USDA-ARS Biological Science Fellow in Fish Nutrition

Research Project

The role involves conducting research in Aquatic Animal Nutrition through the USDA-ARS Aberdeen Small Grains and Potato Research Station. The fellowship will be located at the Bozeman Fish Technology Center in Bozeman, Montana. The fellow will gain experience in aquatic biology, focusing on fish nutrition and feed manufacturing. Responsibilities include analyzing the nutritional requirements of various aquatic species, developing and formulating specialized feeds, conducting trials to determine feed effectiveness, collaborating with hatchery, feed mill, and analytical laboratory managers to manufacture and analyze feeds, and monitoring and assessing the growth, proximate composition, and health of the aquatic species.

The fellow will also analyze research records and create detailed reports on feed formulation and fish growth performance.

• Learn to conduct research in aquatic animal nutrition through collaboration with the USDA-ARS Aberdeen Small Grains and Potato Research Station and the Bozeman Fish Technology Center.
• Gain experience in aquatic biology, with emphasis on fish nutrition and feed manufacturing.
• Develop skills in analyzing the nutritional requirements of various aquatic species.
• Learn to formulate and manufacture specialized feeds designed to meet species-specific nutritional needs.
• Conduct feeding trials to evaluate the effectiveness of formulated feeds on growth and health performance.
• Collaborate with hatchery, feed mill, and analytical laboratory managers to manufacture, analyze, and assess feed quality.
• Gain experience by monitoring and evaluating fish growth, proximate composition, and overall health in response to dietary treatments.
• Analyse research data and prepare detailed reports on feed formulation strategies and fish growth performance outcomes.

Wendy M. Sealey (wendy.sealey). Contact the mentor for questions about the nature of the research.

August 3, 2026. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

The appointment will initially be for one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of ARS and depending on the availability of funds.

Full time.

Monthly stipend of $4,500 – $6,000, commensurate with educational level and experience.

U.S. citizen only.

The qualified candidate should currently be pursuing or have received a bachelor’s or master’s degree in one of the following fields:
Animal Science, Aquaculture, Fisheries Science, Marine Biology, or other closely related biological sciences.

• Biology:
  Knowledge of plant and animal living tissue, cells, organisms, and their functions, interdependencies, and interactions.
• Research:
  Knowledge of scientific principles, methods, and processes for systematic inquiry, including study design, data collection, analysis, and interpretation, and reporting of results.
• Technology Application:
  Ability to select and understand procedures, machines, or tools that produce desired results; identify or solve problems related to performing tasks.
• Interest in nutrition and fish physiology with the capability to apply that knowledge to aquacultural systems.

• Citizenship: U.S. citizen only.
• Degree:
  Bachelor’s or Master’s degree.
• Discipline(s):
  Environmental and Marine Sciences (including Fish and Wildlife, Fisheries, Natural Resources, Wildlife Management).
• Age:
  Must be 18 years of age or older.

Janeen.