Two MSc Student Positions for Hatchery Research on Largemouth Bass and Hybrid Catfish

Job Details

Description 

Two Master of Science (MSc) positions are available at Auburn University (start date: August 2026). The students will be hosted by the Aquatic Reproductive Physiology lab (P.I. Dr. Ian A.E. Butts; https://ianaebutts.wixsite.com/labsite) in the School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences (SFAAS). In terms of research, our labs long-term objectives are to support the development of sustainable aquaculture, fisheries management, and conservation biology. To accomplish this, we take an interdisciplinary approach to test hypotheses in reproductive biology and hatchery science of aquatic organisms, with the goal of understanding and controlling processes that impact gamete quality and early offspring performance (egg to first-feeding larval stage).

Responsibilities and tasks

Largemouth bass (LMB) is a high-value freshwater aquaculture species with a rapidly expanding food fish market in North America. Yet, current rearing practices depend on uncontrollable pond-based technologies plagued by high mortality, especially during the early life stages (i.e., egg to early fingerlings). As such, complete indoor intensive culture of LMB would improve production yields by circumventing the high rates of mortality associated with these initial pond stages. Catfish remain a valuable food fish in the U.S., though knowledge gaps exist during their early developmental stages.

In these projects the students will develop intensive indoor rearing strategies for these species during the critical early life stages. To accomplish this goal, the students will use basic and applied research to gain a better understanding of developmental, physiological, and behavioral functions associated with their development. Specific studies will focus on optimizing environmental factors (i.e., light, oxygen), tank design, and feeding conditions.  Overall, the students will be expected to conduct broad research followed by the writing of a detailed thesis.

Approval and Enrollment

This graduate appointment is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in the MSc program within the School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences (SFAAS). For information about our program please see:  http://sfaas.auburn.edu/programs-of-study/graduate-studies/

Salary and appointment terms

These projects will be carried out at the E.W. Shell Fisheries Center, which is situated in Auburn, Alabama (http://sfaas.auburn.edu/e-w-shell-fisheries-center/). MSc ($25,000 for 2 years) salary and appointment terms are consistent with the current rules for graduate students. Typically, a tuition waiver is provided. The students will begin coursework and research in Aug. 2026.

Further information

For further information about the project, please contact Dr. Ian A.E. Butts at iab0007@auburn.edu.  

Requirements

Qualifications 

We are looking for motivated candidates who have:

• Bachelor’s degree in biology or similar discipline
• Knowledge of aquaculture and fish physiology  
• Proven ability to carry out goal-oriented work and fluent with data management systems (i.e., Excel, Word, statistical analysis)
• Lab competences in molecular biology and/or physiology would be considered an asset - please clarify your experiences in the “motivating letter”
• Practical husbandry experiences with aquatic organisms will be an asset
• Good co-operation ability
• IMMEDIATE: Ability to obtain US driver’s license and vehicle, as our research station is off campus

Application

Please submit your application no later than 31 May 2026 at 11:59 PM CDT. Applications must be e-mailed to iab0007@auburn.edu as “one” pdf file containing all materials to be given consideration. The file must include:

• Cover letter motivating the application (please include your background, interests, goals)
• Curriculum vitae with contact information (e-mail and phone numbers) for three referees  
• Unofficial transcripts and GRE scores (refer to: https://www.ets.org/gre)

Contact Information