The Aquatic Ecology Laboratory (AEL) at The Ohio State University (OSU) is recruiting a fully funded PhD student in Fish Ecology. The position is expected to start in Summer or Fall 2026.
Research Focus
The successful candidate will conduct research in the Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology (EEOB) under the supervision of Dr. Stuart Ludsin. Key research areas include understanding the ecological mechanisms that regulate fish populations, community dynamics, and food web interactions in Lake Erie and Ohio’s inland waters. Research projects typically combine field sampling, laboratory experiments, and quantitative modeling to address:
- Fish recruitment processes and early life history survival.
- Population connectivity and stock discrimination using otolith chemistry and genetic markers.
- Ecosystem-level responses to anthropogenic pressures, including climate change, harmful algal blooms, and agricultural runoff.
- Ecosystem-based approaches to fisheries management in the Great Lakes.
Partnership and Collaboration
The PhD research is conducted in close partnership with the Ohio Division of Wildlife (DOW). This collaboration provides students with unique opportunities to work directly with resource managers, participate in large-scale monitoring surveys, and translate scientific findings into actionable fisheries management policies.
Funding and Benefits
- Fully funded position for the duration of the PhD program.
- Includes a competitive graduate assistantship stipend, full tuition waiver, and health insurance.
- Excellent professional development opportunities, travel funding, and access to state-of-the-art research vessels and lab facilities.
Preferred Qualifications
- B.S. or M.S. in Biology, Fisheries Science, Ecology, Aquatic Science, or a related field.
- Prior field research experience in aquatic environments (fish sampling, water quality monitoring).
- Strong quantitative skills, with interest or experience in statistical analysis, data management, or ecological modeling (preferably in R).
- Strong academic writing and communication skills.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should contact Dr. Stuart Ludsin directly via email. Please include a brief cover letter describing your research interests and experience, a current CV, and contact details for references. For more information, visit the OSU Aquatic Ecology Laboratory website or the Ludsin Lab page.