Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU) is offering a funded Master’s opportunity for students interested in microbial ecology and evolutionary biology. The position is available through the Microbial Ecology and Macroevolution Group in the Department of Biology.
The programme involves field research in Panama and potentially the Ecuadorian Amazon, alongside laboratory and computational research using modern genomic techniques.
Eastern New Mexico University Scholarship 2027 Summary
- Host Country: United States
- Host Institution: Eastern New Mexico University
- Study Location: Portales, New Mexico
- Study Level: Master’s
- Field: Biology, Microbiology, Ecology, Evolution, or related fields
- Eligible Applicants: International applicants
- Scholarship Type: Funded Graduate Assistantship
- Academic Year: Spring 2027
- Funding: About $11,000 per 9-month academic year plus in-state tuition
- Summer Funding: Up to $5,000 for each field season
- Additional Support: Field research costs
- Deadline: November 2, 2026
About the Eastern New Mexico University Scholarship
The Microbial Ecology and Macroevolution Group at Eastern New Mexico University is offering a funded M.S. position beginning in Spring 2027.
The selected student will investigate how microbes influence the evolution of their animal hosts. The research will focus on turtles and amphibians and combine fieldwork with advanced laboratory and computational methods.
Field research is expected to take place primarily in Panama, with potential research activities in the Ecuadorian Amazon. The project will involve shotgun and long-read metagenomics as well as computational analysis.
Students will develop their specific thesis questions in collaboration with the principal investigator within the group’s broader research programme.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the Eastern New Mexico University Master’s position, applicants should:
- Hold a B.S. degree in Biology, Microbiology, Ecology, Evolution, or a related discipline.
- Have strong academic credentials.
- Have an interest in evolutionary biology and its conceptual foundations.
- Have experience with bioinformatics and statistics, preferably.
- Be interested in field-based biological research.
- Be able to work independently in remote and physically demanding field environments.
- Demonstrate experience taking ownership of a research project, such as an undergraduate thesis, independent research, or extended field/laboratory work.
- Have strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Have tropical field research experience, preferably.
- Hold a valid driver’s licence and passport.
- Be able to obtain any visas required for international research travel.
- Have working knowledge of Spanish, which is preferred because of the fieldwork locations.
Scholarship Benefits
The funded graduate assistantship provides:
- About $11,000 for the nine-month academic year.
- In-state tuition support.
- A summer stipend of up to $5,000 for each field season.
- Support for field research costs.
- Opportunities to gain experience in microbial ecology, evolutionary biology, field research, metagenomics, and computational analysis.
The funding can total approximately $16,000 per year, in addition to field-cost support. Students may also pursue external funding opportunities.
Programme Structure
The Master’s research begins in Spring 2027 and is centred on microbial ecology and macroevolution.
Students will combine:
- Fieldwork involving turtles and amphibians.
- Research in Panama and potentially Ecuador.
- Shotgun and long-read metagenomic analysis.
- Computational and statistical methods.
- Development of an individual thesis project with the principal investigator.
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare:
- Statement explaining their interest in the laboratory and research project.
- Statement of career goals.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Unofficial academic transcripts.
- Contact information for two references.
How To Apply for the Eastern New Mexico University Scholarship 2027
Interested applicants should follow these steps:
- Review the funded M.S. research position and determine whether your academic background and research interests match the project.
- Prepare your statement of interest, career goals, CV, unofficial transcripts, and two references.
- Email the application materials to joseph.madison@enmu.edu.
- Use “ENMU MS Position” as the email subject.
- Applications are reviewed as they are received, so applicants are encouraged to submit early.
- Graduate assistantships are applied for separately through the ENMU employment system.
Application Deadline
The deadline for full consideration is November 2, 2026. Applications are reviewed as they are received, so prospective applicants should submit their materials before the deadline.
APPLY HERE
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