The Ligocki Research Group at University of Wyoming is recruiting graduate students (M.S. or Ph.D.) to begin in the summer or fall of 2026. These students will be fully funded (tuition, health insurance, stipend) through a combination of research assistantships (RAs), teaching assistantships (TAs), and student-led grants.
The Ligocki Research Group is broadly focused on how organisms (primarily fish and amphibians) respond to environmental change with an emphasis on invasive species and chemical pollution. Taxa of particular interest to the lab are: Gambusia fishes, native and introduced salmonids in the mountain west, and native and introduced amphibians in Wyoming using both lab- and field-based approaches. We are an Integrative Behavioral Biology lab; meaning we explore behavior through the lens of the physiological and developmental processes that underlie those behaviors, as well as the ecological consequences of them.
Students will be expected to work with Dr. Ligocki to develop a research project that aligns with the broader goals of the lab and explores how organisms respond to a changing environment through behavioral, physiological, and developmental mechanisms.
Required:
1. A bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, zoology, environmental science, or other related field. Students with a BA/BS in an unrelated field but who have a master’s or other formal training in the fields listed above are encouraged to apply.
2. An ability to work both independently and to communicate, contribute, and collaborate as a member of the Research Group. All members of the Ligocki Research Group will be expected to contribute to lab efforts generally, but also to be productive through their own project (e.g. presentations, publications, grants).
3. Motivation to gain new skills and expertise, and to further develop as a scientist.
4. A strong work ethic and resilience to persevere and adapt when things don’t go as planned (at some point they won’t).
Preferred:
1. Research experience. In particular, experience with some of the following techniques: behavioral assays, ecological surveys, ELISA assays, DNA/RNA extraction, RT-PCR, animal husbandry.
2. Proficiency with statistical analysis and/or coding (e.g. R, Python).
3. Demonstrated proficiency in communicating science in writing (e.g. peer-reviewed publications, grants) and verbally (e.g. conference presentations).
Why University of Wyoming?
The Department of Zoology and Physiology is a collaborative scholarly community composed of diverse faculty, researchers, and students with broad expertise in ecology, evolution, physiology, and neuroscience. The Department is also the home of the Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Center (USGS), the UW Museum of Vertebrates, and the Integrated Microscopy Core. Additionally, many labs collaborate with faculty in other Departments and Colleges through the interdisciplinary Program in Ecology & Evolution (PiEE) as well as agency partners in the WY Department of Game and Fish and Department of Environmental Quality. The Department supports efforts to foster our graduate student community through PiEE, the local chapter of the American Fisheries Society and The Wildlife Society, the Mental Health and Wellness Committee, and other efforts.
Students in the Ligocki Lab will carry out much of their work at the Red Buttes Environmental Laboratory, a university lab facility originally designed for ecotoxicology and aquatic biology research with a long history of impactful environmental research. The University of Wyoming more broadly possesses additional state of the art equipment, resources, and training through the Wyoming INBRE Data Science Core and the UW Research Institute at AMK Ranch in Grand Teton National Park.
Why Laramie, Wyoming?
At 7220’, Laramie is truly a mountain college town. With mountain ranges within an hour to the east and west (and trailheads literally leaving town into Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest), “Laradise” is an ideal place to live and study for students who love hiking, biking, skiing, and other outdoor activities. Laramie is consistently ranked amongst the most affordable mountain towns in the nation. The town of Laramie offers a wide range of restaurants and entertainment, including a summer Farmer’s Market, the annual Jubilee Days and Rodeo, and local live music. The greater Denver area is 2 hours away with access to an even wider range of food, entertainment, and shopping experiences, as well as an international airport.
Laramie has a lot to offer year-round, but winters here are long, cold, and windy (but also very sunny!). In a typical winter, roads in and out of town will (temporarily) close several times due to wind and snow. While these conditions make it the winter skiing, snowshoeing, and sledding destination it is, some do struggle with the climate in this small town during the winter.
How to Apply:
Please fill out THIS Google Form with several questions related to your experiences and interest in the lab. Additionally, please email Dr. Ligocki at isaac.ligocki@uwyo.edu 1) a Personal Statement detailing your interest in the program and how it will help you achieve your career goals (2 pg. max), 2) a Resume/CV detailing relevant classroom and laboratory/field experience, 3) undergraduate (and graduate if you have a Master’s) transcripts, 4) the name and email address of three references I have permission to contact for letters of recommendation.
FOR FULL CONSIDERATION, PLEASE SUBMIT ALL MATERIALS BY MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30th, 2025.
The Ligocki Research Group 