Montana State University Master’s Scholarship Opportunity 2025 – Swift Fox Research Project

Posted by: Smart || Categories: Scholarship

Montana State University (MSU), in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute and the Fort Belknap Fish and Wildlife Department, is offering a fully funded Master’s position for one student to participate in a unique and impactful research project focused on the genetics and movement ecology of swift foxes.

This project, based on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation in northern Montana, aims to evaluate the genetic diversity, gene flow, kinship, dispersal patterns, and home range behavior of a recently reintroduced swift fox population (translocated between 2020–2023). Fieldwork will involve camera trap surveys, live-trapping for genetic sampling, and deployment of tracking collars in a remote grassland ecosystem managed by the Fort Belknap Indian Community.

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About Montana State University (MSU)

Montana State University, a nationally accredited institution, is recognized for its high academic standards and strong commitment to scientific research. Located in Bozeman, MSU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities and has been commended for its high level of effectiveness, research productivity, and student engagement.

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Scholarship and Research Opportunity Overview

• Institution: Montana State University

• Department: Department of Ecology

• Location: Northern Montana (Field Site) & Bozeman, Montana (Campus)

• Degree: MSc in Ecology (2–3 years)

• Program Start:

  • Internship Phase: September 1, 2025 (with the Smithsonian Great Plains Science Program)

  • Graduate Enrollment: January 2026

• Application Deadline: July 15, 2025

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Scholarship Funding & Benefits

The selected student will receive:

• Internship Stipend: Approx. $2,000/month during Fall 2025

• Graduate Funding Package (Starting Jan 2026):

  • Monthly stipend of ~$2,400

  • Full tuition coverage

  • University fees paid

  • Health insurance coverage

• Academic Supervision: Co-advised by professionals from MSU and the Smithsonian Institution

• Field and lab training, including survey techniques, data analysis, and genetic sampling methods

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Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Hold a B.S. degree in wildlife science, ecology, zoology, or a closely related field

• Have a minimum GPA of:

  • 3.0 in biology coursework

  • 3.0 average in junior/senior year courses

  • 2.5 average in chemistry, physics, and math

• Demonstrate:

  • A strong work ethic and motivation to succeed

  • Interest and aptitude in modeling, quantitative ecology, or evolutionary biology

  • Skills in scientific programming and/or bioinformatics

  • Strong verbal and written communication

  • Field experience in remote or grassland ecosystems

  • Basic lab skills and ability to work both independently and as part of a team

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Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with R programming and statistical analysis

• Background in conservation genetics, movement ecology, or animal behavior

• Ability to engage with wildlife agencies, tribal communities, and stakeholders

• Skills in live-trapping and handling mammals

• Familiarity with biological sample processing in a wet lab

• Prior leadership experience, especially in field crew management

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How to Apply

To apply, submit the following documents via email with the subject line:
“Swift Fox MSc Assistantship”

Email to:

• Justine Becker: justine.becker1@montana.edu

• Ethan Linck: ethan.linck@montana.edu

Application Package:

1. Cover letter outlining your qualifications, career goals, and academic interests

2. Resume/CV with contact details for at least 3 references

3. Unofficial transcripts

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Take this opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge wildlife research while earning your Master’s degree from a top U.S. research institution.
Apply by July 15, 2025, and join the effort to conserve one of North America’s most elusive carnivores — the swift fox.

APPLY HERE

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