Natural Resources Job Board

 Ph.D. Graduate Assistantship: Atlantic Salmon Bioenergetics - University of Maine, Orono 

 

Responsibilities: The incumbent will develop a collaborative project aimed at understanding the costs of delays in migration for upstream migrating adult Atlantic salmon in Maine.  The project will use respirometry, telemetry, physiological monitoring and thermal experience to construct a bioenergetic model characterizing migratory, reproductive, and survival costs of delays. This is a quantitatively intense study. While telemetry, fish culture, and modeling experience would be desirable, a willingness to learn is a necessity. Good communication skills are essential.  The incumbent will work with many other partners (e.g., federal and NGOs), and be responsible for frequent reporting. The student will be advised by Joe Zydlewski.  One to two semesters of TA support are anticipated. Individuals from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. 

Qualifications: M.S. in biology or equivalent, quantitative skills, interest in fisheries science and excellent work ethics.  Must have a desire to work in a collaborative and supportive graduate student community.   GPA of 3.2+ is desired.   

 

Salary: $30,000 per year, $3,157 health, and $7,241 tuition (estimated). Funding is renewed annually; 4.5 years is anticipated.  

Closing date: Review will begin December 31, 2025; anticipated starting date of May 1, 2026 or as arranged. 

 

Contact: Please send cover letter, CV, transcripts, three references (names and contact only) and GRE scores/percentiles (optional). Please direct questions and applications to Joe Zydlewski (email josephz@maine.edu) with heading “Atlantic Salmon”. 

 

Links: https://umaine.edu/mainecoopunit/; https://umaine.edu/graduate/ 

About UMaine: The University of Maine, an R-1 institution, is a friendly community in the small and bike-able town of Orono, just up the road from the City of Bangor.  The campus is surrounded by ample forests, bogs, rivers, and lakes set in the famous Hundred-Mile Wilderness of the Appalachian Trail and the spectacular coastline of Acadia National Park.