Louisiana State University Agricultural Center · Louisiana · posted today
Position Description: The School of Renewable Natural Resources at Louisiana State University Agricultural Center is seeking applicants for one M.S. assistantships starting as early as January or May 2026, depending on candidate availability. The assistantship is half-time (20 hours/week) and includes a 12-month stipend of $28,000/year (MS), full tuition coverage, graduate fee support, and 75% graduate student health care coverage. Project: The selected student will join the LSU AgCenter Aquaculture Resilience & Conservation (ARC) Lab led by Dr. Kaelyn Fogelman and contribute to a Louisiana Sea Grant funded project examining the effects of environmental factors such as high temperature, low DO, disease, and invasive species on crawfish catchability, movement, behavior, post-harvest survival, and yield in commercial production systems. This applied research project aims to generate science-based recommendations that improve production efficiency, animal welfare, and producer profitability within Louisiana's crawfish industry. Research activities will include both field- and pond-based investigations conducted at the LSU AgCenter Aquaculture Research Station and collaborating commercial farms. The student will be responsible for collecting and analyzing water quality and environmental data, assessing crawfish movement and behavior, evaluating harvest and catchability metrics, and conducting post-harvest survival experiments. Opportunities will also exist to participate in pond management activities, engage directly with crawfish producers, and contribute to extension and outreach products developed from the project. Students will gain training in experimental design, aquaculture production systems, aquatic animal husbandry, data analysis, and science communication. The project will involve close collaboration with industry stakeholders, Louisiana Sea Grant personnel, and LSU AgCenter researchers, providing opportunities to develop both research and professional skills relevant to careers in aquaculture, fisheries, natural resource management, and applied agricultural sciences. Preference will be given to highly motivated students with backgrounds or strong interests in aquaculture, fisheries, ecology, animal behavior, environmental sciences, biology, or related disciplines. Successful applicants should be comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions, collecting field data, handling live aquatic animals, and collaborating with producers and diverse stakeholder groups. Strong organizational skills, independence, initiative, and a willingness to engage in both research and extension activities are highly desirable. The position will remain open until a qualified candidate is selected. Review of applications will begin October 15th, 2026, with interviews beginning immediately. HCM Contact Information: Questions or concerns can be directed to the LSU AgCenter Human Resources Management Office at 225-578-2258 or emailed to HRMHelp@agcenter.lsu.edu. Minimum Qualification Requirements: · B.S. in fisheries, aquaculture, aquatic biology, zoology, agriculture, or related field · Research experience in laboratory, farm, or field settings · Strong written and oral communication skills · Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively · Valid U.S. driver’s license (or ability to obtain one within 60 days of start date) · GPA of at least 3.0 (overall) or 3.5 (last 60 hours); GRE preferred but not required · Overnight travel and fieldwork required; ability to work in challenging conditions Preferred Qualifications: · Background in aquaculture, agriculture, or animal husbandry · Experience with farm or aquaculture facilities management · Interest in building a lab environment and helping establish core workflows · R programming, data management, or GIS skills are a plus Applicants must have 3.0 overall undergraduate GPA or a 3.5 in the last 60 semester hours of undergraduate courses. Completion of GRE with satisfactory scores is preferred. Applicants must have a valid U.S. driver’s license or be able to obtain the same within 60 days of start. Overnight travel is required. An offer is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check. Application Instructions: Please email the following materials to Dr. Kaelyn Fogelman (kfogelman@agcenter.lsu.edu): 1. Cover letter describing your interest in the project and your relevant experience 2. CV or resume including at least two academic/professional references 3. Unofficial transcripts from all colleges/universities attended Formal application to LSU’s Graduate School will be required following initial selection. For more information about the graduate programs at LSU RNR: https://www.lsu.edu/rnr/graduate/index.php For questions about this position, contact: Dr. Kaelyn Fogelman Assistant Professor of Aquaculture | School of Renewable Natural Resources Assistant Research Coordinator | Aquaculture Research Station Louisiana State University Agricultural Center Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803 Email: kfogelman@agcenter.lsu.edu
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