The University of North Dakota is offering fully funded graduate research opportunities for students interested in pursuing a Master’s or PhD in Biology.
The opportunity is available through the Department of Biology, where Dr. Matt Dunkle is recruiting students to join his research lab for Summer/Fall 2027.
The research focuses on freshwater ecosystems, particularly food web and trophic dynamics and how climate change and environmental disturbances affect lake and stream ecosystems.
University of North Dakota Scholarship Summary
- Host Institution: University of North Dakota
- Country: United States of America
- Study Level: Master’s and PhD
- Department: Biology
- Research Area: Freshwater Ecology and Food Web Dynamics
- Eligible Countries: All countries
- Funding: Fully Funded
- PhD Stipend: Approximately $2,388 per month
- MS Stipend: Approximately $1,888 per month
- Tuition: Waived
- Health Insurance: Covered
- Deadline: February 15, 2027
Details of the University of North Dakota Scholarship 2027
Dr. Matt Dunkle in the Department of Biology at the University of North Dakota is recruiting one or more MS and PhD students for his research lab.
The lab studies food web and trophic dynamics in freshwater ecosystems using approaches such as diet analysis, stable isotope methods and other ecological techniques.
Research interests include understanding how climate change and environmental disturbances affect freshwater food webs. These disturbances may include wildfire as well as changes in temperature and hydrological conditions.
Students will receive training in freshwater stream ecology, stable isotope methods, quantitative food web analysis, field sampling, statistical and programming methods using R and scientific writing.
Students will also have opportunities to attend and present their research at national conferences.
Benefits of University of North Dakota Scholarship 2027
Successful students will receive:
- Graduate teaching assistantship funding at the beginning of the programme.
- Approximately $1,888 per month for MS students.
- Approximately $2,388 per month for PhD students.
- Tuition waiver.
- Health insurance.
- Opportunity to transition to a research assistantship, subject to the availability and success of pending grant proposals.
- Training in freshwater ecology and related research methods.
- Support for research presentations at national conferences.
Eligibility Requirements for University of North Dakota Scholarship 2027
Applicants should meet the following requirements:
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree in ecology, biology, environmental science or a related field.
- Have a strong interest in freshwater ecosystems.
- Be willing to develop independent research skills.
- Be able to work independently and collaboratively.
- Be willing to conduct fieldwork under variable environmental conditions.
Preferred Qualifications
The following experience is desirable but not mandatory:
- Previous field or laboratory research experience.
- Familiarity with R or another statistical or programming environment.
How to Apply for University of North Dakota Scholarship 2027
- Prepare a one-page cover letter explaining your research interests, relevant experience and career goals.
- Prepare your CV or resume.
- Provide contact information for three references.
- Combine the documents into a single PDF.
- Email the PDF to matthew.dunkle@und.edu.
- Use the subject line “GA Position (Last Name)”.
- Submit the lab application by January 31, 2027.
- The formal application to the University of North Dakota Biology graduate programme is a separate process and is due February 15, 2027.
- Contact: Dr. Matt Dunkle, Department of Biology, University of North Dakota. Email: matthew.dunkle@und.edu
📋 Required Documents
- One-page cover letter describing research interests, relevant experience and career goals
- Curriculum vitae or resume
- Contact information for three references