Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi · Texas · posted 13 days ago
The Coastal Conservation and Restoration Lab at the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies (HRI), Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC), is recruiting a PhD student to investigate how oyster reef restoration and management influence reef condition and ecological function in Texas. The anticipated start date is Summer or Fall 2027. The student will join a newly funded, multi-year research project conducted in collaboration with resource managers and research partners. The project will compare natural, restored, and actively managed oyster reefs to understand how restoration and management practices influence oyster populations, reef structure, and ecological function. The PhD student will have substantial opportunities to develop and take ownership of dissertation questions within this broader framework. Potential research directions include oyster population and reef dynamics; restoration ecology; relationships between reef structure and ecological function; effects of restoration and harvest management; habitat support and associated macrofaunal communities; and development of ecological indicators and thresholds for oyster reef monitoring and management. Field research will include quantitative diver surveys and standard dredge sampling to characterize oyster density, size structure, mortality, and live and dead shell. Research will compare these measures among natural, restored, and actively managed reefs and evaluate whether routine fishery-monitoring metrics can provide useful indicators of broader reef condition and ecological function. Additional research will evaluate macrofaunal communities and habitat support. Qualifications: Applicants should have demonstrated research experience and a strong interest in oyster reef ecology, restoration ecology, benthic ecology, fisheries, or coastal science. 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, fisheries, environmental science, or a related field is preferred but not required for applicants with substantial equivalent research experience. Experience with field research, oyster or benthic ecology, quantitative analysis/R, scientific writing, small-boat fieldwork, or scientific diving is beneficial but not required. SCUBA certification and scientific diving experience are preferred but not required. The successful applicant will pursue a PhD through the Coastal and Marine System Science (CMSS) or Marine Biology (MARB) program at TAMU-CC and will be based at HRI in Corpus Christi, Texas. The project will involve substantial field research in Galveston Bay. Funding: 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 at jennifer.pollack@tamucc.edu 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.
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