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Project Title: The Spatial-Temporal Activities, Habitat Selection, and Diet of the Understudied, Species of Greatest Conservation Need, the Western Massasauga Rattlesnake (Sistrurus tergeminus).

Start Date: Preferred M.S. enrollment beginning in January 2026.

Description: I am seeking TWO highly motivated M.S. students interested in herpetology, spatial ecology, and behavioral ecology to work on a field project involving Western Massasauga Rattlesnakes (Sistrurus tergeminus). These positions will be advised by Dr. Dylan Maag in the Department of Life, Earth, and Environmental Sciences at WTAMU. This project will be a highly collaborative effort requiring both graduate assistants to work simultaneously and with summer field technicians on all aspects of field data collection. Students will then focus separately on the analysis of spatial ecology and hunting behavior/diet, while working together on habitat selection for their theses, manuscripts, and project reports.

S. tergeminus is currently a Species of Greatest Conservation Need in Texas and is native to Texas grasslands (one of the most endangered habitats in TX). This project is funded by the Texas Office of the Comptroller through their Endangered Species Management Research. Students will use a combination of mark-recapture, radiotelemetry, animal-borne accelerometry, field videography, habitat sampling, and diet analysis in the field starting in late spring 2026 to early fall 2028 to achieve the following objectives: 1) Obtain basic demographic statistics for the population of S. tergeminus. 2) Estimate the spatial ecology of adult S. tergeminus. 3) Quantify diel and seasonal activity, and species-typical behaviors of adult snakes. 4) Model S. tergeminus habitat selection at multiple scales. 5) Measure critical spatial, temporal, selection, and social variables associated with overwintering. 6) Estimate and measure the snakes’ diets and hunting behaviors.

Prospective students should be comfortable working alone and in teams in the field and will be expected to mentor research technicians and undergraduate volunteers throughout the project. Students should also be comfortable with being trained to safety handle venomous snakes with the goal of them handling the snakes themselves. Students should also expect to regularly interact with both TX state biologists and managers, and private landowners throughout the project.

Qualifications: B.S. in Biology, Wildlife Biology, Zoology, or a related field is required. Students must meet the qualifications of WTAMU’s graduate program for MS, Biology, https://www.wtamu.edu/academics/college-agriculture-natural-sciences/department-life-earth-environmental-sciences/programs/graduate/biology-graduate-program.html (3.0 GPA in all undergraduate related science courses, etc.). Students must also possess a valid Driver’s License. Experience handling venomous snakes is NOT required but is preferred. Students must be willing to be trained to safely handle venomous snakes and demonstrate proficiency in doing so. Experience working within the R coding language, GIS programs, and radiotelemetry are preferred but not required. Lastly, this project is set to last for 38 months thus, students must be prepared to devote 2.5–3 years towards this project and their MS degree at WTAMU.

Compensation: These are fully funded graduate research assistant positions (i.e., no teaching) that comes with a stipend of $26,159–27,794 per year for 6 consecutive semesters, starting in Spring 2026. WTAMU graduate assistants also qualify for a partial tuition waiver and medical insurance coverage. For more information please visit WTAMU’s LEES department webpage, https://www.wtamu.edu/academics/college-agriculture-natural-sciences/department-life-earth-environmental-sciences/index.html, and WTAMU’s Graduate School webpage, https://www.wtamu.edu/academics/graduate-school/index.html.

How to Apply: Interested applicants should submit a single PDF document, which includes the following: 1) A letter of interest. 2) CV. 3) A copy of unofficial transcripts. 4) Contact information for three academic/professional references. Applications should be sent to Dr. Dylan Maag at dmaag@wtamu.edu and include “M.S. MASSASAUGA APPLICATION” in the subject line.

Applications will be reviewed starting on August 4th, 2025 applications submitted after that deadline will be reviewed as first-come-first-served basis until both positions are filled. Interviews (via Zoom or phone) of the short-listed applicants will begin within 2 weeks after the deadline of August 4th, 2025.

Contact

Dr. Dylan Maag

8066512520

dmaag@wtamu.edu (preferred contact method)

M.S. Graduate Assistantship – Deer population demographics prior to elk reintroduction

Bemidji State University (State) | https://www.bemidjistate.edu/

Details

Posting:

https://faculty.bemidjistate.edu/jhaus/

Application Deadline:

06/27/2025

Published:

06/10/2025

Starting Date:

after 8/20/2025

Hours per Week:

at least 40

Salary:

starting at $28,000 per year

Education Required:

Bachelors

Experience Required:

none

Location:

Bemidji, Minnesota

Tags:

Graduate Opportunities

Description

Description

A graduate research assistantship (M.S.) is available in the Biology department at Bemidji State University beginning August 2025. The research is a collaborative project with the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and will involve capture and GPS collaring of adult white-tailed deer on the Fond du Lac Reservation and surrounding areas of the 1854 Ceded Territory. The student will be responsible for coordinating and conducting fieldwork associated with the project, including winter capture of deer using Clover traps, rocket nets, and drop nets. The selected candidate will also be responsible for data entry, analysis, and writing reports. The student will be expected to work collaboratively with other graduate students on the project, including assisting with summer fawn capture. Our objectives will be to assess cause-specific mortality rates, habitat use, and population health of adult deer prior to planned elk reintroduction. The development of additional research objectives by the student will be encouraged. The selected candidate will be expected to prepare manuscripts for publication and to present the results of their work at local and national conferences as well as for local public audiences. The student will enroll in courses at Bemidji State University but will spend much of the winter and summer at the field site. The project is fully funded through a grant from the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resource Trust Fund. A stipend of $28,000/year plus tuition remission is provided.

Qualifications

I am seeking a highly motivated and qualified student interested in pursuing an M.S. in Biology. To be considered, applicants must have a B.S. degree in wildlife biology or closely related discipline. Minimum requirements are an undergraduate GPA of ≥3.0. The GRE is not required. Competitive candidates will have experience capturing deer, supervising technician, and using relevant statistical packages to analyze wildlife spatial data in program R. The student must be a self-starter, reliable, punctual, able to work long hours in extreme cold, heat and bugs, and be willing to work with a diverse group of collaborators (Tribal biologists and band members, students, technicians, hunters, landowners, etc.). Candidates must have a valid driver’s license and a personal vehicle. Work vehicles will be provided for field use, but the need for occasional use of personal vehicles with mileage reimbursement may arise. Applicants should email a cover letter outlining their qualifications for the project, resume/CV, unofficial transcript(s), and contact information for 3 references as a single PDF document. Application review will begin immediately.

Applicants of Native American decent are strongly encouraged to apply.

Contact

Jacob Haus

jacob.haus@bemidjistate.edu (preferred contact method)

MS - Assistantship - Migratory Game Bird Wintering Habitat Assessment - Graduate Research Assistant II

Sul Ross State University (State) | https://www.sulross.edu/

Details

Posting:

https://sulross.peopleadmin.com/postings/8127

Application Deadline:

08/01/2025

Published:

06/10/2025

Starting Date:

after 8/15/2025

Ending Date:

after 5/1/2028

Hours per Week:

Salary:

$1,500 per month

Education Required:

Bachelors

Experience Required:

none

Location:

Alpine, Texas

Tags:

Graduate Opportunities

Description

The Borderlands Research Institute (BRI) https://bri.sulross.edu/ at Sul Ross State University https://www.sulross.edu/ is seeking a motivated Master’s student to conduct a thesis project focused on assessing wintering habitat suitability for a migratory game bird in the southwest U.S. (TX, NM, AZ, and southeast CA) and Mexican Highlands.

· Develop habitat suitability and species distribution models using established data sets and sources (e.g., GPS data and NDVI)

· Evaluation of factors influencing habitat suitability, resource selection, and species distribution

· Integration of ecological and management implications to support restoration and conservation strategies

Qualifications:

· B.S. in Wildlife Science, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Ecology, or related field

· Experience or coursework in GIS/remote sensing and quantitative analysis preferred

· Demonstrated interest in movement ecology, wetland ecology, wetland dependent wildlife conservation, resource selection, or arid/semi-arid landscape management

· Strong written and verbal communication skills

· Ability to work independently and collaboratively with agency partners and NGOs

To Express Interest or Ask Questions:
Submit the following in a single PDF to carlos.gonzalez@sulross.edu

· Cover letter outlining your interest and qualifications

· CV or résumé

· Transcripts (unofficial okay for initial review)

· Contact information for 3 references

To Officially Apply:
Create an account and complete the application process for this position at Sul Ross State University Applicant Portal | Graduate Research Assistant II - BRI

Contact

Dr. Carlos Gonzalez

carlos.gonzalez@sulross.edu (preferred contact method)

Note, if you previously applied for the MS - Assistantship - Wetland Dynamics in the Chihuahuan Desert - Graduate Research Assistant II position, your application will also be considered for this posting.

Contact

Dr. Carlos Gonzalez

432-837-8098

carlos.gonzalez@sulross.edu (preferred contact method)

Ph.D. Research Assistantship in Fisheries Conflict and Food Security - Start date Fall 2025 or Spring 2026

University of Massachusetts Dartmouth (State) | https://www.melcronin.com

Details

Posting:

https://www.melcronin.com/prospective-students

Application Deadline:

07/31/2025

Published:

06/09/2025

Starting Date:

after 1/1/2026

Hours per Week:

at least 40

Salary:

$26,700 to $41,694 per year

Education Required:

Masters

Experience Required:

at least 3 years

Location:

New Bedford, Massachusetts

Tags:

Graduate Opportunities

Description

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.

To Apply: Please send the following materials to Dr. Melissa Cronin at melissar.cronin@gmail.com with the subject line “PhD Assistantship - Your Name”:

Cover letter (one page maximum) detailing a short summary of your background, career goals, and why you want to join SMAST
CV
Unofficial transcripts
Writing sample (a publication, research proposal, term paper, or some other piece that you are proud of)
Name and contact info for two references (academic references preferred)

See this useful guide for emailing potential graduate advisors. Learn more about the UMass Intercampus Marine Science Graduate Program and its application process here:https://www.umassd.edu/ims/prospective-students/admissions-overview/

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

Contact

Melissa Cronin

melissar.cronin@gmail.com (preferred contact method)

M.S. Research Assistantship in Manta Ray Conservation and Bycatch Mitigation

University of Massachusetts Dartmouth (State) | https://www.melcronin.com

Details

Posting:

https://melcronin.com/prospective-students

Application Deadline:

06/23/2025

Published:

06/09/2025

Starting Date:

after 9/1/2025

Hours per Week:

at least 38

Salary:

$24,700 to $34,675 per year

Education Required:

Bachelors

Experience Required:

at least 2 years

Location:

New Bedford, Massachusetts

Tags:

Graduate Opportunities

Description

M.S. Research Assistantship in Manta Ray Conservation and Bycatch Mitigation

Position Title: M.S. track research assistantship through the UMass Intercampus Marine Science Graduate Program at the School for Marine Science and Technology at UMass Dartmouth.

Start Date: September 1, 2025

Compensation: Annual stipend plus tuition waiver.

Project Overview: We are seeking a student to join an interdisciplinary research project focused on understanding and mitigating the bycatch of manta and devil rays (Mobulidae) in global tropical tuna fisheries. These slow-growing, large-bodied rays are particularly vulnerable to incidental capture by industrial purse seine fleets, yet remain understudied in bycatch science and management. Using an existing dataset from international fisheries observers and monitoring programs, the student will analyze spatial, temporal, and gear-specific patterns in mobulid bycatch to identify high-risk scenarios and inform mitigation strategies. This project is ideal for candidates interested in marine biodiversity conservation, fisheries sustainability, and applying quantitative tools to support evidence-based policy and management in fisheries. Learn more about previous related research here: www.melcronin.com/publications

The student will:

Conduct data-driven research using an existing fisheries bycatch dataset
Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team of ecologists, conservation scientists, and fisheries experts
Gain skills in ecological modeling, statistical analysis, and interdisciplinary marine science
Contribute to actionable science supporting international mobulid conservation

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in marine science, ecology, fisheries science, environmental science, biology, or a related discipline
Demonstrated interest and ability in quantitative research and statistics
Self-motivated, organized, and able to work independently and collaboratively
Due to the short application timeframe, candidate must be a U.S. citizen

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with R or Python for data analysis and visualization
Research experience in natural or social sciences
Spanish language skills are a plus, but not required

To Apply: Please send the following materials to Dr. Melissa Cronin at melissar.cronin@gmail.com with the subject line “MS Assistantship - Your Name”:

Cover letter (one page maximum) detailing a short summary of your background, career goals, and why you want to join SMAST
CV
Unofficial transcript
Writing sample (a publication, research proposal, term paper, or some other piece that you are proud of)
Name and contact info for two references (academic references preferred)

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

Contact

Melissa Cronin

melissar.cronin@gmail.com (preferred contact method)

MS Graduate Assistantship in Aquatic Ecology, Fisheries

Clemson University (State)

Details

Application Deadline:

06/20/2025

Published:

06/05/2025

Starting Date:

after 8/20/2025

Hours per Week:

at most 40

Salary:

starting at $22,000 per year

Education Required:

Bachelors

Experience Required:

none

Location:

Clemson, South Carolina

Tags:

Graduate Opportunities

Description

Application deadline: Application reviews will begin Monday, June 9. The position will remain open until filled.

Responsibilities: Seeking an enthusiastic candidate to conduct research aimed at developing management strategies for warm- and cool-water fisheries in high-elevation, mountain reservoirs in the southern Blue Ridge Mountains. The MS student will work to quantify community structure, food web dynamics, species-specific abundance estimates, physical habitat, submerged aquatic vegetation abundance, and water quality dynamics in response to management actions. Responsibilities will include leading a crew of students in conducting reservoir fish, habitat, water quality, and aquatic plant surveys; statistical analyses; writing a research proposal and thesis; and completing coursework pursuant to a MS degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Biology. The candidate will work closely with stakeholders to develop lake management plans for managing reservoirs at higher elevations in the southern Blue Ridge Mountains.

Candidates must have:

• A bachelor’s degree in fisheries, ecology, biology, or equivalent

• Competitive practical experience in fisheries management, ecology

• Demonstrated excellence in written, verbal, and quantitative skills

• A valid US driver’s license

Ideal candidates will have some combination of experience in:

• Conducting research or monitoring efforts on lakes and reservoirs

• Leading and working in mobile field crews

• Boat electrofishing

• Passive gear surveys with hoop, fyke, and/or trammel nets

• Habitat surveys

• Fish ecology and management

• Conducting outreach and engaging with stakeholder groups, general public

• Analysis using R software, GIS, etc.

• Scientific writing and communication

The student will be working toward a graduate degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Biology in the Department of Forestry & Environmental Conservation at Clemson University. Clemson University (http://www.clemson.edu/about/) is a public land-grant Carnegie R1 Research University in a college town atmosphere on Lake Hartwell, South Carolina within view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Students will take classes on the main campus and conduct fieldwork in the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains.

To apply please send application packets to Dr. Troy Farmer (tmfarme@clemson.edu) with the subject “MS application: mountain lakes fish management”. Packets should include in a single PDF 1) a cover letter describing your interest in the project and career goals, 2) your CV, including at least 3 references, and 3) unofficial transcripts. The GRE is not required for admission to Clemson, but applicants may also include GRE scores if they think it will improve their packet.

Contact

Dr. Troy Farmer

tmfarme@clemson.edu (preferred contact method)

M.S. Assistantship: Pronghorn Movement Ecology, New Mexico

New Mexico State University (State)

Details

Application Deadline:

07/30/2025

Published:

06/05/2025

Starting Date:

after 8/20/2025

Hours per Week:

at least 40

Salary:

starting at $27,800 per year

Education Required:

Bachelors

Experience Required:

at least 1 year

Location:

Las Cruces, New Mexico

Tags:

Graduate Opportunities

Description

The New Mexico Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit at New Mexico State University is looking for a highly motivated and extremely hard-working M.S. student for a study on movements and habitat selection of pronghorn in southern New Mexico. Specifically, we will monitor pronghorn space use and movements, identify impediments or barriers to movement, and assess resource selection and movements of pronghorn in relation to high spatial and temporal variation in monsoon rainfall on Ft. Bliss in southern New Mexico. The selected student will need to be a U.S. citizen and be able to pass a background check to get access to the study area.

The selected student will apply to the M.S. program in the Department of Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Ecology at New Mexico State University for August 2025 semester. The selected candidate will be advised by Drs. James Cain III (New Mexico State University) and Robert Lonsinger (Oklahoma State University) and will work closely with state and DoD biologists. There is the potential for this position to be converted to a Ph.D. for highly qualified candidates.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

· BS in wildlife management, natural resources, ecology, or a closely related discipline

· Undergraduate GPA of 3.3 or greater (as required by the Department and Graduate College)

· At least 12 months of field experience conducting wildlife research

· Highly motivated with a strong work ethic

· A valid US driver’s license (without restrictions)

Additional Desired Qualifications:

· A strong interest in mammal ecology

· Prior experience working on large mammals

· Experience planning and coordinating daily field work activities, or leading independent research

· Coursework or experience with GIS

· Experience using GPS collar data to assess animal movements as part of an ecological study

· Experience or interest in quantitative approaches and computer programming (e.g., R)

· Experience with technical writing and/or publication

To apply, please email a SINGLE PDF file that includes a letter of interest describing your experience as it relates to this project, a CV; transcripts (unofficial copies are fine at this stage), and the name and contact information of 3 references to Dr. James Cain at jwcain@nmsu.edu

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a suitable candidate is found.

Salary: $27,800 per year + tuition + reimbursement of up to $200/mo. for health insurance.

Contact

James Cain

5756463382

jwcain@nmsu.edu (preferred contact method)

MS graduate research assistantship - mountain goat adaptive management in Montana

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (State) | https://fwp.mt.gov/

Details

Application Deadline:

06/20/2025

Published:

06/05/2025

Starting Date:

after 8/18/2025

Ending Date:

before 5/30/2028

Hours per Week:

Salary:

Commensurate / Negotiable

Education Required:

Bachelors

Experience Required:

none

Location:

Missoula, Montana

Tags:

Graduate Opportunities

Description

MS Graduate Research Assistantship

Mountain Goat Adaptive Management in Montana

Montana Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit & Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks

We are recruiting a M.S. student to work collaboratively on a project to inform bighorn sheep and mountain goat adaptive management efforts throughout Montana. Specifically, this MS project will be focused on tools to inform translocation-based mountain goat management, including 1) predictive models of suitable mountain goat habitat and forage to guide augmentation of unoccupied habitat patches, combining intensive field efforts with remote sensing and collar-based telemetry data; 2) models relating connectivity and group size to population trends for designing translocation actions in occupied and unoccupied patches, and 3) evaluation of monitoring tools to document management outcomes. The student will be co-advised by Dr. Daniel Walsh from the Montana Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit and Dr. Nick DeCesare from Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks and will also work collaboratively with a PhD candidate and research associate on the project team (2024 annual report for the overall project available here). We anticipate this position will be available beginning August 18, 2025. The Graduate Research Assistantship comes with a competitive compensation package.

Qualifications

Please refer to http://www.cfc.umt.edu/wbio/ for information about the Wildlife Biology Program at the University of Montana, minimum academic qualifications, and application procedures. M.S. applicants would ideally have a B.S. in wildlife science, biology, or closely related disciplines. Relevant field research experience and quantitative skills are highly desired. A strong work ethic, the necessary maturity and ability to work collaboratively with a diversity of natural resource professionals, and interests in applied wildlife conservation are essential. Candidates for the positions should be eager to learn and implement the field techniques and statistical analyses required to address the research questions.

Application

Before applying formally to the University of Montana Graduate School, applicants should send a cover letter, resume/CV, copies of transcripts (unofficial), GRE scores, if available, and the names and contact information (phone and e-mail address) of 3 references in a single zip file to Dr. Daniel Walsh at daniel.walsh@umontana.edu by COB June 20, 2025.

The cover letter must address the following, each in its own short section: (1) motivations for pursuing a graduate degree and description of professional goals; (2) why you are interested in the topic of this position; (3) illustration of adaptability, initiative, follow-through, and capacity to learn new skills; and (4) description of a challenge that you had to overcome. Documents should be combined into one PDF that can be sent via email. Review of applications begins immediately and continues until the position is filled.

Please direct questions to Dr. Daniel Walsh at daniel.walsh@umontana.edu.

Contact

Dan Walsh

daniel.walsh@umontana.edu (preferred contact method)

Graduate Assistantship (M.S.) - Forestry/Forest Biometrics

University of Tennessee, School of Natural Resources (State) | https://naturalresources.tennessee.edu/

Details

Application Deadline:

08/01/2025

Published:

06/04/2025

Starting Date:

after 8/18/2025

Ending Date:

before 5/15/2027

Hours per Week:

at least 20

Salary:

$21,000 to $28,000 per year

Education Required:

Bachelors

Experience Required:

none

Location:

University of Tennessee (Knoxville, Tennessee)

Tags:

Graduate Opportunities

Description

An M.S. Graduate Assistantship is available in the School of Natural Resources at the University of Tennessee, under the supervision of Dr. Tyler Gifford. The USDA Forest Service, Forest Inventory and Analysis, National Resource Use Monitoring program collects Timber Products Output (TPO) data to estimate the production of roundwood and mill residue by-products. The incoming student will contribute to a larger project focused on assessing the current TPO sample methodology and evaluating alternative designs and frequencies to improve uncertainty in estimates such as county-level volume production. This position will have the opportunity to collaborate with experts and researchers within the USDA Forest Service and the University of Tennessee. The student will be expected to participate in regular collaborative meetings, present results at professional meetings and conferences, and publish findings in reputable academic journals.

LOCATION: Knoxville, Tennessee with occasional travel to present results at meetings and conferences.

QUALIFICATIONS: A B.S. degree in forestry, natural resources, statistics, geographic information systems (GIS), or a related field is required. The incoming student must have a strong interest in statistics and data analysis. Prior experience with statistical and GIS software (e.g., R, Stata, ArcGIS, etc.) is strongly preferred.

COMPENSATION AND TIMELINE: This 2-year M.S. Assistantship includes an annual stipend, tuition waiver, and health insurance benefits. The expected start date is the Fall 2025 semester.

APPLICATION: Interested candidates should email Dr. Tyler Gifford (tgiffor1@utk.edu) with (1) a short description of research interests, career goals, and past experience, (2) a resume/CV, (3) contact information for three professional references, and (4) an unofficial copy of undergraduate transcript. Candidates will be reviewed until the position is filled.

Contact

Dr. Tyler Gifford

865-974-2080

tgiffor1@utk.edu (preferred contact method)

M.S. Assistantship – Artificial Reef Research: South Texas

University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (State) | https://www.utrgv.edu

Details

Application Deadline:

08/22/2025

Published:

06/03/2025

Starting Date:

between 7/21/2025 and 9/1/2025

Ending Date:

after 5/28/2027

Hours per Week:

at least 19

Salary:

$1,333 per month

Education Required:

Bachelors

Experience Required:

none

Location:

One West University Blvd. (Brownsville, Texas)

Tags:

Graduate Opportunities

Description

I am inviting applications for a graduate position (MSc) that includes support as a graduate assistant. The appointment is to begin this Summer or Fall 2025 in the School of Earth, Environmental, and Marine Sciences at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. This position includes a research component aimed at investigating water movements and fish populations over artificial reefs via sonar surveys, ROV surveys, and acoustic doppler current profilers (ADCPs). Duties will include collection, processing, and analysis of samples, and ROV and sonar survey data over several artificial reef placements along the Texas coast.

The successful applicant will be expected to enroll full time in the UTRGV Ocean, Coastal and Earth Sciences program pursuing the thesis option. The available assistantship has a stipend of $1,333 per month and includes tuition support.

Interested applicants should send to Dr. Richard Kline (richard.kline@utrgv.edu) a copy of their CV or resume, GPA, a written statement of graduate research interests, and contact information for two references. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

Qualifications:

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in marine biology, ecology or a related field and have experience working in the marine environment. Successful candidates must demonstrate an aptitude for research and ability to work independently. Prior experience working with sonar equipment or ROVs is preferred. SCUBA certification and diving experience is preferred. A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.3.

Contact

Dr. Richard Kline

richard.kline@utrgv.edu (preferred contact method)

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Results: (1 - 10 of 32)

M.S. (Biology) Graduate Research Assistantship Positions in Herpetology, Spatial Ecology, and Behavioral Ecology

M.S. (Biology) Graduate Research Assistantship Positions in Herpetology, Spatial Ecology, and Behavioral Ecology

M.S. Graduate Assistantship – Deer population demographics prior to elk reintroduction

M.S. Graduate Assistantship – Deer population demographics prior to elk reintroduction

MS - Assistantship - Migratory Game Bird Wintering Habitat Assessment - Graduate Research Assistant II

MS - Assistantship - Migratory Game Bird Wintering Habitat Assessment - Graduate Research Assistant II

Ph.D. Research Assistantship in Fisheries Conflict and Food Security - Start date Fall 2025 or Spring 2026

Ph.D. Research Assistantship in Fisheries Conflict and Food Security - Start date Fall 2025 or Spring 2026

M.S. Research Assistantship in Manta Ray Conservation and Bycatch Mitigation

M.S. Research Assistantship in Manta Ray Conservation and Bycatch Mitigation

MS Graduate Assistantship in Aquatic Ecology, Fisheries

MS Graduate Assistantship in Aquatic Ecology, Fisheries

M.S. Assistantship: Pronghorn Movement Ecology, New Mexico

M.S. Assistantship: Pronghorn Movement Ecology, New Mexico

MS graduate research assistantship - mountain goat adaptive management in Montana

MS graduate research assistantship - mountain goat adaptive management in Montana

Graduate Assistantship (M.S.) - Forestry/Forest Biometrics

Graduate Assistantship (M.S.) - Forestry/Forest Biometrics

M.S. Assistantship – Artificial Reef Research: South Texas

M.S. Assistantship – Artificial Reef Research: South Texas

M.S. (Biology) Graduate Research Assistantship Positions in Herpetology, Spatial Ecology, and Behavioral Ecology

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M.S. Graduate Assistantship – Deer population demographics prior to elk reintroduction

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MS - Assistantship - Migratory Game Bird Wintering Habitat Assessment - Graduate Research Assistant II

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*****Note, if you previously applied for the MS - Assistantship - Wetland Dynamics in the Chihuahuan Desert - Graduate Research Assistant II position, your application will also be considered for this posting.*****

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Ph.D. Research Assistantship in Fisheries Conflict and Food Security - Start date Fall 2025 or Spring 2026

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M.S. Research Assistantship in Manta Ray Conservation and Bycatch Mitigation

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MS Graduate Assistantship in Aquatic Ecology, Fisheries

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M.S. Assistantship: Pronghorn Movement Ecology, New Mexico

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MS graduate research assistantship - mountain goat adaptive management in Montana

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Graduate Assistantship (M.S.) - Forestry/Forest Biometrics

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M.S. Assistantship – Artificial Reef Research: South Texas

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Note, if you previously applied for the MS - Assistantship - Wetland Dynamics in the Chihuahuan Desert - Graduate Research Assistant II position, your application will also be considered for this posting.