Ph.D. Research Assistantship in Fisheries Conflict and Food Security

UMass Intercampus Marine Science Graduate Program
School for Marine Science and Technology (SMAST), UMass Dartmouth

Start Date: September 1, 2025 preferred; January 2026 possible

Compensation: Annual stipend plus tuition waiver.

Project Overview: We are seeking a motivated Ph.D. student to join an interdisciplinary research project examining the interactions between small-scale and large-scale fisheries and their consequences for ecosystems, coastal food security, and marine governance. This research will explore how spatial competition affects livelihoods, food access, human rights, ecosystem function, and marine conservation outcomes in coastal fishing communities.

The student will conduct two seasons of international fieldwork (location TBD in collaboration with project partners) and lead mixed-methods research combining geospatial analysis and statistical modeling of industrial fishing effort data with interview and focus group data. This project offers the opportunity to produce actionable science in support of equitable and sustainable ocean governance. Learn more about previous related research here: www.melcronin.com/publications

The student will:

• Conduct geospatial analyses of fishing effort, access, and displacement using satellite and vessel data using Global Fishing Watch datasets
• Design and conduct fieldwork in international case study sites
• Collect and analyze quantitative and qualitative data on fisheries conflict and its outcomes
• Work closely with local partners, fishers, NGOs, and fisheries stakeholders
• Publish research and engage in policy-relevant science communication
• Receive training in interdisciplinary research methods and frameworks in marine science, geospatial analyses, and quantitative social science

Required Qualifications:

• M.S. or strong (Honors) B.S. in marine science, environmental science, fisheries, ecology, natural resource management, geography, quantitative social sciences, or a related field
• Demonstrated interest in marine conservation, fisheries, and social-ecological systems
• Demonstrated interest and ability in quantitative research and statistics
• Strong writing and communication skills
• Willingness to travel internationally and spend extended time in the field
• Research experience in natural or social sciences

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with quantitative research methods, statistics and coding in R
• Familiarity with geospatial analysis in R or GIS
• Experience with qualitative research methods (e.g., interviews, focus groups, qualitative coding)
• Familiarity with food security data or fisheries policy
• Proficiency in Spanish or another language is a plus

Location: Based at the School for Marine Science and Technology (SMAST) at UMass Dartmouth, with at least two confirmed fieldwork seasons. Located in New Bedford, Massachusetts, home to one of the most vibrant and historic working waterfronts in the United States, consistently ranked as the nation's top fishing port by value. SMAST is a modern research facility on the water with direct access to the working waterfront. As a center for cutting-edge fisheries science, SMAST offers a collaborative and applied research environment with strong connections to regional, national, and international marine policy. Students benefit from access to a network of government agencies, NGOs, and fishing industry stakeholders, making it an ideal setting for interdisciplinary marine research.

Review Timeline: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis beginning June 9, 2025 until the position is filled.