The Freshwater Ecology Lab at Southern Illinois University (SIU) in Carbondale, Illinois, is recruiting motivated M.S. and Ph.D. students to start in Spring or Fall 2026.
Research Focus
Graduate students will conduct field and laboratory research focused on freshwater ecology, community dynamics, and ecosystem processes. Major research areas in the SIU Freshwater Ecology Lab include:
- Host-Parasite Interactions: Studying how parasites infect aquatic hosts (invertebrates and amphibians) and influence their behavior, physiology, and population dynamics.
- Ecological Stoichiometry & Nutrient Cycling: Investigating the flow of key elements (carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus) through freshwater food webs and how environmental changes alter nutrient balance in stream and lake ecosystems.
- Aquatic Conservation: Collaborating with the SIU Center for Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences (CFAAS) to study the impacts of invasive species, habitat fragmentation, and pollution on native freshwater communities.
Funding and Support
- Fully funded graduate assistantships (Research or Teaching Assistantships).
- Includes a competitive monthly stipend, full tuition remission, and health insurance benefits.
- Funding is available for fieldwork, laboratory analyses, and participation in national and international scientific conferences.
Preferred Qualifications
- B.S. or M.S. in Biology, Ecology, Zoology, Aquatic Science, or a related biological discipline.
- Prior experience conducting aquatic fieldwork or laboratory experiments.
- Familiarity with statistical data analysis, particularly using R or Python, is highly valued.
- Self-motivated individuals with strong written and spoken communication skills.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should contact the faculty advisors at the SIU School of Biological Sciences directly via email. Please include a brief cover letter describing your research interests and experience, a current CV, unofficial academic transcripts, and contact details for two references.