Davis Herpetology Lab, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley · Texas · assistantship · posted 21 days ago
Description: The Davis Herpetology Lab at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) is seeking a highly motivated M.S. student for a fully funded graduate assistantship (stipend plus tuition covered) beginning in Fall 2027. The successful applicant will develop a thesis project focused on the ecology and conservation of amphibians and reptiles in south Texas. This collaborative project may address topics that include species ecology, conservation biology, distribution, natural history, disease ecology, community ecology, and/or habitat use and are encouraged to incorporate field, laboratory, and museum-based approaches. South Texas contains numerous conservation-priority species whose ecology remains poorly understood, including species such as the Speckled Racer and Mexican Burrowing Toad, providing exceptional opportunities for impactful research. Because the lab emphasizes museum-based biodiversity research, students should be comfortable participating in the ethical scientific collection, euthanasia, and preservation of scientific specimens. Students will receive training in study design, field and laboratory techniques, and data analysis, and are expected to present at scientific conferences and publish their research in peer-reviewed journals. The successful applicant will begin their graduate program in August 2027, with the possibility of being hired as a paid research technician during Summer 2027 to assist with on-going research projects. UTRGV is a R1 research university and the second largest federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution in the United States, with campuses located in both Brownsville and Edinburg, Texas. The Davis Herpetology Lab is based on the Brownsville Campus, where this graduate position will be based. Brownsville is a vibrant, multicultural community with an affordable cost of living and year-round warm weather. The Rio Grande Valley is considered one of North America’s most biologically diverse regions, providing unparalleled access to subtropical palm forests, coastal wetlands, barrier islands, and numerous protected natural areas. The Davis Herpetology Lab is an active research group whose students collaborate widely with state and federal agencies, museums, zoos, and universities and are expected to publish their work in peer-reviewed journals. Current research in the Davis Herpetology Lab integrates field surveys, biodiversity collections, conservation biology, disease ecology, and natural history to address questions relevant to amphibian and reptile conservation. Qualifications: A B.S. in Biology, Wildlife Ecology, or a similar degree, with strong academic credentials, is required. Applicants should be highly motivated, capable of conducting fieldwork under challenging conditions, able to manage multiple projects, and willing to work both independently and collaboratively. Competitive applicants will demonstrate intellectual curiosity, initiative, strong organizational skills, and excellent written and oral communication. Students must also have a valid driver’s license and a safe driving record. Highly competitive applicants will demonstrate experience conducting field research, preferably during their undergraduate program, and research engagement. The selected applicant will have to apply and be accepted into the UTRGV Graduate College and the School of Integrative Biological and Chemical Sciences. How to Apply: Applicants should send an e-mail with a cover letter describing their research interests, motivation for joining the Davis Herpetology Lab, previous research experience, and long-term career goals. Please include a copy of your resume/CV, unofficial transcripts, and contact information for two professional references to drew.davis@utrgv.edu (subject line = ‘UTRGV MS Position’). Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Full consideration will be given to all applications received before 1 November 2026. Direct any questions about this position to the e-mail address above.
Apply on the employer's site →JobMoo watches every zoo, aquarium, wildlife, and marine source we know and emails you the roles that fit, once a day, with a real human keeping an eye on your search. Built by a dad and his daughter, and it worked: she landed the job.
Start your 7-day trial, $9/mo after