Open to students with a background in biology or related fields, this assistantship provides both academic advancement and paid research experience.

Quick Summary Table

About the Graduate Research Assistantship

This Graduate Research Assistantship at McNeese State University is designed for students pursuing a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in fields related to wildlife science and conservation.

The selected candidate will work on a research project titled:

“Response of Pond Breeding Amphibians to Habitat Restoration”

This project focuses on understanding how amphibian communities respond to habitat management in a mixed-use park in Southwest Louisiana.

Funding and Benefits

Successful applicants will receive:

• $20,000 annual stipend
• Half tuition waiver
• Hands-on field and research experience
• Opportunity to work with experienced researchers
• Career development in conservation biology and ecology

This assistantship runs for approximately 2.5 years, making it a strong, long-term funded graduate opportunity.

Research Responsibilities

As a graduate research assistant, you will be actively involved in:

• Monitoring amphibian populations
• Conducting fieldwork, including:
  • Trapping
  • Call surveys
  • Use of cover object arrays
• Collecting and analysing ecological data
• Working in outdoor conditions, including:
  • Nighttime surveys
  • Light rain environments

This role is ideal for students who enjoy hands-on environmental research.

Eligibility Requirements

To apply for this assistantship, you must meet the following criteria:

Academic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in:
  • Wildlife Science
  • Biology
  • Natural Resource Conservation
  • Or a closely related field

Skills and Experience

• Strong work ethic and self-motivation
• Ability to work in challenging field conditions (heat, humidity, insects)
• Interest in:
  • Herpetology (study of amphibians and reptiles)
  • Conservation biology
  • Quantitative research methods

Preferred (Not Required)

• Experience identifying frogs and toads (visual and vocal)
• Prior fieldwork experience

Required Application Documents

Applicants must prepare and submit a single PDF file containing:

• Cover letter (including work experience and career goals)
• Resume or CV
• Academic transcripts (unofficial, initially accepted)
• GRE scores (unofficially accepted)
• Contact details of 3 references

How to Apply

Follow these steps to apply:

Step 1: Prepare Your Documents

Combine all required materials into one PDF.

Step 2: Submit Your Application

Send your application via email to:

📧 Dr. Sarah J. Baker
Email: sbaker17@mcneese.edu

Step 3: Wait for Review

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

For more details, visit the official website of McNeese State University at https://www.mcneese.edu/

Application Deadline

Final Deadline: May 31, 2026

However, since applications are reviewed continuously, early submission is strongly recommended.

FAQs

1. Is this a scholarship or an internship?

No. This is a Graduate Research Assistantship, which combines study, research, and salary.

2. Can international students apply?

Yes, international applicants may be eligible, but they should confirm admission requirements with McNeese State University.

3. Is GRE required?

GRE scores are requested, but unofficial scores are acceptable at the initial stage.

4. How long does the program last?

Approximately 2.5 years (August 2026 to December 2028).

5. What is the main research focus?

The project focuses on amphibian communities and habitat restoration.

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