The Rehage Lab for Coastal Fish Ecology & Fisheries at Florida International University (FIU) in Miami, Florida, is recruiting two fully funded PhD students to study the movement ecology of recreational fisheries in the coastal Everglades. The positions are expected to start in Fall 2026.
Research Focus
The successful candidates will join a dynamic, collaborative team to investigate how recreational fisheries and coastal fish species respond to environmental and anthropogenic changes. The projects will be conducted under the framework of the Florida Coastal Everglades Long Term Ecological Research (FCE-LTER) program. Key research themes include:
- Utilizing acoustic telemetry to track fish movements and habitat use across hydroclimatic gradients.
- Applying stable isotopes and trophic analyses to study food web dynamics and ecological connectivity.
- Integrating telemetry data with habitat mapping to evaluate the impacts of Everglades restoration and climate change.
- Partnering with recreational fishing guides, anglers, and resource managers to integrate local ecological knowledge into conservation policy.
Target Species
The research will primarily focus on iconic recreational game fish species in the Everglades ecosystem, including Common Snook, Tarpon, Spotted Seatrout, and juvenile Goliath Grouper.
Funding and Benefits
- Fully funded for the duration of the PhD program.
- Includes a competitive graduate assistantship stipend, full tuition waiver, and health insurance.
- Excellent opportunities for professional development, field research in the Everglades, and cross-institutional collaboration.
Preferred Qualifications
- B.S. or M.S. in Fisheries Science, Marine Biology, Ecology, or a closely related field.
- Strong quantitative skills, with demonstrated proficiency in statistical programming (especially R).
- Prior experience in field telemetry, fish handling, boating, or outdoor fieldwork in coastal or estuarine environments.
- Demonstrated ability to write scientifically and work collaboratively in a team setting.
How to Apply
Interested applicants are encouraged to contact Dr. Jennifer Rehage directly via email. Please include a brief cover letter describing your research interests and experience, a current CV, and contact details for three professional references. For more information, visit the Rehage Lab website or the Florida Coastal Everglades LTER opportunities page.