Opportunities
This page lists recent (since September 1, 2025) job opportunities in ecology and evolutionary biology. This site has listed more than 2700 job opportunities since it was initiated in 2017. Many thanks to Miranda Davis for providing this service!
Funded M.S. Assistantship in Watershed Restoration
Funded M.S. Assistantship in Watershed Restoration
We are seeking a highly motivated and hardworking student with a strong interest in land conservation and watershed restoration of degraded ecosystems to join the Xi Lab at Texas A&M University–Kingsville. Our lab has broad expertise in forest and rangeland restoration, geospatial analysis, and ecosystem management.
Position Location: Texas A&M University–Kingsville, Kingsville, Texas
Funding: This assistantship is supported by a funded grant under the project “Implementation of Inflation Reduction Act Urban and Community Forestry Program.” The position includes a stipend and an out-of-state tuition waiver.
Qualifications: B.S. in Biology, Forestry, Ecology, Botany, Environmental Science, Geography, Geographic Information Science (GIS), or a closely related field. The successful candidate should have strong analytical, oral, and written communication skills, be detail-oriented, and able to work independently. A valid driver’s license is required, and the ability to work in outdoor field conditions is essential.
Preferred Qualifications: The student will primarily conduct field surveys, statistical analyses, and spatial analyses. Prior research experience in ecological restoration, rangeland ecology, or forestry is highly desirable. Experience working with geospatial datasets (climate, vegetation, soil), remote sensing, and other geospatial technologies (GIS) is strongly preferred.
Application Deadline: Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
Start Date: We aim to appoint a successful candidate by Summer 2026, with an expected start date in September 2026.
Application Instructions: Before applying, please email a single PDF document to Dr. Weimin Xi (weimin.xi@tamuk.edu) including:
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- · A letter of interest describing your qualifications, experience, and background · Curriculum vitae (CV) · Unofficial transcripts · Contact information for three academic or research references
Please feel free to contact me for additional information about the graduate program, our research, or project details.
Weimin Xi, Ph.D., Professor, Senior Ecologist
Texas A&M University – Kingsville
Kingsville, Texas 78363-8202, USA
Phone: (361)-593-2758
Email: weimin.xi@tamuk.edu
Research Lab Website: https://drxilab.netlify.app/
Hiring: Seasonal Vegetation Monitoring Technician
About the Job
The MNPhrag research team at the University of Minnesota is seeking a seasonal technician to assist with site monitoring and research related to invasive Phragmites. Work will involve regular travel to field sites throughout Minnesota. Work will be primarily field-based with some campus-based time at the UMN Saint Paul Campus for data entry and work planning.
The technician’s primary focus will be monitoring invasive Phragmites populations as part of a statewide research and control program (see MNPhrag.org). Major tasks will include traveling to field sites, collecting data on invasive Phragmites populations; communicating with landowners; and entering and managing data. There may also be opportunities to assist with research addressing the capacity of native vegetation to prevent reinvasion where invasive Phragmites has been controlled, as well as research on invasive Phragmites seed viability. These activities require careful, strategic planning; driving to field sites; performing outdoor work in both urban and rural settings, including wetland, lake, roadside, and agricultural habitats; interacting with diverse stakeholders in a professional, collegial manner; and a dedication to efficient, thorough data collection to support effective Phragmites management.
We are actively seeking candidates and the position will remain open until filled.
To view qualifications and apply:
1. Select the link below to access our careers site.
2. Sign In to access your account or if you are not an existing user select the New User link to create one.
3. Review the job description and select the Apply button to begin your application. Please submit a resume and cover letter.
Title: Two Graduate Research Assistants (MS) – trout
POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT
Title: Two Graduate Research Assistants (MS)
Project: Examination of angler use and persistence of stocked trout during a delayed harvest season in the Chattahoochee River below Morgan Falls
Responsibilities: We are seeking two MS students to contribute to a field-based research project aimed at quantifying angler use and satisfaction, as well as trout persistence following stocking events in a managed tailwater fishery. Data collection will mostly occur during the Morgan Falls Delayed Harvest (MFDH) season (1 November – 14 May), when the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GA DNR) stocks catchable trout near the city of Atlanta. Conducted in collaboration with GA DNR, this research is expected to increase our understanding of the social benefits and ecological viability of this southern tailwater trout fishery. Some data-collection responsibilities will likely occur on weekends or holidays.
Students will pursue complementary but distinct objectives and are expected to collaborate closely throughout the project. Objective 1 involves human dimensions research. The successful applicant will design and conduct interviews and in-person creel surveys at the MFDH area to assess angler use of the trout fishery, fishing success, and satisfaction related to management of the fishery (fishery-dependent data collection). The applicant will analyze interview and survey data using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Objective 2 involves conducting boat electrofishing surveys to census trout populations in the MFDH area (fishery-independent data collection). Students will work alongside faculty and staff from the Warnell School of Forestry and the Georgia Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit as well as GA DNR managers and fisheries biologists.
Students will be advised based on their respective focus areas: the fisheries-independent student will work directly with Dr. Kelly Robinson, while the fisheries-dependent student will work with Dr. Brian Irwin and Dr. Elizabeth Pienaar. These positions offer an excellent opportunity to develop skills directly applicable to careers in fisheries conservation and human dimensions of natural resource management, as well as engagement with agency partners.
Additional responsibilities include presenting research results to partners and at scientific conferences; publishing in peer-reviewed literature; and interacting with scientists at the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and the Georgia Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit and our partners. Other related duties may also be assigned as needs arise (e.g., required training, contribution to general operation of the research unit). Further, lab members are expected to help maintain a supportive collegiate environment.
Qualifications:
Required – B.S. in Biology, Ecology, Natural Resources, Human Dimensions, or related field; Valid US driver’s license and ability to operate motor vehicles in high-traffic conditions; willingness to work long hours (including some weekends and holidays) and tolerate harsh field conditions (e.g., heat/cold, humidity, rain, insects); Ability to follow protocols and a strong attention to detail
Preferred – General: Experience conducting fieldwork related to freshwater fisheries; proficiency with R; able to work independently and in collaboration with other researchers; commitment to publish findings in peer-reviewed journals; interest in fishery management and working with government agency personnel
Fishery-dependent angler surveys: Experience conducting field-based social science research, such as creel surveys or angler interviews
Fishery-independent electrofishing surveys: Experience with trailering and operating watercraft, including electrofishing boats on rivers
Salary: Approximately $24,300 / year, plus full tuition waiver and benefits
Location: These positions will be based out of the Georgia Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, housed in the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources at the University of Georgia, Athens, GA. Field work will occur near Atlanta, GA.
Contact: Drs. Brian Irwin (irwin@uga.edu) and Kelly Robinson (kfrobinson@uga.edu)
To apply: Prior to applying to the Graduate School, qualified applicants should send a single email containing: 1) cover letter describing professional interests (1-page max), 2) a resume, 3) unofficial transcripts of college-level work, and 4) contact information for 3 professional references to Drs. Brian Irwin (irwin@uga.edu) and Kelly Robinson (kfrobinson@uga.edu), with “Trout MS application” in the subject line. Please specify in your cover letter which project objective (fishery-dependent angler surveys or fishery-independent electrofishing surveys) you are applying for. Open until filled. Review of applications will begin on May 20, 2026. Start date is August 2026, pending successful funding of the project.
New MSc Ecological Forecasting in Bayreuth (DE)
Dear all,
The University of Bayreuth is advertising a new Master’s programme in Ecological Forecasting, run jointly with JMU Würzburg and part of the Elite Network of Bavaria. Please share this with any students who might be interested.
The programme trains students in ecology, statistical modelling, artificial intelligence, remote sensing, and decision-making, with a strong focus on producing and communicating quantitative forecasts. It is structured around block-style foundational and thematic modules, pilot study internships, an annual workshop, and a collaborative forecasting challenge.
– No tuition fees; Bayreuth has a relatively low cost of living among German university cities
– Applications still open until May 15th (EU and non-EU citizens)
– MEF@uni-bayreuth.de for general inquiries
Full details and application guide: https://www.uni-
Kind regards,
Bert van der Veen
University of Bayreuth
PhD Opportunity, Australia: Where, when and how do birds sleep in the city?
School of Life & Environmental Sciences
Deakin University
75 Pigdons Rd, Waurn Ponds, VIC 3216, Australia
a.aulsebrook@deakin.edu.au
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- Important Notice: The contents of this email are intended solely for the named addressee and are confidential; any unauthorised use, reproduction or storage of the contents is expressly prohibited. If you have received this email in error, please delete it and any attachments immediately and advise the sender by return email or telephone.
Research Assistant job opportunity at BAERI/NASA Ames
Research Assistant job opportunity at BAERI/NASA Ames – review begins 4/30/2026 by Carl Norlen (23 Apr 2026 17:26 EDT)
nonprofit organization focused on enabling and conducting research in Earth and space
science, is seeking a Research Assistant for the NASA Ames Earth Science Division
(https://www.nasa.gov/earth-
Ecosystem Resilience, and Risk Assessment Initiative (WERK) that aims to develop
ecosystem monitoring data products and assessments to support California state
partners’ urgent needs in protecting public safety and natural resources from catastrophic
wildfires and growing environmental variability. Specifically, the research assistant will
support the aboveground biomass and fuel mapping tasks. Ideal candidates will have
experience with vegetation plot monitoring datasets, geospatial data management,
remote sensing, and statistical analysis. The position is based at NASA’s Ames Research
Center (ARC) in Moffett Field, CA, with an initial duration of 1 year and the possibility of
extension. The scientist is expected to work on-site at least two days per week.Alternative
arrangements may be considered where appropriate. The anticipated start date is
Summer 2026.
– Assist in the development and harmonization of forest plot datasets across
California;
– Work with the project team on data compilation, data cleaning, remote sensing
algorithm applications, processing pipeline development and delivery;
– Develop documentation and training materials to allow team members and
partners to successfully operate the data processing pipeline;
– Contribute to research manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals;
– Present research findings at conferences and public forums;
– Contribute to the research community in Ames Earth Science division and beyond;
Minimum/ Required Qualifications
– Master’s Degree (or Bachelor’s degree with more than 3-years of experience in
this field) in forest ecology, geography, remote sensing, or a relevant
multidisciplinary degree.
– Experience collecting and/or working with forest plot monitoring datasets (e.g.,
stem maps, species, size, biomass)
– Proficient in Python or R programming languages for data management and
statistical analysis.
– Experience with data processing and mapping with Geographic Information
Systems (GIS), preferably QGIS
– Demonstrated experience in planning, designing, executing, and coordinating
research;
– Experience developing and maintaining appropriate documentation and training
materials to allow team members and customers of various backgrounds and
disciplines to successfully operate;
– Strong communication skills that allows for working effectively as a member of a
research team;
– Experience with tree allometry and biomass quantification;
– Demonstrated contribution to scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals;
– Experience manipulating airborne lidar data;
– Previous research with machine learning, image processing, feature extraction;
– Familiarity with handling large and various data types including optical satellite and
airborne data;
– Knowledge and experience with quantitative approaches in terrestrial ecosystem
& land system science;
– Familiarity with high performance computing (HPC) environments;
– Experience on deep learning frameworks such as PyTorch, Keras or TensorFlow
is highly desired;
– $65K-70K / year
– Please submit a cover letter (usually one to two pages) to ‘werk@baeri.org’ with
subject line “WERK Hire Research Assistant: your name” stating the applicant’s
interest in the project, prior research experience and/or projects of particular
relevance, areas of interest, key competencies, and anticipated date of availability.
Include also a full CV and the names of three references. All qualified applicants
will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion,
sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected
veteran status. Review of applications will begin on April 30th, 2026, and continue
until the position is filled.
PhD Research Assistantship at Clemson University: Habitat Modeling
PhD Research Assistantship at Clemson University: Habitat Modeling by Troy Mason Farmer (23 Apr 2026 15:34 EDT)
Responsibilities: We are seeking an enthusiastic PhD student to conduct research aimed at estimating the quantity and quality of American Shad spawning habitat in the Santee Basin using both active and passive telemetry. Responsibilities will include leading a field crew conducting boat electrofishing, American Shad telemetry, and habitat surveys; geospatial and statistical analyses; writing a research proposal, dissertation, and technical reports; and completing coursework pursuant to a PhD degree. The candidate will work closely with a large group of university, private, and agency collaborators. The student will work towards a PhD in Wildlife and Fisheries Biology at Clemson University (Wildlife and Fisheries Biology (MWFR, M.S., Ph.D.) (clemson.edu)). Clemson University (http://www.clemson.edu/about/
Candidates must have:
· A MS degree in fisheries, ecology, biology, or equivalent
· Competitive practical experience in fish/stream/freshwater research
· Demonstrated excellence in written, verbal, and quantitative skills
· A valid US driver’s license
Ideal candidates will have some combination of experience in:
· Leading and working in field crews under adverse conditions
· Boat electrofishing and telemetry
· Habitat suitability modeling
· Habitat surveys
· Fish ecology
· Working with staff from agencies, nongovernmental organizations, landowners, etc.
· Analysis using R software, GIS, etc.
· Scientific writing and communication
Compensation:
· $30,000 per year for 5 years
· Position includes full tuition waiver and eligibility for university health benefits package.
Start date:
August 2026 or Spring 2027
Application deadline:
Application reviews will begin on May 31st. The position will remain open until filled.
To apply: please send applications to Drs. Luke Bower (lmbower@clemson.edu) and Troy Farmer (tmfarme@clemson.edu) with the subject “PhD application: Habitat Modeling”. Packets should include in a single PDF 1) a cover letter describing your interest in the project and career goals, 2) your CV, including at least 3 references, and 3) unofficial transcripts. The GRE is not required for admission to Clemson or to work with our team, but applicants may also include GRE scores if they think it will improve their packet.
FIELD TECHNICIAN – FISH, WILDLIFE, AND HABITAT MONITORING
Email your resume with the contact information of three references and cover letter to Kyle Martens, Fish Biologist, Washington State Department of Natural Resources (kyle.martens@dnr.wa.gov). Please also include any timing constraints that may prevent you from working the entire time between May through mid-December.