Graduate Research Assistantship in Aquaculture Systems & Stress Tolerance at Louisiana State University (LSU)

Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
Application Deadline: August 1, 2026
Start Date: Between January 12, 2026 – August 1, 2026
Stipend: $28,000 – $31,000 per year
Education Required: Bachelor’s Degree
Experience Required: None
Hours per Week: At least 20

🎓 Opportunity Overview

Louisiana State University’s School of Renewable Natural Resources (RNR) is offering a fully funded Graduate Research Assistantship in Aquaculture Systems and Stress Tolerance. This competitive position provides an excellent opportunity for motivated students to pursue a Master’s (M.S.) or Doctoral (Ph.D.) degree while engaging in cutting-edge aquatic biology and environmental stress research.

This position is available as early as January 2026 and no later than August 2026, depending on candidate availability.

💰 Financial Support & Benefits

Selected candidates will receive a 12-month assistantship, including:

• 💵 $28,000/year (M.S.) or $31,000/year (Ph.D.)
• 🎓 Full tuition coverage
• 🏥 75% graduate student health insurance
• 💼 Graduate fee support

This assistantship is half-time (20 hours per week), combining research, laboratory work, and academic development.

🔬 Research Focus

The successful applicant will join the new Aquatic Physiology and Stress Ecology Lab led by Dr. Kaelyn Fogelman. The research aims to understand how aquatic organisms—particularly crayfish and unionid mussels—respond physiologically and energetically to environmental stressors such as temperature fluctuations, water quality, and habitat changes.

Key areas of research include:

• Experimental aquaculture systems
• Live animal husbandry and care
• Physiological biomarker assays (e.g., respirometry, cellular energy allocation, genotyping)
• Laboratory and field-based investigations
• Collaboration with commercial aquaculture and academic partners

🧠 What You’ll Learn

Students in this program will gain advanced skills in:

• Experimental design and data analysis
• Aquaculture management and animal husbandry
• Laboratory techniques for aquatic physiology
• Field sampling across Louisiana and the Southeastern U.S.
• Collaboration and stakeholder engagement in the aquaculture industry

This assistantship plays a key role in helping establish a new research program and lab infrastructure at LSU—ideal for students eager to take initiative and contribute to foundational research.

✅ Eligibility & Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in aquatic biology, zoology, fisheries, or wildlife management (or related field)
• Research experience in laboratory or field environments
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Valid U.S. driver’s license (or ability to obtain one within 60 days)
• GPA of ≥3.0 overall or ≥3.5 in the last 60 credit hours
• Ability to conduct overnight travel and fieldwork

Preferred Qualifications:

• Background in aquaculture, animal husbandry, or physiological ecology
• Experience with biomarker assays (e.g., respirometry)
• Skills in R programming, GIS, or data management
• Strong interest in developing new laboratory systems and workflows

GRE scores are preferred but not required. A background check will be conducted before final selection.

📄 How to Apply

Interested applicants should email their application materials to Dr. Kaelyn Fogelman at
📧 kfogelman@agcenter.lsu.edu

Application Package Must Include:

1. Cover Letter – describe your research interests and relevant experience.
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume – include at least two professional/academic references.
3. Unofficial Transcripts – from all colleges/universities attended.

Formal application to LSU’s Graduate School will be required after the initial selection.

🧑‍🔬 Contact Information

Dr. Kaelyn Fogelman
Assistant Professor of Aquaculture
Louisiana State University AgCenter
115 Renewable Natural Resources Building
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803
📧 kfogelman@agcenter.lsu.edu (preferred)
📞 225-578-2258 (HR inquiries)

🌍 Why Choose LSU for Graduate Studies?

Louisiana State University is a top-tier research institution known for innovation in agriculture, aquaculture, and environmental sciences. The LSU AgCenter provides world-class resources, state-of-the-art laboratories, and strong collaborations with commercial partners across the U.S.

By joining LSU’s RNR program, you’ll be part of a growing community of scientists making impactful discoveries that support sustainable aquaculture and environmental resilience.

📅 Important Dates

🏆 Summary

Position Title: Graduate Research Assistant – Aquaculture Systems & Stress Tolerance
Institution: Louisiana State University Agricultural Center
Funding: $28,000–$31,000 per year + full tuition & benefits
Degree Options: M.S. or Ph.D.
Deadline: August 1, 2026
Contact: kfogelman@agcenter.lsu.edu