Clemson University Graduate Scholarship in USA (Masters Assistantship)

Dr. Cathy Jachowski is seeking an MS student to help assess the status and guide recovery of the federally endangered Spruce Fir Moss Spider (SFMS) and its microhabitat in high-elevation spruce-fir ecosystems of the southern Appalachians.

Specifically, the student will leverage existing data to estimate the probability of SFMS occupancy across potentially suitable habitat units, use environmental logger data to investigate how spider microhabitats were impacted by Hurricane Helene, and design/implement surveys to assess and guide habitat restoration and recovery efforts in spruce-fir ecosystems.

Responsibilities will include analyzing spider survey data collected under a long-term monitoring protocol, assisting with spider surveys in high-elevation forests, deploying and maintaining environmental sensors/loggers, conducting geospatial and statistical analyses, developing databases, writing an MS proposal, thesis, and technical reports, and completing coursework pursuant to an MS degree.

To be considered for the Clemson University Master's Scholarship, candidates must possess: 

• A bachelor’s degree in wildlife, fisheries, ecology, biology, natural resources, or an equivalent field

• Competitive practical experience assisting with wildlife or ecological research.

• An enthusiasm and interest in developing strong quantitative skills.

• Ability to backpack 10+ miles over rugged terrain and work in remote settings.

• Willingness to travel for extended periods during the summer; Field housing will be provided, but occasional backpack camping is required.

• Demonstrated excellence in verbal, written, and quantitative skills.

• A valid US driver’s license 

 Ideal candidates will possess some combination of the following: 

• Working knowledge of the Southern Appalachian Spruce-Fir ecosystem.

• Arthropod/spider survey experience and identification skills.

• Bryophyte/lichen identification skills.

• Technical writing experience (peer-reviewed journals and scientific reports).

• Proficiency in database management software (Microsoft Excel and Access)

• Experience with digital map and data collection tools (ArcGIS, Survey123, FieldMaps, Avenza Maps).

• Experience communicating with state and federal agencies and NGOs

• Training, supervising, and coordinating field crews 

The Clemson University Graduate Scholarship comes with;

• a full tuition waiver

• $30,000 per year for 2.5 years for the MS

• Positions include a tuition waiver and eligibility for the university health benefits package

• Summer field housing provided

To apply, candidates must be ready to submit the following documents;

• Cover letter describing your interest in the project and career goals 

• Current Resume/CV, including 3 academic or professional references 

• Unofficial undergraduate transcripts 

The GRE is not required for admission to Clemson or to work with our team, but applicants may include GRE scores if they think it will improve the attractiveness of their application. 

• 1

  Click the button below to go to the program webpage.

• 2

  Email your application to Dr. Cathy Jachowski (cjachow@clemson.edu) with a subject line of “MS Application: SFMS”. To ensure full consideration, compile the components listed above into a single PDF file.