Wildlife Biology Graduate Assistantships in Texas

Are you passionate about wildlife biology, herpetology, or field research? West Texas A&M University (WTAMU) is now accepting applications for two fully funded M.S. Graduate Research Assistantships in Biology, with a focus on herpetology, spatial ecology, and behavioral ecology.

This is a rare opportunity to work on a large-scale, collaborative research project involving the Western Massasauga Rattlesnake (Sistrurus tergeminus)—a Species of Greatest Conservation Need in Texas.

Project Overview

Research Title: The Spatial-Temporal Activities, Habitat Selection, and Diet of the Understudied, Species of Greatest Conservation Need, the Western Massasauga Rattlesnake.

Start Date: January 2026 (Spring Semester)
End Date: December 2028
Location: West Texas A&M University, Canyon, Texas
Adviser: Dr. Dylan Maag, Department of Life, Earth, and Environmental Sciences
Funding: Texas Office of the Comptroller – Endangered Species Management Research

What You’ll Work On

Graduate students will participate in a comprehensive field research program using methods such as:

Mark-recapture and radiotelemetry
Animal-borne accelerometry
Field videography
Habitat sampling and diet analysis

Each student will specialize in either spatial ecology or hunting behavior/diet analysis, while collaborating on habitat selection.

The study’s objectives include:

Mapping demographic and behavioral patterns
Modeling habitat preferences at multiple scales
Measuring overwintering conditions, diets, and social interactions

Eligibility & Requirements

To apply, you must:

Hold a B.S. in Biology, Wildlife Biology, Zoology, or related field
Meet WTAMU’s graduate program admission criteria (3.0 GPA minimum in relevant coursework)
Possess a valid driver’s license
Be comfortable working outdoors, in teams, and mentoring research staff
Be willing to learn safe handling of venomous snakes
Commit to the full 2.5–3 year program duration

Preferred (but not required):