Western Kentucky University Scholarship in USA 2026 | Fully Funded

M.S. Graduate Assistantship — Stonefly Systematics and Conservation

This is a graduate assistantship position offered through the Natural Resources Job Board managed by the Rangeland, Wildlife & Fisheries Management (RWFM) program at Texas A&M University.

 Employer and Location

• Offered by: Western Kentucky University
• Location: Bowling Green, Kentucky, USA
• Setting: This is a research-focused graduate assistantship connected to biological sciences/ecology.

Important Dates

• Published on the job board: Early December 2025
• Application deadline: Mid-February 2026
• Start date: After mid-August 2026 (likely fall semester)

Hours and Employment

• Work hours: At least 40 hours per week
• Type: Graduate assistantship (full-time research role tied to a graduate degree program)
• Salary: Commensurate or negotiable (typical graduate assistant stipends vary based on university funding)

Who Can Apply

• Education requirement: Completed bachelor’s degree (in biology, ecology, environmental science, wildlife/fisheries, or a closely related field)
• Experience: At least one year of prior related experience is preferred but not strictly required.

🎓 Apply Now

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Step 2: Complete your application officially

Role Description

The assistantship involves working in the Aquatic Ecology and Systematics Lab, contributing to stonefly (Plecoptera) systematics and conservation research.
Typical responsibilities include:

• Conducting fieldwork (collecting and studying specimens)
• Sorting and identifying organisms
• Laboratory work including sample preparation
• Data collection and analysis for research and thesis preparation
• Preparing materials for scientific presentations and publications
• Graduate assistantships often also include teaching or research support duties tied to faculty projects.

 Skills and Experience That Help

Candidates with the following will be viewed favorably:

• Strong work ethic and the ability to work independently
• Background in field-based coursework
• Research experience, especially in freshwater ecology
• Experience with molecular lab techniques (e.g., PCR, gel electrophoresis)
• Knowledge of GIS tools such as ArcGIS

• These skills support the research objectives of the lab and help with both field and lab components of the assistantship.

 Application Materials

Applicants typically need to prepare and submit:

• A letter of intent or statement of purpose explaining research interests and experience
• A resume or CV
• Academic transcripts
• Contact information for references

• These materials allow the review committee to assess academic background, research potential, and fit for the program.

This opportunity is ideal if you are aiming for a Master’s degree in ecology or biological sciences with a research focus on systematics and conservation. It combines fieldwork, laboratory analyses, and research communication and also provides financial support typically associated with graduate assistantships.