The University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) in the United States is inviting applications from qualified candidates worldwide for a fully funded PhD opportunity.
The University of North Carolina Wilmington Scholarship provides comprehensive funding through a combination of Research and Teaching Assistantships, including an annual stipend of $25,000 and a full tuition waiver for successful applicants.
Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: United States
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | PhD Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Reward: Full Scholarship | $25,000 Annual Stipend | Tuition Waiver
- No IELTS Required
- Deadline: September 4, 2026
Scholarship Details
The University of North Carolina Wilmington Scholarship is offered through the Animal eVolution & Ecology Lab (WAVE Lab) within the Department of Biology and Marine Biology. The opportunity is available for admission into the Integrative and Comparative Biology PhD programme, with studies expected to commence in January 2027, although the start date may be somewhat flexible.
This fully funded, on-campus doctoral position is designed for students interested in animal colour ecology, evolution, camouflage ecology, and related biological research areas. The successful candidate will work on investigating camouflage ecology in mammals and birds while pursuing a PhD degree at UNCW. The programme emphasizes advanced research in ecology and evolution and seeks applicants with strong quantitative, technical, and molecular biology skills supported by previous research experience.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the University of North Carolina Wilmington Scholarship, applicants should possess some or all of the following qualifications:
- Training in mammal or bird ecology and evolution.
- Quantitative skills in colour science and camouflage ecology analysis using R or Python.
- Experience with receptor-noise limited models for ecological research.
- Knowledge of comparative analytical methods, including:
- Ancestral state reconstructions.
- Phylogenetic path analyses.
- Phylogenetic Generalized Least Squares (PGLS).
- Bayesian Phylogenetic Mixed Models.
- Experience using Resonon hyperspectral cameras.
- Experience with Ocean Optics spectrophotometry equipment.
- Fieldwork experience in remote or extreme environments.
- Experience conducting research within museum collections.
- Molecular biology skills, including:
- Wildlife sample collection.
- DNA extraction.
- Amplification of MC1R and ASIP genes.
- Related genetic analyses.
- A publication record appropriate to career stage.
- Completion of both Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants for the University of North Carolina Wilmington Scholarship will receive:
- Full tuition waiver.
- Annual stipend of $25,000.
- Funding through a combination of Research Assistantship and Teaching Assistantship positions.
- Opportunity to conduct advanced research in animal ecology and evolution.
- Access to state-of-the-art research facilities and equipment.
- Mentorship from leading researchers in the field.
Required Documents
To apply for this scholarship, applicants must prepare to submit:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing previous scientific training and research experience.
- Cover Letter (maximum two pages) outlining:
- Interest in the programme.
- Alignment of previous experiences with the desired qualifications.
- Long-term academic and career goals.
- Contact information for three academic or professional references.
How to Apply
To apply for the University of North Carolina Wilmington Scholarship:
- Prepare all required application documents.
- Combine all application materials into a single PDF file.
- Email the completed application package to [email protected].
- Ensure your submission is sent before the application deadline.
- Shortlisted candidates may be invited for initial screening interviews beginning in mid-September.
- Selected applicants may also be invited to visit the campus during the fall semester.
- Successful candidates will subsequently be required to submit a formal application to the graduate programme.
- Final admission decisions will be made by the UNCW Department of Biology & Marine Biology Graduate Advisory Committee and the Graduate College.
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