Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi · Texas · posted 13 days ago
The Coastal Conservation and Restoration Lab and the Coastal Water Health Lab at the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies (HRI), Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC), are recruiting a Ph.D. student to investigate how changing freshwater inflows influence water quality and estuarine ecosystems along the Texas coast. The anticipated start date is Summer or Fall 2027. The student will join a newly funded, multi-year project evaluating environmental flows across Texas. The project combines a statewide assessment of post-Senate Bill 3 environmental flows with intensive ecological and water-quality monitoring in the Nueces Estuary, providing opportunities to investigate questions spanning coast-wide patterns to local ecological responses. The Ph.D. student will have substantial opportunities to develop and take ownership of dissertation questions within this broader framework. Potential research directions include coast-wide patterns in freshwater inflows and environmental-flow attainment; relationships among freshwater inflows, salinity, nutrients, primary productivity, water quality, and benthic communities; long-term ecological change; and development of biological indicators to support environmental-flow assessment and adaptive management. Field research will include monthly water-quality sampling, quarterly benthic and sediment sampling, and targeted sampling following major freshwater inflow events or water-management changes. The student will also work with historical and contemporary environmental datasets to examine relationships among freshwater inflows, water quality, and ecological responses. Qualifications: Applicants should have demonstrated research experience and a strong interest in estuarine or coastal science, including areas such as water quality, biogeochemistry, benthic ecology, or aquatic ecology. We are particularly interested in students who enjoy taking ownership of research questions, work well both independently and collaboratively, and approach research challenges with initiative, persistence, and creative problem-solving. An M.S. degree in marine science, ecology, biology, environmental science, or a related field is preferred but not required for applicants with substantial equivalent research experience. Experience with field research, water-quality monitoring, benthic ecology, quantitative analysis/R, scientific writing, or environmental datasets is beneficial but not required. The successful applicant will pursue a Ph.D. through the Coastal and Marine System Science (CMSS) or the Marine Biology (MARB) program at TAMU-CC and will be based at HRI in Corpus Christi, Texas. The position includes a graduate research assistantship with a stipend of $2,000/month, increasing to $2,200/month upon advancement to candidacy, plus tuition, required fees, and health insurance. To apply: Email Dr. Jennifer Beseres Pollack with (1) a CV, (2) unofficial transcripts, and (3) a brief email describing your research background and interests and why this opportunity interests you. Review of applications will begin immediately. For full consideration, materials should be received by December 15, 2026; the position will remain open until filled.
Apply on the employer's site →JobMoo watches every zoo, aquarium, wildlife, and marine source we know and emails you the roles that fit, once a day, with a real human keeping an eye on your search. Built by a dad and his daughter, and it worked: she landed the job.
Start your 7-day trial, $9/mo after