Graduate student assistantship (M.S. or Ph.D)

UMass - Amherst; Amherst (MA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full tuition remission

Competitive annual stipend

Health/dental/vision insurance

Eligibility for fellowships and travel support

Job summary

The University of Massachusetts in Amherst is seeking a Graduate Assistant to work under Dr. Evan Mascitti, pursuing an M.S. or Ph.D. in Plant and Soil Sciences. Candidates will engage in independent research while assisting in the lab and teaching undergraduate courses.

This role offers full tuition remission, a competitive stipend, and health benefits. Preferred qualifications include experience with R or Python and practical work on golf courses.

Qualifications

• Ability to work both independently and in a team.
• Self-driven with a curious attitude.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent thesis research on soil or turfgrass science.
• Assist fellow lab members with collaborative projects.
• Serve as teaching assistants for undergraduate courses.

Skills

Independent work

Team collaboration

Curiosity

Education

B.S. degree in plant or soil science, civil engineering, or related STEM field

Tools

R

Python

Command line interfaces

Job description

Summary

The University of Massachusetts welcomes applications for a graduate assistant advised by Dr. Evan Mascitti. This student will work toward an M.S. or Ph.D. degree in Plant and Soil Sciences while conducting independent thesis research on soil or turfgrass science in the field, lab, and/or greenhouse. Potential research topics are listed below.

Turfgrass science background is preferred, but strong consideration will be given to candidates with training in pure soil science or other STEM topics such as horticulture, plant science, geoscience, chemistry, physics, or civil/mechanical engineering. The graduate admissions deadline is September 1, 2026 for January 2027 enrollment. If desired, accepted candidates could begin hourly work September 1, 2026 prior to January enrollment.

In addition to conducting their own experiments, Dr. Mascitti’s students assist fellow lab members with collaborative projects, serve as teaching assistants for undergraduate courses in the Stockbridge School of Agriculture, and participate in outreach across western Massachusetts.

We guide students toward rewarding careers by regularly engaging with field managers at MLB, NFL, and other prominent facilities. Our lab also supports the golf, sod, and commercial turf care sectors of the turfgrass industry.

Our lab members take pride in a high standard of work and foster a safe, respectful culture. We work hard but never forget that science is fun!

Research topics

1. Engineered soils for athletic fields, golf courses, and urban landscapes
2. Safety and playability of natural and artificial sports surfaces
3. Turfgrass response to traffic, water, light, and temperature stress
4. Sod production strategies to enhance soil health and sustainability
5. Improving methods for laboratory soil analyses
6. Managing urban landscapes with reduced reliance on fuel, water, nutrients, and pesticides
7. Related topics of student interest

Required qualifications

• B.S. degree in plant or soil science, civil engineering, or related STEM field
• Ability to work both independently and in a team
• Self-driven with a curious attitude

Preferred qualifications

• Hands‑on practical work experience on golf courses and/or athletic fields
• Competence in R, Python, or command line interfaces
• Experience performing university or industry research

Financial support

Graduate assistants at UMass receive full tuition remission, a competitive annual stipend, and health/dental/vision insurance. Students are eligible to apply for additional fellowships, scholarships, and travel support.

Application process

Official application details are available on the Graduate Admissions page of the Stockbridge School of Agriculture website. Prior to applying, please contact Dr. Mascitti directly at [e-mail].