MSc Positions: Ecological surveys for offshore wind energy development impact

Three MS Graduate Research Assistantships (Fisheries Acoustics; Marine Birds & Mammals; Environmental DNA) at Cal Poly Humboldt: Baseline surveys for assessing potential impacts of offshore wind energy development off northern California

We are recruiting three MS research assistants to take part in an interdisciplinary study intended to support development of baseline information for predicting and assessing potential biological and ecological impacts of proposed floating offshore wind energy infrastructure off northern California. This project is funded by California State University’s Council on Ocean Affairs, Science, and Technology (COAST), and will center on oceanographic surveys of the coastal waters off Humboldt Bay aboard Cal Poly Humboldt’s new research vessel, the R/V North Wind.

One graduate student will be recruited to each of the three subprojects described below, joining a team of faculty researchers and collaborators to collect, curate, and analyze data and to synthesize and report findings through presentations and publications (Collaborative Efforts).  Each will develop a thesis related to the relevant subproject.

Acoustic surveys of fish and krill off northern California (Fisheries Biology, Marin Jarrin and Bjorkstedt Labs; jose.marinjarrin@humboldt.edu).  This subproject focuses on the use of scientific echosounders on the R/V North Wind to survey fish and krill distributions in relation to oceanographic and bathymetric structure, and to assess whether floating objects appear to drive aggregation behavior in fishes. 

Seabird and marine mammal distributions (Wildlife, Barton Lab; daniel.barton@humboldt.edu).   This subproject focuses on the collection of at-sea survey data, compilation with historical local data, and estimation of abundance and seasonal variation in abundance of common seabirds and marine mammals in the California North Coast region, and relating patterns of diversity and abundance to oceanographic and bathymetric structure.

Environmental DNA (eDNA) assessment of coastal fish assemblages (Fisheries Biology, Kinziger Lab; andrew.kinziger@humboldt.edu).  This subproject will implement eDNA metabarcoding approaches to characterize seasonal and spatial patterns of biodiversity in fish assemblages off northern California in relation to oceanographic and bathymetric structure.

Collaborative efforts: oceanographic context and synthesis reports Graduate research assistants will also participate in collection and development of a shared set of oceanographic data based on at-sea observations and remote sensing data products. While it is anticipated that students’ theses will yield stand-alone products and manuscripts, students will also contribute to project-wide synthesis products and presentations.

Appointment and Application Information

Appointment is contingent on admission to and enrollment in the MS program in Natural Resources at Cal Poly Humboldt for Spring 2026 (January start), in either the Fisheries Biology or Wildlife option as appropriate. Participation in project-planning activities is required by early February 2026 to prepare for initial surveys in early spring 2026. Exceptions may be considered.  Students from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. 

Graduate research assistants will receive at least $17,000 per year in salary related to research activities and up to $10,000 per year in tuition/fee coverage for two years. 

Minimum qualifications include a bachelor’s degree (B.S. preferred) in a relevant field (e.g., ecology, oceanography, fisheries biology, wildlife biology, marine biology, statistics, or a closely related discipline) or equivalent post-baccalaureate education/experience; eligibility for admission to the Cal Poly Humboldt M.S. in Natural Resources (see the Natural Resources M.S. admissions information: Natural Resources, M.S. Application Information | Cal Poly Humboldt), and demonstrated competencies in (i) quantitative analysis (e.g., R or equivalent), (ii) scientific writing (e.g., reports/manuscripts), and (iii) teamwork and field readiness for small, at-sea operations. 

Preferred qualifications include prior research experience, aligned with the relevant subproject (fisheries acoustics, marine birds & mammals, or environmental DNA), and experience with statistical programming and data analysis (e.g., R), or a demonstrated capacity to learn comparable tools (e.g., Python, MATLAB).

Applications consisting of (1) a cover letter, (2) a resume or CV (to include contact information for 3 academic or professional references), and (3) transcripts (unofficial are acceptable; official are preferred) should be sent to the contact indicated for the subproject of interest.  If available, applicants should also submit their GRE scores. A formal application to the Graduate School will be requested if required.

For full consideration, apply by 24 October 2025; the positions will remain open until filled. Expected start: early–mid January 2026.

About Cal Poly Humboldt

Cal Poly Humboldt is a moderately sized university located in a relatively remote area of Northern California.  The main campus is in the city of Arcata, just north of Humboldt Bay, nestled into majestic redwood forests, and  minutes from a beautiful coastline of sandy beaches and rocky shores.  About 15 minutes north of the main campus, the Telonicher Marine Lab is situated in the town of Trinidad.  The R/V North Wind is moored in Humboldt Bay, near Eureka. Learn more about the university and location here.

Cal Poly Humboldt is a Title IX/Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer that strives to foster an equitable and inclusive community that supports our students of diverse backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex including sexual orientation and gender identity, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other legally protected status.  More information about Cal Poly Humboldt SPF’s Equal Employment Opportunity hiring can be found here.

Employment is contingent on verification of identity and work authorization in the United States by the start date, as required by federal law. Applicants who will have valid work authorization for on-campus employment (e.g., F-1 or J-1 student employment authorization) are eligible to apply. Employer sponsorship for employment authorization is not available for this role.