The Oregon Institute of Technology (Oregon Tech) is offering exciting graduate teaching assistantship opportunities for 2026.
Dr Bing Yuan, Assistant Professor at Oregon Tech, is recruiting two enthusiastic Master’s students to join her research team. These positions focus on crop physiology and environmental stress, with an emphasis on heat stress in plants (particularly tomatoes).
Available Research Projects
Project 1: Stable Carbon Isotope Fractionation and Fruit Respiration. One student will develop an innovative method using stable carbon isotope fractionation to assess how heat stress affects fruit respiration pathways. This research links directly to improving fruit productivity under challenging environmental conditions.
Project 2: Role of Abscisic Acid (ABA) in Heat Stress Tolerance. The second student will explore the role of the plant hormone abscisic acid (ABA) in tomato plant development, fruit ripening, and heat stress responses. The focus will be on understanding tolerance and resistance mechanisms in plants.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful candidates will be appointed as Graduate Teaching Assistants and receive:
- £15,000 annual stipend (approximately $15,000 USD)
- $7,000 in tuition remission per year
This support helps cover living expenses and significantly reduces the cost of your Master’s programme.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Oregon Institute of Technology Scholarship and graduate assistantship, applicants must:
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, agriculture, environmental science, or a closely related field
- Demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills
- Be able to work effectively both independently and as part of a research team
Required Application Documents
Prepare the following materials:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Academic transcripts
- Names and contact details of three references
Combine all documents into one PDF file.
How to Apply – Step by Step
- Compile your cover letter, CV, transcripts, and reference details into a single PDF.
- Email the PDF to: Dr Bing Yuan Email address: [email protected]
- Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
- Application deadline: 31 March 2026
- Anticipated start date: September 2026
Early applications are encouraged, as positions may be filled before the closing date.
Why Choose Oregon Tech?
Oregon Tech provides a supportive environment for graduate research in applied sciences. These assistantships offer hands-on experience in cutting-edge plant science, environmental stress physiology, and crop improvement — ideal for students aiming for careers in agriculture, research, or academia.