2026 Oregon Institute of Technology Graduate Assistantship: Funding for Masters in Crop Physiology

Are you interested in the intersection of agriculture, chemistry, and environmental science? The Oregon Institute of Technology (Oregon Tech) is offering a unique Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA) for the 2026 academic year.

This opportunity, led by the Department of Natural Sciences, provides a pathway for two motivated Master’s students to conduct cutting-edge research in Crop Physiology and Environmental Stress while receiving significant financial support.

Scholarship & Assistantship Summary

Category	Details
Host Institution	Oregon Institute of Technology (Oregon Tech), USA
Lead Researcher	Dr. Bing Yuan (Assistant Professor)
Study Level	Master of Science (M.S.)
Financial Reward	$15,000 Annual Stipend + $7,000 Tuition Remission
Start Date	September 2026
Deadline	March 31, 2026

Research Projects: A Closer Look

Dr. Bing Yuan is seeking two dedicated students to spearhead two specific high-impact research projects:

Project 1: Carbon Isotope Fractionation & Fruit Respiration

This project focuses on developing novel approaches to monitor how heat stress affects fruit productivity. The student will use stable carbon isotope fractionation to study fruit respiration pathways, a critical area of study given the current global climate challenges.

Project 2: Abscisic Acid (ABA) & Heat Stress Tolerance

This research explores plant hormones, specifically Abscisic Acid (ABA). The student will investigate its role in tomato plant development and fruit ripening, aiming to understand how it contributes to heat stress resistance mechanisms.

Financial Benefits & Coverage

The Oregon Tech Graduate Assistantship is designed to alleviate the financial burden of international study:

Annual Stipend: Selected students will receive $15,000 per year as payment for their Teaching Assistant (TA) duties.
Tuition Support: An additional $7,000 tuition remission is provided to help cover the cost of credits.
Professional Mentorship: Students work directly under Dr. Bing Yuan, gaining valuable laboratory and teaching experience in the USA.

Eligibility Requirements

To be a competitive applicant for these positions, you must meet the following:

Educational Background: A Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biology, Agriculture, Environmental Science, or a closely related field.
Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal English communication skills are essential for both research and teaching duties.
Work Ethic: The ability to work independently in a lab setting and collaboratively within a research team.
Research Interest: A genuine interest in plant physiology and climate change impacts on agriculture.

Required Application Documents

Candidates must compile the following into a single PDF file:

Cover Letter: Summarize your research experience and why you are interested in Project 1 or Project 2.
Curriculum Vitae (CV): Detail your academic achievements, lab skills, and any publications or presentations.
Academic Transcripts: Unofficial copies from your undergraduate institution.
References: Names and contact addresses of three (3) professional or academic references.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Procedure

Step 1: Prepare Your Documents

Ensure your cover letter clearly states your preferred research project (Respiration or ABA study). Combine all documents into one professional PDF.

Step 2: Email the Assistant Professor

Send your application directly to Dr. Bing Yuan via email at:

bing.yuan@oit.edu

Important Subject Line: Use “Graduate Assistantship Application – [Your Name] – 2026” to ensure your email is identified correctly.

Step 3: Rolling Review Process

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. This means the positions could be filled before the March 31 deadline if suitable candidates are found early. It is highly recommended to apply as soon as possible.

Why Oregon Tech?

The Oregon Institute of Technology is Oregon’s polytechnic university and is highly ranked for its “hands-on” approach to education. For students in the natural sciences, it offers state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and a close-knit academic community.

Official Link: Oregon Tech Natural Sciences