AK Travels Limited

Summary

• University: Pittsburg State University
• Location: Pittsburg, Kansas, USA
• Programme: Master of Science (M.S.) in Biology
• Research Area: Amphibian Ecology and Conservation
• Positions Available: 2
• Start Date: January 2027
• Funding: Full tuition waiver + competitive stipend + student health insurance
• Teaching Opportunities: May be available
• Degree Requirement: Bachelor’s degree in a related field
• Experience: No specific experience required
• Application Deadline: 18 September 2026
• Review Begins: 15 September 2026
• Application Method: Email application to Dr. Andrew George

About the Scholarship/Programme

Pittsburg State University’s Applied Ecology Lab is recruiting two M.S. students to conduct research on conservation-priority amphibian species in Kansas.

The students will work with Dr. Andrew George and agency biologists on research addressing the status and distribution, movement ecology and conservation genetics of amphibians occurring on private and public lands.

The research will use a range of ecological and technological approaches and is intended for students interested in wildlife ecology, conservation biology, amphibian research and related fields.

The successful candidates will join Pittsburg State University’s Applied Ecology Lab and undertake graduate research beginning in January 2027.

The official vacancy describes the positions as graduate research assistantships rather than a general university scholarship.

Scholarship Benefits

The selected M.S. students will receive:

• Full tuition waiver.
• Competitive graduate research assistantship stipend.
• Student health insurance.
• Potential teaching opportunities.
• Direct research experience in amphibian ecology and conservation.
• Collaboration with Dr. Andrew George and agency biologists.

The position is full-time, with the vacancy listing at least 40 hours per week.

The assistantship supports the graduate students while they conduct research connected to conservation-priority amphibians in Kansas.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants should have:

• A Bachelor’s degree in a related field completed by May 2026.
• A strong academic record.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Willingness to undertake extensive fieldwork.

Previous research experience in a related area is considered ideal but is not listed as mandatory.

Competitive applicants may have experience in one or more of the following:

• Programming and statistical modelling in R.
• GIS and spatial modelling.
• Molecular methods for conservation genetics.
• Radio-telemetry.
• Automated or manual animal tracking.
• Autonomous recording units (ARUs).
• Camera-based remote monitoring.

The research also involves extensive travel to remote field locations, long hours outdoors, adverse weather, biting insects and occasional after-dark fieldwork.

Applicants must also have a valid U.S. driver’s licence and be legally able to operate state-owned vehicles.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Review the Research Area

Make sure your academic background and research interests align with amphibian ecology, conservation biology, wildlife ecology or a closely related field.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents

Prepare:

• Cover letter.
• Curriculum vitae (CV).
• Academic transcripts.
• Contact information for three references.

Your cover letter should explain your interest in graduate studies and describe your previous research experience.

Step 3: Send Your Application

Email the application materials as attachments to:

Dr. Andrew George
Associate Professor of Biology
Pittsburg State University
Email: adgeorge@pittstate.edu

Unofficial transcripts are acceptable at this stage. Official documents will be required later for formal admission to Pittsburg State University.

Step 4: Submit Before the Deadline

The listed application deadline is:

18 September 2026.

However, applications will begin being reviewed on 15 September 2026 and will continue until the positions are filled.

Applicants are therefore strongly encouraged to submit early.

Step 5: Prepare for Formal Admission

Selected candidates will subsequently need to complete the university’s formal graduate admission requirements and provide official documentation.

Important Deadline

Application Deadline: 18 September 2026

Application Review Begins: 15 September 2026

The project is scheduled to begin in January 2027.

The official vacancy states that applications will continue to be reviewed until the position is filled.

Official Application Link

Official Vacancy:

Pittsburg State University:

Final Note from AK Travels LTD

This opportunity is particularly suitable for applicants with a strong interest in wildlife conservation, amphibian ecology, field biology or ecological research.

It is important to note that this is not a general Pittsburg State University scholarship. The official vacancy is specifically for two M.S. research assistantship positions in Amphibian Ecology.

The funding is substantial, with a full tuition waiver, competitive stipend and student health insurance. However, the position also involves demanding fieldwork, including travel to remote locations, outdoor work in difficult weather conditions and occasional work after dark.

Applicants with relevant technical skills in R, GIS, conservation genetics, radio-telemetry, remote monitoring or similar methods may be particularly competitive.

The application requires a cover letter, CV, transcripts and three references. Applications should be emailed directly to Dr. Andrew George.

Although the official deadline is 18 September 2026, review begins on 15 September and continues until the positions are filled. Interested candidates should therefore apply as early as possible.

Website: http://www.aktravelsltd.com