Fully Funded MSc Graduate Assistantship Opportunity at Texas A&M University-Kingsville USA

Chronic wasting disease genetics research is rapidly becoming one of the most urgent frontiers in wildlife health. This fully funded M.S. graduate assistantship at the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute (CKWRI) offers a rare chance to contribute directly to applied science that can shape management decisions for mule deer and white-tailed deer across Texas. The position focuses on surveying genetic variation associated with CWD susceptibility in free-ranging populations near the core of the species’ ranges—an approach guided by the central-marginal hypothesis. Results are expected to inform Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and USDA strategies. For students interested in disease ecology, large mammal genetics, and real-world conservation impact, this opportunity stands out for its combination of rigorous science, collaborative networks, and practical funding support.

Scholarship Summary

Host Country: United States
Host University: Texas A&M University-Kingsville (Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute)
Scholarship Type: MSC Scholarships (Graduate Assistantship)
Eligible Countries: Open to qualified applicants from all countries (international candidates should confirm visa and enrollment requirements with the university)
Scholarship Benefits: Starting stipend of $2,000 per month plus benefits (medical package available after waiting period); non-resident tuition waived; resident tuition fees reimbursed
Application Deadline: November 13, 2026

Understanding Chronic Wasting Disease and the Role of Genetics

Chronic wasting disease is a fatal, transmissible spongiform encephalopathy caused by prions. It affects cervids including mule deer, white-tailed deer, elk, and others. Once clinical signs appear—weight loss, behavioral changes, and neurological decline—the disease is always fatal. There is currently no vaccine or cure. CWD has been documented in free-ranging and captive cervids across dozens of U.S. states and several Canadian provinces, with ongoing detections in Texas.

In Texas, the disease occurs in free-ranging deer in the Panhandle–Trans-Pecos region and in Medina County of South Texas. Most prior studies of genetic variation linked to CWD susceptibility examined populations far from the geographic core of mule deer and white-tailed deer ranges. The central-marginal hypothesis suggests greater genetic diversity should exist near the center of a species’ range. Sampling Texas populations therefore has strong potential to uncover previously understudied variants.

Specific polymorphisms in the prion protein gene (PRNP), particularly at codons such as 96 (G96S) and others, are known to influence relative susceptibility and disease progression. None confer complete resistance, unlike certain scrapie-resistant alleles in sheep. Mapping the frequency and distribution of these and potentially novel variants in Texas deer can help managers understand risk, prioritize surveillance, and evaluate long-term population resilience. The student on this project will help generate data with direct management relevance.

For background on CWD distribution and management, consult the TPWD Chronic Wasting Disease page and the USGS National Wildlife Health Center resources.

The Research Position and Program Details

Successful applicants will pursue a Master of Science in Rangeland and Wildlife Management at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. The degree is thesis-based and emphasizes quantitative skills, ecological understanding, and applied research. CKWRI is a privately endowed research unit with approximately 28 scientists and around 65 M.S. and Ph.D. students. It maintains strong relationships with private landowners across South Texas, providing access for field sampling on working ranches.

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Field work involves sample collection on private lands in Texas. Laboratory and analytical components will focus on genetic variation associated with CWD susceptibility. The student will collaborate with state, federal, and private partners, present findings at regional and national conferences and to stakeholders, and publish results in peer-reviewed journals. Preferred start is January 2027 (negotiable; after mid-January 2027 is acceptable). The appointment is expected to extend through approximately May 2029 or longer depending on progress.

Kingsville is a city of roughly 26,000 residents in the south coastal plains, about 40 miles south of Corpus Christi and surrounded by the historic King Ranch. TAMUK enrolls approximately 7,000 students. The setting offers a practical base for South Texas wildlife research while remaining accessible to larger regional centers.

Learn more about the institute at the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute website and the university’s Rangeland and Wildlife Management M.S. program information.

Qualifications and Preferred Background for Fully Funded MSc Graduate Assistantship Opportunity at Texas A&M University

Required:

Bachelor’s degree in ecology, wildlife science, biology, or a closely related field
Minimum 3.0 GPA
Strong work ethic, verbal and written communication skills, quantitative abilities, and the capacity to work both independently and as part of a research team
At least one year of relevant experience (as noted in the position posting)

Preferred:

Background or interest in large mammals or disease ecology
Familiarity with DNA extraction, sequence data analysis, or quantitative/programming skills (R, Python, or similar) is helpful but not required

Selected candidates must pass a pre-employment background investigation. Texas law requires males ages 18–25 to show proof of Selective Service compliance for employment eligibility. The position is open to competitive applicants meeting the academic and experiential criteria; international students should verify admission and visa pathways early.

Funding, Benefits of Fully Funded MSc Graduate Assistantship Opportunity at Texas A&M University, and Support

This is a fully funded graduate assistantship with a stipend starting at $2,000 per month plus benefits. A medical package becomes available after the waiting period. Non-resident tuition is waived, and resident tuition fees are reimbursed. Students receiving a graduate stipend must maintain full-time enrollment. The combination of stipend, tuition support, and institutional resources significantly reduces the financial barriers common in wildlife graduate programs.

Hours are listed as 20–50 per week, typical for research assistantships that combine coursework, field work, laboratory analysis, and writing. The multi-year timeline provides sufficient time to complete coursework, data collection, analysis, and thesis defense.

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How to Apply for the Fully Funded MSc Graduate Assistantship Opportunity at Texas A&M University

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until a suitable candidate is selected, with a listed deadline of November 13, 2026. Submit a single PDF containing:

Cover letter stating research interests and career goals
Resume or CV
Academic transcripts
Contact information for three references

Email the packet with the subject line “CWD Genetics MS application” to Dr. Randy DeYoung at r.deyoung@tamuk.edu. Dr. DeYoung is a Research Scientist and Professor at the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute.

Full position details are available on the official posting: M.S. Graduate Assistantship – Genetics of Chronic Wasting Disease in Mule and White-tailed Deer.

Why This Opportunity Matters

CWD continues to expand its geographic footprint, creating challenges for wildlife agencies, landowners, hunters, and conservation organizations. Genetic data alone will not eliminate the disease, but better understanding of susceptibility variants can refine risk models, guide selective management, and support long-term monitoring. Because Texas populations sit in ecologically important parts of the species ranges and already contain documented CWD cases, research conducted here can fill critical knowledge gaps that studies from peripheral areas cannot address.

Students in this role gain experience that is directly transferable to state and federal wildlife agencies, research institutes, consulting, and further doctoral work. The expectation to publish and present findings builds a professional record early. Collaboration with TPWD, USDA partners, and private landowners provides exposure to the practical constraints and opportunities of applied wildlife management.

For additional context on national efforts, review recent USDA-APHIS funding announcements supporting CWD research, surveillance, and management across states and universities.

Next Steps for Interested Applicants

Prospective students should prepare application materials promptly and reach out to Dr. DeYoung with questions. Reviewing recent literature on PRNP variants in deer and familiarizing yourself with Texas CWD zones will strengthen your cover letter. Strong candidates typically demonstrate clear interest in disease ecology or large-mammal research, quantitative competence, and the ability to articulate how the project aligns with longer-term career goals.

This fully funded M.S. graduate assistantship combines meaningful research on chronic wasting disease genetics with solid institutional support at a specialized wildlife institute. For students ready to contribute to science that informs real management decisions for Texas deer populations, the position offers a focused and timely entry point into the field.

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