MS Graduate Research Assistantship Opportunity in Fisheries Ecology and Management – Complete Guide to Apply

vacancypro2 weeks agoLast Updated: October 15, 2025

The MS Graduate Research Assistantship Opportunity in Fisheries Ecology and Management at Eastern Illinois University (EIU) provides students with the opportunity to work on real-world research in fisheries and aquatic sciences. This fully funded assistantship includes a tuition waiver and a monthly stipend of $1,600.

Table of Contents

Program Overview

Location: Charleston, Illinois, USA
Salary: $1,600/month
Hours per Week: 20–40
Education Required: Bachelor’s Degree
Experience Required: None
Application Deadline: August 19, 2026

This opportunity is ideal for motivated students passionate about fisheries research, ecology, and aquatic resource management.

Research Focus Areas

Successful candidates will work on a master’s thesis in one of the following areas:

Wabash River fish community assessment
Channel Catfish demographics and spawning box evaluation in small impoundments
Invasive carp reproduction and recruitment dynamics in the Wabash River
Invasive carp movement ecology

Responsibilities and Benefits

Participate in field sampling and laboratory work
Assist with data analysis, reporting, and manuscript preparation
Full tuition waiver and $1,600 monthly stipend
Gain hands-on experience in aquatic sciences
Access to conferences and professional networks

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for this assistantship, applicants must:

Hold a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0
Have previous fisheries or lab experience (preferred but not required)
Be physically able to lift to 40 pounds
Be willing to work in different weather conditions

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About Eastern Illinois University Fisheries Center

The EIU Center for Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences hosts graduate and undergraduate students engaged in research on sportfish management, invasive species, and habitat restoration.

The program provides a supportive and collaborative environment, helping students grow professionally while conducting meaningful research.
👉 Visit EIU Fisheries Website

How to Apply for the MS Graduate Research Assistantship Opportunity

Interested candidates should submit the following:

Cover letter
CV (including GPA)
Undergraduate transcripts (unofficially accepted)
Three professional references

Send application materials to:

Daniel Roth – Fisheries Researcher and Laboratory Manager
Email: drroth@eiu.edu
Phone: 217-581-3100
Subject Line: “2025 MS Application, EIU Fisheries”

Faculty Advisors:

Dr. Eden L. Effert-Fanta – eleffert@eiu.edu
Dr. Robert E. Colombo – recolombo@eiu.edu

Deadline: Review of applications begins November 25, 2025, and will continue until the positions are filled.

Conclusion

This MS Graduate Research Assistantship Opportunity presents a valuable opportunity for students interested in fisheries ecology and management to enhance their research skills, collaborate with experienced faculty, and gain international exposure.

Don’t miss out — apply early to secure your position.