The Entwistle Lab for Water Quality & Watershed Stewardship is recruiting two graduate (MS) assistants to start in Fall 2026. Successful applicants should be interested in conducting applied research projects that address surface water and groundwater quality needs of current communities. Most projects will include a mix of field work, lab work, and community engagement activities.
Projects:
The lab primarily focuses on studying community-centered, nature-based solutions to help reduce non-point source pollutants in watersheds and improve water quality. Projects may include utilizing floating treatment wetlands to provide water quality and habitat enhancement, community surveying to identify barriers residents face in implementing best management practices, strategies for source water protection, and identifying land trends within watersheds to guide conservation efforts. Specific project aims of each student will be determined through discussion with successful applicants.
Contact Dr. Clare Entwistle with questions or to apply at clare.entwistle(at)usu.edu with the subject line WATER QUALITY MS CANDIDATE. With your email, please attach (1) a letter of intent describing your background & previous research experience, current research interests & how they align with the lab, and future career goals, (2) a pdf of your CV and (3) the contact information for two references.
Compensation:
MS students: $25,000 per year
Full tuition waiver
Subsidized health insurance
Additional information:
Department of Watershed Sciences Graduate Programs: https://qanr.usu.edu/wats/programs/graduate/
Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher from an accredited institution.
Prior research and science communication experience is viewed favorably, but not required.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. After an initial screening, selected candidates will be invited to a Zoom interview prior to final selection. The application will remain open until January 5, 2026 or until successful candidates are identified.
