Texas A&M University is offering a fully funded graduate assistantship for students who want to pursue a Master’s degree. This opportunity is provided by the Aquatic Ecology Lab, led by Dr. Zachary Mitchell. It is open to both Master’s and PhD candidates.
Research Focus
A funded M.S. research assistant position will begin in August 2026. The research will focus on the ecology and conservation of crayfish species in Texas.
The selected student will work mainly on monitoring crayfish populations using the mark–recapture method. The research will involve studying two Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN).
Main duties will include:
- Field sampling in different locations
- Tagging and recapturing crayfish
- Studying population data
- Analyzing environmental factors that affect crayfish populations
The work will require frequent travel within South Texas and detailed data analysis.
Benefits
Successful candidates will receive:
- A monthly stipend of $2,000 for 24 months
- Additional fringe benefits
- A non-resident tuition waiver for out-of-state students (though resident tuition and some fees will still apply)
Eligibility
To qualify for this scholarship, applicants must:
- Have a background or strong interest in ecology, evolution, microbiology, or a related field
- Be willing and comfortable working outdoors in different field conditions
- Have an interest in quantitative ecology, conservation, or freshwater ecosystems
- Experience in aquatic ecology, crayfish research, fisheries, or macroinvertebrate sampling is an advantage but not compulsory
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare:
- A cover letter explaining their research interests and experience
- A CV or resume
How to Apply
Interested candidates should:
- Visit the research lab’s career webpage for more details.
- Send the required documents as a single PDF file by email to: [email protected]
The position will remain open until a suitable candidate is selected. However, applications submitted on or before March 13, 2026 will receive full consideration.
Applicants are also encouraged to visit the lab’s website to learn more about its current research and goals.
