The Department of Natural Resources and the Environment at Cornell University, in partnership with the New York Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit (NY CRU / USGS), is inviting applications for a fully funded Ph.D. Graduate Research Assistantship in Fisheries Science and Atlantic Salmon Ecology.
Project Context & Fisheries Scope
Restoring wild populations of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) across Lake Ontario tributaries is a major freshwater fisheries conservation priority. This doctoral project investigates how river habitat conditions, water temperature regimes, and thermal refugia influence the survival, movement, and growth of juvenile Atlantic salmon across key stream systems, including Irondequoit Creek, Salmon Creek, Sandy Creek, and South Sandy Creek. Key research focus areas include:
- Applying high-resolution UAV drone mapping to quantify stream physical habitat and thermal heterogeneity.
- Deploying acoustic telemetry networks and PIT tagging to track juvenile salmon movement and habitat utilization.
- Building bioenergetic and population dynamic models to evaluate restoration strategies for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).
Funding & Remuneration Package
- Starting Annual Stipend: $49,925 per year (full 12-month assistantship support).
- Tuition & Health Care: Full tuition waiver and comprehensive health insurance coverage provided by Cornell University.
- Start Date: After January 25, 2027.
- Location: Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA.
Candidate Profile & Qualifications
- Master’s degree (M.Sc.) in Fisheries Science, Aquatic Ecology, Marine Biology, Wildlife Biology, or related fields.
- At least 4 years of relevant academic or field research experience in aquatic ecosystems.
- Experience with fish sampling techniques (electrofishing, telemetry), GIS, UAV habitat mapping, or statistical modeling in R/Python.
- Strong leadership skills and enthusiasm for collaborating with state and federal fisheries management agencies.
How to Apply
Application materials should be submitted directly to the project supervisor by August 15, 2026 for full consideration, with final official application submission through the Cornell University Graduate School portal due by August 22, 2026.