Biological Sciences

Multiple MS and PhD positions are available in the Department of Biological Sciences at Northern Illinois University, starting Fall 2026. The Ecology, Evolution, Behavior, and Conservation (EEBC) faculty are recruiting graduate students for diverse research areas including community ecology, restoration ecology, conservation genetics, vertebrate and invertebrate evolution, behavioral ecology, microbial ecology, paleontology, and host-parasite interactions. Faculty accepting students include Michael W. Henson (aquatic microbial ecology), Holly P. Jones (restoration ecology and conservation biology), Jennifer A.H. Koop (ecology and evolution of host-parasite interactions), and Karen E. Samonds (paleontology and skeletal biology). The department offers competitive teaching assistantships with stipend and tuition waiver. Applicants should hold a relevant degree and are encouraged to contact potential faculty advisors well before applying to discuss research interests and fit. Application deadline is January 1, 2026. For more details, visit the NIU Biology graduate program website and individual faculty pages.