The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) is inviting applications for a funded master’s-level graduate assistantship in botanical research and herbarium management. The position is scheduled to begin in January 2027 and can continue for up to six academic semesters, depending on performance.

The assistantship provides a $4,500 stipend per semester, with the listed annual value reaching $18,600. UTC also provides a maintenance fee waiver, although applicants should note that some additional fees and expenses may remain their responsibility.

Research focuses on plants and herbarium collections

The selected student will work with the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Herbarium (UCHT), which holds more than 50,000 plant specimens. Duties include specimen preparation, collection management, digitization and processing of existing materials.

The position can also support master’s research in areas including floristics, invasive plants, rare species, conservation and herbarium studies. The student will also contribute to planning and managing the 73rd annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage.

Eligibility and application deadline

Applicants need a related undergraduate degree, a GPA above 3.0 and botanical coursework or strong botanical experience. Knowledge of Symbiota/SERNEC portals and basic R or Python skills are preferred but not mandatory.

Applications must include a one-page cover letter, CV and contact details for four references in one PDF. The deadline is October 2, 2026, with applications sent to Joey Shaw using the subject line “UCHT Herbarium Assistantship.”