Oregon State University is offering a fully funded graduate research opportunity for qualified students interested in pursuing a Master’s or PhD in the United States.
The opportunity is based in the Robinson Lab within the Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences. The lab is seeking a motivated graduate student to begin in Winter Term (January) or Spring Term (April) 2027.
The funding package includes tuition coverage, a monthly stipend, health and other benefits, and research support. The research focuses primarily on biodiversity, avian ecology, population monitoring, and bioacoustics.
Oregon State University Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: United States of America
- Host Institution: Oregon State University
- Department: Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences
- Study Level: Master’s and PhD
- Eligible Countries: All countries
- Funding: Fully funded graduate assistantship
- Stipend: Approximately $2,400 per month
- Tuition: Covered through the assistantship
- Research Support: Available
- Study Start: January or April 2027
- Application Deadline: September 5, 2026
About the Oregon State University Graduate Scholarship
The opportunity is offered through the Robinson Lab at Oregon State University and is intended for graduate students interested in research related to biodiversity and avian ecology.
Current research opportunities in the lab include:
- Establishing and evaluating long-term biodiversity benchmarks and avian population trends.
- Investigating factors that influence bird population changes across time and space.
- Studying avian diversity and ecology through bioacoustics and passive acoustic monitoring.
- Researching night flight calls in the Pacific Northwest.
- Investigating vocal variation and cryptic diversity in crossbills and grosbeaks.
- Developing research using long-term biodiversity datasets and archived sound collections.
Students are encouraged to develop research projects that build on the lab’s existing datasets and research programmes while contributing to its broader research priorities.
The lab also welcomes applicants with novel research ideas, provided the proposed work includes a component that contributes to the lab’s ongoing research programmes and existing resources.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for this graduate research opportunity, applicants should:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as sociology, anthropology, psychology, geography, environmental studies, biology, ecology, wildlife science, or a related discipline.
- Have research interests that align with the Robinson Lab’s areas of expertise.
- Demonstrate an interest in biodiversity, population monitoring, ecological research, or related areas.
- Be interested in developing research using existing datasets and resources where appropriate.
- Have strong quantitative or analytical interests.
- Applicants with strong field-identification skills for birds by sight and sound are particularly encouraged to apply.
- Have strong interpersonal and collaborative skills.
Preference will be given to applicants seeking a PhD, although highly qualified applicants interested in an MS degree are also encouraged to apply.
Research Areas
The available research areas include:
1. Biodiversity and Population Monitoring
Students may investigate long-term biodiversity trends and population changes using existing datasets and monitoring programmes.
2. Avian Ecology
Research may examine the factors affecting bird populations across different environments and time periods.
3. Bioacoustics
The lab conducts research using sound recordings and passive acoustic monitoring to study birds and investigate poorly studied ecological systems.
4. Vocal Variation
Research opportunities include studying vocal differences and cryptic diversity in bird groups such as crossbills and grosbeaks.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful candidates may receive funding through a graduate teaching or research assistantship.
The funding package is expected to include:
- Tuition coverage.
- A stipend of approximately $2,400 per month.
- Health and other graduate benefits associated with the assistantship.
- Research expenses.
- Funding for approximately two to five years, depending on the degree programme and continued funding.
- Teaching or research assistantship support.
Teaching responsibilities may involve courses in ecology, conservation and management, and/or ornithology offered through Oregon State University’s online Ecampus programme.
How to Apply for Oregon State University Scholarship 2027
Applicants should submit their application materials as a single PDF by September 5, 2026.
The PDF should contain:
- A brief cover letter explaining your academic, research, and field experience, career goals, and research interests.
- A current curriculum vitae.
- Copies of transcripts from previous colleges or universities.
- The names and email addresses of three references who can comment on your qualifications and potential for graduate study.
Application materials and informal enquiries about the research opportunity should be sent to Dr. W. Douglas Robinson at douglas.robinson@oregonstate.edu.
Applicants should ensure that their proposed research interests are clearly connected to the Robinson Lab’s research areas before submitting their application.
📋 Required Documents
- Academic transcripts from previous colleges or universities
- Contact information for three references
- Personal Statement / Motivation Letter
- Proof of Language Proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
- Curriculum vitae, including the names of three references
- Cover letter describing their interest in the research opportunity
- Research proposal or description of proposed research interests
- The cover letter should highlight: Relevant educational experience. Research experience. Field experience. Long-term career goals. Specific aspects of the Robinson Lab’s research programme that interest the applicant