Graduate Assistantship Opportunity – UW–Madison
A two-year Graduate Assistantship is available at the University of Wisconsin–Madison starting in Summer or Fall 2027. Funded by the USDA/NIFA Sustainable Agriculture Systems (SAS) grant, “Intertribal Foodways in the Great Lakes Region,” this position is housed within the College of Agricultural & Life Sciences. Based in Madison, the selected students will complete a Master’s degree while engaging in statewide work alongside Tribal community partners.
Position Details & Eligibility
This assistantship provides the graduate student enrolled at UW–Madison with employment assisting faculty members with research, training, administrative duties, or academic projects. The ideal candidate will possess experience and demonstrated knowledge working with Tribal communities in Wisconsin and the broader Great Lakes region.
Compensation & Benefits
This 50% appointment (20 hours per week) includes: Monthly Stipend Tuition Remission: Covers both resident and non-resident tuition. Health Insurance: Access to high-quality group health insurance plans at low premiums for appointments lasting at least one full semester (for academic year positions) or six months (for annual positions). (https://grad.wisc.edu/funding/graduate-assistantships/)
Note: Students are responsible for paying segregated fees (approximately $726 per semester).
Responsibilities & Academic Programs
Graduate Assistants will dedicate 50% of their time (20 hours per week) to duties assigned by their UW faculty supervisor. Depending on the student’s background and focus, the supervisor may be affiliated with degree programs related to food systems, such as:
- Agroecology M.S.
- Environment and Resources M.S.
- Other relevant UW–Madison academic programs
Research Scope & Application Process
Graduate assistantship duties are separate from and in addition to required degree coursework and research. Student research projects may integrate topics such as:
- Indigenous crop and livestock production
- Agroecology
- Food supply chains and traditional trade routes
- Nutrition and soil health
How to Apply:
Prior to November 10, 2026: All interested applicants should contact Professor Bill Tracy at wftracy@wisc.edu for guidance on selecting the appropriate graduate program and preparing their application.
By December 1, 2026: Prospective students must submit their formal application to the Graduate School via the UW–Madison Graduate Application portal (deadlines vary slightly by program). Follow this link to the portal: https://grad.wisc.edu/apply/
For questions regarding the application process or specific program deadlines, please contact Caitlin Collies at caitlin.collies@wisc.edu.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is committed to the principles of equity and diversity. Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW–Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals. The University of Wisconsin–Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background — people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.