PhD Position, Fish Ecophysiology, University of Texas at San Antonio

Position Overview

Application Deadline: July 31, 2026

Salary: $24,000 annually plus full tuition reimbursement, health insurance, and travel support; minimum four years of funding

Education Required: Bachelor degree (entering a Ph.D. program)

Experience Required: At least 4 years of relevant prior experience

Description

The Fish Ecophysiology and Conservation Lab at the University of Texas at San Antonio is hiring a Ph.D. Student in fish ecophysiology, an in-person position based in San Antonio, Texas, with a stipend of $24,000 per year and an application deadline of July 31, 2026.

The Fish Ecophysiology and Conservation Lab investigates the physiology, ecology, and conservation of freshwater fishes. The lab pairs field, laboratory, and computational approaches to understand how environmental change shapes fish populations.

This position is funded by the NSF CAREER program. The Ph.D. Student will play a key role in studying the interactive effects of climate change and urbanization on the range shifts of tropical invasive fishes, integrating field studies of temperature regimes and fish populations, laboratory studies of fish physiology, and computational modeling. The student will earn a degree in the Environmental Science and Engineering Ph.D. program with affiliation in the Department of Biology, Health, and Environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop a dissertation that integrates field, laboratory, and computational approaches to studying tropical invasive fishes.
• Conduct field studies of temperature regimes and fish populations.
• Conduct laboratory studies of fish physiology.
• Develop and apply computational models to interpret findings.
• Complete coursework and program requirements in the Environmental Science and Engineering Ph.D. program.

Requirements

• Bachelor degree, eligible for entry into a Ph.D. program.
• At least 4 years of prior experience or coursework relevant to fish ecology, physiology, or computational modeling.
• Willingness to live and study in San Antonio, Texas; this is an in-person position.

Additional Notes

• Stipend of $24,000 per year, full tuition reimbursement, and health insurance for at least four years.
• Stipend supported by a combination of GRA and GTA, with at least 50% support from grant-funded GRA.
• Research and conference travel paid by UT San Antonio.
• Anticipated start: Fall 2026 or Spring 2027.
• The lab maintains a respectful, equitable, and inclusive scholarly workplace.

How to Apply

Email a single PDF to Dr. Matt Troia. Review of applications begins immediately.

Required application materials, combined into one PDF:

• CV.
• Cover letter not exceeding two single-spaced pages, outlining prior experience and skills, especially those related to the project, as well as future professional goals.
• Contact information for three professional references; references will not be contacted without prior notification of the applicant.

Direct questions to Dr. Matt Troia at matthew.troia@utsa.edu.