Ph.D. Assistantship in Billfish Movement Ecology

The Center for Sportfish Science and Conservation  (www.sportfishcenter.org) at the Harte Research Institute (www.harteresearch.org) at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi in partnership with the Guy Harvey Foundation is seeking a Ph.D. student to study billfish movement ecology, with fieldwork primarily based out of Tropic Star Lodge (TSL; https://tropicstar.com/) in Piñas Bay, Panama. The student will be expected to use spatial and quantitative methods to analyze conventional and advanced electronic tagging data to advance knowledge of sportfish in the Eastern Tropical Pacific and evaluate conservation strategies in the region. While research should primarily focus on billfish movement ecology, other studies with applicability to sportfish management and conservation can be pursued if deemed appropriate.

The selected Ph.D. student will attend classes and be based at the Center for Sportfish Science and Conservation at the Harte Research Institute on the campus of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. As field work will primarily occur in Panama, the student should be prepared for extended international travel (~1-2 months/yr), long hours on offshore fishing vessels, and integration into the TSL community.

Required Qualifications

• Completion of a M.S. degree in fisheries ecology, marine biology, or related field
• Demonstrated experience conducting quantitative analyses with statistical programs such as R, MARK, etc.
• Excellent scientific writing skills
• Ability to work independently and problem solve

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience analyzing datasets from advanced electronic tags (PSATs, ADLs, acoustic telemetry, etc.)
• At least one peer-reviewed article published or in review as first author

Compensation

• Monthly stipend ($24,000/yr; fully funded)
• Tuition
• Health Insurance
• Lodging/meals at TSL

To Apply

Prior to applying to the TAMU-CC MARB Ph.D. program, qualified applicants should send a single email containing: 1) a cover letter describing your background, skills, and interest in this position, 2) a CV, 3) unofficial transcripts of undergraduate/graduate work, and 4) contact information for 3 professional references to Dr. Matt Streich (matthew.streich@tamucc.edu). This position is open until filled, but application review will begin March 31^st. Applicants will be notified before references are contacted.