University of Toledo (UToledo) offers a fully funded PhD Research Graduate Assistantship in the Environmental Sciences Department (Streby Lab). Focus: Avian Ecology, nocturnal songbird movement, anthropogenic light. Funding includes full tuition, $27,000 stipend, and health insurance. Global eligibility. Deadline: January 16, 2026. Application via email to Dr. Henry Streby (henrystreby@gmail.com).
University of Toledo PhD Research Assistantship 2026 Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Country | USA |
| Study Abroad | Study in USA |
| Category | Postgraduate Scholarships |
| Eligible Countries | All Countries (Global Eligibility) |
| Reward | Full Scholarship |
| Key Criteria | Bachelor’s/Master’s in Ecology, interest in animal movement, desired experience with NEXRAD radar. |
| Application Deadline | January 16, 2026 |
University of Toledo Fully Funded PhD Research Assistantship 2026
The University of Toledo (UToledo) is offering a highly competitive, fully funded PhD Graduate Research Assistantship (RA) for prospective graduate students, available to both international and domestic applicants. This position is situated within the Department of Environmental Sciences in the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, specifically under the supervision of the Streby Lab.
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The successful PhD candidate will conduct dissertation research funded by a recently awarded grant focusing on the critical area of nocturnal migrant songbird movements. This research will investigate habitat selection and migratory responses to the experimental manipulation of anthropogenic light, contributing to actionable science for biodiversity conservation and management.
Joining the Streby Lab provides an immersive experience in population ecology, animal movement ecology, and evolutionary biology. UToledo is classified as an R1 research-active university, offering a strong academic environment in a location ideal for ornithological studies, located near the migratory routes of the Great Lakes.
Scholarship Details
This opportunity is structured as a Graduate Research Assistantship, requiring the student to dedicate their time to the grant-funded research project. The position involves intensive fieldwork, data processing, analysis, and scientific communication. The chosen candidate will be expected to produce a dissertation, scientific presentations, and peer-reviewed publications.
The Streby Lab focuses on:
- Population ecology and the evolution of animal behaviors.
- Conducting research to produce actionable science for conservation.
- Developing and improving upon conventional methods for field data collection and analysis.
The research project offers a unique chance to work at the intersection of ecology, policy, and technology, utilizing systems like the NEXRAD weather radar for large-scale movement analysis.
Benefits and Specific Scholarship Awards of the University of Toledo Admission
The Graduate Research Assistantship provides a comprehensive funding package, ensuring the recipient is fully supported throughout their PhD journey.
Tier 1: University of Toledo Avian Ecology PhD Assistantship (Up to Full Funding Value)
- Full Tuition Waiver: Covers all academic tuition fees for the duration of the PhD program.
- Living Stipend: A generous living stipend starting at $27,000 per year, paid monthly.
- Health Insurance: Comprehensive health coverage is included for the recipient.
Tier 2: Financial Support and Research Stipend
- No IELTS Requirement: This specific research assistantship position does not require the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam for application.
- Research Material Access: Full access to all necessary field, lab, and computational resources required for the funded grant research.
Tier 3: Core Academic Support
- Mentorship: Direct, dedicated mentorship from Dr. Henry Streby in a supportive, critical-thinking environment.
- Professional Development: Opportunities to present research at major scientific conferences and contribute to high-impact publications.
Eligibility Requirements for University of Toledo Graduate Assistantship 2026
To be considered for this fully funded PhD Research Assistantship, candidates must meet the following mandatory and desired criteria:
- Academic Background: Possess a Bachelor’s degree, and preferably a Master’s degree, in Ecology, Biology, Environmental Science, or a closely related scientific field.
- Research Focus: Must have a strong interest in animal behavior and be enthusiastic about intensive fieldwork, data processing, analysis, writing, and communicating science to diverse audiences.
- Work Ethic: Must demonstrate determination, curiosity, and a healthy level of skepticism.
- Desirable Experience (Strong Preference):
- Experience with the analysis of avian nocturnal migration using the NEXRAD weather radar systems.
- Experience identifying (sight and sound), capturing, handling, and banding birds of eastern North America.
- Visa Status: Open to all countries (Global Eligibility).
How to Apply for University of Toledo Graduate Assistantships 2026 (Step by Step)
The application process requires two main actions: an initial inquiry to the faculty supervisor and a formal application to the university’s College of Graduate Studies.
- Prepare Required Documents: Compile a current CV and a detailed Cover Letter. The Cover Letter should specifically address your background, research experience, and how your interests align with the Streby Lab’s focus on nocturnal migrant songbirds and anthropogenic light.
- Submit Initial Inquiry: Email your Cover Letter and CV directly to the Principal Investigator, Dr. Henry Streby, using his preferred contact email:
henrystreby@gmail.com. - Complete Formal Admission: Upon successful evaluation and invitation by Dr. Streby, applicants must formally apply and be accepted into the PhD program in Environmental Sciences through the University of Toledo’s College of Graduate Studies.
- Confirm Assistantship Acceptance: Upon acceptance to the PhD program, receive and sign the official Graduate Assistantship offer letter confirming the $27,000 stipend, tuition waiver, and health insurance benefits.
Application Deadline: January 16, 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is the University of Toledo Graduate Assistantship fully funded?
Yes, this PhD Research Assistantship is fully funded. The award includes a full tuition waiver, a monthly stipend starting at $27,000 per year, and comprehensive health insurance coverage.
2. Is the IELTS or TOEFL exam required for this application?
No, the information provided explicitly states that there is no IELTS requirement for candidates applying to this specific PhD research assistantship.
3. What is the specific research focus of the PhD position?
The research focuses on avian ecology, specifically studying nocturnal migrant songbird movements and habitat selection, particularly in response to the experimental manipulation of anthropogenic light pollution.
4. What is the minimum academic requirement for this position?
Applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree in Ecology or a related field, and a Master’s degree is preferred, but not mandatory.
5. What is the expected annual stipend amount?
The graduate research assistantship provides a living stipend that starts at $27,000 per year.
6. Who should candidates email to submit their application materials?
Candidates should email their CV and Cover Letter directly to the Principal Investigator, Dr. Henry Streby, at his preferred contact address: henrystreby@gmail.com.
7. Is the experience with NEXRAD radar analysis mandatory?
While not strictly mandatory, experience with NEXRAD weather radar systems for analyzing avian nocturnal migration is highly desired and will give applicants a significant advantage in the selection process.
8. What is the expected start date for the successful candidate?
The expected start date for the PhD position is between May 1, 2026, and June 1, 2026.
9. Which department hosts this research assistantship?
The assistantship is located within the Department of Environmental Sciences, which is part of the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics at the University of Toledo.
10. Does the stipend cover the cost of all travel to the USA?
The stipend is intended to cover living expenses, accommodation, and daily necessities while in Toledo. Costs associated with initial international travel to the USA are generally not explicitly covered by the stipend and should be budgeted by the applicant.
