The University of Georgia (UGA), specifically the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, is inviting applications for a fully funded Graduate Research Assistantship. This project is a prestigious collaboration between the UGA Deer Laboratory, the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study (SCWDS), and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Scholarship Overview
| Host | University of Georgia (Athens, GA), USA |
| Institution | University of Georgia (Athens, GA) |
| Study Location | Study in USA |
| Eligible Countries | All Countries |
| Scholarship Category | Postgraduate Scholarships, Masters Scholarships |
| Reward | Full Tuition Waiver, $23,453 Annual Stipend, Health Benefits |
| Application Start Date | 17th April, 2026 |
| Application Closing Date | 24th April, 2026 |
| Application Portal Link | https://jobs.rwfm.tamu.edu/view-job/?id=115358 |
The selected Master’s student will focus on white-tailed deer genetics and disease dynamics, specifically investigating Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) gradients. This role combines advanced laboratory work with hands-on experience at the renowned Whitehall Deer Research Facility.
Benefits of University of Georgia Scholarship 2026
This is a comprehensive funding package designed for the duration of the Master’s program:
- Annual of $23,453.
- Full waiver of graduate tuition fees.
- University graduate student health insurance.
- 2 years of guaranteed funding, with a potential 0.5-year extension if awarded a teaching assistantship.
Related Scholarship Opportunities:
- Texas A&M University Scholarship 2026
- University of Port Harcourt Mastercard Scholarship 2026
- Midwestern JV University Scholarship 2026
- PTDF Scholarship 2026
Research Focus & Facility
The assistantship provides a unique opportunity to work with a research herd of approximately 60 deer maintained for over 50 years. Key research objectives include:
- Characterizing fine-scale genetic variation in the PRNP gene.
- Assessing associations between genetic polymorphisms and CWD infection status.
- Conducting parentage analyses to examine inherited alleles.
- Assisting with outreach, extension, and facility operations at Whitehall.
Eligibility Requirements
To be competitive for this research position, applicants must meet the following:
- A Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Biology, Management, Pre-Veterinary tracks, or closely related biological fields.
- A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- A clearly expressed interest in wildlife biology, deer ecology, genetics, and/or disease management.
- Must be comfortable with data management.
- Willing to develop statistical analysis and R coding skills.
Required Documents
All documents must be combined into a single PDF file named lastname_firstname.pdf:
- Cover Letter: Outlining your research interests, background, and career aspirations.
- Resume/CV: Detailing your academic and professional experience.
- Transcripts: Unofficial copies from all post-secondary institutions attended.
- GRE Scores: Unofficial copies (if available).
- References: Contact information (name, email, phone) for three professional references.
How to Apply for University of Georgia Scholarship 2026
- Click on the application button below.
- All documents must be in one file with the correct naming format.
- Send your application directly to Dr. Marcelo Jorge at Marcelo.Jorge@uga.edu.
Review of applications begins immediately. The position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found, but priority is given to those who apply by the April 24, 2026 deadline.