Position Title: One Ph.D. student to work in the Fisheries Ecology and Ecosystem Dynamics (FEED) Lab of Dr. Jeff Plumlee at Louisiana State University. Start date is Fall of 2026; however, may begin earlier in 2026 depending on project needs. Compensation: Competitive 12-month stipend and tuition coverage.

Responsibilities: The student will work closely with state agencies, recreational and commercial fishers, as well as academic collaborators to conduct funded research broadly investigating the ecological relationships of fishery-important species and the human dimensions surrounding their respective fisheries. Funding for projects is primarily tied to the trophic impacts of Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) on estuarine fish and invertebrate communities.

The student will use a variety of research techniques including (but not limited to), natural biogeochemical markers, long-term fishery-independent data analysis, manipulative field experimentation, and mail and internet surveys.

Each student-led project will use a combination of multiple orthogonal methods as part of their research. Students should expect to be exposed to a wide range of skills, data collection methods, and analytical tools. All research conducted by the FEED Lab will incorporate the dissemination of the students’ findings to stakeholders during their graduate responsibilities.

Required Qualifications:

– A M.S. in ecology, biology, fisheries/aquatic science or a closely related field (other degree programs will be considered).

– Demonstrated experience in written and verbal communication.

– Basic understanding of the programming language R and a formalized introduction to biostatistics.

To Apply: Submit applications to Dr. Jeff Plumlee (jplumlee@agcenter.lsu.edu). Applications should include 1) a cover letter, 2) CV, 3) contact information for three references; all three components should be merged into a single PDF document. Please contact Dr. Plumlee with any questions or inquiries about the position.

Closing Date: Application reviews will begin April 15, 2026 and continue until the position has been filled.

For more information or questions:

Dr. Jeff Plumlee

Louisiana State University – Agricultural Center

Jeffrey D. Plumlee

Assistant Professor

School of Renewable Natural Resources

Louisiana State University – Agricultural Center

Louisiana Sea Grant

Baton Rouge, LA 70803

Phone: (225) 578-4102