2026 Marshall University Graduate Assistantship: Fully Funded M.S. in Biological Sciences

Are you passionate about wildlife conservation and herpetology? Marshall University, located in Huntington, West Virginia, is offering a prestigious fully funded Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA) for the 2026 academic year.

This opportunity is specifically for students interested in pursuing a Master of Science (M.S.) in Biological Sciences, with a focus on the research of Eastern Hellbenders—one of the most unique aquatic salamanders in North America.

Scholarship & Assistantship Summary

Category	Details
Host Institution	Marshall University, West Virginia, USA
Lab Group	Herpetology and Applied Conservation Lab
Study Level	Master of Science (M.S.)
Reward	$18,000 Stipend/Year + Full Tuition Waiver
Commitment	3-Year Minimum (Starting August 2026)
Deadline	April 30, 2026

The Research Focus: Eastern Hellbenders

This assistantship is funded through the Herpetology and Applied Conservation Lab, led by Dr. Jayme Waldron and Dr. Shane Welch.

As a graduate scholar, you will conduct critical research on Eastern Hellbenders in West Virginia. This project is highly collaborative, involving state and federal agencies as well as non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Scholars are expected to contribute to:

Field Surveys: Snorkeling, nest surveys, and eDNA sampling.
Demographic Modeling: Analyzing population ecology and growth.
Thesis Development: Implementing an original research project that contributes to the conservation of this species.

Benefits of the Scholarship

Marshall University provides a robust support package for its graduate assistants:

Financial Stipend: An annual living allowance of $18,000.
Full Tuition Remission: Your graduate tuition is fully covered (though you may be responsible for minor university fees).
Professional Mentorship: Direct guidance from Dr. Jayme Waldron and senior lab personnel.
Teaching Experience: As part of the funding, you will serve as a Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA), leading biology labs for undergraduate students.

Eligibility & Candidate Profile

To be successful, applicants must meet both the academic and physical requirements of the project:

Academic Background: A Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Ecology, or a related field with a preferred GPA of 3.0.
Field Skills: Prior experience in field research is required. You must be able to swim and be comfortable working in “uncomfortable” outdoor conditions (rivers, varying weather).
Licensing: Must possess a valid motor vehicle operator’s license.
Soft Skills: Demonstrated maturity, the ability to work independently, and a history of working well within a team.

Required Documents

Interested candidates should compile the following into a single PDF file:

Statement of Interest (1 Page): Detail your research background, interest in hellbender ecology, and career goals.
Resume/CV: Include your academic history and technical field skills.
References: Names and contact information for three (3) professional or academic references.
Unofficial Transcripts: To verify your GPA and course history.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prepare Your PDF

Ensure all documents listed above are combined into one professional PDF document.

Step 2: Email the Principal Investigators

Send your application directly via email to the following addresses:

waldron3@marshall.edu (Dr. Jayme Waldron)
welchsh@marshall.edu (Dr. Shane Welch)
emily.gray@marshall.edu (Emily Gray, Lab Manager)

Email Subject Line: Use a clear subject like: “Graduate Assistantship Application – Eastern Hellbender Project 2026”.

Step 3: Formal University Admission

If the lab selects you as a candidate, you will then be required to apply formally to the Marshall University Graduate College. Note that the GRE is NOT required for admission into the Biological Sciences program at Marshall University.

Final Advice for International Applicants

While the post mentions “No IELTS required,” Marshall University generally requires proof of English proficiency for international students whose primary language of instruction was not English. However, if your undergraduate degree was taught in English, you may be eligible for a waiver.

Official Link: Marshall University Biological Sciences