PhD Graduate Research Assistantship: eDNA Monitoring and Co-Occurrence Patterns of Imperiled Species & Invasive Predators in North Carolina Rivers Description: The federally listed Carolina Madtom & Neuse River Waterdog have declined across their historical ranges in the Tar??Neuse river basins of North Carolina. The invasion of non-native Flathead Catfish is one of the primary factors hypothesized to impact these imperiled species. This project will develop joint sampling & monitoring approaches using environmental DNA (eDNA) & occupancy modeling to detect & predict occurrences of these three priority species across the Tar??Neuse river systems, with the ultimate aims of 1) clarifying species distributions, 2) testing species-environmental relationships, 3) evaluating co-occurrence patterns, & 4) integrating eDNA monitoring into agency frameworks. The PhD student will work directly with Dr. Corey Dunn (USGS NC Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit, NC State University), Dr. Nadya Mamoozadeh (NC State University, Molecular Ecology Lab) & management biologists while learning in-demand skills transferable to broader applications in conservation such as lab development & field application of eDNA surveillance methods, occupancy modeling, habitat assessment, & imperiled species management. Qualifications: Completed bachelor??s degree (master??s degree preferred) in biology, natural resources, or closely related field before start date. Prior experience with molecular applications, quantitative methods, & aquatic conservation. Candidates should have interests in both lab & field research, species distribution modeling, R programming, & science communication. Salary & benefits: Graduate Assistantship >$30,000 per year (Research x 3.5yr, Teaching x 0.5yr) + health insurance, tuition waiver, computer, professional travel, federal safety training. Start date: Anticipated start date of July 2026 (preferred). Apply: Apply here (https://forms.gle/5dmdTxDAQi5aRNou8) by uploading a single, merged PDF: 1. brief cover letter describing experiential background, career goals, & project interest 2. resume/CV with GPA 3. unofficial university transcripts 4. email & phone numbers for three professional references (we will ask before contacting references) 5. optional (but encouraged) writing example from research or coursework Applications will start being reviewed March 20; position closes April 5, 2026. Email inquiries about this position are welcome (corey_dunn@ncsu.edu; nrmamooz@ncsu.edu). Helpful links: Lab webpages: https://bit.ly/riverine_fishes; http://www.mamoozlab.com/ Department of Applied Ecology at NC State: https://cals.ncsu.edu/applied-ecology Nadya Mamoozadeh, PhD Assistant Professor Dept. of Applied Ecology http://www.mamoozlab.com/ Nadya Mamoozadeh (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)