🏛️ Host Institution: Montana State University
📍 Location: USA
📚 Level: Master’s (MSc in Ecology)
🌍 Eligible Countries: All countries
🎯 Start Date: January 2026
🗓️ Application Deadline: July 15, 2025
🌐 IELTS: Not Required
🎁 What You Get
Monthly stipend of approximately $2,400 (≈ $28,800 per year)
Full tuition and tuition fees
Health insurance
Field housing provided
2–3 year MSc program with collaborative research
🔬 Research Focus
The program involves:
Studying swift foxes reintroduced to Fort Belknap Indian Reservation (2020–2023)
Researching genetics, movement ecology, gene flow, kinship, dispersal, and home ranges
Collaborating with:
Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
Fort Belknap Fish & Wildlife Department
✅ Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, you must:
Hold a B.Sc. in Wildlife Science, Ecology, Zoology, or a closely related field
Have:
3.0 GPA (biology courses)
3.0 GPA (junior/senior year)
2.5 GPA (chemistry, physics, mathematics)
Demonstrate:
Strong work ethic and motivation
Interest or aptitude in modeling, bioinformatics, or quantitative ecology
Excellent communication skills
Field experience in remote grasslands preferred
Basic lab techniques
Teamwork and independence
📄 Required Documents
Prepare and email the following:
1. Cover letter – Describe qualifications, academic interests, and career goals
2. CV/Resume – Include 3 or more references with contact info
3. Unofficial academic transcript
✉️ How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
1. Write a professional email with the subject line:
“Swift Fox MSc Assistantship”
2. Attach your cover letter, CV, and transcripts in PDF format
3. Send your email to:
Dr. Justine Becker – justine.becker1@montana.edu
Dr. Ethan Linck – ethan.linck@montana.edu
✍️ Sample Email Template:
Subject: Swift Fox MSc Assistantship
Dear Dr. Becker and Dr. Linck,
I am writing to express my interest in the Swift Fox MSc Assistantship at Montana State University. I am a [Your Degree] graduate with a strong background in [your major] and a keen interest in wildlife ecology and genetics.
Please find attached my cover letter, CV, and academic transcript. I would be honored to contribute to your ongoing research and pursue my MSc in Ecology under your guidance.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to speak further.
Warm regards,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Contact Info]
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