Fish Macroecology Group at the University of Delaware in USA, 2026

For graduates passionate about marine ecology, fisheries science, and quantitative research, the Graduate Student Position (Fall 2026) offered through the Fish Macroecology Research Group at the University of Delaware represents a compelling opportunity. This position, advertised on the Texas A&M Natural Resources Job Board, is designed for a motivated student wanting to advance in climate-influenced marine ecology while working closely with faculty and potentially securing funded graduate study.

This detailed article explains the focus, benefits, eligibility, application process, and strategic tips to help you succeed in applying for this exciting role.

What Fish Macroecology Research Group at UD is about?

The Fish Macroecology Research Group at the University of Delaware’s School of Marine Science and Policy (SMSP) is recruiting a graduate research student (typically Master’s level) to start in Fall 2026. The position centers on exploring how climate change affects commercially important fish species by integrating large datasets with advanced statistical and ecological modeling techniques.

Key elements:

  • Institution: University of Delaware – SMSP & College of Earth, Ocean, and the Environment
  • Research Focus: Climate change impacts on fish ecology (e.g., growth, distribution, population dynamics)
  • Group: Fish Macroecology Research Group
  • Start Date: After August 25, 2026
  • Hours: Full-time (40 hours/week)
  • Salary/Stipend: $36,000 per year
  • Education Required: Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in relevant fields
  • Experience Required: None mandatory, though relevant research or quantitative experience is preferred

Research Focus & Scientific Environment

This position is part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary research environment focused on questions of high relevance to fisheries management, conservation biology, and climate adaptation:

Primary Research Themes

  • Climate effects on fish life-history traits, such as growth rates, size at age, and survival
  • Population dynamics analysis using fisheries survey data and oceanographic variables
  • Modeling species distribution changes under climate variability scenarios
  • Quantitative ecology platforms to support data-driven decision-making

Scientific Context

The research sits at the intersection of marine science, ecological data science, and fisheries management. It supports both academic knowledge and practical applications for sustainable resource management, especially relevant in the context of ocean warming, habitat shifts, and commercial fishery sustainability.

Funding & Support

Graduate positions in ecology and natural resources often come with financial support packages, which may include a combination of:

  • Stipend/Salary: The position indicates a salary line of around $36,000/year, which is competitive for Master’s support in ecology fields.
  • Tuition Support: Many universities (including UD) offer tuition waivers or partial coverage for funded research assistants.
  • Travel/Research Funding: Travel grants or internal awards may be available for conferences or fieldwork, especially if tied to presentations or publications.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in one of the following:
    • Marine Science
    • Ecology / Evolutionary Biology
    • Fisheries Science
    • Biology / Environmental Science
    • Quantitative Ecology/Data Science
  • Strong interest in quantitative ecology, data science, and statistics
  • Demonstrated motivation and ability to work both independently and collaboratively
  • Ability to integrate and analyze large datasets (experience with R or similar tools preferred)
  • Research experience, scientific writing, or publication exposure will strengthen your application

Expected Duties and Training Opportunities

While the posting itself focuses on recruiting a graduate student, the role implicitly involves the following responsibilities and research training opportunities:

Research Activities

  • Collaborate with faculty on defining research questions and hypotheses
  • Integrate fisheries survey datasets with environmental and oceanographic data
  • Apply statistical‐ecological models to interpret ecological responses to climate drivers
  • Collect, clean, and manage large datasets using appropriate software and tools
  • Contribute to drafting research reports, peer-reviewed manuscripts, and presentations
  • Participate in scientific meetings, seminars, and interdisciplinary discussions

Professional Development

  • Mentorship from faculty in the Fish Macroecology Research Group
  • Training in advanced statistical modeling and quantitative methods
  • Opportunities to engage with national research partners (e.g., NOAA Fisheries)
  • Experience in communication of science to diverse audiences

How to Apply

To pursue this graduate student position, follow these steps carefully:

1. Contact the Supervisor

  • Email Dr. Jenny Bigman (Assistant Professor, University of Delaware) at jbigman@udel.edu expressing your interest.
  • Use a clear subject line such as:
    “Fish Macroecology Graduate Student Application – [Your Name]”
  • Include in your email a single PDF file containing:
    • Cover Letter: your background, research interests, goals, and why you want to work with the Fish Macroecology group.
    • Curriculum Vitae (CV): including relevant coursework, research experience, and technical skills.
    • Research Statement: a 1-page overview of your interests and how they align with the position’s focus.
    • Writing Sample: such as a published paper, thesis chapter, or scientific report.
    • Unofficial Transcripts: from all post-secondary institutions attended.
    • References: names and contact information for at least two professional referees.

2. Submit a Graduate Admission Application

  • Apply to the University of Delaware graduate program relevant to your field (e.g., Marine Science, Ecology).
  • Follow UD’s official graduate admissions process (standard application portal)
  • Be sure to meet admission deadlines; priority consideration often ends by December 1, 2025, with final deadlines typically around July 1, 2026 for Fall start.

Visit the official website for more information.

Dates and Deadlines

MilestoneTarget Date
Job postedOctober 1, 2025
Graduate application priority deadlineDecember 1, 2025
Final graduate application deadlineJuly 1, 2026
Application deadline per listingJune 30, 2026
Program startFall 2026 (after Aug 25)

Tips for a Competitive Application

To maximize your chances of securing this graduate research position, consider the following:

  • Tailor Your Cover Letter: Explain how your research interests align with climate-related fish ecology, be specific about methods or species of interest.
  • Highlight Skills: Emphasize skills such as data analysis, statistical modeling (especially R), coding, or ecological field experience.
  • Show Enthusiasm for Collaboration: Graduate research is collaborative, mention your ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Meet Deadlines Earl: Graduate admission timelines are strict. Submit all materials well before priority and final deadlines.

Conclusion

The Graduate Student Position is an excellent opportunity for students ready to engage in quantitative ecology and fisheries research within a university setting that integrates data science and marine habitat studies. With funding support, clear research direction, and academic mentorship, this role can launch your career in environmental science, conservation policy, or academic research.

The position is structured for students preparing to enter or already enrolled in a graduate degree program (often a Master’s of Science in Marine Science, Ecology, Fisheries Science, or a closely related discipline). While some research experience and quantitative skills are advantageous, the position does not strictly require previous professional experience.

Related Scholarship Opportunities