MSc or PhD student: Human dimensions of fisheries

Rubenstein Ecosystem Laboratory, University of Vermont
Bernos F.I.S.H. Lab in Burlington, Vermont

Closing Date: Sep 30, 2026

Web Address: https://bernoslab.wordpress.com

Description

The Bernos F.I.S.H. lab is seeking a motivated graduate student for a funded MSc or PhD research assistantship focused on the human dimensions of fisheries in Lake Champlain, with a preferred start date of January or May 2027. In our multidisciplinary lab, we study the interactions between fish, peoples, and place. Learn more about our work on our website: https://bernoslab.wordpress.com.

The system: Imagine Lake Champlain - a large lake nested between Vermont, New York, and Quebec with five basins differing greatly in environmental conditions and fish communities. These ecological differences support a diverse fishery targeting species such as black basses, Northern Pike, Yellow Perch, Lake Trout, Atlantic Salmon, Walleye, panfish, Bowfin, and more. Some fishers are highly specialized, targeting trophy size salmonid and bass (more than 100 bass tournaments are held on the lake annually!); others are more generalist, targeting diverse fish species close to urban centers. The largest urban centers on the lake’s shorelines are Burlington, Vermont and Plattsburg, New York: both cities are experiencing population growth and are home to an increasingly diverse community, making them a potential source of new and underrepresented participants to the fisheries. Recreational and provisional fishing, which includes both open water and ice fishing, is an important part of the local culture, recreation, and economy. Understanding how fishers interact with the fisheries of Lake Champlain  is critical for ensuring both ecological sustainability and positive recreational experiences.

The successful candidate will develop a M.Sc. or Ph.D. thesis focused on one or more aspects of the fisheries of Lake Champlain. They may draw from human dimension research (surveys, interviews, webscrapping, etc.) and fishery techniques (e.g., sampling, telemetry, genetics). While the research questions will be refined collaboratively, the thesis is expected to contribute to our understanding of one (or more) of the following topics:

• The “movement ecology” of fishers and fishes
• Heterogeneity in fishing behaviours, including fishing techniques, harvest rate, motivation, preferences, and decision-making.
• Social and knowledge networks within fisheries systems, including patterns of connections among fishers, management agencies, community organizations, and fishery-related concepts (e.g. stocking, catch and release, commercial harvesting…).

Qualifications: We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and nationalities (i.e., international applicants are encouraged to apply). Candidates from a range of disciplines will be considered, including fisheries science, ecology, natural resources, human dimensions of natural resources, environmental studies, geography, sociology, anthropology, data science and network analysis, and other related disciplines. Students with interests in interdisciplinary research, quantitative and qualitative methods, modeling and simulations, stakeholder engagement, and social-ecological systems are especially encouraged to apply. Applicants may apply for either an MSc or PhD position. PhD applicants are typically expected to demonstrate a strong foundation for independent research, which many students develop through a master's degree, research experience, professional work, or other relevant experiences.

How to apply: To promote a transparent and equitable selection process, we ask applicants to complete a brief Google Form (Click here) during the initial screening stage. Following this review, selected candidates will be invited for an interview. The questions are designed to help us understand your research interests and long-term career aspirations, and to determine whether this position is a match for your goals and experience. Review of applications will begin on September 1 and continue on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Applicants are encouraged to submit their materials by September 1 for full consideration. If you are encountering issues accessing the form, please contact Dr. Thais Bernos (thais.bernos@uvm.edu) directly.