing.