Research Opportunity: The Hood Lab is recruiting a Ph.D. student to conduct research on a U.S. Department of Agriculture funded project that focuses on phosphorus cycling in ditches and streams in agriculture-dominated landscapes. The graduate student would join an interdisciplinary team focused on understanding how tile drainage impacts water, sediment, and nutrient dynamics. The student’s research would focus on determining how tile drains influence in-channel phosphorus storage and transformations. The project involves fieldwork in Ohio and Michigan as well as the use of sensors and game cameras to characterize dissolved oxygen, temperature, stream-channel form, and hydrologic characteristics. 

The successful candidate will join a dynamic, interactive group of students, technicians, postdoctoral associates, and faculty at The Ohio State University’s Aquatic Ecology Laboratory (AEL) within the Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology.

Qualifications: The ideal candidate would have a Masters degree and be highly motivated and honest, with strong quantitative skills, an interest in applied aquatic ecology, and a background in ecology, biogeochemistry, soils, geomorphology, and/or hydrology. I seek to maintain a productive, diverse, and team-orientated lab group. 

Stipend: The student would be supported by teaching and research assistantships. In EEOB, graduate assistantship includes a stipend of ~$2,750 per month, health benefits, and a tuition/fee waiver. 

Start date: Fall 2027

How to apply: If interested, please email Jim Hood (hood.211@osu.edu) a single PDF containing (1) a statement of interest, (2) a CV, and (3) contact information for three references. I will begin reviewing candidate applications immediately and ultimately invite selected applicants to apply to the department. The department's application deadline is 15 Nov 2026.

Additional information: Additional information about application procedures and requirements in EEOB can be found on the department graduate admissions page.

Description: Dr. Stuart Ludsin is seeking a post-doctoral scientist to help on a Great Lakes Fishery Commission project designed to develop a novel data-sharing platform to advance research and scientific endeavors in support of ecosystem-based fisheries management in the Great Lakes Basin. The post-doc will be expected to conduct structured or semi-structured interviews, create and analyze data from surveys, and organize workshops involving fishery managers, academic and agency researchers, and fishing groups. The post-doc would also work with an interdisciplinary team of scientists and computer/data engineers to develop a prototype of this data-sharing platform, which would allow end-users  (e.g., academic and agency researchers, fishery managers) to simultaneously query existing, independent Great Lakes databases and download their needed data in the proper spatial and temporal resolution through a user-friendly online interface (overview). Beyond these activities, the post-doc will be expected to write and submit manuscripts for publication to peer-reviewed journals, help generate scientific proposals, give presentations in management and scientific settings, and help generate annual progress reports to the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, which is this project’s sponsor. 

Duration: Funding exists for at least one year, with the possibility of extension for additional years. The ideal start time is Late Fall/Winter 2026-2027.

Qualifications: Required qualifications include: (1) a PhD in social science, data science, computer science, information systems, environmental science, ecology, or related field; (2) demonstrated ability to conduct independent human dimensions research, as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications; and (3) strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability and desire to interact with Great Lakes stakeholders (e.g., managers, fishing groups) and researchers. While knowledge of database/data-sharing platform development and associated programming could prove beneficial, it is not required.

Salary: $62,232-70,000 annually, depending on experience, plus a comprehensive benefits package.

Location: Successful candidates would join a dynamic, interactive group of faculty, post-docs, and students at the Aquatic Ecology Laboratory (AEL) within the Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology (EEOB) on The Ohio State University’s main Columbus campus. Computing support and office space would be available in the AEL. Working on location in Columbus is preferred.

How to apply: Submit to apps.ael@gmail.com in a single .pdf file: 1) a cover letter highlighting your research background and interests; 2) a full CV; and 3) names and contact information of three references. Please include “Data-sharing Platform Post-doc” and your last name in the subject line. 

Application review will begin immediately and continue until a suitable candidate is found. Questions about the position can be addressed to Stuart Ludsin (ludsin.1@osu.edu).

Position Details [pdf] 

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).