Graduate Research Position (M.S. or Ph.D.)
Salmonid Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Lab
Department of Fisheries, University of Alaska Fairbanks

The Salmonid Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Lab in the Department of Fisheries at
the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) invites applications for a funded graduate student
position (M.S. or Ph.D.) under the supervision of Dr. Peter Westley. The position will
contribute to a collaborative research project housed at the Prince William Sound Science
Center examining the fitness consequences of salmon straying in Prince William Sound,
Alaska.
Salmon straying—the movement of individuals from their natal population to spawn in
other populations—plays an important role in shaping salmon ecology, evolution, and
management. This project seeks to better understand the patterns and processes
underlying observed rates of straying among salmon populations in Prince William Sound.
The student will investigate how and why salmon stray from and into populations and
evaluate potential consequences for population dynamics, local adaptation, and long-term
persistence. Research may involve integrating approaches from population ecology,
evolutionary biology, and fisheries science using existing genetic, demographic, and
environmental datasets, with flexibility to develop specific research questions based on the
student’s interests.
The successful applicant will join a collaborative research environment within the College of
Fisheries and Ocean Sciences at UAF. Funding includes a competitive stipend, full tuition
coverage, student health insurance benefits, and required university fees. Two years of
funding are currently available, with opportunities to pursue additional funding through
fellowships, teaching assistantships, and research grants.
Applicants should have an interest in fisheries science, ecology, evolution, or a related
discipline. Experience with quantitative analysis, population biology, genetics, or ecological
modeling is beneficial but not essential. Strong communication skills and the ability to work
both independently and collaboratively are required. The position will be open until it is
filled, and review of application will begin upon receipt. The expected start date is summer
or fall 2026.

Interested applicants should contact Dr. Peter Westley (pwestley@alaska.edu; www.seec-
lab.com) with a brief statement of research interests, CV, and the names of potential
references to discuss the position and application process.