University of North Dakota Scholarship in USA

Dr. Matt Dunkle is recruiting one or more MS or PhD students to join my lab in the Department of Biology at the University of North Dakota, with a target start of Summer/Fall 2027. This is a new lab, so incoming students will have real input into shaping its culture and research direction.

The research examines food webs and trophic dynamics in freshwater ecosystems using diet, stable isotope, and other approaches, with particular interest in how climate change and disturbance (wildfire, shifting thermal and hydrologic regimes) reshape lake and stream food webs.

Students will be trained in traditional stream ecology, stable isotope methods, quantitative food web analysis, field sampling design, statistical/programming approaches (R), and scientific writing, and will be supported in attending and presenting at national conferences.

To be considered for the University of North Dakota Graduate Scholarship, you must meet the requirements below:

• B.S. in ecology, biology, environmental science, or a related field

• Genuine interest in freshwater ecosystems and willingness to develop independent research skills.

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively

• Willingness to conduct fieldwork in variable conditions

Preferred:

• Prior field or laboratory research experience.

• Familiarity with R or another statistical/programming environment

• Incoming students begin on a Department of Biology Teaching Assistantship, with a stipend of roughly $1,888/month (MS) or $2,388/month (PhD), a tuition waiver, and health insurance.

• Transition to a Research Assistantship is anticipated pending the success of pending grant proposals.

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

• A brief cover letter (1 page) describing your research interests, relevant experience, and career goals

• A CV or resume

• Contact information for three references

To apply for the University of North Dakota Scholarship, interested and qualified candidates should;

• 1

  Click the green button below to go to the scholarship webpage.

• 2

  Submit the above documents as a single PDF to matthew.dunkle@und.edu with the email subject line “GA Position (Last Name)”.

• 3

  Considering applications on a rolling basis until January 31, 2027. Formal application to the UND Biology graduate program is a separate step, due February 15 — happy to discuss timing with any interested applicant.

• 4

  Contact

  Dr. Matt Dunkle, Department of Biology, University of North Dakota matthew.dunkle@und.edu