NSF EGFP Graduate Fellowship Opportunity in Ecology & Global Change
West Virginia University – Department of Biology
The Department of Biology at West Virginia University is seeking applicants for two fully funded NSF EPSCoR Graduate Fellowship Program (EGFP) positions in ecosystem ecology, microbial ecology, biogeochemistry, and/or global change biology. This fellowship provides a full stipend and tuition support for graduate study (i.e. Ph.D.) in the Department of Biology. In addition, students will receive an annual research budget ($10,000) that can support research efforts and conference travel. Students will have the opportunity to conduct high-impact and cutting-edge research broadly in the areas of ecology and environmental change, with flexibility to develop an original project that aligns with the program’s mission of advancing scientific capacity in EPSCoR states. Students may be housed in either the labs of Dr. Eddie Brzostek, Dr. Justin Mathias, or Dr. Ember Morrissey and more information on these labs can be found at https://biology.wvu.edu/faculty-and-staff. This is an excellent fit for students seeking substantial research independence and support early in their graduate career. To be eligible students need to have received Honorable Mention on a NSF GRFP proposal within the last 3 years. Interested applicants should contact Dr. Eddie Brzostek (erbrzostek@mail.wvu.edu) to discuss potential projects.
What the Fellowship Provides
Full graduate stipend ($37,000 annually) Tuition and fee coverage (students will have no education costs) Three years of NSF funding, usable within a five-year window Annual research budget to support research and conference travel ($10,000) Opportunities for professional development, interdisciplinary collaboration, and engagement with statewide EPSCoR initiatives
Why WVU?
Access to diverse Appalachian forest ecosystems, long-term research sites, and state-of-the-art facilities Strong institutional support for interdisciplinary research in ecology, climate science, soil science, and ecosystem modeling A collaborative and welcoming graduate community with extensive mentoring opportunities High-impact research programs recognized regionally and nationally
Required qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in ecology, biology, forestry, environmental science, soil science, or related field Received an honorable mention in a NSF GRFP application within the last three years U.S. citizens or permanent residents (required for NSF EGFP eligibility)
Preferred Qualifications
Interest in forest ecosystems, global change, biogeochemistry, microbial ecology, or ecological modeling Strong quantitative, analytical, or field skills (any combination is welcome) Highly motivated and intellectually curious
How to Apply
Please email the following to Eddie Brzostek (erbrzostek@mail.wvu.edu):
CV A short statement (1–2 pages) describing your research interests and alignment with the themes above Unofficial transcripts Contact information for 2–3 references
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with priority for students starting in the Fall of 2026.