M.S. Graduate Research Assistantship, Kootenai River Fisheries, Idaho Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit

Position Overview

Application Deadline: July 1, 2026

Salary: $24,000 per year plus tuition, fees, and health insurance

Education Required: B.S. in fisheries or related field

Description

The Idaho Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit is hiring a Master’s Graduate Research Assistant in Moscow, Idaho, at $24,000 per year plus tuition, fees, and health insurance, with applications due July 1, 2026.

The Idaho Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit conducts collaborative research with state and federal agency partners on fisheries and wildlife management challenges across the Pacific Northwest. The position is based at the University of Idaho in Moscow.

The selected graduate student will pursue a Master of Science evaluating fish responses to management actions, including habitat restoration and conservation aquaculture, in the Kootenai River system across Idaho, Montana, and British Columbia. The project pairs stable isotope analysis with age and growth analyses to examine food web structure and both population- and individual-level responses to management activities.

Responsibilities

• Pursue a Master’s degree beginning fall semester 2026.
• Evaluate fish responses to management actions including habitat restoration and conservation aquaculture in the Kootenai River system.
• Apply stable isotope analysis combined with age and growth analyses.
• Examine patterns in food web structure.
• Investigate population- and individual-level responses to management activities.
• Develop modeling and quantitative analysis skill sets alongside applied field work.
• Work closely with state agency biologists throughout the project.
• Collaborate independently and as part of an interdisciplinary research team.

Requirements

• B.S. in fisheries or related field.
• Minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Extensive field experience.
• Interest in applied fishery science questions.
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently.
• Strong work ethic.

Additional Notes

• Position starts after August 10, 2026.
• Full-time graduate research assistantship.
• Applicants should have a foundation in field sampling techniques and an interest in expanding analytical skills (age and growth analysis, modeling).

How to Apply

Send a letter of interest, resume or CV, transcripts, and GRE scores (if taken; unofficial copies are fine) to Michael Quist at mcquist@uidaho.edu.