Position: M.S. Graduate Research Assistantship – Status and vulnerability assessment of data-poor fisheries species of tribal importance on the Northern California Coast
Date Posted: April 27, 2026
Closing Date: May 22, 2026
Location: Cal Poly Humboldt (formerly Humboldt State University), Department of Fisheries Biology, Arcata, California
Description: This opening is for one graduate / MSc research assistant in the Marine Fisheries Ecology Lab (Dr Jose Marin Jarrin, PI). The successful candidate will assist with a status and vulnerability evaluation of four data-poor fisheries species: surf smelt, night smelt, redtail surfperch, and black rockfish, in collaboration with four Tribal partners (Blue Lake Rancheria, Cher-ae Heights Indian Community of the Trinidad Rancheria [Trinidad Rancheria], Pulikla Tribe of Yurok People [Pulikla Tribe], and the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation [TDN]). This collaborative group developed from a partnership begun in 2021 between Cal Poly Humboldt, the Pulikla Tribe, Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, California Sea Grant and NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Center to study night smelt in traditional and commercial areas. In 2023, the partnership expanded to include the Blue Lake Rancheria and Trinidad Rancheria and has been conducting research on priority Tribal fisheries species and Tribal marine resources under a University of California Office of the President Climate Action Seed grant (www.humboldt.edu/tribal-fisheries-resilience). The vulnerability analysis that this position will build on this work. Additionally, the graduate student will be asked to assist with and participate in field work, informational meetings (‘knowledge exchange events’), and trainings.
Duties will include:
- Participate in monitoring of four species in collaboration with tribal partners
- Help train and supervise undergraduate student interns during the field seasons
- Use data-poor methods to evaluate the status and vulnerability of fisheries species
- Help organize project meetings, including knowledge exchange events, capacity-building trainings, and outreach and educational events
- Participate in writing permits, grant reporting, educational/outreach material and website text
- Attend and present in at least one scientific conference during their time as a graduate student
- Write a thesis with the goal of publishing at least one peer-reviewed research article thesis
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree (B.S. preferred) in fisheries, ecology, natural resources, marine biology, oceanography, biology, ecology, statistics or related field.
- 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). Note that applicants do NOT need to formally apply to the program at this time; only the candidate selected following our review process will need to apply to the Natural Resources graduate program.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Highly motivated and independent, with strong work ethic
- Experience working or willingness to work with diverse communities
- Ability and motivation to work long days in challenging conditions while maintaining a positive attitude.
- Experience with scientific collection of fisheries data and/or experience fishing.
- Experience organizing, leading, and working with teams (e.g., small field crews of hired technicians, volunteers, and students).
- Demonstrated strengths with scientific writing (e.g., reports, manuscripts) and oral communication (e.g., presentations, professional meetings).
- Strong quantitative and statistical skills and experience using R, or willingness to learn.
The selected student will enroll in the Natural Resources graduate program at Cal Poly Humboldt and work to obtain their M.S. degree within the Fisheries Biology Department. The student would ideally start in the fall semester, 2026. The student will receive a $20,000/year stipend plus tuition waiver for two years. The student will be advised by Dr. Jose Marin Jarrin, faculty in the Department of Fisheries Biology.
About Cal Poly Humboldt
Cal Poly Humboldt is a small to medium sized university located in a relatively remote area of Northern California. It sits near Humboldt Bay, five minutes from the beautiful coastline, nestled by majestic redwood forests. The university has numerous facilities, including the Telonicher Marine Lab located in Trinidad (15 minutes from the main campus). Learn more about the university and location here.
Cal Poly Humboldt is a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) that strives to foster an equitable and inclusive community that supports our students of diverse backgrounds. Cal Poly Humboldt is a Title IX/Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. 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 Office of Research & Sponsored Program’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 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.
Application Instructions
To apply submit three files as PDFs: (1) a cover letter that also includes contact information of 3 references appended (name, employer, phone, email), (2) a resume or CV, and (3) your academic transcripts (unofficial are acceptable; official are preferred). Files should be named like this: “LastName_FirstName_CoverLetter”, “LastName_FirstName_CV”, “LastName_FirstName_transcripts”. For full consideration, materials must be received by the closing date.
Point of Contact
Michelle Schuiteman
Research Associate, Project Coordinator
Department of Fisheries Biology
Cal Poly Humboldt
Michelle.Schuiteman@humboldt.edu
707-826-3951
