Opportunities
Browse below for openings to join our dynamic team! We seek motivated, creative, and hard-working candidates to make the AEL a great place to work and learn.
Graduate Opportunities
At the AEL we seek highly qualified, enthusiastic graduate students that are creative, motivated, and capable of working well both independently and cooperatively. Successful candidates would join a dynamic, interactive group of graduate students, post-docs, visiting scholars, and faculty at The Ohio State University’s Aquatic Ecology Laboratory (AEL) within the Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology (EEOB). Interested applicants should check back for postings (usually in late summer or early fall) or reach out to AEL faculty Lindsey Bruckerhoff, Jim Hood, Stuart Ludsin, or Casey Pennock.
Technician Opportunities - NEW February 2026
Description
The Hood Lab is seeking a Research Senior Technician who will work on two projects. The first project (66% of position) focuses on understanding the role agricultural ditches and streams play in shaping P exports to Lake Erie while the other project (33% of position) supports the Lake Erie Plankton Abundance Study (LEPAS) which focuses on understanding plankton dynamics in Lake Erie. For the first project, job duties include conducting field sampling, running phosphorus uptake and sorption/desorption assays, and processing dissolved and particulate samples for phosphorus, chlorophyll-a, and other constituents. Job duties for LEPAS include counting Bythotrephes samples and running chlorophyll a samples. The technician will also curate and analyze data and help prepare reports and scientific manuscripts. Opportunities for mentoring undergraduate students and collaborating on research projects are available. This position will be located at the Aquatic Ecology Laboratory.
Required Experience
A bachelor’s degree in ecology or a related field (biology, natural resources, environmental science, etc.). Two years of experience (including undergraduate research) in biogeochemistry, ecosystem ecology, and/or water quality. Knowledge of ecology, freshwater science, or biogeochemistry.
Salary
$17.10 – $21.00, depending upon experience.
Application Procedure
Please send a cover letter, CV, and contact information for three references to Jim Hood (hood.211@osu.edu). We will start reviewing applications on 3 March 2026 and continue until the position is filled.
Undergraduate Opportunities
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: R139068 - apply here
Projects with Dr. Casey Pennock: R139070 - apply here
Projects with Dr. Jim Hood: R137291 - apply here
Projects with Dr. Stuart Ludsin: R139072 - 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).