Pakistani students seeking a funded master’s opportunity in the United States can apply for a graduate assistantship at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
The assistantship offers a $4,500 stipend per semester alongside a $4,806 maintenance and tuition fee waiver. The position begins on January 8, 2027, and applications close on October 2, 2026.
The opportunity is linked to botanical research and herbarium management. However, students should note that the funding does not cover every educational and personal expense.
University of Tennessee Graduate Assistantship Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| University | University of Tennessee at Chattanooga |
| Country | United States |
| Study Level | Master’s |
| Research Area | Botanical Research and Herbarium Management |
| Stipend | $4,500 per semester |
| Annual Value | $18,600 |
| Fee Waiver | $4,806 |
| Duration | Up to six academic semesters |
| Workload | 20 hours per week |
| Start Date | January 8, 2027 |
| Application Deadline | October 2, 2026 |
What Does the Assistantship Cover?
The selected graduate assistant will receive $4,500 each semester. Based on the advertised amount, the assistantship has an annual value of $18,600.
In addition, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga provides a $4,806 maintenance and tuition fee waiver. Funding can continue for up to three years, covering six academic semesters.
However, students should plan for costs that remain uncovered. The posting states that the fee waiver may leave a maintenance fee balance of around $1,100.
Students must also cover expenses such as books and parking. Furthermore, separate summer contract work may be available for field or herbarium projects.
The summer work is separate from the advertised assistantship. Therefore, applicants should not treat it as part of the guaranteed funding package.
Master’s Students Will Work With Herbarium Collection
The selected student will help manage and expand the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Herbarium.
The collection currently contains more than 50,000 specimens. The assistantship aims to support its expansion toward approximately 65,000 specimens.
Much of the work will involve preparing and integrating plant specimens. Students will also process existing backlogs and support the digitization of the collection.
The role also offers opportunities for graduate research. Students may develop a master’s thesis around several botanical areas.
These areas include floristics, invasive plant species, rare plant species, conservation and herbarium studies. Specimen digitization is another potential research area.
Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage Also Part of Role
The graduate assistant will also take major responsibilities for the 73rd annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage.
These responsibilities include event organisation, operational support and report writing. Therefore, the position combines research activities with practical academic and event-management duties.
Students can consequently gain experience beyond laboratory or classroom-based study. The role also provides direct exposure to collection management and botanical research.
Who Can Apply for the Assistantship?
Applicants must hold an undergraduate degree in a related field. They must also have an undergraduate GPA above 3.0.
A background in botany is required for the position. Candidates should have completed at least one undergraduate botany course or relevant training.
Applicants can also demonstrate strong botanical experience through other academic or practical work. Good communication skills and a strong work ethic are additional requirements.
Previous professional experience is not mandatory. However, certain skills can strengthen an applicant’s profile.
The university strongly prefers candidates familiar with Symbiota/SERNEC portals. Basic R or Python skills are also preferred.
Experience working with researchers, conservation workers or the public can further support an application.
What Experience Can Students Gain?
The assistantship combines graduate education with practical botanical work. Students will work directly with a large herbarium collection during their studies.
They can gain experience in plant specimen management, digitization and botanical research. The role also provides exposure to conservation-related activities.
Moreover, students can develop a master’s thesis around one of several available research areas. This can help them build academic and professional research skills.
Documents Required for Application
Applicants must combine their application materials into one PDF file. The required documents are:
- One-page cover letter
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Contact information for four references
Applicants should ensure that all required documents are included before submitting their application.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should send their application documents to Joey Shaw at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
Applicants must use “UCHT Herbarium Assistantship” as the email subject line.
After a candidate is selected, the successful applicant will also need to apply to the UTC Graduate Program. Therefore, applicants should be prepared to complete the graduate admission process as well.
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