The University of Minnesota–Twin Cities in the United States has announced a funded master’s research opportunity in Conservation Sciences, offering an annual salary starting at $30,000. The position is open to candidates interested in wildlife conservation, environmental research, community-based studies and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and applications must be submitted by 30 November 2026.
The selected student will join the Umana Laboratory, where researchers Christopher Shaffer and Marissa Milstein are leading a project titled “Revitalizing Hunting, Fishing and Trapping in White Earth Using Participatory GIS”, run in partnership with White Earth Natural Resources in Minnesota. The project studies declining participation of Indigenous communities in hunting, fishing and trapping, and builds a community-based GIS to support education, traditional knowledge exchange and natural resource management.
University of Minnesota Scholarship: Key Facts
University: University of Minnesota–Twin Cities, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA.
Salary: annual salary starting at $30,000, with a workload of at least 40 hours per week.
Extra support: eligible graduate assistants may receive tuition benefits and health insurance depending on their appointment; the specific advertisement does not confirm a tuition waiver, so applicants should confirm the full funding package with the university.
Experience required: none — previous professional experience is not mandatory.
Deadline: 30 November 2026.
Eligibility Criteria
Degree: a bachelor’s degree in wildlife, ecology, anthropology or a related discipline.
Skills: basic knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and an interest in improving technical skills.
Research interest: mixed-methods research involving qualitative and quantitative techniques, community engagement and participatory mapping.
Personal qualities: strong written and verbal communication skills, attention to detail, ability to work independently and with tribal partners, and respect for Indigenous sovereignty.
English test: international applicants must meet the Graduate School’s standards — IELTS Academic overall 6.5 with at least 6.5 in writing and reading; TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Duolingo (120 overall for Fall 2027 admission and later) and Cambridge C1 Advanced are also accepted.
Personal statement: explaining academic background, research interests, career goals and reasons for pursuing graduate study.
Diversity statement: describing how the applicant would contribute their experiences and perspectives to the university community.
CV: an up-to-date curriculum vitae.
Recommendation letters: three letters of recommendation.
Academic records: records required by the Graduate School’s application system.
How to Apply
Review the Conservation Sciences program’s admission requirements and the specific research opportunity.
Prepare your personal statement, diversity statement, CV, three recommendation letters and academic records.
Contact faculty members whose research interests match your own — the university encourages applicants to contact potential supervisors before applying to discuss funding and eligibility.
Submit the application through the University of Minnesota’s official Graduate School Application System before 30 November 2026.
Conclusion
The University of Minnesota master’s scholarship is a strong funded route into conservation research, with a $30,000 starting salary, no prior professional experience required and a clear 30 November 2026 deadline. Because the advertisement does not confirm a tuition waiver, confirm the complete funding package with the university before accepting any offer.
FAQs
What salary does the Minnesota master’s position offer? An annual salary starting at $30,000, with a workload of at least 40 hours per week.
What is the last date to apply? 30 November 2026.
Is previous experience required? No — previous professional experience is not mandatory, but basic GIS knowledge and an interest in mixed-methods research are expected.
What English test score is needed? IELTS Academic overall 6.5 with at least 6.5 in writing and reading, or an accepted equivalent such as TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Duolingo or Cambridge C1 Advanced.
Shahzad Sahil is the editor of lahorejobs24.com, covering government jobs, private jobs, bank jobs, results and education news for Lahore and Punjab, with information verified from official sources.
