Intro
Montana State University (MSU) is offering a funded Graduate Research Assistantship (M.S.) opportunity through the Wildlife Habitat Ecology Laboratory. This position supports graduate students working on a project examining wildfire and livestock grazing interactions in western rangelands a great fit for applicants with a background in ecology, wildlife, or natural resources.
Who can apply
- Candidates from all countries with a relevant bachelor’s degree (B.S.) in rangeland ecology, fire ecology, wildlife biology, natural resource management, or a closely related field.
- Applicants who have field experience (vegetation, soils, wildlife), strong quantitative/analytical skills, and an ability to work in remote field conditions.
Requirements (at-a-glance)
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Degree | B.S. in rangeland ecology, fire ecology, wildlife biology, natural resource management, or related discipline |
| Experience | Field data collection experience (vegetation, soils, wildlife) |
| Skills | Quantitative & analytical skills; familiarity with GIS/remote sensing is a plus |
| Other | Strong written & oral communication skills; ability to work independently and in teams |
Required documents
- Letter of interest describing how you meet the qualifications
- Curriculum vitae (CV) / Resume
- Contact information for three professional references
What it offers
Stipend: Approximately $30,000 per year
- Tuition coverage (paid as part of the assistantship)
- Health insurance while enrolled at Montana State University
- Opportunity to join a multidisciplinary research project with significant fieldwork and research experience
Deadline & timeline
Application review begins: September 1, 2025
- Deadline: September 30, 2025
- The position is expected to start January 2026 (student enrollment and benefits begin then).
How to apply (step-by-step)
- Prepare your application materials (letter of interest, CV, references).
- Compose a single PDF with the materials and email it to Dr. Lance McNew at:
lance.mcnew@montana.eduwith the subject line: Graduate Research Assistant Application – Fire & Grazing Project. - Alternatively, follow the project/job posting link to the official listing for more details and application instructions.
Quick summary table
| Item | Summary |
|---|---|
| Host Country | USA |
| Program Type | Graduate Research Assistantship (M.S.) |
| Eligible Countries | All countries |
| Reward | $30,000 stipend/year + tuition + health insurance |
| IELTS | Not required (per posting) |
| Deadline | September 30, 2025 |
Apply at Montana State University (Graduate Fellowships)