Fully Funded PhD & MS Research Assistantships in Environmental Toxicology at Southern Illinois University (SIUC)

Application Deadline: November 17, 2025
Start Date: Between January 5, 2026, and August 17, 2026
Salary: $21,000–$25,000 per year + Tuition Waiver + Health Benefits
Location: Carbondale, Illinois, USA

🌍 Opportunity Overview

The Center for Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC) is inviting motivated graduate students to apply for fully funded PhD and MS research assistantships in Environmental Toxicology and Analytical Chemistry.

Successful applicants will join the Lydy Lab, an established research group investigating critical environmental challenges such as:

• The sublethal effects of contaminants on endangered and protected fish species (e.g., Chinook salmon)
• The ecological impact and potential costs of pesticide resistance in aquatic invertebrates

This assistantship offers a competitive stipend, full tuition waiver, health insurance, and strong research support within a state-of-the-art analytical and aquatic toxicology facility.

🧪 About the Research Environment

The Aquatic Toxicology Laboratory at SIUC is well-equipped with advanced analytical chemistry instruments (GC-MS, LC-MS-MS) and a large, modern aquatics facility. Students will gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge toxicological and environmental studies designed to address real-world ecological challenges.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Applicants should hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in one of the following fields:

• Chemistry
• Environmental Biology
• Toxicology
• Environmental Science or a closely related discipline

Desired experience includes:

• Conducting toxicological bioassays
• Organism culturing and field surveys
• Use of analytical instrumentation (e.g., GC-MS, LC-MS-MS)
• Strong written communication and research skills

💼 Funding and Benefits

• Annual Stipend: $21,000–$25,000 (depending on experience)
• Tuition Waiver and Health Insurance provided
• Flexible Start Dates: Spring, Summer, or Fall 2026

This is an excellent opportunity for students seeking to develop expertise in environmental toxicology, aquatic ecology, and analytical chemistry, with strong career prospects in academia, government, and environmental research industries.

📨 How to Apply

Interested applicants should email the following materials in a single PDF file to Dr. Michael Lydy at mlydy@siu.edu:

1. Letter of Intent describing your research interests and goals
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV) or résumé
3. Academic Transcripts
4. Three Letters of Recommendation

Application Deadline: November 17, 2025
Start Date: Between January 5 and August 17, 2026

🏫 Equal Opportunity Statement

Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC) is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer committed to fostering diversity among faculty, staff, and students. Applications from all backgrounds are welcome and encouraged.

Contact Information:
📧 Dr. Michael Lydy
Fisheries and Illinois Aquaculture Center
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901
🌐 www.aquatictox.siu.edu

Tags: #ResearchAssistantship #PhDOpportunities #EnvironmentalToxicology #SIUC #FullyFundedGraduatePrograms #Scholarship2025 #STEMResearch #StudyInUSA