Graduate Position in Freshwater Ecology – Northern Michigan University
Description: The Tumolo lab (https://www.benjamintumolo.com) is seeking interested and qualified applicants for a MS Graduate Assistantship in the Biology Department at Northern Michigan University. The start date for this position will be Fall 2026. The student will be supported by an institutional Graduate Teaching Assistantship. The successful candidate’s Masters (MS) thesis research will encompass freshwater ecology topics focused on linkages between macroinvertebrates and aquatic ecosystem functions. Many potential research topics are available, including aquatic insect community response to environmental change, stream macroinvertebrates as ecosystem engineers, species interactions and their roles in ecosystem functions.
Qualifications: B.S. or B.A. in Biology, Environmental Science, or related fields. Minimum GPA of 3.0. The applicant must have the ability to work independently, and collaboratively on a team. Strong applicants will have prior research experience in either field or laboratory settings.
Expectations: The successful candidate will begin classes and their assistantship in Fall 2026. The student will have support for two years. Students will conduct a thesis research project and complete required course work. Students will receive a stipend, a tuition and fee waivers, along with opportunities for additional funding through the university. Additional funds are available to support travel and attending professional conferences. Northern Michigan University has a strong M.S. graduate program in Biology (~ 35 students). The student will also benefit from assistance from a vibrant undergraduate community and collaborating with colleagues of the Tumolo lab. NMU is located in Marquette, Michigan, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Marquette is a small city on the shore of Lake Superior and has excellent access to beautiful natural areas and trails. The location of NMU is a great place to live and offers excellent access to water bodies, along with state and public wildlands that serve as natural laboratories to integrate global issues with freshwater conservation.
To apply: Send a C.V. or resume, cover letter, transcripts (unofficial is OK), and contact information for three references to Dr. Ben Tumolo (btumolo@nmu.edu) with the email subject line “GA Position (last name)”. All applications received by December 16, 2025 will receive full consideration. For more information on the graduate program at Northern Michigan University, please see here: https://nmu.edu/biology/masters-science-biology
—