Master’s Position – Ecology of Eastern Hellbenders – Marshall University (Huntington, WV)

The Herpetology and Applied Conservation Lab in the Department of Biological Sciences at Marshall University (Huntington, WV) is seeking two highly motivated graduate students (M.S.) to conduct research on eastern hellbenders in West Virginia. Applicants must be able to swim and have a valid state motor vehicle operator license. Prior experience with field research and an interest in hellbender ecology are required. Candidates with a demonstrated interest in population ecology and demographic modeling are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be committed to following strict safety protocols, tolerant of uncomfortable field conditions, clearly demonstrate maturity, have a history of working well with others (peers and technicians), and be willing to work independently as needed.

The successful candidates must be fully committed to working on the externally-funded hellbender research project while pursuing an M.S. in Biological Sciences under the mentorship of Dr. Jayme Waldron and Dr. Shane Welch (lab PIs). Research will be conducted collaboratively among state, federal and NGO stakeholders and graduate students will be expected to actively communicate with and work alongside project collaborators. Under PI mentorship and with assistance from senior lab personnel, graduate students are encouraged to develop and implement an M.S. thesis housed within the funded research project.

Field work duties will include:

  • Visual surveys for hellbenders (snorkeling)
  • Hellbender mark-recapture surveys
  • Nest surveys
  • eDNA sampling
  • Processing and cataloging digital images and videos

Graduate duties will include:

  • 32 hours of graduate coursework, including a thesis
  • Teaching duties as graduate teaching assistant for at least four (up to six) semesters
  • Grant writing, under guidance of the PIs and senior lab personnel
  • Participation in data analysis and report writing for lab research under guidance of the PIs and senior lab personnel

Visit Marshall University Degree Requirements for more information on the graduate program. A minimum GPA of 3.0 from an undergraduate institution is strongly preferred for enrollment.

The funded positions require a three-year minimum commitment (starting August 2026). Students will be expected to teach biology labs in the Department of Biological Sciences as Graduate Teaching Assistants. Successful applicants will be expected to manage and train field technicians, as needed.

Salary and compensation: ~$18,000/year plus a tuition waiver (excluding fees).

Merge application materials into one pdf file that includes a 1-page state of interest, resume (including contact information for three references), and unofficial transcripts. Send the document to Jayme Waldron in an email addressed to: waldron3@marshall.edu; welchsh@marshall.edu; emily.gray@marshall.edu. We will begin reviewing applications immediately and the positions will remain open until filled.