Description: The Tumolo lab at Northern Michigan University is seeking 1 MS student to join a collaborative team to study positive interactions among stream insects (https://www.benjamintumolo.com). The position is fully funded by the National Science Foundation and includes a tuition waiver. The preferable start date is May, 2027.
The successful candidate will join a collaborative team that will test how ecological factors influence facilitation in streams (https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/show-award/?AWD_ID=2602798).
Responsibilities for this position include 1) conducting experiments to test how context and traits control positive interactions among insects 2) contribute to and coordinate with a collaborative research team.
Northern Michigan University has a strong M.S. graduate program in Biology (~ 35 students). The student will also benefit from assistance from a vibrant undergraduate community and collaborating with colleagues within this working group. NMU is located in Marquette, Michigan, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Marquette is a small city on the shore of Lake Superior and has excellent access to beautiful natural areas and trails. The location of NMU is a great place to live and offers fantastic access to water bodies, along with state and public wildlands that serve as natural laboratories to integrate global issues with freshwater conservation.
Minimum Qualifications
B.S. or B.A. in Biology, Environmental Science, or related fields.
Meet admission requirements for NMU Biology: https://nmu.edu/biology/graduate-studies-admission
Ability to work independently and collaboratively on a team
Ability to work in remote outdoor, sometimes inclement conditions
Preferred Qualifications
Prior research experience in either field or laboratory settings
Experience with the R and data management
Experience with aquatic habitat sampling techniques
To apply: Send the following materials to Ben Tumolo (btumolo@nmu.edu) with the email subject line “GRA Position (last name)”. 1) a cover letter; 2) your CV; and 3) contact information for three references. I will notify and encourage top candidates to apply to NMU’s Biology Department. Apply by Nov 2nd, 2026.
Benjamin B. Tumolo,
Ph.D
Assistant Professor
Department of Biology
Northern Michigan University
(he/him)