Masters Student Opportunity (GA) in Coastal and Marine Ecology

Discover the HERITOR Project: An International Mentoring and Research Opportunity! 

Are you a prospective graduate student passionate about marine science, coastal ecology, biodiversity conservation, and global collaboration? Join the HERITOR project for a unique experience in Marine Ecosystems research in Cape Verde! 

This project is funded by a National Science Foundation International Research Experience for Students (NSF-IRES) grant that provides students of Bridgewater State University (southeastern MA) the opportunity to conduct coastal ecological research and outreach in Cape Verde. The program is run in collaboration with the University of Cape Verde (Uni-CV) and Biosfera, a non-profit organization dedicated to coastal conservation in Cape Verde. 

We are recruiting one graduate student (hereafter, Graduate Mentor) to earn a Master of Science in Biology at Bridgewater State University (BSU) through a Graduate Assistantship (GA) centered on mentoring undergraduate researchers in the HERITOR research and community outreach program, beginning in Spring 2026. 

Bridgewater State University, a public university in southeastern Massachusetts with approximately 9,550 students as of Fall 2023, is a regionally accredited institution known for providing high-value, affordable education across a range of academic disciplines, including vigorous STEM programs. BSU offers a robust Master of Science (MS) in Biology program designed to elevate students’ expertise in ecological, environmental, cellular, and molecular fields. This research-driven program provides rigorous training, preparing graduates for professional roles in industry, education, outreach, government, or further doctoral studies. Students benefit from intimate class sizes (<16 students) and dedicated faculty mentorship with diverse research interests (from community ecology and biometry to molecular biology and neurobiology). BSU has a nationally recognized, award-winning undergraduate research program that emphasizes faculty-mentored, hands-on research across disciplines. The Graduate Mentor will work closely with undergraduate researchers to train and mentor them in co-developing graduate-level research objectives and testable hypothesis that will form part of the Mentor’s masts thesis. Responsibilities include guiding study design, overseeing data collection and analysis, contributing to collaborative projects, and leading community outreach through the BSU Center for the Advancement of STEM Education (CASE). 

Qualifications

The ideal candidate must have a bachelor’s degree in biological/environmental sciences or a related discipline (e.g., wildlife biology, geography) and should have prior experience mentoring undergraduates and substantial research experience (e.g., at least two academic semesters of research or summer research internships) in ecology or environmental science-based fieldwork. Candidates that have presented at national or regional conferences or authored journal publications will receive high priority in the selection process. Preferences will be given to those with training in applied statistics, programming skills in R and/or python, and geospatial analytical skills in either ArcGIS or QGIS. This opportunity is limited to US citizens and nationals only.    

Program Highlights:

• Spring 2026: Graduate Mentor will assist faculty in overseeing and mentoring undergraduate research projects and ensure alignment with the program’s overarching research theme. The Graduate Mentor will help oversee three teams, each consisting of two Bridgewater State undergraduates and one Uni-CV undergraduate. The Graduate Mentor will receive training in ecological theory, biodiversity conservation, research methods, project development, collaborative research best practices, statistical and geospatial analyses, and science communication and outreach.
• Summer 2026 (8 Weeks: June-July): Travel to São Vicente Island, Cape Verde, to mentor undergraduate students as they conduct field research and data analysis alongside Uni-CV students. This work will be completed under the supervision of Biosfera and Uni-CV faculty and staff. The Graduate Mentor will also mentor students as they participate in STEM outreach activities.
• Fall 2026: Return to BSU to provide ongoing support for data analysis, abstract preparation, manuscript development, and research-related STEM outreach activities.
• Thesis Requirement: Development and execution of original research embedded within the Cape Verde program’s framework, directly tied to the mentorship role.

Financial Support:

• During the academic year, BSU’s College of Graduate Studies will support the Graduate Mentor through a paid Graduate Assistant position.
• The Graduate Mentor position will also include a tuition waiver.
• Summer travel to Cape Verde, housing, meals, and a weekly stipend ($800/week for 8 weeks) will be funded by the National Science Foundation International Research Experience for Students award #2504650.
• The Graduate Assistantship for this position is awarded for an initial one-year term and is renewable for a second year. Renewal is contingent upon maintaining good academic standing and receiving a positive review of progress and performance.

Application Process:

Interested candidates should send a one-page cover letter, CV and unofficial transcript to HERITOR@bridgew.edu by October 15th. In the cover letter, candidates must clearly state their interest in the HERITOR Project and explain why they are a strong fit for the position, including relevant experience, skills, and research interests. Select candidates will interview with program leadership and be invited to apply through the standard BSU Graduate Program application process.  Preference will be given to candidates who complete their applications by October 15, 2025. For more information, please send an email to HERITOR@bridgew.edu. 

The Graduate Mentor will work with the HERITOR Project leadership at BSU which includes Dr. Jennie Aizenman, Director of the Center for the Advancement of STEM Education; Dr. Thilina Surasinghe, Professor of Biological Sciences; and Dr. Christopher Bloch, Professor of Biological Sciences. 

Bridgewater State University is an inclusive community dedicated to the lifelong success of all students, focused on the continuous improvement of its people, and responsible for leading innovation that benefits Southeastern Massachusetts, the commonwealth, and the world. Bridgewater’s accessible environment of teaching and learning stimulates critical thinking, pursuit of new knowledge, and deeper understanding, the cultivation of meaningful and diverse interpersonal relationships, and fostering an appreciation for global engagement, all aimed at transforming lives and improving the human condition.

Bridgewater State University is an equal employment opportunity employer and considers all qualified candidates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability status, veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition or any other characteristic protected by law.