MS Assistantship in Crayfish Ecology at East Texas A&M University 2027
The MS Assistantship in Crayfish Ecology at East Texas A&M University (Commerce, Texas) offers a fully funded graduate position for prospective Master’s students passionate about applied aquatic conservation and field ecology. Housed within the Department of Biological Sciences and supervised by Dr Bjorn Schmidt, the position invites researchers to lead critical field-based investigations into a data-deficient crayfish species native to Texas.
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Starting after January 4, 2027, the successful applicant will receive 24 months of guaranteed financial support valued at $28,722 annually, combining a $16,200 stipend, full tuition remission ($8,580), and health insurance coverage ($3,942). With the application deadline set for November 1, 2026, interested candidates must prepare and submit their application package directly to the primary investigator. Below is a detailed breakdown of eligibility criteria, preferred field experience, financial compensation, and step-by-step application instructions.
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Advance Aquatic Conservation and Endemic Species Research
The MS Assistantship in Crayfish Ecology was established at East Texas A&M University to address significant knowledge gaps surrounding endemic freshwater species in Texas. Crayfish serve as vital ecological indicators and keystone species in aquatic ecosystems, yet many local species lack essential population, habitat, and distribution data necessary for effective conservation management.
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Joining the laboratory of Dr Bjorn Schmidt, the selected graduate student will lead field surveys targeting the Pecan Bayou Crayfish (Faxonius castaneus) across the middle Colorado River basin. Beyond documenting ecological associations, occurrence patterns, and environmental water chemistry, the scholar will contribute to regional genetics research involving the broader Faxonius virilis species complex across Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. This assistantship bridges applied aquatic ecology, field sampling, statistical modeling, and conservation genetics to prepare the student for impactful careers in wildlife management, environmental consulting, or doctoral research.
MS Assistantship in Crayfish Ecology Summary
| Scholarship Name ⇒ | MS Assistantship in Crayfish Ecology |
| Host Country ⇒ | USA |
| Study Level ⇒ | Master’s |
| Benefits ⇒ | $28,722 per year (Totalling $57,444 over 24 months) |
| Funded by ⇒ | East Texas A&M University (Commerce, Texas) |
| Eligible Countries ⇒ | All countries |
| Application Deadline ⇒ | November 1, 2026 |
Financial Compensation and Funding Package
The selected MS student will be fully funded for 24 months across the 2027–2028 academic years. The annual funding structure breaks down as follows:
- Graduate Living Stipend: $16,200 per year.
- Full Tuition Remission: $8,580 per year.
- Health Insurance Coverage: $3,942 per year.
- Total Compensation: $28,722 per year.
Research Scope and Thesis Objectives
The graduate assistant will undertake a two-part research scope designed to support regional freshwater conservation efforts:
- Thesis Project (Pecan Bayou Crayfish Focus):
- Conduct standardized aquatic surveys in the middle Colorado River to sample the Pecan Bayou Crayfish (Faxonius castaneus).
- Measure and analyze physical instream habitat characteristics and environmental water chemistry parameters.
- Develop a Master’s thesis assessing ecological associations of occurrence, habitat preferences, and population abundance for this data-deficient species.
- Regional Collaborative Project (Faxonius virilis Complex):
- Assist with broad-scale field sampling of related crayfish within the Faxonius virilis complex across Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas.
- Collect genetic tissue samples to support overarching collaborative project goals.
Qualifications and Requirements
Minimum Qualifications
To be eligible for consideration, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Hold a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Biology, Wildlife, Fisheries, or a related natural resources discipline.
- Express a clear interest in pursuing applied aquatic conservation research.
- Meet competitive admission standards for the Biology Graduate Program at East Texas A&M University.
- Demonstrate the physical ability to work outdoors in stream environments during inclement weather conditions while operating standard aquatic sampling gear.
- Ability to work effectively, efficiently, and safely within collaborative field research teams.
Preferred Qualifications
While not strictly mandatory, preference will be given to candidates with:
- Prior experience with aquatic organism sampling or handling crayfish.
- Direct experience operating backpack electrofishing units.
- Experience measuring physical instream habitat parameters or collecting water chemistry data using spectrophotometers.
- Statistical training and experience analyzing ecological datasets.
Required Application Documents
To apply for the MS Assistantship in Crayfish Ecology, candidates must compile and submit a complete application package as a single PDF file. Your package must contain the following documents:
- Cover Letter: A written personal letter detailing your interest in applied aquatic conservation, relevant background, and career goals.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): A comprehensive academic CV outlining your educational background, relevant skills, field experience, and research achievements.
- Unofficial Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts documenting completion (or upcoming completion) of your Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Biology, Wildlife, Fisheries, or a related field.
- References List: Full names, titles, email addresses, and phone numbers for three professional or academic references who can attest to your research potential, fieldwork capabilities, and academic performance.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must submit their application materials directly via email to Dr Bjorn Schmidt at [email protected] prior to the November 1, 2026 cutoff.
- Format Your Subject Line: Use the exact email subject line: MS application – crayfish ecology.
- Compile Application Package: Combine all required documents into a single PDF document containing:
- Cover letter detailing your research interests, career goals, and relevant field experience.
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Unofficial undergraduate transcripts.
- Contact information (names, titles, emails, phone numbers) for three professional references.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need prior experience with crayfish to apply?
No. While prior experience with aquatic sampling or crayfish handling is preferred, minimum requirements only specify a BS in Biology or a related field, an interest in applied conservation, and the physical ability to conduct stream sampling.
Does this assistantship cover full tuition?
Yes. The assistantship includes full tuition remission valued at $8,580 per year alongside health insurance ($3,942/year) and a direct living stipend ($16,200/year).
When will research activities begin?
The appointment formally begins after January 4, 2027, with funding guaranteed for 24 consecutive months through 2028.
What degree will I graduate with upon completing this program?
Upon successful defense of your thesis and completion of coursework, you will earn a Master of Science (MS) in Biology from East Texas A&M University.
Do I need to submit a separate application to the university’s graduate school?
Yes. While you must email your initial application package directly to Dr. Bjorn Schmidt by November 1, 2026, you must also meet the competitive admission criteria and complete the formal application process for the Biology Graduate Program at East Texas A&M University.
Disclaimer: All scholarship details, deadlines, award values, and eligibility criteria in this post were verified from official sources as of October 2026. Information is subject to change without notice. Always confirm the latest details directly on the official East Texas A&M University website before submitting your application. ScholarWaka is not affiliated with East Texas A&M University.
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