The University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri, USA, is offering a fully funded master’s Graduate Research Assistantship for students interested in aquatic conservation and fisheries research.
The assistantship is based at the Missouri Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit within the School of Natural Resources. The selected student will contribute to a research project focused on the recovery of the Grotto Sculpin, a federally threatened, cave-adapted fish species found in only five cave systems in southeastern Missouri.
The position provides an annual stipend of $27,000, a tuition waiver, and benefits. The assistantship is expected to last approximately 2.5 years, subject to available funding and satisfactory student performance.
University of Missouri Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: United States of America
- University: University of Missouri
- Location: Columbia, Missouri
- Study Level: Master’s
- Reward: Full Scholarship | $27,000 Stipend/Year | Health Insurance
- Application Deadline: October 9, 2026
About the University of Missouri Graduate Assistantship
The Graduate Research Assistantship is part of a broader conservation effort involving state, university, and federal partners working to advance recovery actions for the Grotto Sculpin.
The selected master’s student will conduct research related to this threatened aquatic species while developing practical experience in field research, quantitative analysis, scientific writing, and professional collaboration.
The project is particularly suited to students interested in fisheries, aquatic ecology, conservation biology, natural resources, and the management of threatened species.
Because the research involves cave systems, the position includes fieldwork in subterranean environments and may require working in confined spaces.
Research Focus
The research will contribute to conservation and recovery efforts for the Grotto Sculpin, a cave-adapted fish species known from only five cave systems in southeastern Missouri.
The project may involve areas such as:
- Aquatic species conservation
- Fisheries research
- Cave ecology
- Population monitoring
- Mark-recapture analysis
- Occupancy analysis
- Passive integrated transponder (PIT) tagging
- Quantitative research
- Field-based ecological sampling
The successful candidate will also work with agency biologists and other project partners.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants should meet the following requirements:
- Hold an undergraduate degree in natural resources or a related field.
- Have strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Be able to work effectively as part of a team with agency biologists and other researchers.
- Demonstrate an interest in aquatic species conservation.
- Be willing and able to participate in field-based research.
- Be capable of working in subterranean systems and confined spaces.
- Be able to lead or coordinate hourly field technicians when required.
Preferred Qualifications
The following experience or interests are preferred but are not necessarily mandatory:
- Experience with mark-recapture analysis.
- Experience with occupancy analysis.
- Experience using passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags and antennas.
- Interest in cave ecology.
- Strong organizational skills.
- Interest in developing quantitative research skills.
Benefits of the University of Missouri Scholarship 2027
The Graduate Research Assistantship provides:
- $27,000 annual stipend.
- Tuition waiver.
- Additional benefits associated with the graduate assistantship.
- Access to health insurance options.
- Approximately 2.5 years of funding, subject to funding availability and satisfactory academic and professional performance.
- Practical experience in aquatic conservation research.
- Training and experience in fieldwork, quantitative analysis, scientific writing, and professional research.
How to Apply for the University of Missouri Scholarship 2027
Interested applicants should follow these steps:
- Prepare your letter of interest, CV or resume, unofficial transcripts, and three professional references.
- Review the project requirements and ensure that your academic and research background is relevant.
- Submit the required documents (mentioned above) to Jacob Westhoff, Missouri Cooperative Research Unit, University of Missouri-Columbia. 573-884-8464; westhoffj@missouri.edu;
- Applications should be submitted by email.
- Applications will be reviewed as they are received and will continue to be considered until the position is filled.
📋 Required Documents
- Unofficial transcripts
- Contact information for three references
- Letter of interest
- Resume or CV