Texas A&M University, through the Natural Resource Institute (NRI) and the Department of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management, is offering fully funded Graduate Research Assistantships. Led by Dr. Charles Randklev and Dr. Roel Lopez, these positions are available for prospective Master’s (M.S.) and Doctoral (Ph.D.) students beginning in Summer/Fall 2026 or Spring 2027.
Scholarship Overview
| Host | Texas A&M University, USA |
| Institution | Texas A&M University |
| Study Location | Study in USA |
| Eligible Countries | All Countries |
| Scholarship Category | Postgraduate Scholarships, Masters Scholarships |
| Reward | Full Scholarship (Full tuition plus annual stipend up to $35,000) |
| Application Start Date | 17th April, 2026 |
| Application Closing Date | 31st May, 2026 |
| Application Portal Link | https://jobs.rwfm.tamu.edu/view-job/?id=115689 |
The research focuses on aquatic ecology and conservation, specifically evaluating emersion tolerance and developing predictive occupancy models for freshwater mussels to inform environmental flow (eflow) recommendations in Texas river systems.
Benefits of Texas A&M University Scholarship 2026
These assistantships are grant-funded and provide comprehensive financial support:
- PhD Assistantship: $35,000 per year for 4 years.
- MS Assistantship: $32,000 per year for 2 years.
- Medical package available (after the standard waiting period) and potential for further scholarship funding.
Related Scholarship Opportunities:
- University of Port Harcourt Mastercard Scholarship 2026
- Midwestern JV University Scholarship 2026
- PTDF Scholarship 2026
- University of Alberta Research Scholarship 2026
Eligibility Requirements
First all, IELTS is not a requirement for this program. The below include other requirements:
For PhD Candidates
- Must hold an MS in Biology or a closely related field.
- Previous research experience in environmental modeling and statistics.
- Minimum of 3.5 GPA.
- GRE: Scores >70th percentile (approx. 156 Verbal / 159 Quantitative).
- Certification: PADI (or equivalent) SCUBA certification is required.
For MS Candidates
- Must hold a BS in Biology or a closely related field.
- Previous research experience in aquatic ecology, community ecology, or ecotoxicology.
- GPA: Minimum 3.0.
- GRE: Scores >60th percentile (approx. 153 Verbal / 156 Quantitative).
General Competencies
All applicants are to possess the following competencies:
- Strong analytical and communication (oral/written) skills.
- Ability to work independently and maintain attention to detail.
- Valid driver’s license and insurance.
- Must be comfortable working in water and in diverse outdoor weather conditions (heat and cold).
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare a single PDF document containing the following:
- Letter of Interest, detailing your qualifications, research background, and the specific position (MS or PhD) you are targeting.
- Updated CV.
- GRE Scores.
- Unofficial Transcripts (showing your cumulative GPA).
- Contact information for three academic or research-related references.
How to Apply for Texas A&M University Scholarship 2026
- Click on the application button below
- Review the details of the Mussel Research Program at the Texas A&M Natural Resource Institute to ensure a good fit.
- Combine all “Required Documents” into one clear, high-quality PDF file.
- Send the PDF to BOTH Dr. Charles Randklev (crandklev@ag.tamu.edu) and Dr. Roel Lopez (roel.lopez@ag.tamu.edu).
- Ensure your subject line clearly indicates the position you are applying for (e.g., “Graduate Assistantship Application 2026 – [Your Name]”).
Selected students will analyze hydrologic datasets to identify drivers of mussel persistence. The ultimate goal is to link physiological limits to flow management, directly contributing to the conservation planning of Texas’s vital aquatic ecosystems.