Southeastern Louisiana University · Louisiana · posted today
Position Description Drs. Tyler Steven Coleman and Kyle R. Piller are recruiting two highly motivated M.S. students to begin in Spring 2027 in the Department of Biological Sciences and Center for Environmental Research at Southeastern Louisiana University. Both positions are supported by a funded, interdisciplinary research project investigating blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) ecology, movement, population connectivity, and environmental health throughout the beautiful and unique Lake Pontchartrain Basin in coastal Louisiana. Each assistantship includes a 12-month stipend of $18,000 per year for two years and a full tuition waiver, with research support and opportunities for professional conference travel. Location The student will be housed in the Center for Environmental Research and the Department of Biological Sciences at Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, Louisiana. Project The two students will pursue complementary research objectives while working closely on field sampling, data collection, and interdisciplinary research activities. Position 1: Movement Ecology and Population Dynamics (Dr. Tyler Steven Coleman) The selected student will lead a large-scale blue crab mark–recapture study to investigate movement patterns and population dynamics throughout the Lake Pontchartrain Basin. This position involves extensive boat-based fieldwork, overnight travel, data management, and quantitative analyses. Position 2: Population Genetics and Molecular Ecology (Dr. Kyle R. Piller) The selected student will investigate blue crab population genetic structure and connectivity using molecular approaches. Research will involve genetic sampling, laboratory analyses, and bioinformatics to interpret molecular data and better understand population connectivity across the basin. Both students will have opportunities to incorporate environmental chemistry, contaminant exposure, and histological analyses into their thesis research, depending on their interests. Students will receive training in research design, data analysis, and scientific communication, with opportunities to present findings at scientific conferences and publish in peer-reviewed journals. Qualifications Applicants must have a B.S. degree in biology, fisheries, marine biology, ecology, wildlife, or a related discipline; strong communication and organizational skills; and the ability to work independently and collaboratively. Preference will be given to applicants with relevant field or laboratory research experience. Both positions involve fieldwork throughout coastal Louisiana, including long days outdoors in variable weather conditions and occasional overnight travel. A valid driver’s license is required. Research Activities · Designing and conducting a large-scale mark–recapture study. · Extensive field sampling from boats throughout the Lake Pontchartrain Basin and adjacent coastal waters. · Quantifying blue crab movement patterns and population dynamics. · Managing, synthesizing, and analyzing ecological datasets. · Collaborating with researchers conducting environmental chemistry, histology, and molecular analyses. · Applying quantitative approaches to fisheries data. · Presenting research findings at regional or national scientific meetings. · Publishing results in peer-reviewed journals. Students interested in fisheries ecology, marine and estuarine ecology, movement ecology, quantitative ecology, or applied natural resource management are especially encouraged to apply. Application Instructions Interested applicants should email a single PDF containing: 1. Cover letter describing research interests, relevant experience, career goals, and the position(s) of interest. 2. Curriculum vitae or résumé. 3. Unofficial transcripts. 4. Contact information for three professional references. Applications should be emailed to both Dr. Coleman (tyler.coleman-5@selu.edu) and Dr. Piller (kyle.piller@selu.edu). Applicants interested in both positions are encouraged to indicate this in their cover letters. If you have any questions, please contact either Dr. Coleman or Dr. Piller. Applications will be reviewed immediately and will continue until both positions are filled. Selected applicants will be invited to participate in virtual interviews. Because of the anticipated January 2027 start date, interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
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