If you’re looking to pursue a fully funded Master of Science (MS) degree in wildlife biology, epidemiology, or disease ecology, this is an excellent opportunity! Utah State University (USU) is currently accepting applications for a fully funded MS position focused on avian mortality and botulism risk factors in the Great Salt Lake ecosystem. This unique program is offered through the Wildlife Eco-Epidemiology Lab in the Department of Veterinary and Clinical Life Sciences.
📌 Program Overview
- University: Utah State University (USU)
- Department: Veterinary and Clinical Life Sciences
- Research Focus: Avian mortality patterns and botulism outbreaks
- Degree Awarded: MS in Biomedical Sciences
- Location: Logan, Utah (on-site only)
- Program Duration: Fall 2025 to Spring 2027
- Stipend: $22,000 annually
- Additional Benefits: Full tuition coverage, fees, and health insurance
- Application Deadline: July 31, 2025
- Start Date: After August 25, 2025
- End Date: Before May 30, 2027
🔬 Research Focus
The selected MS student will become part of a multidisciplinary team investigating avian deaths and environmental risk factors contributing to botulism in the Great Salt Lake area—an essential habitat for migratory birds and wetland conservation.
Key Responsibilities:
- Analyze necropsy data and historical records
- Assist in botulism outbreak surveillance planning
- Model ecological and environmental risk indicators
- Support the preparation of peer-reviewed publications and outreach materials
- Participate in seasonal fieldwork near the Great Salt Lake
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in one of the following:
- Wildlife Biology
- Disease Ecology
- Epidemiology
- Biological or Environmental Sciences
- Strong skills in:
- Data analysis
- Scientific writing
- Collaborative teamwork
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in:
- Quantitative ecology or population modeling
- Remote sensing or GIS tools
- Field/lab safety and animal handling
- BSL-2 laboratory techniques
🤝 Collaborative Network
This funded graduate opportunity offers the chance to work with multiple stakeholders, including:
- USU Department of Wildland Resources
- Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
- Local nonprofit conservation organizations
Students will gain hands-on research experience, professional mentorship, and access to a strong network in the fields of wildlife conservation and eco-epidemiology.
📝 How to Apply
Application Deadline: July 31, 2025
Application Review: Rolling basis until position is filled
Application Instructions:
- Combine all documents into a single PDF titled:
Botulism_MS_YourLastName - Email your PDF to: Dr. Jessica Sanchez
📧 jessica.sanchez@usu.edu
📌 Subject line:Botulism application – MS student
Required Documents:
- Cover letter (max 2 pages)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Writing sample (e.g., thesis, publication, or academic paper)
- Unofficial transcripts
- Contact information for three academic/professional references
🔗 Visit the USU VetMed website for full details
🎯 Why This Opportunity Matters
This graduate position offers the chance to contribute to high-impact research on wildlife disease and ecosystem health while gaining real-world skills in data modeling, fieldwork, and interdisciplinary collaboration. If you’re passionate about birds, wetlands, and wildlife health, don’t miss this fully funded MS program at Utah State University.