Fully Funded Opportunity in Marine Biology in Donelan Lab in the Biology Department at UMass Dartmouth is currently recruiting a motivated MS or PhD student to begin in Fall 2026. The successful candidate will join a vibrant and collaborative lab community working on a funded NSF project. This research explores transgenerational effects of predation risk across diverse resource landscapes on rocky intertidal shores in New England. Students will have the exciting opportunity to conduct research both in the lab at UMass Dartmouth’s seawater facilities and at coastal field sites across New England.
🔬 About the Donelan Lab Marine Biology
The Donelan Lab focuses on evolutionary ecology, using manipulative experiments to investigate how marine invertebrates—such as snails and oysters—respond to stress across different life stages and generations. This project will specifically examine how predation risk shapes ecological and evolutionary responses in marine organisms. Marine Biology
Experiments will be conducted in the state-of-the-art seawater lab at UMass Dartmouth’s School for Marine Science and Technology (SMAST), located only 20 minutes from the main campus. The lab provides advanced facilities for conducting ecological and evolutionary research, ensuring that students receive hands-on training with modern tools and methods.
🌊 Why UMass Dartmouth?
UMass Dartmouth offers a strong academic and research environment, particularly in marine sciences. The university hosts a large and active graduate community with diverse research interests in marine and coastal ecosystems.
The location on the south coast of Massachusetts provides unique advantages:
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Close proximity to rocky intertidal shorelines for fieldwork.
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Easy access to both urban centers and natural recreational areas.
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Just 30 minutes from Providence and 50 minutes from Boston.
This setting provides students with the perfect balance of research opportunities, professional networking, and quality of life.
🎓 Candidate Profile
Applicants should hold an undergraduate or Master’s degree in one of the following fields:
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Biology
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Ecology
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Marine Science
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Environmental Science
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Or a related discipline
Ideal candidates will have:
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Experience conducting ecological experiments (lab and/or field)
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Skills in data analysis and working with live animals
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A background in marine invertebrate research (preferred but not required)
Students who may not yet have extensive experience but are highly motivated to learn and develop these skills are strongly encouraged to apply.
💰 Funding & Support
Graduate students in the Donelan Lab are supported by both research assistantships and teaching assistantships, which provide:
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A living wage (including summer support)
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Tuition waiver
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Health and other benefits
This ensures that students can focus on their academic and research pursuits while being financially supported.
The Donelan Lab prides itself on being an inclusive, supportive, and collaborative environment, where diverse perspectives and backgrounds are welcomed and valued.
📑 Application Process
Interested candidates should prepare the following materials:
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CV or Resume (including GPA)
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Brief description of relevant research experience and motivation for pursuing graduate studies
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A statement explaining why you are specifically interested in joining the Donelan Lab
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Your career goals
Please send your complete application package via email to:
📩 Sarah Donelan (sdonelan@umassd.edu)
📅 Timeline
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Initial Zoom interviews: Conducted throughout Fall 2025
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Application deadline: January 1, 2026
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Start date: Fall 2026
🌟 Why Join?
This MS/PhD position offers the chance to:
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Contribute to cutting-edge research in evolutionary ecology and marine biology science
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Develop skills in both laboratory and field-based experiments
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Be part of an NSF-funded project with meaningful scientific impact
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Join a supportive and dynamic lab community at a leading research institution
If you are passionate about marine biology, ecological research, and advancing our understanding of how species respond to environmental stress, this is an exceptional opportunity to pursue your graduate studies at UMass Dartmouth.
👉 Apply now to join the Donelan Lab and help shape the future of marine ecological research! Marine Biology
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