News

Postdoc opportunity: Using genomics to evaluate hatchery conservation efforts for the iconic Ohrid Trout in one of the world’s oldest lakes

We are seeking a motivated postdoc to join a collaborative project involving researchers at the University of Vermont, USA (Dr. Thais Bernos, Dr. Jason Stockwell,), the Hydrobiological Institute Ohrid, North Macedonia (Dr. Dushica Ilikj-Boeva), and the Great Lakes Fishery Commission (Dr. Andrew Muir). The overall project will explore population genetic structure and stock contributions of the iconic and endemic Ohrid Trout (Salmo letnica) using genomic data and will develop a parentage-based tagging program to assist hatcheries in their effort to conserve the emblematic fish and maintain the fisheries. This position is ideal for candidates interested in evolutionary biology, fishery genomics, and fishery management with a strong genomic and genetic background. The position will be based at the University of Vermont (Burlington, Vermont, United States) and involve travel to North Macedonia to conduct fieldwork and work with projects partners at the Hydrobiological Research Station in North Macedonia and Ohrid Trout hatcheries in North Macedonia and Albania.  

Skills and experience: The ideal candidate will have strong skills in molecular laboratory techniques, bioinformatics, and the analysis of genomic and genetic data. This position will also require strong leadership skills, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work with international teams of collaborators.

Responsibilities:

  • Generate and analyze genomic and morphological data to provide insights into the diversification of S. letnica within Lake Ohrid
  • Select SNPs and develop SNP panels for parentage-based analysis
  • Develop a parentage-based tagging program in collaboration with hatcheries in North Macedonia and Albania
  • Communicate project results to project collaborators, funders, and commercial fishing communities
  • Lead the publication of results in peer-reviewed scientific journals and present research findings at scientific conferences
  • Contribute to grant proposals and community outreach activities
  • Mentor students when appropriate

Salary: ~$61,000 + fringe benefits for 2 years. Supplementary funding or extension through collaborative fundraising may be possible. The candidate will be supported in developing grant writing skills and applying for relevant external funding (e.g., GLFC, GLFT, NSF).

To apply: Send a one-page cover letter describing your strengths and why you believe this position is the right fit for you, a two-page CV, and names and contact information of two references to Thaïs (thais.bernos@uvm.edu). Submit documents as a single PDF file named “[your last name]_OhridTrout.pdf”.

Deadline: We will start reviewing applications on December 15th, 2025.

PhD Opportunity: Biocultural Fishery Research in the Great Lakes (Adikameg/Lake Whitefish)

Biocultural approaches to conservation improve the stewardship of biological and cultural diversity by recognizing the dynamic and interconnected relationships between Peoples and the natural world. In fisheries management, these relationships are often overlooked, meaning that current approaches rarely integrate diverse knowledge systems or perspectives. This PhD project will address this gap by building a shared understanding of the relationships between Peoples and Adikameg (Anishinaabemowin for Lake Whitefish, Coregonus clupeaformis) and by identifying biocultural indicators to track the health of the fish and communities they support. The student will work alongside Indigenous fishers, stewards, and knowledge holders from up to six partner Nations and Tribes. They will conduct ethnoecological fieldwork to document the relationships between people and Adikameg, including the cultural significance of the species across different communities. They will organize discussions and workshops to share knowledge with project partners and conduct a regional ethnoecological review. The goal is to determine the role of Adikameg within the biocultural heritage of the Great Lakes and assess how its decline affects the cultural integrity of Indigenous communities. The student is expected to spend significant time in partner Nations and Tribes near Lakes Michigan, Superior, and Huron. They will work closely with community-based researchers and scientists from Tribal Nations, Carleton University, and the University of Vermont.

Qualifications: Candidates must have a B.Sc. or M.Sc. in ethnoecology, anthropology, ecology, fisheries, geography, conservation, or a related field. They should have experience working with communities and rightsholders to co-produce knowledge and be familiar with qualitative and/or quantitative methods. Strong writing, communication, organizational, and leadership skills are essential, as is the ability to work independently and as part of a team. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. When qualifications are comparable, preference will be given to Native Peoples of the Great Lakes Region and other Indigenous Nations in recognition of the importance of Indigenous leadership in this work.

To apply: Send a one-page cover letter describing your strengths and why you believe this position is the right fit for you, a two-page CV, a writing sample (500 – 750 words), unofficial transcript, and two references to Thaïs at thais.bernos@uvm.edu. Submit documents as a single PDF file named “[your last name]_Adikameg.pdf”.

Application deadline: November 15th, 2025 at 11.59pm (EST)

Key details: Start date is preferably January or May 2026, but we are open to later start dates for the ideal candidate. This position will be funded for four years (~35,000 $US / year + fringe benefits) through research assistantship and teaching assistantships.