Research Associate-Fixed Term

Position Summary

The Applied Behavioral Ecology Lab in the Department of Fisheries and Wildife (https://www.wagnerlabmsu.com) is seeking a post-doctoral scientist to lead a systematic evidence review using the ROSES technique to synthesize and evaluate available knowledge regarding: (a) migrating lamprey behavior in rivers and coastal zones and in the vicinity of fishing gear or fishways; and (b) open water fishing practices used for migratory fishes that may be applied to the capture of migrating invasive sea lamprey in the Great Lakes.

The subjects of the review include the migration behavior of migratory parasitic lamprey species, knowledge regarding lamprey behavior in and near fishing devices and fish passage devices, and the design of fishing gear used to capture migratory fishes in rivers. The goal of the project is to compile and critically evaluate evidence that would support the creation and testing of new practices and devices for capturing migrating invasive sea lamprey in Great Lakes rivers. In addition to writing and submitting manuscripts for publication to peer-reviewed journals, the post-doc would be expected to develop a database to house all collected literature, present findings at management and scientific meetings, facilitate meetings and workshops with sea lamprey control agents to transfer findings, generate annual progress reports to the Great Lakes Fishery Commission (the project sponsor), and contribute to research proposals to test new fishing practices in Great Lakes rivers (if desired).

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Doctorate -Fisheries Ecology or related field

Minimum Requirements

• Ph.D. in fisheries ecology or related field
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research, as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications.
• Strong written and oral communication skills

Desired Qualifications

• Knowledge of lamprey migration behavior
• The ability and desire to interact with Great Lakes stakeholders and fishery managers, including the conduct of meetings and workshops
• Experience with movement studies of fishes using acoustic telemetry

Required Application Materials

• a cover letter highlighting your research background and interests
• a full CV
• names and contact information for three references

Review of Applications Begins On

05/30/2025

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

Website

https://www.wagnerlabmsu.com

Department Statement

The Department of Fisheries and Wildlife is a vibrant community of scholars comprising 40 core faculty (tenure stream and fixed-term faculty, and academic specialists), 80 graduate and 240 undergraduate students, and 30 research associates. Our Mission is to build local, national, and international capacities to conserve ecosystems that support fish, wildlife, and society through integrated programs in research, education and engagement. We are committed to the integrative nature of natural resources conservation and management, with our expertise ranging from disciplinary areas with a long-standing history in the domain of fisheries and wildlife to those emerging more recently. For more information about the Department, please visit our website: https://www.canr.msu.edu/fw/

Commitment to Creating a Sense of Belonging:

Michigan State University occupies the ancestral, traditional, and contemporary Lands of the Anishinaabeg – Three Fires Confederacy of Ojibwe, Odawa and Potawatomi people. The University resides on Land ceded in the 1819 Treaty of Saginaw.

Michigan State University is dedicated to achieving excellence by fostering an environment that welcomes a broad range of perspectives and experiences, ensuring that all individuals have the opportunity to contribute and thrive. The CANR is particularly interested in candidates of all backgrounds who are committed to the principle that academic excellence is achieved through open access and proactive inclusion.

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.