Nicholls State University · Louisiana · posted 77 days ago
M.S. Research Assistantship – Variable inclusion of carp fish meal in bait as an attractant for wild crawfish in the Atchafalaya River Basin, Louisiana A Research Assistantship is available beginning in the Spring 2027 semester for the Master of Science in Marine and Environmental Biology program at Nicholls State University in Dr. Chris Bonvillain’s Aquatic Ecology and Astacology Lab (https://labs.nicholls.edu/bonvillain/). The Research Assistantship include tuition and out of state fee waivers and a stipend of $24,000/yr. For more information about the graduate program visit https://www.nicholls.edu/biology/master-of-science-degree-program/. Project Description The Atchafalaya River Basin in south-central Louisiana is the largest bottomland hardwood river-floodplain and swamp in North America and provides over 90% of the wild crawfish harvest in Louisiana, the most valuable fishery in the state and the largest wild crawfish harvest in North America. The successful applicant will conduct a two-year field research project to examine artificial crawfish bait with variable inclusion of invasive carp fish meal to determine optimal inclusion for crawfish harvest. This applied research project will benefit the commercial crawfish industry and help improve aquatic ecosystem health by increasing invasive carp harvest. This is a field intense project that includes crayfish trapping and handling and habitat assessment. Applicants must possess a valid driver’s license, have experience operating outboard engine boats, and able to tolerate harsh field conditions (hot, humid, rain, bugs, etc.). Start Date and Stipend Start Date: The assistantship begins on 13 January 2027 and the project is scheduled to begin immediately. Stipend: $24,000/year plus tuition and out-of-state fee waivers. Qualifications Applicants must: · Possess a valid driver’s license · Be able to tolerate harsh field conditions (cold, hot, humid, rain, bugs) · Have experience operating outboard engine boats (preferred) Admission requirements include: · B.S. degree in a life science curriculum · Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 · Combined GRE (verbal + quantitative) of 300 if GPA < 3.5 (GRE not required for >3.5 GPA) A cover letter, CV, official GRE scores, academic transcripts, and departmental application package (under admission requirements & application information) (https://www.nicholls.edu/biology/master-of-science-degree-program/) including three letters of recommendation (forms included in departmental application) can be sent to Dr. Bonvillain (chris.bonvillain@nicholls.edu). Deadline for applying is October 1, 2026 or until a suitable applicant is selected. Application materials and questions regarding the program should be sent to Dr. Chris Bonvillain, chris.bonvillain@nicholls.edu. Nicholls State University Nicholls State University is located in Thibodaux, Louisiana, on the banks of historic Bayou Lafourche in the heart of the Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary. The area is surrounded by cypress-tupelo swamps that give way to fresh marsh, brackish marsh, and salt marsh. Nicholls is the southernmost university in Louisiana and is only an hour and half drive to the Gulf of Mexico, and an hour drive to New Orleans and Baton Rouge.
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