Jobs & Career
Fully Funded MS Assistantship in Amphibian Acoustics & Invasion Ecology at Utah State University
Published: October 2, 2025
Application Deadline: February 1, 2026
Start Date: After August 15, 2026
Stipend: $23,600 per year + Partial Health Insurance
Duration: 2 Years
Location: Logan, Utah & Hilo, Hawaii
Department: Department of Wildland Resources, Utah State University
🌿 About the Opportunity
The Department of Wildland Resources at Utah State University (USU) is inviting applications for a fully funded Master’s (MS) Assistantship focusing on Amphibian Acoustics and Invasion Ecology.
This research assistantship offers an exciting opportunity to study the acoustics of invasive frog species in Hawaii, combining fieldwork and laboratory experiments in one of the most biodiverse and ecologically sensitive environments on Earth.
The successful candidate will join Dr. Karen Beard’s research team, which specializes in wildlife ecology, invasive species dynamics, and ecological restoration across diverse ecosystems.
🧪 Research Focus
This MS project will explore the behavioral ecology and acoustic dynamics of invasive amphibians, contributing to improved understanding of species invasion patterns and their impact on native Hawaiian ecosystems.
Students will engage in:
- Field data collection and acoustic monitoring of amphibian populations in Hawaii
- Laboratory-based behavioral and ecological analysis
- Statistical modeling and data analysis using R or related software
- Collaboration with researchers in wildlife management and conservation
💰 Funding & Benefits
- Annual Stipend: $23,600
- Health Insurance: Partial coverage
- Duration: 2 years (Full-time, 40 hours/week)
- Locations: Utah State University (Logan, Utah) and Hilo, Hawaii
This assistantship provides an excellent foundation for students aiming to pursue careers in wildlife ecology, conservation biology, or environmental research, especially those interested in island ecosystems and bioacoustics.
🎓 Eligibility Requirements
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Ecology, Wildlife Science, Natural Resource Conservation, or a related discipline
- Strong quantitative and analytical skills
- Demonstrated writing and communication ability
- At least 1 year of relevant research or field experience
- Competitive GPA and GRE scores (GRE optional if you have significant research experience)
🌺 Preferred Experience
Competitive applicants are encouraged to highlight experience in:
✅ Field and laboratory research related to ecology or wildlife biology
✅ Acoustic monitoring or amphibian research
✅ Data analysis using R
✅ Island fieldwork or tropical ecosystem studies
✅ Independent research and prior publications (if any)
These skills will enhance your competitiveness for this position and future academic or research opportunities.
📨 Application Instructions
Interested applicants should compile the following materials into a single PDF document and email it to Dr. Karen Beard (karen.beard@usu.edu) by December 1, 2025:
- Cover Letter describing relevant experience, skills, and research interests
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) including contact information for three references
- Unofficial Transcripts
- GRE Scores (optional but recommended)
Application Deadline: February 1, 2026
Preferred Submission Date: December 1, 2025
Start Date: After August 15, 2026
🌎 About Utah State University
Utah State University (USU) is a world-class research institution recognized for its commitment to environmental sciences, wildlife conservation, and natural resource management. With field sites across the U.S. and research programs in Hawaii, USU provides a unique platform for students to gain hands-on experience and contribute to globally relevant ecological research.
Contact Information:
📧 Dr. Karen Beard – Preferred Contact
Email: karen.beard@usu.edu
Tags: #GraduateAssistantship #MSOpportunity #UtahStateUniversity #AmphibianResearch #WildlifeEcology #HawaiiFieldwork #EnvironmentalScience #StudyInUSA #FullyFundedMasters #Scholarships2026
