Opportunities

Research opportunity:  Dr. Stuart Ludsin (Ludsin Lab) has an opening for a Ph.D. student to begin during the summer or autumn of 2025. This student would work closely with the Ohio Division of Wildlife biologists and managers to help understand the cause(s) of reduced yellow perch recruitment to central Lake Erie’s fisheries. This recruitment decline is arguably the most pressing fisheries management issue in the Lake Erie basin, and I expect this project to garner a lot of interest from federal and state agencies and the public. The opportunity exists to design a modeling-, field-, lab-based project akin to those used in marine ecosystems, with ample support available for technical help, meeting travel, and computing needs. While the exact approaches and activities will be decided after the student is on board, I expect the project to have statistical and biophysical modeling components to it, the results of which will be used to guide field collections and possible laboratory experiments. A wealth of historical physical, chemical, and biological data from monitoring programs will be available for analysis, as will access to decades of simulated habitat conditions in three dimensions from coupled hydrodynamics and lower food web models. These data can be used to explore the role of human-driven environmental change on egg, larval, and juvenile survival, as well as parental effects.

Location: The successful candidate will join a dynamic, interactive group of students, post-docs, and faculty at The Ohio State University’s Aquatic Ecology Laboratory within the Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology. 

Qualifications: I am seeking someone creative, curious, motivated, and capable of working effectively both independently and in collaborative groups. A bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, fisheries, general aquatic sciences, biostatistics, or a related field is required, with preference given to those with a M.S. degree. Strong quantitative, communication (written and oral), and people-management skills are essential, as is a desire to learn. An interest in conducting statistical and/or computer modeling is essential.

Stipend: ~$2,625/month plus full tuition waiver and health benefits. Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA) support will exist for the entire degree program, with Graduate Teaching Assistantship support available (if teaching opportunities are desired).

Start date: Summer or fall 2025, depending on the student’s desire.

How to apply: If interested in the position, email me (apps.AEL@gmail.com): 1) a 1-2 page letter of interest that describes your educational and research background, as well as your research interests and career goals; 2) a curriculum vitae (CV); 3) unofficial copies of your college/graduate school transcripts; 4) contact information for at least 3 professional references; 5) your GRE scores if so desired (they are not required); and if applicable, 6) your TOEFL/TSE scores. Please put “Lake Erie Yellow Perch PhD Position” in the subject line of your email. I will evaluate applications as they arrive to potentially start the interview process early. EEOB will begin reviewing applications on Nov. 15 to identify students eligible to compete for University and College Fellowships; however, applications sent after this date will be considered until a suitable candidate is found.

Additional information: Additional information about application procedures and requirements can be found on the EEOB Graduate Program Admissions page. For more information about the Aquatic Ecology Laboratory or me, please visit the websites above or contact me at apps.AEL@gmail.com.

We are looking for qualified students to fill work-study positions at the AEL. Specific tasks for our Work-Study students include field sampling, in-lab sample processing, and data entry. We strive to ensure that Work-Study students also have opportunities to participate in lab and field research associated with other ongoing projects. AEL graduate students and faculty are committed to educating Work-Study students in the art of scientific research in a cooperative and supportive work environment. 

Projects with Dr. Lindsey Bruckerhoff: R88697 - apply here

Projects with Dr. Casey Pennock: R88875 - apply here

Projects with Dr. Jim Hood: R98164 - apply here

Projects with Dr. Stuart Ludsin: R84803 - apply here

AEL faculty seek energetic, committed undergraduate students who are interested in conducting research for OSU credit that focuses on ecologically oriented projects in freshwater ecosystems. For all projects, we ask students for, at minimum, a commitment of one year. For more information, please contact Drs. Lindsey Bruckerhoff, Jim Hood, Stuart Ludsin, or Casey Pennock. 

If you are interested in volunteering in our lab, please reach out to Jenny Pfaff (pfaff.20@osu.edu).