Miami University Graduate Assistantships in Aquatic Ecology and Fisheries Management and Conservation

The Wagner Lab (https://wagneraqualab.weebly.com/) is seeking highly motivated PhD or MS students to join our research team in the Biology Department at Miami University, Oxford, OH.

The successful candidates will develop research questions to understand and predict the effects of global change drivers on aquatic ecosystems and freshwater fisheries, including climate change, land use and land management, invasive species, eutrophication, and persistent chemical pollutants (e.g., per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances [PFAS]).

Selected students will work with dynamic, interdisciplinary research teams composed of federal, state, and academic scientists. 

• The successful candidate must have completed a BS or MS in ecology, fisheries, ecological statistics, or a related discipline with a strong quantitative background or a desire to learn and apply Bayesian hierarchical statistical models to answer pressing ecological questions.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively are essential.

• There is also an expectation to present research findings at scientific conferences and contribute to academic journal publications.

• Preference will be given to applicants wishing to pursue a PhD in Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology (https://miamioh.edu/cas/graduate-programs/biology/eeeb/), although strong candidates seeking a MS in Biology (https://miamioh.edu/cas/departments/biology/) will be considered.

Graduate student support will be a combination of research and teaching assistantships beginning in Fall 2027. The assistantship includes $2000 to $3000 stipend and a full tuition waiver.

To apply, please provide

1. 1

   a cover letter detailing your research experience and interests;

2. 2

   a CV;

3. 3

   names and contact information of three professional references;

4. 4

   academic transcripts (unofficial transcripts are sufficient); and

5. 5

   a relevant publication (if available).

Please submit these materials to Dr. Tyler Wagner via email (wagne263@miamioh.edu) as a single merged PDF.

To learn more about research in the Wagner Lab, please visit https://wagneraqualab.weebly.com/. Further information can be obtained by contacting Dr. Tyler Wagner (wagne263@miamioh.edu).

Applications submitted before 15 November 2026 will be given priority; however, review of applicants will begin immediately and continue until positions are filled.