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University of North Carolina Wilmington

MS and PhD Assistantships in Sensory Ecology, Behavioral Ecology, and Neuroethology at the University of North Carolina Wilmington University of North Carolina Wilmington in United States

Degree Level

Master's, PhD

Field of study

Environmental Science

Funding

Full funding available

Deadline

Apr 19, 2027

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Country

United States

University

University of North Carolina Wilmington

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Keywords

Environmental Science
Comparative Biology
Biology
Sensory Ecology
Behavioral Ecology
Marine Biology
Neuropsychology
Medical Science
Integrative Biology
Neuroethology

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About this position

Two graduate assistantship opportunities are available in the Schweikert Lab in the Department of Biology and Marine Biology at the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW). The openings are centered on sensory ecology, marine biology, behavioral ecology, neuroethology, and the study of adaptive camouflage and dynamic color change in fishes.

One position is for an MSc in Marine Biology focused on Behavioral Ecology of Dynamic Color Change in Reef Fishes (starting Spring or Summer 2027). The second is a PhD in Integrative, Comparative, and Marine Biology focused on Neuroethology of Adaptive Camouflage in Flatfishes (starting Fall 2027).

The lab studies how color-changing marine fishes gather and process visual information, including the role of dermal photoreception and how skin may function as a sensory system for monitoring the environment or the animal’s own coloration. The broader project connects animal sensory biology with bioinspired sensing and material science.

Applicants with experience in neurophysiological or behavioral approaches are preferred, but this is not required. A bachelor’s degree is required. Interested students should first email Dr. Lorian Schweikert with a 1-page statement of career goals and research interests, a CV or resume, unofficial transcripts, and contact information for three references.

Priority contact deadlines are August 16, 2026 for the MSc position and September 13, 2026 for the PhD position. The UNCW application deadlines are October 15, 2026 for the MSc and February 15, 2027 for the PhD. The post lists the salary as commensurate/negotiable and indicates assistantship support, but does not specify stipend amount or tuition coverage.

More information is available on the Schweikert Lab website and the UNCW Biology/Marine Biology and Center for Marine Science pages.

Funding details

Full funding including tuition fees and living expenses is available for this position. The scholarship covers all educational costs and provides a monthly stipend.

How to apply

Please submit your application including a cover letter, CV, academic transcripts, and contact information for two references. Applications should be sent via the online portal before the deadline.

More information can be found here

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