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MS Graduate Assistantship (Juvenile Sea Lamprey Feeding Behavior and Growth)

Michigan State University (Private)

Details
Application Deadline:
09/15/2026
Published:
06/02/2026
Starting Date:
after 1/1/2027
Hours per Week:
at least 40
Salary:
starting at $32,000 per year
Education Required:
Bachelors
Experience Required:
at least 2 years
Location:
East Lansing, Michigan
Tags:
Graduate Opportunities
Description
MS Graduate Assistantship (Juvenile Sea Lamprey Feeding Behavior and Growth)

Position: MS Graduate Research Assistantship
Start date: Spring 2027
Location: Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, with research activities at Hammond Bay Biological Station, Millersburg, Michigan
Advisor: Dr John B. Hume, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University

That Lamprey Lab (https://thatlampreylab.com) at Michigan State University is recruiting a Masters student to study juvenile sea lamprey feeding behavior and early parasitic growth. This position is part of the Sea Lamprey Aquaculture and Procurement Initiative, a Great Lakes Fishery Commission-supported research program focused on developing reliable methods for producing and maintaining later life stages of sea lamprey for research and management.

The student will lead a project examining whether laboratory-reared and wild-origin juvenile sea lamprey differ in host-seeking behavior, attachment success, feeding duration, wound characteristics, survival, and growth when offered live host fishes under controlled laboratory conditions. The project will address both fundamental questions about the transition to parasitism and applied questions about whether captive-reared juvenile sea lamprey are suitable for research and management use. Depending on juvenile availability and project progress, the student may also contribute to work evaluating artificial feeding approaches for juvenile sea lamprey, including feeder design, host-associated sensory cues, and short-term attachment or feeding responses.

The student will gain experience with aquatic animal husbandry, behavioral experiments, juvenile sea lamprey handling, host–parasite interactions, video or direct behavioral observation, experimental design, data management, and statistical analysis. The project will involve periodic travel to Hammond Bay Biological Station.

Required qualifications

Applicants should have:

  • A BS degree in fisheries, biology, ecology, natural resources, animal science, physiology, or a related field by the start date.
  • Interest in fisheries science, aquatic ecology, animal behavior, aquaculture, host–parasite interactions, invasive species biology, or Great Lakes management.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Willingness to work with live animals.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
  • Strong written and oral communication skills.
 
Preferred qualifications

Preferred qualifications include experience with one or more of the following:

  • Fish husbandry or aquatic laboratory systems.
  • Behavioral experiments or video-based behavioral observation.
  • Fisheries field or laboratory research.
  • Statistical analysis, or data management.
  • Great Lakes research, sea lamprey biology, host–parasite interactions, or applied fisheries management.
 
Funding

The assistantship includes an annual graduate stipend, tuition support, and health benefits. Final stipend level will follow Michigan State University and Department of Fisheries and Wildlife graduate assistantship rates. Support is contingent on final project funding, satisfactory academic progress, and admission to Michigan State University.

Application materials

Interested applicants should send:

  1. A cover letter describing research interests, relevant experience, and career goals.
  2. A CV.
  3. Unofficial transcripts.
  4. Contact information for 2–3 references.
  5. A brief statement describing why this project is of interest.
Please send materials to:

Dr John B. Hume
Department of Fisheries and Wildlife
Michigan State University
Email: jhume@msu.edu

Review of applications will begin 15 September 2026 and continue until the position is filled.
Contact
John Hume
5173038693
jhume@msu.edu (preferred contact method)