The Graduate Research Assistantship (MS) position at Oregon State University (OSU) offers a fully funded research opportunity for Master’s students to contribute to meaningful field research while receiving financial support. Funded through a research project in the Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences, this assistantship lets you work on socio‑cultural studies related to environmental issues and develop real‑world research skills while completing your MS degree.

About the Graduate Research Assistantship (MS)

Oregon State University seeks two MS Graduate Research Assistants for its Conservation and Human Wellbeing Lab (part of the Human Dimensions Lab). The position begins after 15 September 2026 and continues for up to two years. Funding comes from a NOAA‑supported research program examining the socio‑cultural impacts of harmful algal blooms (HABs) in the Puget Sound region. Successful candidates will conduct empirical research, help manage project tasks, and contribute to publications and presentations.

Why Choose The Graduate Research Assistantship (MS)?

This assistantship lets you gain hands‑on, interdisciplinary research experience closely tied to environmental science, anthropology, human behaviour, and socio‑ecological systems — skills that are highly valuable in academia, NGOs, and government research roles. You’ll work with faculty mentors, attend lab meetings, and present your findings at a professional conference, all while earning a competitive monthly stipend and having tuition and benefits covered.

Graduate Research Assistantship (MS) Summary

  • Host Country: United States of America
  • Host University: Oregon State University (OSU)
  • Position: MS Graduate Research Assistant (GRA)
  • Department: Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences
  • Lab: Conservation and Human Wellbeing Lab (Human Dimensions Lab)
  • Start Date: After 15 September 2026
  • Duration: Up to two academic years
  • Application Deadline: 1 May 2026
  • Hours: Full‑time research assistantship (approx. 40 hrs/week)
  • Funding: Monthly stipend (≈ $2,400), tuition coverage, benefits, and research expenses

Research Duties

Graduate Research Assistants will:

  • Design and conduct original empirical research on the socio‑cultural impacts of harmful algal blooms in Puget Sound.
  • Use AI methods or field data collection techniques depending on project focus.
  • Participate in weekly lab meetings and research discussions.
  • Assist in project tasks and potentially supervise undergraduate research assistants.
  • Present your research at a professional conference.
  • Co‑author a manuscript for submission to a peer‑reviewed journal.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered, you should:

  • Hold a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as sociology, anthropology, psychology, geography, environmental studies, or another related discipline.
  • Demonstrate strong communication and organizational skills.
  • Show interest in interdisciplinary environmental research and team collaboration.

Funding & Benefits

This assistantship provides:

  • A monthly stipend of approximately $2,400.
  • Tuition coverage for the duration of the assistantship.
  • Health benefits and coverage associated with graduate assistant roles.
  • Research expenses funding to support the project’s work.

Assistantships at Oregon State typically include tuition remission, a monthly salary, and health insurance contributions, and are governed by university policies on graduate assistant appointments.

Required Application Materials

Applicants should prepare:

  • Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing education and experience.
  • Names of three professional references.
  • Cover letter describing your interest in the research project and preference for AI‑based or field‑based work.
  • A 3–4 page research proposal outlining your ideas for potential research questions, methods, and expected outcomes within the lab’s scope.

Submit your application to Dr. Kelly Biedenweg at [email protected].

Application Process & Timeline

  1. Prepare your application materials (CV, references, cover letter, research proposal).
  2. Email all documents to Dr. Kelly Biedenweg before the 1 May 2026 review start date.
  3. Applications are reviewed until positions fill, so early submission improves chances.
  4. If selected, you will receive formal offer details and instructions for enrolment and assistantship start.
  5. Begin your assistantship on or after 15 September 2026 at Oregon State University.