Imagine standing on the shores of a vast freshwater lake that spans three political borders, where specialized anglers chase trophy bass in tournaments while nearby city residents fish for perch and pike close to home. Now picture yourself as the researcher who uncovers how these people move, decide, connect, and shape the fishery itself. That is the core of a newly advertised funded MSc or PhD research assistantship focused on the human dimensions of fisheries at the University of Vermont.
The Bernos F.I.S.H. Lab is recruiting a motivated graduate student for this position, with a preferred start date of January or May 2027. The opportunity centers on Lake Champlain, a large lake nested between Vermont, New York, and Quebec. Its five basins differ sharply in environmental conditions and fish communities. Those differences support a diverse recreational and provisional fishery targeting black basses, Northern Pike, Yellow Perch, Lake Trout, Atlantic Salmon, Walleye, panfish, Bowfin, and more. More than 100 bass tournaments take place on the lake each year. Urban centers such as Burlington, Vermont, and Plattsburgh, New York, continue to grow and diversify, creating potential new and underrepresented participants in the fishery. Understanding how fishers interact with this complex system is essential for ecological sustainability and positive recreational experiences.
Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: USA
- Host University: University of Vermont
- Scholarship Type: MSC Scholarships/PhD Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Scholarship Benefits: $37,000 per year, Living stipend, etc.
- Application Deadline: September 30, 2026
This is not a typical single-species biology project. The successful candidate will develop an MSc or PhD thesis that examines one or more aspects of the human dimensions of Lake Champlain fisheries. Research methods may draw from surveys, interviews, web scraping, and other social science approaches, while also incorporating fishery techniques such as sampling, telemetry, or genetics. Possible thesis themes include the “movement ecology” of both fishers and fishes; heterogeneity in fishing behaviors, including techniques, harvest rates, motivations, preferences, and decision-making; and social and knowledge networks that link fishers, management agencies, community organizations, and concepts such as stocking, catch-and-release, or commercial harvesting. The questions will be refined collaboratively, ensuring the work contributes original insight while remaining grounded in real management needs.
The position is based at the Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources at the University of Vermont in Burlington. The lab studies interactions between fish, people, and place as coupled socio-ecological systems. You can learn more about ongoing work and the research philosophy on the lab website at https://bernoslab.wordpress.com. The University of Vermont itself offers a strong environment for interdisciplinary graduate training in natural resources, with direct access to Lake Champlain research facilities and a campus community that values both rigorous science and applied outcomes.
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What the Funding Package Offers
This is a funded research assistantship. The salary starts at $37,000 per year for a full-time (at least 40 hours per week) position. As is standard for graduate research assistantships at UVM, the package typically includes substantial tuition support along with the stipend. The start window runs between January 4, 2027, and January 3, 2028, giving flexibility for the ideal candidate. The combination of competitive pay, tuition coverage, and the chance to design meaningful research makes this one of the more attractive funded MSc or PhD opportunities currently available in the human dimensions of fisheries.
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Who Should Apply for Funded MSc or PhD in Human Dimensions of Fisheries at University of Vermont USA
The lab welcomes applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and nationalities. International candidates are explicitly encouraged. A bachelor’s degree is required; no prior experience is listed as mandatory. Suitable academic backgrounds include fisheries science, ecology, natural resources, human dimensions of natural resources, environmental studies, geography, sociology, anthropology, data science, network analysis, and related fields. Students who enjoy interdisciplinary work, quantitative and qualitative methods, modeling, stakeholder engagement, and social-ecological systems thinking will find a particularly strong fit. PhD applicants are expected to show a foundation for independent research, which can come from a master’s degree, prior research experience, professional work, or other relevant pathways. MSc applicants are equally welcome.
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How to Apply and Key Dates
To promote a transparent and equitable process, the first step is a brief Google Form that asks about research interests and long-term career goals. The form is available here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf4Kzymek5yHJOwtskd_TKE3xPxE4TBso83Ej-s486Tkyatxw/viewform?usp=preview. Selected candidates will be invited for interviews. Review of applications begins on September 1, 2026, and continues on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit by September 1 for full consideration. The formal deadline listed is September 30, 2026. If you encounter any difficulty accessing the form, contact Dr. Thais Bernos directly at thais.bernos@uvm.edu (preferred) or by phone at 802-305-0363.
The original posting appears on the Natural Resources Job Board at https://jobs.rwfm.tamu.edu/view-job/?id=117895. Additional context about the lab and related opportunities can be found on the lab’s “Join our lab” page at https://bernoslab.wordpress.com/join-our-lab/.
Why This Opportunity Stands Out
Many graduate students search for funded positions that combine ecological fieldwork with social science. Few places offer a living laboratory as rich as Lake Champlain. The lake’s mix of specialized tournament anglers, generalist local fishers, growing urban populations, and complex cross-border management creates ideal conditions for studying movement, behavior, and networks. The Bernos F.I.S.H. Lab’s multidisciplinary approach means a student can blend surveys with telemetry or network analysis with genetics, depending on the final research questions. Burlington itself is a vibrant, outdoors-oriented city with easy access to both the lake and the Green Mountains, making it an appealing place to live while pursuing graduate study.
For students interested in careers in fisheries management, academia, conservation organizations, or policy, this assistantship provides both the training and the professional network needed to succeed. The emphasis on transparent recruitment and openness to international applicants further strengthens the position’s appeal in a competitive funding landscape.
Practical Next Steps for Interested Applicants
Begin by carefully reading the full position description and exploring the lab website. Reflect on how your background and interests align with the three broad topic areas listed. Prepare a clear statement of research interests and career aspirations for the Google Form. Gather unofficial transcripts and be ready to discuss relevant coursework or experiences during a possible interview. Because review starts early September 2026, early submission is advantageous. International applicants should also begin considering visa timelines, as the preferred start is early 2027.
This funded MSc or PhD in the human dimensions of fisheries at the University of Vermont represents a rare chance to work at the intersection of people and fish in one of North America’s most interesting freshwater systems. The combination of competitive funding, interdisciplinary freedom, and a supportive lab environment makes it worth serious consideration for anyone passionate about sustainable fisheries and the communities that depend on them.
If the description resonates with your goals, complete the application form and reach out to Dr. Bernos with any questions. The next cohort of researchers who help shape the future of Lake Champlain fisheries could include you.