PhD Assistantship Fisheries/Population Modelling

Job Details

We are recruiting a PhD student to begin in Fall 2026 to investigate eradication strategies of one of the worst invasive species in the Southwestern U.S.; the Red Shiner Cyprinella lutrensis. Red Shiner are a persistent and ecologically detrimental invasive species, negatively impacting aquatic ecosystems throughout the West. Control of invasive Red Shiner populations is widely ineffective utilizing existing management tools. Therefore, alternative management strategies are necessary, such as skewing invasive population sex ratios towards all males through YY fish releases. The aim of this project is to determine the efficacy of YY Red Shiner releases by incorporating dispersal capabilities and population structure into management-ready models.

Position Duties: The goals of this project are to:

1. Conduct mark-recapture methods and population structure admixture analysis to estimate dispersal potential and interconnectivity of the Verde River, AZ and Virgin River, NV Red Shiner populations, respectively.
2. Develop YY release simulations to assess the feasibility of eradicating invasive Red Shiner populations

This position will entail extensive field work and coordination with multiple state and federal biologists to sample the Verde River, AZ and Virgin River, NV. The student will deploy PIT tag arrays, conduct Red Shiner population estimates, and collect DNA samples in remote and inhospitable field locations. The student will lead a population admixture analysis utilizing DNA samples. Ultimately, the student will incorporate their data into simulations of YY Red Shiner releases to inform management on the scale of effectiveness for YY Red Shiner release scenarios. The student will author manuscripts and present at conferences to disseminate findings. The student will develop highly applicable skills for future careers in fisheries, genetics, ecology, and natural resource management, and will obtain mentoring experience by supervising undergraduate research technicians. The partners and sponsors for this project are an excellent team of scientists from federal and state agencies. The selected student will be advised by Dr. Chad Teal (U.S. Geological Survey, Utah State University) in the Technical and Experimental Aquatics Lab. In addition to these research duties, the student will need to successfully complete the required coursework, author and defend a dissertation, and graduate with their PhD within 5 years of starting.

Requirements

M.S. in fisheries, ecology, quantitative methods, natural resource management, or other related fields with a minimum 3.2 GPA. A good work ethic is mandatory. Experience in leading field work is preferred. Writing, organizational, data management skills, and quantitative skills are required, as well as the ability to maintain positive working relationships with members of the lab, department, and stakeholder groups. Only applicants that can obtain a valid U.S. driver’s license by start date need apply. Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law

Contact Information

How to Apply: Please email a cover letter, resume or CV, a writing sample, unofficial copies of transcripts, and three professional/academic letters of recommendation to Dr. Chad Teal, email: chad.teal@usu.edu.